Author: Agent Bubbles

Hello world! I'm MaryannTheConqueror, though if we're going on a Poptropican-name basis also Smart Bubbles! I am an aspiring professional artist and writer, as well as a self-proclaimed geek. I love games, from Stardew Valley to Genshin Impact, and of course our nostalgic pal Poptropica! You can find me on Instagram, YouTube (which I need to use more), and Tumblr..
Poptropica Portfolio

Poptropica Portfolio: Lance Fry (Part 2!)

Agent Bubbles

Hello Poptropicans! Welcome to a special addition to our Pop Portfolio series, in which we showcase the work of Pop Creators. This time, we’re featuring artist Lance Fry (whose portfolio we first saw in 2016)! 🍟

Mocktropica – Poptropica Worldwide Headquarters

Fun fact: Lance Pitcher, the designer from Mocktropica Island, is inspired by Lance Fry and Jonathan Pitcher, both Poptropica artists!

Anyway, like his Mocktropica counterpart, Lance left Poptropica for a while following staff cuts in 2018. However, he returned this May and is currently working remotely, according to his LinkedIn. Along with this, he’s also added new pieces to his design portfolio, so let’s jump in!

Mystery Train – train cars

Lance appears to focus largely on background design, with only a few pieces featuring items and assets. He’s done the interiors for many areas, such as the cars in Mystery Train, Pop HQ in Mocktropica, and the Viking dining hall from Mystery of the Map.

While we often cover Poptropica’s storytelling or fun characters, we sometimes miss appreciating the stellar background art. Personally, I remember hanging out in different areas just to enjoy the environment. The color palettes are vibrant and synergize well, and everything fits the cartoony style while having impressive detail. Lance’s work certainly does not fall short in this! (Click to enlarge images!)

Lunar Colony – space station
Mystery of the Map – Viking dining hall
Mocktropica – Main Street
Back Lot – Sunrise Street
Cryptids – Mews Mansion

This updated portfolio is found on ArtStation, and most of the work comes from older islands. It’s nice to see familiar faces — er, names, I guess — among the Pop crew again!

Item Cards

To see more of Lance’s work, check out his ArtStation portfolio, as well as his older Behance page and our earlier Pop Portfolio.

Here’s to Lance’s success moving forward, and to more great art for Pop! The game has certainly inspired and motivated many new creatives.

Vehicles

Until next time!

Castori honorem ~ Maryann/Smart Bubbles

Creators, PHB Specials

Poptropica Lore and More with Mitch Krpata

Agent Bubbles

You asked, and here are your answers, Poptropicans! The PHB recently got in touch with former Pop Creator Mitch Krpata, aka Captain Crawfish, with your questions about Poptropica’s development pre-2018. And Mitch kindly responded to them all! Take it away, captain…

Continue reading “Poptropica Lore and More with Mitch Krpata” →
Fanfiction, PHB Series, The Villain Saga, Uncategorized

The Villain Saga – Episode 3, Part 3

Agent Bubbles

(Table of contents) (See previous)

INT. FLOOR 13, OUTSIDE DR. JUPITER’S LAB

The elevator door opens, and the group enters. This floor is even darker than the rest of the prison, with little to no windows and a sparse amount of dim, yellow lights.

DIRECTOR D.

Cheery.

DR. HARE

Oh wow, it’s almost like this is a prison.

Continue reading “The Villain Saga – Episode 3, Part 3” →
Creators, Social Media, Uncategorized

Seeking Your Questions for a Pop Interview with Former Storytelling Creator ✏️🎤

Agent Bubbles

Henlo, Poptropicans! I’m happy to announce a special upcoming PHB post: an interview with former Pop Creator, Mitch Krpata!

While the PHB has covered and even hosted interviews with this senior story developer in the past, this time we’re reconnecting with ol’ Captain Crawfish to talk about the development process for Poptropica. And you’re invited to join!

In the comments of this post, bring your unanswered questions regarding the stories and characters of past islands, pertaining to content made before 2018 (when Mitch departed the team). This interview will not cover the current state of the game, and Mitch cannot speak for the current team. That being said, ask away!

Mitch Krpata wrote three of the four Poptropica graphic novels, among others.

Before I close off, here are Poptropica’s latest Instagram stories, including an animation of Monkey Wrench Island some rockin’ Zomberries by the PHB’s Lucky Joker (LJ)! (…ok I’ll take my leave now.)

Maroon by @cnp_1022
Pop OCs by @happyclonetrooper
Dr. Hare by @nightmaresnyx
Memories of Pop by @nyankokokokokoko
Memories of Pop by @nyankokokokokoko
Zomberry rocks by @howdyitslj

Make sure to check out these artists, and don’t forget to submit your questions in the comments of this post! I’ll see you soon for the next Villain Saga episode and the completed interview!

Castori honorem ~ Maryann/Smart Bubbles

Islands, Mocktropica Island, Social Media, Steam Bundle, Uncategorized

Mega hints for a mocking island

Agent Bubbles

‘Allo Poptropicans! We’ve arrived at the penultimate point of the Steam island hints! (Visit past hints: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.)

Here’s hint twelve: “Devise a plan to reverse a mega bot-ched op. Virtually everything is on the line!”

We’ve got a good hunch on this one, although the Creators’ Blog hints that this could “be applied to two other islands.” Besides the seemingly obvious, we might venture a guess for PoptropiCon, with its hench-bots serving the robo-suited Omegon, or Game Show, where we’ve got to reverse a robot domination.

However, the Mega Fighting Bots reference (“Mega Bot-ched”) points us right in the direction of Mocktropica, once again an AS3 island.

…wait. Mocktropica?

How A Bot That: Nobody told these guys about Asimov’s three laws of robotics.

While a cult classic, Mocktropica has become notorious for its unintentional prediction of what Pop was soon to become. Many aspects of the story take a jab at the obsession with surface-level gaming gimmicks like costumes and pets, as well as removing any challenging elements.

Adding on references to former Pop Creators who had been let go by management, this island may be an odd (albeit welcome) addition to the pack. At least we can enjoy the pretty musical theme in-game again!

“Max McPatrick” was based on then-Pop Creator Mitch Krpata.
Strap In: Concussion prevention starts with sensible headgear.

What do you think about the current Pop reviving this past island? Do you have ideas for other islands that could fit this riddle? Let us know, while I sulk in the corner about the Astro-Knights neglect!

Castori honorem ~ Maryann/Smart Bubbles