EL MUSTACHIO GRANDE and the four other members of his gang are lazing around, trying to avoid the height of the daytime desert heat and plotting their next move.
SCARRED BANDIT
That bank is wide open for us. Traders are coming soon too, we can grab it and pawn it off with no one noticing!
BANDIT GIRL
I don’t want to go back out until we know that storm isn’t going to happen again!
REDHEAD BANDIT
Still worried about you lil’ neckerchief?
BANDIT GIRL
It’s not just that! Y’know I can handle losing a piece of fabric!
(con’t)
Something was wrong there. It felt dangerous.
REDHEAD BANDIT
…Still worried about your dangerous lil’ neckerchief?
BANDIT GIRL
I’m gonna get you right between the eyes–!
MUSTACHIO
Come on, enough of that!
(con’t)
Yes, a scrap of fabric is no problem, but what happened the other day was not something we should scoff at.
Hey everyone. It’s been a while, and I know the title of this post sounds a little intimidating. So let me explain…
My name is Smart Icicle and I’ve been part of the wonderful PHB staff team since 2021 (you can check out my Pop story to learn more). I ran the PHB’s Ask Poptropica Siri series and previously the Smart Icicle Blog. But I’ve recently realized something I must do, and it is really hard writing this without getting emotional: I am resigning from the PHB.
I know it’s sad to say goodbye. But I’ve been shocked to find my interest in Poptropica vanish. It hurts knowing that my favorite game that I’ve been playing since childhood has become something that I am no longer interested in. Also, with a sense of writer’s block leading to my blogging gap, I just feel overall that my time here is done.
I’ll be shifting gears towards another passion that I love, which is animation, specifically indie animation. I always had a fondness towards it and hope to develop this interest further, starting with my new YouTube channel, Smart Icicle Animations.
I do plan to stay on the PHC because I love seeing everyone and showing up for the Poppies (I’m still waiting for a rematch, LJ !). I wish the best of luck to Slanted Fish, LJ, and the rest of the staff.
With that, let me leave you with these cherished words that encapsulated my time here on the PHB: Don’t dwindle on dreams, instead hone in on them and turn them into reality. You never know what’s going to happen if you never try.
Guess what? Recently I received an email from Lucky Joker asking if I’d like to become an official writer for the Poptropica Help Blog!
Guys, I’m going to be honest with y’all: I legit thought that the Halloween candy was making me hallucinate. 🤣
After re-reading the email multiple times, exploding with unbridled joy, zooming to my bedroom, and screaming like a fangirl into my pillow (like the totally nonchalant person I am 😉), I wrote back to LJ. And now, here we are! 🙂
I’ve been playing Poptropica for about 7-ish years. You can read my MPIP story to hear how I discovered Poptropica and then also when I realized a few years later that the fandom exists. My journey has definitely extended from that post but it might be fun to read ✨The Origin of Magic Kid in The Poptropica World✨ anyway.
My favorite island is Monster Carnival (how dare you suggest otherwise? 😝) but I also really like PoptropiCon, Survival, and Zomberry Island. Honestly though, I love pretty much all the islands I’ve played. My favorite character is most definitely Edgar because how could you NOT adore that little fried dough loving, friendly carnie–in–training? My favorite villain by far is (you guessed it!) Ringmaster Raven.
So some more things about me are: I really enjoy drawing and writing (check out my Poptropica fanfictions: Zombies, Zombies, ALWAYS ZOMBIES! and Murder at Myron’s). I also like animated movies, bright colors, anything with high amounts of sugar, music, theater, and daydreaming in the woods.
If you’d like to friend me, my Poptropica username is BravestChicken and I’m always up for a game of Sky Dive. 😉
Thank you so much for reading, I am VERY happy to be here and I am SUPER excited to write some fun posts for y’all!
How’s it going, Poptropicans? I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we have a departure within the Poptropica community.
In early August, Jonathan Pitcher, a longtime Pop Creator who has left his stamp on the game, shared on X/Twitter that his time with Poptropica had come to a close. Considering Jon’s frequent appreciation for Poptropica and the fact he’s currently seeking work elsewhere, this sudden exit appears to be yet another layoff.
After almost 15 years working for Poptropica, it's sadly time to look for a new role. It's hard for me to part ways with Poptropica but that chapter has come to a close. Below is my demo reel with Disney, Pop and Suit Up Games. It's been a pleasure. https://t.co/It2c2PDYmgpic.twitter.com/eW4Y46j6cT
— jonathan pitcher 🧁🧁🧁🧁 (@jonathanpitcher) August 4, 2024
Jon Pitcher has worked at Poptropica for well over a decade. His duties included leading the charge in branded advertisement games, then later becoming an art director who contributed to creating new islands and managing the Poptropica store.
Jon leaves behind a legacy for the beloved game that simply can’t be overstated. His contributions to the community will forever be cherished and remembered — we wish him the very best! If you’d like to learn more about Jon’s work and impact, we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing him here on the PHB and have highlighted his Poptropica Portfolio from earlier in his career.
Sports Legends: Only the finest sports collectibles.
In a similar light, I too will be stepping away from blogging — on my own blog, Fierce Flyer Adventures, as well as here on the PHB.
As I’ve shared before, being asked to join the Poptropica Help Blog all those years ago is one of my favorite and most cherished moments, and this still holds true. The community I was able to be a part of and the friends I’ve met through Poptropica have changed my life for the better.
I sincerely believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without this chapter in my journey. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much for being part of it.
Hello once again everyone! Spotted Dragon here bringing you the July recap for Community Creations. July’s theme was Throwback, in which any of our previous themes could be used, so be sure to check out all the featured artists!
“I’m floating around up up n’ down, Beware the ground, keeping your crown, Gotta stay up, gotta rise high I’m gonna jump, I’m gonna try, Some gonna mock ‘till six o’clock But I won’t dock, But I won’t stop.
My balloon it takes me, Places I wouldn’t see, Places in harmony My balloon brings me, Places over the seas Places I can feel free
Oh no, I don’t wanna let go, Falling down, down so slow, Hafta ride with the flow Oh no, I don’t wanna let go, Falling down, down so slow, So let’s give these folks a show!
I can rise higher Above the raging’ fire It is my desire Call me a flier Up into the sky Some gonna wonder why Why I even try So I say: Good bye Land on the clouds No one’s around No need to frown I’m above the ground
I reach for the stars, So even if I fall, I still got that far,
The balloon they wanna pop see, Just so they can go and drop me, And you can shove and mock me, But you ain’t never gonna stop me,
You can go and drop me You can laugh and mock me But you ain’t never gonna stop me.
Mic drop
This submission falls under our previous theme of flight. Moreover, it’s both a visual and written piece! Balloon Boy is perhaps one of the most iconic Poptropican characters out there, and certainly one of my favorites. The combo of lyrics with the cool visual accessories is hilarious to see paired with BB. Very creative! Find the artist in the comments section.
Farewell by XMzhier
This submission falls under our previous theme of space. Matching a fairly recent theme, this composition is a stunning representation of Lunar Colony Island. I love the highly vertical layout and strong sense of movement with all the floating objects. An amazing design! Find the artist’s Twitter here.
Fire & Ice by HeartOfEnder
This submission falls under our previous themes of opposites, fire and ice, and OCs. Props for designing something that fit so many different themes! The bold colors here are super eye-catching and create stunning contrast. The half-and-half composition is classic, while the dynamic poses of the characters really add motion to the design. Great work! Find the artist in the comments section or on the PHC Discord.
The Worldly Games Part II: The Great Escape by Smart Icicle & Bronze Socks
IN THE GAMEKEEPERS PRISON, MIDDLE OF NOWHERE Bronze Socks and Smart Icicle: AHHHHHHHHHHHH! OOF! Bronze Socks: Where are we? Smart Icicle: I don’t know. Smart Icicle notices Bronze Sock’s clothes and her clothes were not the same. They were now wearing prisoner clothes. Bronze Socks was Prisoner #6574 and she was Prisoner #6161. Smart Icicle: It looks like we are in some sort of prison. Bronze Socks: Smart Icicle, I’m worried. What do you think the Gamekeeper will do to Piglandia? Smart Icicle: I don’t know. I hope nothing bad happens. Bronze Socks notices someone coming towards them. Gretchen Grimlock: Well, well, well, what do we have here. It’s nice to see you again. Smart Icicle: Grimlock? What are you doing here? Last time we saw you, you were complaining about how we found the Cryptids first? Gretchen Grimlock: Well, things change. Now look where I am. Now, I am the head warden of the Gamekeeper’s Prison. Which reminds me… Bronze Socks notices two guards behind them. Gretchen Grimlock: You should both be in your cells. Bronze Socks: Wait!
Meanwhile…. GAMEKEEPER’S PALACE Gamekeeper: Come on, Dr. Hare. We have work to do. Dr. Hare (thinking): What have I done! Gamekeeper: Dr. Hare! Dr. Hare: Coming! Later, Dr. Hare goes back to his quarters, not saying a word at what happened. Dr. Hare notices the other villains come over. Captain Crawfish: Aye, where did those two adventurers go? Dr. Hare looks around to see if any guards are around. He notices that they are on break. Dr. Hare: They’re gone! The Gamekeeper isn’t what he says he is. He teleported both of them to his prison. I am going to help them get back home, but I can’t get in trouble with the Gamekeeper again. Will you help me? He notices everyone staring at him in awe. They all sigh and nod their heads. Captain Crawfish: Sure, we will help, even though we don’t like them, they might be the only way to escape from this place.
GAMEKEEPER’S PRISON, SMART ICICLE’S AND BRONZE SOCK CELL Smart Icicle: We have to bust out of here. I don’t want to stay here any longer…you okay Bronze Socks? Bronze Socks: I’m okay, I’m just worried about Piglandia. Smart Icicle: Everything will be ok. We will get out of here and defeat the Gamekeeper. Smart Icicle comes up with an idea…
This written submission falls under our previous theme of comics, while the visual component incorporates various themes. The story is quite intriguing and the format of the writing is pretty unique, almost written like the script a play. It leaves the reader on the edge of their seat! Find the authors on DeviantArt.
Is Lost by Meowjings-ARSB
This submission falls under our previous theme of space. Another space submission, this drawing utilizes a super unique setting: the arcade! I don’t see this space featured in art very often, and it’s really cool to see it here. Those funky colors are definitely eye-catching, and I love the humor in the character’s tearful expression. Find the artist’s Tumblr here.
Honorable Mentions
Princess Angel by Silver Sword (theme: royalty)Rosy Aphrodite by Young Rider (theme: Pretty in Pink)All Pink by Icy Eye (theme: Pretty in Pink)Mr Silva by Serious Heart (theme: school)Poptropica Rainbow by ice cream (theme: Colorful, LGBTQ)Root Beer by sleepybiker (theme: Wild West)Baron & Amelia by Magic Kid
It was so interesting this month to see what themes you guys picked! Everything ended up being so unique and creative.
A Farewell
Lastly, as hinted at, this month’s installment of Community Creations was particularly special because I do have an announcement to make…
I am retiring from the PHB, and thus Community Creations is coming to an end.
I’ve been a part of the PHB team since 2014 (almost a whole 9 years ago), had my own site since 2012, and been a part of this wacky Poptropica community for a whole lot longer than that. It’s been a memorable, wild ride along which I have met so many fun people and made so many lasting memories.
Being asked to join the PHB was a dream come true for lil’ old SD. It opened me up to so many cool opportunities and gave me a wonderful platform to share my voice on. I really could not have foreseen any of it. Seeing fanart of my own character was probably the most surreal!
by (Dr.) Ashley Lange, Poptropica Creator (2014)
But alas, as I approach college graduation and Poptropica as a whole seems to get less and less active, I feel that it is my time to finally move on. I’ll still be around here and there, like occasionally on the PHC Discord, so you will certainly still be able to reach me though.
More than anything, I have loved being able to host the Community Creations series. All of your creativity has truly kept the community alive all these years, even through all the change that Poptropica has faced. I hope that creativity can still live on, even after this series ends!
Adventure by SmileyfaceorgSpotted Dragon by Smileyfaceorg
Thank you to Fishy and all the other PHB authors for being such awesome, hard-working team members, along with the Poptropica Creators for bringing us all together. And thank you to all our viewers for making the work worth it! This was not an easy decision for me to make in the slightest.
So, even though it’s my time to move on… what are you waiting for? You should still go make something awesome this month!
🏝 Poptropica Help Blog 🗺 