Happy Lunar New Year, Poptropicans! ๆฐๅนดๅฟซๆจ๏ผ(xฤซn niรกn kuร i lรจ)
Do you know your Chinese zodiac animal? Each creature symbolizes personality traits that correspond with the lunar calendar, and yours is determined by your year of birth, with one rotating every 12 years. We matched each one with a Poptropica character โ read on to find yours!
You can also figure out which Pop character matches your astrological zodiac sign, which is based on your birth month, here! โ๏ธ
๐ If you were born in 1996, 2008, or 2020, you’re a Rat. You’re resourceful like Ratman from Super Power Island, who embraced the sewers and its rats for his own powers!
๐ If you were born in 1997, 2009, or 2021, you’re an Ox. You’re strong like the half-bull Minotaur from Mythology Island!
RatmanMinotaur
๐ฏ If you were born in 1998, 2010, or 2022, you’re a Tiger. Like the Tigercopter on Astro-Knights Island, you can be a bit competitive!
๐ฐ If you were born in 1999, 2011, or 2023, you’re a Rabbit. This is the year for ubiquitous Dr. Hare โ time for the elegant to shine.
TigercopterDr. Hare
๐ฒ If you were born in 2000, 2012, or 2024, you’re a Dragon. You’ve got confidence like the Cloud Dragon of Red Dragon Island, ready to defeat every evil thrown your way.
๐ If you were born in 2001, 2013, or 2025, you’re a Snake. Like Medusa from Mythology Island, you’re a clever one not to be messed with.
Cloud DragonMedusa
๐ด If you were born in 2002, 2014, or 2026, you’re a Horse. You’ve got energy like El Mustachio Grande, prancing about the plains of Wild West Island with his legion of horses!
๐ If you were born in 2003, 2015, or 2027, you’re a Goat. Like the half-goat, half-man Satyr from Mythology Island, you carry an aura of calm.
El Mustachio GrandeSatyr
๐ต If you were born in 2004, 2016, or 2028, you’re a Monkey. Like Ack on the Baron’s ship, you’re clever and curious, with your wits about you.
๐ If you were born in 2005, 2017, or 2029, you’re a Rooster. You’re observant and hardworking, like Ringmaster Raven, but hopefully towards better ends than revenge.
AckRingmaster Raven
๐ If you were born in 2006, 2018, or 2030, you’re a Dog. Like the three-headed Cerberus guarding Hades’ throne room on Mythology Island, you’re a loyal keeper.
๐ท If you were born in 2007, 2019, or 2031, you’re a Pig. Not only do you match the three little pigs from Fairytale Island in terms of species, you also think logically like they do.
CerberusLittle Pigs
There you go โ the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac represented by Poptropica characters! Which one are you? Do you think it suits you? Anyway, enjoy the Lunar New Year if you celebrate, or just have a good one! Happy Year of the Rabbit โ or whenever you’re reading this. ๐
Yoohoo Poptropicans, long time no speak. Yes, itโs true โ LJ hath returned! I feel like Iโve been gone so long that I donโt even know how to write anymore, but bear with me. โ ๏ธ
How many islands have been released in the last half year? None? Okay, so I havenโt missed anything. Speaking of islands, lately Iโve been reminiscing back to when they were actually good, ahem ahem. So today Iโd like yโall to accompany me in this ride of nostalgia as I rank the islands that first popped up on the map nearly 15 years ago โ the five islands of 2008. If you donโt know, this includes Time Tangled, 24 Carrot, Super Power, Spy, and Nabooti. Do you feel old yet?
Disclaimer: This is not a full review for each island, so each analysis will be kept brief.
#5: 24 Carrot Island ๐ฅ
At the unfortunate placement of 5th, we have 24 Carrot Island โ originally released on June 6, 2008. Not at all do I think this island is bad on its own, but I donโt think itโs up to par when compared to the other islands from this year. Being one of the first islands in the game, it is noticeably simpler than most. However, we must remember that simple does not necessarily mean low-quality.
Itโs no secret this island debuted the single most iconic character of the entire game, Dr. Hare, so we have that to thank it for. Another thing about 24 Carrot island I love is that it feels so quintessentially โPoptropicaโ (if that makes sense). Obviously itโs held up after all this time since itโs one of the only old islands thatโs still playable from the map.
#4: Time Tangled Island โฑ๏ธ
In 4th place, originally released on April 15, 2008, is the transtemporal quest Time Tangled Island! I like that this island is very educational in an organic way, which at its core is what Poptropica is all about. I enjoy not only traveling to different parts of the world, but in different time periods as well. It really serves to amp up the satisfaction factor.
Itโs not the most original concept, nor does it feature any memorable characters, but itโs definitely fun to play through. There is also something to be said for the amount of brain power needed to complete it which is something that todayโs islands seem to lack in my opinion.
#3: Nabooti Island ๐
Next is none other than Nabooti Island, which was released at the very end of the year on December 11. At one point, this was actually one of my all-time favorites, and for good reason. The adventurous nature of this island is exhilarating and the scenery is quite beautiful for this time in Poptropica (when most scenes were a bit bland in my view). Another fun tidbit about this island that Iโm not sure many newer players are aware of is the cool cell phone trick used to get various costume parts by dialing specific numbers. (refer to the trivia section in our island guide)
What this island is missing, though, is an array of interesting characters โ or even at least one or two for that matter. So for all of these reasons considered, Nabooti sits smack dab in the middle of this ranking at 3rd place.
#2: Super Power Island ๐ฅ
Where do I even begin with Super Power Island? I can almost say for certain that everybody likes this island to some capacity. What kid wouldnโt want to become a superhero and defeat bad guys for a day? This island, albeit uncomplicated, is a super entertaining classic. If you donโt agree, Iโll have to respect your incorrect opinion.
Super Power (released on July 24, 2008 โ just two days before the PHB was born!) manages to find a perfect balance of being tough to beat while still remaining enjoyable and not too stressful. (Iโm looking at you Virus Hunterโฆ)The amount of creativity spawned from this island (i.e. fanart) alone is a testament to how good it really was while it was around. Characters like Betty Jetty and Ned Noodlehead remain popular to this day and the rest of the villains get their fair share in the spotlight as well.
It was a super close call to determine which island deserved to be crowned my top island of 2008, but in the end the coronation goes toโฆ
#1: Spy Island ๐
Released on September 9, 2008 was Poptropicaโs 6th quest to grace the map, Spy Island. Like time travel and superheroism, espionage is another perfect theme for an island, and it was done very well! All of the gadgets were really fun to utilize (my favorite being the chameleon suit), and although the grappling bowtie could be a little frustrating, it was fun to just monkey around with whenever you needed a little break from the actual island.
Moments like sneaking around the dogs, memorizing the ingredients to become a chef, and the snatching of Director Dโs wig have lived in my head rent-free for the past decade and a half. And overall, the story and plot of this island was *chefโs kiss*. At the time of its release, Spy Island definitely had the most complex story and the most challenging tasks. This island was surely a pioneer for the many exciting islands yet to come and it certainly made its mark on the game. Thereโs even a printable sheet for the decoder kit used in the island, which is rare for any item in the game! How cool is that?
Ah, sweet sweet memories. 2008 was a pretty good year for island releases, and it was a pleasure to talk about them for a little bit. Most of them are gone, but they will never be forgotten.
Did you get a chance to play any of these islands? Which one was your favorite and least favorite? Leave your rankings and any other thoughts in the comments section below.
Hey Poptropicans, this is a guest post by Blue Moon. Enjoy!
Hi there Poptropicans! Itโs Blue Moon again, here to make a far-fetched, almost impossible (and a little out of date) theory: Grapple-Pap didnโt get Clareta after all. Surprise, surprise.
Contrary to the popular belief, Grapple-Pap may not have gotten Claretaโeven before your Poptropican came to remind her of โwhat Grapple-Papโs all aboutโ. Why? The design of her house may hold clues.
Letโs take a look at the structure of her house. Though gloomy and worn-down, itโs pretty well-structured, isnโt it? But take a closer look and compare these two pictures: Isnโt the structure of Claretaโs house similar to the ones in town?
Clareta’s houseHouse in town
As we know, the town was designed to fit the cheer and merriment of Grapple-Papโincluding the houses. Since Clareta lived in such an isolated place alone, it might be that she built her own house. And if Grapple-Pap really got her, why would she build her house to fit the style of the houses in town, which were designed to look cheery?
Also, if you look closely, you can see that there are pink hearts ๐ painted on the ridges in a pattern. Why would an old, mean, grumpy grandma like her paint hearts on her otherwise gloomy house? Isnโt she supposed to hate Grapple-Pap themes and general โhappinessโ or โmerrimentโ? At least, thatโs what happens to you if Grapple-Pap got youโฆ sheโs supposed to be grumpy and hate Grapple-Pap, and yeah, she fulfilled the first point, but did she really hate Grapple-Pap before your Poptropican came to remind her?
More on that point, look at the inside of her house. The huge, robotic whatever-that-is hanging from the ceiling is quite eye-catching, right? Though its appearance is hard to ignore, many would look over the fact that itโs carrying a bag of gifts and holding one in its โhandโ. ๐
Upon further inspection you will find that the appearance of the whatever-that-is (Krampus?) is similar to the creature painted on the booths of the Salty Nugget. ๐น Again, the whole town is designed to fit the cheeriness of Grapple-Pap, and Clareta was supposed to hate that stuff, so why would she hang a huge, gift-carrying thing that resembles something merry in town? Hmm, weirdโฆ
Also, did you notice that there are multiple silhouettes of garlands hanging from the ceiling of Claretaโs house? Garlands, like the ones from the Baron’s airship’s December visit, see? The question is the same: Why would Clareta put anything decorative in her house, especially something Grapple-Pap-related, when sheโs supposed to be mean and anti-Grapple-Pap at the moment?
I know, I know. Even I must admit that this theory is quite ridiculous. Thereโs even evidence that goes against the points aboveโthe burning Grapple-Pap gifts in the fireplace. But thereโs still plenty of evidence that shows considerable traces of Grapple-Pap in her houseโฆ and that was before she turned nice. Quite a conflicting house, isnโt it?
Christmas garland for sale at the Baron’s cabinBurning Grapple-Gifts in Clareta’s fireplace
So, if my theory is true, what does it mean? If Grapple-Pap did not get her, then who (or what) did? What caused the caring and compassionate Clareta to turn into a mean old hag? And most importantly, who and when will these questions be answered, and what will it mean to the holiday and legend of Grapple-Pap?
Until next time~ Blue Moon ๐
Hope you enjoyed this guest post by Blue Moon. If you did, you might also enjoy other Popspiracy posts weโve shared on the blog.
The Poptropica Help Blog welcomes interesting Poptropica insights from anyone in the Poptropica community with thoughts to share. Interested in writing for the PHB? Weโd love to hear from you!
Hey Poptropicans, this is a guest post by Popular Raptor. Enjoy!
We know Scheherazade as the leader of the Forty Thieves from Arabian Nights Island, and Brutus as her muscular sidekick. But who are they really โ and their fellow thieves? That’s my question for this post!
Remember, the culprits are always people you know in life (that’s how it is for my life, yours?). That got me thinking. What if we know these thieves from elsewhere? And then it occurred to me: Brutus looks like a more muscular version of Hercules from Mythology Island! (Sorry Herc.)
There’s also the thief looking through the telescope later in the island. Maybe it’s just me, but he kind of reminds me of the Viking on Time Tangled Island, just with some hair shaved off.
I don’t know, sometimes appearances can be misleading. Maybe the Poptropica Creators have ideas for a new island where all the “good” characters we meet are actually the hidden villains of another island, and the “villains” are actually good.
Are there any good and bad characters that you think are similar to each other?
-Popular Raptor
Hope you enjoyed thisย guest postย by Popular Raptor. If you did, you might also enjoy other Popspiracy posts we’ve shared on the blog.
The Poptropica Help Blog welcomes interesting Poptropica insights from anyone in the Poptropica community with thoughts to share. Interested in writing for the PHB? Weโd love to hear from you!
Hello once again everyone! Spotted Dragon here bringing you the December recap for Community Creations. December’s theme was Grapple-Pap, so be sure to check out all the featured artists!
To kick things off: a perfect fit of a fit for the holiday season! I love the playfulness of the costume design and the unique approach to winter-themed attire. It mixes in just a touch of mischievousness with that holiday cheer. And I seriously want that present shooter in game! Find their Instagram here.
Twas the Night Before Grapple-Pap by Dizzy Feather
Next up, we have a wonderful Poptropica-style twist on a classic holiday tale. It’s really fun to see Grapple-Pap take on a story that pretty much everyone can recognize. Plus, the extra attention to composing the text on this wintery background gives it a special touch. Very clever! Find her in the comments and on the PHC Discord.
Grapple-Pap by Tillymeowjings-arsb
โโฆEvery year, for the Grapple-Pap holiday, I whip up some Grapple-Pops for the Baron. They slam the door in my face each time. Itโs kind of this fun tradition we haveโฆโโโฆThe ship just drifted in here on its own, I guessโฆ Rumpel has the Baron somewhere, or maybe even Grapple-Pap got themโฆ it is the holiday where we all spread cheer, or Grapple-Pap will get you for one whole yearโฆIโm getting worriedโฆโ
Okay, geez, I should have warned you all this would get emotional! With just a few panels, this work definitely packs a punch with its story. The lore of the Baron, Amelia, and all the Fairy Tale Island royalty continues to grow, and so does my investment with these characters. ๐ฅบ The juxtaposition between the warm, bright setting of the past and the cold, dark composition of the present is quite powerful. The visuals add a lot of significance to the dialogue from the airship. Excellent work! Find their Tumblr here.
Bracelet by HeartOfEnder
It was the morning of Grapple-pap. The morning where kids rushed down the stairs to open gifts with their families. A time where as the old saying goes, “if you don’t spread cheer, Grapple-pap will get you for a year.”
Boys asked for cars and action figures. Girls asked for dolls and ponies. That morning they would giggle and laugh with happiness at their new toys, playing with them all day long.
For the Jones family, living in a town with festive decorations up for their occasion, their gift to their son, Felix, was not a toy, but a tool.
As the young boy opened the small box which was the gift from his parents, he was met with a strange bracelet. Unlike the sparkly bracelet with beads girls wore, it was made with a durable, neon orange rope, tied in a way you could unravel it. the rope was connected by a black side connector buckle, like the ones you see on backpacks. A small compass was embedded in the buckle, and even the buckle’s shape was odd, with strange fork prongs inside.
“Daddy, what is this?” The young boy asked, looking up at his parents. His dad smiled, crouching down and explaining it all to him.
“My Fledgling, this is a survival bracelet.” he said, taking the bracelet from the box. “I know you want to explore the world, but there are dangerous things out there. This will help you avoid those dangers.”
“How?” Felix asked, even more interested in the bracelet.
“Think of all the uses for a rope. This survival bracelet can do it all.” His father explained. “It even comes with a knife, which might be the most useful tool ever.” “It’s still too big to fit on your wrist…” Felix’s mother pointed out as the young boy excitedly put the survival bracelet on. “But one day it’ll fit perfectly. I can’t wait for that day!”
Acting as both a Grapple-Pap tale and a short prequel to Felix’s origin in the author’s Aerie of Eagles series, this story serves up a great sense of nostalgia. It has a traditional holiday setting that many kids can reminisce on, and leaves you wanting to know more about where the characters are now. Very interesting introduction! Find their Tumblr here.
Tally Ho-Ho-Ho! by happyclonetrooper
Lastly, we have a hilarious holiday card that I would be happy to receive myself! The artist has remade this card every few years, each purposefully tacky yet increasingly more polished each time. And, I have to admit, the “tally ho-ho-ho” pun is a killer. ๐ I wonder what sort of gifts MVB would give out? Perhaps I don’t want to know the answer… Find her Instagram here.
Honorable Mentions
Goblin of Grapple-Pap by Magic PoptropicanMyron and Winston Grapple by sleepybikerMistletoe by Distorted-Graffiti
Amazing work, everyone! It’s always hard to grapple with how talented you all are. From the whole PHB team, we hope you had an amazing holiday season and a great new year! Here’s to an even better 2023.
January: How Do I Participate?
Community Creations is a cool series for anyone in the Poptropica community to join in on. To sum up what itโs about, itโs basically a chance to show off your artwork, creepy fan-fics, Pop clubhouses, costumes, and anything else that pops into your mind.
If we really like the piece you submit, we will feature it here on the PHB! As long as it relates to that monthโs theme. So what is January’s theme? January’s theme isโฆ
๐ค๐งฉ Puzzling! ๐งฉ๐ค
One of my favorite gameplay elements of Poptropica has always been the puzzles. From playing minigames like mancala on Nabooti Island, to solving mysterious codes on Spy Island or changing the dragon sculpture on Counterfeit Island, puzzles seem to be everywhere when you really think about it!
Some are pretty straight-forward and other are, well… puzzling! But that’s why we have PHB Island Guides to help you out. So as we enter 2023 and start solving a whole new year of puzzles and challenges, let’s take a moment to celebrate the fun ones and share our frustrations on the more difficult ones.
Maybe draw your Poptropican trying to solve a particularly puzzling puzzle, or write a story about your favorite puzzling Poptropica minigame. Perhaps design a costume for what you think the ultimate puzzle-solving master would look like, or even design a Poptropica puzzle yourself! Your work doesn’t even necessarily have to involve a physical puzzle, just something confusing or a brain teaser of sorts will do. The options are up to you! Good luck!
Results: Next month, I will feature 5 submissions that stood out to me the most as well as some honorable mentions.
Limitations: Just make sure you relate to both the theme and Poptropica (and nothing NSFW or otherwise inappropriate).
Due Date: I will take any entries before the end of this month. Submit as many things as youโd like!
I will be sure to let you know I have seen your creation. While quality counts, Iโm mainly looking for something to simply catch my eye, so donโt be afraid to join in!
So what are you waiting for? Go make something awesome!
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