Fanfiction, PHB Series, The Villain Saga, Uncategorized

Announcing “The Villain Saga”, Season 2 (Prologue)

Four years ago (😰) I announced a concept for a Poptropica TV series centered around the aftermath of Super Villain Island, styled as a multi-episode show that would continue the stories of some fan-favorite characters. After a few too many hiatuses for me to feel comfortable about, Season 2 of The Villain Saga has arrived!

Thank you everyone who has stuck with this series and contributed your own stories to the blog, it’s been amazing seeing more creatives in this community. Let Season 2 of the cross-island adventure begin!

Continue reading “Announcing “The Villain Saga”, Season 2 (Prologue)”
PHB Series, Pop 5

Pop 10: Best Poptropica Soundtracks 🎶

Funny story: I started drafting this list over 8 years ago, but for various reasons—from procrastination, to getting sidetracked, to even forgetting about it—I never managed to complete it. Until now!

Howdy-doo Poptropicanos!🤟 LJ here, and today I’m thrilled to present my selection of the top 10 soundtracks from Poptropica! Or shall I say “pop” 10? All of these amazing tracks were composed by the talented Jeff Heim, who was the musical genius behind Poptropica for years—hats off to him!

It was honestly quite challenging to compile this list, especially with so many outstanding soundtracks in the game. Trust me, narrowing it down to just 10 was no easy feat. Anyway, let’s jump right in and enjoy some wonderful music!

#10) Monster Carnival Main Theme

This piece of music perfectly encapsulates the essence of the words “Monster” and “Carnival.” The fusion of creepy and whimsical elements is executed perfectly. I once knew how to play this tune on the keyboard after being inspired by a fellow Poptropican’s piano rendition, but I have since forgotten, unfortunately. 😅

#9) Poptropolis Main Theme

This track is sure to energize anyone for an intense tribal competition! 💪 I’m glad this one was chosen as the primary theme for Poptropolis Games compared to the other tracks that were featured on the island (though they’re great in their own right too!). I really like its triumphant, glorious, and powerful tone. I can totally imagine this one echoing at the Olympics in real life.

Balloon Boy: No, you won’t recognize anybody in one of these hot-air balloons.

#8) A Free Poptropican

This represents the first entry (among several on this list) that embodies the distinctive “Poptropica sound” in my ears. I can’t exactly describe what that sound is, but all I know is that I feel an immediate urge to hop aboard my blimp and set off on a grand adventure just by listening to this one! That’s what Poptropica is all about! 😀

#7) Genie Dance

This track can still be heard today in the free desktop version of the game on Jade Scarab Island (originally heard in the 3rd episode of Arabian Nights Island). Its repetitive quality is what I find makes it so catchy and unforgettable that I had to put it on this list. Plus, it stands out due to its prevalent middle eastern sound. The way the song builds in speed with each reiteration almost makes me want to dance. It’s an awesome one indeed. 🙌

In Spired: I can see my house from here.

#6) Action Adventure

This track couldn’t be more appropriately titled, as it reflects the splendor of an epic poem or a fantasy action movie. 😁 My favorite part starts at the 49-second mark, where a sound similar to a piccolo emerges, really elevating the overall impact of this one for me.

#5) Night Theme

Although Night Theme may not have the same level of grandeur as some of the other tracks on this list, it speaks to my soul which I believe is what truly matters. This piece makes me feel as if I were drifting in the cosmos, meditating among a sparkle of fireflies, and flowing with the current of a delicate stream all at once. Does that make any sense? 😝 I love how dreamy, yet mysterious this one sounds. 😌

Amore: When the moon hits your eye like a big camel’s eye.

#4) Super Power

This is another one that showcases the quintessential “Poptropica sound”. I first heard it in a 2016 trailer for the game, and I was immediately captivated, thinking, “This sounds really cool!”. 😱 I feel like this one is quite complex and elaborate featuring a variety of upbeat and melodious components. “Super Power” serves as a strong testament to Jeff’s talent in music composition.

#3) Mythology Main Theme

The main theme of Mythology brings back a wave of nostalgia. In 2016, it was certainly my favorite, and I can clearly see why. Mythology Island has always ranked among my top islands in Poptropica, and I distinctly remember hearing this track during every playthrough, which may contribute to a slight bias. 😉 Nevertheless, the sounds of the flute, horns, and lyre transport me to the realm of ancient Greece which is well inspired.

Olympus has Risen: We’ve always had our heads in the clouds.

#2) Mega Fighting Bots

This piece is nothing less than exceptional! It carries an epic quality that mirrors the awesomeness of the Mega Fighting Bots in Poptropica. I think the energetic and dramatic tones are ideally suited for a boss battle. I can confidently say that this is my favorite boss battle theme and a strong second place overall. (Shoutout to their battle intro theme! That one is great as well.) 🤩

#1) Poptropica Overture

Poptropica Overture is undoubtedly the hallmark track of Poptropica. I mean, it’s the very tune that everybody encountered while both logging in and exploring Home Island at one point in time. Jeff truly outdid himself with this piece, as it is one of the finest compositions I’ve ever heard. 😍 I’m enamored with the tune, the atmosphere, and pretty much every other aspect of it. Each moment of this ethereal, melancholic melody is heaven to my ears, and the outro is especially beautiful. Not going to lie; I’ve felt a surge of emotions while listening to this one, as it resonates like an echo, reminding me of all of the cherished moments I’ve enjoyed within the Poptropica community and during my time playing the game. 🥹 The slowed + reverb version on YouTube is just as enchanting and quite addictive too. Let’s give a well-deserved round of applause for Poptropica Overture! 👏

One Stop Shop: Say hello to our bundle of joy.

I really went in, didn’t I? Well, my love for Poptropica can hardly be put into words and the soundtracks are no different. Big thanks to you if you made it all the way through this post. See you guys next time. Pop on! 🍀

PHB Series, Surveys

📢 Calling all Poptropicans for the 2025 Readers’ Survey!

Howdy, Poptropicanos, this is LJ! It’s been four years since we last conducted a readers’ survey here on the PHB, and within that time our content, audience, and even Poptropica itself has evolved quite a bit.

The purpose of this survey is to gain insights into our readership and to gather your valuable feedback! What types of Poptropica-related content would you like to see on the PHB? Share your suggestions and answer additional questions through the Google form, which will be accessible for two weeks, until March 1.

With just 13 questions, this survey won’t take up more than five minutes of your time. Your responses will remain anonymous unless you opt to disclose your identity in the comment box at the end. Take the Readers’ Survey now!

You can look forward to seeing the results by the end of March. Thanks, everybody! I’ll catch up with you all soon. 🍀

Hellos & Goodbyes

Goodbye from Smart Icicle

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. 

~💕 Smart Icicle

PHB Specials, Uncategorized

Poptropica Tattoo Spotlights, Part 2 🦀✨

Hey Poptropicans! With more of the fandom coming of age while holding fond memories of this beloved game, we’ve seen a rise in Poptropica tattoos, some of which we’ve featured here. Now, we’re back with more!

Former PHB staff Andrew (HPuterpop) and Spencer (Cobalt) met up in New York City and commemorated their longstanding friendship with tattoos of their Poptropican characters, illustrated by Andrew and inked by clowns.ink and nylatattoo. 💙🔥🙌

Garrett got matching tattoos with his sister of a fun creature you may recall: the small crab from Time Tangled Island’s Main Street, which would explode after a few clicks. 🦀💥

And Bryant from Virtue Tattoo in Houston inked Shark Boy (later known as Shark Guy) from Shark Tooth Island, showcasing the process from start to finish with a nice reel you can watch here. 🦈✨

That’s a wrap, at least for now! Are you considering a Poptropica tattoo of your own, or know of any more out there? We’d love for you to share with us on our Discord server, the PHC.

Keep on poppin’ on! ✨

~🐠