Happy New Year, Poptropicanos! 🥳 We’ve made it a quarter of a century into the new millennium! Woah. 🤯
2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
Speaking of being shook, can you believe the Poptropica Help Blog has been around for an incredible 16 years, and is now on its way to the 17-year mark this summer? It’s without a doubt that the PHB has made a significant impact on readers from all around the world during its time in the blogosphere, and I personally think that calls for some sort of recognition. 🫶
It’s been nearly 8 years since Fishy commemorated the many styles of headers past, and double that time since veteran former author, Codien, did it first. With that in mind, I thought a fun way to celebrate yet another 8 years of awesomeness would be to take a stroll down memory lane once again and revisit some of the old headers (2017-present day) that have graced the top of our homepage.
Most of these designs were crafted by our founder, Slanted Fish, but a few were created by other PHB staffers as well. During special occasions like Halloween, April Fools, and The Poppies, we sometimes find it extra fun to whip up some themed banners for merry measure. We even held a contest once! Without further ado, I hope you enjoy this trip back to 2017 (where we last left off) in…
✨A Lifetime of Headers, Part 3✨
(Hover over each image for more details & click to see them in full-size glory!)
November 2024, by me LJOctober 2024 (Halloween), by Smart Icicle
As you might notice, our method for designing headers over the last eight years has largely involved using illustrations instead of piecing together assets from in the game.
What began as an innovative approach in 2016 has now evolved into the norm, and I feel that the blog is even more unique and captivating as a result. It really demonstrates the remarkable talent of our community, don’t you think? 😁
Which ones do you remember from back in the day and which ones are your favorite? I really like the one Gentle Dolphin created for the header contest held in 2018. The Poppies headers are always a hit for me as well. Share your opinions and memories down in the comment section below!
(Don’t forget to check out parts 1 & 2 for even more nostalgia!)
Thank you so much for reading as always and I hope you continue to hang around for more moons to come. Pop on y’all! 🍾
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!
Hello once again everyone! Spotted Dragon here bringing you the June recap for Community Creations. June’s theme was Cryptids, so be sure to check out all the featured artists!
Of course, Harold Mews is a key character on Cryptids Island, kicking off the player’s search for cryptic evidence. I’m really drawn to the sketchy style in how Mews is, well, drawn here. There is a simultaneous kindness and weariness in his eyes. 👀 The soft tones also make for a wonderful color palette. Find her Instagram here.
One is Older, One is Younger by Serious Heart (virtualdragonalmond)
The half-and-half composition of this work is quite compelling, along with the pairing of image and text. It’s fun to see these contrasting sides collide! There’s a lot of energy in how all the details are arranged as well. Find their DeviantArt here.
Framed Cryptids by PegaKid
Based on the popular Barbie and Ken mugshot meme, this submission demonstrates a lot of creativity. I love how the pairings match the poses of the original meme, and how the backgrounds show the ridiculous, wide variety of heights of the characters. Such a fun way to portray the cryptids of Poptropica! Find her Instagram here.
The Most Mythical by Silver Sword
“There! I spot it! The dragon, from red, “Maybe I should feed it” I thought, but maybe it shouldn’t be fed. Amelia’s unicorns, caught my eye, So many, the next time I look at them I might die. A Bigfoot was then standing in my way, But then I thought, “maybe I won’t play Cryptids island today” “Ahhhhhhh!” I screamed, when I saw Nessie “I want your name” she hissed, “it’s fox, Messy!”
This short poem is full of fun references and details. From your typical cryptids like Nessie and Bigfoot, to other creatures like Amelia’s unicorns, there’s many interesting mentions. I love the rhyming and playful tone of the writing, along with the reoccurring use of dialogue. Find the author in the comments section.
Mothman Comic by Lune
Anyone who has played through Cryptids Island knows the horror of finding the Jersey Devil… But nonetheless, we survived! The humor in this back and forth banter between the player and Harold Mews is super fun, and makes me wonder what it would be like to find other cryptids, like Mothman, in Poptropica. Find the artist in the comments section or on the PHC Discord.
Honorable Mentions
Cryptid Explorer by Young RiderMutant Monster by Young RiderMer-Goblin by Magic PoptropicanNessie Selfie by PegaKidCryptids Makeup by Magic KidAnnie and Harold Redraw by sleepybikerCryptids (Loch Ness Monster) by Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks
All your work, as always, is unbelievable! You’ve really shown proof of your talent this month. 😉
July: How Do I Participate?
Community Creations is a cool series for anyone in the Poptropica community to join in on. To sum up what it’s about, it’s 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 month’s theme. So what is July’s theme? July’s theme is…
Throwback!
This month, we’re doing something super special with Community Creations. For the first time ever, we will be revisiting some old themes. “Throwback” means that any of the previous Community Creations themes will be accepted!
Miss a month that you really wanted to participate in? Now’s your chance! Here’s a quick comprehensive list of all our previous themes:
Shipping
Nature
OCs
Fairy Tales/Myths
Poptropica Worlds
Literature
Fashion
School
Halloween
Heartwarming
Winter/Holidays
Crossovers
Colorful
Historical
Humor
Heroes
Under the Sea
Blogs & Fans
Science
Music
Villains
Food
Celebration
Magic
Pets/Animals
Gaming
Action & Combat
Houses & Architecture
Pride
Tech & Social Media
Movies & TV
Seasons/Weather
Inktober
Steampunk
Opposites
Time Travel
Memes
Hobbies
Staying Home
Wild West
Monochromatic
Classic Islands
Tribes
Masks
Monsters
Pirates
Fire & Ice
Doctors
Pretty in Pink
Ancient Egypt
Bugs
Robots
LGBTQ+
Fancy
Flight
Punk
Ghosts & Ghouls
Sweet & Sour
Goofball
Arabian Nights
Comics
Going Green
Zomberry
Jade Scarab
Carnival
Cosplay
80s
Survival
Feeling Blue
Royalty
Grapple Pap
Puzzling
Thievery
Lucky
Reality TV
Outer Space
Cryptids
You’ve quite literally got years of options to choose from. If you have ever thought about participating in Community Creations, I recommend you do it now more than ever!
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 you’d like!
I will be sure to let you know I have seen your creation. While quality counts, I’m mainly looking for something to simply catch my eye, so don’t be afraid to join in!
So what are you waiting for? Go make something awesome!
Hello once again everyone! Spotted Dragon here bringing you the May recap for Community Creations. May’s theme was Outer Space, so be sure to check out all the featured artists!
Kicking things off with perhaps the most iconic space-related Poptropican! Astro-Knights is certainly a classic island, and Binary Bard a classic villain. The coloring done here is wonderful and quite painterly, with the small elements refracted in the glass shards adding a ton of interest to the composition. Great sense of storytelling! Find her on Instagram and right here, writing for the PHB.
Need Some Space? by Magic Kid
As you may know, I’m a sucker for puns. The humor here is cheesy but entertaining and wonderfully portrays the relationship of Amelia and the Baron. I also really enjoy the purple hues of the galactic background. Find the artist in the comments section!
Lost in Space by Dangerous Dragon
Yikes! With how cool space is, there are definitely things about it that can be super scary too. Floating aimlessly and getting lost is one of those things! 😬 The pairing of text and drawing here is interesting, and there is a huge focus on earth while the character actually blends in with the background. Intriguing composition! Find the artist in the comments section!
Cooling Down the Dragotank by PegaKid
Back to Astro-Knights, the fire planet is a hot-spot travel destination among the stars. 😎 With this scene, I enjoy the contrast of those super intense oranges with that icy blue! Great emotion in the characters too, with my eye definitely being drawn between the two figures. Find her Instagram here.
Mission Accomplished (Poptober Day 14) by Lucky Joker
Of course, we can’t talk about space in Poptropica without some love for Lunar Colony. I love this portrayal of such an iconic moment, especially the featuring of the aliens. The detail of the different biome planets in the background is also a fantastic touch! Find him on Instagram and right here, writing for the PHB.
Honorable Mentions
Zippy Glove (Pop OC) by HeartOfEnderPaw vs Claw by PegaKidSpace Chic by Young RiderSpace in Poptropica by Icy Eye
“Yellow Eyes” by Serious Heart
Launching into space, Mordred had felt as light as air. He had done it! Those primitive fools back at Arturus couldn’t catch him! He had… wait. He was slowly skyrocketing toward the Pewter Moon, and he couldn’t stop his motion. He screamed as he crashed.
Mordred had smiled triumphantly to himself. He had done it! He had created the perfect fusion of man and machine. He had become the Binary Bard. I must get my revenge, he thought. But how? So, then, as we know, he kidnapped Elyana, thinking his revenge had taken place. But a hero saved her and stranded Mordred in his castle. He had thought he was going to be there forever. Until he heard a knock at the door of his castle. And he saw yellow eyes.
by Serious Heart
“Battling the Mother Phoenix” by Serious Heart
Serious Heart, “the hero,” had freed a robot Pegasus. He had thought he could get off the Jungle Planet. But the Mother Phoenix came. He had hitched a ride on the Pegasus and readied the Laser Lance. He had seen some flying bugs, so he blasted them in short, elegant shots. Then, he encountered some dark clouds. Being the nosy, wait, I mean CURIOUS, Poptropican he was, he stretched out to touch them — and almost got hit by lightning. He avoided them after that. After a couple of minutes of this, the Mother Phoenix came. He shot at her mouth and missed. He decided staying away from her for a while was a good idea. After some time happened, he decided to try again. This time, he succeeded. He repeated it two more times, then she fell. He went back to the spaceship, taking Sir Cador with him, and went in search of the other knights.
by Serious Heart
Your work was really out of this world this month, everyone! You shot for the stars and definitely landed among them. Can’t wait to see what you do next! 🤩🚀
June: How Do I Participate?
Community Creations is a cool series for anyone in the Poptropica community to join in on. To sum up what it’s about, it’s 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 month’s theme. So what is June’s theme? June’s theme is…
🐲👣 Cryptids! 👣🐲
Cryptids Island is home to some of the most iconic Poptropica characters and scenes, like the infamous Jersey Devil jumpscare. It’s always been a favorite of mine for visuals, storytelling, and gameplay alike!
We encounter tons of cryptids on this island that would be perfect to draw this month, but there are also tons of cryptids that don’t appear in game. What would other monsters like look like in Poptropica? Maybe write about new cryptids that could be incorporated into the island, or stick to drawing your favorite cryptids that we already come across.
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 you’d like!
I will be sure to let you know I have seen your creation. While quality counts, I’m mainly looking for something to simply catch my eye, so don’t be afraid to join in!
So what are you waiting for? Go make something awesome!
Hello once again everyone! Spotted Dragon here bringing you the April recap for Community Creations. April’s theme was Reality TV, so be sure to check out all the featured artists!
Kicking things off with a gorgeous color palette and composition! Getting on and off the helicopter was such a memorable part of Reality TV Island, especially when getting to finally return home a hero. I love the entire design of this piece, along with all the little details in the sky such as Balloon Boy and the blimp! Wonderful work. Find her Tumblr here.
Survival of the Fittest by Lucky Joker
Here we have some classic Reality TV competitors, drawn in a totally new style! It is really interesting to see these Poptropicans with more human proportions, along with their wide age ranges. Makes you wonder how the heck they are all actually competing against each other! Find his Instagram here.
Bosko in Reality TV Island by Magic Kid
With this submission, it’s really cool to see worlds collide by incorporating characters from different islands. In this case, Bosko from Goofball seems like the perfect TV star! Though he certainly gives off friendly-monster-on-a-kids’-show-vibes, less big-scary-beast-on-a-drama. I also love the multi-panel format of the comic! Find the artist in the comments section.
Last Second Before Disaster by PegaKid
I just knew Betty Brownie was up to no good… never underestimate a girl scout trying to earn a badge! I love the composition here, along with the emotion of the characters and the “to be continued” meme reference. I can guess what happens next! 😅 Find their Instagram here.
Snapshot Outfit by Young Rider
Lastly, we have a stylish costume perfect for someone working in Reality TV. The headset, belt, and phone are all must-have accessories in the modern entertainment industry. And beyond the tools, the hair and clothes are cute to match! Find the artist in the comments section.
Honorable Mentions
Reality TV Competition Idea by Serious Heart: “In this, you must guess a drawing within 80 seconds or else you will have the Sports Nectar from Cryptids dumped on your head!“
Turn of the Camera by Magic KidBait Call by PegaKidLimited Life by Smart Icicle
As always, you guys have proved yourself to be stars with your amazing submissions this months! Talk about some content creators!
May: How Do I Participate?
Community Creations is a cool series for anyone in the Poptropica community to join in on. To sum up what it’s about, it’s 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 month’s theme. So what is May’s theme? May’s theme is…
🚀⭐ Outer Space! ⭐🚀
The world of Poptropica is place of incredible, endless stories… and not even all of them take place on the planet of Poptropica! We’ve gotten to travel through the stars on quests like Astro-Knights, Lunar Colony, and even 24 Carrot! Well, Dr. Hare at least got to space in that last example.
This month, we’re celebrating all things space with your out of this world creations. Make art of your favorite space-themed islands, or write a fan-fic about an entirely new planet in the Poptropica universe. Maybe design a sci-fi suit fit for the stars, or construct your own Poptropica-themed rocket ship! Shoot for the moon this month, everyone!
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 you’d like!
I will be sure to let you know I have seen your creation. While quality counts, I’m mainly looking for something to simply catch my eye, so don’t be afraid to join in!
So what are you waiting for? Go make something awesome!
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