Comics, Creators, Member Gifts, Membership, Social Media, Uncategorized

Phantom Pop Creators make an artistic return 👻

Hello again, Poptropicans! Dropping by with a few updates!

Unfortunately, the Creator’s Blog still hasn’t been active since the end of February, but there have been small updates on social media and additions — or in one case, a subtraction — to the game itself.


First, let’s show off some wonderful fan art features from the official Pop Instagram. Click the artists’ names to view the original posts!


The Creators also announced this month’s member gifts: a White Phantom Rogue costume, White Phantom Rogue Power that turns you partially invisible, and a White Phantom Butterfly Follower. 🦋

The ensemble is a little unusual compared to most other outfits in the game, particularly because of its monochrome color palette. Nonetheless, it’s interesting and quite refreshing!


Meanwhile, non-members and members alike can go shopping with the new rotation at Adventure Outfitters, now stocked with swords aplenty. If only these Astro-Knights came with the long-lost island itself! ⚔️


Have you been keeping up with the Daily Comics from the in-game map? After 300+ strips from the series which began its daily showings in July 2022, the comic strips have been reset. So rather than continuing on with the story, which had ended on a cliffhanger, the strips have been removed and are now being re-uploaded from the beginning. Seems like this was just another way for Pop to manufacture novelty!


Finally, long-time Poptropica Creator Jonathan Pitcher posted a couple tweets on his personal account related to his work for the game: a piece of concept art for the Multi-Tool in Steamworks Island, and compliments to pop band AJR for being his muse as he works.


So, are you about to join a masquerade while donning your phantom costume? Will you listen to the music of the night as you work late into the days on fanart? Are you interested in going down once more into the antics of Jorge and Oliver?

Whatever you plan on doing, all I ask of you is that you think of me and the PHB team as you continue on your adventures!

…I’ll see myself out.

Castori honorem ~ Smart Bubbles

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Fan Art Features, Social Media

Gotta Win by Any Memes Necessary 🏆😂

Hello, everyone! Today’s Pop news comes not from the game but social media. We have fan art, memes, and poll results to check out. Let’s go!

We finally have the winner of the unofficial “Favorite Poptropica Character Tournament”! I’m sorry I didn’t keep you PHB readers updated on the whole tournament. I’ll do better next time. Anyway, the final round saw Dr. Hare vs Ringmaster Raven competing for the fans’ love and adoration. After tallying the votes, one animal-themed supervillain came out on top. And the winner is… DR. HARE! 🐰🏆

Congratulations to Dr. Hare, and thanks to everyone who participated in the tournament — even the Pop Creators popped in for the fun!

What other Poptropica tournaments would you like to see in the future? Underrated characters? Best islands? Worst islands? Favorite creatures? Leave your suggestions in the comments below!


While I was hosting the tournament, Pop was cooking some memes over on Instagram, like this one starring former child star Willy Bingleman from Back Lot Island. 🎬

Not a Tarantino fan? Here’s this reel harkening back to the days of completing islands with the help of Thinknoodles’ walkthroughs. (Psst! We have walkthroughs, too! 😉)

The Creators aren’t the only ones meming Poptropica. Pop’s recent Instagram stories feature drawings and memes by fans, a partnership post from Coolmath Games, and a flashback to Wimpy Wonderland from the official Diary of a Wimpy Kid account. As always, click the artists’ names to view the full, original posts.

Thank you for reading, and have a good day!

—Gentle Dolphin 🐬

Fan Art Features, Member Gifts, Social Media, Store

April Fashion Brings Woodworks Clashin’ 🪵⚔️

Hello, everyone! Time to check out the latest Pop updates. But first, a word from our sponsor: ME! Don’t worry, Slanted Fish gave me permission.

This week, I have been hosting a “Favorite Poptropica Character Tournament” on Twitter! In spite of the public outcry regarding certain matchups, it has been fun watching the votes and tears pour in. Round 2 is currently underway, and you reading the PHB can participate! You can vote for your favorites via Twitter, or this Google Forms poll! 🗳️🏆


Now we return to our regularly scheduled blogging. Adventure Outfitters welcomed a new display just in time for April. Out with the green stuff, and in with the stylin’ fits. Paired with the chic fashion are a few random goodies like a smiling cloud, a reversible octopus plush, a jetpack, and a rideable bug.

As pointed out by Dizzy Feather on the Poptropica Help Chat, this month’s selection of items is near identical to last April’s display. While recycling monthly displays isn’t new for Poptropica, it gets old for players itching to collect new gear. It’s almost like they’re saving the new stuff for members, “wooden” you think?


Speaking of which, April’s member gifts have flown into paying players’ inventories. Members can now don the Woodworks Outfit, Woodworks Sword, and Woodworks Wings. While the wings won’t carry you through the wind, they can pop in and out for a cool visual effect.

“Wood” you like a membership? Enter our monthly free membership giveaway for a chance to win one! 🎁


Finally, here are some fan art features from Pop’s recent Instagram stories. As per usual, we have art of fan-favorite characters along with oodles of OCs! Click the artists’ names for the full posts.

Thank you for reading, and have a good day!

—Gentle Dolphin 🐬

Social Media, Uncategorized

Poptober 2022: An abundance of art! 🍂🖌

Happy October! It’s finally that time again… doesn’t feel the slightest bit close to fall in my desert, but still the spooky season is near!

Autumn is a major source of inspiration for many creatives, thanks to its beautiful foliage and harvest seasons. Some of you may remember my Poptober drawing challenge from 2020. I’m here to announce an updated one for 2022, still with daily prompts to inspire your art.

Since I’m a little late on this one, we’ll go easy with the first prompt.

There are zero rules to this challenge. Any medium is totally fine, and you can interpret the prompts however you wish. If you’re swamped with projects or short on time, feel free to just do whichever days you’d like, or do a prompt for each week!

Speaking of drawings, maybe you can find some inspiration for your creative endeavors from the latest fan art features from Poptropica’s Instagram stories, at least for fall decorating… 🍁

Also, here’s a throwback to LJ’s Poptober 2020 gallery to inspire everyone in this month of drawing challenges!

“Medusa and her stone victims” by LJ

Castori honorem ~ Maryann/Smart Bubbles

Creators, Social Media, Uncategorized

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

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.)

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