Meet Sporty Boa!

 

Sporty Boa illustrated by napstachill

 

1. How were you first introduced to Poptropica?

 

I was first introduced to Poptropica in 2010, when playing it in elementary school computer labs made you one of the ‘cool kids’. Given that I was one of the ‘quiet kids’ at school, I opted to explore the game where I was most comfortable: with my family.

 

It started with watching my sister, then my brother, Fierce Flyer, adventure across the Poptropica islands, with me acting as a literal over-the-shoulder commentator. Together we worked through difficult puzzles and boss battles, or simply admired the creative stories and characters Poptropica introduced us to. It was only after seeing my siblings’ mounting medallion count that I decided to experience Poptropica hands-on for myself!

 

Sporty Boa illustrated by Fierce Flyer

 

2. Who do you think is the most underrated character? Overrated?

 

One of the many things I love about Poptropica is its plethora of unique characters. When I first started blogging about the game, this was one aspect I could not stop talking about! I often would give my personal ranking of characters, including those which I considered to be the most underrated. Atop my list was Dr. Spyglass from Spy Island. Not only is he an excellent eye doctor, but he’s also the genius inventor behind iconic spy gadgets such as the chameleon suit and grappling bowtie! Despite this scientist’s creations being the means in which you save the island, I feel he doesn’t get the credit he deserves. I mean, I get he’s all secretive and spy-like, but it would be nice to see him pop up from time to time.

 

Speaking of popping up from time to time, I would have to say the zombies from Zomberry Island may be Poptropica’s most overrated characters. I may need to get my eyes checked by Dr. Spyglass, but I feel like I keep seeing them show up everywhere! Given their ambiguous purpose, do they really deserve so much of the spotlight?

 

Dr. Spyglass

 

Zombies

 

3. What are your favorite scenes, aesthetically and to play through?

 

The first scene that comes to mind is the Jersey Devil jumpscare in Cryptids Island. This scene is just as fun to watch someone else play through as it is to play through yourself! The tense buildup is executed so well, from the unnerving bathroom stall directions, to the dark, creepy house in the middle of the woods, and of course we can’t forget the window peerin’, breath stealing, fate sealing Jersey Devil!

 

Aesthetically, I have a soft spot for the Nøkken scene in Twisted Thicket Island. On par with the Jersey Devil in terms of creepiness, the Nøkken’s luminescent red paw prints against the dark, verdant forest is just *chef’s kiss*. Absolutely terrifying, but *chef’s kiss*.

 

Jersey Devil

 

Beware the Nøkken by Sporty Boa

 

4. From your perspective, how have you seen the Poptropica Help Blog (PHB) and community change over time?

 

From my perspective, the Poptropica community has had its ebbs and flows. Since joining back in 2017, I’ve always viewed the PHB as not just a blog, but as a cornerstone of the community. While being a reliable source of information and news, the PHB helps bring together Poptropica fans, me included, providing space for people to share valued ideas, theories and stories. Through thick and thin, I’ve learned to appreciate the space we’re granted, and the community we share.

 

Sporty Boa and his cat in Smash, Crackle, POP! by Gentle Dolphin

 

Bright Brothers Whimm — Fierce Flyer & Sporty Boa for Halloween 2021

 

5. How has your PHB career surprised you?

 

During my time with the PHB, I’m always pleasantly surprised when it comes to our community engagement events such as the Tribal Tournament and the Poppies. It’s such an honor to be a part of these positive, unifying, and genuinely fun experiences in our community!

 

Sporty Boa – Halloween 2020

 

Sporty Boa – Poppies 2021

 

Sporty Boa – Halloween 2022

 

6. What inspires you?

 

I can be easily inspired by the natural world, my family, a kind word, and works of art. Though, what inspires me the most is actually the potential to inspire others. Knowing that I can plant a seed within someone that may blossom into something beneficial and beautiful is a rewarding feeling worth striving for.

 

African folktale trickster, Anansi the spider of stories

 

Busch Borrower: Pirate of the Forest

Illustrations by Sporty Boa

 

7. What does the Pop community mean to you?

 

It means so much, honestly. Poptropica is a special game that has a special community. Both hold an equally cherished place in my heart.

 

8. How have your experiences with the community and Poptropica influenced you IRL?

 

IRL, I’ve always been a relatively timid person. The Poptropica community was the first online community I had joined and truly felt a part of. It allowed me to open up, both online and in real life, allowing me to recognize that my unique personality wasn’t something to shy away from, but value.

 

Doctor Trio (Hare, Beev, Nyan) by Sporty Boa

 

9. Outside of Poptropica and your PHB involvement, what are you passionate about?

 

Outside of the Poptropica community, I am an avid wildlife enthusiast. Whether extant or extinct, the diversity of life on Earth never ceases to amaze me. Conservation, education, and respect towards the natural world are things I’m quite passionate about.

 

My Pet Goat: One of these cuddly hircines may have a date with danger.

 

Favorites

• Island: It will always be Cryptids Island for me, but I’ll throw Shark Tooth Island and Reality TV in there solely off nostalgia and good vibes.
• Backstory/Lore: Mordred/Binary Bard is such an interesting character with a fascinating backstory. It just adds to the awe and epicness of Astro-Knights Island!

 

Merlin and Mordred by Sporty Boa

 

Character: Dr. Beev, Ishmael, Harold Mews… Poptropica has so many notable characters! Some of my personal favorites are:

• Shark Guy (Shark Tooth Island): Hilarious, relatable and educational all wrapped up in a shark-shaped package!
• Ishmael (SOS): As a fellow whale-lover, I vibe with Ish! (Also, if whale call gadgets are an actual thing, I’d love one!)
• Harold Mews (Cryptids): A kind-hearted millionaire with a passion for conservation, who would have thunk?
• Dr. Beev: Why wood’nt Beev be on this list?

 

 

Villains

• Director D (Spy Island): He’s got the drip, the wit, and the wig, what more could you ask for in a villain?
• Gretchen Grimlock (Cryptids): What makes GG stand out to me in terms of villainous characters is that she’s not just presented as a rival to your Poptropican, but also an imminent and dangerous threat.
• Black Widow & The Strange Man (Counterfeit): Poptropica really nailed it with these two! They had cool designs, wove into the story well, and their individual arcs of deceit and redemption were well executed.

 

Costume: An iconic symbol of do-goodership and courageous adventure, the Robin Hood costume has a special place in my heart… and my closet!

 

 

Thanks for having me! This Boa’s gotta bounce!

 

– SB  ?

 

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Massive thank you to Sporty Boa for sharing their story with us, it was delightful to get to know you. Read more of Sporty Boa’s contributions to the Pop community on the Poptropica Help Blog!

Season’s greetings, Poptropicans!

 

You’re in for a treat today. Days 7 and 8 of the 12 Days of Member Gifts have deposited some holiday gems in your inventories. Shall we dive into the double reveal? Without further ado, new gifts await!

 

 

Our lucky seventh winner of the Holly Jolly Holiday Contest goes to Just Chillin’ by Magic Kid! Brace the cold with brand new blizzard attire, complete with a frozen beanie, icy jean jacket, orange shirt, and your trusty shovel. Thawesome design, Magic Kid! ❄️

 

 

As for today, the 8^th surprise gift is a Candy Cane Soldier by Cuddly Panda! Deck your Poptropican out in red and white stripes from head to toe. The sweet costume includes peppermint twist hair, red tie, tricolor sweater vest, and jumbo candy cane. Congrats, Cuddly Panda – it was peppermint to be! ❤️?

 

Congratulations to the latest round of holiday contest winners. Sound off in the comments section with your fellow Poptropicans! What do you think of these new additions?

 

Friendly reminder: there are still 4 more days of member gifts to be awarded. Don’t forget to log in every day to see what other player-designed treasures you’ve received

Today’s marks the halfway point of our 12 Days of Member Gifts special event!

 

As we move into the second half of the gift exchange, it’s only fitting that the 6^th round of player-designed surprises is something magical to treat your ‘elf with! ?

 

Let’s give it up for Day 6’s winner…

 

 

Elf Costume by Purple Noodle! Deck your Popsona out with the ensemble’s red and green beanie (with a pom-pom), striped collared shirt, and belted pants. Congratulations, Purple Noodle – your ‘elf-made costume is one for the books! ??

 

Remember to check in daily to find the newest gifts awarded to your inventory. The remainder of member gifts will continue getting better and better! What surprises are you hoping to see before the event is over?

Happy Monday, Poptropicans!

 

Hope you're making the most of December, winter break is looming closer and the new year will be here in no time. Speaking of endings, we’re nearly halfway through the 12 day gift extravaganza. Who’s hyped to see the latest additions to 2022’s member gifts?

 

 

Starting with this weekend’s awarded gifts – Day 3 is a… Snowflake Follower by Scary Sword! Invite your own snowflake pal on your adventures around Poptropica. There’s snow better way to see the islands! ❄️☃️

 

 

Next up, Day 4 is an incredibly festive Reindeer Costume, designed by Silver Fox! ? Try on the outfit’s antlers, colorful lights, and matching cozy onesie for the ultimate holiday look. Are you feeling festive yet? 

 

 

Last, but certainly not least, is today’s member gift – the Sleigh, courtesy of Shiny Flyer’s design! Equip the Sleigh to give your Popsona’s travels an extra layer of pizzazz. Will you be slaying or sleigh-ing this season? ?✨

 

 

Congratulations to Scary Sword, Silver Fox, and Shiny Flyer for their wonderful wintery ideas – they’re treasures! More gifts are being unveiled daily. Don’t forget to check in everyday to be the first to see the new presents being awarded to members!  

Welcome back, y’all! 

 

After yesterday’s first member gift reveal, the second holly jolly holiday winner is ready to be announced! Who's excited to see the latest player-designed goodies? Let’s dive into today’s surprise. ?

 

 

Congratulations to Got School for their Bear Hoodie design! Outfit your Poptropican with the costume’s beary cozy hoodie and matching earmuffs! ?✨

 

How adorable is today’s costume? Show this design some love – well done Got School! 

 

Don’t forget to check in every day find the newest surprise that’ll be waiting in your inventories, members! Until tomorrow, Poptropicans. Have a marvelous weekend!

Happy 12 Days of Member Gifts, Poptropicans! ?✨

 

 

Starting today, the next 12 days will be a gargantuan present-palooza! Members will receive daily gifts, delivered to your inventories, as a thank you for your support.

 

For the first time ever, all of the gifts created for this year’s celebration were designed by your fellow Poptropicans in the Holly Jolly Holiday Design Contest! Of course, contest winners will also be gifted their designed item for free, regardless of membership status. Thank you to everyone that joined in the festive holiday contest – it was an absolute pleasure to see your creativity and holiday spirit shine! ☃️

 

Without further ado, we’re thrilled to present the 1^st of 12 winning holiday designs! Drum roll, please…. 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Perfect Heart for their Fox Outfit – splendid job! ?

 

Sound off in the comments with your first impressions, Poptropicans! Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for the second installment of player-designed holiday gifts, there’s plenty more surprises to be revealed! 

In the beginning of 2021, when the first Guest Blogger tryouts were held, I promised in my tryout that I would commit to sharing BIG news to the people of Poptropica… Hard-core knowledge that others should know, as well as super cool stuff others would WANT to know…

 

 

Ever since I GOT that Guest Blogger position I have done just that, and I took it over the TOP with my ultimate movie creation… But it doesn’t stop there!

 

…You see, in the making of this movie, I stumbled upon some veeerrrrry interesting information about Dr. Hare. …Turns out that the Big Bad Bunny ALSO had a really big and important personal Poptropica project of his own. …Back in 2013, to be exact. It’s called LEGO CUUSOO, and I have taken the liberty of gathering every old post about this project together into one spot for your convenience.

 

1. Vote for Dr. Hare’s Lair on LEGO CUUSOO– or else!
2. LEGO CUUSOO – help us get to 1,000 supporters!
3. Get your new Dr. Hare wallpaper!
4. Show your support for our LEGO CUUSOO project
5. LEGO CUUSOO update – the carrot’s on us
6. It’s time to ramp up production
7. You want these balloons. You NEED these balloons.
8. This balloon’s about to pop
9. LEGO CUUSOO project update: Dr. Hare Deluxe Balloons now available
10. LEGO CUUSOO – another milestone is in sight
11. LEGO CUUSOO – can we reach 6,000 supporters this weekend?
12. Vote and you shall receive
13. LEGO CUUSOO – to 7,500!
14. LEGO CUUSOO: The next milestone approaches, and so does a new prize!
15. Hurry for Hare ears!
16. Dr. Hare Ears Power is now available!
17. Craft your own Dr. Hare!
18. Go go CUUSOO
19. LEGO CUUSOO – the drive to 10,000!
20. Vote for us on LEGO CUUSOO and get a new Rabbot paper craft!
21. LEGO CUUSOO – the drive to 10,000 and a new prize looms
22. LEGO CUUSOO – we reached 10,000!
23. A legendary fan project

 

Ok, Did you read all those posts? …What am I saying, NO ONE would pay attention to a 23-post list! (...Or maybe they would. Who knows? Humans are so unpredictable.)

 

…But here’s the summary: Dr. Hare would show off his master creation many different times so that more people would find it. As Dr. Hare himself said, “Let’s cast our support for this project, and bug -- er, urge -- our friends and family to do the same.” 

 

I bet you’re thinking, “Oh, is THAT why you’re showing off your movie yet AGAIN, Invisible Ring?” 

 

…Yes! Yes it is. Like Dr. Hare, I am intent on sharing my greatest genius work with EVERYONE, believing strongly that it’s something that the whole WORLD needs to see. …Dr. Hare’s Lego project never got off the ground in the end, and there’s a chance that my movie won’t get off the ground either. But the Hare NEVER gives up! And neither do I.

 

 

And being the vigilant funny bunny I am, I shall continue to doctor up more front-page posts, bring more big surprises, and exploit more epic secrets and insights. …You MIGHT find my movie popping up in another post or 2 later on, though. …Self-promotion is rather diabolical, but a TRUE genius doesn’t use that hare-y tactic without an excuse! …Er, REASON, I mean. …Whatever you call it. You see, my signature piece works as a reference to some of my posts… Such as my detective post or THIS post, for that matter! …But nevertheless, as a guest blogger, I am still striving to break the ice, bust out the big news, and blow all your minds to smithereens! BWAA HA HA HA!...

 

So see you next month, Poptropicans!

Meet Fierce Flyer!

 

 

1. How were you first introduced to Poptropica?

 

It’s all thanks to my sister really. I remember back in elementary school, in the late 2000s, I would look forward to staring at her computer screen. Well, up until the day I thought to myself, “Hey, maybe I should give this Poptropica thing a try myself!”

 

2. Who do you think is the most underrated character? Overrated?

 

A name that immediately comes to mind for me as criminally underrated is Merlin. I feel as though Merlin gets lost in the masterpiece that is Astro-Knights Island. I mean, the bird sacrifices himself to save your Poptropican. Any respect Merlin has received through the years needs to be tripled, ‘cause I don’t hear nearly enough about this saint of an owl.

 

As for overrated, it’s gotta be Dr. Hare, right? I mean, no disrespect to the doctor who decided to wear a pink bunny costume but, surely his PhD could’ve gone to better use elsewhere.

 

The way to an owl’s heart is through its stomach.

 

Dr. Hare illustrated by Fierce Flyer

 

3. What are your favorite scenes, aesthetically and to play through?

 

Purely for the aesthetics, I’ve gotta go with Episode 1 of Survival Island. I really felt like I was there, like I was freezing and needed warmth and not just in the game. Getting that full immersive experience plus the beautiful scenery, is both nostalgic and was revolutionary to Poptropica.

 

Survival Island, Ep. 1 wallpaper

 

4. From your perspective, how have you seen the Poptropica Help Blog (PHB) and community change over time?

 

Change is inevitable. In the Pop community, the biggest changes that I dealt with were fellow bloggers and Poptropica enthusiasts coming and going. But through it all, my fond memories with them remain dear to my heart, and I have a feeling they would say the same.

 

5. How has your PHB career surprised you?

 

Joining the PHB has gotta be a top 10 moment in my life in terms of excitement and happiness. I was over the moon when I was welcomed in, and was pleasantly surprised to find that through joining the blog, I also became a stronger writer.

 

Fierce Flyer at the blue carpet of the Poppies 2018

 

6. What inspires you?

 

I could go on and on about the many things I see and learn everyday that inspire me, but if I had to choose just one, it’d be my older brother and fellow PHB author Sporty Boa. He’s played a pivotal role in the progression of not only my creativity, but also my journey of becoming my best self. So, shout-out to my brotato chip!

 

Sporty Boa and Fierce Flyer at the PHB’s Flash funeral for Poptropica

 

7. What does the Pop community mean to you?

 

This community means so much to me; it’s hard to just put it in words, as corny as that sounds. I’ve recently turned 18, so I’m officially an “adult,” and I can truly say that the Poptropica community — everyone I’ve had the pleasure of meeting — will hold a special place in my childhood as a cornerstone of my life growing up.

 

8. How have your experiences with the community and Poptropica influenced you IRL?

 

Oh for sure! My blog, Fierce Flyer Adventures, began as a Poptropica site, but has also branched out a bit. I made a post 4 ½ years ago called “The Oath of Socialization” where I basically challenged myself to break out of my shell and be my authentic self around others. That post really changed my life because, although it was only supposed to last for a week, I’ve been running with it to this day.

 

Vanquish E. Vile by Fierce Flyer

 

9. Outside of Poptropica and your PHB involvement, what are you passionate about?

 

I’m super passionate about sports — all kinds, really. Anything with a ball, and sometimes a puck or wheel, I’ll be watching it. Along with that, a passion I’ve always had is creating stories. I want to be an author one day, or a director/writer for my own show or movie!

 

Fierce Black Panther by Fierce Flyer

 

Favorites

• Island: It’s a toss-up between Mystery Train and Reality TV, but I’ll give a slight edge to Mystery Train because of its captivating story and endearing characters.
• Backstory/Lore: Ringmaster Raven. Such a captivating character with a truly tragic backstory, can’t help but to feel bad for him…
• Character: My guy Edgar! Every time he showed up on my screen I was grinning, a bright spot in an otherwise disturbingly creepy environment on Monster Carnival.
• Villain: Poptropica has so many great villains, but the cake goes to Director D ‘cause as a kid, I thought he was the coolest dude ever. Here’s a hot take: I think he could rock the bald look!
• Costume: There are a lot of iconic costumes, but the one I remember the most, and always used, was the Midnight Ninja outfit. I would literally try to find any excuse possible to throw that thing on.

 

 

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Thank you to Fierce Flyer for the interview – it was an absolute pleasure and the series has been a lovely opportunity to learn more about you and the Poptropica Help Blog’s team as a whole! See more of Fierce Flyer’s writing and contributions on the PHB! ✨