In the 1980s, the comic strip Bloom County was a cultural phenomenon. Created by cartoonist Berkeley Breathed, this satirical strip featured a cast of quirky characters that included Opus the penguin, Bill the cat, and Milo Bloom – a young journalist. At its height, Bloom County appeared in over 1200 newspapers across the United States and won Breathed a Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning.
But What Happened to Bloom County?
After a successful decade-long run, Breathed decided to end Bloom County in 1989. He cited creative burnout and a desire to move on to other projects as his reasons for ending the strip. Fans were disappointed but understood that all good things must come to an end.
However, in 2015, something unexpected happened. Breathed revived Bloom County after a 25-year hiatus and began publishing new strips online. The decision to bring back the beloved comic was motivated by Breathed’s frustration with the current political climate and his desire to use his art as a form of social commentary.
The Return of Opus and Friends
Fans were ecstatic at the news of Bloom County’s return. The new strips featured familiar characters like Opus and Bill the cat as well as new ones like Facebook-addicted millennials and an anthropomorphic slice of bacon. The strip tackled contemporary issues like politics, technology, and social media with its trademark wit and irreverence.
The revival of Bloom County has been met with critical acclaim. It has been praised for its ability to stay true to its roots while also addressing modern-day concerns. Many have noted that Breathed’s return is especially timely given the current state of American politics.
The Future of Bloom County
As for what comes next for Bloom County, only time will tell. Breathed has stated that he plans to continue publishing the strip online but has no plans to return to print. He has also hinted at the possibility of collaborating with other artists and writers in the future.
- Regardless of what happens next, one thing is clear: Bloom County remains a beloved part of American pop culture.
- Its legacy as a satirical and insightful comic strip is secure, and its return has been welcomed by fans old and new.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of Bloom County is one of creative success, hiatus, and ultimately, revival. The return of Berkeley Breathed’s beloved comic strip after a 25-year absence has been met with excitement and critical acclaim.
Its ability to address contemporary issues while staying true to its roots is a testament to Breathed’s talent as a cartoonist. As fans eagerly await new strips from Opus and friends, it’s clear that Bloom County’s legacy continues to endure.