Bloom County's Berke Breathed is retiring

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jonas Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 04:24 AM EST

Once again, Breathed pulls the plug on his faithful fans. It's unlikely there will be strips that reach the caliber of Bloom County. He should have just kept it going. Now with this I say screw 'im. I don't care anymore - He could have taken something great and made it super great but now I just see him as lame.

AmyR Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 10:33 PM EST

I first became familiar with Bloom County in 1984 when I found the first compilation book, Toons For Our Times, by accident on a bookstore shelf, and immediately I was hooked. Since then, I've been a devoted fan, through the run of every series, through the final which was just recently been posted on Salon.com. Berke Breathed and his pointed, outrageous, but still sweet satire will be greatly missed. I'm glad to see him go into creating children's books - it just feels like a natural progression.

Chocgirl Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 04:03 PM EST

I own just about every Bloom County book ever written and read them over and over they were so funny. Breathed's latest column wasn't quite the same but I always enjoyed it. Breathed has always been a breath of fresh air --though I bit Opus' breath isn't!

Karl Drexinger Sun, Nov 2, 2008 at 01:28 PM EST

Its VERY sad to see opus, and when I say opus I mean everyone/everything that was Bloom County, gone for good! I am glad that i still have those books so that they will never be truly gone. The genius (or maybe scary thing) of Berkes comics is that you can replace names like Reagan, Watt, and Weinberger with names like G.W. Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld and the jokes still work! Thanks Berke!!

Jim Rota Fri, Oct 31, 2008 at 11:18 AM EST

When Berke Breathed decided to stop publishing Bloom County in 1989 it inspired me to write a tribute song to Bloom County called The Dandelion Patch. I have since recorded this song and now it appears relevant again. You can view it on youtube.com or go to unifiedtheory.com. Here is the youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gU6x9SHKeg

"Annie" Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:32 AM EST

Bloom County, Outland, and now Opus. You all will be missed. I wish they would continue. Keep Opus alive!!!

Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 07:19 AM EST

To answer the question posted by "From the Bloom Boarding House Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:16 AM EST", I believe it was called "Mom Quest". Extremely hard to find... I kick myself for not grabbing a copy back in the day.

Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 07:13 AM EST

My introduction to Bloom County came in the early 80's, fresh out of high school, after picking up a copy of the "Penguin Dreams & Stranger Things" collection. Some of my fondest memories of those days were watching Opus, Portnoy & and Hodge-Podge jump up on Cutter John's wheelchair and see it transform into the U.S.S. Enterpoop. Any fan of the strip will remember their classic space missions to "The Untamed World of Intoxicated Nurses", or "The Wild Sorority Girls of Planet Playtex", or even "the Chunky, Spunky Planet of Mary-Lou Retton Clones". Time has a way of dating comic strips, making them silly and pointless decades later. The Reagan years are gone, and so is Cutter John. Soon, even Opus will be gone... but the memories will live on.

From the Bloom Boarding House Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:16 AM EST

I grew up in the eighties and for me, Bloom County was an integral part of my upbringing. I totally related to Binkley's insecurities and Milo's dry humor.

One of my favorite strips ever is the one where Binkley is listening to Charmin' Harmon on the radio and he announces (much to Binkley's horror) that someone has turned in MB's library book entitled "Bedwetting: Beat it Through Self-Hypnosis".

We'll miss you Opus.

P.S. Does anyone remember the Life magazine feature during the mid-eighties where Opus(and Berke B.) searches for his mom? I can't find any mention of it anywhere across the internet.

JoeC Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 09:31 AM EST

Bloom County was my fave comic strip of all time. I remember the classic one when Opus' girlfriend(Lola) revealed to him that she had a man's name tattoed on her, and when he asked whose name, she replied 'Dan Fogelberg'. Opus started screaming to Portnoy the rabbit: 'DID YOU HEAR THAT???MY GIRLFRIEND HAS DAN FOGERBURP'S NAME TATTOED ON HER! WHO THE DICKENS IS DAN FOGERBURP????????' Oh man, I am laughing as I type this. Thanks, Berke, for making me laugh so hard through the years....

Ben Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 08:49 AM EST

I was a fan of "Bloom County", but I hated "Opus" because every Sunday, it seemed all it had to offer was a new politcal attack on the Bush administration. No wonder, since Breathed imitated Garry Trudeau. The timing seems suspect since Bush is about to leave office and the election is coming up right after Breathed's announced retirement date. Good riddance to bad rubbish. The "Opus" strips weren't funny, just liberal venting.

Kadrid Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 08:32 AM EST

Bloom County is, was and will always be the greatest comic strip. I started reading it in my early teens and it informed so much of my attitudes not just towards what is funny, but in areas of politics and sociology as well. My feelings towards his most recent retirement can be perfectly summed up by Billy and The Boingers greatest (only?) hit - Mr. Breathed "U suck, but I love you."

danielle Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 08:28 AM EST

"Drop Kick Me Jesus Throught the Goal Posts of Life" is one of my favorite songs! I loved Bloom County and never really got into the other comic stips. I hae bought some his books since I have had children and I have to say "Mars Needs Moms" is one of the most funny and touching books we have, I can hardly get through it without choking up. I hope he writes many more!

Missy Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 05:34 AM EST

Just the other day I turned to my husband and said "Middle of the road, man it stank" and he properly replied "Let's run over Lionel Ritchie with a tank" Every time he retires, I realize more and more how truly great Bloom County was.

Sarah Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 11:06 PM EST

Its so sad. Not only are the strips political funny and occasionally full of sweetness but the drawings were beautfiful. It was art all the way around. I will miss his work- once again.

Emily Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 08:57 PM EST

My favorite Bloom County moment was when the "Shuttle Chair" piloted by Cutter John and Opus crashed into the Atlantic Ocean...Opus returns from the "dead" months later. When I was a kid reading it, it kind of summed up the media fascination with morbid events (i.e. the shuttle Challenger exploding)...I remember the classic headline "Shuttle Chair Piles it Into the Atlantic" being on the cover of the Bloom Picayune.

Alan of Montreal Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 07:10 PM EST

Wasn't there supposed to be an Opus movie at some point? I remember watching some TV cartoon (it may have been a Xmas special) many years ago featuring the Bloom County crew that was friggin' hilarious. They should really think about a movie.

Sandy Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 05:25 PM EST

"Bloom County" was one of the only things my six siblings and I could agree we all liked, so of course we fought over the books (I think my younger brother made off with them ultimately). And "A Wish for Wings that Work" has been required holiday viewing since it premiered in 1991 (still am wearing out the video copy). Apparently Berkeley wasn't a fan but my nieces and nephews even love it. His characters will be missed.

actingup Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 05:22 PM EST

There aren't enough words for me to express how much I LOVED "Bloom County". SO BRILLIANT. I remember standing in line to meet Berke and get one of his books signed at the University of Washington Bookstore. He was so nice and I told him how much I loved Opus. And Bill the Cat (Ack!).

Genius.

Gene Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 03:22 PM EST

I’m going to miss Opus to. It’s been one of my favorite Sunday strips over the past 5 years. That God I still have my PublicWorksComics: www.PublicWorksComics.com or I’d be even more depressed.

Missy Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 02:39 PM EST

My dad has been a big fan of Bloom County, and all things related, from the beginning, so we've always had Opus and Bill and everyone else scattered throughout our house in their many forms. I read my nieces The Last Basselope and A Wish For Wings That Work (and I'm sure, when their old enough, Babylon and the other comic strip books). We just got A Wish For Wings That Work on DVD last year, and we're turning a yearly screening of it into a family tradition. And for too many years to count now we've had two stuffed Opi (as my dad calls them) bound together with floral wire and used as a makeshift Christmas tree topper.

Aww....I'm gonna miss him!

Snarf Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 02:06 PM EST

Awwwck! Buuurp! Booo!

kodijack Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 01:48 PM EST

I will miss Berke, but now we have Pears before Swine, Deflocked, Least I could do.

Bobbie Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 12:21 PM EST

Do yourself a favor and get "Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big" at the library (kids section). My three-year-old and I both loved it. It's funny and clever. I read it over and over to her and never got sick of it which I can't say about many kids books. I'm thrilled he's going to be writing more for kids.

Mrs. Taylor Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 12:05 PM EST

I, too, had all of the books, plus the Babylon, and the record. I'll miss Bloom County so much. My absolute favorite line was when Opus and Binkley were discussing Steve Dallas' latest girlfriend: "Her name is Kimberlee, with two e's..." "Well, I'm appalled, with two p's." Classic.

Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 11:50 AM EST

Bloom County was always my first read comic through high school and college. I have read Bloom County book collection so many times that the bindings have worn out. It's hard to watch a favorite leave the scene. I still look forward to every reprinted strip in the paper or on-line.

I look forward to his books. I have "Mars Needs Moms" and treasure it. I think every mom and child should have a copy of this story of devotion.

I like to think of Berke's retirement from the strip as an end to a chapter, rather than end of an era. I'm sure his books will be a continuation of the entertainment we all enjoy.

Dan Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 11:36 AM EST

I had those books plus the "Bloom County Babylon" compendium. One of the books came with a floppy kind of 33 1/3 single tear-out record that had "We're the Boingers" on one side and "U Stink but I Luv U" on the other featuring Opus on 'lectric tuba. I loved seeing Milo and Binkley put on their own US Festival in Bloom County - "because all the money goes to us!" They even got Culture Club to show up. Portnoy nearly had a fit trying to figure out what Boy George was. Classic!

Martha Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST

Loved "Bloom County" growing up. Remember Billy and the Boingers with Bill the Cat playing his tongue? My husband and I still sometimes say "thbbt" phonetically instead of as an actual raspberry...'cause we're dorks that way. Looking forward to seeing Breathed's kids books.

Al Fredo Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 10:42 AM EST

And if you want to catch up with Opus and follow the end of the strip, Salon has them archived.

Al Fredo Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 10:38 AM EST

I've got the same 3 Bloom County compilations Adrienne mentions, well worn. Blooms County certainly was part of the 80's holy trinity (w/ Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes). Opus resurrected a few years ago seems to have retained the Bloom County charm (granted, without the full cast of characters).

I had read where Breathed was permanently retiring due to a medical condition (non-life threatening, but very painful). Since he plans to focus on children's books, maybe that condition, or at least the consequences, have been overstated.

jcarla Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 09:39 AM EST

For those who want to hear Breathed's side and a peek at his new book, this is from the interview he did on Monday. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95441421

Snsetblaze Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 09:36 AM EST

I was wondering about why the comic seemed like it was ending. I will miss Opus. I did not read them all -- but will look for the collection. I was a fan of Bloom County and have all the books. I still think about writing in Bill the Cat for president, especially now.

KateDFW Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 09:25 AM EST

It is indeed a sad day for Bloom County Fans. Without a doubt my favorite comic strip ever. My only solice is that I have every Bloom County book and I can revisit them anytime I want.

Fun trival fact, Berkley Breathed's drawings was used in the movie "Second Hand Lions". At the end of the movie, the little boy has grown up into a Cartoonist (and Josh Lucas) and all of the drawings were done by BB.

BrandonK Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 09:11 AM EST

I haven't read the newspaper for a long time, but when I did, Opus was always one of my favorites. I also have a collection of the Bloom County strips, which were wonderful.

orville Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 08:51 AM EST

I knew this was coming since I still follow "Opus" but to see it definitively in print is a sad thing indeed. All of his strips have been some of my favorites. My brother and I have been emailing them back and forth in mourning. I keep hoping for even a special strip now and again from some of my favorite retired strips (like Calvin and Hobbes), but none of them have come through. I hope Breathed will do a special strip every once in a while though. Berkeley Breathed retiring as well is another piece of my childhood and adolescence falling by the wayside. Sunday mornings will never be the same.

wildecat Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 08:48 AM EST

I kept a stuffed Opus, complete with floral shower cap and orange towel, in my bathroom for many, many years. I have, and always will, adore Opus. "Bloom County" was HUGE during my college years and my dorm room was plastered with comics I clipped. I loved how Bill the Cat was the anti-cute-kitty and how Opus rhapsodized over Diane Sawyer. It was all just so subversive and wonderfully weird to me after a steady childhood diet of "Peanuts." I'm sad that "Opus" will be leaving my Sunday paper, but intrigued to see what type of children's books Breathed will write. It's a safe bet they'll be terrific, unusual and hilarious.

Eric Friedmann Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 08:46 AM EST

I worshipped BLOOM COUNTY! It practically got me through the 1980s! Even today, I can't help but crack up with laughter when I look through the books I've still got!

flick Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 08:23 AM EST

I was a huge fan of Bloom County, although I also read it in book form. I used to read Outland in the comics, but have never really stayed up with Opus. I do think Berke Brethed is one of the most talented comic artists out there, with a range from completely bizarre to very pertinent. The closest I've seen in recent years is Stephen Pastis "Pearls Before Swine." Breather retiring is truly the end of an era.

Green Gummi Bear Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 08:10 AM EST

Bloom County was the best, THE BEST, strip ever. But gone are the days of Calvin and Hobbs, the Far Side, and Bloom County. Never TOO far to the left, I think now that the medium has moved on, the current kings of skewering life, the Daily Show, owe Milo and the gang a bit of thanks and respect.

MCM Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 08:09 AM EST

Bloom County was certainly the best of it's time, for me only Calvin and Hobbes has come close to it. Some of my fave scenarios definitely have to be those with Cutter John and Opus flying down a hill in John's wheelchair, as crew of the Starship Enterpoop. Classic. Breathed's other strips never did much for me.

kim in kentucky Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 07:01 AM EST

First the Riches and now Opus?? What else are we going to lose this week?? I LOVED Bloom County, and while Outland and Opus weren't on the same level as the original strip, they were still better than most of the other comics currently out there.