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Bloom County Relaunch
Bloom County: Brand Spanking New Day
The latest collection of Berkeley Breathed’s recently revived Bloom County comic strip features ALL-NEW strips from 2016 and 2017, that have NEVER appeared in print before (never ever!!). These newly-minted masterpieces present the continuing adventures of Opus, Bill the Cat, Steve Dallas, and the rest of the delightful denizens of Bloom County—and heaven knows how we survived all those years without you!
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2017
89 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Berkeley Breathed
90 books415 followersGuy Berkeley "Berke" Breathed is an American cartoonist, children's book author/illustrator, director, and screenwriter, best known for Bloom County, a 1980s cartoon-comic strip which dealt with socio-political issues as seen through the eyes of highly exaggerated characters (e.g. Bill the Cat and Opus the Penguin) and humorous analogies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 8, 2018
Enjoyable but not as funny as others. But, I love some of the new characters so I hope they continue to show up.
April 16, 2022
Bloom County was one of my favorite places to visit back in the 1980s. Berkeley Breathed's world had fantastic humor, memorable characters, and a way of skewering the politics, trends, and celebrities of the day that was fresh and on-point. When he decided to bring back Opus and company with new comics on his Facebook page in order to take on the madness that was the world in the campaign and election of 2016, I was delighted. He mixed the usual Bloomian commentary on all the weirdness with a touching story about Sam the Lion--and he gave Steve Dallas a heart in the process.
Brand Spanking New Day is the second printed collection to come out of Breathed's return to Bloom County and it was a delight to read. The return of Bloom County was one of the few bright spots in the long, dark night that was 2016-2020.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
Brand Spanking New Day is the second printed collection to come out of Breathed's return to Bloom County and it was a delight to read. The return of Bloom County was one of the few bright spots in the long, dark night that was 2016-2020.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
August 3, 2018
I keep forgetting you can review more than prose on here. Anyways. Bloom County is an old favourite from the 90's and I was very happy when Berke came out of retirement to have a go at Trump. This second collection maintains the quality, zany comedy and the development of his characters. Made me snicker, giggle and annoy the family as I went through it in one sitting.
July 5, 2018
Love me some Opus and Berk Breathed.
January 14, 2018
Bloom County is a wonderful comic strip that flourished in the 1980's and then abruptly disappeared when the author retired. Now, over 25 years later, Berkeley Breathed has come out of retirement and brought back the strip, now available daily online. His characters of Opus the Penguin, Bill the Cat, Steve Dallas and many children poke fun at our society with gentle humor and great humanity. The best thing about the online Bloom County is that the author draws them in real time, meaning that he can tackle developing events in the real world, rather than use the one or two month delay typical in the cartooning world. A short book but a lovely one..
August 18, 2018
I love classic Bloom County - it was something my dad and I bonded over as a kid. Which is part of why I was so disappointed with this collection of the relaunch. While the art is as good or better than before, the content is much weaker. Classic Bloom County managed to be timeless as well as timely - while it was responding to the news of the day, it also didn't require you to know what had happened to enjoy it. This new volume? Not so much. Less than two years old and it already feels dated; I would have appreciated it if there had been at least a date and headlines below many of the comics so you could see exactly what it was a response to (although many are painfully clear). It also feels kind of phoned in - all of the characters are doing what they did before, but it felt like it was because they had done them before. It feels sketched in, rather than actually earned.
And it is overtly political. It's always been political, but perhaps the fact that the political is so absurd means that trying to out-absurd it pushes past parody and loses its punch.
There are still a number of good moments; the basselope is still a warm and winning creature, and some of the new denizens of Bloom County seem to have some promise. But for it to already feel this dated so soon is not a good thing, and I can't see this volume standing up as well as the classic ones did.
And it is overtly political. It's always been political, but perhaps the fact that the political is so absurd means that trying to out-absurd it pushes past parody and loses its punch.
There are still a number of good moments; the basselope is still a warm and winning creature, and some of the new denizens of Bloom County seem to have some promise. But for it to already feel this dated so soon is not a good thing, and I can't see this volume standing up as well as the classic ones did.
July 30, 2018
Berke Breathed returns to Bloom County, in a volume that attempts to make sense of the insanity of 2016 in the US. I found it strangely comforting, and disquieting. Life is like that, especially these days. It's an odd form of therapy, but one that's effective, if you grew up with Bloom County. They're just as disturbed as you are. The world isn't fixed, and everything isn't all right. But you're not alone. Milo, Opus, Bill, Steve, Binkley, and Cutter John are all back, and they've brought some new people to the party. Also, they're just as upset as you are. Highly, highly recommended.
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July 13, 2024I think it's a testament to ol' Berke's core strengths that I can't really find anything too negative to say about the Bloom County reboot, despite it not really being any kind of real successor to the original in most of the ways Bloom County was so great.
First, Breathed's art skills are on point. He's every bit as ambitious and idiosyncratic with the frame as he was in the 80s, when he ended Bloom County's original run at the age of 32 (!!!...!!!) (that's a parenthetical double-take for you). The characters look and gesticulate as they should, plus courtesy of these being Facebook offerings we often have the gift of frames he's labored over to add color and shading that the newspaper wouldn't allow for.
Frankly, the "Facebook offerings" thing is important context. You'll get a better outcome when you think of these as treats for fans, rather than evaluate them against the standards of a daily strip written to the standards of a major syndicate during the medium's heyday. While your favorite musician or author might take up painting for self-expression in their retirement, Breathed has chosen to work in the same medium and with the same characters he employed in his career. But be ye not misled. Don't expect the punchlines to hit as hard (or even to necessarily be more than references to whatever Breathed was seeing that week in the news and how it affected him, or a variation of the last strip's punchline), or the commentary to be as pithy.
After all there's less you can say about Trump and his acolytes than you could say in the Reagan Eighties when the moderate and conservative wings of the GOP were still sorting themselves out, and Steve Dallas's Buckley Jr.-meets-hedonist thing made more sense. Trump and his are a piano banging on one note over a thousand other songs, unignorable but also impossible to really derive any meaning from without just banging louder on a different note (which is just another way of playing his game). Taking the man seriously is a trap, as is not taking him seriously. So I think it's fitting that now more than ever, Bloom County is about characters being battered by the world at large, as they try to find community and solace in a cosmos that seems devoid of reason and understanding. Somewhere in new character Abby's world-weary eyes and unabashed loopiness lies something I understand, living in this era, whether or not the jokes they're attached to fully land.
First, Breathed's art skills are on point. He's every bit as ambitious and idiosyncratic with the frame as he was in the 80s, when he ended Bloom County's original run at the age of 32 (!!!...!!!) (that's a parenthetical double-take for you). The characters look and gesticulate as they should, plus courtesy of these being Facebook offerings we often have the gift of frames he's labored over to add color and shading that the newspaper wouldn't allow for.
Frankly, the "Facebook offerings" thing is important context. You'll get a better outcome when you think of these as treats for fans, rather than evaluate them against the standards of a daily strip written to the standards of a major syndicate during the medium's heyday. While your favorite musician or author might take up painting for self-expression in their retirement, Breathed has chosen to work in the same medium and with the same characters he employed in his career. But be ye not misled. Don't expect the punchlines to hit as hard (or even to necessarily be more than references to whatever Breathed was seeing that week in the news and how it affected him, or a variation of the last strip's punchline), or the commentary to be as pithy.
After all there's less you can say about Trump and his acolytes than you could say in the Reagan Eighties when the moderate and conservative wings of the GOP were still sorting themselves out, and Steve Dallas's Buckley Jr.-meets-hedonist thing made more sense. Trump and his are a piano banging on one note over a thousand other songs, unignorable but also impossible to really derive any meaning from without just banging louder on a different note (which is just another way of playing his game). Taking the man seriously is a trap, as is not taking him seriously. So I think it's fitting that now more than ever, Bloom County is about characters being battered by the world at large, as they try to find community and solace in a cosmos that seems devoid of reason and understanding. Somewhere in new character Abby's world-weary eyes and unabashed loopiness lies something I understand, living in this era, whether or not the jokes they're attached to fully land.
January 19, 2018
Bloom County shenanigans are back in Berkeley's new book. The denizens of Bloom County really have a way of taking current events and cranking them up a notch to show us how absurd they can be. Since he is writing freer and not constrained to a newspaper deadline, he can respond quickly to current events. This is evident in this book. However, without proper context, I feel some of the jokes will be lost as time passes. It would have been nice to include a little note, or date, of the original posting of some of the comics, like when Carrie Fisher died, so that ten years from now, we can understand how disheartening Opus feels. Overall, the book is great and will bring laughter into your world.
November 8, 2017
While not as revolutionary, or as enjoyable, as 1980s era Bloom County, this compilation of Breathed's recent works is still entertaining. I enjoyed re-visiting many of the earlier characters, but it's obvious that Breathed has moved on from the self-absorbed, womanizing portrayal of Steve Dallas (likely due to changing cultural/political influences) and has cut back on the craziness of Cutter John. Most notable however, is the lack of trying to explain Bill the Cat's catatonic state-of-shock. In the original series Bill the Cat's condition was described as having been caused by heavy drug use. In this collection, I don't recall one reference to pharmaceuticals.
August 26, 2019
The second collection of the return of Opus and crew. The author came out of retirement through facebook, so I've seen these as they appeared, however that doesn't take away from the enjoyment of reading them in one sitting.
To be honest, it's Bloom county, so you know the characters, you know what you're going to get, there's nothing here that's going to be a massive surprise, although the cameo of Billy and the Boingers is a nice touch.
The only issue may be as it is done in real time trying to hook up some of the references, esp for the non americans amongst us, may not be easy, but even so, it's still well worth reading
To be honest, it's Bloom county, so you know the characters, you know what you're going to get, there's nothing here that's going to be a massive surprise, although the cameo of Billy and the Boingers is a nice touch.
The only issue may be as it is done in real time trying to hook up some of the references, esp for the non americans amongst us, may not be easy, but even so, it's still well worth reading
January 28, 2018
I have missed seeing Berkeley Breathed's Bloom County; his type of humor has me laughing, snorting, chuckling, and chuffing. So 'Brand Spanking New Day' was a treat. It covers 2016, which was such a fertile year for Mr. Breathed brand of humor. From politics to general life, I looked forward to every page. Imagine Opus trying to make Game of Thrones appropriate for family hour, the Snark Knights of the Realm, MetLife tossing Snoopy out, and, of course, the election.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
November 9, 2018
I have dim but nostalgic memories of my first encounters with the original Bloom County strip. Was definitely one of the first comics I read, in the early/mid 1990s, that wasn't at least on the face of it for kids (ie: Garfield and the like). Had a dim awareness of the 2015 Bloom County relaunch but hadn't gone out of my way to find it. Particularly enjoyed it's riff on MAGA and the Trump 2016 campaign. Overall I liked it, but perhaps due to my age, the absurdism seemed a bit less fresh than in past.
September 1, 2019
I discovered Bloom County a few years ago, and by this point have read all the books at least three times. The characters are unforgettable, the dialogue is witty, and it never fails to make me smile. The reboot is making me laugh harder than ever. His drawing style has evolved but is still recognizable, and the coloring is leveled-up by the advent of Photoshop. It's nice to finally get the references, not to mention that there is now more social commentary and sweetness mixed in with the hilarity. Plus, Trump bashing!
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December 7, 2022Weird to re-experience the election of Trump in 2016 with some of my favorite comic characters of all time. I almost feel bad for them, knowing the pandemic still lurks in their future. Mr. Breathed is sometimes a little too liberal/centrist (as opposed to leftist) to my taste but whatever. This is probably the most true-to-the-original reboot that's ever been made and I'm enjoying the return to this classic.
March 26, 2018
Poignant and funny, I have missed this place so much! Going back to Bloom County is going back to a happier time, when things were simple...and Opus captured my feelings on so many things...
Like Steve though, I too am changed by time, and yet, there is still a little rebellion left in us both.
Mr. Breathed, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Jim
Like Steve though, I too am changed by time, and yet, there is still a little rebellion left in us both.
Mr. Breathed, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Jim
June 8, 2018
Living in a world of dwindling resources turning on the threads of a continually downward spiraling populous ever encroaching on ones privacy and sanity I find that sometimes I just need the warm hug of humorously drawn characters reveling in the Joy of living the Dream we all once thought we shared.
December 14, 2018
This collection is where we get more with Sam the Lion, which really brings heart to Steve Dallas in particular. As Steve was my fave character on the first go around, I'm tickled pink to have this new side to him - it opens up so many possibilities, including some beautiful things that came after. Can't wait for the next collection!
October 31, 2019
Hilarious review of troubled times: with adorable/ yet not Disney cute characters.
The comic is perfect for this heartbreaking and awful time, where if you ignore the idiots, you can still live with love. Perfectly on target. Ugh to Bill the cat. He’s too gross tho that’s the point!
The comic is perfect for this heartbreaking and awful time, where if you ignore the idiots, you can still live with love. Perfectly on target. Ugh to Bill the cat. He’s too gross tho that’s the point!
February 13, 2018
This was a good collection which starts where Bloom County Episode XI: A New Hope left off. All of the familiar flavor and a new character to boot!
January 5, 2021
A collection of new cartoons from the revival period 2015-2017, up to and including the 2016 election.
More absurd, if that's possible, than the original strip. I found myself laughing out loud on almost every page. It is a wonder to behold.
More absurd, if that's possible, than the original strip. I found myself laughing out loud on almost every page. It is a wonder to behold.
January 28, 2024
Really good bits in here. He was writing this up through the 2016 election, and the comic strips immediately after are really hilarious. The best bits are about Snoopy’s “firing” from MetLife and the ensuring competition to replace him from other cartoon animals.
September 18, 2017
Part two of the return. Breathed has saved the daily comic as a forum for social satire by adapting to the new media. Bravo!
October 4, 2017
Breathed's humor continues to be on point and bring fresh insights.
October 12, 2017
I missed you guys.....
December 6, 2017
A beautiful book, Illustrations and comics are wonderful.
December 25, 2017
The second volume of the revitalised BLOOM COUNTY. For the die-hard fans only though. If you are new to this American treasure I would suggest you start from the beginning from back in the 80's. All the strips have been collected. Have fun!
January 8, 2018
Beautiful and sweet. A cast of lovely characters.
January 31, 2018
Always love Bloom County!
June 23, 2018
A new Bloom County! We need more of this! A good effort, that comes close to the magnitude of humour of the original strips... close, but not quite.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews