Why the changes to the first page of Bloop?

Bloop’s writer and artist Steve Conley shares some of the thinking behind the changes seen in the revised first page of the Bloop graphic novel.

Why all the changes? A lot of reasons. I wanted Bloop to feel smaller. In previous versions, he looked too big and bouncy as he bounded through a very Earth-like forest. In this version, he’s quite a bit smaller and the two planets in the sky clearly show that we’re not in Kansas any more. Another important change was that Bloop isn’t loaded down with gear. He still has the bucket with his book and all his tools, but he no longer carries a suitcase. His rolled-up blueprints are now in the bucket as well. I wanted to free up at least one of his hands so he has more opportunities to gesture and “act.”

Regarding the over-the-top detail and texture of the environment, this book is years in the making and I feel like readers deserve a lot of effort on every page.

I hope you like it!

– Steve