Overview[]
Opus is perhaps the most popular character in Bloom County, certainly the most frequently appearing one (roughly 1500 of the strips). He is also the star of his own spin-off strip, "Opus". He is a very lovable and oftentimes confused little penguin. Opus first appeared in the Bloom County of June 26th, 1981, although we don't actually learn his name until February 4th, 1982. Opus's last appearance in Bloom County before Breathed retired is August 6th, 1989, though he would return in 2015 when Breathed revived the strip.
Appearance[]
For a penguin, Opus is shaped very oddly. In the earlier days of the strip, Opus looked very typical for a penguin. However, as he began to develop, he began to become quite a bit pudgier and his nose grew to an enormous size. In one Sunday strip, Binkley even notes that Opus looks more like a puffin than a penguin, to which Opus responds that Binkley looks like a carrot. Opus also wears a red bowtie which is occasionally replaced by a necktie when Opus is seeking a political position (which is then forcefully removed when he loses).
Personality[]
Opus tends to take criticisms very harshly, especially when it comes to his big nose. He also takes things they say very literally (for example, when Ronald-Ann called him a worry-wart he began protesting that he didn't have a single wart on him). He seems oblivious to the fact that he is unattractive, and often attempts to pick up women with no success, usually ending in him getting shunned or hurt.
Careers[]
Opus has had a brief stint with many careers not the least of which include:
- Meadow Party nominee for Vice-President of the United States under Bill the Cat (they ran in 1984 and 1988, though each time failed miserably)
- Tuba player for Billy and the Boingers (Formerly Deathtongue)
- Farmer
- Garbageman
- Various Bloom Picayune positions, including features and classifieds
- Rajneeshee cultist ( on an undercover mission with Milo to rescue Bill The Cat)
- Support animal (Revived Bloom County)
- Spock (in Star Trek roleplay with Cutter John, Portnoy and Hodge-Podge)