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SpongeBob SquarePants
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Creation & Design

SpongeBob SquarePants was created by marine science educator Stephen Hillenburg and first appeared in a pilot episode in 1999. The character was designed to be optimistic and childlike, appealing to both children and adults.

Early Years

SpongeBob quickly became a cultural icon, leading to the creation of comic books, merchandise, and a feature film. The character's adventures in Bikini Bottom often revolve around his job at the Krusty Krab and his friendships with other sea creatures.

Character Development

Over the years, SpongeBob has evolved from a simple fry cook to a multifaceted character who embodies positivity, resilience, and the importance of friendship. His adventures often carry moral lessons, making him relatable to audiences of all ages.

Cultural Reception

SpongeBob SquarePants has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, becoming one of the most beloved animated characters in television history.

Character Details

Real Name:
SpongeBob SquarePants
First Appearance:
Marvel Comics Presents #3
Aliases:
SpongeBob, Sponge, Spongey
Species:
Sea Sponge
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
The Krusty Krab, Bikini Bottom Citizens
Abilities:
Superhuman agility, Shape-shifting, Underwater breathing
Equipment:
Spatula, Bubble Wand
Weight:
1 lb
Height:
4' 0"
Eye Color:
blue
Hair Color:
none

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Marvel Comics Presents #3
Marvel ⋅ 2008
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Marvel Comics Presents #3
 
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$2
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$3

Key Facts

Origin of the Brotherhood of Mutants

1st cameo appearance of SpongeBob SquarePants in a comic book

SpongeBob SquarePants: 3D SpongeBob Comics #1
Nickelodeon ⋅ 2008
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SpongeBob SquarePants: 3D SpongeBob Comics #1
 
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$10
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$30
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$100

Key Facts

Mini-comic distributed in the March 2008 edition of Nick Magazine

SpongeBob Comics #1
United Plankton Pictures ⋅ 2011
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SpongeBob Comics #1
 
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$18
Mid
$60
High
$180

Key Facts

1st full appearance of Spongebob Squarepants in standard U.S. comics

Previously appeared in Cine-Manga, Mad Magazine and other non-standard comic formats

Cameo appearance in Marvel Comics Presents #3 (2007 series)

A five-page preview of this issue is printed in The Simpsons #174

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[February 2022 - Paramount developing additions to the Spongebob franchise both theatrically and for their streaming platform]

SpongeBob Comics #2
United Plankton Pictures ⋅ 2011
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SpongeBob Comics #2
 
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$3
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$9
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$30

Key Facts

Cover art inspired by Rat Fink hot-rod art by Ed Roth

Copies ordered by retailers: 8,930

SpongeBob Comics #3
United Plankton Pictures ⋅ 2011
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SpongeBob Comics #3
 
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$1
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$3
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$12

Key Facts

1st cameo appearance of Plankton, two panels

SpongeBob Comics #9
United Plankton Pictures ⋅ 2012
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SpongeBob Comics #9
 
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$2
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$8
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$20

Key Facts

Copies ordered by retailers: 7,981

SpongeBob Comics #11
United Plankton Pictures ⋅ 2012
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SpongeBob Comics #11
 
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$1
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$5
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$15

Key Facts

Cover art Jacob Chabot

SpongeBob Comics #13
United Plankton Pictures ⋅ 2012
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SpongeBob Comics #13
 
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$1
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$5
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$15

Key Facts

Cover art by Jacob Chabot

SpongeBob Comics #43
United Plankton Pictures ⋅ 2015
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SpongeBob Comics #43
 
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$4
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$12
High
$45

Key Facts

Cover art by Bill Sienkiewicz featuring Spongebob imitating Wolverine

SpongeBob Annual #5
United Plankton Pictures ⋅ 2017
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SpongeBob Annual #5
 
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$1
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$5
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$15

Key Facts

Copies ordered by retailers: 3,564

SpongeBob Annual #6
United Plankton Pictures ⋅ 2018
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SpongeBob Annual #6
 
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$2
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$8
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$20

Key Facts

Final annual

Copies ordered by retailers: 3,341

SpongeBob Comics #84
United Plankton Pictures ⋅ 2018
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SpongeBob Comics #84
 
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$2
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$8
High
$20

Key Facts

Second-to-final issue

Copies ordered by retailers: 4,430

SpongeBob Comics #85
United Plankton Pictures ⋅ 2018
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SpongeBob Comics #85
 
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$1
Mid
$5
High
$15

Key Facts

Final issue, Halloween anthology of stories

Copies ordered by retailers: 4,897

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