And just like that it’s over. Five volumes covering 10 years and Bloom County is no more. Breathed had a great story in the back of Bloom County Complete Library Volume 5 about how he told the syndicate that he was quitting. He sat down and told them he was quitting unless they gave him the copyright to the strip (remember the syndicate holds all the rights to all the strips). They didn’t believe him at first and (knowing they’d still be making a ton of money as long as it was Breathed doing the strips) finally agreed. He took the copyright and then quit a few months later. He admits that it was the plan all along, and he knows it was a dick move, but he felt no qualms about it. So, let’s see what happens as the strip draws to a close.

At times, you can tell that Breathed was bored with the strip. There are a lot of storylines that just go nowhere. After the brilliant election story line in 1984, the 1988 election story just kind of meanders around and doesn’t go anywhere. You can also tell you Breathed’s art is expanding and getting better and bumping up against the limits of the shrinking comic page (especially in his Sunday strips). There are still a few interesting storylines though. We have Steve Dallas kidnapped by aliens and becoming sensitive new age Steve Dallas. And Donald Trump becoming Bill the Cat was interesting for a little while. We also get the last of the major characters when Ronald Ann joins the crew.

But overall, Bloom County just kind of limped into the finish. You could tell that Breathed just didn’t have the same energy or enthusiasm that he had previously for doing Bloom County style stories. It was sad to see it go, but we’ll still have the memories (five volumes of memories). While this volume wouldn’t be the first one I’d grab when I want to read some Bloom County, it’s still has some funny stuff and a nice ending strip. Recommended.