Loose Tails
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Berkeley Breathed |
| Products | Bloom County comic strip compilation |
| Parent | Little, Brown and Company |
Loose Tails marks the inaugural compilation of the Bloom County comic strip series created by Berkeley Breathed. Released in 1983 by Little, Brown and Company, this volume exists in at least two editions. While the front cover and content remain consistent, subsequent editions swapped the original serious author biography on the back cover for a humorous parody.
The next installment in the series is Toons For Our Times.
Summaries of Key Story Arcs
- Senator Bedfellow encounters hostility during a visit to Bobbi Harlow's fourth-grade classroom. The question posed: "How did you launder the Libyan kickback money, Senator Bedfellow?" (p1, 4 strips)
- Steve Dallas takes Bobbi Harlow out on a date in his golden Jeep, featuring a license plate that reads "HORNY." (p3, 3 strips)
- The arrival of Cutter John in Bloom County captivates Bobbi Harlow. (p6, 6 strips)
- Santa Claus pays a visit to Milo Bloom, explaining labor disputes; elves are on strike and replaced by dismissed air traffic controllers. (p10, 9 strips)
- Otis Oracle assumes the role of Grand Wizard within the local chapter of the Moral Majority. (p16, 3 strips)
- Milo Bloom serves as a waiter during the county's New Year's Eve celebration. (p18, 6 strips)
- A conversation between Charles, Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales revolves around potential baby names, including "Prince Butch." (p22, 3 strips)
- As a reporter for the Bloom Beacon, Milo Bloom persistently questions Senator Bedfellow. (p23, 5 strips)
- The character Opus the Penguin debuts as the new pet of Michael Binkley. (p27, 3 strips)
- On a college campus, Milo Bloom and Michael Binkley organize a protest against nuclear weapons and recruit supporters. (p29, 5 strips)
- Following an arrest linked to a school report on penguin evolution, Milo Bloom becomes central to debates during the Penguin Trial. (p34, 7 strips)
- Cockroaches become a nuisance for Major Bloom. (p39, 3 strips)
- The visit of The Rolling Stones to a Bloom County school dance sparks conflict with the Moral Majority. (p41, 8 strips)
- Cutter John meets the mother of Bobbi Harlow. (p46, 2 strips)
- A hunting trip with his father is experienced by Michael Binkley. (p49, 4 strips)
- Attempting to uncover dirt on Senator Bedfellow, Milo Bloom asks: "Will you confirm that you sunk Jimmy Hoffa in your backyard pond?" (p51)
- After a nuclear plant leak in Bloom County, residents wear radiation masks while Milo Bloom performs "Split-Atom Blues." (p57, 5 strips)
- Mistakenly sent to the dog pound, Opus the Penguin shares a cell with a dog carrying a switchblade. (p59, 4 strips)
- A neighborhood baseball game exposes Michael Binkley's pitching shortcomings and reveals an overconfident shortstop in Cutter John. (p70, 6 strips)
- A town meeting suggests instituting a freeze on nuclear arms. (p74, 4 strips)
- The introduction of marketing disaster character Bill the Cat, with promotion of "Bill the Cat" merchandise such as shirts and tote bags. (p79)
- When set up with Steve Dallas, Bobbi Harlow's cousin Quiche Lorraine is introduced. (p82, 4 strips)
- To protest serving birds as food, Opus and friends stage an occupation at KFC: "Sir, some of my best friends are chickens." (p87, 3 strips)
- Opus's relatives from the Falklands express confusion regarding the Falklands War. (p89, 4 strips)
- The group watches "Space Raiders of the Lost Extraterrestrial Shark," with a humorous note: "No flightless seabirds admitted under age two." (p93, 5 strips)
- Prince Charles instructs his son in royal customs. (p96, 3 strips)
- Substitute-teacher Steve Dallas takes Bobbi Harlow's class to a bar for lessons on observing human behavior. (p98, 6 strips)
- The low-budget film "E.P. - The Extraterrestrial Penguin," starring Opus and friends and directed by Milo, is produced. (p102, 4 strips)
- Milo and Binkley form a musical band; however, Binkley becomes overly enthusiastic. (p104, 5 strips)
- Oil exploration begins on Milo's Meadow through leasing arrangements. (p107, 3 strips)
- Opus works as film critic for the Bloom Beacon using descriptors such as "Flop," "A disaster," and "Terminally putrid." (p109, 3 strips)
- Steve Dallas attempts to woo Bobbi Harlow with a love sonnet: "In my dreams / you're all I sees / Boobs, butt, and knees / Be my main squeeze." (p121, 5 strips)
- The character Blondie is introduced; she captures Binkley's affection and he invites her to see Pink Floyd The Wall, accompanied by critters acting as chaperones. (p129, 9 strips)
- Milo directs the school's Christmas pageant featuring Opus playing a cow. (p140, 5 strips)
- Returning as waiter at New Year's party duties fall again to Milo; Opus serves effectively as bouncer. (p146, 6 strips)