Memorable r95 Items in homage to the 950th Issue

     The Neopian Times has been remarkable for being one of the most prominent forms of exposure to aspiring writers in Neopets, as well as a trustable source of user-to-user exchange. The publication is responsible for one of the biggest – if not the biggest – artistical-related incentives to Neopets users since its creation.

     If you are, somehow, new to this iconic part of Neopian culture, here is a basic summary of what it usually embodies: it encompasses an editorial section, in which players can directly contact the official website team and learn about the latest updates; a main page full of articles often related to the Neopian calendar as well as recent events, which often mix information with entertainment; a storytelling section, in which fans of fiction often share Neopets-related stories full of fantasy, romance, or sci-fi elements; and a comic section, for those who are more fond of drawing and/or painting rather than writing, but would still love to contribute to The Neopian Times.

     All in all, the 950th is, without a doubt, an impressive milestone for Neopian culture, and of course, to this beloved newspaper publication. It may or may not be a coincidence that such a special issue is set to be released during the Month of Celebrating (December), the most joyful time of the year for Neopets, petpets, petpetpets, and owners, who can all come together and pay homage to one of the most iconic pieces of culture known to Neopia.

     With that in mind, this article aims at humbly paying tribute to The Neopian Times’ 950th issue, by listing – in no particular order – some of the most unique and memorable r95 items of Neopia, all of which can be a reminder of what it means to be a Neopian – just like our beloved newspaper itself.

     - “Blue Draik Egg”

     Neopia would not be here today if it weren’t for our beloved Neopets. They are the original inhabitants of all lands, taking every step since the dawn of this civilization to eventually turn it into what it is today.

     Over the years, evolution took its course, and eventually Draiks became a part of this world alongside other Neopet species, although for a long time quite scarcely, as their eggs rarely find the ideal conditions to hatch; the only known spot to trigger such an event is located in Meridell, and has been since affectionately called Draik Nest ever since.

     - “Urgoni”

     Many, if not most Neopets would argue that they would not be able to succeed in quite literally anything if it weren’t for their most loyal companions – petpets! These tiny creatures are known to be charismatic despite not being able to talk, and cute despite sometimes being weird.

     As a representative of petpets, we selected the “Urgoni”, who are friendly yet have difficulty in making friends – which could be a personal metaphor for a significant amount of our Neopian Times readers, who joined the world of Neopia in hopes of finding solace from offline challenges.

     - “Meepit Caution Sign”

     Some petpets are so charismatic that they develop a following of their own. Meepits are one of those, as they are widely known as troublemakers. To represent the cultural impact of petpets in Neopia, we bring you the “Meepit Caution Sign”.

     - “Illusen the Earth Faerie”

     Neopians are collectors at heart. The first official items to be primarily categorized as collectibles were Neodeck cards, and were introduced 21 years ago. Although receiving multiple ‘facelifts’ over the years, they have kept their two most important characteristics: being divided by rarity/colours and paying homage to known historical figures and heroes of Neopia.

     With the latter being taken into consideration, it’s also impossible not to note how Neopians are passionate about their own history, about remembering those of the past who allowed them to be where they are now, and celebrating those memories. As such, in this article we have brought the “Illusen the Earth Faerie” card, dedicated to one of the most well-known faeries in Neopia. Faeries have been working side by side with Neopets for a long time, in both good and bad times, and have become figures to look up to. Illusen is, arguably, one of the most celebrated of faeries all over the planet.

     - “Jhudora Plushie”

     Neopians love their heroes, but oddly enough also appreciate their villains. Some of Neopia’s biggest developments over the course of history would not have happened if certain forces of evil did not show up to shake things up.

     Back on the topic of faeries, Jhudora is one of the most well-known villains to this day, and has even grown a loyal fanbase over the years; so many Neopians like her, that there is even a “Jhudora Plushie” dedicated to her, quite a feat considering how Neopets love plushie toys.

     - “Chocolate Dr Sloth”

     Yet another well-known villain. Dr. Sloth is not a faerie, not a Neopet… no one really knows what he is. That maybe is one of the many factors as to why he is so popular, even though he is so cruel.

     Chocolates are, arguably, some of the most beloved food items of Neopia. There is even an entire ‘Chocolate Factory’ situated in Neopia Central, dedicated solely to the sweet art of Cocoa-based candies. Particularly, “Chocolate Dr Sloth” is also categorized a Gourmet food, being a popular choice amongst picky eaters and sophisticated Neopets.

     - “Festive Seasonal Usuki”

     Earlier on, we spoke about toy plushies. Back in the topic of toys, it is impossible not to think of Usuki dolls. Based on the real Neopet species Usul, the Usukis are designed in a way that they can be dressed up as anything and anyone. Particularly, the “Festive Seasonal Usuki” is a good representative of the kind-hearted spirits of Neopians, especially around this time of the year.

     - “Valentines Day Ring”

     Again, we must emphasize how warm and loving Neopets are. Although each month of the calendar year is dedicated to a specific activity (such as Celebrating in December, Sleeping in January, and so on…), you may notice how none of them is dedicated to gifting; that is because Neopians give gifts all-year round, to friends, lovers, and literally anyone in sight! And with such a huge amount of love to share, which item would be a better representative than “Valentines Day Ring”?

     - “Icy Snowball”

     Neopians know how to love and be kind, but they also know how to be assertive and violent when needed. Neopets are known for battling enemies, duelling friends, and fighting against evil in general. With such a strong Battledome culture amongst citizens of Neopia, inevitably there would be the invention of defense items and weapons. A beginner’s favourite, snowballs are known as useful and cheap tools to attack, and the “Icy Snowball” is one of the go-to choices for starters.

     - “Kauboy Hat”

     In Neopia, everyone loves a good joke, especially if it is a pun. The “Kauboy Hat” not only manages to do that by combining the words ‘cowboy’ and ‘Kau’, but also is this list’s representative of something else Neopians love: fashion! Customization and role-playing have been side by side since Neopets’ owners came into the picture. The friendship between users and Neopets is the bond that defines what Neopia is today.

      In conclusion, it is noticeable how some of the simplest of items can be, so evidently, representative elements of a rich and detailed online culture that has been documented in 950 issues of The Neopian Times. Thank you, reader, for going down memory lane with us. Let us hope for another 950 issues to come in the future!