Tumblr is a social media platform rife with negativity. Despite the site’s relative popularity with over thirty million active users, Tumblr’s reputation for toxicity is often a reality for even the most casual site users. With entire blogs dedicated to self-harm and the complicated world of the site’s views of social justice, it’s sometimes hard to stay positive when browsing.
Except when Bohug is involved.
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Bohug is a simple character. Debuting on the blog “My Silly Comics” on May 25th, 2018 in a comic where he writes an essay for his owner, it was Bohug’s simplicity that first allured Tumblr users. After all, the appeal of My Silly Comics for many was their relative simplicity. Using few words and uncomplicated art, artist Claire, of My Silly Comics is a champion of delivering punchlines and smiles within a limited, simplistic space.
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Bohug was the natural result of Claire’s talents, combining her narrative skills with a comforting, cuddly mascot. It’s no wonder that Bohug found such a loving audience on Tumblr. With the words “my best friend” permanently emblazoned on his chest, positivity and acceptance is the very center of Bohug’s personality. In additional comics that he has debuted in, Bohug can be seen encouraging Tumblr users to continue living, gardening, and encouraging intersectionality within Pride parades.
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Bohug took the world by storm immediately upon arrival, but his fame truly hit a peak once Claire revealed that Bohug was based off of an actual toy that she had owned since early childhood. Tumblr had already loved Bohug for his loveable appearance in My Silly Comics, but seeing real photos of him shot him directly into the spotlight.
Something about how well-loved Bohug obviously was struck a chord with Tumblr users, and the floodgates opened. Fanart, small animatics, and even patches began popping up from various users, all enamoured with the patchy stuffed animal.
In the Siberian hellscape that Tumblr.com can be, it’s comforting to know that Bohug’s message of love and positivity exists. The sheer amount of love that his owner puts forth into maintaining his wellbeing is incredible—she occasionally posts updates of Bohug’s successful repairs.
“Bohug represents my childhood in a way, especially the good parts of it,” she says. “He is full of love and kindness . . . He’s like the Velveteen Rabbit. He’s been loved and loved and loved much that, even though he looks so much different than he originally did, he has a soul. He’s real to me. I know he’s a stuffed animal on the outside but Bohug is a lot more than that.”
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And at the end of the day, Claire’s words ring the true reason behind Bohug’s popularity. In introducing Bohug to the internet, Claire has not just made Bohug her comfort object—she has made him an entire site’s comfort object. He represents familiarity, gentleness—something Tumblr.com is greatly in need of these days. Bohug is the result of the kindness and love of Claire, and to give that relationship a tangible form through art has solidified Bohug’s presence.
Go cuddle a stuffed animal. It’s what Bohug would want.
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