Bob the Sponge is a character who was created in 1984 by Stephen Hillenburg for The Intertidal Zone. The Intertidal Zone was an educational book about undersea life, and Bob is a sea sponge, Hillenburg's favorite animal.
Unlike SpongeBob's current design, which is a squared-off tube sponge, Bob the Sponge was modeled after a circle-shaped species. Although Bob is not seen in the series, the designs of SpongeBob's parents are likely based on him. He is the early version of SpongeBob.
Creation and development[]
Stephen Hillenburg first made Bob the Sponge in 1984, for The Intertidal Zone. Bob co-starred with Rocky the Shrimp. Bob the Sponge's appearance resembled a real sea sponge, except he wore sunglasses and had a mouth to speak with.
Bob the Sponge evolved into SpongeBoy in 1996, whom later evolved into SpongeBob SquarePants in 1997.
Trivia[]
- The name of the French and old Romanian dubs of SpongeBob SquarePants, Bob l'éponge and Buretele Bob, can be translated to "Bob the Sponge."
Gallery[]
