There’s just something special about that SpongeBob SquarePants fellow.
What is it about this ridiculous looking and acting cartoon character that appeals to young kids, teenagers, adults and even grandparents?
At the core, I think it has to be the pure innocence of SpongeBob himself that just makes him so very likable. Toss in a hilarious cast of sidekicks. Catchy songs. Brilliant writing. And an oddly artistic approach to the background scenery.
The result? Over 25 years of SpongeBob SquarePants and his adventures in Bikini Bottom.
What better way to celebrate than with a 400+ page hardcover collectible art book! Yes, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Art of an Undersea World by Tracey Miller-Zarneke takes you on a deep dive under the sea complete with early character concepts, designs and origin stories from series creator Stephen Hillenburg (Did someone say SpongeBoy?), plus oodles of storyboards, sketches, background art, final images, and more.
The fabulous folks at IDW Publishing put this gorgeous book together. I always love their cover style with slightly raised, glossy pictures that leap right off the page.
It’s quite clear this book was a project of love put together for SpongeBob fans of all ages. The writing style, fonts and even chapter breaks are very much in line with the “voice” of the TV show.
Broken out into sections, the book covers everything SpongeBobby from his secret origins to his television show to TV spinoff shows to all of his movies, including the most recent The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants.
The mix of early sketches and final designs works perfectly, as we even get loads of behind-the-scenes stories about everyone. There are plenty of art style guide sketches and notes too such as how to draw Patrick’s legs and a giant foreheaded Squidward early character design.
Then it’s off to familiar locations such as the Krusty Crab, Sandy’s Dome, Conch Street and Mrs. Puff’s School. I particularly love the colorful map that shows the Bus Route System throughout all of Bikini Bottom!
This mammoth milestone edition even covers all five of SpongeBob’s feature films, as well as Plankton: The Movie. Tons of double-page spreads showcase painted scenes. I can’t tell you how many of them I want to turn into giant wall art.
If you’re a fan of coffee table books, art or SpongeBob SquarePants, you will want to take the plunge into SpongeBob SquarePants: The Art of an Undersea World. It’s just a wonderful way to celebrate his Spongeness, as you peer behind the curtain and take a stroll down memory lane.
Buy The Art of an Undersea World
Available March 3, 2026