What Would Be An Awesome MLP:FiM Spin-Off? · 1:48pm Feb 13th, 2013
Blog Number 14: Spin-Off Ponies Edition
It's shaping up to be the next "Twilicorn" controversy among the fandom, and as far as I can tell, it hasn't even been properly confirmed yet. The story goes like this: a magazine claims that a spin-off MLP series will feature anthropomorphized versions of the ponies, probably in a merchandise show meant to sell a new line of dolls or something. Naturally, the reaction blogs are already going up.
While I'm not exactly bowled over by the prospect, neither am I feeling particularly antagonistic towards it, and not just because I don't really care about this particular spin-off proposal. I was excited, prior to reading about what it actually contained, of the idea of a spin-off series for MLP:FiM, and that got me thinking. A spin-off series would be great, firstly because it expands the show's 'verse and secondly because it means that the ball could really get rolling for the franchise to transcend its roots further. The main series has already shown us plenty of promising avenues it could explore. Moreover, it would be a chance to see more characters and settings in a way that just can't be done when you're following six mares and a dragon around a country town.
But then what would the spin-off series be about? That's what I'd like to ask you. Instead of complaining about or adapting to the current proposal, what about entertaining a proposal we would like to see done? Maybe you want to see more of Manehattan or Appleloosa. Maybe you'd prefer a Trixie show in which she travels the road, or a show about young Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armour growing up together. Maybe a show about Celestia's past, and about her and Luna's struggles against ancient evils would enthuse you.
Personally, I'd like to see a Daring Do spin-off series, or that Cutie Mark Crusaders spin-off Faust originally planned, but what about you? What would you like to see in a MLP:FiM spin-off?
N.B. Statistics not included. It wasn't that long ago when I posted the last batch, and I prefer to do it over longer expanses of time.
EDIT 23/11/2017: Impossible Numbers, out.
As for the Equestria Girls thing, I am optimistic that it will have a decent spin on it that makes it, if not awesome, not lame.
That said, I dislike the art design.
I am also profoundly upset that for some reason 6 young adults all of whom live away from home and hold jobs (3 with the government and 2 owning their own businesses) are now somehow supposed to be f***ing high school students.
As for a spin off I would want? Pure world building. Bring us characters of different races from around Equestria and follow a different one for each episode. Maybe just pick a few and rotate them. Maybe intertwine some storylines. Main characters should be cameos or part of major events only.
823739
I wish I could share your optimism, but it seems more likely it'll take the wrong direction away from the original series' vision. Season three has already been a bit of a bumpy ride, and I think it will largely depend on how much of the original staff are recruited to work on the new idea. Plus, it's hard to see what else but merchandise could justify such an odd decision. My verdict is: it's pretty much up in the air, at this stage.
Some commenters have suggested those shots aren't from the actual show. I hope this is the case, as I more or less agree with you on that: the artwork isn't promising. They're multicoloured humans, for crying out loud, and the faces look wrong. I mean Uncanny Valley wrong.
That's quite a broad base you got covered there. Definitely agree there should be more world-building, though the storylines should probably be intertwined anyway to prevent it feeling choppy (say, have a main character travel from place to place). The show's great with throwing out fanfic fuel like free chocolates, but after a while you wonder if they could start doing something a bit more substantial with it. And it would be nice to see more minotaurs, zebras, and griffons, that's for sure.
824025
Well we already have tons of established side and background characters. More than enough to fill a season at least, whether through the perspective of one traveler or each from a different character. The threads that connect could be little cause and effect things one character causes that directly or indirectly affects another down the line. Good moral for older kids to how our actions can have repercussions much more subtle and far reaching than we can ever know.