Alicorns · 10:07pm Jan 22nd, 2013
After reading a comment left on art I did for one of my OCs, I'm now genuinely curious about what created this imaginary line that authors/artists shouldn't cross - that line being, as the title somewhat suggests, alicorns.
Take the somewhat old rumor of Twilight Sparkle becoming an alicorn and the huge uproar it caused. There were many other reasons fans were upset by this news (Derpy being completely phased out probably the biggest thing), but many were angry enough they spouted claims they were done with the show if it went that route. (But if that's the case, I do find it strange they didn't give up on the show in season one... I mean, technically Rarity was an alicorn for a day.)
And of course, before that, let's not forget there was also lots of whining over Cadance being an alicorn - which I believe was started all because Lauren Faust said she didn't intend for her to be one. That hate all went away, or at least died down greatly, because the season 2 finale was so good... but I'm sure there's some out there that still loathe Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.
Last but not least, and mostly just to be fair, I haven't really noticed any complaints on Princess Skyla... But I'm sure those are coming.
Anyhow - why is this an issue at all? What brought about this strange perception that alicorns are so much greater than say, unicorns? Because it wasn't intended in the show's canon? Or is there something else taboo about them that I don't (but should!) know?
I don't like the idea of every brony wanting their OC to be an Alicorn or demi-Alicorn because it defeats any physical flaws.
Alicorns have the magic, stamina, and flight of all ponies. Seriously? It's a mary sue.
It's probably the biggest thing I hate about this show, which I don't hate much about the show or the fandom, primarily Alicorns though.
Why do you want and get the perfect pony race...?
I faced a lot of challenges growing up, maybe that's why I don't like seeing this.
I hated seeing how kids got everything while I had the abusive parents, so I guess it's more between (I'm being blunt about these stereotypes) spoiled brats and hard working criminals.
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Hi Twizzle!
Here's the big thing I need to make a point of... the biggest issue would be magic, not anything else, really.
Unicorns - through magic - can travel through time. They can teleport... They can be ageless... And they can even create wings. The list goes on and on, because the only limit to magic is whatever constraints the writer deems necessary. However, even though they're on equal footing (er, hooves?), they aren't viewed in the same negative manner that alicorns are.
Also, just because an OC is an alicorn shouldn't automatically mean it's too likable. Sure authors are going to want to use them, but so long as it fits the context of the story there shouldn't be anything wrong with that. If anything, Luna should be evidence that alicorns have potential to be amazing OCs. She has deep character flaws, a shrouded past, attacked her sister (in some way), and even in the small bits that we've seen her, has changed greatly over the course of three seasons. My long-winded point here is simply that applying the "Mary Sue" badge should be reserved to a weakness of character, not its race.
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I'm talking about the OC's, not the actual Alicorn's in the show.
Where I agree with you Luna is a perfect argument against my case, Celestia however is not.
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Actually... though it's to a lesser extent, I feel Celestia is a great example, too. Why? Look at the things she's done: She's openly made mistakes, from small things such as believing her magic was the only thing that could keep the elements locked away (Discord basically said, lol no), to bigger blunders like wrongly scolding Twilight Sparkle for her actions when she was accusing Cadance/Chrysalis of being evil. But those are minor compared to this: She imprisoned her sister for eternity.
When you look at that, is she truly good? She gave solitary confinement until the end of time for a family member - and while we don't know her reasons, to be judge and jury to one's sibling then give a sentence that harsh means she's capable of some pretty cruel things. I'd say that makes her just as flawed and imperfect as any other pony in Equestria, perhaps even more so.