• Member Since 26th Sep, 2011
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FanOfMostEverything


Forget not that I am a derp.

More Blog Posts1330

  • Sunday
    Friendship is Card Games: Mane Event

    So, as I have come to understand, the main G5 IDW line has been replaced by/subsumed into a series of mini-series and one-shots that feels like the equivalent of a network trying to kill a show by bouncing it around the schedule. Hopefully I’m being paranoid there.

    Read More

    8 comments · 161 views
  • 1 week
    Rumor Gathering

    While diminished from its peak, the Writeoff is still very much an ongoing concern. Regrettably, while I actually had an idea for the most recent prompt, my Saturdays are packed to the gills and thus I didn't have time to compose it before the submission deadline. As such, I have employed Dueling

    Read More

    2 comments · 140 views
  • 1 week
    Friendship is Card Games: Wondercolts Forever: The Diary of Celestia and Luna

    The next entry on the schedule was issues #21 and 22 of the G5 mainline, but those have failed to manifest, making me wonder if that line’s actually been ended in favor of the various mini-series currently in progress. And among them, I only have one released issue unaccounted for. As such, it’s time to turn to the next pony novel… which does not contain ponies.

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    6 comments · 168 views
  • 2 weeks
    Incident of Examination

    There's a Crystal Prep-themed Sunset shipping contest on at the moment, and one castoff idea I had got me wondering about Sunset attending CPA... and running against a logical issue. At least I got

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    0 comments · 194 views
  • 2 weeks
    Friendship is Card Games: Tell Your Tale, Season 2, Part 2

    Looks like that Leap Day hypothesis carried some weight. The long-form episodes should be interesting in their own right, but we’re not looking at one this week. Let’s see what there is to see.

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    5 comments · 184 views
Dec
18th
2016

Friendship is Card Games: Micro-Series and Friends Forever #7 · 12:54pm Dec 18th, 2016

This week, ponies young and old have lessons to learn, delivered by some very unusual teachers.

Micro-Series #7: Cutie Mark Crusaders

I immediately love this art. The shading is beautiful and the expressions are adorable.

Oh goodness. I can only hope that the Crusaders just tried to paint designs on when they were trying for their tattoo artist cutie marks. These three and needles definitely don’t mix.

Huh. The right angles suggest that the fillies have fallen into a ruin rather than a natural cavern. I wonder what its story is.

The sclerometer, for those wondering, determines scratch hardness by measuring the width of a scratch made by a diamond on the material under fixed conditions. Given that the gem is actually a living creature, it’s a good thing that Rarity never found hers. Ouch.
Also, I love Sweetie’s : > expression in that one panel. “I knew she couldn’t resist.”
Also also, very interesting that Spike recognized the mimic for what it is when none of the ponies could. I wonder what tipped him off. Scent? A faint difference in luster that only draconic eyes could see? A sense they don’t even know he has?

In any case, it’s neat to see something out of the Monster Manual in Equestria. Because let’s face it, this is a straight-up mimic. They probably could’ve even called it that; Hasbro does own Wizards of the Coast, after all. Though mimickers seem to lack the dermal adhesive of mimics, to say nothing of using their shapeshifting abilities to play pranks rather than act as ambush predators.
Also, there’s the whole thing about changelings being able to turn into objects other than ponies, but I’m guessing the author of that book didn’t know that (to say nothing of the writer of this issue.)

Girls, don’t try to sex the aberration. That never ends well, no matter what definition of the verb you use.

Big cartoon eyes on random inanimate objects. I’m not sure if Imp is from Dungeons & Dragons or Banjo-Kazooie.

Heh. Plush ursa.

Oh my. So mimickers can assume the forms of living creatures, as long as they aren’t ponies. Well now, that does make them distinct from standard mimcs.

A shame Apple Bloom didn’t have access to a jet turbine during the Applewood Derby. Just imagine what she could’ve done then. (Of course, Applejack probably would've just kicked it off her cart.)

Whoa. Imp is clearly separated into multiple pieces when forming Scootaloo’s dress. That raises all kinds of bizarre questions. Maybe thin threads are keeping her connected?
Also, I do love the MST3K dress.

:twilightoops: Whoa. That, ladies and gentlemen, is why you should never get on a shapeshifter’s bad side. Good thing Imp’s a gentle soul, or that whirlwind could've been pointed at the fillies.

Haunch painting instead of face painting feels really weird. Though I suppose most foals aren’t quite as obsessed with getting cutie marks as the Crusaders. Or they'll accept imitations that wear off in a few hours.

A good lesson here, and a wonderful dangling hook. I wonder if anyone’s written something where the Crusaders visit Imp again after getting their marks. If not, it would definitely be worth looking into. Possibly as a way to resolve a cutie mark crisis, though readers unfamiliar with the comics might be confused. This bears further thought…

Friends Forever #7: Pinkie Pie & Princess Luna

Hoo boy. Twilight’s on a sorting bender.

Ah. That’s certainly one way to break her out of it.

Luna clearly hasn’t reached out to the other Bearers if she thinks that humor is Twilight’s area of expertise. Indeed, she doesn’t even seem to consider the others through the lens of the Elements. At the very least, why not ask Twilight to introduce her to the Laughter-Bearer? (Well, I suppose there’s the whole “ringleader who caused foals to run screaming” thing…)

Ooh. Interesting history lesson, including confirmation that the princesses once being seen as divine. Even more interesting is the (presumably) accidental alicorn Lyra in one panel. Whoops.

I do love the self-demonstrating bit of absurdity, hyperbole, and the rule of three. Cleverly done. Still, as Twilight demonstrates, analyzing comedy kills it. Really, you can’t teach funny. Not in the way Luna wants.

Pinkie employing the Royal Canterlot Voice is wonderful and only strengthens my suspicions that she is the one who created Equestria.

Ah. The truth comes out. Luna will do anything if it makes her more approachable. She certainly made a good choice for her PR lead, though I’m still skeptical bout teaching comedy.

It’s nice to see Pinkie employ her backup friends in a less sanity-questioning way. (Note that there’s a big difference between “less” and “not at all.”) Also appropriate to have them on a funny farm.

Come on, Luna. You may have been out of the loop for a millennium, but fart jokes are timeless. (Seriously. The earliest recorded joke involves flatulence.)

Oh dear, it’s Gilda all over again. Also, Luna never considered how making oneself more approachable necessitates sacrificing some dignity. Still, good to see her quickly come to the necessary understanding.

Ah. Praiser Pan. I see you haven’t been tarred and feathered yet. Someone should get on that.
Also, the Fancy Shmancy bit was rather amusing.

I can appreciate a bit of on-the-job silliness, but maybe don’t do it during diplomatic incidents? Also, this sequence does the Royal Guard no favors whatsoever.

I love the design for Luna’s chambers, especially the skylight. Combine that with the moon bed from canon and it’d be pretty much perfect.

Oh dear. Luna still doesn’t get it. The whole point of the exercise is a little healthy mockery. To say nothing of calling Pinkie “just a clown.” That clown handed your corrupted hindquarters to you, Your Highness.

Ouch. Double whammy truthbomb from Pinkie Pie. The fool is often the wisest member of a court.

You know, putting only Celestia’s cutie mark on the banners kind of sends the wrong message.

Ha! Well done, Luna. Well done indeed. A bit odd to have her of all ponies write a friendship letter, but still good to show her loosening up a bit.
Also, one could probably read a lot into Luna declaring that Celestia’s “true place in Equestria” is getting a pie to the muzzle…

Looking back on this, it’s very interesting to see Luna struggling with comedy. After all, she was the Bearer of Laughter when she and Celestia vanquished Discord. The key difference is how she and Pinkie each represent Laughter. Pinkie is straightforward comedy (and, if you ask me, a representation of laughter as the mind’s safety valve when presented with the disturbing.) Luna’s Laughter is better represented as optimism or hope. As she demonstrates with the Crusaders, she is the light in the darkness, showing both how to follow the path from sorrow to good cheer and that said path exists at all. And just as Pinkie needs others to celebrate for her, Luna needs others to show her the way out of her funk. Without that support, they go laughing mad.

In all, two rather enjoyable issues. They felt rather lightweight for their length, but they still went rather well. I’m not wild about portraying Luna as still feeling like she lives in Celestia’s shadow, nor does it seem to be supported on the show post-“Luna Eclipsed,” but it works for the purposes of the story. The Crusaders’ issue is a fun visual spectacle, and that’s pretty much all I could ask for.

Now, on to the cards:

Divine Authority 1WW
Enchantment — Aura
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature has indestructible and is a God enchantment in addition to its other types and subtypes.
”It is a dangerous pedestal to stand upon, for soon you begin to believe your own infallibility.”
—Princess Luna

Funny Farm 2W
Enchantment
Silver-bordered creatures you control have lifelink.
1W: Target creature becomes silver-bordered until end of turn.
Where life is comical all the time.

Change of Scenery U
Instant
Lands you control become the basic land type of your choice until end of turn.
Draw a card.
”Illusions mean never having to save for a vacation.”
—Trixie Lulamoon, traveling performer

Elaborate Plans 2U
Instant
Look at the top four cards of your library. Put one into your hand, one on top of your library, one into your graveyard, and one into exile.
”…then Sweetie jumps off of the lead cow, through the rain barrel, and into the command center Apple Bloom dug out earlier. Then…”
—Scootaloo

Young Mimicker 2U
Creature — Shapeshifter
1U: Young Mimicker becomes a copy of target non-Pony, non-Pegasus, non-Unicorn permanent and gains this ability.
They learn through becoming.
0/3

Crusader Kunoichi 3U
Creature — Pony Ninja
Ninjutsu 1U (1U: Return an unblocked attacker you control to hand: Put this card onto the battlefield from your hand tapped and attacking.)
Whenever Crusader Kunoichi deals combat damage to a player, scry 2.
2/2

Overanalyze 3U
Instant
Counter target spell unless its controller pays 3.
Draw a card.
”Nothing kills a joke quite like thinking about it.”
—Pinkie Pie, Bearer of Laughter

Sapphire Mimicker 3UU
Creature — Shapeshifter
U: Sapphire Mimicker gains all activated abilities of target artifact until end of turn.
You may spend blue mana as though it were mana of any color to pay the activation costs of Sapphire Mimicker’s abilities.
3/4

Fragile Dignity 2B
Enchantment — Aura
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature gets +4/+4.
Whenever a player casts a spell, enchanted creature gets -2/-2 until end of turn.
”If I do not have my ponies’ respect, I have nothing.”
—Princess Luna

Comedy Coaches 3B
Creature — Construct
Lifelink
Madness — Pay 5 life. (If you discard this card, discard it into exile. When you do, cast it for its madness cost or put it into your graveyard.)
“You don’t have to be crazy to be funny, but it helps.”
—Pinkie Pie, Bearer of Laughter
2/2

Face the Facts 2RR
Sorcery
Target opponent may have you draw three cards. If the player doesn't, put the top three cards of your library into your graveyard, then Face the Facts deals damage to that player equal to the total converted mana cost of those cards.

Thunderous Entrance 3R
Enchantment
Whenever a creature you control enters the battlefield, if you cast it from your hand, it deals 2 damage to target creature or player.
”If you know Princess Luna’s coming, get some earplugs.”
—Princess Twilight Sparkle

Delightful Surprise G
Instant
The next spell you cast this turn can be cast as though it has flash. Each player gains 3 life.
Never before in the history of comedy did a pie to the face bring so much joy.

Flea Market 3G
Enchantment
X: Each player may put a permanent card with converted mana cost X or less from his or her hand onto the battlefield. Any player may activate this ability, but only any time he or she could cast a sorcery.

Giraffe Headdress 2
Artifact — Equipment
Equipped creature gets +1/+1 and has reach.
Equip 2
”It’s perfectly acceptable as long as you don’t plan on ever going through doorways.”
—Rarity, Bearer of Generosity

Jet Wagon 3
Artifact — Vehicle
Hoofcraft — When Jet Wagon enters the battlefield, if you control three or more Ponies, Pegasi, and/or Unicorns, Jet Wagon gains haste and trample until end of turn.
Crew 3 (Tap any number of creatures you control with power 3 or less: This Vehicle becomes an artifact creature until end of turn.)
5/4

Sorting Fugue WU
Sorcery
Each player may scry 3, then draw a card. Each player who does skips his or her next combat phase.
”I’m not sure if I’m more disgusted or horrified.”
—Discord

Luna’s Indignation 1WB
Enchantment
Whenever a source an opponent controls deals damage to you, you may pay X, where X is less than or equal to the damage dealt to you this way. If you do, that opponent loses X life.
Luna’s justice is harsh, swift, and undeniably fair.

Morphic Maelstrom 5(ur)(ur)
Sorcery
Each player puts all creatures he or she owns on the bottom of his or her library in a random order, then reveals cards from the top of his or her library until he or she reveals that many creature cards. The player puts those cards onto the battlefield, then puts the rest on the bottom of his or her library in a random order.

Forgotten Ruins
Land
T: Add C to your mana pool.
3, T: Each player shuffles his or her graveyard into his or her library. Sacrifice Forgotten Ruins.
The Everfree swallows many towns, but rarely chews.

Comments ( 4 )

Two very good issues this week. It's a shame Ben Bates didn't come back to draw more issues, that CMC issue is gorgeous. And the Friends Forever issue, well, it has Funny Insecure Luna, who is possibly my favorite of all the Lunas. And it has Pinkie revealing that she has more depth than anyone gives her credit for (and so long as she can make ponies happy, she doesn't mind). And of course it has the Funny Farm :yay:

I'll just leave this here...

Haunch painting instead of face painting feels really weird.

I haven't read the issue, but it does sort of make sense for blank flanks to want to have a picture put there, if only for an afternoon.

Pinkie employing the Royal Canterlot Voice is wonderful and only strengthens my suspicions that she is the one who created Equestria.

“And that's how Equestria was made!” Heh, and everyone thought she was just “Pinkie being Pinkie.” Why do we keep doubting her? :pinkiecrazy:

Oh boy, I get to discuss black mana!

So every color has its own form of comedy, but black seems to take it to the point where a joke can leave an adequate amount of sting and the jokester in an elevated position, if it were pure black mana type humor.

Most of the humor we see, I believe, works as a combo with black in a multi-color or hybrid fashion.

Blue combinations are more wordplay based. I almost think the word blitz is the best example. Like Groucho Marx, saying so much, you didn't catch everything.

White, possibly the least harmful, can somewhat a clever addressing of the humor of a situation in which none or as few participants get hurt with the joke. We laugh with the victim, or we cringe at the obvious joke\pun.

Green has always been a down to earth color, observing the literal hilarity of a situation, but I think its more likely to work with black to do all the crass and gross jokes, like the age old flatulence.

Red feels like it is THE prankster humor combination. While not everyone has to l

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