Friendship is Card Games: Friends Forever #28 & #29 · 12:08pm Mar 18th, 2018
Season 8 premiers next week, which means we must again bid farewell to the comics for a time. So, let’s see if they can go out on a high note as…
We open with Jay Fosgitt.
Welp. Let’s hope that’s not an omen.
Friends Forever #28: The Cutie Mark Crusaders & Princess Luna
Huh. As the cover indicates, this does seem to be the first post-“Crusaders of the Lost Mark” issue of the comics. Certainly the first such issue to focus on the Crusaders themselves. And the post-drawing, CG’d-on marks really stand out on them. And everypony else, but the far-away perspective makes the clashing styles especially prominent. No wonder Fosgitt tries to keep as many hindquarters obscured as possible.
Huh. The idea of ponies making alicorn eyes has a lot of potential implications about pony beliefs, especially regarding alicorn worship. Yes, it’s likely a throwaway gag, but it’s a compelling throwaway gag.
Castle Canterlot acting as a Hogwarts expy does seem reasonable if it has even half as many traps and hidden passageways as the Everfree castle. Also, Harry Potter apparently has an Equestrian equivalent… though odds are the Harriet Pinto series probably isn’t written by A. K. Yearling. (Given the state of Equestrian fiction, it might well be autobiographical.)
Heh. Twilight came dangerously close to perceiving the fourth wall. Try not to think too hard about that void you traversed at the end of “Magic Duel,” Twilight.
Holy crap, Celestia’s anguished scream was heard from the castle gates. Pretty sure that’s how you cause nationwide panic, Tia.
Two of the nation’s allies spontaneously deciding to declare war on each other? Sounds like my typical Civilization playthrough. At least they aren’t dragging any city-states into it.
Huh. Interesting criteria for the royal sleepover. Apparently the Crusaders qualify as “future filly leaders of Equestria.” I suppose when you have your hoof on the pulse of destiny, it’s fitting. Their sisters must be so proud. 
Note to self: If I ever get the chance, refer to a sleepover as a “somnolent convocation.” Also, I do like Celestia’s efforts to both equinize the diarchs and encourage her ponies to reach for their full potential. I also like Luna’s decision to stay out of the peace talks. Her approach to resolving the griffin-yak conflict would likely burst eardrums at minimum. Heads might literally roll (though not well, given the horns and beaks.)
Okay, I give Fosgitt a lot of flack (and I’m nowhere near done for this issue) but Celestia’s eureka face in this page’s last panel is one of the more hilarious pony expressions I’ve seen in some time.
Luna’s low self-esteem strikes again. She truly cannot believe that she’s beloved. Not without firsthoof evidence. And Celestia’s expression as Luna realizes she’s right is a perfect blend of affection and smugness.
Heh. Echoes of Fluttershy in “The Stare Master.” Princess Luna. Great with dreams, great with kids.
I do like how Scootaloo glosses over what precisely Luna helped her with in her dreams. Nice character moment. The idea of the Crusaders returning Luna’s favor and offering her some guidance is also nice. Unfortunately that consultation blinds Luna to Thestra’s ongoing torment.
Tightrope walking feels like a very strange activity for a species with hooves. Granted, Fosgitt ponies, who aren’t nearly as quadrupedal as the standard model, make it work rather better.
Really iffy coloring in the panel on the right. Luna’s rear hipposandals look like socks. And that’s putting aside how it’s a clear blue sky outside despite it apparently being time to sleep. Maybe Luna’s been so distracted in trying to ensure the sleepover goes well that she forgot to raise the moon.
“Zounds” was originally a contraction, short for “God’s wounds,” referring to Christ on the cross. Luna using the term raises all kinds of questions.
Question: Why is dark magic allowed to proliferate through the center of Equestrian governance and home of its immortal rulers?
These are vaults? It looks like a passenger car in a train.
Thestra’s ocular gushers are… interesting. You don’t usually see monodirectional ones; by all rights there should be a similar blast of tears going off to the right. And that’s saying nothing of how it looks more like forehead sweat or a hydromantic spell going by where it’s coming from.
We get more over-large hipposandals as Luna tries to comfort Thestra, but the princess’s dialogue is superb.
As far as attempts to transliterate whale song go, “Awooob” actually isn’t that bad. Bizarre that the mirrorca found its way inside the castle. I wonder if Discord felt left out during the sleepover.
I really hope Thestra’s spell doesn’t carry the radiological risk of X-rays. Also, while I won’t complain about pegasus wings having that many bones—that’s been established since “
Wait, why was the mirrorca still affected by the X-ray spell if it harmlessly reflected Luna’s blast? Also, was killing it really necessary? It didn’t seem to actually be doing anything. By all appearances, Luna executed it for the crime of existing.
Thestra’s parents are… unexpected. At least when it comes to her talent. Banana + pear = X-rays?
Also, Thestra is apparently a member of the Pear family, which makes her Apple Bloom’s cousin. Of course, given the spread of the Apple family, the same is true of roughly fifteen percent of Equestria.
Huh. Luna writing a friendship letter to Celestia. That’s a tad bizarre, but the message is on point. Celestia is the flawless shining light of the nation. Luna is more fallible, and thus more approachable. As Celestia said, she represents reassurance that one can achieve great things even after making mistakes.
So yeah, great message… with art of dubious quality and a storyline of questionable logic. Let’s put it this way: Out of 92 panels, 69 have either color gradients, abstract shapes, or gutter whitespace for backgrounds. And I’m choosing to count the Unaccountably Pink Room as a nonabstract background despite it being a color field with floating windows. And, as noted, some of the elements just don’t connect. How, for example, were the Crusaders sneaking about before their pratfall in front of Luna?
Friends Forever #29: Rarity & Maud Pie
I do like this pairing. It’s unexpected but reasonable given the shared interest in geology, albeit with very different priorities at work. I also like the idea of Rarity staying on the cutting edge of geology.
Also, nice work with the first panel. That tapping in the background hints at something going on beyond Rarity recording her thoughts.
I checked, and sadly “spelunkery” is not a recognized English word. The language is poorer for it.
So… the cave system has been uncovered, but it isn’t considered discovered. Unexplored I can understand, but undiscovered? If nothing else, Deep Strata should get credit for her theory.
Huh. Normally I’d think that Buried Treasure’s serial attempted plagiarism would get her drummed out of academia, but that would require Maud to care enough about the rivalry to do something about it. However, she’s in it for the rocks.
And I do admit, I like how it’s earth pony vs. earth pony in this geological showdown. Plus I like seeing earth ponies get some villainous representation; it always feels like most of earth pony villains are actually human.
And here’s the other reason I like Rarity-Maud interaction: The sheer degree of contrast between theatrical melodrama and affect so consistently flat it could serve as a foundation.
I can’t help but suspect that Daring Do is responsible for making “archeological emergency” an acceptable explanation for anything. Also, Buried Treasure must be absolutely loaded to buy out the whole airship. That or she’s betting everything she has on this one.
Also, unless there are some ancient artifacts in that cavern, this isn’t archeology.
Hmm. Two interesting bits of casual world building: The town of Cantertine and floatstone. The latter is presumably a cavorite-like substance used in airships.
Huh. I wasn’t expecting Cantertine to have such a Middle Eastern look to it. After all, the Crystal Mountains are just south of the Crystal Empire.
Oh. That might explain it. Judging by those storm clouds, those aren’t the Crystal Mountains. That’s clearly Death Mountain. Our heroines managed to fly to pony Hyrule and are leaving Gerudo Valley.
“—but at last, we came to the mine where the caves had been discovered!”
Emphasis mine. Even the comic can’t agree on who should get credit here.
That miner is very displeased that no one’s bothering to let him serve his narrative role. Who’s going to foreshadow the monster now?
Holy crap. That is not the face of mercy.
Yes, Buried, the caves are yours… but how are you getting back out of them? I enjoy a good Indiana Jones quote as much as the next guy, but the fact remains, you shouldn’t have literally burned your bridges there.
And so we return to where we began. I love a good bit of in medias res.
The page where Rarity reads Maud’s diary is fantastic, not least because we see how Maud feels from her own perspective. Brilliant use of the medium to show it through Maud’s externalized feelings.
Fossils always lead to interesting questions in My Little Pony. Between what seems to be a transitional species between pterosaur and dragon and a horse skull the size of Maud or Rarity, the paleontological record offers some tantalizing glimpses of what once was.
Also, it looks like Maud picked up a carbon-based pet in that bat.
A lovely ending… though the question of getting back still remains. I’m not sure if Rarity can climb back up a lava tube with low enough friction to act as a slide, and Buried’s party doesn’t even have that option. (And yes, despite Buried’s claims, this definitely wasn’t archeology. Not unless the crystal cavern was actually the mother of all rock farms.)
Still, a fantastic character piece for Maud, with Rarity providing a superb supporting role.
Now, let’s see if I can guarantee that ending high note:
Shadow Scorners 2W
Creature — Pony Child
If a nontoken black creature would enter the battlefield from anywhere but exile, exile it instead. Return that creature to the battlefield tapped at the beginning of the next end step.
Those who have never known fear easily dismiss its power.
1/3
Howling Blizzard 1U
Instant
Tap one or two target creatures. One of those creatures of your choice doesn’t untap during its controller’s next untap step.
As Rarity thawed out by the campfire, she contented herself by thinking of the skincare regimen she’d use once she got home.
The Filly Who Lived 1UU
Enchantment — Saga
(As this Saga enters and after your draw step, add a lore counter. Sacrifice after III)
I, II — Create a 1/1 blue Unicorn Wizard creature token.
III — Until end of turn, Wizards you control gain “T: Target instant or sorcery card in your graveyard gains flashback until end of turn. The flashback cost is equal to its mana cost.”
Stonespeaker 2U
Creature — Pony Scout
T: Draw a card, then discard a card.
Landfall — Whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control, untap Stonespeaker.
”No matter where I go, I always find a new teacher.”
1/1
Freelance Balloonist 3U
Creature — Pony Citizen
Flying
Whenever Freelance Balloonist attacks, another target attacking creature gains flying until end of turn.
”Keep your legs and horns inside the basket at all times.”
2/3
Adaptive Mirrorca 3UU
Creature — Whale Mutant
Flying
Evolve
Remove a +1/+1 counter from Adaptive Mirrorca: Change the target of target spell or ability that targets only Adaptive Mirrorca.
Discord more than doubled Ungula’s biodiversity.
3/2
From the Catacombs 1B
Sorcery
Return target creature card from your graveyard to your hand. If you control five or more Swamps, you may return that card to the battlefield instead.
”Celestia always did leave housekeeping for another day.”
—Princess Luna
Lunar Disciples 1B
Creature — Pony Child
Whenever you cast a black spell, you may pay 2 life. If you do, draw a card.
”I fear what lessons foals might learn from the likes of me.”
—Princess Luna
1/1
Cave Bats 2B
Creature — Bat
Flying
Cave Bats has first strike as long as you control a red permanent.
”I never did like working with leather.”
—Rarity, Bearer of Generosity
2/1
Lord of Ancient Skies 3BB
Creature — Dinosaur Skeleton
Flying, menace
Whenever a Dinosaur dies, you may return Lord of Ancient Skies from your graveyard to your hand.
Forgotten bones rise when their prey falls.
3/3
Burnt Bridges RR
Instant
Cast this spell only after blockers are declared.
Burnt Bridges deals 2 damage to each attacking creature and each blocking creature.
”Now I can claim all the glory for myself!”
“Uh, yeah boss, but how do we get back?”
Ornery Miner 1R
Creature — Pony Citizen
When Ornery Miner enters the battlefield, if no other creatures named Ornery Miner entered the battlefield this turn, add R for each land card in your graveyard.
”Lousy, lazy planeswalkers trying to get me to do all the work. I’ve got a job to do, you know!”
2/1
Arrogant Spelunker 2R
Creature — Pony Scout
Discard a land card: Arrogant Spelunker gets +1/+0 and gains menace until end of turn.
Some see the beauty of nature shining before them. She only sees her name in history books.
3/2
Diplomatic Impasse 3R
Sorcery
Target creature you control fights target creature you don’t control.
Draw a card.
The only thing the diplomats agreed on was that they preferred battle cries to negotiations.
Castle Ants 2G
Creature — Insect
When Castle Ants dies, create a 1/1 green Insect creature token for each nonbasic land target opponent controls.
”Wonderful. Do you have any idea how hard it is to fumigate this place?”
—Princess Celestia
3/1
Alicorn’s Eye 2
Artifact
Whenever you cast a Pony, Pegasus, or Unicorn spell, you gain 1 life.
Bright as the sun, distant as the moon.
Floatstone Core 2
Artifact
T: Add C.
T: Add one mana of any color. Spend this mana only to cast a spell with flying.
Helium leaks, hydrogen burns, and compacted cloudstuff can discharge. The only issue with floatstone is getting the airship back to the surface.
Race for the Caverns RG
Legendary Enchantment
When Race for the Caverns enters the battlefield, creatures you control gain trample until end of turn.
At end of combat on your turn, if an opponent was dealt 5 or more combat damage this turn, transform Race for the Caverns.
Crystal Core
Legendary Land
T: Add one mana of any color to your mana pool.
1RG, T: Target creature gets +5/+5 and gains trample until end of turn.
Every facet contains millennia of power untouched by pony hooves.
Nightmarish Vestige 1WB
Creature — Nightmare Spirit
Menace
Whenever Nightmarish Vestige deals combat damage to a player, that player exiles a creature they control until Nightmarish Vestige leaves the battlefield.
Nightmarish Vestige gets +1/+1 for each card exiled with it.
The Mare in the Moon’s memory lives on.
2/2
Skelemancy 2UB
Instant
Until end of turn, each creature has base toughness 1, becomes a Skeleton, loses all abilities, and gains “B: Regenerate this creature.” (The next time it would be destroyed this turn, it isn’t. Instead tap it, remove all damage from it, and remove it from combat.)
“I didn’t know ghosts had bones.”
—Sweetie Belle
Ledge Tiger 2RG
Creature — Cat
If a spell you cast this turn was countered and you control a Mountain and a Forest, you may cast Ledge Tiger without paying its mana cost and as though it had flash.
Ledge Tiger can’t be countered.
4/3
Somnolent Convocation 2GW
Enchantment
The first spell you cast each turn costs 1 less to cast for each tapped creature you control.
”The slumbering mind can be a source of great power. Part of my duty is ensuring that that power is not misused.”
—Princess Luna
Next week?
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I haven't even finished Season 7 yet.
You know the one good thing about saying goodbye to Friends Forever is that we no longer have to deal with Fosgitt's art as often as we used to. I don't think he's a bad artist but I swear it feels like he's the only artist IDW has working on these that doesn't seem to like drawing ponies.
4819518
Out of curiosity, what episode are you on?
4819542
The last episode I watched was The Perfect Pear.
Fosgitt was at Ciderfest last year and did a really cool session in the kids' room where he hung out and made everybody one or more really big poster-sized sketches. He was never my favorite Pony artist, and I think sometimes his style works better than at other times, but his stock with me rose pretty considerably after that. Honestly I think we're better off for having multiple styles out there. My one remaining beef with Fosgitt is that it's virtually impossible to tell his younger and older ponies apart by features rather than size.
4819546
That's certainly the high point of the season, although I also liked A Health of Information, Once Upon a Zeppelin, and the season finale. Definitely worth watching.
4819550
Yeah I mean I have nothing against the guy personally but all the other artists manage to have unique styles while still keeping to the general look of the show. Meanwhile Fosgitt is drawing ponies that remind me way too much of cartoon pigs (think Porky).
Now I'm tempted to write The Unaccountably Pink Room as a Lovecraftian horror story.
Also the co author and I came up with an idea of Discord voiced by Robin Williams as a Norm type asshole genie.
As for tightropes, a more highly traditional than usually seen in pony unicorn could manage it well enough- notched/cloven forehooves.
Yeah, all the little visual gags and one-off things like spiny-backed ponysaurus raise a lot of questions, especially when combined with the general silence on any history before Equestria's founding -- I'm fairly certain the show's canon history has never discussed anything more a thousand years and some change in the past. Still, it makes for very fun speculation.
So, let's see... from the show itself, we have the ponysaurus, which apparently was some sort of spiny-headed and evidently spiny-backed horse-lizard creature, no word on possible sapience. We have in this comic a gigantic horse and some sort of prehistoric dragon, again no word on possible sapience. Then there's Griffonstone's tree -- if there's a huge dead tree big enough to build a city on, then logically there must have been a time when that tree was alive and growing. Before that, there must have been a seed for it to have grown from, and somewhere for that seed to have come from. It could be a one-off magic phenomenon, but it's not impossible to imagine that there might have been a time when trees that big grew naturally in the world, and Griffonstone was built on the husk of one of the last.
More recently, there must also have been a time when the Mayincatec civilization whose ruins Daring Do and Ahuizotl keep butting heads in must been alive and flourishing. The fact that their temple in the Quibble Pants episode had an engraving of an alicorn also implies that at least the potential existence of such was known at the time, and given the context I don't think Celestia and Luna were around in that time and place. Plus, there' Queen Parabola from the Daring Do and Fluttershy issue, and apparently she ruled long before Equestria was around...
Heh. This comment kind of got away from me, it seems.
I don't think any more needs to be said on Fosgitt, but I really liked the Rarity and Maud issue. Because you're right, it's a pretty great character pairing in concept. And I might be mistaken, but I think this was the first time we ever saw it. The show has since had the two of them together once or twice, most prominently in Gift of the Maud Pie, and most recently in Rock Solid Friendship, but I still think this comic handled it best, because it really capitalised on their shared interest in a way that those two episodes never did. Friends Forever was great for concepts and stories like this.