Plot Outline: MLP X Overwatch. Feedback? · 5:29am May 11th, 2018
I've been stewing over this idea for a while, and the pieces have started falling into place. Let me tell you about it and see what you think:
Twilight, for some reason, returns to the cursed comic book shop mentioned in "Power Ponies!," and finds a book she can't put down: "Pon-Verwatch" [Title pending]. The plot details a futuristic world in which friendship is maintained, not through mutual trust, but violence. Twilight is intrigued enough to continue reading, knowing what will happen if she finishes.
The Mane 6 (7?), plus Spike, are pulled into the comic book, where they each become one of the ponified Overwatch characters. The choices are a little unusual on purpose: for example, Fluttershy becomes D.Va, and can use her mech to be in the midst of battle without actually putting herself at (much) risk.
Initially, Twilight and company are horrified by the violence they see, but their concerns are either 1) allayed when they see the miracles that Mercy and Moira can perform, 2) hand-waved away due to the episodic nature of the comic [e.g., all serious injuries disappear before the next comic], 3) are shown to be baseless, because the comic is actually an elaborate stunt-show in which no one gets hurt, or 4) they aren't actually horrified, as all participants use non-lethal methods.
After talking to their various teammates, Twilight & Co. realize that the battles they fight are part of a larger war, focusing on control of the "Plot Device" [Name pending]. Overwatch currently controls the Plot Device, and wants to use it to [do something cool,] but they can't figure out how to make it work. The ponies accidentally discover the problem: the Plot Device is powered by six "Cores," which parallel the Elements of Harmony. The cores aren't working, and, more importantly, are scattered; Overwatch has a few, but the rest are unaccounted for.
The ponies discover that, in order to get the Plot Device working, they have to inspire Overwatch's "Element Bearers" to begin representing the attitudes of their various Cores: for example, Rainbow Dash might have to convince "Soldier: 76" to reach out to "Reaper," who feels hurt and betrayed about how Overwatch repaid his loyalty.
Eventually, they manage to re-power all the cores, and can activate the Plot Device. Overwatch is all set to use the device to [do something arguably evil, like wipe out Talon entirely]; however, based on the lessons they've learned, they decide to do something that benefits everyone [perhaps restoring the destroyed Australian Omnium]. Twilight and friends return home with new perspectives on friendship, and what can happen when old wounds are allowed to fester.
Assorted ideas:
- "Widowmaker" previously held the Crystal Heart; however, when she was captured and brainwashed into killing her husband, the Heart grew dim, then disappeared. No one knows where it's gone, not even her.
- Related: Widowmaker may be a former Princess, with scars where her horn and/or wings used to be.
- The Overwatch characters are (mostly) ponies, but their specific breed is determined by where they're from: "Doomfist" is a zebra, "Mei" is a quilin ("Chinese Unicorn"), "Hanzo" and "Genji" are samurai warhorses, etc.
- Small plot arc: given his frequent deranged laughter, the Mane 6 suspect that "Junkrat," a mangy kangaroo, is the Element of Laughter. To everyone's surprise, however, it turns out that "Roadhog," a massive razorback boar, is the actual Element. The Mane 6 have to help him regain his previous good humor by helping him overcome the tragedies of his past.
- The final Core is held by a very unusual choice, but one who makes perfect sense in the end: for example, Earth-Pony "Sombra" is secretly holding the Magic Core, but uses her skills with tech to reach out to and reunite the remainder of the cast, which fulfills the core principles of Magic.
- Perhaps--since I already have a number of novel-length projects on my plate--the ponies only help power one core, but inspire its holder to spread the ideas of friendship to others. Perhaps they can find and power the other Cores in the same way--but that will have to wait until next issue!
Any thoughts?
I don’t have much familiarity with the game or doing crossovers, but the crossover group might be able to help!
Being in a comic robs a lot of the tension.