Friendship is Card Games: Friends Forever #35 and #36 · 11:49am Oct 21st, 2018
One last reminder: Less than 48 hours to submit Villain Exchange Program entries!
In any case, with Season 8 in the books worldwide, we come back to IDW… for a week. Just so you all know, there’s a holiday special coming up next week with timing that would make Jack Skellington proud.
Now, when last we left the comics, an almost Lovecraftian stallion sought to expunge all knowledge of the eldritch taint in his bloodline… until Twilight helped him see that no, that was dumb, and now he’d set up Equestria to repeat history since it could no longer learn from it. Also, was he free to discuss the finer points of bibliomancy some time, possibly over dinner? This week, we’ll look at Starlight’s one and only Friends Forever issue and the classic Rainbow Dash straight ship.
Friends Forever #35: Twilight Sparkle & Starlight Glimmer
Oh hey, Owloysius. I don’t think we’ve seen him since “Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep?” And given that this Fosgitt’s art, it’s good to see he looks relatively on model. In some panels, anyway.
Oh shoot. I’m usually as on top of Christmas gifts as Twilight, but this year I’m relatively behind. I’m glad I’m doing this issue now.
Also, gifting Celestia stuff she already owns and has chosen not to move to her new castle? Not sure how well thought-out this gift idea really is.
I do have to wonder how Twilight managed Starlight’s one-on-one friendship lessons. Did those become the lectures at the School, were there live friendship exercises, or was it a blend of the two?
… No. No. Tell me Starlight isn’t wearing her Our Town-approved hairdo.
You know, I’d be more disappointed, but at least Fosgitt took the time to look at the first result on Google image search rather than just make up a character design for her.
Star Swirl helped build the Castle of the Two Sisters? Now I want to see Twilight quiz him on everything he’s allegedly done throughout history, just to see which bits got folded into his legend later on.
Also, since when was Starlight a Star Swirl fanfilly? Heck, it was her objective perspective that kept “Shadow Play” from becoming a Pyrrhic victory… though, to be fair, this comic came out almost a year before that episode, and a few months before Shadow Lock’s arc.
“The older the book, the stronger the spell”? I’ve never understood that. True, there are some lost magics in the old library, like the template polymorph from “It Ain;t Easy Being Breezies,” but magic is at least something of a science in this world. New innovations are going to rediscover and even outpace the findings of ancient wisdom given time. Heck, that’s how Twilight got her wings.
… Did they really have to go for “Poot” for the sound of the Bellsprout wannabes spraying pollen?
Yes, hide from dragonfire behind a wooden table. Brilliant plan, everyone.
Interesting to see the titles Spike brought with him. It doesn’t take a science major to see what Arachnerd and Tin Stan are meant to be, though Flyin’ Mouse raises a few questions. Batman can’t fly, after all. (Not until the days of Terry McGinnis, anyway.) That said, pony-Bruce could be a bat pony himself, not just dress up like one.
As for Ninja Horse, I can’t say for certain that that’s pony Naruto, but I could believe it. 
So… are those helmets in the last panel supposed to be floating, or what?
I kind of have to side with Starlight here. Aside from the questions raised by the concept of friendship-based book sorting, they haven’t gotten anything done in the time they’ve spent arguing how to sort everything.
On that note, it feels weird to see Starlight be so directly confrontational with Twilight over something this minor. She’s usually one for passive-aggressive subversion than shouting matches, especially since they’re arguably still at the point of their relationship where the only thing keeping Starlight out of imprisonment and/or banishment is staying in Twilight’s good graces.
Is that a hard vine or soft stone?
Oh, would you look at that. There’s actually an in-story justification for the characters’ personalities taking a strange turn. That doesn’t happen nearly as often as it should. And the vines seem entirely suitable for the Everfree; there’s going to be a lot of hostility to feed off of in that environment.
That said, the vines animating the dragon-gargoyles by poking them? That doesn’t make any kind of sense, even by magical standards.
And then the vines formed a Rubblehulk.
I understand that the ellipses in Twilight and Starlight’s dialogue are meant to represent them focusing past the spore-induced animosity, but it just seems like they’re both being voiced by William Shatner at his hammiest.
Starlight may be one of the least green characters on the show, but fortunately, color affinity doesn’t matter with unicorn magic.
That incantation sounds suspiciously familiar to the revised destiny spell.
And now we get to one of the interesting bits around this comic. After it came out, Pencils, a fan artist you may know from Anon’s Pie Adventures and Sunbutt Sundays, posted his own take on one of the pages, with much more equine postures for the unicorns, on-model looks for everyone, and actual backgrounds, wonder of wonders.
I bring this up because, in the Faustian tradition of fans running the asylum, he’s doing art for the pony comics now. I can’t say there’s a causal link between the two, but it’s an excellent demonstration of my belief that the best way to complain about something is to do it better.
I’d say something disparaging about the growth being once per lifetime, but “It’s About Time” did set a precedent for that sort of thing.
Oh! And we get a reason for the incantation’s similarity. The writing in this issue is as good as the art isn’t.
The squirm-spore is a genuinely fascinating organism, like a cross between sirens and plundervines. Definitely seems like one of Discord’s creations.
And a lovely bit of compromise and mutual appreciation at the end. Nice. If you can look past the art, this is a good one.
Friends Forever #36: Rainbow Dash & Soarin’
Okay, they don’t put the apostrophe at the end of his name, but I’m still going to. And I’m shipping-agnostic on this one, but even I think that cover is being pretty blatant about it.
Ah, winter again. Let’s not get into which winter; that way lies madness.
Also, I take it Dash is only nominally associated with the Ponyville weather team at this point. They can’t take winter off by definition.
Okay, Spitfire copying Dash’s skid and covering the rest of the Mane Six even more thoroughly is pretty darn hilarious.
Wait, Mount Everhoot? With a T? That’s definitely a typo, or at least someone misreading a letter in this map’s typeface.
I’m going to have to look at the rest of the comic first, but my initial impression is that they could’ve shown Soarin’ spinning out rather than an “as you know” recap. (Of course, that recap took all of one panel; this could be a matter of space concerns.)
Good to see some lasting fallout from the events of “Rainbow Falls.”
I have to wonder what makes the Everplant so special that it can’t be cultivated elsewhere. You know, beyond the demands of the plot.
Pegasi signing up for a hazardous job for bragging rights or thrillseeking… Yeah, sounds about right. As I’ve said in the past, Dash is a paragon of her tribe’s values.
“Just be careful.” “You know me!” “Yes… I do.”
That’s honestly a great exchange on multiple levels. Not just good banter, but also a great example of the characters playing off each other.
This is why you read the directions in their entirety before setting off, Dash.
Obligatory Fleecs gremlin a the bar. Also a Chrysalis-era changeling in the poker game. I’m very impressed that he made it up here.
I’m with Dash. How the heck is Sweet Apple Acres shipping all the way out here? Maybe this was Big Mac’s delivery in “Somepony to Watch Over Me.”
Not only is Dash sure Spitfire didn’t care enough to come, Spitfire explicitly told her why. On the other hand, she’s focused on the cider right now.
Most ponies barely make it through the doors of the Everhoof outpost. Some come in on stretchers.
Best Pony makes it in from Yakyakistan without even blinking. Was there any doubt?
It’s not really an equine flu anymore if it’s hitting yaks.
Not even a hint of char on Dash from the lightning. Looks like it locked up her muscles, but still.
Huh. I’d never have pegged Soarin’ as someone who needed to refine his skills rather than coast on raw talent.
It’s a nice heart-to-heart, but I can’t help but think that they didn’t really accomplish much by setting out there and then, given how they had to wait out the storm anyway. Still, I suppose that isn’t really the point… though those sick yaks might disagree.
I was going to ask how Spitfire knew Soarin’ was upset that she didn’t come herself. I should’ve known the answer. 
Nice touch with the bar being a lot less surly as the three Wonderbolts leave.
In all… Honestly? this makes better use of Dash being a part of the Wonderbolts than the show has, exploring the characters of the squad with a depth and thoroughness that we just haven’t seen, especially Soarin’. Though, to be fair, the show did kind of shoot itself in the foot there given the School of Friendship. Still, this issue is some quality fan fiction, and I mean that in the best way… though I do still think they could’ve cut down on the montage splash pages and shown Soarin’s tailspin.
Two quality issues this week, Fosgitt’s art notwithstanding. Let’s see what I can do with them:
Everhoof Courier 1W
Creature — Pegasus Scout
1W: Everhoof Courier gains flying until end of turn.
1W: Everhoof Courier gains lifelink until end of turn.
On the slopes of Mount Everhoof, every takeoff needs to be planned carefully.
2/2
Avalanche-Wake Assaulter 3W
Snow Creature — Pegasus Soldier
Flying
Whenever Avalanche-Wake Assaulter attacks, you may pay S. If you do, tap target creature defending player controls. (S can be paid with one mana from a snow source.)
Even pegasi shouldn’t spend too long out in the cold.
3/2
Overshoot 3W
Instant
If an attacking creature would deal combat damage this turn, it deals that damage to itself instead.
”Who moved the runway!?”
Genius Philhippist 3U
Creature — Pony Artificer
Whenever Genius Philhippist deals combat damage to an opponent, draw X cards, where X is the number of Equipment attached attached to Genius Philhippist plus one.
”Give me time and a box of scraps, then stand back.”
2/2
Guaranteed Delivery 3U
Sorcery
This spell can’t be countered.
Draw two cards.
1R, Exile Guaranteed Delivery from your graveyard: Spells you cast this turn can’t be countered.
“At least it’s not Mrs. Cake.”
Shinobi Replicator 4U
Creature — Pony Ninja
Ninjutsu 2U (2U, Return an unblocked attacker you control to hand: Put this card onto the battlefield from your hand tapped and attacking.)
Whenever Shinobi Replicator deals combat damage to a player, create a token that’s a copy of Shinobi Replicator.
2/2
Yaket Gremlin 4U
Creature — Gremlin Rogue
Flash
If an opponent controls a Mountain and you control an Island, you may cast this spell without paying its mana cost.
Flying
3/2
Creeping Shame B
Enchantment — Aura
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature gets -0/-2 and can’t block.
”Fear rarely kills creatures, but it often kills opportunities, which are nearly as precious.”
—Octavia, orchestral assassin
Suspicious Crowd 4BB
Creature — Pegasus Rogue
Flying
Each other creature enters the battlefield with an additional -1/-1 counter on it.
The Yaket Range hardens ponies, making them hostile to any who haven’t endured the same trials.
4/4
Hostility Spores 1R
Instant
Hostility Spores deals 1 damage to each creature target player controls. Those creatures can’t be the targets of spells or abilities that player controls this turn.
Even breathing can be a risky proposition in the Everfree.
Driving Thundersnow 2RR
Sorcery
Driving Thundersnow deals 2 damage to each non-Pegasus creature. Creatures your opponents control can’t block this turn.
Pegasi can resist electricity and cold, but they have their limits. Everypony else just scrambles for shelter.
Star Swirl’s Familiar 3RR
Creature — Manticore
Flying
Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, Star Swirl’s Familiar deals 1 damage to any target.
”Star Swirl said he was the most ferocious creature he’d ever met. We would tie bows in his mane and call him Melvin.”
—Princess Celestia
3/3
Conifer Stand 2G
Creature — Plant Wall
Defender, reach
Whenever Conifer Stand blocks a creature with flying, Conifer Stand gets +2/+0 until end of turn.
”They call them needles for a reason.”
—Soarin’, Wonderbolt lieutenant
1/5
Young Webslinger 2G
Creature — Pony Spider Mutant
1U: Young Webslinger gains flying until end of turn.
”I don’t care what anypony else says. He’s a menace and a blight on the city.”
—J. Jonah Jamescolt, newspaper publisher
3/2
Ever-Improving Armor 2
Artifact — Equipment
Equipped creature gets +1/+1 for each iron counter on Ever-Improving Armor.
Equipped creature has flying as long as there are three or more iron counters on Ever-Improving Armor.
2: Put an iron counter on Ever-Improving Armor.
Equip 2
Infested Armor 4
Artifact Creature — Construct
1G: Infested Armor can’t be blocked by creatures with power 2 or less this turn.
The squirm-spore quickly adapted to the strange pony shell. The ponies proved less responsive.
3/3
Chiropteran Vigilante 1WB
Creature — Bat Pegasus Warrior
Flying, vigilance, menace
”Criminals are a superstitious, cowardly lot. This war is as much in the mind as on the streets.”
2/3
Flourishing Squirm-Spore 1RG
Creature — Plant
Whenever one or more creatures you don’t control attack, put that many +1/+1 counters on Flourishing Squirm-Spore.
2R: Goad target creature. (Until your next turn, that creature attacks each combat if able and attacks a player other than you if able.)
1/1
Grand Magnification 2GW
Instant
Target creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn.
Target creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn.
Target creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn.
Some improvised spells actually work as intended.
Incantation of Unity 3GW
Enchantment
Convoke (Your creatures can help cast this spell. Each creature you tap while casting this spell pays for 1 or one mana of that creature's color.)
Spells you cast have convoke.
Friendship is many forms of magic.
Diarchs’ Ruins
Land — Lair
When Diarchs’ Ruins enters the battlefield, sacrifice it unless you return a non-Lair land you control to its owner’s hand.
T: Add W, B, or G.
Neither has lived here for centuries, but their energies still infuse the area.
Everplant Sanctuary
Snow Land
T: Add C.
S, T: You gain 1 life.
Everplant is a virtual panacea, but its harsh growing conditions make mass cultivation impossible.
Man, it was ages since I last read these, I had to go back and reread them.
I really liked the Soarin issue. I do enjoy seeing characters work through their inner turmoil and learn to understand and appreciate each other better, and putting Soarin and Rainbow Dash in a setting whose outer turmoil is forceful enough to match them was a nice touch.
The Starlight issue was mostly interesting to me for the Star Swirl bits back before he appeared in the show :P but I was entertained that Star Swirl vs the Plant Kingdom is canon.
Oh man, it's been forever since I read a comic. ;_; Ugh.
48 hours, huh? Sounds like I need to actually finish it and submit mine, then.
Yeah, I really enjoyed the Soarin' issue. It really utilized the comic's ability to tell stories about the side characters that the main show couldn't. In fact, I'd argue that a lot of the strongest Friends Forever issues were the ones where it was a main character teaming up with a minor character.
The Twilight and Starlight issue was decent as well, though Fosgitt's art definitely hindered my enjoyment somewhat. But it was at least still entertaining to read, and dealt with the two characters' relationship in an interesting way.
Well, there are world where that makes sense, like the Nasuverse where age literally translates to power, but Ungula never seemed to be one of them.
Pretty sure it's less a casual link and more directly related. IIRC the basic sequence of events was that Pencils made the image, some douche fanboy shoved it in Bobby Curnow's face on Twitter, and Curnow and Pencils got into talks.
Yeah, the Dash and Soarin issue was a good one. I didn't especially enjoy the Twi and Starlight one, but as usual, that was mostly because of the art. Glad to hear Pencils is on the team at IDW now. I'm sure they still keep Fosgitt around, but having another actual decent artist to call on is probably doing wonders to bring up the overall quality of their series. Not that I'd know, since I don't read the comics anymore, but still.
Huh. Over on twitter Christina Rice just said that her original pitch for #36 was about Lightning Dust, not Soarin. That would have been... potentially a lot more interesting that LD's eventual return was, imo.
4972814
Hmm. On the one hand, that could have been very interesting indeed. On the other, this is the most in-depth exploration of Soarin's character we've ever had. I'm honestly split on which I'd prefer.
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It is a tough one.