To date: The title character has massive psychological issues, including crippling social anxiety and confidence problems, enough so that she went into a massive tailspin when her then-boyfriend tried to get her fanfics professionally published, forgetting that he had them and was openly encouraging her to share them publicly. One pony is a out-and-out nymphomaniac, who sought sensual solace instead of any sort of relationship. Another puts on a show of cheerful insanity, pushing others away to the point that her continued employment is a wonder to behold. We’ve had plain ol’ red tape, predatory journalism, implied violent crime, the frickin’ Trail of Tears, some of the uglier side of capitalism, and last but not least an arguable rape by deception. Sunshine and rainbows, no?
While I remain neutral on the discussion here, I’d like to point out that those plot lines you’ve listed are mostly from 3-4 years ago already. The author might be evolving with the audiences’ tastes, and that should also be considered when making a point.
@Background Pony #F74A
I’m not saying the comic has nothing good about it, some of the themes and characters it has are quite well done and presented. The thing it tends to stumble with is nuance. So many things it touches upon are interesting but the execution so often lacks depth or introspection. I often come away from reading a comic thinking the people depicted are unneccessarily cruel when there really is no need for it, and it just goes unchallenged. And so, when the next arc seems to be about self image, gender roles and issues, and the many difficulties women face in the streaming community, I fear the result will be a shallow explanation of how cruel some people can be online, followed by sadness.
@Background Pony #F74A
Seconded. I have some criticisms, I can’t lie about that, but this is one of a handful things I can say I enjoy, and I respect that the author keeps trying and actually has a consistent schedule on top of that. I hope they keep going.
There are cynical times, but the happy and slice of life moments out weight the lukewarm. I think overall the series shows things like “real life” to a degree. Good happens, bad happens, and sometimes gray area happens when the outcome doesn’t change much. Not many series do that. They are either overly happy or overly dark. This series finds a fine balance overall and has been consistently enjoyable for a long time. Quality has improved too and world building is second to none.
I do wish we could see more of the Mane 6 characters, such as Pinkie, Fluttershy, and learn more about Rarity. But there is a lot of good. We see Applejack’s inherent “goodness” and wanting to make her friends happy. We see the brightness of Lyra. We see the dreams of ponies come true such as Bonbon and Moondancer accepting he defeat and finding new paths to happiness. We’ve also seen her grow and be quite loving (in her own way). We’ve seen Soarin’ build his business and Zephyr grow as well. He has growing pains, but it makes it so much more relatable. Starlight’s grown from her days with Spike to now having a job, making new friends, and blazing her own path. Twilight has even grown and has found more happiness with that Lawrence guy. There is so much more happiness and good vibes, but these are just some examples.
So I think it’s important we bring up the many positive outcomes that have happened and how characters are still reaping the benefits from them. :)
I’m pretty sure this is one of the bigger MLP related comics left. It’s been around 5 years now and they’ve followed the same consistent schedule the whole time. I wouldn’t call it “small” by any means.
@redweasel
The author has proven that they can have bad things happen in an arc and managed to end them without going sour or being Seinfeldian, though I’ll admit they’re inconsistent about it.
I believe the background pony said that “the author of this series might not have the non-cynical take needed to make starting down an arc like this not end up turning sour in a way that feels much more Seinfeld than Pony, which is not something I would enjoy.” they’re worried the author can’t be non-cynical enough, not that they’re lacking in cynicism.
To date: The title character has massive psychological issues, including crippling social anxiety and confidence problems, enough so that she went into a massive tailspin when her then-boyfriend tried to get her fanfics professionally published, forgetting that he had them and was openly encouraging her to share them publicly. One pony is a out-and-out nymphomaniac, who sought sensual solace instead of any sort of relationship. Another puts on a show of cheerful insanity, pushing others away to the point that her continued employment is a wonder to behold. We’ve had plain ol’ red tape, predatory journalism, implied violent crime, the frickin’ Trail of Tears, some of the uglier side of capitalism, and last but not least an arguable rape by deception. Sunshine and rainbows, no?
BUT, life goes forward, and these ponies go forward with it. And somehow, they stay ponies. The author has somehow managed to give just enough darkness to (lack of a better term) humanize them while keeping their inherent charm, humor, and positive outlook. The author isn’t perfect; I’m not fond of how they end a character arc and speed on to the next with little denouement and occasionally forget past situations and facts. But for a little fan comic, this stuff is still nothing less than stellar.
I mean, do you think it’s inaccurate? I don’t see how the topical popularity of a word is a problem, only whether or not it correctly captures the concept it’s being used to refer to, which I think it does here.
And than use filters if you don’t think you’ll enjoy this, since it sounds like you don’t enjoy this “cynical” series.
Okay, so, first, I didn’t say I don’t or can’t enjoy the series.
Second, you’re trying to use “just filter lol” to shut down the legitimacy of critique or basically any commentary you don’t like (apparently any that’s not empty sycophantism), which is not the point or intent of filters.
Filters are for stuff I don’t want to see.
I never said I don’t want to see this.
All I’m saying is I have an opinion on it.
You’re trying to tell me I’m not allowed to have an opinion or a critique.
I am allowed.
Stop it.
@Background Pony #035E
Joy, a buzzword. And than use filters if you don’t think you’ll enjoy this, since it sounds like you don’t enjoy this “cynical” series.
@Meanlucario
Okay, those are also cringe, but I’m not talking about them right now, so… I’m not sure what the point is in bringing up those whataboutisms?
I just agree with Olpert that the author of this series might not have the non-cynical take needed to make starting down an arc like this not end up turning sour in a way that feels much more Seinfeld than Pony, which is not something I would enjoy.
@Background Pony #035E
Good thing this is a fan-made thing and not the direct show than. Need I remind you that this fandom has Gamer Luna and Molestia, two much worst examples of a fan/fans altering characters, yet no one complains about them other than implications with the latter.
I don’t think the writer of Adorkable Twilight understands human interaction and motivation enough for this story arc to be anything but a bad idea.
Wow…. That’s a very negative approach. I’ve seen nothing but terrific interactions and very “human” moments in this series. I’ve even used it as an example dozens of times to people asking for something to read with a real “human nature” to it. I’m not sure how you view it so differently. I personally view it as one of the best written “slice of life,” and “human story” comics out there.
Only to Platinum Supreme God tier patrons.
@Background Pony #EE55
Nothing like early episode weirdness.
While I remain neutral on the discussion here, I’d like to point out that those plot lines you’ve listed are mostly from 3-4 years ago already. The author might be evolving with the audiences’ tastes, and that should also be considered when making a point.
…I may be forgetting that one.
I’m not saying the comic has nothing good about it, some of the themes and characters it has are quite well done and presented. The thing it tends to stumble with is nuance. So many things it touches upon are interesting but the execution so often lacks depth or introspection. I often come away from reading a comic thinking the people depicted are unneccessarily cruel when there really is no need for it, and it just goes unchallenged. And so, when the next arc seems to be about self image, gender roles and issues, and the many difficulties women face in the streaming community, I fear the result will be a shallow explanation of how cruel some people can be online, followed by sadness.
Seconded. I have some criticisms, I can’t lie about that, but this is one of a handful things I can say I enjoy, and I respect that the author keeps trying and actually has a consistent schedule on top of that. I hope they keep going.
I do wish we could see more of the Mane 6 characters, such as Pinkie, Fluttershy, and learn more about Rarity. But there is a lot of good. We see Applejack’s inherent “goodness” and wanting to make her friends happy. We see the brightness of Lyra. We see the dreams of ponies come true such as Bonbon and Moondancer accepting he defeat and finding new paths to happiness. We’ve also seen her grow and be quite loving (in her own way). We’ve seen Soarin’ build his business and Zephyr grow as well. He has growing pains, but it makes it so much more relatable. Starlight’s grown from her days with Spike to now having a job, making new friends, and blazing her own path. Twilight has even grown and has found more happiness with that Lawrence guy. There is so much more happiness and good vibes, but these are just some examples.
So I think it’s important we bring up the many positive outcomes that have happened and how characters are still reaping the benefits from them. :)
The author has proven that they can have bad things happen in an arc and managed to end them without going sour or being Seinfeldian, though I’ll admit they’re inconsistent about it.
I believe the background pony said that “the author of this series might not have the non-cynical take needed to make starting down an arc like this not end up turning sour in a way that feels much more Seinfeld than Pony, which is not something I would enjoy.” they’re worried the author can’t be non-cynical enough, not that they’re lacking in cynicism.
You don’t believe there is any cynicism to be had?
To date: The title character has massive psychological issues, including crippling social anxiety and confidence problems, enough so that she went into a massive tailspin when her then-boyfriend tried to get her fanfics professionally published, forgetting that he had them and was openly encouraging her to share them publicly. One pony is a out-and-out nymphomaniac, who sought sensual solace instead of any sort of relationship. Another puts on a show of cheerful insanity, pushing others away to the point that her continued employment is a wonder to behold. We’ve had plain ol’ red tape, predatory journalism, implied violent crime, the frickin’ Trail of Tears, some of the uglier side of capitalism, and last but not least an arguable rape by deception. Sunshine and rainbows, no?
BUT, life goes forward, and these ponies go forward with it. And somehow, they stay ponies. The author has somehow managed to give just enough darkness to (lack of a better term) humanize them while keeping their inherent charm, humor, and positive outlook. The author isn’t perfect; I’m not fond of how they end a character arc and speed on to the next with little denouement and occasionally forget past situations and facts. But for a little fan comic, this stuff is still nothing less than stellar.
You talk about the series like you don’t enjoy it, hence why I said filter it.
And I feel like you’re ignoring the series much less cynical parts, like Starlight and Lily’s rivalry.
I mean, do you think it’s inaccurate? I don’t see how the topical popularity of a word is a problem, only whether or not it correctly captures the concept it’s being used to refer to, which I think it does here.
Okay, so, first, I didn’t say I don’t or can’t enjoy the series.
Second, you’re trying to use “just filter lol” to shut down the legitimacy of critique or basically any commentary you don’t like (apparently any that’s not empty sycophantism), which is not the point or intent of filters.
Filters are for stuff I don’t want to see.
I never said I don’t want to see this.
All I’m saying is I have an opinion on it.
You’re trying to tell me I’m not allowed to have an opinion or a critique.
I am allowed.
Stop it.
Joy, a buzzword. And than use filters if you don’t think you’ll enjoy this, since it sounds like you don’t enjoy this “cynical” series.
Okay, those are also cringe, but I’m not talking about them right now, so… I’m not sure what the point is in bringing up those whataboutisms?
I just agree with Olpert that the author of this series might not have the non-cynical take needed to make starting down an arc like this not end up turning sour in a way that feels much more Seinfeld than Pony, which is not something I would enjoy.
Good thing this is a fan-made thing and not the direct show than. Need I remind you that this fandom has Gamer Luna and Molestia, two much worst examples of a fan/fans altering characters, yet no one complains about them other than implications with the latter.
That’d be one hell of a plot twist.
That may be part of the problem. Adorkable Twilight is too cynically human and not really pony enough sometimes.
My Little Pony isn’t Seinfeld. It wasn’t supposed to be. The philosophies are completely opposite each other.
( but don’t you know stallions watch mares online, just because they think they’re hot? ) >
< ( well now I really wanna make a livestream channel! )
Wow…. That’s a very negative approach. I’ve seen nothing but terrific interactions and very “human” moments in this series. I’ve even used it as an example dozens of times to people asking for something to read with a real “human nature” to it. I’m not sure how you view it so differently. I personally view it as one of the best written “slice of life,” and “human story” comics out there.
Being a true friend means being blunt about whatever choices the other friend decides to make.
But yeah, they made the poor mare sad.
Edited
Then we should stay to watch the trainwreck.
@Brass Melody
Perhaps Vinyl rigs herself to a stallion model to become the #1 streamer mares watch.