While we wait for the episodes to get going again, I've decided to revive the old Episode Followup style posts, focusing on the monthly comic releases instead. For those that aren't sure what exactly the point of this post is, a bit of explanation is probably in order! For season three, and a good portion of season two, we ran posts highlighting all of the interesting parts in episodes, from background references to general standout scenes. These posts are not meant to review, but instead, are here to help you catch up on what you may have missed, with a bit of opinion/editorial nonsense thrown in. If you want an example, head on over to the followup section, also found in the "news" tab of the navigation bar up top.
So here is me experimenting on it with the official comic series, or more specifically, the recent Big Mac arc that released a while back. As a pony who isn't usually known for his popularity and witty characterization, I wasn't expecting a whole lot from the guy. Imagine my amazement when he lived the episode Applejack probably should have had all along!
Jokes about Applesapplesapples aside, this two-parter was a blast to dig through, with more references and fanon/canon mashups than any of the previous ones. Chances are I'm going to miss a bunch, but that's what the comments are for! If I don't notice something, drop it down there.
Without further adieu, head on down below the break for my followup on part one of the Big Mac arc. And if you haven't read it yet, avoid this like the plague and go do that. This entire post is spoilers.
Lets start off with Sweetie Belle. She has always been sort of the punching bag of the CMC fanonwise when it comes to intelligence. Blame the 5 legged sweater thing from season one. Here she is putting that brilliant mind of hers to use, not once, but twice throughout the comic.
I wonder how dead I would be if I had seemingly endless access to high explosives as a kid?
As noted in the intro, the background in this arc is pretty much overflowing with references to both fanon and canon. If you read the Rarity micro, you probably recognize the guy with the headband. I don't know what the Tarot pony is a shoutout to, but I'm sure one of you will figure it out below.
Ponies are the best parents. Just look at how responsible those two are. I guess that explains the CMC and their access to black powder. I found it kind of funny that Big Mac immediately dumped the Cake twins right after that.
Direct quote from Doctor Who? Check! Derpy and the Doctor? Check! Muffins? Of course!
The Greatest and most powerful pony in all of Equestria~ She may not get many background cameos in the show, but the comic just loves using her. I wonder which of the authors/artists are the ones that keep adding her? And with such style too! Look at that mane! Check out that tail! And don't get me started on the craftsmareship of her puppets. Applejack and Twilight look downright vicious!
Obligatory more Trixie.
(I swear I didn't do this entire followup just because of the Trixie scene... promise)
Another thing these guys are great at is running jokes. I wonder if the bee thing the mane 6 keep blabbering about is a shoutout to a future episode or comic?
Octavia proving unicorn superiority. Sorry earth pony oc's~
NOPE.
This entire page is genius. It makes me want to bust out one of those cheapo board games you'd find at the dollar store as a kid. Apparently the ponies of ponyville are pretty desperate too if that pile of gold behind the entrepreneur pony on the left is any indication. This also confirms that Big Mac has a black hole for a stomach.
And thus begins the second running joke. When this was transformed into a cover early on, I actually expected the entire comic to revolve around her and big mac hooking up. I'm more than happy with the outcome of that.
Another epic page.
A bit of Lyra, a bit of Charlie Brown, and some Bonbon
I can't help but feel sorry for poor Lyra =[
Did we ever decide on a name for this guy? I saw Snowflake a while ago. I think I'll stick with that over Roid Rage.
I guess Plasmids and Vigors would help out those earth ponies a bit.
Cue the Luna! I bet a bunch of you picked this comic up just for her. You don't need to lie about it. Big mac won't mind.
Vinyl Scratch singing a ponified version of the Beatles. Finally no wubs. Do you know how much music we get with this stuff? Do you have any idea how jarring it is to have this super chill track suddenly drop a pile of WUBWUBWUBWUBWUBWUBWUBWU
BBLRRRRRRRWUBWUBWUWBUWBBLRRRRRRRR on you? I'm going to take this time to beg you all to label your music submissions once again!
Back to LUNA. Along with that pegasus wonderbolt from earlier, I actually though these two hooked up in the comic as well. It looks like Luna did sneak a kiss at some point in here.
Another running joke with Luna's shirt. Everything from Batman to Best pony. Is Luna your dream girl brony?~
Zecora got some love in the comics finally. We have an observer from Fringe in the background too. The pre-readers tell me Andy Price is a huge fan of the show. I only recently just finished it myself.
Lizard rentals? With trade-ins? What do you use a rented lizard WUBWUBWUBBL BLRRR WUBWUBWUBWBLRRR WUBWUBWUBW BLRRRRRR SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEL BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
SEE? IT'S JARRING WHEN ITS OUT OF NOWHERE.
How long until the CMC Are banned from ponyville? WHERE ARE THE PARENTS?
And that about covers it for part one of the Big Mac arc. I'm going to hope you went ahead and read it before digging into this episode followup here, but if you haven't already, you probably should. What starts as something as simple as getting a box of nails turns into an excellent slice of life story that really characterizes the entire town of Ponyville incredibly well. The next post will most likely be in a few days, so use that time to catch up and go read part two!
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| Seriously though, Trixie! |
