Why MLP fan-works are (or can be) successful.

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

We all know that My Little Pony and its fandom (including fan-work) is well-known throughout the internet and around the world, correct? But what is it about the show that really enhances its overall appeal? None other than the wonderful art created by the fandom itself, and it's all set up amazingly due to the immense charm that the show gives off.

 

In regards to fanfiction, some of the stories you will read are well thought out and manage to capture each and every character with thorough precision and without leaving any doubt that he or she is this exact character from the show. In My Little Pony, the cornerstone of the topic of character design is largely in part of the very in-depth qualities that these characters have - in essence, much of the show is character-driven, and as such, many people may relate to the Mane 6 in many different ways in regards to their own lives and experiences. For example, as you know, Rainbow Dash is a headstrong, brash, and sometimes a bit self-centered, but at the same time is very caring towards her friends and epitomizes loyalty. With these character traits at hand, the story at hand can easily develop all of these traits and what you end up with at the end of the story is a "resolved" character who has matured from the aforementioned qualities in which he/she might have. This ties in nicely with the plot as well, given that whatever the circumstance is, the character's personality will decide what he/she wants to do. To this end, MLP is second to none when it comes to character presentation, and this was demonstrated very nicely in the episode "Party Of One" where we see Pinkie Pie being the fun and loving pony early on, but because she loved her friends dearly, she became highly paranoid at the thought of them abandoning her -- and thus she nearly went off the deep end. Although this is not a fanfiction, it nonetheless manages to convey that the characters are multi-dimensional who live, breathe, cry, and love, and are not stuck with just one trait. Because of this rather heavy influence, bronies who understand this concept are undoubtedly immediately sucked in to a story with such regards, although said story can also manage to capture the hearts of many other bronies who are not quite familiar with the characters and what they stand for on both an interpersonal and intrapersonal basis - even non-bronies. In regards to fanfiction though, the story "Cupcakes" managed to capture Pinkie Pie's "dark side", in that her hyper antics were merely a result of a state of psychosis - an ulterior of a subordinate trait, so to speak.

 

Of course, there are many other forms of media in which the fandom can use to create their own little pony world, such as through music videos. While I've already stated that the show is character-driven, which is the catalyst for said music videos, the setting and plot in the PMV (Pony Music Video) undulate the plot and setting of MLP quite nicely. This can expand further into the realm of the characters themselves -- and the song choice would vividly represent who they are and what they stand for. Not only does it manage to convey the characters traits wonderfully, but it also gives off the vibe that the character at hand could even have yet another trait which would be foreseeable in the near future. For example, making a PMV out of Rainbow Dash with the song "Won't Back Down" by Eminem (this is not a current project, mind you. I only recently came up with this idea) -- the song itself presents itself in the way that the person "saying" the lyrics would not back down from a challenge no matter how big it was. As often stated in the show itself, this is one of Rainbow Dash's major qualities - she will not back down from a challenge. The fact that you have used this song in particular enhances whatever "strongheaded" qualities Rainbow Dash may have, such as her brashness. Of course, these PMVs are not just limited to the characters. They could be very well documenting anything from the minor aspects of the setting (Equestria) to the origin of Equestria itself (more of a digital fanfiction, if you will).

 

Finally, we have music. Many bronies have made their own beats for the show and for all to enjoy, and this sends out a strong message to the community itself in which the show is so fantastic that they have even started to make their own music, or have even remixed the many songs heard in FIM. Usually, these songs in particular manage to capture the personalities of the characters, the moods of bronies, or just conveying the message in which Equestria tries to teach us.

 

Alas, there are many other fan works in the making. Because of the enormous popularity that MLP has attained over the months, many different forms of entertainment with MLP at hand are blossoming - from fanfictions to computer games (we all know of Fighting is Magic, correct?), and it won't be stopping anytime soon. Not only will this generate even more influence among the non-bronies and spark curiosity, but at this rate, the brony community could go down in history as one of the most intriguing and interesting fandoms in entertainment history.

['Rainbow Dash' 16]

I agree. Great post.

[Ezynell 2,037]

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Edited April 17, 2012 by Ezynell

[Inkfeather 597]

I don't quite see why this is in the show discussion section. What is there to discuss? You made all the points quite clear. It feels more like something for the Sugarcube Corner.

 

But on the actual topic. I can nothing but agree with the statements given here. It's clear that you've cought most, if not all of the aspects that make MLP FiM an amazing show. Just from the depth of the characters to the lore of the actual world of Equestria. It's clear why it's such a huge working ground for the fanbase, but not only that.

 

The fandom and all the fan art is not only a nice theme to work on for practising artists. It's actually even better for new artists, people like me, who have been inspired by this fandom to begin to create virtual art, simply because the show contains various aspects that I wan't to make visual. The community and fandom in general inspires people to work creatively, write, sing, draw and play music. Whatever their hearts' desire can be found in this fandom by know, simply because of the complexity and flexibility of the actual lore and characteristics.

 

So yes, but much of an actual discussion, more of a statement and analytical post. Nice job however.

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

I don't quite see why this is in the show discussion section. What is there to discuss? You made all the points quite clear. It feels more like something for the Sugarcube Corner.

 

I was actually rambling in English class when this thought of making this exact post came up.

Edited April 17, 2012 by Devin Dash McCourty

[Key Gear 6,663]

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Well, I actually read everything before I click like. Mostly because I want to make sure that I actually agree with it before I put my agreement on record.

 

Reading something, disagreeing, and then unliking it would be so awkward....

 

Actually, me and a friend of mine that is a recent brony had basically had a discussion that went along the same lines as Devin's post. The depth that is written into the show really does make it a very satisfying base for creative ventures.

 

I wish that that I had more time for pony-related creative stuff right now.

[Twilight Sparkle ✨ 8,526]

Don't forget fan sites.

[Ezynell 2,037]

Well, I actually read everything before I click like. Mostly because I want to make sure that I actually agree with it before I put my agreement on record.

 

Reading something, disagreeing, and then unliking it would be so awkward....

 

Actually, me and a friend of mine that is a recent brony had basically had a discussion that went along the same lines as Devin's post. The depth that is written into the show really does make it a very satisfying base for creative ventures.

 

I wish that that I had more time for pony-related creative stuff right now.

 

I did in fact read the post and agree with what Devin did say, I also participate fairly actively in the creative side of the fanbase (making fanart and other fan works) and have a few friends who are really interested in helping out the fanbase in any way possible. I also adding to what he said, a large reason for the heavy participation is not only the ability presented by the unique characters in the show, but also the pressure of so many other active members in the fanbase and the desire to join the ranks of amazing bronies such as Alex S. and MicTheMicrophone.

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

Don't forget fan sites.

 

To be honest, I left that part out purposely just so you could comment on it

[HomuraBL 851]

My head is spinning from reading that post.

 

Anyway, its so fun doing stuff for the fans. So far, I'm writing fanfics, (well one and its still going), but I hope to contribute more with videos and games.

[Aureity 3,055]

Ignore this, I derped.

 

This is a brilliant analysis, but you seem to have left out the most important reason for the success of fanworks. The quality of a show is extremely important to the success of any fanwork associated with it, but in the end, my opinion is that the creator of the fanwork deserves the most credit for what he's accomplished. The show itself is a key of sorts to a creator's imagination. The ponies are inspriring, their personalities are extraordinarily fleshed out, and the show itself does a masterful job in touching the viewer's emotions. In many cases we can actually relate to the ponies in certain parts of the episodes. This marvel of a show provides the fuel for the creator, so to speak.

 

But the real credit should go to the creator that uses the fuel to start a flame-the flame that ultimately leads to the fanart that you rightly believe to be "successful" (well, according to the title, anyway). It's the Movie Creator's soul that creates those beautifully done PVMs, the songwriter's heart that assembles together hauntingly enchanting lyrics, the artist's hand that forges masterful drawings, and the writer's imagination that brings us the pinnacle of fan literature. Fanworks like My Little Dashie, for instance. In all these cases, MLP inspired them to these heights, but it's the brony themself who used that inspiration to create fanwork that would in turn inspire others. Yes, My Little Pony is a powerful show, and has the capability to unlock hidden emotions, and forever change people's souls. To bring light to the darkness, and a smile where only frowns existed. But one should never forget the fans so inspired by the show that they devoted themselves to creating the art that we now read, listen, watch, and admire.

 

TL;DR: You lazy bums, it's two bloody paragraphs. Learn to read.

Edited April 17, 2012 by Aureity

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

This is a brilliant analysis, but you seem to have left out the most important reason for the success of fanworks. The quality of a show is extremely important to the success of any fanwork associated with it, but in the end, my opinion is that the creator of the fanwork deserves the most credit for what he's accomplished. The show itself is a key of sorts to a creator's imagination. The ponies are inspriring, their personalities are extraordinarily fleshed out, and the show itself does a masterful job in touching the viewer's emotions. In many cases we can actually relate to the ponies in certain parts of the episodes. This marvel of a show provides the fuel for the creator, so to speak.

 

While you do make a good point, I was mentioning how the fandom are really the ones who took advantage of the whole pony thing. Not to degrade the creators of course, but the fandom provided a spark for the ages, per se.

[Aureity 3,055]

While you do make a good point, I was mentioning how the fandom are really the ones who took advantage of the whole pony thing. Not to degrade the creators of course, but the fandom provided a spark for the ages, per se.

 

Oh wait. I read the topic wrong. Again.

Sorry, this is what happens when I don't get enough sleep...

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

Oh wait. I read the topic wrong. Again.

Sorry, this is what happens when I don't get enough sleep...

 

No hard feelings, bro

[The Awesome One 1,315]

I completely agree with you on that matter.

 

Also:

[Nas 2,873]

I completely agree with you on that matter.

 

Also:

 

Good Sir Fancypants?

 

Not Bad.