RJ Writing Ink

Things that came to an end in 2019

In my look ahead at 2019 that I did at the end of last year, then you’ll recall what I dubbed 2019. I called it “the Year of Endings.” The name came from the fact that several great stories in the form of movies, shows, and games would be ending this year. It felt appropriate.

With the year now largely wrapped up, I decided to take a look back on everything that came to an end. In addition, I wanted to share my thoughts about the way these things ended. Too often have I seen a good story ruined by a bad ending.

Infinity Saga

When Iron Man came out in 2008, I don’t anyone knew what it was starting. As a result of that film, a cinematic universe the likes of which had never been done was born. Now fast forward to 2019, and supeheroes dominate our culture, with Marvel capping off one of the most ambitious stories in history: the Infinity Saga.

I’ve been a fan of Marvel since I was a kid. So when I saw Thanos appear in that mid-credits scene in Avengers, I knew what Marvel was building to. However, never in my wildest dreams did I expect the Infinity Saga to end like it did. The franchise had plenty of high moments, a few low points, but through it all, it remained an incredible ride. The final clash between the Avengers and Thanos was one of the greatest moments in cinematic history. As a result of the MCU, I don’t think our culture will ever be the same again, and I’m happy about that.

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones was, without a doubt, the definitive show of the decade. Based on George R.R. Martin’s books and inspired by Shakespeare’s plays, this show gave us a modern spin on a medieval world. The sheer amount of success it’s had is mind-boggling. From giving dozens of actors their big break, to all the memes and references in pop culture, Game of Thrones was a show that only came around once a generation. Then, we got the finale.

If you’ve read my reviews for the final season, then you know how I thought it was a let-down. Yeah, all the characters I hated died, but the way they did made it feel like a hollow victory. While I don’t agree with how the show ended, I’ve since come to a conclusion. While I think the final season could have been done better, I don’t think it changes the fact that Game of Thrones is one of the best shows ever made. The ride alone made the whole thing worth it in the end. Also, I could at least celebrate Littlefinger’s death.

Kingdom Hearts: The Xehanort Saga

Fourteen years. That’s how long fans had been waiting for Kingdom Hearts 3 to come out. In that time, we had to go through several mid-quels, prequels, and remasterings. However, in January 2019, Square Enix finally gave us the final chapter in the Xehanort Saga for their crossover RPG, Kingdom Hearts.

Personally, I enjoyed Kingdom Hearts III. I loved the updated graphics, the new game play mechanics, and the new worlds based on Disney properties that we could explore. However, my enthusiasm for it was marred by my belief that Square Enix delayed it longer than necessary. Then when I got to the end and saw what happened, I felt more frustrated than sad with how it turned out. Despite this, I still think Kingdom Hearts is one of my all-time favorite series.

Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

After forty-two years, eleven movies, and hours worth of content, it seems that Star Wars is dropping the curtain on the Skywalkers. After Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, they announced their intent to create a Sequel Trilogy, culminating in the release of The Rise of Skywalker earlier this month. The film’s supposed to put an end to the story of Skywalker family. However, I don’t buy it for a second.

Ever since The Rise of Skywalker was announced, people talk like its the end of the franchise. In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Star Wars proved a long time ago that it can tell great stories without involving the Skywalker family. In fact, some of the best content didn’t involve the Skywalkers or their friends at all! In other words, I see The Rise of Skywalker as the first chapter in a new era for a franchise that can go on for decades.

Star vs the Forces of Evil

This year saw one of the best cartoons put out in years come to an end. At one point, Star vs. the Forces of Evil was almost as popular as Steven Universe and Gravity Falls. However, that didn’t stop Disney from rushing bringing the show to a somewhat quiet end in May of this year. The question, though, is why I keep bringing this show up.

I think my obssession with Star vs. can be explained with three different reasons. Firstly, I think after being so thoroughly disappointed by it, I subconsciously transferred my love of Game of Thrones to Star vs as a means of coping. Secondly, I felt like Disney rushed to get the show’s final season out, throwing in multiple episodes in the span of a few weeks. As a result, it ended before we could get ready for it. Finally, I think that they could have told more stories in the show. Daron Nefcy has openly said she’d come back to do more with Star vs if Disney asked. Thus, I don’t think the story of Star Butterfly’s done just yet.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

I used to think that My Little Pony was a toy line meant for little girls. Then I saw Rainbow Dash beat the snot out of Starscream on an episode of Death Battle. That made me realize that these ponies could actually be cool. After that, I got into the show, and ended up becoming a brony.

In October of this year, Discovery Family and Hasbro brought My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic to an end. However, unlike Game of Thrones or Star vs., this show came to an end on a very satisfying note. Discovery Family went out of its way to promote it by re-running every episode ever, and the finale managed to tie up any remaining plot threads. In other words, it had a good ending. Best of all, IDW Comics will be continuing the story in comic book form starting next year, so this won’t be the last time we see these characters. I thought it was great seeing one of the decade’s best cartoons go out on a high note, and I only wish other shows could do the same thing.

Happy New Year

Do you agree with my picks? What other great things came to an end in 2019 that I missed? Let me know in the comments below, and happy New Year.

Click here to see more stuff recapping past years.

My Picks for the Top Ten Animated Shows of the 2010s

By the time 2010 rolled around, almost all the cartoons I loved watching had ended their runs. As a result, I thought I grew out of them and started getting into documentary channels. Thankfully, the 2010s saw an animation renaissance that dragged me back into cartoons. I have no regrets whatsoever.

As we close out the 2010s, I thought it would be appropriate to look back on the decade’s animation renaissance. Thus, I’m giving you my picks for my top ten favorite cartoons of the 2010s. But first, some ground rules:

1. The shows have to have started after January 1st, 2010. Shows that started before then don’t count.
2. Each of these picks are shows that I watched. I know this means I’ll miss great shows like Bojack Horseman, but that’s how it is. Sorry in advance
3. I’m not counting anime. A show can be anime-esque or based on it, but anime itself is off the table.

With that out of the way, let’s get started!

Adventure Time (2010-2018)

What time is it? ADVENTURE TIME! In 2010, this gem created by Pendleton Ward premiered on Cartoon Network. Telling the story of Jake the shapeshifting dog and Finn the human boy, Adventure Time follows their adventures in the magical, post-apocalyptic land of Ooo. However, as time passed, the show began to build itself into something more than a cartoon.

Thanks to a combination of a strong supporting cast, deep mythology, overarching stories and willingness to tackle mature themes, Adventure Time became a massive hit for Cartoon Network. In fact, I largely credit it for kickstarting this animation renaissance, with Cartoon Network benefiting the most. In addition, many of the show’s staff went on to create equally popular shows like Steven Universe, O.K. K.O.! Let’s be Heroes, Over the Garden Wall, and more. This show was amazing, and it’s legacy will no doubt be felt for decades to come.

Avatar: The Legend of Korra (2012-2014)

I consider Avatar: The Last Airbender to be one of the greatest cartoons of all time. Thus, imagine my joy when I learned Nickelodeon was making a sequel called The Legend of Korra? Taking place 70 years after the end of A:TLA, Legend of Korra, the show follows the titular character as she fulfills her role as the new Avatar. However, Korra has to face enemies that make her question if the Avatar has a place in the world anymore.

Aside from continuing the story of my favorite cartoon, I loved Korra for multiple reasons. Firstly, it knows that the returning fan base were now teens and young adults. As such, it wasn’t afraid to touch on darker issues that reflect real world history like inequality, oppressive governments, and fanaticism. Secondly, it expanded upon the already rich world of its predecessor, adding more backstory. It even goes so far as to show us the Avatar’s origins, which is really cool. Thirdly, there’s plenty of callbacks to the original show.

Sadly, the show suffered from a scheduling problem during its run. By Season Three, they started dropping the episodes in huge chunks; then midway through it, they move it exclusively to streaming. As a result, the show ended sooner than necessary. It’s still a good show, but this move by Nick makes it less impactful in the end.

DuckTales! (2017- Present)

Of all the reboots I’ve seen to classic shows, the 2017 reboot of DuckTales! may be one of the best. This reboot reimagines the cast and premise of the classic 80s cartoon for a new generation of fans. The end result is a cartoon that captures the spirit of its predecessor while being able to stand as its own thing.

I’ve made my love of DuckTales! known in the past, so I’m going to bullet point what I like most about it.

• The callbacks and references to the original show and the Disney Afternoon cartoons of the 80s and 90s
• The art style’s reminiscent of 1950s comics
• The voice cast is incredible. They gave the Triplets different voice actors and personalities
• Della Duck becomes a prominent character
• That theme song!

Bottom line, this show’s worth watching.

Gravity Falls (2012-2016)

Disney’s first, and likely biggest, success from this decade’s animation renaissance, Gravity Falls is to the Mouse what Adventure Time is to Cartoon Network. The show follows the twins Dipper and Mabel Pines as they spend their summer vacation in the titular Oregon Town. However, they soon find out that the place is a magnet for weirdness and supernatural phenomena. With their new friends and con-artist Grunkle Stan, the two (mostly Dipper) work to uncover the mysteries behind the town and the danger threatening it.

Speaking of which, Gravity Falls revolves around mysteries. Creator Alex Hirsch loved throwing in mysteries and clues for fans to solve, from ciphers in every episode to a real-life scavenger hunt following the series finale. As a result, Gravity Falls attracted a large adult fan base that still supports the show years after it ended. In addition, like Adventure Time, several people who worked on Gravity Falls have gone on to create their own successful shows. Given the influence it’s had on Disney, it’s safe to say that Gravity Falls remains one of the most important cartoons of the 2010s.

Regular Show (2010-2017)

Don’t let the title fool you; it’s anything but. Regular Show follows the lives of Mordecai and Rigby, two slacker best friends working together in a second-rate Park. At least, they’re supposed to; in reality, they try to find ways to get out of work. This usually leads them to get into surreal misadventures that they have to get out of.

As a millennial and a young adult, J.G. Quintel’s creation really spoke to me. On the surface level, Regular Show was laden with pop culture references that many millennials would understand. However, underneath the surreal nature and references, it was a show about two guys going through the trials of young adulthood. It was goofy, heartfelt, and exciting, and an all-around good time. Heck, they even made going into space for the final season entertaining. Most shows would have jumped the shark by doing that!

Rick and Morty (2015- Present)

Few shows have ever been as amazing as Rick and Morty. Then again, I don’t think we’ve ever had a show like Rick and Morty. Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon’s sci-fi comedy follows the adventures of the titular duo. Rick’s the cynical genius who does whatever he wants because he knows nothing matters, and Morty’s his well-meaning but naive grandson. Now name a sci-fi story or scenario, add them in, and you’ve got Rick and Morty.

As I’ve made clear in the past, I’m a huge fan of Rick and Morty. It’s the show that’s not afraid to ask deep, philosophical questions while doing the absolute dumbest things. It’s funny and low-brow, yet also intelligent and philosophical. Also, it’s the show that single-handedly forces McDonald’s to bring back their Szechuan dipping sauce. I can’t think of another show that can do that! Rick and Morty is awesome!

RWBY (2013- Present)

The only web-based show on this list, Roosterteeth’s mega-hit RWBY has been called the first Western anime. In a world filled with dark creatures called Grimm, people called huntsman and huntresses battle to protect the people. The series itself follows the members of the titular team RWBY, Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang, as they become huntresses and protect the world from evil.

Created by the now deceased Monty Oum, RWBY’s become one of the most popular anime in the world. I can’t even count how many people I see cosplaying the characters at conventions. I think part of the appeal comes from how it crosses various genres of anime. It’s got all the action and epic music of Shonen, the premise’s reminiscent of the magical girl genre, and the first three seasons are like a high-school/slice of life.

My favorite thing about RWBY, though, is how its existence shows how prevalent the influence of anime has become. Instead of merely importing it from Japan, now we’re exporting it to Japan! If you haven’t seen RWBY yet, I recommend you watch it. It’s a great gem of the ongoing animation renaissance.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (2010-2019)

Who knew that a show about traditionally girl toys would turn into a cultural phenomenon? My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic was created by Lauren Faust and served as the fourth iteration of the My Little Pony line. It follows the adventures of six friends as they learn about the importance of friendship and being nice to each other. That may sound lame on paper, but in reality, it’s really good.

Despite being aimed at kids and being about a toy line meant for girls, MLP: FIM broke the mold. The show was filled with a lot of action, the characters had three-dimensional depth to them, and was genuinely fun to watch. It made it cool for boys and adults to like things traditionally meant for girls. That alone makes it good enough to put on this list. In addition, it had some all-star talent working on it, like Tara Strong as the lead role.

Steven Universe (2013-Present)

Whereas shows like Legend of Korra and MLP opened the door on gender norms, Steven Universe knocked down the door, and the wall for good measure. The show follows the titular character, a half-human, half-alien boy, as he grows up and learns about himself and his place in the world.

It would be an insult to say that Steven Universe is nothing short of revolutionary. It goes out of its way to deal with topics few cartoons dared to tackle. From the aforementioned challenging of gender roles to encouraging the acceptance of the LGBT community, Steven Universe has helped change our culture for the better. I’m willing to bet that this show will go down as one of the most important cartoons in history. It’s a shining example of the best this animation renaissance has to offer people.

Star vs the Forces of Evil (2015-2019)

Considering how much it’s been brought up on this blog, it should be no surprise that this wound up being here. Instead of explaining it again, here’s a video that does the job for me:

I’m well aware that the fourth and final season wasn’t as great as it could have been. Furthermore, as much as I love how the finale lets Star and Marco remain together, I know some fans didn’t like it. That said, let’s not forget that at its peak, Disney was pushing Star vs as it’s flagship cartoon on Disney XD. When the 2-hour TV movie “The Battle for Mewni” premiered, it was trending on Twitter. In short, yes the show could have stuck the landing better. However, I don’t think it detracts from the fact that it was a good show. The fact that so many people want more of Star vs serves as a testament to how good it can be. If Disney does more with it, I’ll be thrilled. Until then, I still think it’s one of the best cartoons of the decade.

Also, there’s some really good fan fiction of it out there.

The 2010s Animation Renaissance

So, do you agree with my picks? For that matter, do you agree that this decade saw an animation renaissance take place? If I didn’t mention a cartoon you like, then leave a comment telling me about it down below. I know I missed a lot! Happy New Year!

Click here to see more stuff recapping past years.

Click here to see my other animation stuff.

Jay’s Month of Screams, Day 6- My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Due to the impending finale of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, I’ve gotten the show stuck in my head. All day. Since I’m doing a Halloween Special a day, I figured I’d roll with it and watch one from the show.

In this season five episode, Fluttershy decides to try and face her biggest fear: going out on Nightmare Night. All her friends are thrilled about it, but the poor thing’s still too scared to enjoy the holiday.

So, instead of getting scared, Fluttershy decides it would be better to be the scarer. After a failed first attempt, Fluttershy manages to do the impossible and scare the daylights out of her friends! Despite this, she decides she can’t go through with making her friends feel like they’re in actual danger. Nightmare Night is just not for her in the end, and she goes back to staying in her cottage.

Not My Cup of Tea

As much as I enjoy the show, it’s hard to see something like My Little Pony as scary even at its most tense moments. It’s still a kids show, so it has to restrain itself. Regardless, I was impressed with how scary an experience Fluttershy made for her friends. If I got chase by a giant monster or attacked by a giant bat in a haunted maze, I’d be scared too. In a good way.

I guess I’m the end, MLP Halloween specials aren’t for me; kind of like how Nightmare Night isn’t for Fluttershy. It was still worth trying, and a fun way to prepare for the show’s series finale.

By the way, IDW’s continuing the show in comic book form. Happy Halloween!

Click here to see the FANDOM Article I did for Halloween last year.

Click here to see my other animation stuff. Or here to see all holiday related posts.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Series Finale Review

Looking back on this decade of animation, I think few shows have been as successful as My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. This cartoon took a toy line and turned it into something amazing. A sprawling and complex world rivaling decades old. A spin-off series of films, specials, comics, merchandise, and a theatrical movie. Additionally, there’s an actual Brony Convention. In other words, this show about a bunch of ponies has done an incredible job of becoming successful.

All good things must come to an end, though, lest they end up like The Simpsons. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic had a phenomenal run, but it’s time has finally come. However, it manages to end on one massive note, as Twilight and her friends face their biggest challenge ever.

The Triple Threats Plan

While everyone prepares for Twilight to be crowned ruler of Equestria, the villainous trio of Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow has been working from the shadows. They’ve sown seeds of discord between Equestria’s inhabitants, turning everyone against each other while they make their move. They then turn on Grogar and use his own bell to drain his power. Although, it was never Grogar, but Discord.

Discord had seen how Twilight was unsure of herself as Equestria’s ruler. Therefore, he brought back all her enemies so she could beat them and get the confidence she needed. I get what Discord was trying to do, and this is in his character, but it still seems like a bad idea. Plus, it seems a bit of a cop-out, introducing this ancient foe only for him to be a red herring.

However, the finale more than makes up for the red herring as the Mane Six has to throw everything they have at the villains. The resulting fights are suitably epic and filled with action and amazing, and each of the heroes gets a moment to shine.

There Will Always Be Problems

I don’t want to spoil the ending, but for those worried that it will end with the bad guys redeemed, don’t fret. The villains don’t change their ways in the 11th hour, something the show even acknowledges. No matter how great things get, there will always be people in the dark trying to wreck everything. However, there will also be people ready to stand up for what’s right. With all of Equestria united as one, light and friendship overcome darkness one last time.

The question is, what now?

Epilogue and Final Lesson

The final episode takes us into the future with all the people’s of Equestria thriving under Twilight’s leadership. Yet one of her top students questions the importance of friendship, since it seems like Twilight rules alone. In other words, how do friends stay friends when things change in their lives. It’s a very real-world problem we’ve all had to face at some point. That’s the final lesson Friendship is Magic tried to teach its fans: learning to let go and accept change.

Thankfully, I think the show does a good job of explaining it. Even if things in their lives can change, and they might not always have time for each other, friends can still find ways to be together. In Twilight’s case, she and the Mane Six promised to meet once a moon as a Friendship Council to run Equestria. Additionally, it gives us a look at how the Mane Six have changed:

• Pinkie Pie married Cheese Sandwich and has a kid (no surprise there)
• Rainbow Dash and Applejack may or may not be a couple.
• Fluttershy might be living with Discord.
• Rarity aged gracefully.

They all have been busy, and so has Equestria, but they still make time for each other. So the final lesson the show has to teach it’s viewers is about change. People’s lives can change and they may not have as much time as before, but if they’re willing to put in the effort, they can stay friends. Plus, there are always more friends that people can make, and more bonds to forge. Not to sound corny, but that’s what makes friendship magic.

Bookends

In the final moments of the finale, the show gives us one final song that bookends the way the show started. When Twilight’s student wants to learn more about friendship, Twilight knows where to send her. She brings her to Ponyville, where she learned the magic of friendship all those years ago. It’s symbolic of how the show began, and also gives us a final, important lesson.

The kids who have been with the show from the start will be teens and young adults by now. Part of being an adult is passing on what you learned to the next generation. That’s what Twilight and her friends do in the show’s final moments, and what the show wants it’s fans to do with the show’s lessons.

Final Thoughts

Am I sad that My Little Pony is over? I am. I may not have gotten into it as some people, and my interest did wane over time, but I can appreciate what the show teaches people. In this world filled with so much strife, it’s better to make friends instead. The show may be over, but the lessons live on. The lessons, and the merchandise

This won’t be the end of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, though, not by a long shot. Hasbro’s already moving forward with the upcoming Generation V of the franchise, and I hope they keep the fun and magic that fans have come to expect.

So, the finale may not have entirely perfect, but I think it was enough to satisfy me. For those who want more of Equestria, worry not. Hasbro has another MLP:FIM film in the works. In the more immediate future, though, it was announced at NYCC that the comics would be giving us a Season 10 of the show. The show may be over, but this won’t be the last we see of Twilight Sparkle or the magical land of Equestria.

Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.

Dr. Seuss

I Give My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Series Finale a Solid 4.5/5

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Top Ten Animated Characters You’d Want As a Best Friend

Before we begin, I would like to give a shoutout to Karandi from 100 Word Anime for giving me the inspiration to write this.

Admit it, at some point in your life you saw a character in a cartoon and you thought “Wow. I wish they were real so they could be my best friend.” Having spent much of my life watching good cartoons, I’ve seen tons of characters that make for awesome friends. They can be the characters who make you laugh from their antics, or put stars in your eyes from being so cool. I’m Roderick Jay Fritz, and these are my picks for the ten animated character’s you’d want as your best friend.

For this list, I will be including characters from animations regardless of who made them. That means that anyone from western animation and anime is open for this. No CGI characters, though.

Ed, Ed Edd n’ Eddy

He’s big, he’s yellow, and he’s the glue that holds his friends together; his name is Ed. As part of the titular trio, Ed’s a good-natured guy who will do anything for his friends. Too bad he’s not very smart, though; whenever his friends come up with a plan, they pick him to do the heavy-lifting. Ed never seems to mind though, and considering he’s strong enough to lift a house, it’s not much of a problem.

When I saw Ed on tv as a kid, I thought that he was the funniest person I had ever seen. I even considered him my spirit animal for a while, until my parents tried to make me stop watching the show. Constantly spouting out non-sequitours and obscure sci-fi references, Ed’s the goofball that you can’t help but love. While his hygiene’s non-existent and his stupidity may get on people’s nerves at times, I can’t help but love the big guy. Plus, since we both love comics and sci-fi stories, I could spend hours enjoying the subjects with him!

Genie, Aladdin Franchise

How many people do you know that have a song about how awesome a friend they’d be? One of the main characters from Disney’s Aladdin franchise, Genie’s one of Aladdin’s closest friends and the source of much of the humor in the film and its tv follow-up. While his cosmic powers are amazing to behold, what makes him so endearing is his compassion and willingness to help others out.

Having a friend who can do the things Genie can is awesome, but that’s not why I want him as a best friend. It’s because much of his personality stems from the man who first portrayed him, the late Robin Williams. Williams brought Genie to life with manic improv and impressions, but kept audiences glued with his sincerity and kindness. Others have played Genie since Robin, but his personality remains the same: a big-hearted goofball who can be anyone’s friend. It’s just like the song say: we ain’t never had like him.

Monkey D. Luffy, One Piece

The hero of the hit One Piece franchise, Monkey D. Luffy’s one of the most fearless people a person could ever meet. With a body that stretches like rubber and a boundless thirst for adventure, Luffy’s goal in life is to become King of the Pirates. As Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, he’s well on his way, too. His true power, though, is his infectious charisma and childlike charm, winning him friends almost everywhere he goes; even in the marines that are hunting him.

Another idol from my childhood, I loved watching Luffy’s adventures on TV; to my shame, it was the 4Kids dub of One Piece. While his fearlessness and sense of adventure are both great qualities, the reason that I’d want him as a best friend is for his loyalty. Once he calls you a friend, no matter how long he’s known you, then you’ret his friend. Time and again, Luffy’s been willing to go through hell to help the people he cares about. He’s even gone so far as declare war on the World Government to get a friend back. No matter who stands in his way, Luffy will fight past it to protect those he loves, and he almost always manages to win.

Mordecai and Rigby, Regular Show

I know this is cheating, but you can’t have one of these two without the other. An anthropomorphic blue jay and racoon, Mordecai and Rigby are the embodiments of “brother from another mother”. Lifelong best friends, these cool dudes live and work at a park; that’s what they’re supposed to do, at least. In reality, they spend most of their time slacking off, coming up with sweet songs, or getting caught in surreal misadventures.

As a 20 something young man who loves sitting around and playing video games, I can relate a lot to Mordecai and Rigby. We’re all at that age where we want to enjoy our lives to the fullest, and Mordecai and Rigby do so every day. Even if they didn’t get into all sorts of crazy adventures, they’re still two of the coolest guys I’ve seen on TV, and I’d hang with them in a heartbeat. Plus, I’m a huge fan of their crazy songs.

Rainbow Dash, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

It was a tough choice between her and Pinkie Pie, but I had to go with Rainbow Dash. Ponyville’s resident athlete and daredevil, Rainbow lives for adventure and thrills. She’s the fastest in the world, able to reach speeds that exceed the sound barrier, and a member of the prestigious acrobatics team the Wonderbolts. Don’t let her competitive and brash demeanor fool you, though. She represents the element of loyalty, and won’t hesitate to help her friends when they need it.

I never thought much of My Little Pony until the current iteration. Then I saw Rainbow Dash beat the snot out of Starscream on the web show Death Battle, and I realized they’re awesome, especially Rainbow Dash. She’s the kind of friend that would feel at home joking around or on some high-flying adventure. She may get brash and cocky at times, but her loyalty to her friends means she learns her lesson in the end. If I had to pick anyone in the group to be my best friend, I’d go with Rainbow Dash.

Star Butterfly, Star vs. The Forces of Evil

Mix Mabel from Gravity Falls with Usagi Tsukino from Sailor Moon, add a dash of Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and you get Star Butterfly. In her own words, she’s a “magical princess from another dimension!” Sent to Earth to learn how to use her family’s magic wand, Star’s like a living sugar rush, always looking to have fun. Since she can travel the multiverse and fights the forces of evil on a daily basis, she has a lot of fun!

Star Butterfly’s the living personification of fun, able to make people smile just by showing up. Even without magic, she’s the super awesome girl that everyone wants to be friends with. As we see with her close friends, she manages to bring out the best in them and help them grow as people (i.e. Marco). While she starts out as hyperactive and reckless, by the end of the show, Star’s pretty much an example of what it means to be responsible while still knowing how to have fun. While it may seem a little extreme to do so, the fact that she willingly destroyed the source of all magic, something she loved using, so people wouldn’t abuse it anymore, shows how far she’s come. While we may have to wait until a potential sequel to see the official, canon consequences of this, fans can be happy knowing that she can spend the rest of her life going on adventures with her best friend/boyfriend, Marco.

Spongebob Squarepants, Spongebob Squarepants

Absorbent, yellow, and porous is he, and we all love him for it. Spongebob Squarepants stands among cartoon icons like Mickey Mouse, Popeye, and Bugs Bunny. Making generations of kids laugh, this happy-go-lucky sponge spends his time flipping Krabby Patties at his job, hanging out with his friends, or just being a virtual embodiment of optimism. With his infectious laughter and smile, it’s no wonder kids have loved him for twenty years and going.

As a kid growing up, Spongebob was one of my childhood heroes. I admired the way that he always saw the good in the world over the bad, and gets the most out of life as a result. I admit, sometimes his naivete and obliviousness to how annoying he can get makes me wanna throttle him. Most of the time, though, I spent my childhood wishing he was real so he could be my best friend. Looking back, I still want him as a best friend.

Team Four Star Nappa, Dragon Ball Z Abridged

Team Four Star took a one-dimensional brute like Nappa and turned him into the breakout character of Dragon Ball Z Abridged. Their version of Nappa’s essentially an idiotic man-child with the ability to blow up the planet, yet is more interested in playing pattycake and Pokemon. The character proved so funny that TFS chose to ignore his canon death. After spending time as a ghost haunting Vegeta, Nappa came back for real, moved to Hollywood, and became a major film producer. He continues to make cameos in various Team Four Star media to this day.

My reasoning behind wanting the Abridged Nappa as a best friend can be summed up with this quote:

I am hilarious and you will quote everything I say.

I can’t remember the last time that I laughed as hard as I did when I first saw Abridged Nappa. From treating his fight with Goku’s friends like a game of tag to driving Vegeta insane with his antics, this guy’s a barrel of laughs. I’d love to hang out with him an play video games any time, if he wasn’t so busy doing it with Vegeta.

Wander, Wander Over Yonder

An orange, furry creature of undetermined origins, Wander is friendliness personified. Optimistic and lovable, Wander’s only goal in life is to help anyone who needs it. With his best friend Sylvia, he travels across the galaxy to see new worlds, make new friends, and spread joy to all. Much to the annoyance of Lord Hater, who can’t stand his upbeat attitude.

I admit, Wander’s insistence on trying to befriend everyone, no matter how bad they are, can be annoying at times. That said, it attests to the fact that Wander wants to help everyone he meets be happy, even if it means putting himself in danger. If we had more people in this world as kind and selfless as Wander, then it would be a much better place. Plus, with Wander as a best friend, I could travel the galaxy and see all sorts of amazing things.

Thanks again, Karandi. I also just realized that I forgot to include Hestia. My bad.

Yes, people, I am a Brony, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. I never cared for My Little Pony at first, thought it was not for me. But then I saw Rainbow Dash beat the circuits out of Starscream in an episode of Death Battle:

And then Pinkie Pie fighting Deadpool:

And then Twilight Sparkle fought Raven.

The point being, the ponies from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic are pretty cool. Unlike previous versions, the characters in this version are not overly “girly” and go on funny and exciting adventures. But I’m not here to talk about the show outright. Today, I want to talk about their new holiday special, The Best Gift Ever.

My Little Pony: The Best Gift Ever

It’s the day before Hearth’s Warming Eve, the Equestrian equivalent to Christmas, and the Mane Six is busy trying to get each other gifts. And Twilight is… having her holiday meltdown from the stress of getting gifts for everyone. And preparing for her family to visit.

So Applejack suggests that they do a Hearth’s Warming helper (AKA a Secret Santa). So the gang goes their separate ways to find the perfect gifts for each other:

• Rarity heads to recover the gift she got for Applejack after it got sent to the wrong address
• Discord tags along with Rainbow Dash to get Fluttershy a new pet
• Fluttershy and Applejack head to a craft fair for gifts for Spike and Rainbow Dash
• Spike wants to get Rarity the best gift ever (because he loves her).
• Pinkie Pie heads to a trio of Reindeer to get a gift for Twilight.
• And Twilight’s gift for Pinkie Pie?

It wouldn’t be an adventure, though, if they didn’t run into hijinks. So things end up getting crazy, and no one ends up getting the gifts they wanted to give.

That’s alright, though, because, like any episode of My Little Pony, there’s a moral behind everything. The moral in this case is that you shouldn’t stress so much about what to get your friends and family for the holiday season. Getting gifts is always fun, but the best gift can be just spending time with loved ones and enjoying yourself. That’s what the holidays are for!

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s mention the touches that I liked about this special- in photo form!

So, yeah, the message of the story is one that has been told a thousand times, but I don’t think that that is a bad thing as long as it’s told in a fun way. And considering how much care Hasbro, the cast, and writers of the show put into it, I’d say that it was plenty of fun. I know I enjoyed it, at least.

Don’t go anywhere yet! I’ve got a bevy of more blogs that I want to do today! Then, check back tomorrow as I go over a bonus movie, recap the year, and what I look forward to in 2019.

Click here to see my other animation stuff. Or here to see all holiday related posts!