So... not really a Yak fan. Just putting that out there.
But how about dual princes? Physical copies for Friends Forever #26 hit store shelves early last week, but everything should be up to speed today. Let's talk about Prince Blueblood and Prince Shining Armor's adventure!
(Spoilers within! Please leave your nukes at the door.)
Comic book covers have never been bastions of honesty. Go to
any shop and witness a myriad of images that offer tragedy, conflict, and
excitement that might be in the
actual pages. The goal is not to give away the comic’s story, but to make you
invested enough to pick it up and read.
I mention this because the A cover for Friends Forever #26 offers a similar promise. A viewer might start
scripting the tale of an arrogant young prince. Underestimating a pony who
married into the role, Blueblood would need a lesson in humility.
Doubtless many a fan would be drawn to such an idea, given
Blueblood's poor treatment towards Rarity. Plus there’s the hope that Shining
Armor will have his chance to stand out after so many events where he is
brought low and needs saving.
The comic opens with a consistent theme: Equestrian politics
are bonkers! Shining Armor and Cadance are due for an ambassadorial mission in
Yakyakistan, but an emergency summons away all four princesses. Right away we
have a distraction. What could be happening that requires all four princesses’
attention?
Sweet Christmas, YES! IDW, could this ever be a thing?
Shining Armor’s decline starts when he laments that he
doesn’t know anything about trade. A newly-married prince, and no one has begun
to teach him about royal duties? It doesn’t speak well for him, Cadance, or
Celestia that they would send him on a mission without the proper training. Yet
this is a typical tactic in Equestria, making me wonder how they accomplish
anything.
Celestia does have an alternative: her inexplicable nephew.
Blueblood’s entrance is that of a friendly buffoon who quickly draws Shining Armor’s ire. Doesn’t help that Blueblood claims he
never took interest in Cadance because she was an orphan.
Twice in recent comics that they’ve referenced
Cadance’s absent parents. Interesting idea if this is foreshadowing.
The goal appears to be to make the audience underestimate
Blueblood. Yet no sooner have they begun their mission then the scales start
shifting. Blueblood is the smarter pony for having guards carry him in a palanquin
while Shining Armor insists on proving his masculinity independence by
walking to Yakyakistan.
Instead of arriving rested and well-read like Blueblood,
Shining Armor is late, exhausted, and unfocused. It doesn’t help that while he
makes a drama of his journey, Blueblood’s escort are able to spirit the BB Express the entire way, through snow,
without any warmer clothing and still outpace Shining Armor.
From there we resume the one-note joke from Party Pooped. As Blueblood points out,
trying to mimic Yak culture failed last time. So why should Shining Armor
expect different results? Probably shouldn’t have taken lessons from his
sister, who nearly trotted into a war. By the time Shining’s ambitions have
been smashed along with everything else, it’s clear he’s out of his league.
Blueblood is content to let him fail, only stepping in once
Shining Armor has the humility to ask for help. Is this Blueblood making sure
Shining learns a lesson, or does he enjoy watching Shining Armor squirm?
Because that’s the uncertainty with Blueblood. One of his tenants for being an
ambassador is:
[Remembering names] shows ponies that you care (even if you
don’t).
Blueblood makes a far greater showing in this comic,
expressing care for his guards and for the Yak residents. But this line shades
everything with doubt. Even Blueblood’s praise of the Alicorn princesses might be words he knows ponies want to hear.
Despite this doubt, the A cover proves true. Blueblood
really is the #1 prince. He’s able to avert war, win over the Yaks’ goodwill,
and gains Shining Armor’s respect. Would Blueblood have fared so well in a
military operation or if paired off with a princess? Likely not, but he seems
confident enough in his self-image that he wouldn't feel the need to prove
himself.
This comic might be better labeled the Prince Blueblood Micro than a Friends
Forever title. Shining Armor does not contribute towards a solution. For
Blueblood to stand out, Shining Armor must repeatedly fail. In fact, it seems
he was set up to fail. We’re told this might have been Celestia’s intent to
create a learning opportunity, and Shining admits he now knows what it’s like to be tricked
into her lessons. For those who wonder, “Could this be a Celestia
lesson?” I’ve created this helpful guide:
For me, the best Friends
Forever issues allow both characters to show their best and build a mutual
respect. Blueblood certainly succeeded, but Shining Armor never stands out. He
is there to fail and need rescuing. His lot in life seems to be the jobber,
though there is hope as he asks Blueblood to teach him to be an ambassador. Are
they friends? I doubt it. But there’s at least more respect on Shining Armor’s
side.
This comic is an interesting perspective on Blueblood and
offers a mixed view. Intelligent and charismatic, but seemingly insincere. It’s
an impressive feat, given that having a bad attitude in Equestria is met with
greater contempt than being an actual criminal. Yet the fact that Shining Armor
has no positive traits to contribute diminishes the overall story. Promotion
one character over another cheapens the experience.
Here’s hoping Shining Armor can show his best in a feature
issue. He deserves some positive spotlight.
Twitter: Silver Quill
