Nothing More Than a Ghost

You know, I like ponies. Hell, I even like background ponies. They offer the aspiring artist a means of quick inspiration to channel our feelings, aspirations, or even memories into works of art. But with thousands of Bronies out there being all inspired and whatnot, you begin to notice patterns. When a fanfic is recommended to me, I can often predict who the main character is, and who the writer was. For example, "This fic is about a misunderstood rebellious youth who has a deep, artistic soul, but can't express himself the way society wants him to. Gee, I wonder what the artist is like." Or how about, "This fic is about a young mare who wants to finally become romantically active, but is really just making herself more sexually advantageous. This 'artist' should probably close the laptop and find himself a young man a/or lady." I really don't want to sound harsh or even cruel, but when I decided to start reviewing art and fics I knew I would begin to see the same things over and over again.

Take this piece for example, at a glance it was simple, noting really standing out negatively. Very somber, but done very well, portraying a character, how she's feeling and the knowledge that there is a story behind those tears. As far as "mood" pieces go, this one did it's job. That is, if it's job was to make me feel sad and lonely and want to take another drink! Then, yeah! Hit that nail on the head!
But then I read the description and decided to read the first chapter of the fic this was inspired by. First few paragraphs, I found myself thinking, "well it's just like the artwork. About the tortured soul of a beautiful musician, who longs for something more. Gee, I wonder what that says about the artist!" Once again, I'm not trying to be cruel, just judging by first glances like every asshole does.

But just like the fanfic, the more I read into this piece the more I appreciated it's delivery, it's style. I don't want to talk much more about the fanfic because I'm supposed to be reviewing this artwork (and I've only read the first chapter). But please, if you haven't read the fic, go and give it a try. It's sure to get the feels pumping.

With a title like "Nothing But a Ghost," you already had me confused. It's hard to take a character being in a really heavy scene or atmosphere when I'm so used to seeing her in a light and cheerful one all the time. Seriously, I've never seen Lyra's character given such a gloomy atmosphere. The very idea by itself makes this piece shrouded with mystery.
As for the delivery, everything is spot on, the moonlight, the low evening fog, that Goddamn expression on an otherwise beaming face! The characters design is very well done, the lines in both the hair and the tail really seal the deal for me. They make it look just real enough. As for the theme and overall mood, well let's just say I'm on my third glass of bourbon and It'll take at least four more to get all these feels outta here!

Seriously though, I love it. If nothing else these pieces reminded me of something important. As Lyra so eloquently put it, "Don't take an object at face value."

You know, the more I think about it, this fanfic actually reminds me of something. She is perpetually cursed to live every day knowing that no one will remember her. I spend my time reviewing artwork of the same ponies I've seen a thousand times and will see a thousand times again. Like Lyra, I find myself repeating words I've said time and time again to a bunch of nameless faces who won't remember my name. Could that poor unicorn wandering the cold darkness... be me?
Probably not, BUT I"LL DRINK TO THAT!

CHEERS, LYRA YOU SAD SAPP!
--Michael