Do I have Regrets with AT&F? Answering Common Questions

Today I am going to answer some of the most common questions we get in our mailbox.  The questions aren't word for word, but they are made to represent the common questions.

Q: Is Twilight based after you?  Does she get traits based off of you?

No and no. Not much about Twilight is actually like me at all and she was never based on me or anyone else I know.  She was first of all based off her show counterpart then we added some other nerdy and silly things to make her character deeper.  Things we thought that we could use for gags and storytelling. She likes books, I like books.  So maybe there is that? ;-)  I also have no allergies, am not afraid of spiders (sort of), and can do no magic. Heh!

Q: Was Greg based on you?

No. Not even in the slightest.  I am not blue, I don't have a bowtie, and I am not a journalist... anymore.  Uhhh.  Lol!  Greg was not based on me or anyone I know.  We just wanted someone who was kind and nice and we created him.  So all the people saying that Greg or any other original character is an implant of the writers/artist/staff, simply isn't true.  

Q: Do you regret any story arcs?

Early on, yes.  Its not so much a regret, but more along the lines of me wishing I didn't do them. For example, I am not sure I like the Fluttershy having been involved in the drug trade a whole lot.  That didn't really add anything to the stories we later told.  

As well, I wish I didn't introduce a shadowy character in one episode that spoke to Autumn Summer when she couldn't get an interview with Twilight and had the fanfics written by Twilight.  What I was originally going to do was have her choose between a promise in a rise in fame, or doing the right thing.  Looking back, I wish I didn't ever add Autumn Summer and that whole fanfic story arc.  It was pretty strange and ended up changing how Greg and Twilight were are a couple. 

Q: Why are the characters so different from the show?

Because they are.  Creative liberties and freedoms. :D  Why have the same limited dimension characters when we can add to them and make them more diverse, different?  It allowed us to make many more stories and make the characters more relatable and 'real.'

Q: Why don't the characters use magic to solve their problems?

Where would the fun in that be? If Twilight can squish a spider with magic, how are we supposed to make something humorous out of that?  We've always tried to make their reliance on magic minimal at the most. Same with flying.  You will see magic to pick things up, open doors, etc.  But never beyond that.   No magic spells to change minds or take over the world.

Q: Why are there cars and other technologies in their world?

Some light technology usage is okay.  But when you try to push it front in center, it can quickly date something.  Look at all the shows and movies that pushed the latest technology or tech terms in their scripts, and look how dated they've become.  Now look at something more timeless, such as Calvin and Hobbes.  It could take place at anytime. Cars and various technologies are meant to make the characters more relatable to our world.  Some parts of me wishes we didn't add cars, but it is what it is now.  We're trying to blend them in better.

Q: Why did you choose the Pacific Northwest region as the basis for the series?

It is a region that has always really interested me and seems to never get much attention  This region has contributed SO MUCH to the world and most people don't realize it.  Costco, Nordstrom, Boeing, Starbucks, Microsoft, Amazon, UPS, Expedia, the list could go on honestly.  So I wanted to give it some justice.  Plus I love the idea of Ponyville being a small town surrounded by lush forests and mountains.  It seems peaceful. 

Q: How many people work on this comic series?

Wouldn't you like to know? I am so thankful for our amazing Adorkable Patron Pals who I consider people working on this series! Without their support, we'd have been done ages ago most likely.  So easily our staff is over 50 thanks to our Patron's!

Q: Will Twilight find love?

Why would I give the storyline away? 

Q: Why did Spike and Lily get together after all the build up with him and Starlight? 

Do you people not like storytelling?  Lol! You have to add conflict, drama, etc, otherwise it's boring! 

Q: Can you draw something for me?

Don't have time with the comic schedule and the other stuff we do.  But if you build a relationship on Patreon, chances definitely grow.

Q: Do you plan to keep making the series?

As long as people support us and enjoy it at a sustainable level, yes.  But I also know things can finally overdo their run.  I want to end on a good note and try to answer as many story arcs naturally as possible.  When we feel that happens, then the series will come to a close.  It will be with much sadness too, because I've never been involved with something so successful before and I would hate to end that.  I can just hope our readers and fans will follow us to other projects.  It's weird to think this may be the pinnacle of my life long dream to create comics/stories for people.  It will be sad when it ends.  I hope it doesn't, but I know that isn't realistic.