Are Unicorns in MLP Overpowered?
Are Unicorns in MLP Overpowered?
When discussing powerful alicorns in the show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, a detailed examination reveals that they possess both strengths and weaknesses that make them overpowered and yet underutilized.
Are Unicorns Overpowered in MLP?
The answer is unequivocally yes, to both aspects: they are indeed overpowered. Consider the stellar magic of Celestia, which can move the sun! How many superheroes can match that feat? Wouldn’t it be beneficial if her sister Luna could use her dream-erasing abilities systematically? She could easily take control of the kingdom with little resistance or surprise, and better yet, counteract any enemy’s surprises.
Luna’s ability to visit ponies' dreams is merely a fraction of their power. Additionally, Twilight Sparkle wields teleportation, can travel 7 days into the past, and even changes into a creature similar to Ant-Man. Cadence’s crystal-lock ability is immensely powerful in itself. These feats showcase the alicorns’ immense abilities in a variety of magical realms.
Are Unicorns in MLP Also Too Weak?
Despite their overwhelming powers, these same alicorns can also be considered too weak. At the end of Season 2, the Changelings make considerable efforts to infiltrate Canterlot. However, in Season 6, the show barely spends 10 seconds on explaining how they defeated all the alicorns at once. It seems paradoxical that these alicorns, possessed of laser-shooting horns, cannot zap even a mere bug-bear into oblivion. Why are they not leveraging their full power more effectively?
How Unicorns’ Power Fits the Plot
The show’s handling of alicorns' power reveals an underlying purpose beyond defeating enemies. Celestia’s power serves to establish her as a friendly and authoritative figure, fostering mentorship and foundational plot development. Luna’s power symbolizes redemption and the positive outcomes of transformation and personal growth. Twilight’s power highlights the fruits of hard work and dedication.
During the show, less time is dedicated to a direct battle between the alicorns and regular ponies. These magic abilities are more symbolic and used to convey moral and developmental lessons rather than being constantly showcased. The One Punch Man series is an example of a well-executed show where powerful actions are performed methodically and each character’s abilities are consistent and well-defined.
Ultimately, the use of alicorns' powers showcases the balance between overwhelming abilities and their strategic deployment in the development of the plot and character growth.