[Blind Commentary] A Tale of One Shadow

[@blankslate6364]

Sorry for the delay. Midterms have been particularly rough - probably put ten dozen hours into school & work in the past 12 days. Little time to edit, and I haven't been in any condition to record for a couple weeks. Spring break this week! I have a lot of work to get done, but I'll at least have a breather from some things, and I'll be able to record a bit. I know about Remembrance, of course. This animation's so good. :D

[@masteralexgames3131]

Blank Slate like me plzzz DO IT

[@chilisan5021]

Blank Slate I LOVE YOUR COMMENTARY SO MUCH! Could you do a Q&A sometime?

[@freakshow9]

Blank Slate what editing programe do you use ^~^

[@blankslate6364]

+Chili San - Maybe. I have 3 hours of Q&A from last summer on the channel if you haven't seen them +gamingpony joc 9 - VSDC for video (It's not amazing, but it's free). Audacity for audio, GIMP for images

[@HITMAN.No.61]

Blank Slate Tsk. Late. Late. Late to the party, I see. Again as always.

[@Draconicus702]

it's really sad just how much alike Twilight and Sombra are while at the same time being the exact opposite both were driven by their love of knowledge and magic but were Twilight became the princess of friendship Sombra became the King of Shadows

[@blankslate6364]

The duality of pony~

[@foresttrails4822]

Batman: "You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain ".

[@ChasoGod]

The story behind 'A Tale of One Shadow' is (in my opinion) that Sombra is a unicorn from Canterlot who came to the Crystal Empire to study their magic. WHile there he fell in love with a crystal pony mare and they were happy together. One night while studying he came across a tome containing Dark Magic, spells that weren't even taught in Canterlot, as he read and studied it the more he wanted to try and master it which was foolish. On his first attempt he wasn't prepared for the cost of a spell and it turned his shadow into a evil doppleganger of himself that stole the Crystal Heart for its power. Sombra wanting to make things right went after his doppleganger to defeat it and take back the heart. Unfortunatly the doppleganger won and took over the originals body turning the once kind Sombra into the tyrant that was such a threat that it called the attention of Celestia and Luna.

[@mr.knightthedetective7435]

The way I see it Sombra tried to save Crystal Empire by learning dark magic but it took a form of the reader (Sombra). Sombra had to stop the shadow self but failed and got corrupted.

[@BioCraftHero]

I'm accepting this as canon

[@blankslate6364]

I accept your acceptance

[@Neon-Starr]

BioCraftHero There's a comic telling Sombras actual story but you can believe what you want (:

[@aerickaschaffer7663]

I cried so hard when I first watched this video.

[@Luneth32]

Same

[@clintonl.mendes1201]

The song that contributed to the story made it empowering, but sad all at once. We feel true emotion good, and bad that comes with watching these stories of life, and you also feel like your the main character who goes through experiences you couldn't comprehend.

[@mrcteddy20]

I remember reacting to this a few years ago and I still love it each time I see it, I loved the way they portrayed Sombra here and gave a really cool but sad backstory to him. Nice reaction overall man :)

[@blankslate6364]

Mmhmm, it's some really great development that we certainly didn't see in the show. Thanks, dude ^^

[@SuperRavensfan101]

"crystal star" DANGIT BLANK

[@kadethefanperson1025]

SuperRavensfan101 Yeah u know last time I checked it was a heart...

[@thedabbingsquidward9873]

I know

[@blankslate6364]

Sorry, I was busy thinking about a perfect video game

[@CountMonsparkle]

+_Blank Slate_ Have you been replaying TTYD recently? ;-)

[@denver6331]

The dabbing Squidward DAB POLICE

[@SpacialRend7]

This fan adaptation is a tragic(but interesting) point of view on Sombra's story. However, kinda think that his comic book origin is just as tragic as this one, if not more so.

[@incitossol]

SpacialRend7 For both Sombras or just our normal shadowy unicorn?

[@SpacialRend7]

Incitos 98 Both.

[@incitossol]

SpacialRend7 Kinda wish the normal Sombra died during the Siege of the Crystal Empire Arc but eh what ya gonna do?

[@Arella17]

I dunno I think it also links back to the Mirror arc too, y'know good Sombra in alt dimension Evil Sombra in Home dimension. They basically swapped places.

[@incitossol]

Arella17 I know but it would've been better if both good Sombras had to sacrifice themselves(in a sense for the alt one) to save the ones they loved. Don't get wrong I don't hate Siege's ending. I just think it could be better.

[@nightmareraritygirl1497]

this made me cry

[@raquelgriffin3698]

i like how he was nice to every pony and fight for every pony to

[@Kelaiah01]

This is one of my favorite fan-made MLP vids. I'm glad you reviewed it. :D

[@moonknight1016]

King Sombra's Backstory here is similar to Chase Youngs (Xiaolin Showdown cartoon). They were both hero's who had to battle against evil and sacrifice themselves but they failed halfway and got corrupted by the evil thus so saved their kingdoms by ruling them in a cruel way. The video was very sad and had made 14 year old me cry. Now I'm 18 and this video still gives me tears.

[@theflaminglitten]

Its ok it was really worth it love your voids!!!

[@blankslate6364]

Glad you do ^^

[@ghouldusk6992]

he wanted the power to protect him people but backfire

[@crystalsilence2559]

The King of OCs. Love that description.

[@lilspaghetti6674]

loved the video like always

[@chiefjohn117blueteam9]

some say he was experimenting with dark magic because the current ruler believed that with proper training and discipline the dark magic could be controlled and actually beneficial, sadly he was not the right pony for that particular task.

[@elseworldmedia9482]

My assumption of the Sombra character is that he was a ruler looking for more powers that could protect his kingdom, because he didn't feel as though he was strong enough to be a leader, but he did become a stronger leader....but as a cost.

[@lordpleskinator]

It's like the fall of Anakin Skywalker and nativity of Darth Vader..

[@ghost1343]

All vilians have their backstories and that particular is realy good one.

[@changelingkingcocoon5029]

If you do read the comic of Sombra's origin, you'll find that this video shares a decent amount of parallels with the comic (originally good, love interest, etc.). Thanks to the comics, Sombra actually has a personality and isn't evil just for the sake of being evil.

[@izzys_internet_bookshelf4531]

OMG YESSSS IT FOLLOWS THE COMIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@quietperson4632]

was the mare the pony that said she doesn't remember and doesn't want to remember king sombra in the show ?

[@Kairukurumi]

Quiet Person she has the same cutie mark so yes that is what it is intended to be

[@leek.3671]

Yes

[@madisonbraswell735]

I was wondering that too

[@lopamudrapanda2273]

Yeah but in the comics hope aka radiant hope was his love interest

[@debbiestewart7355]

Love this so much

[@moonknight1016]

And no you don't get what is happening here. Evil has arrived at Crystal Empire and frozen the lands. Sombra learned about dark magic to understand and stop the evil but that evil has taken a shape of sombra himself after learning the dark magic. Sombra tried to battle his darkself but got corrupted by it.

[@adolfodef]

There is a hint at the begining about the "endless winter" being the reason he was searching for a magic spell able to gather the willpower of the crystal ponies at his command [to use the Crystal Heart (like in the Crystal Fair) to cleanse the bad weather]. If you want to know the logical reasoning for "the shadow" of King Sombra to raise in power, enslave the crystal ponies and plan to attack the rest of Equestria [as he finally did it in the alternate timeline of the S5 finale]; watch this pseudoanimation/PMV from Mad Mars in my next post:

[@TheAkumuKing]

Wish this was canon sombra. The writers made him an arrogant ass. If the writers took inspiration from this for sombra’s back story, I feel that the fandom would overwhelm them with “SOMBRA REDEMPTION”! I would have loved to see him be redeemed and meet that one pony again. This story is much better than canon sombra.

[@catorinalafe3095]

"he took the crystal STAR" I love you Blank.

[@screwball6958]

From what I understood, Sombra was trying to find a way to make her friend/girlfriend inmortal so she could always stay at his side, and instead he ended up playing with dark magic and subjecting the whole empire to a tyrannical rulership thanks to his other self. If that´s not tragic, I don´t know what it is.

[@incitossol]

I know the odds of this happening are slim to none, but I really hope season 7 brings back Sombra. Maybe Ol' cheese legs overcome by revenge uses what's left of her magic and revive Sombra to help get vengeance on Starlight and the rest of the mane 6. Also for the fight scene I now make my obligatory Immortal Game based comment as has become my running joke for your comment section.

[@blankslate6364]

I've held out hope for that Chryssy x Sombra team-up since season 4. They could weave something awesome out of that.

[@incitossol]

Blank Slate It's also they only way I would buy them being reformed. Being beaten down *soooo* times many by weaker foes they come to realize the truth. Or they get sent to Tartarus.

[@TimeTravelMaster]

+Incitos 98 That would be phenomenal, or better yet Chrysallus is responsible for bringing the Storm King that we're going to see in the upcoming MLP movie. Hear me out on this theory of mine. Chysallus comes close to winning but gets beaten once again in the season seven finale, she is then so overwhelmed for her lust for vengeance that she taps into unknown, dangerous magic to bring about the final destruction on her greatest enemies. Thus leading us from the end of season seven right into the beginning of the new movie. What do you think of this theory?

[@incitossol]

TimeTravelPony Could work if they don't reform her. I'm pretty sure it's 3 blasts of love/friendship then you're either reformed or dead.

[@vidmaster011]

Chances are indeed none. Sombra was completely obliterated in season 3. He’s done.

[@Bluetanmancan]

Ha! I knew you'd enjoy it. So happy you finally got around to toy!

[@SunsetDashie]

that moment when your birthday keeps you away from the notification squad

[@blankslate6364]

Hope you had a great b-day :D

[@SunsetDashie]

Blank Slate thanks but i missed the notification squad, worst gift ever!

[@emmieluv]

Soo sad😭

[@ShayTheValiant]

Alright, it's good to see you again, Blank. Looks like it's time for another video. Let's get started. And... play. 0:19 I'm sure you've also gotten a lot of requests for other stuff, too. 0:26 Oh, yes, I remember that video. It was really good. 0:43 It's clearly about Fluffle Puff. I don't know what you're talking about. 0:53 So we will see how he joined the Dark Side. Nice. 1:03 I have not read those comics, either. 1:10 Yeah, I do wish they did more with Sombra in the show. Not even the season 5 finale did anything with him. Maybe in the future. 1:19 Has it become a goal of yours to have a "boop" in the intro of every video now? Also, **evil boop** 1:31 I like the flowing scarf. Reminds me of every anime character ever. 1:51 Ooh, song time. 2:14 Sombra has never stricken me as the caring type. 2:42 Dang it, Sombra. You're not supposed to read about dark magic. 2:53 So he was just a magic student that got corrupted by power. 3:06 Haha! The Sombra has been doubled! 3:21 Crystal Heart, actually. 3:36 Time for a Death Battle! 3:47 I don't know if a crystal sword would be very effective. 4:12 Well, that got dark. 4:48 Long live the king! 5:28 Good thing they don't remember anything about past Sombra. 5:47 Then he turned to the Dark Side. 6:10 I don't think dark magic can be used for good. If it could, then it wouldn't be dark magic. 6:41 Mare: "God, is that you? Is it my time?" 6:44 Princesses: "Never fear, the Princess sisters are here!" 6:57 New headcanon acquired. 7:01 I accept that headcanon, as well. 7:35 Literally everyone has said that King Sombra looks like an OC. 7:41 Every OC that looks like him must have a tragic/sad backstory. No exceptions. 8:03 After watching this, my theory of why he took up dark magic is because he was a magic student that wanted to learn about every kind of magic there was in pony history. But when he came across a book that taught him dark magic, he didn't realize it would overtake him and corrupt him to become this evil tyrant of a king. That's what I think, anyways. I don't think he actually had any evil intentions. 8:39 The animation was really good in this, even though it's a few years old. | Sombra might be my favorite villain character in terms of design. Even though he looks like a bad OC, I still like him for that. I honestly wished they did more with him in the show. He felt so incomplete and underwhelming. The comics expanded on him more, yes, but I wish we got to see all that in show form. I guess that's why we have the fandom for that. They can be sure to come up with something that really fits his character. This video certainly fits into that. Well done, Stasy. I hope to see more from you in the near future. And thank you, Blank, for another video. One more month until season 7 starts. I can't wait to experience it with you! Until next time, I'm signing off!

[@blankslate6364]

The *evilest* of boops

[@m22locust42]

woah, nice

[@kadethefanperson1025]

Jake Berango Mabey u should do a blind reaction your self. That was really cool!

[@ShayTheValiant]

***** Yes, thank you for noticing.

[@seanraymond4358]

Ugh. Whyyyyyy does still alive always make me cryyyyyy??

[@owenhammond1880]

There is an symphonic opera named Fall of an Empire by L-Train really good music and it has something like this what I mean is it starts out with sombra being a nice guy then he slowly became evil. I suggest you check out the opera

[@Enitity41Crota]

Even if this was from 2017 I'd love to see if in the series they'd ever save Sombra like they saved Luna from that dark magic.

[@potatofever2917]

Hey! If you love this one, try doing either blind commentary or just watching an about 60-minute "Fall Of An Empire Royal Canterlot Symphonic Metal Orchestra" !

[@pokeguy742]

Blank! Get on top of things and finish MAS Season -1! Do it! Just do it! Make our dreams come true!

[@rollerjackhistory9977]

this is so sad

[@codascott6207]

His quest for knowledge turned to one of power and he obtained so much that it corrupted him and so evil sombra

[@kacietaber1632]

😢 Sombra was good

[@darkieanimations3640]

NEVER TOY WITH DARK MAGIC OR YOU'LL BECOME THE DARK ONE(quote from once upon a time)

[@taylorbrown7724]

Very interesting! I'm surprised I never came across this one myself.

[@muhammadnurimanmohdhidzir3915]

3:30 come fire ,come fire...let it burn when love come racing true.....❤❤❤

[@muhammadnurimanmohdhidzir3915]

well in my little pony series i love Sombra because he's like my tipe but I'm not an evil queen .

[@pokemonmusikaren9688]

This is one of MY favorite i Love this one💕

[@thedabbingsquidward9873]

same

[@mmarinovic5257]

This story make me cry soo mutch

[@captainsilentshadow9182]

Hey blank from what I was able to understand from this fan made video sombra was told of a power that could help save the empire or could help him be a better ruler as he was shown to be like twilight, as hes a Prince in the time period of this. But thats just what I was able to understand.

[@williamstark9568]

I admit that Sombra's comic backstory is kinda messed up, but this is also a good one. Don't think it's possible to save him though.

[@catharinetew7746]

It could be like a Jekyll and Hyde thing, not really an evil doppelganger.

[@leek.3671]

FINALLY!!!!

[@keym7988]

i love your vids

[@solareclipse9379]

Yay! Finally :3

[@HUYNguyen-bm9mq]

This video is fanmade , Sombra belong to Radiant Hope

[@vazak11]

Nice reaction.

[@maiajarvis404]

can you do a video on the oregens on king sombra. I would realy like to see that

[@mayamllp1]

I remeber then I saw this for the first time ( the orginal video), I cried :(

[@inkpiggylostsisterandmemor9014]

Aww I feel bad for him and her I'm sad😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@danieltaberner4989]

1:44 "Decked out" lmfao

[@224purple]

There’s a My Little Pony comic book that shows King Sombre’s past and why he decided to take over the crystal empire.

[@nadiawilliams5326]

Obviously shaped like a heart.

[@audreywynne]

this is now canon.

[@Stuflox]

I wonder, does it bother you sometimes when you see a video and you really want to watch it, but you also want to react to it really badly and due to that you can't watch it so you wait until you will be able to react to it? I would die of impatience for sure.

[@blankslate6364]

Yes, definitely :p But it is softened a bit since I'll often record days or weeks (months, in some cases) before I edit and publish the reactions, depending on my release schedule... as well as how imperative it is that I produce the video on time. While we're on the subject... may I put out a reaction to your really cool animatic that I may or may not have already recorded? :3

[@arellajardin2323]

Good video, but I personally like Sombra as a straight up villain. Like a recent Nostalgia Critic talked about, a classic Disney villain who revels in being evil, without layers of grey. Someone you aren't going to dwell on their "tragic backstory" with, someone you blow up instead of redeeming. I have nothing against interpretations like this video, but I like Sombra uncomplicated.

[@blankslate6364]

I like villains that are deliciously evil as well, but my problem is that Sombra wasn't even really that. We essentially only saw the figure, the concept rather than the character. I'd gladly have taken what you're describing. But I'm also okay having the likes of Tirek and Chrysalis take those position. What I like from this interpretation of Sombra is that he wasn't redeemed - He had the tragic fall, but it turned him into that merciless villain that was blown up anyway. That's something even more unique for the series.

[@pie1o1morris46]

Silent Hill music in the credits :3

[@sansandpapyrusausreactions8857]

I cried

[@vesperskies4046]

yas my fave video

[@alanforeverandever]

How the song name

[@ZombifiedBuizel]

That song is Still Alive from Mirror’s Edge.

[@virgiliocastillo8212]

That pony was jewel joy

[@candyeyeunicornskull]

[ E V I L B O O O O O P ]

[@kassandrax2322]

Wait there Comics about Sombras Backstory?! o.o How could I Not no that? lol

[@djvoid1304]

And this kids, is why you don't use dark magic.

[@CyberSkuII]

I might be wrong (cause I usually am ;-;) but here's a thought, maybe sombra was looking into dark magic to find a good use for it like in the book. Also HOW DID U GET THE CRYSTAL HEART WRONG XD (it's fine I might have done it too)

[@c.jinuzuka8438]

Maybe sombra was looking for power to better protect his kingdom....maybe from some external threat... we will never know

[@nightwolfluna9943]

I couldn't help it but that thing you called the crystal star is called the crystal heart

[@moffant4916]

Sombra was before Lunas banishment, was it after Discords fall? if so how long?

[@benasmine4craft177]

I love Hope

[@manemanera]

Hey Blank, didja watch any POH streams today? Just finished the Anthology stream.

[@blankslate6364]

Unfortunately I was really busy yesterday, I caught a bit of that Anthology stream but that's about it (I think I actually saw you post in the chat, heh)

[@manemanera]

Yeah thanks for mentioning that POH day on your Mirage reaction, that was really fun! I'm sure you could still watch the videos of the streams on the folks channels if ya want, but I'm guessing yer busy with school and other things, but If you just want something on in the background, you should check some of em out.

[@XinnaBun]

I think that sombra is my fav pony/ villain

[@HatoTakami1604]

The crystal Pony is Hope sombras childhood friend

[@gaborbacskai3002]

I love this song! I haven't been able to watch your video sorry

[@toddarmstrong749]

You almost made me cr-... wait did you watch this before

[@cici_lynn_7769]

Instead of saying ladies and gentlemen, you can say ponies and gentlecolts

[@lixx1221]

IT'S A HEART NOT A STAR!

[@xiuza]

i like it the react is cool

[@jessemagallanes5791]

i am a big fan of you blank check

[@KoreK2005]

dude remembrance episode 5 is out

[@claricetravis5755]

I love you Blank Slate

[@yvoblumrich2552]

i hope You are fine my long lost brother (sombra )i miss You 😔😔😔😔pls Come back pls

[@marymonsterandcreatormary3783]

HEY!!! MY PONY FORM HAD USED DARK MAGIC TO REMOVE HER CUTIEMARK!!!!

[@artsymomeares3724]

Oh wait I seen this Before

[@Darkmetaldragon99]

Hey Blank, if you are interested in the caracter of Sombra, I really think that you shall read the comics of MLP because we can see inthere a lot a interesting stories. And there is 5 of them, the "Fiendship is magic" serie, which is based on the vilains. The first one is actualy on why Sombra became what he became... And it's a really tragic story too. And you have the ones with Tirek and Crysalis too which are really goo. Anyway, love your videos and reactions, continu like that ^^

[@blankslate6364]

I will, I've actually had digital copies of them for a while. And thank you :D

[@Twinklethefox9022]

This should be cannon backstory

[@rayanzaiz363]

the song is from mirror's edge :)

[@cindylam402]

1:52 that's no normal crystal pony her name is hope and she is sambra's best friend. Geeze read the comic books

[@not_mana]

For those of you who are like "FIRST COMMENT!!!" It's not possible because the first comment would have to be the video creator's comment

[@starlaloopstars1284]

Fall of the crystal empire is kind of canon cuz didn’t the princess’ banish him.....and he appears with no head when he returns.........and the armor Luna was wearing was quite similar to nightmare moon