Next Up Forever - Complete Warrior Cats Boon AU MAP

[@DragonwolfRooke]

I can't believe it's finished! I can't believe it's real. Seriously this is like a dream. Wow. I am equal parts dizzy with excitement, and absolutely exhausted. It took me a year and a half of on and off work to storyboard the original animatic for Next Up Forever and plan out the Boon AU. I never expected it to get as warm a response as it got - and for the MAP project to blow up so enormous!! What I thought would be a small project boomed into 169 parts total, counting each of the background cats in the StarClan Choir collab, with 152 incredible and amazing artists. It's thanks to their efforts, their passion and talent and hard hard HARD work, that this video came to be. It's also thanks to my amazing co-hosts, LenisLynx and Vampviz. LenisLynx tirelessly worked as project Producer, tracking parts, managing artists, assisting with animation and editing, anything that was needed to keep the project running smoothly. And Vampviz was invaluable in editing the whole project together, creating the CW at the beginning, and polishing the whole project to a shine. I truly couldn't have done ANY of this without their support - if you aren't already subscribed to them, please subscribe to them. And a big thank you, again, to every single part holder, backup, and helper involved in Next Up Forever. I love and appreciate all of you! PS If you are wondering why the Thumbnail Contest Top 24 is only showing the top 23, that’s because I didn’t catch the mistake until too late in production haha. Check out the description to find the link to ALL the thumbnail contest entries!

[@Vixnell]

Big credits to you Rooke, you hosted this entire thing! And props to all of the animators for bringing this to life, you all did amazing!

[@SushiSashimi8]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ THANK YOU FOR THIS MAP I LOVE IT ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@SaturnTrx]

ITS THE BEST MAP EVEEERRRRR!!!! ❤❤

[@wolffuryanimates7227]

yes, now we need fire lillies au

[@oatlyisthesuperioroatmilk]

this is so amazing!! definately my favorite warrior cats MAP! ♥♥

[@Saint_Halo]

The reason I love this AU is because it shows that Firestar no matter what happened, was still a hero for others

[@dreamfletcher779]

Firestar is Firestar wherever you put him bro....

[@Lingertail]

Agreed

[@Void-less]

@@dreamfletcher779except for the rustclaw au💀

[@dreamfletcher779]

@@Void-lessLOL

[@jjsstikbotvideos4421]

YES!! It actually brought me to tears how much of a hero Firestar is and always will be. Like he is THE warrior cat, and for good reason. He has such a heart of gold. I cried at the part when he saved Bone, even though Bone was just trying to kill him, he just couldn’t bring himself to let him die in the fire. And Bone growing fond of him for saving his life and joins his group. Like STOP. This AU is too perfect, I love it wholeheartedly!

[@old_memoriaa]

I LOVE THE FORESHADOWING OF RUSTYS SCAR WHEN HE GOES TO CATCH THE MOUSE, GETS HIS FACE WET AROUND SHERE HE SCARRING ENDS UP BEING, AND THEN NOTICES BONE- just for us to later find out that’s where his scar will end up being later on because he gained it SAVING Bone- so cool- omg-

[@eviedart4585]

And seeing Bone fighting and being ashamed or scared of his scar

[@deadlyfarriswheel]

​@@eviedart4585 I think boon touching his scar was like a damn kinda reminds me of the cat from the clans sorta moment

[@Mlc_777]

Ive dont even noticed good view!

[@eviedart4585]

​@@deadlyfarriswheel Ohh, yeah maybe

[@kurt_2]

also, there was a burn mark where his leader star went >:3

[@annabellesgamingadventures5243]

3:35 the fact that Fire mouths out, “I missed you so much” really shows the dedication in this map

[@DuneClaw-vk8kz]

OMG WHAT THATS SUCH AN AMAZING DETAIL

[@tofiibearzofficial]

HOLY I DIDNT EVEN NOTICE THAT

[@hookfangs]

I’m not gonna lie, Bone starting off as an antagonist and then growing fond of Boon after he saves his life is just a really touching moment in this, I love aus when a villain has the chance to change and become a better version of themselves. I’m bawling.

[@jjsstikbotvideos4421]

Yeah like Blackstar! (similar colors too lol) I love this AU so goddamn much.

[@StanleyYoung-mz4vv]

What he's actually called Boon in this I thought he just stayed with the name Rusty

[@hookfangs]

@@StanleyYoung-mz4vv Yeah haha, it says in the AU description

[@_lunisgaming_2827]

The fact that Yellowfang and Fireheart still ended up together makes me so happy

[@boyinblue.]

Me as well, Yellowfang is my favorite character. Anything to do with her makes me happy.

[@DOMyth]

@@boyinblue. not to be a buzzkill but is yellowfang dead?

[@Lingertail]

@@DOMythur rite but dont soil it

[@Lingertail]

Correction firestar

[@VanillaCrackle]

the welcome to the neotheatre made me feel such a weird way and i loved it sm

[@Temny294]

Can we imagine for a moment that Rusty in 1:44 is all of us, when we first read Warriors? I am so glad that this map did not forget about the history of Barley and Violet and also changed to the canon of AU!

[@SandpiperArtsofWOF]

Yes, Warriors was life-changing to me. Rusty in 1:44 was me, you, all of us when our lives changed for the first time.

[@RoseBerryYeeps]

yes!! and then the cycle repeats and we turn into yellowfang telling all our friends about it 😂

[@SandpiperArtsofWOF]

​@@RoseBerryYeepsyes, nice

[@BlueBirdFeather1996]

I love Bone’s character development in this. He went from such a cruel bossy cat, to such a protective sweetheart

[@_kaleido]

I love himbo Bone

[@Sera-tv7xy]

​@@_kaleidoHIMBONE

[@CC_Animations-Mia]

NAH THERE AINT NO WAY I GOT A HEART 👁👄👁

[@forbirpayment389]

@Sera-tv7xyhinihintaybone💀

[@wildfirefox42]

Not only would Boon go down in history as the first cat to start a new clan long after the other leaders, but would also be the first cat to ever gain nine lives not in the cave with the moonstone or the moonpool.

[@Orbitflare]

Btw the cave is mother mouth :)

[@wildfirefox42]

Yeah! I forgot the name xd Thanks!@@Orbitflare

[@Orbitflare]

@@wildfirefox42 Np! :3

[@VolXiz0]

Wait his name was Boon?

[@VolXiz0]

Also did the other Clans come back to the forest or

[@Maple_Animatez]

I just realized that when boon finds the clock tower where he contacts starclan, it's half moon! Wich is when the medicine cats meet to speak to starclan! And it was Yellowfang who lead him there and she is a medicine cat! That is such a nice detail. Idk if it was unintentional but if it was intentional that is a great detail. Abselutly stunning and cool animation tho! And to all the animators : you're awesome!

[@DragonwolfRooke]

Good catch! That WAS intentional to line up with the medicine cat meeting time :D

[@swanfeathertheelder]

I think this is one of the strongest Warrior MAPs out there, if not THE strongest, for three reasons: 1) It's a completely fresh take on the Firestar vs Scourge rivalry that the canon series tried to establish. 2) Rather than break away into its own story, it stays true to the lessons and themes that the canon series was trying to teach and therefore appeals to the nostalgia of all warrior fans instead of riding off of enjoyment for any particular character. 3) It does something completely new with the 'evil Firestar' or 'Firestar and Scourge place swap' story ideas that have already been worked with before, contributing something new to the fandom while also appealing to the nostalgia of past projects. I really can't express just how special this Warrior MAP is. I haven't touched a Warriors book for many years, but this is making my hands itch for any kind of reading material following this premise. Boon/Firestar staying the same lovable, honorable, loyal cat he's always been while Tinyfrost/Scourge stays the same ambitious, selfish, misguided cat, even though their environment and opportunities have completely shifted, allowing us to have a new look at old beloved characters making different yet familiar choices in a new setting while the overall themes for the story stay the same as we've ever known them...This AU hits every single point to be an utter masterpiece.

[@mistletoecanary]

Adding onto point 3 (while being somewhat tangential), there was mention in the MAP notes for Tinyfrost’s death where his last selfless action made him worthy of ascending to StarClan, and a part of me wants to believe that just like how Boon’s life in the Twolegplace may have bolstered his will against more dangerous acts sooner than Firestar did, he at least internalized the tenets of the warrior code and learned to be much more noble than his original incarnation as Scourge Haven’t really touched a Warrior Cats book for so long either, and even then barely beyond the very first arc, but I feel like having him on the ghost side of things (hopefully with some cat reining him in) will definitely make things interesting when the Dark Forest invades Something like “How did a cat this ruthless manage to stay in StarClan…?”

[@GriffynTheDragon]

YESYES all this! because of these great points i would go feral if Rooke actually wrote/hosted continuations of FireClan's stories - reading the full AU doc was so fun! all of those ideas (esp the Sol re-imagining!!!) were BONKERS good

[@Zootwoe]

Yes! I haven’t seen warriors content in a long time, but this was incredible! The other thing is, AJR (the artist of the music and outro song) is literally my favorite band out there, so seeing this song so well made with my all time favorite childhood fandom… it’s just WOW!

[@warriorkater2407]

I completley agree here. For me its the first warrior au that feels like the books and not like some diffrent dimension just a different route the books could have taken.

[@stagnantbody]

SWAN JUMPSCRE

[@SpottertheOtterfox]

Boon is the whole definition of hard work and inspiration, he started with nothing, was nobody and created a whole Clan and became their leader

[@nothanks_fw672]

YES!!!!! (Also why are u everywere---)

[@SpottertheOtterfox]

@@nothanks_fw672 whhh where else did you see me 😭😭

[@nothanks_fw672]

@@SpottertheOtterfox "everywere" bcs i see u one time and another (its just warrior cats, or warrior siposts, sometimes CH, and warrior cats maps and parts) IDK MAN u just appears a little bit than the normal lol

[@Silver-Azil-on-paws]

Here are the main things i love about this. 1: redtail lived and actually got a chance to be redstar! 2: even though rusty is a street cat, he is still nice. 3: yellowfang actually got to see him grow up. 4: yellowfang died of old age instead of smoke inhalation. This is perfection! Keep up the great work.

[@xxxnarurto5747]

Pretty sure Tigerclaw gets exiled when Bluestar found out that Tigerclaw tried to kill Redtail/star

[@dumbledore4211]

Yeah, then scourge later kills Bluestar which Redtail/star exiles him afterwards

[@channerchan1791]

​@dumbledore4211 scourge? He's good in this

[@dumbledore4211]

@@channerchan1791 if you saw in the beginning, he was seen as the one who killed Bluestar and later exiled by Redstar. Honestly I don’t know much about this map, but I think that’s what happened🤷‍♀️

[@Strawb3rrymouse]

I’m shocked. I love how firestar can still invite and trust others even after being rejected which left a huge scar. It really proves how kind he is to help others in nedd

[@danisalome09]

When I saw it for the first time I was shocked, everything about this au gave me the strength to continue and finish my final year studies, I waited 11 months for this moment, and I don't regret having done it, for me this is going to be one of the best experiences that I will remember again.

[@dbdgirl-o3i]

❤ I know that feeling! Nothing like a GOOD song or new Animation/Animatic to give u strength for school! Or work!

[@prehistoricorchid3455]

this was genuienly so inspiering I can't really put it to words tbh

[@ßrøadførk]

​@MerryVideoGames-pe3tp I think it's either got to be a time zone BUG, or just generally a different time zone. (Not too sure otherwise)

[@-TheCatsEyeZZ-]

I know that feeling Aswell! I was so excited to see the finished product.

[@DragonwolfRooke]

​@@ßrøadførk the video was uploaded a couple days ago but set to Premiere, so you couldnt watch it but folks COULD comment on it. Hope that helps!

[@AlastorfromHazbinHotel-xi1lv]

"Cuz your only going up from here" *jumps down the building*

[@forbirpayment389]

😂

[@Piverttttt]

I declare, the credit scene is the BEST credit scene in this cosmos.

[@Fleur_de_Coton751]

Yeeeeah

[@Albertfingernoodle627]

I GOT GOOSEBUMPS

[@SproutiusShrubiusthe16th]

Absolutely. I am in love with this map.

[@alyssabullock6421]

it made me cry

[@Piverttttt]

@@SproutiusShrubiusthe16th me toooooooo

[@snowedinokaly]

I love how yellowfang and Fire/boonstar still found eachother. Their dynamic is so underrated 💔

[@M1ffx_]

THIS!! They're my favorite dynamic :)

[@nerdtony]

@@M1ffx_ God, same!

[@sarii-b0n]

i was crying ;-;

[@christinarenken9512]

3:58 “WHAT I JUST KILLED YOU!…” fire: “not today!”

[@howling_starr]

Just realized it directly parallels how he killed Scourge in the actual books with Scourge and Firestar! Scourge didn't know/believe in leaders having actual multiple lives, since when he got Tigerstar he wounded him so badly that all his lives were lost. So when he killed Firestar, the surprise factor of him coming back gave him an edge to win. Same thing happened here, but twisted around; Tigerstar knows about leaders having multiple lives, but had no reason to think Boon would suddenly be granted them.

[@sonshiny]

The clans graffiti was COOL AS HELL

[@bulateyca_cool367]

No one still can’t stand near GROVE STREET 4 LIFE

[@figarotheninjacat5844]

Real, I'd love to see more art like that!

[@C0WWCU3]

I love Alex harrier as he makes his art feel special! I know it was scripted he had to do that part but it’s just phenomenal how he can do this! My favourite creator

[@oliearts8074]

RIGHT that part was jaw-dropping to me. It was so so sick

[@CaydancePendleton]

He doesn't become a villain after tigerclaw almost kills him. Instead, he learns and even gets tiny/scourge on his side

[@forbirpayment389]

its ravenpaw not scourge

[@CaydancePendleton]

@forbirpayment389 he looked like scourge

[@forbirpayment389]

@CaydancePendleton ya cuz they the same breed but scourge is not nice so its ravenoaw

[@ILOVEANIMALS-y8q]

@@forbirpayment389 In this AU, Ravenpaw BECAME Scourge

[@ILOVEANIMALS-y8q]

That's why after Tigerclaw scares Rusty off when he started playing with Ravenpaw, it shows what happens with Ravenpaw. He becomes Scourge, and goes against Tigerclaw for a while, but then teams up with him. It shows this around 0:40. That is why Rusty and Scourge/Ravenpaw fought against each other at first, until Rusty convinces Scourge to team up with him, and both of them attacked Tigerclaw/Tigerstar.

[@Dragons4ever55]

1:58 that one cat being blinded🤭

[@ShireMoon_And_SunSet]

The cat's just like: 'you're too bright hearted for me to look at'

[@CaliannaRoth-rh5nl]

So cute lol

[@raijyn2452]

Yellowfang never got the chance to be the mother she wanted to be with Brokentail. Firestar gave her that chance, and this time, she did not miss out

[@itzviktoria386]

Makes me cry😭

[@channerchan1791]

Boon :>

[@N.MDdragon]

The fact that Scourge got killed how he killed Tigerstar. And I waited so much for that. I really happy what masterpiece it become

[@raijyn2452]

I thought he survived. Wasn't that him when Firestar went to the moonstone?

[@Die_Spinne]

@@raijyn2452No that was Raven(paw)

[@forbirpayment389]

its ravenpaw not scourge

[@yukos_paws_and_claws]

IS SOMEONE GONNA TALK ABOUT THAT AT 1:47 ALEXHARRIER DID SO GOOD ON THE BACKGROUND NOT ONLY DID THEY DRAW THE BACKGROUND GOOD BU5 HE ALSO ANIMATED RUSTY/FIREHEART SAYING “somebody help me”

[@shinkoryu14]

There's a whole lot to love about this MAP- I enjoy the recurring aesthetic of the graffiti for FireClan, and the amount of detail packed into the graffiti montage of Yellowfang giving Rusty/Boon the inspiration to unite the city cats really is worth pausing to take in. Unlike Scourge, who named his BloodClan "Clan" as a snide echo of the forest clans, Boon was inspired to make a true family that looked out for one another with his FireClan. I also like the narrative in the credits, where it's shown that while ThunderClan remains friends with FireClan, Boon is uncertain if his clan of city cats can be recognized by StarClan as a true clan- and the implication that StarClan DOES do so, by guiding Boon to FireClan's very own Moonstone/Whispering Cave/Moonpool in the clock tower. And it's a minor detail, but I am tickled that Barley/Raven is heavily hinted to still be canon. No AU can keep our gay barn boys down.

[@Misha_Katsuki]

Perfectly said 👏

[@fadedkat]

this was (in my experience) one of the most organized, professional, and well thought out maps I’ve been in in a while! this au is FANTASTIC and the quality of everyone’s work in this map is just amazing!! I’m so greatful to have been a part of such a wonderful project and it was so fun to work on, this map definelty deserves to go down in warrior cats history!!

[@Nymitri]

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[@DragonwolfRooke]

It was so wonderful having you in NUF FadedKat ❤❤

[@Parroet]

REAL

[@meowzerboi]

6:36 moon tower (moonstone for the city cats yay)

[@HuntedHounds]

A close friend of mine shared this MAP call in our group chat in 2022. She passed away later that year to an accident. I’d like to think she’d have loved this. This was so beautiful. Thank you all for the wonderful work you’ve done ❤️❤️ Edit: Thank you all so much for the replies on this comment. I honestly didn’t expect that it would be seen by so many people.

[@dusty-zr4o3]

i am so sorry ! may she rest in peace

[@poetorbart]

I'm sorry for your loss...

[@Tilly_HTTYD_Official]

maybe your friend is one of the Starclan cats? 3:46

[@feather234]

I'm so sorry for your loss ❤

[@agnesgiess7364]

Aw I’m sorry for you…May your friend rest in peace🕊️

[@gayasuzuki895]

Something about how Firestar ends up a leader wherever he goes, standing with his iconic his plain orange pelt, just as it was on that very first book from years ago.. I’m so glad I grew up with Warriors, because I got to be part of such an amazing fandom.

[@snail_oatmeal7325]

literally had to keep pausing this just to take in all the beautiful art and see what cats got mentioned in this! i was so happy to see yellowfang be included and barely and ravenpaw still having their relationship in this too?! I LOVE THIS SM

[@lightningflame2082]

I love that despite how much Firestar story changed since the beginning, he still fulfilled his prophecy and fire did save the forest

[@KasperNowakAngrios]

Found you lol

[@cielonighteye2776]

I love the idea of Rusty forming his own clan of misfits and going to save the forest after discovering what’s happening, only for Starclan to give him his Nine lives in the heat of battle after truly proving himself as a leader, one who would die for the sake of those he cares for

[@cielonighteye2776]

I feel like instead of Firestar, he would be given the name Sparkstar, because his spark formed the fire(the clan) that saved the forest and Thunderclan

[@Nathanyelyisrael]

I agree

[@TheLuckOfTheClaws]

@@cielonighteye2776 No, he’s Boonstar!

[@skybutno]

@@cielonighteye2776 i thought of him being named Rustystar as he would have kept that name when he went to the streets probably.

[@skybutno]

@ def not. at the end when he climbed up the bell tower and entered in it looked like that’s how he would access StarClan tho

[@boanbeans7647]

I BARELY know legit anything about the warrior cats lore, but this was THE BEST WARRIOR CATS VID IVE SEEN

[@stargoessqueak]

HELP THIS IS SO TRUE

[@VanillaAnimations]

I can't fucking believe that in 2024, at 3:31, I'd be CRYING physical TEARS over a warrior MAP

[@kendoka.]

ME TOO!!!!!!! THIS IS SO CRAZY

[@faithdragon36]

SAME ITS WILD!!! WOW

[@Botlin]

SAME😭

[@Buggy_Dog_Toy]

I’m so glad I’m not the only one who cried

[@KoiiCC]

STOP ME TOO

[@Moontrail_WC]

"Fire alone will save our clans" THIS MAP IS PURE TALENT, Everyone did an amazing job!! Your fellow viewers were NOT disappointed

[@IcyW0lfWingz]

This map has been popping up in my recommend page for 4 months and I've just decided to watch it...and OH MY GOODNESS HOW AM I ONLY WATCHING THIS NOW?!?! I havent looked at Warrior Cats in a while, and this nearly made me cry, everything thing from the animation to the music is freaking phenomenal!! Congrats and thank you to everyone who worked on this!! 💙💜🖤🤍😁😁

[@kaeykee]

AGHHH I REMEMBER WHEN THE OG STORYBOARD CAME OUT!!! This is gonna be so epic !!!!

[@Death_485]

SAME!

[@Boblueecat]

Same everyone really wanted it to be a map hoping they do that au where fireheart is a medicine cat after this map is fully complete

[@Death_485]

@@Boblueecat fr

[@I-Eat-Leifs]

SAME!!

[@helpra]

same!!

[@BumbleBird]

This is going to be the Warrior Cats MAP of all time

[@Carrotnoodles]

It already is

[@Phantom_Of_Fandoms]

This is up with the Five Giants Map

[@brightwarrior2910]

Time to list all of the reasons I love this 1. The DESIGNS on these cats. Tigerstar is huge and intimidating. Yellowfang's big head. The fact that the cats all have little hairstyles that fit their design so well they blend in perfectly. It's beautiful. 2. The backgrounds are stunning. 3. The expressions on every scene are so good and portray the emotion of the cat so well. 4. Firestar giving Yellowfang a mouse with a sweet smile on his face 5. The detail in the background character is insane. It really makes the world feel full and populated. 6. Firestar saving Bone! Even though he was his enemy! 7. The scene where Firestar wakes up and realizes he made peace with kindness! My heart is exploding. 8. Bone becomes Firestar's best friend and gives him a spiked collar. 9. The lyrics match so well with the animations. 'somebody help me' when Spottedleaf was begging for help. The background music screams beginning, climax, all is lost, final battle, right along with the story and it works so well. 10. AJR and Warrior cats combined???? Perfection in every way.

[@Star.The.Cat.Therian-3.6]

This AU is so good it could be original "Warriors" book The story, characters, animations.. Everything here is just perfect! Also I love how Barley and Ravenpaw get together later! :3 Edit: I just noticed how on 3:16 Tigerstar kills Scourge just like Scourge did with Tigerstar in the original books

[@BugTheFluff]

help I was crying at the starclan part where firestar (i think in this case he'd still be called rusty or something) meets yellowfang after she died, it brought me to tears it was so beautiful

[@BPJD2004]

I think like Scourge, Rusty changed his name when he made the Clan. I think his new name is Boon, like the title says.

[@thegoofyoneofcourse]

IKR I LOVE THIS MAP SO MUCH, DEF MY FAV ONE SO FAR 😭✋

[@burgesskids2101]

This made me teary-eyed, which is saying quite a lot since no other warriors map has done that, and I've watched a lot of them. I guess what I'm trying to say is that, great job! The animation was amazing and I love it.

[@latergator3256]

Deadass wasn’t interested when I first saw the call. Too many firestar aus always fall into the good guy turned evil, so I just assumed it was more of the same. I was wrong. I was so wrong. It’s been awhile since a map has touched my soul. I haven’t read warriors since the fourth apprentice arc and WOW this made me nostalgic… This was such a refreshing take on keeping the core characteristics on what made firestar firestar. His kindness is what made him compelling, not his circumstance. This is now one of my favorites and an extremely well thought out story. This was truly a beautiful one and now I’ll be thinking twice whenever I see these types of au maps again. Thank you to the writers, artists, and animators. You truly did an amazing job!!

[@lune_falls]

all the domino effects in this role-swap au were so meticulously planned out in every aspect i've always been so incredibly impressed by it and have been looking forward to seeing if this would become a map since the animatic and have been subsequently looking forward to seeing the finished map since the call! everyone did so wonderful and completely blew my already insanely high expectations out of the water! the animators managed to pull off the incredible atmosphere, the realistic scale, the easy-to-read storytelling, the emotional impact, and of course the animation absolutely flawlessly! i can't possibly thank everyone involved in making this a reality enough! i just finished reading through the au doc and everything somehow got even better! i'm looking forward to seeing all the other projects or independent animations that come out of this incredible universe!

[@Die_Spinne]

Its Like what happend if and I love it

[@Cometshardthekitty]

I love how the mud on his face in thenbiginning kind of looks like it symbolizes his scars he gets later on.❤

[@JumpdeArt]

Great catch!

[@EqualCrow]

I feel like cool end credits are never given enough attention. This whole map deserves all the love.

[@oatmealdoodles]

In honestly don’t think there’s another warrior cats map that’s THIS well animated, like try me. Every single animator did such an unimaginably IMPECCABLE job and it’s so hard to stress that enough. WOW. This is insane, I remember going through the playlist at all the individual map parts thinking “wow, when will this ever be done? Everyone’s so talented!” And now it’s here! I have no words, simply amazing.

[@Silvervine_Stick]

Maybe Starclan’s chosen, Poor George, and This is Halloween? This is still in the top 10 of the best animated maps I’ve seen though.

[@wompwompwompwompwompwompalienz]

starclan’s chosen and five giants!

[@Katie-qj6mz]

Everything moves probably counts too :")

[@d4wn1ngdusk]

the fact that the mud on firestar/rusty’s face at 1:27 shows the burn marks that he gets later on,great details!

[@Small_Lazy_mations]

OMG I JUST NOTICED THAT

[@jacobdrobot3710]

Some details I noticed: -The details on the wall at 1:18 pertain to Rusty/Boon's destiny; the graffiti reads "Fire Alone", while the posters show Rusty and "The Stars will guide you" with, perhaps not-so-coincidentally, the symbol for StarClan. -There are pine trees in the background when Rusty encounters Yellowfang, suggesting this takes place at the border between Twolegplace and Tallpines, well on the other side of ThunderClan territory from the ShadowClan border, explaining what happened during the months she would have been in ThunderClan otherwise. -FireClan's symbol in the clouds at 2:29, when they become truly united after Boon rescues Bone from the burning warehouse. -Redstar's story at 2:52 shows Tigerstar's crimes, including the theft of his nine lives, the persecution of half-Clan kits and their families, and the fact that WindClan also fell to TigerClan. It also shows Spottedleaf giving Ravenwhisker the "Fire Alone" prophecy, and Redstar's hope that Boon would be able to help defeat Tigerstar. -In a spot of irony, Tigerstar inflicts the same wound to Tinyfrost that Scourge killed him with in canon at 3:17, being slashed open throat to tail. Both Tinyfrost and Boon lose their collars shortly after, showing their welcome into StarClan as true warriors. -The cats seen from 3:46 to 3:48 are all cats that were important to Boon/Firestar in canon: Greystripe, his closest friend and deputy; Sandstorm, his mate and mother of his children; Bluestar, the cat who taught him how to lead a Clan; Tallstar, who was a close friend of his father and his closest ally; and Spottedleaf, his first love and the one who taught him how compassion as a strength.

[@MberEnder]

This immediately might be my favorite WC MAP ever! It's already my favorite AU and now it's been paired with some of the best animation I've seen from the WC community. My favorite part was when Yellowfang was telling Boon about the Clans and the visuals were like graffiti street art.

[@Sibertooth1]

Yessss!!! Props to the amazing artists who made that scene!!!

[@howling_starr]

@@Sibertooth1 Insane funfact: I think it was originally gonna be a collab part, but Alex Harrier came out here and did everything from 1:45 to 1:56 entirely herself! Also the graffiti art wasn't part of the original storyboard, I'm not sure if she came up with that or not but still insanely impressive.

[@Sibertooth1]

@@howling_starr wow that is so cool!

[@ShardVr]

dude i watched this when it came out and forgot about it then just rewatched it thank you for making this it brings together 2 things that i love.

[@SuspiciousBush_wcue-kn4dx]

Some things I noticed re-watching this!!: 1. While carrying the mouse there was a missing pet poster with Rusty’s picture on it! 2. When fire gives yellowfang the mouse, he has mud over his eye (foreshadowing his burns?) 3. At the scene with the 2 clans facing eachother ( 3:01 ) I noticed Blackfoot and I beleive it was darkstripe, standing next to Tigerstar.

[@isaidavidrockleon5768]

Si era cebrado o mejor dicho darkstripe.

[@maszina8187]

I'VE SEEN A LOT OF WC AU'S THROUGHOUT ALL THE YEARS IN THE FANDOM BUT I SWEAR THIS ONE IS GOTTA BE ONE OF THE BEST ONES

[@MrProper-x6p]

I DEMAND A WHOLE CARTOON BASED ON THIS MASTERPIECE. THE SCRIPT, THE PROCESSING, EVERYTHING IS LIKE IN THE MOVIE! Legendary! All well done! It is far underestimated.

[@Gold_Pup]

Very happy to have been able to animate a cat for the StarClan choir! My contribution to this map may have been tiny, but it was still an honor. This project came out absolutely fantastic and will probably go down as being one of the most iconic warriors maps out there- the au and quality of everything is just too good!

[@DragonwolfRooke]

I love your work so much Gold, it was a joy to have you in the project!!

[@ditzydoodle8381]

1:46 I love how her explanation is conveyed with graffiti art, so beautiful and clever!

[@TheLeafyGreenCat]

I love the small detail of the forehead details. The diamond when Firestar was deputy, and the star when he received his lives and a star for Tigerstar’s forehead too!

[@naaintok]

I’ve seen a fair number of fire/scourge!swap AUs, but I love that this one shows Boone(? If I remember the og animatic correctly) as still kind and genuinely interested in the StarClan and clan life, even after being attacked by Tigerclaw. I think it really shows the fundamental differences between him and Tiny, in both their upbringings and their general outlook on life. Wonderful job to all of the creators involved in bringing this thing to life!

[@StarfoxieProductions]

AUGHHH I SAW YELLOWFANG’S STAR WHEN RUSTY NUZZLED SANDSTORMS CAT AHHHH 2:39

[@AdaDent-ej4xb]

Where?

[@ferrete4139]

4:13 Redstar crying over Tinyfrost's corpse in the background :(

[@Солнечнаязвездакв-б3э]

Да жалко Бича😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@ottrdash]

is Redstar Redtail?

[@ferrete4139]

@@ottrdash yea in this Aau Redtail becomes Redstar

[@allyforhire262]

holy shit this is BEAUTIFUL, the story, the animation, everything. This is one of the best warrior cats maps of all time hands down no contest. This gave me the same feeling as reading the books, and its absolutely amazing.

[@allyforhire262]

and that doesn't even mention how creative it is, i absolutely ADORE everything about this MAP.

[@KittyKatAeroKitty]

This is honestly the best warriors map I have ever seen. I have watched it a few times now and just the fact that it's an ajr song makes it so much better! Keep making great animations please! Also, the fact that scourge still dies in the end makes me so sad. That cat really can't have a peaceful life, huh?

[@Novahaze]

OMLLL THIS MAP IS ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE, EVERYONE DID AMAZINGGG and it makes me happy to see Yellowfang, it's so sweet she was one of the canon relationships that stayed, she's really that lovable :))

[@AllMyFriendsRFruit]

Barely and Raven blushing at each other in the credits is sending me 🥰 (Or at least I think is Barley and Violet who are Boon’s buddies)

[@CatsareCool828]

This is SO cool! This might be my favorite video EVER! This map is SOOOO dynamic, clean, detailed, and just awesome! Everyone did a GREAT job. Not one person's part looked bad. And the end credits, wow, extra lore! THIS MAP IS CRAZY! LOVE IT

[@AmyMist]

Amazing! I tend not to like "firestar and scourge swap places" type aus, because I feel like they lose too much of what make those two who they are as characters. This story bucks that trend boldly and thoroughly, and I loved it! I feel like I want to watch a dozen more videos set in this au X3. Really excellent storytelling! And that's before even getting to the individual parts! Incredibly strong work throughout the whole thing! Some of my faves are Zelarhie's (so much expressiveness packed in! Poor Rusty...) AlexHarrier's (a fantastic presentation choice, and a beautiful piece in its own right!), and the Starclan choir part! (a MAPs worth of people all by itself! It comes together to beautiful effect, and it really sells Starclan as something larger-than-life!)

[@halfshinesketches]

This this right here I do think with how Firestar would of ended up with switching places with scourge

[@TheBlindedForest]

On my gosh. I'm speechless. I loved how Rusty (Firestar) and Yellowfang still had their bond in this life, and how the story was all laid out. I got literal chills when I saw REDSTAR come to ask Rusty for help. 😮 Congratulations to all those artists who worked on this masterpeice!!! And a huge shoutout to the designer of this Map with the story, designs, and layout. Absolutely incredible. 🎉❤

[@TheBlindedForest]

After rewatching it multiple times recently, I've just realized a really cool detail!!! After Firestar is given his life from Starclan to defeat Tigerstar, his scars turn white! Very interesting and special detail. Excellent job! 😊

[@Jayleen_goober1]

DUDE THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!!! The part where he dies made me cry and my brother was worried that I got hurt lol. BUT ANYWAYS THIS IS AMAZING ANIMATION,CHARACTERS AND EVERYTHING IS AWESOME AAAAAAAAAAAA

[@larktrail3301]

So excited for the premiere as it’s a refresher to see that scourge and firestar kept their original personalities instead of them swapping personalities when I saw the board

[@adingocat]

Tigerstar cutting scourge open like scourge cut him up in the main series 💀

[@channerchan1791]

3:18 (wheeze)

[@TOASTY_PLAYZ43]

SO TRUE

[@sneakysavannah]

he pulled an uno reverse card 😭😭

[@Discoseek]

Bro really said “nuh uh”

[@shanebromfield2527]

I've seen that clip hundreds of times and I'm only knowing about this MAP now

[@CaliannaRoth-rh5nl]

1:23 it’s kinda cool to see Yellowfang getting rescued by Rusty in the two leg place and not the forest, it shows how much TEH fans cared to still make TAHT happen

[@aliakimtheokay]

Look, I know next to nothing about this series, let alone the AU. But this genuinely made me tear up in how masterfully done this was. I applaud every talented animator and their dedication. That, and the OP themself for such a wonderful and cohesive storyboard. I can tell this took huge amounts of effort and care and love. And you all nailed it. I’ll be rewatching this for sure.

[@silverstar1726]

this au is supposed to be the main character and the antagonist of the 6th book swap au. i agree, it is amazing :)

[@aliakimtheokay]

@@silverstar1726 ohhhh that’s awesome. Makes this even cooler!

[@Small_Lazy_mations]

THIS MAP FELT LIKE A REAL MOVIE MADE BY A PROFESSIONAL STUDIO 🎥 This is one of the best maps I’ve seen it had so much heart and effort put into to make it incredible! ❤️ Everyone who participated in this from the hosts, design artist, animators and thumbnail contest participants, give yourselves a pat on the back you all did amazing and should be proud of your work :)

[@Small_Lazy_mations]

@your_local_galaxy_. sup :)

[@Storybender]

This MAP... it is by far the greatest and most professional and well thought out MAP/AU I've ever seen.

[@cazosky5528]

Seeing the Starclan choir part in the final map gave me chills!! It’s so beautiful to see how many animators collaborated on that one part alone. I’ve been excited for this map for awhile everyone did amazing :)

[@baasparkopenings]

I remember becoming "weirdly" emotional when I watched your original AU storyboard, before it was ever planned to be a MAP. It was such a sincere, heartfelt take on the classic story that everyone in the WC fandom loves and the song choice really added to it. But now that it's finally finished, seeing all the hard work everyone put into this MAP, it's no longer "weirdly" emotional. I don't think I've ever felt as attached to a warrior cats MAP as I've felt to this one, as someone who doesn't participate in the community and just enjoys watching them. All the tears are fully earned as I appreciate what a huge endeavor of love this project is. Also, finding out now there's an entire AU timeline... I have so much to catch up on! Congratulations and thank you to everyone who worked on this MAP, you've created something truly beautiful and I hope you'll be able to reflect as happily on this MAP as I am from an outsider's perspective. And to you, DragonwolfRooke - thank you for creating and organizing this beautiful project in the first place.

[@Beetleburrow20]

1:22 I love that Firestar had some dirt on his face, foreshadowing that part is going to be burned, love the detail!! :33

[@RAWKYSAWRUS]

I really, really love this MAP. Like, I cannot express enough how much joy this project has brought me and so many others. Artists have suffered a lot in recent years, but I'd like to think this is a prime example of people dedicating themselves to things they truly love. It always turns out incredible. Thank you for including me in this MAP, thank you to the participants, and thank you Rooke for sharing your incredible AU with us. I will b rewatching this 4 ever RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

[@giingersnaps]

beats u up 💖💥👊

[@SproutiusShrubiusthe16th]

​@@giingersnaps omg girliepop I love you 🥺🥺

[@DragonwolfRooke]

REEEX THANK YOU SO MUCH 😢😢 ❤❤

[@Icepiq72]

This AU lifts my spirits so much! I'm so obsessed with the concept of Rusty building a community simply through being kind, and how love and respect is why he was able to triumph over the powerful and scary. The animations were all so beautiful and captured the tone so well!

[@crimsnvines]

Bro I just noticed this but there’s a missing poster of him at 1:18 😭

[@Froggo1357]

That's so sad what 😭😭

[@Raichu98]

Nooo 😭

[@TabTrab1]

I mean he was a kittypet so it makes sense but that’s still sad

[@sproutingsapling]

I absolutely adore how the clocktower became (?) Boonstar’s way to contact Starclan thats just so cute with all the lights in there too 😭

[@raijyn2452]

This whole MAP is amazing, but no words can describe how breathtaking this part is: 3:27-3:55

[@Spaghettiehairedits6710]

I’m not crying over a map you have been waiting for and tracking and watching the process of for a very long time, you are *sniff*

[@Finchwing]

that was so utterly banger omg ToT real classic map feeling

[@sm0lcatfish]

this. this is why we’re a fandom. this is what it MEANS for us to be a fandom. of course, this map is full of incredibly talented people, and that’s everyone here. people with incredible skill in animation, shading, editing, effects, etc. as well as the ability to show so much emotion and the story so, so clearly. but that’s not what made me genuinely start crying over this map, though it definitely influenced it. it’s the community. we’re a group of incredibly passionate people, all gathered around these cats. not because of the authors, but because these cats have become so important to us. we’re 20+ years strong and firestar has always been so special to us, and boon’s story hits just as hard. seeing so many people come together to celebrate this alternative fire kitty, coming together in such a beautiful project with a part that probably has the biggest collab of all time, alongside just the teamwork it took in all the parts-oh my god. i don’t think we’re going to get another next up forever for a long time. and that’s good-whoever comes to make a celebration of this community next should take their time. however, i’m unashamedly putting this alongside maps like neglected space and starclan’s chosen, and i doubt anybody’s gonna argue with me. this is an incredibly beautiful map, and you’ve all outdone yourselves. thank you for being in our fandom.

[@OrioleClaws]

2:30 my fave part cause yellowfang with the kits xDD

[@Lace_wing]

The credits are freeking nearly as beautiful as the song, this is going up there is the five giants!

[@ShinyRockruff132]

FRRRR

[@harryto4820]

What’s the five giants?

[@spring_unsprung]

@@harryto4820 "Five Giants" is an extremely iconic (arguably The most iconic) warriors map! I'd definitely suggest checking it out whenever you next have the time :D

[@harryto4820]

@@spring_unsprung thanks

[@spring_unsprung]

@@harryto4820 No problem!

[@aestherien]

bro every single detail in this had me on the edge of my seat . Each scene was soo thematic and went soo well with the music-- i knew this project was amazing as a storyboard but seeing it being brought to life like this like holy shit ... This is the map ever

[@aestherien]

1:46 I gotta talk about this scene in particular . ITS GRAFFITI THEMED MAN !!! It's so expressive and you can see Boon gradually become more and more inspired and see this newfound spark within him to nurture and protect his own clan and it makes him becoming a starclan-recognized leader so much more meaningful

[@urlocalchestnutmaregirlie3394]

This map, feels like a movie, it had so many emotions to feel! Even the outro feels amazing! You’ve given me two new songs from AJR to listen to out of the 3 I already have! I’m extremely excited for more maps hosted by you! This is one of my current favourite maps combined with Mr Fear + Lovers, Brothers, Killers (aka the zombie AU which I suggest checking out too! ❤). This is such a beautiful map. Good job to all the artists involved and all those who ran for the thumbnail!

[@kolooart]

This is definitely one of my fav AU's and MAP's. I love how FIrestar, even when put in similar circumstances to Tiny's original plot, had the same character traits as good ol firestar and was still able to have that same honest, morally just influence on the cats around him. The AU asks and answers an interesting question about nature vs. nurture for these characters, and it truly is quite a believable narrative! Great work to all involved.

[@ConceptOfCreat10n]

AUGH YES IT’S HERE! IT’S FINALLY HERE! I remember probably a year or so ago, I first discovered the storyboard animatic for this MAP. I was a relatively big fan of AJR but hadn’t hear the song yet so I was very shocked and amazed with the song choice, and OH MY GOD. DO NOT ASK ME ABOUT THE ANIMATION BECAUSE I WILL GO ON FOR HOURS ABOUT HOW AMAZING IT IS. (I won’t because I’m tired and it’s late) And now it’s fully animated, and let me just say, the final product did not disappoint in the slightest! The expressions are so, well, expressive! The colors are vibrant yet not so bright that it hurts my eyes! The characters are so well realized! The timeline makes sense, Fireheart grows to become such a confident and compassionate leader, and just… It’s great. I love it. Everyone did such a great job! Now go off and get that well-deserved break, animators! You’ve all done a lovely job and I am amazed with what you’ve done, but now I can only imagine how your hands must feel after that haha!

[@MemeSlate-bq7zr]

How does this not have 1 million views!! It’s so good!

[@луняшка]

5:02 RavenBarley is everywhere. in every universe they will be together.

[@madicakebake4228]

I was looking for this comment

[@hannakoster2601]

I know

[@JourneyThroughTime]

This brought me to tears. It's been so long since I've seen a MAP where EVERYTHING is purely frame by frame. The hard work everyone put to this does NOT go unnoticed. The story was easy to understand without the words to explain it. The shots were beautiful, augh I don't even have the words

[@TinaWCUEYT]

Fr

[@karenchandler46]

1:18 top left of the screen you can see that rustys owners put up missing posters for him

[@Yachily]

THIS MADE ME CRY SO MUCH. OH MY GOD THIS IS AMAZING! PLEASE NEVER STOP MAKING WARRIOR CAT MAPS

[@Pepperysky]

AMAZING WORK! The use of graffiti to portray how yellowfang explained to Boon the culture of the clans was such a nice detail. This MAP will forever be one of the best I have ever watched!

[@brightwarrior2910]

Firestar was always my favorite cat in the media, but this map took my love for him to a whole new level. Firestar is truly a lovable hero and always will be.

[@newtswampi2583]

This is definitely my favorite adaptation of the AU where Rusty and Scourge swapped places. It was always hard to believe Rusty would become a tyrant because of his strong hero character traits, and him forming a good Bloodclan really makes more sense! Excellent work on the animation, too!