1/6 A STORY TOLD (animatic) + lyrics

[@TMega5612]

As a singer myself, the enunciation on the line "Where the softest things he'll touch are stones and darkness" is so satisfying to hear.

[@2doot]

It is. It always kind of makes me so satisfied to hear proper annunciation when one is singing, mostly because good annunciation is key to sounding good and allowing people to hear and understand what you say. When crisp clear consonants are being heard, it gives me a bit of joy to the ears. I'm no preformed or anything, just a 8th grade choir student, but I do know a little bit about music, and a big thing of singing is clear diction, or else it sounds like you are slurring.

[@brianhester1371]

***** My favourite line is "LET HIM ROT!" :3

[@livvykjones7715]

Very Important Bacon same here

[@brianhester1371]

;3

[@Khyrberos]

Pwerful Thanks for this.

[@fairiegirl2992]

Villains always get the best songs.

[@SugarVivStudios]

Ikr

[@r0ckstarisaghostlmao]

Truth (I’m late)

[@brainmadeofbubbles4103]

True true 👌🏽

[@MatulaJesus]

Agree.

[@raspberrycrowns9494]

Exhibit A: Heinz Doofenshmirtz

[@haleyselvidge716]

Alright. I'm going to explain why these three hate Edmund Dantes. Mondego (Twilight) wants Mercedes (Fluttershy) for his own. However, Dantes has already won Mercedes' heart. Danglars (Applejack) wants revenge on Dantes for "stealing" his position as captain of his ship. And finally, Villefort (Rarity) wants to protect his father from being arrested for treason, because his father was conspiring with Napoleon. You're welcome :D

[@kittystar4765]

Haley Selvidge Holy crap I just realized (if your profile pic is your oc) it has the fairy tale mark as a cutie mark Yay Edit: this comment was made like a year ago wtf I don't remember making this at all lol.

[@BellatheSheep18]

Thank you

[@revaslatts8011]

Way to sum it all up.

[@gambler942]

I Know it's been years for me to comment you but thank you for explain everything

[@Edmonton-of2ec]

A little Addendum to add: The first part of the story takes place in the late 1810's after 1815. Villefort is a staunch royalist and supports the Bourbon dynasty on the French throne while his father supports Napoleon Bonaparte. Villefort's father getting arrested would destroy his reputation and Dantes has a comprising letter that could lead to that.

[@BJ_Freeplay]

It's amazing how disgusting this song is, yet how... addictive it can be at the same time. The whole discussion is so twisted and devious you can't help but be intrigued about the whole plot those three are planning.

[@SerpensOculus]

even after all these years, this animatic holds a special place in my heart.

[@lilpenpusher]

>"Be vague and keep the secrets hidden" >Proceeds to sing an entire song out loud in a populated pub, revealing and explaining their entire plan Man, these guys are professionals.

[@aweirdperson.1826]

Lil Penpusher I know, right? They are the best at keeping secret the fact that they literally want to send a man in jail for life! They are speaking *sooooooo* quietly that nobody could hear them *cOuGh*

[@jakoblent4694]

@@aweirdperson.1826 well the german they are whispering

[@aweirdperson.1826]

Jakob Lent they’re singing in the musical, which is really ironic since they’re in a bar and everyone could hear them xD

[@jakoblent4694]

@@aweirdperson.1826 i know they are whisper singing in the german translation but in the english it's just everyone ignores them like it's nothing new

[@kellymccormack8346]

The other ponies were drunk or passed out.

[@CloudCuckooCountry]

I find this song really silly now knowing that in the book during this scene; Villefort is absent, Caderousse is drunk off his arse, Mondego is crying like a bitch, and Danglar is the only one doing any actual plotting.

[@LEGOBoy922]

***** seriously? Give me a minute to go laugh my ass off if that's true.

[@CloudCuckooCountry]

LEGOBoy922 Find a library, open The Count of Monte Cristo to the chapter called "The Plotters" and give it a read. It's true.

[@CloudCuckooCountry]

Tauntalus Hell, the original text is some of the campiest stuff I've ever read. I love it.

[@ADUNN-rf6hg]

***** This musical is mostly based off the 2002 film adaptation of the book which originally made most of the changes found in the musical.

[@CloudCuckooCountry]

Sandvich Hunter I saw the 2002 movie. Wasn't campy enough. 0/10

[@josephkumor5452]

8 years ago, hard to remember who I was then but I still remember these videos. Makes me sad that I’ll never feel what it was like when I first discovered these all those years ago. Great work it’s stuck with me and is a great pick me up when the world looks a little bitter.

[@movedchannels-readaboutpag1050]

Twilight: *L E T H I M R O T* Everyone else in the bar: Okay how are none of us noticing these screaming people.

[@alexs5814]

Drunk, sleeping, dead or busy sewing and tinkering^^

[@treymoment]

Probably think they're just drunkards

[@JackyEntertainment]

It's amazing to see how Ink Potts's art style improves over the years. This was a fun ride. Thank you for the videos.

[@asterion5893]

Looking back at this after seeing "I Know Those Eyes", the improvement is just amazing!

[@shabbbsy]

These new thumbnails are bloody lovely!

[@shabbbsy]

Holla :3

[@shabbbsy]

I think so too silly xP

[@shabbbsy]

faaammouuuuss......... :|

[@ArchivedFox]

8|

[@ArchivedFox]

B|

[@AwolCommander]

Rarity at 1:49 is like "Woah dude, back it up."

[@ceetz8930]

Loool

[@jill_7781]

Lol 😱😂

[@queenperrytheplatypus458]

+Cherenix Vazquez Lol!!

[@fatherpeggy]

Rarity's like, "I havthink a horn and I'm not afraid to use it..." XD

[@rachelwilson4958]

+MLPGirl6410 lol true that

[@AsaStanleyKemler]

Just a question: if the apparent villains are singing about their plan really loudly in the middle of a tavern, why doesn't anyone notice them, and stop them from completing their plan? They are like: "hey guys, some people are singing about their evil plot over there" "Don't worry Josh. Since we're not important to the plot, we aren't affected by their plans, and we can't report them or anything. Just pretend that they aren't singing loudly."

[@flintluz1789]

+Enion SpellBind that was my thought process exactly

[@connor1970]

they probably just think there drunk

[@dianadelosa3279]

+gothvain True

[@bonnietelocole6777]

Enion SpellBind finally

[@ben-jn4tx]

Enion SpellBind In the book, they all make fun of Fernand instead of planning vengeance

[@kledusthehound5216]

1:24 that singing is amazing! So passionate!

[@dear_totheheart]

Although I'm saddened that the Count of Monte Cristo isn't appreciated as its own content/musical or doesn't receive the attention or popularity like other musicals or fandoms, I at least can appreciate that you have brought it attention and have shared it with more people who would've never found it otherwise. Despite wishing that this portrayed the characters not as ponies, coupled by my complete disinterested in MLP, I still think your animation shows a lot of effort and skill so great work and I look forward to watching the rest!

[@PhoenixJohnson29]

deartotheheart Exactly! I discovered this musical through shows like Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables because of the similar musical style. I watched these animatics purely for the songs because I give zero shits about MLP. Over the past two years of loving this show I’ve seen it’s been getting more love than it did before. Before no one knew this existed besides the people watching these videos and musical fans that somehow found this hidden gem. Now I’ve seen more people talking about it and I’m hoping it gets a Broadway run at some point but since America hates Frank Wildhorn it probably won’t for a while. Anyways I’m just ranting but to get to the point, these animatics have grown on me and have gone from a concept I thought was stupid to a guilty pleasure to something I genuinely like coming back to from time to time.

[@squash6506]

Is it just me or did anyone else get chills when they all sang together?

[@lord__pasta]

kinda.

[@Purple_Sweater]

More chills when you realize this is a musical based on a movie based on a book based on a real story. A real story. These guys are d*cks

[@zionroselight8154]

Yes

[@RedDragonLRD]

This inspired me to watch the movie and HOLY CRAP WAS IT AWESOME OMGZ

[@phantasmalresplendent5803]

ChaoticSpark I have a question. Did the movie include this song?

[@RedDragonLRD]

Crystal Moonstone No, the version I watched (2002 version I believe) does not have any songs, only the play does I believe, but the movie gives you a much better idea of the overall story.

[@phantasmalresplendent5803]

Ok! Thank you! :3

[@RedDragonLRD]

Crystal Moonstone No problem :3

[@Vicky-nc1cg]

ChaoticSpark the movie is with ponies too? XD just joking, if you didn't noticed. ANYWAY i need to watch the movie!

[@RavenSutcliffe]

Villefort's face's are KILLING me specially the ones he makes when Mondego is talking about Mercedes like "ur disgusting mate"

[@JimFaindel]

The fact this video is 10 years old gives me psychic damage

[@yazoo_kazoo]

This explains the world and politics so much.

[@Emerald-DragonFlame]

you sir just made my day XD here have a snicker 🍫

[@yazoo_kazoo]

EmeraldDragonFlame I'm a ma'am, and thank you!

[@Emerald-DragonFlame]

***** woops sry XD still awesome

[@yazoo_kazoo]

EmeraldDragonFlame It's okay XD

[@Emerald-DragonFlame]

***** so... u happy?

[@devonandalexander1882]

That let him rot at 1:57 is just awesome.

[@rumblefish2460]

alexlovesdbzkai and devonlovesdbzkai I know right!Thats my favorite part of the song

[@KikiFlash]

Who's watching this in 2024?

[@heathfamilyphone1273]

❤

[@6670-j8g]

omg🎉🎉

[@Bloodymare_1983]

I am

[@justanaveragesimp]

💜

[@Hitoshi_Shinsou76]

Me 👍🏻

[@bonnietelocole6777]

TWILIGHT! CONTROL THOSE STRIPES IN YOUR HAIR THIS INSTANT!

[@ravenpotato3368]

+Bonnietelo Cole Now that you pointed that out my ocd is dying.

[@bonnietelocole6777]

ravenhxsolars and disturbia how?

[@MicaMonoply]

+Bonnietelo Cole Because now they notice it

[@SucculentSiren]

It happens in the show too. Everyones hair flips back and forth from left to right

[@candydash3170]

yeah

[@naughtynyte3086]

I always loved these animatics back when FIM was more popular and active, I wanted to come back and say how I find poetic beauty in this song but mostly how the opening of it is "We are Friends, are we not?"

[@reallybigshoe4297]

Yet another song I had never heard of that I now love thanks to you Ink Potts. You are quickly becoming one of my favourite channels on KZbin, your art is awesome and I am excited for more!

[@soldierofkazus]

I'm pretty sure the guy playing Mondego stepped on Villefort's lines a few times at least I *think* "-but I can see it's him or me" was supposed to be Villefort's line, since it relates to his motivation and is the second half of a sentence he started History is a story told by the ones who sing the lines, I guess

[@WMarcilVA]

+Steampunk Papercut No he did not step on the lines, it just is an artifact of the translation. This musical was originally written in German, and in the german version of the song, after Villefort expresses regret at what is going to happen to Dantes, Mondego sings: "Nichts ist fair, es ist mir oder herr," which translates to: "Nothing is fair, it's me or him." While the way they translated the line works better for Villefort, Mondego has to sing there, as it was written that way.

[@nicholasrall6906]

+ArrlenStudios 99.9% sure it was in English first. It was written by two Americans and started in NYC. The "it's him or me" refers to Mercedes.

[@benjaminklaassen4722]

+Steampunk Papercut Plus it makes more sense because, in the actual story, the note Napoleon gave Dantès was addressed to Villefort's father, and if people found out _he_ was a Bonapartist, Villefort's reputation would be ruined.

[@vittoriagrenna5475]

pony1: what are they doing? pony2:oh just singing about framing a Guy and locking him up for life pony1:oh ok. are we going to do anything about it? pony2:nah we aren't part of the main plot so just let them do their thing

[@Luna_Moon2007]

Pony1. Hey guys there singing about being evil Pony2. Nah there just drunk

[@Trish707]

@@Luna_Moon2007 uh- not trying to be rude but..u spelled gacha wrong.

[@Luna_Moon2007]

@@Trish707 Haha. I know. I just keep it that way as i can't be bothered to change it.🤣

[@Trish707]

@@Luna_Moon2007 lol

[@damiondraws8538]

Every few years I come back and rewatch it all, wanting more

[@dragonus85]

glad im not alone in returning to these.

[@tesscrelli783]

I'm not even an MLP fan, just a fan of The Count of Monte Cristo, but I stumbled upon this animatic so.... it's really good. :)

[@Inucroft]

... 2014, and still holds up well

[@justanotherweeb1859]

This is actually what happened during their sleepover.

[@rad.rascal]

Looking back on this video makes me so happy. You guys have improved and grown in your art and animation so much, and seeing it happen over all these years was so rewarding, in both the creators' and viewers' eyes. Thank you for making these amazing stories and creations

[@Syooshi]

After re-watching this an immeasurably amount of times you tend to notice small details that you didn't before, such as the carefully planned eye movements/direction. It just goes to show how truly amazing you guys are! I love your work!

[@SkinniJ]

Dude I’ve been looking for this video for years ago and I finally found it again thanks to algorithm. Holy hell I haven’t anything related watched this show in years my god.

[@hannahfuller1192]

This video has gotten me obsessed with the count of monte cristo

[@dragoncrystal24]

I definitely need to get this book. And watch the musical. Honestly just the song itself is enough to make me want it. Your animatic does it complete justice. Awesome work on the expressions, and the colouring was great.

[@dragoncrystal24]

It's too bad though that the musical hardly plays any more. :/

[@wolfgamergirl4830]

At 1:47 Rarity has the most amazing face!

[@YuckCanuck]

*back up woman*

[@maqwish]

Wolf Gamer Girl !!! Lmfaooo truueeee

[@im_so_tired3614]

I was so dangerously obsessed with this so long ago 😭

[@dayana4654]

It's been 7 years since it came out, and I still come to listen and watch this amazing art

[@Katze89567]

I finally could watched the hole 6 videos... I have bunch of feelings around my head... 4 years... You don't know how much this first animatic, A Story Told, changed my thinking... This video, was where I knew about My Little Pony and the count of Montecristo... Wich inspired me draw (with 4 years drawing and thinking make it my work) wich inspired me to learn English (wich I hated in that time), Germany, Maya and Sign Mexican Language (Right now I'm about to finish my english's curse, this year I will start with Germany and I already started with Sign Language) Wich inspired me to start writting, to study sciences of comunications, to learn more and more about my culture and history... You inspired me to, someday, begining a big proyect, wich start now, with my studies of Humanity at the university... Todo eso... por solo este vídeo de 2.53 minutos... Really... Thanks too much, both of you You are the best!!!! I sorry if my English it is bad right now, I'm writing without thinking...

[@cheesyncrackers9670]

@Mr DevilCat your comment just warms my heart. @ ink potts if u see this were letting u know how much of an inspo you were and are. you inspired me to start drawing and animating (i was 11 when i saw this video) im now fifteen and i couldnt be happier! you really are awesome, and i dont think it would be the same if i hadnt seen your channel

[@Katze89567]

@@cheesyncrackers9670 15? You are too young! Good luck and work as hard as you can! Inkpotts give us a lot uwu

[@cheesyncrackers9670]

@@Katze89567 thank you so much (and yes uwu)

[@StarSpark3071]

Very well done with keeping it interesting while they’re all sitting at a table

[@DustyGamma]

Happy decade-aversary! Wow, has it really been a decade? Was great then, still as great now!

[@idkmanthisisjusthere]

And with that, this 4 year process has come to a close. You did amazing, all 6 parts show the improvement and dedication you had to this simple animatic series. It was worth the wait. Good job, and may you continue forward with the skills you acquired

[@xkokopuffs1380]

So amazing to come back these and see how much the art has improved over time, it's amazing

[@serenafucito]

If you're rewatching these videos in 2021 (even if you're not a brony anymore), you're a legend. ❤️

[@gallantserver]

I’ve watched this like seven times and it gets better every time!

[@revwriter5460]

This series introduced me to what would later become my favorite book of all time

[@michel1993136]

I'm reading the book right now because of this animation

[@Thecountofmonterainbow]

Same. Watched it first when I was like 8. Later read the book and now I have 4 Montecristo editions because yeah, I'm a huge fan

[@DinoDragon98]

I think the lyrics at 2:16 are 'He was standing in the way, a threat to justice in Marseille', at least I heard that. After all a very good animatic, thank you for making this, it really shows the character of the song itself. Keep up the good work with the other two songs!

[@RikuSayPoof]

I absolutely adore how you draw the ponies! The expressions, the form, and the poses you draw them in are absolutely amazing! I look forward to seeing the future videos of this particular set. I very much prefer animatics over animations, and I love the way you pull the off! :3

[@RedDragonLRD]

Came here from the Dark of the NIght animatic. Yep, you just earned a sub XD

[@sandralormond99]

ChaoticSpark oh OK!,😅

[@chandralekhasen6336]

Wow coming back to this video after 7 years is weird and amazing

[@LostonMars2367]

*people singing in a bar about lying* me: you know I can hear you right? .-. (it's a joke guys 😭)

[@willow4049]

amy french people are either thinking they're drunk, or they're too drunk to notice

[@YuckCanuck]

Both.

[@sandralormond99]

amy french this is movie/song logic!Like seriously though!You guys have no ears!(p.s. I am not talking to you guys!The people in the movie I am taking to☺)

[@maqwish]

Buddy Boi LMFAOOO

[@HoshikoYui]

Buddy Boi the German version actually makes them sound like they're whispering.

[@RottenNgget]

This is what got me into the count of monte cristo and musicals in general

[@DrPotatoPerson]

rt of me loves you for making this, and the other animatics too. the other part despises you for introducing me to such a production I can never fully experience.

[@freyalow4828]

wow this is rly good u always make rly good animatic's plz keep it up

[@freyalow4828]

plz make this into a real animation

[@dcatmemow]

I can't believe it's been 10 years...

[@Insert_channel_here]

I look back at this, and you improved alot! :)

[@littletaleseeker]

Oh the memories XD my classmates and I redid this and acted out the musical 😂. As the director, I was crying with tears of joy. To be honest, this video inspired me to use "The Count of Monte Cristo" as our theme. And it was worth it! We got the highest score in Theatre. 😂😍 Thank God and Thank this Channel!

[@Adannan939]

I JUST WATCHED THE LAST PART OF THIS AND THEY HAVE IMPROVED SO MUCH

[@blueteller]

Since this is a musical, you know, a theatrical production, I can actually imagine the main six playing the roles on stage (Hearts Warming Eve, remember? even Fluttershy was there). The gender switch may be disturbing, but I've seen plays having male roles played by women (Peter Pan). Although it's still very weird considering their *deep male voices*... but this is the original soundtrack, so no complaining. Love the art.

[@goldberry2121]

Yeah, the genderawitch isn't a problem Rainbow played a male in the heartswarming-eve play, remember?

[@jojocookie774]

@@goldberry2121 Pinkie as well.

[@asiandradash]

If you don't like the male voices, Magpiepony made an mlp show accurate voice version

[@_ictis_]

I keep coming here whenever my autism brain makes me remember this so randomly and the hyperfixation goes on and one again....

[@SolInvictus_YT]

I've been watching this since 4am it's 10am right now.. Why can't i stop watching this?

[@zackscarbro3707]

im still watching it from yesterday as well, i dont know!

[@Trippy_hyena]

It's so cool to see how much their style of artwork and editing has changed since this

[@synthkittenn]

This is the best animatics series I have ever seen in my life. GhostQuill, Silhouette, u guys are AWESOME

[@guyra4298]

I love these guys

[@kabhes9040]

i love your profile photo

[@guyra4298]

That would be the 5th time someone comments about that lol, and a lot of people do seem to love it seeing when I comment on other videos I always seem to get from 10-40 thumbs up.

[@theMegaLittleman]

Cesar Guajardo I like your pic too.

[@nekofanguurlskye6042]

In the movie you wouldnt lmao

[@PandaFan581]

"Three more men can survive?" Well this will bit you all on your guys behinds.

[@VaanG0v]

Using Twilight as Mondego is hilarious. I cant wait to see who you picked for the Count.

[@Orangeyouglad870]

In the past day I have seen this at least twelve times. You have a new subscriber.

[@cyruspasglop]

I wanted to thank you, because thanks to this video, I got the courage to read the Count of Monte Cristo, which had sice become my 2nd favorite book, so thank you deeply, Ink Potts, for what you did.

[@drmskitten]

"How do u get in the count of Monte cristo ? " Me : "shows them this"

[@RainbowEssence-c3w]

1:23 Damn, that vocal range though!

[@mcloveswinter9963]

Don't mind me, just revisiting my childhood.❤️

[@doereymia]

Been a few years but still love it, never stop

[@o.vannen8004]

You picked some damn good music for these Animatics (and perfect performances, too)!!

[@heath8358]

I would pay to see a remake of this with the updated style

[@mikaLtubeyou]

My jaw was droped from the beggining to the end. That was amazing.

[@o-stone8339]

Well I just got done watching the 2002 film and listening to the musical soundtrack for the first time just to have context for when I watch this. And I don’t regret it.

[@WicusIsntOkay]

This is how it all started. I'm so glad all of them are out and now we have them all. They're all so beautiful, and I can't believe the last animatic if finally out. It's been so long.

[@nicoletteroman890]

this is my favorite of all your animatics :3 i love Villefort's voice. I also love all the awesome expressions they have! so awesome O3O

[@nietzsche8297]

Ah wow! I am currently reading the book, and I must say a lot of things do match up now! I was surprised at the faithfulness of the musical to the book actually. And you were right, Villefort uncovered a letter that proved that his father was a devoted Bonapartist (the same reason Dantés was imprisoned) and, in order to save his own reputation, he burned the letter. He could have set Dantés free after that, but in order to further himself and his reputation he sent an innocent man to jail. In the description you noted Mondego as Dantés' best friend, though that isn't very evident in the book. From what I can tell, Mondego was chasing Mercédès and Dantés got in the way; Mondego even threatened to kill Dantés, but couldn't bring himself to do it. The only real motivation for him was love, and he wasn't very torn sending him away as they had no real relations. As for Danglars, he's pretty shallow and altogether jealous. Anyways, great job! This is a fantastic animation, I can't wait for the last one!

[@CountMonsparkle]

I think they are refering to the 2002-movie-version of the story. In that version they changed some of the characters, and they made Edmond and Fernand friends to make Fernand's betrayal a little more dramatic.

[@ArtistTouch3]

I love the art work, especially the face shall expressions. Keep up the nice work.

[@jaredyetto4901]

Thanks

[@Wanderfawn]

jared yetto He was talking to Ink Potts.

[@BgBdJon]

Holy crap, there's a Count of Monte Cristo musical?

[@KtheMan1911]

Your artwork portrays their character perfectly! Love it and great job!!

[@kageokami]

Just found this and I've watched it repeatedly for about an hour. Its just so damn awesome!

[@monkelyn5045]

Back again in 2023 Times have changed but I will always have this song ❤❤❤

[@jessijynx734]

for those who were wondering rarity is playing villeport he has a job in the legal system and doesn't want dash to go to jail but when he see's his father's name on the letter dash was suppose to deliver he decides to lock him up to protect his father

[@magnusm4]

I keep feeling like this is a Disney song from a forgotten movie. Sounds like something they would make during the Disney renaissance

[@connorm.6486]

magnusm4 What Disney movie is this song from, may I ask?

[@CountMonsparkle]

It's not from a Disney movie it's from a musical called "The Count of Monte Cristo". But I do agree that it sounds like it's from a Disney movie ^^

[@magnusm4]

None, it just has a Disney feel to it. Think of Gaston's song or Ratigan from The Great Mouse Detective

[@crazwaz5770]

You guys have come so far omg I'm so proud of you guys

[@foobloo101]

I was entranced during the song. The animation was butifully done, and the style you used set the tone perfectly.

[@smildmanoych120]

foobloo101

[@clownappreciator1479]

This is what I think my history teachers do...

[@wunderbud628]

There's no way this is 9 years old omg

[@razzledazzle2135]

Apple jack with a gun seems right for some reason, also fantastic video ^•^

[@Berbean]

Who just came here from the 6th video? Gah the tears! The improvement!!

[@WhimsicalBunn]

10 yrs later still slaps

[@ben-jn4tx]

surprising fact!!: in the book, Fernand is Mercedes cousin, this scene in the book ends up with Fernand sinking into his chair because he was rejected by Mercedes

[@Evarace]

Oh! I was recommended your "Roxanne" animatic, ans I was like "The Count of Monte Cristo? That sounds familiar, and I realized it's that story." Man, I should read the book. I am interested.

[@VaanG0v]

I love this channel.

[@cthefish]

I really like this! All of the singers voices are absolutely amazing! Keep up the awesome work!

[@The-Ink-Dragon97]

This by far the best song I have heard this year.