Squirrelflight's New Year's Eve - Storyboard

[@Starcheopteryx]

I was planning to finish this, I really was. But since I'm halfway through school (though currently out right now for mental health reasons) - The scope of this project is just too much. I haven't made much progress anyway - so I decided that the storyboard is now just free for people to use. If anyone wants to do their take on it, feel free! I'm also happy to talk in depth about stuff. So yeah, feel free to use this to try to make a pmv, amv, map, whatever - the only thing I ask is that the community allows multiple people to use it if it comes to that. No "____ can't make a map with the storyboard because ____ already did" stuff, free for all here.

[@pensivex4250]

thank you for this!! that’s completely understandable tbh. this storyboard is incredibly well done on its own

[@Theatricals]

My favorite storyboard hands down. I’d definitely love to try my hand at it.

[@Starcheopteryx]

@Theatricals @Theatricals Yeah I remember a friend of yours reaching out to ask if you could take a crack at it! At the time I was still planning to work on it, but since I probably won't (at least for a while, can't say never!) but if you're fine with other finished versions possibly existing, then feel free ^^ I've grown more curious to see what others can bring to the table. If there's anything you wanna ask about, feel free!

[@Stormwolf4]

I lost it when I read "ugly man walk"

[@cloudpuff4577]

“Hollykit chewing on her tail”

[@fazieco]

"↪" "↘" "⬇" "↩" "⬅"

[@tachyontwo]

Hello, I have travelled many youtube videos from here to tell you that you have a great pfp Ok bye

[@Stormwolf4]

@@tachyontwo hello far traveler. I appreciate you coming from such a far land for this compliment.

[@crocs1547]

"i know jay and lion are reversed please ignore it ill fix it in the finished video"

[@draconicopia]

I really love the parallel of hollyleaf pulling on jayfeathers tail with the intent to protect vs performing the same action on ashfur with the intent to harm really cool addition

[@orchidpawuwu335]

I only noticed that after you pointed it out. Really interesting! ^^

[@bone.marrow]

No ones gonna mention the parallel of leaf pools and ash furs scenes Like damn

[@lawling466]

@@bone.marrow time stamps?

[@bone.marrow]

@@lawling466 4:01 and 5:49

[@lawling466]

@@bone.marrow holy shit that is such a good detail

[@wyrmdi607]

I LOVE how ashfur takes out his claws as he’s holding squirrel to make sure she stays with him as he realizes she likes bramble more

[@shadowspark8713]

Same!

[@ravenpawwithoutpersonality3460]

Saim

[@SkiggsMoDiggs]

Saym.

[@axelf9947]

saem

[@tacomuncherkevin]

s

[@Furnacefangs]

We stan for loaf squirrelflight

[@eileemninphya4829]

Bread squirrelflight

[@C2K_Chuufis]

SquirrelLoaf

[@C2K_Chuufis]

LoaFlight

[@Gatoviotas]

Squirrel loaf

[@ferretkin]

breadflight

[@Spectorwing]

You see ashfur isn't stupid, he knew very early on that this child would end him, whether he knew it or not.

[@orangejuiceproductions6382]

What

[@lawling466]

So did he know or not…?

[@candydragon8883]

@@lawling466 I think they meant “like it or not” And just made a typo

[@jellybean5680]

Like another person said he looked ready to punt Hollykit lmao

[@Goose-pic]

Ashfur is genuinely scary in this one. Tbh I adore the portrayal of Ash as a nice guy/incel type of character

[@cactusbuds2979]

I can see him thinking he’s entitled to SquirrelFlight for being nice to her! He’s terrifying in this portrayal.. Same with the pigeon Pmv...

[@beanstealer5780]

i just realized cloudtail has the same lil mole as squilf thats so cute 💕 you forget they are cousins sometimes

[@ursfan]

@Rose Skywalker The Weirdo Not anymore considering Sandstorm's family got retconned.

[@clawcakes]

@@ursfan no? squirrel's dad is firestar, whose sister is princess, whose son is cloudtail

[@ursfan]

@@clawcakes I was responding to a deleted comment, not the OP.

[@clawcakes]

@@ursfan oops!

[@StarrChild.]

The detail of adding in Squirrel's visit to Ashfur before his demise is so well done. The pleading and trying to clear the air, but Ashfur still clinging onto old feelings and it wont let him move past it. The way he was preparing to kill Squirrel before Holly turned up, so Holly (i think unknowingly as portrayed) saved her adopted mother. beautiful. Flawless. I am floored by this.

[@girlgamer6678]

Did that actually happen in the books? Or was it something that the creator sorta put in there? I'd like to think its the former

[@siqxyre8473]

@@girlgamer6678 on the night his body was found, squirrel was actually late to depart to the gathering (the clan found his body on the way there). She rushed to the group who was ready to leave, all wet and muddy, brambleclaw asked her where she was, and she said she slipped into the stream and that it was muddy. It was probably written to get us thinking she may have murdered him, as a way of diverting expectation, but rhe concept of her confronting him one last time to beg of him to not tell would be amazing.

[@Spacewhore]

I'm pretty sure that it said somewhere in the books that when Hollyleaf was going to kill Ashfur, Ashfur was actually hunting. He wasn't hunting, he was going for Squirrel in this version of the story, but from an outside perspective, it really did seem like he was going hunting (at least in this storyboard)

[@cactust7851]

the part that gets me is that squirrelflight seems to make the decision to tell the truth (and thus get ashfur to leave) when she sees hollyleaf get burned.... the emotion of it all....

[@dreamer9398]

This is way better than the books. Also, I like that Hollyleaf unintentionally save Squirrelflight from Ashfur.

[@orangejuiceproductions6382]

Way better then the books? This is literally from the books tf

[@pioneer_ten]

@@orangejuiceproductions6382 I think dreamer meant like portrayed better? Or like stronger emotions or smth idk

[@itsTigereye]

@@orangejuiceproductions6382 It's not though. A lot of this is fan interpretation.

[@axelf9947]

Here after the premiere, and let me say... this is probably genuinely the best animatic I have ever seen. It shows things that I've vert rarely seen touched upon before, such as Bramble and Squirrel's arguments and how it contributed to Ashfur feeling the way he did. Hollykit looking pissed off at Ashfur for making her mom uncomfortable. The godly transitions and storytelling!!! The fire scene is insane, as it really conveys the panic of the moment as well as illustrating the flashback to the three with Leafpool... the little Ash/Squirrel meetup right before he dies is such a great addition, too. Not only does it tap into their relationship and make the Holly murder more intense, but it also explains what the heck Squirrelflight had been doing on that night (she turned up late and was all muddy for some odd reason!). It's just. So. MMMMMM.

[@Starcheopteryx]

Thank you for the kind comment ;o; i was thinking of her being muddy the whole time, I'm glad you connected it!

[@pookbear5817]

It was REALLY GOOD

[@mushroom-cloud3819]

I love hollys tooth gap, and her as a kitten just makes my day Holly: :T

[@sparklingdemon]

5:18 i loved the fake-out with the green eyes that fooled me into thinking it was hollyleaf!! squirrelflight appearing first caught me so off guard and her conversation and fight with ashfur gives me chills!! the way he licks his lips as he’s about to chase her really gives the impression that he’s treating her like a piece of prey, which ties back into the themes from pigeon!! this is so good, i love it a lot!

[@ninjathecat133]

One thing I noticed that I found super cool was how Ashfur manipulated Squirrelflight into showing him affection. Whenever Squirrelflight gives him affection, he appears happy and comforting, but whenever Squirrelflight strays away, he becomes cold and emotionless. You can see this especially at the end when they talk by the river. At first, he ignores her and turns away, but when she reaches out her paw, he is all of a sudden happy and forgiving. When she starts to pull away, he cries to try and manipulate her into going back to him. When that doesn’t work, he turns back into his cold, aggressive self again. Super well planned and detailed! Probably some of the best Ashfur content I’ve ever seen.

[@buggibii]

SQUILF'S MOLE! LION'S SHORT-FURRED HEAD AND SMALL EYES!! GAP BETWEEN HOLLYLEAF'S TEETH I!!!!!!!!!! just GOD i love how you give your designs imperfections!! also not to mention the character acting, the perfect shots, the drama of it all just,,,,,, MUAH!! INCREDIBLE work, star!!!! ♡♡♡

[@NeatoDragons]

0:12 I love how you showed Squirrel/Bramb’s dysfunctional relationship without words. Not only that, but you show that Bramble is in the wrong here. 0:38 Hawkfrost looks evil and smug here, giving Squirrel a “he won’t believe you” look. I love this, because that’s how she felt about him in the books! 1:00 angry Bramble in the back. Love the layout here. 1:06 YUMMY LOAF 1:32 I love this whole scene. Squirrel wants to be friends with Bramble again, but it’s clear he isn’t ready for it yet, even if she doesn’t deserve the silent treatment. 1:48 Ashfur’s expression fills the viewer with foreboding, even if it’s probably because he was as tired as Squirrel 1:53 Ash’s expression and words are kind, but he’s half submerged in shadow 2:00 Another great sequence! Ash’s eyes and paw tell you all you need to know about his wants. Also Fire has a line around his neck, maybe signifying his future with the trap? 2:28 Hawk silently approaching, then cutting to the trap being used! Unnerving! 2:33 Another epic sequence filled with so many details! Leaf looking nervous, Ash’s dead expression! 2:39 Really shows Ash’s possessiveness!

[@NeatoDragons]

3:04 That look of disgust at a BABY is incredibly telling about Ash 3:11 Holly already knowing something is up as she grows, and she wants to protect her mom. Also toof gap! So cute. 3:29 Ash sitting in the darkness as everyone panics is great 3:37 Holly saving Jay because he can’t see danger/his tumble is great 3:51 THIS TRANSITION IS EPIC 4:04 Leaf grabbing Squirrel’s paw kinda reminds me of Ash grabbing her paw. This gives more of a desperation vibe than possessiveness though 4:13 I’ve said this before but. Great. Sequence! There’s so much dynamic action here that you don’t see in a lot of warriors animatics/PMVs! Also it shows how Ash has changed fully into a simp monster. 4:23 I love your take on the fire scene. Her being pinned down, seeing her kits start to get hurt from the fire, really makes her spilling the secret feel more impactful. 4:47 sniff 4:48 Her turning to all her kits and them rejecting her? Heavy. 5:05 Squirrel(?) following Ash legitimacy feels unnerving due to how quick the frames are. 5:19 Nice subversion of expectations!! 5:37 I love subtle, awkward movements like that 5:41 The burn is a great detail 5:50 “I wanna be friends, but not lovers.” 6:01 hehe pat pat 6:02 I love the grab 6:06 Holly only shows up when Ash starts getting physical with Squirrel 6:07 GET HIM GO GET HIM 6:11 her being plastered with mud is cool 6:12 “You’re not even worth my time.” 6:17 I like how unhinged Ash looks here. He is prepared to kill her. 6:19 Same move she used with saving Jay 6:20 She covers his eyes before biting him- good touch.

[@Rainchu89]

@@NeatoDragons I saw 5:50 as more “I can forgive you but I'm not gonna forget and you've already ruined any kind of relationship that we had” but that could just be me

[@NeatoDragons]

@@Rainchu89 also good!!

[@tundrakitty]

This is a good comment but the line around Firestar's neck at 2:00 is probably just the stripe from his design.

[@NeatoDragons]

@@tundrakitty yeah probably, but it’s still a neat placement for his stripe

[@AlexHarrier]

going back and refreshing my own memory about the books I find the idea that Squirrel and Ash scuffle before he dies very compelling, knowing that squirrel shows up late to go to the gathering, covered in mud. It's the little details that make your stuff really fun!

[@Starcheopteryx]

thank you so much! that means a lot from you! ;o;

[@FISHSOCKS]

IM SUCH A SUCKER FOR YOUR INTERPRETATIONS AND HEADCANONS??? THEY'RE SO ORIGINAL IM IN LOVE W THEM..

[@MADM3LODY]

Once again this is such an awesome story board, but I swear at that part where Ashfur walked upon hollykit, it seriously looked like he was considered punting her before squirrelflight showed up. I love that. Also I like how you showed the three trying to escape the fire!! It’s definitely pretty different. That and Ashfur and Squirrelflight talking at the end, and how nasty he was with her.

[@Sparroet]

FIRST OF ALL: the way you draw these characters gives them all such unique personality and makes them really recognizable even when you've filled in almost no details. they're just incredibly strong designs. SECOND: THE ACTING. holy shit my dude the slower pacing than a usual amv gives so much more time to these meaningful little inbetween moments. you can glean so much more about who these characters are, I'd venture to say, even without reading any of the books, the story is incredibly clear and understandable the song choice is really clever and I like that you pick songs based on the feeling and intent instead of picking based on lyrics/picking an explicit love song. there's so much more power in the last few lines than any "breakup" song the ending really fills in the gaps for me storywise in conclusion: you're just really damn good at visual storytelling please teach me also lol I'm subbing to ur patreon

[@Starcheopteryx]

LOUIS THANK YOU ;;; i think about what you said about videos covering too many events all the time, it really makes me think about my pacing!

[@safierinami2627]

Can i say that im amazed how you potrayed Ashfur? Like he seemed like a good frieand but every time he smiled i got chills. Very good work!

[@jessnutpeanut8842]

Honestly your animatics are so inspiring with their tiny little details. Ashfur being in shadow when Squilf runs to him to show he’s still bad news even though he’s acting nice. The motif of people grabbing Squilf’s paw shows when she feels like she’s being controlled/when she feels a strong obligation to do what someone else wants, not what she wants (ie taking Leafpool’s kits). And the PLOT TWIST where it’s Squirrelflight coming out of the bushes instead of Hollyleaf like we all expected. Definitely in my top favorite animations ever made from the Warriors community, along with Pigeon!

[@Chloe-nr6wt]

Ashfur the type of guy to say “no more Mr nice guy” in an argument

[@Numbattery]

So emotional, so well-made mmm the ending only proves my point

[@fazieco]

I love how you portray Bramble'claw's abuse as much as you need to for the viewer to semi realise that the abuse is happening. It's never really talked about or noticed, and before Moonkittis video I missed it myself. Great job, can't wait for more!

[@catxborsuq1]

Moonkitty's video is most biased thing I saw xD Squirrelflight broke up with Brambleclaw because he didn't want to stop hanging out with his brother (who saved his life), something everybody, including Leafpool (who distrusted Hawkfrost more than she did), told her she was being unfair about. Of course he was hurt and angry for a bit.

[@Sludgefeaster]

Idk, I think calling relationship disputes (normal) “abuse” can kinda water down the meaning! And harm real life people going through that, not fantasy cats. And something about the fact you put an apostrophe between his suffix and prefix tells me you don’t really know what happened in the books, because clearly you have not read them

[@Rainchu89]

This was genuinely stunning. Like... The part of the end when Ashfur grabbed her paw? That was so good. Edit: Don’t know if there was anything here but the differences between Ashfur grabbing her paw and Leafpool grabbing her paw just... Seems significant in a way I can't explain

[@noeverythingthing]

i know its been like three years but. i think leafpool grabbing her paw is a sign of desperate love whilst ashfur grabbing her paw is a sign of desperate obsession

[@alphadoggrito]

Oh the way I yelled “BITCH” at 6:01 when Ashfur grabbed her paw...how dare he My goodness you really portrayed the character’s relationships super well, huge props on your storytelling skills! This was such a great animatic overall, incredible work!! Also love the Squirrelflight design she’s so cute

[@tunaramen]

Ashfur licking his lips before chasing after Squirrelflight was such a creepy touch and I love it

[@chrenq2645]

BUUUTT oh my god imagine if this were canon; the last thing ashfur ever does in life is chase squirrelflight, and even in death he continues to do so. you drew him so soft looking at squirrelflight it was almost enough to make me forget what a toxic clingy asshole he is in canon and just,,,, this whole thing is so perfect,,

[@bluesheep7]

Ok, where do I start? This flows perfectly. Everything feels on the right place, and even with many stuff going on, the story is very well told. Squirrelflight has a very strong personality. She only breaks down at the fire scene when she sees the disgust on the Three's faces. Ashfur is creepy af. A monster behind kind looks. I love and hate him at the same time. Lionblaze looks like the classic big kid of the group in an 80s film and I love him. We must protect the lion boy. And I'm actually surprised with Hollyleaf. It would have been great if the last scene of her saving Squirrelflight and without her even noticing was canon, it's such a heartbreaking idea. Plus Hollykit is a small baby cat, it's adorable. You have definitely surpassed yourself. Just, please don't rush into making it a finished PMV! It's already great like this! Congrats and have a nice week!

[@KulFox]

So many ppl have already commented on narrative and visual elements in this vid and pointed things out far more eloquently than I feel able to but one thing I haven’t seen mentioned yet is Squirrel saying “I got out alive” to the kids after the fire, and I think it’s meant not as -Squirrel herself- survived but that the kids did (bc although canon is a loose guideline and not a hard fast rule, in the books Ash is targeting them bc they are her kids and he wants to hurt Squirrel, and she basically tells the secret to save their life) And then! That ties into Holly saving Squirrel bc the vid reminds us of the fire and that squirrel saved her kids but now their relationship is ehhh, by showing his paw is burnt by the river! And Holly is already stalking him, but Squirrel shows up to talk, and Holly (it feels like, to me) saves Squirrels life when Ash starts attacking! And it’s such a great parallel and tie in and there so much in this vid but this one I haven’t seen pointed out so I had to try and talk about it! I really love this video I’ve been watching it over and over for days ahh!!

[@stumpy1012]

That was AMAZING!! I love how you showed the full story! It didn't justify Ashfur's actions, but it explained them. The ending especially was amazing. This is just an all around amazing piece. Edit: also the subversion of expectations with the green eyes peeking through the bush was GOLDEN. That's used so much in animatics with this scene, and I 100% thought that Hollyleaf would be coming through the bushes, not Squilf. Great, amazing job!!

[@movedtocupowarriors4205]

Omg I love Lionblaze in this. His short fur, tiny eyes, weird looking ears, THE IMPERFECTIONS ARE PERFECT! Also the scene when he saves Hollyleaf from the falling branch was perfect. We love Lionblaze.

[@trashyzorua9073]

The people on here that are commenting stuff like "ashfur would have been better for squilf!" Are really missing the point. Most people here seem to get it fine, but Ive seen a few to many comments like that and it makes me nervous. Ashfur and Bramblestar are both bad, and I think this animatic does a brilliant job at showing why Ashfur was never going to be a good option. I sincerely hope that those people can get a better understanding of what healthy relationships look like. Also, I absolutely adore this animatic. The story telling is phenomenal, and the character designs are all so unique and filled with personality! I love how you manage to make Ashfur feel so unsettling even when he isn't a threat. Good job!!!!

[@realname6857]

God do I love you for drawing bramble as the big Shitman he is

[@seineevee]

Congrats on getting pinned

[@milkmanmcgee6683]

I enjoy how the animatic subverts expectations at the end.We all know ashfur dies,but we don’t expect squirrelflight going up to him first,as one last try to talk it out.

[@crystalcolors2229]

Finally got to sit down and watch this whole thing,, im BEYOND BLOWN AWAY HOLYYYY SHIT this is gonna be your best work yet,, even as a storyboard this thing is AMAZING

[@purplepawdraws]

I love the mini-AU at the end, where Squilf tries to reason with Ash, he gets angry when she refuses to love him back, and attacks her. Then Holly swoops in and kills him to save Squilf. It really helps explain the things that happened in the book, I wish that were canon- it explains why Holly killed Ash just to reveal the secret at the gathering anyway (she was planning on revealing the secret but had to kill ashfur to save her mother), it explains how Holly forgives Squilf so quickly after coming from the tunnels (Holly was never that angry with her in the first place, just thought she deserved some karma for what she did, which is shown when she kills a cat to protect Squilf).

[@gruslen]

This was so dramatic and awesome and amazing and I just love all of the little details you added! I love baby Holly chewing on her tail and Squilf taking her away from Ashfur and seeing the little gearS in his head turning as he realizes a way he can hurt her. And god, the possessiveness he exhibits every single time she tries to show him any compassion or understanding IT'S JUST ALL SO GOOD SO GOOD Defs gonna be hitting up your Patreon! You never put out a bad project and I WANT MORE

[@Starcheopteryx]

PEERCH why are you always so nice to meeee I'm so excited to animate holly chewing on her tail, like a kid chewing on a blankie

[@Donnyclaws]

THIS IS SOOO GOOOD. i've rewatched this so many times i adore how well u do this kind of grounded and nuanced emotional drama. ur designs for everyone are so clear and individual, im shoving this DIRECTLY into my mouth. all the freaky little expressions with ashfur it's literally the peak ur incredible at visual story telling!!!

[@Starcheopteryx]

thank you caelan ;;;; you're always such an inspiration to me, it means a lot to hear you say that ;o;

[@Sadcroc0]

I love this version of the story so much more than any I’ve seen so far. Holly’s cute lil gap, leaf’s own mole to match squilf’s, ashfur’s dissent into blind rage, and the ending scene was so smooth and satisfying, watched it like 4 times

[@ahumanbeing1118]

Oh my goodness - Hollykit's expression at 3:09 had me laughing my head off. Also this is tHE best storyboard I've ever seen and even though I haven't read all of the relationship and tension between ash, squirrel and bramble it filled me in on it massively. This is legit the best animation I've ever seen in my life. Also - the moment where Squirrel Flight sees Hollyleaf get singed by the fire and makes her mind up to save her bb - gave me chills.

[@ryin1959]

THE WAY SHE JUST PATS ASHFURS PAW IS GOLDEN LMAO

[@wyvernenterprises7500]

to this day this is still one of my favorite animatics ever

[@giingersnaps]

THIS TURNED OUT AMAZING STAR!!!! The timing and shot composition is amazing as usual! All your hard work really payed off, this is such an enjoyable storyboard! Congrats on your new Patreon!! Unfortunately I won't be able to donate but I do hope it helps u out!

[@Starcheopteryx]

Thank you giinger!! and dw I'm not at the point where I'm relying on it, I just had to stop myself putting it off is all!

[@giingersnaps]

@@Starcheopteryx oh yeah i didnt mean it like that haha, that's fair! Hope u have fun with it!! ^^

[@Stormwolf4]

I just love how much you're able to tell with this animatic! I followed it easily and understood everything that was happening! I LOVE your designs, especially the beauty marks. You give each cat individual characteristics that make it so easy to tell who's who! And the end confrontation with Ash and Squilf was so good! It really makes the end so great! Very excited to see how things will turn out for this!

[@polaroidfox]

I am genuinely incredibly disappointed and angry at how underrated of an artist you are. This is probably one of the best storyboards I have seen in a long time, let alone for the warrior cats fandom. Your art style, characterization, and pacing is absolutely phenomenal, so much so that it makes it easy to understand the characters, even if you’ve never read the books before. I’ve been obsessed with your style since Pigeon dropped, and god, you’ve absolutely blown me alway. You deserve so much more attention

[@RileyG]

Wow wow wow!! Beautiful!!! I love how Holly is introduced biting her tail and then it closes on her biting Ash’s tail to catch him

[@kiteathan]

your interpretation of ashfur has to be my absolute favorite in the fandom, the way he's still unnerving before he's even done anything is just chef's kiss.... i keep coming back to this storyboard despite it nearing a year of age since it's still so!!! good!!!!

[@AutumnsDusk]

This is very nice. I like the storytelling and Squilf trying, after the fire, one last time to make it up with him. "We aren't mates, but we can still be friends. I know I hurt you and I hope you can forgive me." But Ashfur cant accept that. It's... Reflective of something that happened in my personal life, actually. This hits really close to home. I love it. Thank you.

[@That_Ozian]

I love the motif of cats grabbing sqilf’s paw to try and take away her agency.

[@anonymous-rq2lh]

just wanted to say i *love* the fake-out of the green eyes in the bushes behind ashfur turning out to be squirrelflight instead. its a really cool subversion of a common visual trope in ashfur-focused content

[@abunchofpossumsinatrenchco6652]

There are so many small details in this I just- ahh I love it all- especially the small things making ashfur's possessive nature more obvious- like the stares and unsheathing claws when hugging her. How you manage to paint a better picture than the books ever did is beyond me. Never put it past you to make masterpieces with subtlety.

[@felisadidas4932]

1:05 The lil animation here gives me life BUT ALSO CAN I JUST SAY HOW FUCKING *_GOOD_* THIS IS?? I cannot IMAGINE how much time it took, with all the little details and physical-traits that give the characters personality and the backgrounds and just argh everything! You can be proud of yourself for just this storyboard alone!

[@Emma-mj3pz]

The fire scene was always difficult to imagine for me, but the way you showed it made the location and placing make sense. Good job!!

[@Jomadis]

I’m in love with how you draw all of the characters oml- even with no colors, it’s easy to tell who’s who!! :0

[@milli5968]

the three:trying to escape the fire so they don't die song: g u a c a m o l e

[@jittercritter]

Okay I’ve already commented on two accounts but I NEED TO POINT THIS OUT BC NO ONE HAS *inhale* YOU ANIMATE THE CATS LIKE REAL CATS AND I LOVE THAT the cats have human mannerisms and expressions, of course, but they also have unmistakably cat mannerisms and that is something that is missing in almost every other warriors cats video so like?!?! Excellent job?!?!?

[@maxicaiman]

Hey, Starch! I just wanted to say hello and that I loved your Pigeon video. It inspired me so much and helped me to develop my characters further. Keep up the amazing work!

[@Starcheopteryx]

That's so good to hear ;w; Thank you!

[@maxicaiman]

@@Starcheopteryx Of course! This turned out beautiful, by the way. You did a good job

[@foxygrin]

I adore the part where Squilf tries to clear the air between and Ashfur, even after everything that has (JUST) happened, interprets it as a decleration of her romantic feelings for him. Really adds a lot especially considering the events of The Broken Code

[@colorfulpup87]

I WAS JUST READING THE WARRIORS WIKI FOR LONG SHADOWS AND REALIZED SOMETHING! They said that Ashfur and Squirrelflight were missing and when Squirrelflight came back she was wet and muddy! THAT IS SO CLEVER!!

[@pherousa7014]

Ashfur and Squirrelpaw seemed so wholesome...why did the Erin's ruin him also I love the small details you added, like ashfurs claws coming out when he's hugging Squirrelflight. It makes the friendship quite sinister and made the situation much deeper

[@catxborsuq1]

It was never wholesome. Throughout Twilight, Squirrelflight keeps getting annoyed by Ashfur "overcuddling" her, to the point that Brambleclaw at one point defends him. If they did become mates, they wouldn't have lasted long, he would annoy her too much. Squirrelflight needed a mate that would "fight back", because she could take it and dish out back more. As one of the field guides says, Ashfur tried to contain her fire while Brambleclaw matched it.

[@pherousa7014]

​@@catxborsuq1 I agree with this. However, I find it strange that the Erin's made Ashfur evil and said that brambleclaw would be a better mate...only to end up also being abusive to squirrelflight. It's confusing for me.

[@twichingsparrow2052]

Ok wow this is stunning, but I havent seen people mention one thing It might be a stretch, but I noticed it when watching for a second time Earlier on- at around 2:47 or so, when the song says "We'll be friends forever", we see the first instance (amv wise) of Ashfur snatching Squirrels paw. Then later on in the amv, when the two are arguing and the song is repeating "I dont like you anymore" he snatches her paw again Idk if this was meant to line up with the lyrical parallel but I thought it was really rad

[@emilyparker3987]

I love the way you show Ashfur in this Storyboard!!!!! It shows the warning signs from being with him that we aren't shown in the books and makes him more interesting in general other than just being 'love sick'.

[@mariaharuspex9126]

"Imagine forest here" хD

[@ashfur6719]

Thats got to be the most interesting subversion of Ashfurs death scene, your work is always so good aaaa

[@RingoA]

How is no one talking about how cute holly kit/leaf looks in this? i love the scene with holly kit crewing on her tail- I can't- My heart can't take it its too cute-

[@aaaaaaaa-tz7tu]

Y'all better blow up the finished version like you did pigeon! This is so , SO good and it needs so much attention

[@alli3067]

holy shit. this is just immaculate. you always choose the best songs and i love the way you worked with the lyrics and the beat!! the way its paced out in the fire scene and especially the lines later: "this time i can't pretend that we are friends, we're not friends, friends dont do the things we did, and the ones youve done since then makes me think we've never been" i almost cant believe that those lines WERENT written just for squirrelflight and ashfur. u do such a good job making ashfur seem really scary and dangerous.

[@zoewallis6702]

this is so beautiful in so many ways. the little shimmy squirrel does in her loaf made me sqweee, but literally the way this all played out is amazing and the fire scene and oof that ending like the moment squirrel and ash start fighting i’ve literally replayed it three times just the way it cuts with holly and she comes in at that last moment just after squirrel disappeared and the music gets more and more AHHH as they get more and more AHHH!! i cant even begin to imagine how amazing this would be animated but right now it’s truly marvellous to watch 🥰🥰

[@travelingwares]

This has to be the best ashfur/squirrelflight animatic I've seen yet!!! I adore your work. Seriously though, I found your pigeon AMV back around the time my dog was set to be put down, and it was one of the songs I listened to on the drive where we brought him to be put down. So, you've definitely helped me through a lot, even if it was unintentional.

[@luigiepic]

I’ve watched this a ton of times over, it’s so good!! I love that you showed how Squirrelflight considered Ashfur a friend and was genuinely very hurt by his betrayal, to the point to where she still tried to make peace with him after what he did. It’s also really cool to see Squirrelflight’s point of view on things that usually are seen from the other side in most projects.

[@skylerstemper4627]

This is my favorite PMV of all time, honestly this is such a refreshing view of this scene.

[@cervinefawn]

thiss???? I know I’m extremely late but don’t mind me, the parallels, the transitions, the art, the designs?? You did such a good job differentiating the characters without colour, it’s really easy to tell who’s who just by shapes which is AMAZING and makes for a really good storyboard, the pacing is amazing, the way you depicted ashfur’s obsession??? Dlfjdjsuhdhsw I could ramble for so long about this but I just want to give a special mention to 1:15, ashfur’s dead/cold look when squilf isn’t looking?? It’s perfect it’s amazing I love this storyboard so much GDJDJDHJSJSC

[@latergator3256]

I’ve always enjoyed Ash as a character. I could somewhat understand his fall from grace. Bramble was always so rude to squirrel in NP that I was rooting for Ash. Getting the son from your previous love that you hadn’t gotten over was salt in the wound. What he did wasn’t right in the slightest, but i understand the raw emotion he probably felt. At least he’s a more interesting take on a villain that Tigerstar to me because the motive isn’t power, it’s passion.

[@TalonsCake]

Brambelstar fits into the antagonist While Ashfur is a confused antagonist kind of like Zuko from the avatar but backwards he starts off good but then just falls apart after his mental state breaks Also Ashfur as an apprentice I just loved

[@piparijuusto8637]

Not to get into everything else I love, but ESPECIALLY how Lionblaze looks like a medieval lion. It's so perfect

[@hissingwillows668]

This is just SO good and I can't wait to see how it turns out finished!! I love all the subtlety - I noticed way more subtext the second time watching it and it makes me want to keep watching to see what else there is - all the hints about Ashfur (being in the shadow of the den, holding her with his claws) and the end scene... so tasty. In this house we love Squirrelflight and I love this so so much

[@hissingwillows668]

i watched it again because i love Squirrelflight so much and i gotta add - I love the character designs (squirrelflight's MOLE! hollyleaf's toothy gap!) so much and the transitions are so good (embers rising to snow falling, the flash backs, the moon changes). Again, all the subtle acting totally pays off - for Ashfur especially. He transitions from looking soft and loveable to dark and possessive in a really convincing way and totally gives the impression of someone unpredictable and dangerous.

[@movedtocupowarriors4205]

This is so cute. I love this. I cannot express how much I love this. Ashfur please don't- I thought this was gonna be a wholesome animatic.. The way he grabbed her paw when she tried to make up with him was heart wrenching. It showed how unstable he was. This makes me see Ashfur in a more sinister light. But also it makes me feel for him more.

[@Pikostarr]

Samee like I love him but this have to stop

[@LemonLoverCockatiel]

This is such a better scene than the books. New headcanon for sure

[@dreamfletcher779]

Okay, just........ this *changed* me. Your Ashfur content is the best Ashfur content on the market

[@nickstds4536]

1:42 I hate myself because I can’t unhear “I’d be farting”

[@sailorr]

still one of my fave warriors vids of all time!! :3 you captured the tension INCREDIBLY!!

[@gingermaniac5484]

Love everything about this. Especially the ending animation, the pop of colour, it really drives home the themes on a hole new level and gives such an amazing twist, not to spoil anything.

[@gorsime13]

this vid has inspired so much but it still towers above the rest in my opinion. the cinder to snow transition from the fire scene to the three being babies and back again is so effective. it takes the viewer back in time to show us the love and sacrifice behind squirrelflight and leafpools decision, which adds so much when we're thrown back into the fire scene where she has to confess to it and is the start of her persecution for it. its so saaaaaaaaaaad you did incredible

[@rabbitchatter]

i have never, in my life, seen such an exceptional example of visual storytelling. the way you tell their story in this video is done with more emotion, tact, and skill than the erins have ever pulled off and you should be really, really proud of your work here. please keep it up, it takes an exceptional amount of skill to tell a story as well as you did in this video. you kept your art style consistent and high quality throughout the whole 7 minutes, not a single part of it felt rushed or done hastily and for a video of this length that takes a lot of self control and willpower. exceptional video, I'm excited to see more of your work :-)

[@doiu92]

i love how you added that little detail from the books that Squirrelflight, on the night that Ashfur was murdered, appears to the group covered in what they may think is blood while she reassures them it wasn't. I know it was probably used to make the readers suspect her, as well as if it was blood the cats would know pretty quickly, but I like how it was added here to the story.

[@pookbear5817]

Holy crap the begining subtle claws holding onto Squirrels paw and then again at the end and then Holly!! This was just so super good I love it a lot. Your designs ars super cute and different I really love this!

[@kiingdomkey3857]

i’m pretty sure another comment pointed this out but i LOVEDDDDDD how you fleshed out the squirrelflight hollyleaf thing. iirc in the books it tried to fake us out with squirrelflight being the murderer because she was covered in mud, and it didn’t really go anywhere. that scene ALONG WITH THE LYRICS is just so beautiful my god chefs kiss

[@strawber3seal_77]

Dudeee this was my inspiration when I just started doing art and animation I watched it SO much! (that was like 2 years ago, damn) still holds up!

[@meeplewafl]

THIS IS SO GOOD!!!! Your use of acting and character design is absolutely phenomenal, it really adds emotions to these scenes! and i also love how you connected them!! the ending was honestly chilling, and it made me feel so bad for squirrelflight to see her going between two people that really weren't good for her,, It's clear that there was a bunch of effort put into this and i think it turned out amazing!!

[@airbornemelody6156]

Man I’ve already commented here before but I cannot give enough praise with this. Your way with emotion and contact between the characters in subtle things like with the claws and the emotion- just wow. You do such a good job expressive squilfs desperation to be accepted by bramble in that scene and with ash being possessive over her. Squilfs emotion just radiates from this, it’s the most amazing animatic I’ve seen in so long. The timing, everythjng is perfect. It shows so well how toxic the relationships squilf was in were, on top of it all the designs are amazing. Man, I can’t compliment this enough. I was in tears watching. The transition from thinking holly leaf was gonna come out of the bush but then squilf does and how ash’s aggression and anger comes back out of nowhere. The scene with leaf pool was so sweet too- and then when ash tries to get his way at the end, when holly came back, the ending was just wow. Just so amazing. I could go on about how good this is forever. The song is amazing and fits so well, even if it’s incomplete I can feel the emotion and feel how well the transitions will come out. You’ve done an amazing job. edit: also, i watch this llike at least 3 times a day :')

[@mooneatsworms]

YOUR DESIGNS AND THE ACTION SCENES, AND LIKE EVERYTHING HERE IS GENUINELY MINDBLOWING AND AMAZING!!!!!!!! THIS IS SO GOODDD

[@leaf.moth.2193]

I haven't really seen much comments about this so I wanted to point out the relationship between Squilf and her family. You really showed that Squilf didn't want to let her sister down when she took care of her kits, she also really loved them as a mother does to her own children. I just liked the fierceness she had in the fire scene when she was determined to save Leafpool's kits

[@kabaninkamen3542]

I love this animatik so much! From time to time this thought comes into my head - to find it and rewatch a couple of times))) I know, what this will probably stay as storyboard, but it doesn't stop me from dreaming, what if it would be finished one day, I could show this to my friends, who don't really read warriors. ;)

[@Starcheopteryx]

it's still in process, don't worry!

[@kabaninkamen3542]

@@Starcheopteryx really? Hooray! :D

[@Snekelord12]

6:00 squrrielflight ain't taking shit from ashfurn😂

[@ghostscouts]

THE PACING IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING there wasn’t a moment that I lost attention! Your friends and parents and yourself should be so proud! This was amazing and I hope you think so too!

[@haleyespinosa7027]

i love how this touches on ash and squilfs relationship, most animatics i’ve seen hardly touch on it and go straight to “oh ash is so jealous over bramble and squilf making up and being together again, TIME FOR A FIRE SCENE”

[@rubes2340]

HOLY HELL I AM IN LOVE. I absolutely adore your art and the CHARACTER DESIGNS. You are a huge inspiration to me, you have been for a long time. Thank you man, I love this.

[@Roseatedramon]

Oh absolutely love this!!! There’s so many details I could point out that are great but there’s just so much.... Absolutely love how well you showcased the different relationships and made it clear how they were dysfunctional/not the best. The ending and the fire scene were also just so intense and amazing!! Anyway, this is just absolutely amazing, wow.