Overall

Vision Vision

Originality Originality

Technique Technique

Impact Impact

I've started this critique at least three times, trying to figure out the most fair way to approach this piece. Regardless to how it'll turn out, this is the first time when I write a critique, having that much chaos in my head, so if nothing else, this piece certainly stroke me hard.The concept of this work is certainly grand - an epic battle, which memory spreads across centuries, captured in a single moment. The bar is raised very high. Undoubtfully the details compliment the whole nicely too, adding to the "grandure" feeling one gets by casting his/hers gaze on this pic.While the idea of presenting two armies clashing against each other isn't anything new, MLP rarely plays on such concepts; for most part it's just a single entity ending a treat (most commonly Celestia, with possible aid of Luna), so you barely get to experience an epic battle with countless lives on the line in Equestria's history or the fandom even. Of course it's always arguable if this can be caounted as "original" through source material or art as a whole, however the magical feel that beams from the piece certainly makes one side more willingly with the former.The technique is breath-taking; no-one would get an argument from me there - the tremendous attention to detail greatly compliments the mature theme of the piece, which is wrapped with amazing, somewhat frighteningly so, realism; quite astonding for MLP. The colors seem alive, while the light and shading makes the whole scene spread from its frames, like these two armies really are about to clash right before one's eyes.The impact is also undeniable - you can practically feel determination from the Crystal Empire as they charge dark, disfigured Changeling on the barren wasteland that will forver be a place of horror and glory. The design of Chrytion's hordes can send shivers down ones spine as their twisted jaws, filled with fangs, drip of venomous green, their leader additionally releasing infernal flames in such color.On the other side stands the proud Crystal Empire, wrapped in the waking rays of the sun, giving their armors and extra glow and even though they too are led by a dark entity, there is a certain honor in their stand as they push their lances forward.The only detail, which slightly downgrades that epic scene, is the fact that while Changeling hordes swarm at the left side of the pic, Crystal Empire's right flank seems bare, leaving their marvelous city unguarded from the side.Never the less, it is, without doubt, a piece that none will be quick to forget upon seeing, its details drilling into the recipant the very instant his eyes catch the glimpse of the scene... and that is specifically what art should do - bring emotions... expierience to both the artist and viewers alike.