Ally, Sheila, and Reece, the Enchanter Defenders of Earth
At Arm's Length was created by Darkwing Dork and Brooke Scovil, it can be read on ComicFury
Welcome back to the blog! Webcomics are one of the most diverse forms of media you'll ever come across because many are created by independent artists. You'll often come across series that tackle incredibly niche subjects that you'd never see other forms of media even dare to cover. Anyone can make a webcomic, and when webcomics are such an accessible form of media to create, I really mean anyone.
This is a weird one, folks. Fair warning, this comic involves multifur and transformation themes. I didn't know multifur was a thing before reading this, along with AAL heavily featuring the latter, but I liked the characters enough to stick through it. All things considered this is a really tame series for what it features. It isn't necessarily a webcomic I'd want to be in Death Battle for obvious reasons, but it's still fun to powerscale and envision matchup ideas.
I also wanted to try and test the waters by going over a webcomic like this. I've come across some truly bizarre webcomics during my readthrough for better or worse, so covering some while they're still living rent-free in my head gives me some sense of closure lol. No one batted an eye when I researched Berrybelle and her suspiciously detailed proportions, so I'll see if it's the same for a webcomic as hyperspecific as this.
Background
"The bigger they are…"
"The harder it is to clean your clothes after the fight."
"On the plus side it's going to take at least 20 more battles like this before we have to do any more laundry!"
25,000 years ago, a meteor struck Earth. Unlike the one that annihilated the dinosaurs millions of years prior, this one had more… unique effects.
The tribe of anthro cavepeople who discovered the meteor would be miraculously transformed into immortal four-armed beings with the ability to cast magic. Once these magic furries realized their superiority, they'd enforce their rule over the mortals. Their unfairly powerful status attracted the attention of magical beings offworld, who intervened. They'd bestow the immortals their own homeworld to dwell on, as to not disrupt normal earthling development.
And so this magic race would be known as enchanters. The oldest members of the race would keep this history under wraps with a fake public story. The truth isn't widely known among enchanters due to the race's egotism and bigotry against mortals. They typically view any race besides their own as pests, playthings, or animals (the non-anthro sort).
Left to their own devices the enchanters became narrow-minded and lazy. Every invention in their Greco-styled homeworld is appropriated from Earth, and yet most are still repulsed by a lot of the planet's customs and culture past the classical period. Enchanters mostly have fun by playing the lute, lounging around for centuries, and… yeah, that's it. Primo boring stuff.
However, not all enchanters are pompous jerkwads. Three friends in particular became so enraptured by Earth and its people, that they decided to live among mortals instead. Even with their magic powers and extended lives, they viewed mortals as equals, and couldn't fathom why their people choose to treat them like dirt. They used to be as self-absorbed as the other enchanters, but once they she saw what their families didn't care about and realized there was so much more than just homeworld, they craved more. Deciding what they wanted to make of the world was their first step to independence.
As the three enchanters lived new and improved lives together, they'd be exposed to malicious magic creatures invading this mortal world. Evil dragons, violent trolls, and gnome smugglers all wanted a piece of Earth, and mortals aren't well equipped to deal with these threats. With no other magical beings willing to step up and defend the mortals, this trio took it upon themselves to become Earth's mightiest heroes. Not only do they fight to look out for the planet they consider home, but doing good deeds doesn't hurt to show that not all enchanters are selfish. The heroic trio's enchanter-born names are Alcinda, Shaela, and Rhea, but they're best known as Ally, Sheila, and Reece.
Allison "Ally" Mancer is the level-headed and loyal rabbit leader of the trio. Amicable and steadfast, she's the mom of the group who keeps her gals in line. While the most responsible of the three, she isn't without a sense of humor. She's the only one of the three who fights in costume after all! She also has a nerdy side, appreciating comics, b-movies, and anime. With the charm and aplomb of a magician, she excels the most in illusion magic.
Back on the enchanter homeworld, Ally struggled to put up with her peoples' "higher than thou" attitude and her overbearing mom trying to hook her up with snobby suitors. She has a strained relationship with her mom in general, struggling to get her to see her perspective on mortals. Ally did find the love of her life Peter on Earth, but it took ages for Ally's mom to accept him.
The kangaroo of the group Sheila "Rumble" Spellman is a headstrong mohawk-donning punk rocker who loves a good spar. This moshpit queen is the most aggressive of the three, but she undoubtedly has a heart of gold. For as "punch first ask questions later" she is, she can be surprisingly down to earth when she wants to. Beyond her abrasive music tastes she loves hockey, bar fights, cars, and even has a soft spot for cooking. While just as skilled as magic as her friends, she's the best physical brawler of them all.
Sheila is the one who first took her pals to Earth. She has a rougher past compared to the others, as she was abandoned by her parents at an early age. They were young and weren't ready for the responsibility, leaving when raising her wasn't fun anymore. Thankfully she Ally's family took her in and raised her, dealing with her rambunctious personality along the way. Sheila's dad has been trying to make it up to her in the modern century by being more in her life and they're on… good enough terms. He tries to appreciate his daughter's punk lifestyle, though Sheila has to remind him that mortals aren't playthings. Sheila does feel some sense of blame that her parents aren't together, but her dad tries to make sure she sees her as a mistake.
Lastly, and certainly not least is the foxiest of the three, Reece "Vixy" Craft. She's a hyperactive ball of sunshine with a passion for fashion and all things cutesy. She's usually super friendly and chipper, but she can be assertive when she wants to. Her bubbly behavior may make her appear ditzy, but don't underestimate her. Reece is the team's psychic, excelling in mind-based abilities. If you don't want to risk having your memories mixed up, stay on her good side!
Reece finds Earth way more fun than the stuffy homeworld, and enjoys the people far more than the enchanters she's used to. Reece is on good terms with her family, even if they don't understand why they chose this life. Her dad wishes he stands up more for daughter than he usually does.
The enchanter elders tolerate the trio's activities on Earth so long as they don't let mortals know about magic. The three would settle in Houston, which is apparently the epicenter of Earth's magic activities. They prioritize dealing with magic affairs over earthling crimes. Beyond their vow to keep magic secret from earthlings, they're too concerned about potential consequences that may come from interfering with mortal affairs. As immortals, they live long enough to see the effects of what they do, and it sucks seeing what they care about get hurt. Even with all the crime and conflict between mortals, they aren't doing half bad without omnipotent immortals to solve all their problems.
All three are happily married, and for a long duration of the webcomic, try their best best to shield their husbands from their double lives and supernatural happenings. While it's in their best interest to keep them safe from their heroics, the burden of keeping their true selves secret becomes too much to bear and they finally open up to them about everything. It takes some getting used to, but their husbands do come to accept their four-armed wives and all the weird happenings that follow them.
The three enchanters have gone on many wild adventures together, leading to them making magic friends and foes alike. They've allied themselves with a dragon couple, a sanctuary of outcasts, a trio of hybrid guild adventurers, and plenty more! Their rogues gallery is vast and dangerous, but many can be traced back to working under the vile sorcerer Temujin. She's your typical world domination-craving overlord who works with a shady organization that seeks to collect a bunch of magic artifacts across different planets. As the three heroes would come to learn, these artifacts are made of the same material of the meteor that created the enchanters in the first place. Now, they're learning how to weaponize the power of these magic rocks against enchanters!
Even a member of the enchanter elder council is involved in this conspiracy, who's trying to get them out of the picture so Temujin can take over Earth. This did lead to the elder council calling the trio back to the homeworld to put their actions into question, arguing that fighting magical beings draws more attention. They intended to force them to permanently return to the homeworld, but the gals were able to argue for their case.
With Earth being targeted by magic foes more than ever, someone has to care about the big picture. If it's gonna be anyone, it'll be Ally, Sheila, and Reece. If anyone thinks they shouldn't stick up for mortals, then they can go suck on a lemon!
Experience and Skill
These girls are far more proactive compared to their lazy relatives. All three have lived over 200 years, so they've got loads of fighting experience. They have experience dealing with all kinds of magic creatures ranging from hydras, to villainous spellcasters, to genies, to even a lovecraftian elder god. They've also crossed paths with characters that utilize toonforce. Fighting magic creatures isn't all they have knowledge of, as the three fought nazis during World War II.
Even with all that, it's good to mention that they're young by enchanter standards. They've been on Earth for over half their lives, so there's still lots in the magical world they're still learning about.
While all three are skilled in diplomacy, quick-thinking, and craftiness, Ally is the brains of the team. She's the most experienced in tricking others with her illusions, and has exploit personality flaws to gain the upper hand in fights before. Sheila also knows when to reel back her aggression at times and beat people with her own wit.
These girls are far more proactive compared to their lazy relatives. All three have lived over 200 years, so they've got loads of fighting experience. They have experience dealing with all kinds of magic creatures ranging from hydras, to villainous spellcasters, to genies, to even a lovecraftian elder god. They've also crossed paths with characters that utilize toonforce. Fighting magic creatures isn't all they have knowledge of, as the three fought nazis during World War II.
Even with all that, it's good to mention that they're young by enchanter standards. They've been on Earth for over half their lives, so there's still lots in the magical world they're still learning about.
While all three are skilled in diplomacy, quick-thinking, and craftiness, Ally is the brains of the team. She's the most experienced in tricking others with her illusions, and has exploit personality flaws to gain the upper hand in fights before. Sheila also knows when to reel back her aggression at times and beat people with her own wit.
Shared Equipment
Flashlights
Some of the gals' missions are more geared towards investigating than fighting. If they're entering dark areas, it's smart to bring a flashlight.
Some of the gals' missions are more geared towards investigating than fighting. If they're entering dark areas, it's smart to bring a flashlight.
Sealing Rings
In the Addictive Science crossover, all three possess rings that allow them to seal the Ghost of Consumerism in a cup.
In the Addictive Science crossover, all three possess rings that allow them to seal the Ghost of Consumerism in a cup.
Ally's Equipment
Protective Runes
Ally has runes used to shield a given area, usually her or her friends' houses.
Ally has runes used to shield a given area, usually her or her friends' houses.
Sheila's Equipment
Nunchuks
When magic can't cut it, Sheila's got other methods to deal with villains. Behold, her trademark weapons. She's been practicing wielding her chuks for decades, and the fact that she's able to use four at once without issue is a crazy impressive in of itself. Michelangelo, eat your heart out.
When magic can't cut it, Sheila's got other methods to deal with villains. Behold, her trademark weapons. She's been practicing wielding her chuks for decades, and the fact that she's able to use four at once without issue is a crazy impressive in of itself. Michelangelo, eat your heart out.
Reece's Equipment
Flyswatters
Flies better square up, she's dual-wielding twice over. She uses these to smack away these buggy aliens.
Flies better square up, she's dual-wielding twice over. She uses these to smack away these buggy aliens.
Shared Abilities
Illusions
While all three are capable of casting illusions, that brand of magic is Ally's bread and butter—fitting, given her magician-like costume. I'll go over some particular illusion spells she has in her techniques section.
While all three are capable of casting illusions, that brand of magic is Ally's bread and butter—fitting, given her magician-like costume. I'll go over some particular illusion spells she has in her techniques section.
Pocket Dimensions
To appear as regular civilians, they hide their extra arms with the combination of an illusion spell and pocket dimension creation.
To appear as regular civilians, they hide their extra arms with the combination of an illusion spell and pocket dimension creation.
CQC
All three are able to fight in hand-to-hand combat, made even better with their extra hands! Sheila is definitely the standout physical fighter here. She's the most experienced brawler who even uses her tail in combat.
All three are able to fight in hand-to-hand combat, made even better with their extra hands! Sheila is definitely the standout physical fighter here. She's the most experienced brawler who even uses her tail in combat.
Magic
Enchanters are magic beings, and all their powers stem from their ability to wield magic. All three also demonstrate shooting spherical projectiles of pure magic.
Enchanters are magic beings, and all their powers stem from their ability to wield magic. All three also demonstrate shooting spherical projectiles of pure magic.
Teleportation
Enchanters are able to teleport wherever they want, short and long distance notwithstanding. They frequently teleport from Houston to the Haven located in the Himalayas. If they have the right coordinates, they can teleport as far as other planets. While it is possible for them to teleport around in combat, it does take a few seconds to charge up and typical bad guys won't miss a chance to hit them while they're standing still. This experience gives the trio an edge at being able to predict the patterns of opponents that rely on teleportation. It should be noted that this teleportation doesn't extend to dimensional travel.
Enchanters are able to teleport wherever they want, short and long distance notwithstanding. They frequently teleport from Houston to the Haven located in the Himalayas. If they have the right coordinates, they can teleport as far as other planets. While it is possible for them to teleport around in combat, it does take a few seconds to charge up and typical bad guys won't miss a chance to hit them while they're standing still. This experience gives the trio an edge at being able to predict the patterns of opponents that rely on teleportation. It should be noted that this teleportation doesn't extend to dimensional travel.
Transmutation
The trio fought a troll that was able to turn people to stone through a merge spell to amalgamate them with the rocks of a cave. After beating him, they were able to reverse-engineer the spell off-screen. Of course that's not the only form of transmutation they have. Showcased numerous times throughout the webcomic, they can give people the attributes of other animals, or reverse such effects.
The trio fought a troll that was able to turn people to stone through a merge spell to amalgamate them with the rocks of a cave. After beating him, they were able to reverse-engineer the spell off-screen. Of course that's not the only form of transmutation they have. Showcased numerous times throughout the webcomic, they can give people the attributes of other animals, or reverse such effects.
Immortality (Type 1)
Every enchanter stops aging once they reach adulthood, and are able to live indefinitely. Each one is over 270 years old.
Every enchanter stops aging once they reach adulthood, and are able to live indefinitely. Each one is over 270 years old.
Telekinesis
This power has mainly been showcased by Sheila and Reece.
This power has mainly been showcased by Sheila and Reece.
Transformation
Along with being able to alter the bodily properties of other people, at one point they showcase being able to change parts of her body into whatever they want. It only occurred when the group was under Ceryn's spell to make them progressively turn themselves into feral deer. Despite that, they still knew this spell without Ceryn's meddling. While they are able to freely alter their forms, the three often get into situations where their bodies are transformed against their will and their magic is tampered with, making simple detransformation difficult through normal means. Regardless, they're able to adapt to their new forms and use them to their advantage. Sometimes it's their allies who alter the trio's bodies to perform better in a fight. Those tend to be more on the wild side like a spider body replacing their lower halves, fusing them into a huge three-headed dragon, or growing an udder that shoots milk. OK then.
Along with being able to alter the bodily properties of other people, at one point they showcase being able to change parts of her body into whatever they want. It only occurred when the group was under Ceryn's spell to make them progressively turn themselves into feral deer. Despite that, they still knew this spell without Ceryn's meddling. While they are able to freely alter their forms, the three often get into situations where their bodies are transformed against their will and their magic is tampered with, making simple detransformation difficult through normal means. Regardless, they're able to adapt to their new forms and use them to their advantage. Sometimes it's their allies who alter the trio's bodies to perform better in a fight. Those tend to be more on the wild side like a spider body replacing their lower halves, fusing them into a huge three-headed dragon, or growing an udder that shoots milk. OK then.
Extrasensory Perception
As enchanters, they're able to detect traces of magic, and even pinpoint what spells are used. As the team's psychic, Reese is often the one tasked with scouting magic activity, aura, and traps. This even applies to non-euclidian eldritch horrors.
As enchanters, they're able to detect traces of magic, and even pinpoint what spells are used. As the team's psychic, Reese is often the one tasked with scouting magic activity, aura, and traps. This even applies to non-euclidian eldritch horrors.
Fire Manipulation
All three have been shown to shoot fire from their hands.
All three have been shown to shoot fire from their hands.
Ice Manipulation
Ally and Sheila can freeze foes with ice magic (if they're weak enough to not simply break out of it).
Ally and Sheila can freeze foes with ice magic (if they're weak enough to not simply break out of it).
Disguising
Sheila and Reece are seasoned using a disguise spell to change appearances. It's a basic spell any enchanter can easily pull off. However, they come to learn this spell doesn't really work well on humans/furless from a parallel dimension. They wound up turning the human Kevin into a female wolf, and continued attempts to reverse it don't fully work out. It's not their fault, no one they know can really work magic on him. It's as if the laws of magic refuse to cooperate because this universe has some unknowable cosmic plan for Kevin.
Sheila and Reece are seasoned using a disguise spell to change appearances. It's a basic spell any enchanter can easily pull off. However, they come to learn this spell doesn't really work well on humans/furless from a parallel dimension. They wound up turning the human Kevin into a female wolf, and continued attempts to reverse it don't fully work out. It's not their fault, no one they know can really work magic on him. It's as if the laws of magic refuse to cooperate because this universe has some unknowable cosmic plan for Kevin.
Portal Manipulation
All three are able to create portals that likely have the same caveats their teleportation has.
All three are able to create portals that likely have the same caveats their teleportation has.
BFR
After herding in foes into their portals, they can close them off and leave them in another country or planet entirely. As shown in the above image, they're also capable of sealing rifts that magical creatures come from.
After herding in foes into their portals, they can close them off and leave them in another country or planet entirely. As shown in the above image, they're also capable of sealing rifts that magical creatures come from.
Ally-Exclusive Abilities
Fissionism
When Sheila and Kiley were fused into one being, Ally was able to return them back to their normal selves. Sometimes it takes multiple tries to make sure both are 100% in their old bodies.
When Sheila and Kiley were fused into one being, Ally was able to return them back to their normal selves. Sometimes it takes multiple tries to make sure both are 100% in their old bodies.
Mind Manipulation Negation
When Ally broke free from Ceryn's spell that mentally influenced the group to progressively transform themselves into powerless deer, she lifted the mental effects on her friends.
When Ally broke free from Ceryn's spell that mentally influenced the group to progressively transform themselves into powerless deer, she lifted the mental effects on her friends.
Soul Splitting (Duplication)
Cloning spells are unheard of in enchanter culture, as Reece was surprised to see the half-demon Tazel proficient in that power. That's likely due to how risky it is for an enchanter to multiply themselves. For an enchanter to make at least one copy of themselves, they have to split their soul in two. Ally has only shown to be able to make one duplicate of herself.
As the trope goes, the clone eventually starts to beef with the original when their lives intersect. Even when the original beats the clone into disappearing, when Ally feels torn up she'll split into two again and both halves go their separate ways. To make matters worse, if they stay apart for 24 hours, both souls with disappear forever. To break the spell, both halves must willingly rejoin as a whole.
Instead of splitting her soul to duplicate herself, she has since deferred to making illusion clones of herself in combat.
Cloning spells are unheard of in enchanter culture, as Reece was surprised to see the half-demon Tazel proficient in that power. That's likely due to how risky it is for an enchanter to multiply themselves. For an enchanter to make at least one copy of themselves, they have to split their soul in two. Ally has only shown to be able to make one duplicate of herself.
As the trope goes, the clone eventually starts to beef with the original when their lives intersect. Even when the original beats the clone into disappearing, when Ally feels torn up she'll split into two again and both halves go their separate ways. To make matters worse, if they stay apart for 24 hours, both souls with disappear forever. To break the spell, both halves must willingly rejoin as a whole.
Instead of splitting her soul to duplicate herself, she has since deferred to making illusion clones of herself in combat.
Object Summoning
That's certainly a niche way to deal with a problem. This includes stuff like a lightning rod and stinger missiles. She can even magically create objects that are automatically attached to someone, like creating a chain wrapped around someone's neck. Being able to conjure whatever she wants does explain how she's able to switch between her civilian and superhero outfit at least.
That's certainly a niche way to deal with a problem. This includes stuff like a lightning rod and stinger missiles. She can even magically create objects that are automatically attached to someone, like creating a chain wrapped around someone's neck. Being able to conjure whatever she wants does explain how she's able to switch between her civilian and superhero outfit at least.
Technology Manipulation
With magic, Ally once rigged a security camera to run on a loop so she and her pals wouldn't be caught on screen.
With magic, Ally once rigged a security camera to run on a loop so she and her pals wouldn't be caught on screen.
Electricity Manipulation
Electrifying~
Electrifying~
Sheila-Exclusive Abilities
Smoke Manipulation
Sheila can weaponize smoke, as demonstrated by it shooting out of this construct she made (more on that later).
Sheila can weaponize smoke, as demonstrated by it shooting out of this construct she made (more on that later).
Reece-Exclusive Abilities
Precognition and Premonitions
Reece is the group's danger detector. She gets these visions of trouble happening in the area that either is happening, or will occur in the future. She isn't able to predict a single predetermined future, but rather all kinds of branching paths that may occur. It's up to Reece if she wants to act on them or not. She's even able to detect bad vibes radiating from people, as well as anticipate a being entering her world from a parallel universe.
Reece is the group's danger detector. She gets these visions of trouble happening in the area that either is happening, or will occur in the future. She isn't able to predict a single predetermined future, but rather all kinds of branching paths that may occur. It's up to Reece if she wants to act on them or not. She's even able to detect bad vibes radiating from people, as well as anticipate a being entering her world from a parallel universe.
Psychic
Reece is the team's psychic, so she specializes in mind-based abilities.
Reece is the team's psychic, so she specializes in mind-based abilities.
Memory Manipulation
Apparently being a psychic means she can Men in Black people to keep magic activity hidden.
Apparently being a psychic means she can Men in Black people to keep magic activity hidden.
Mind Reading
Someone as unpredictable and wily as her having mind reading powers certainly makes planning around her way harder. This also lets her read peoples' memories.
Someone as unpredictable and wily as her having mind reading powers certainly makes planning around her way harder. This also lets her read peoples' memories.
Mind Manipulation
There are worse shows she could've chosen to pump into someone's head-
There are worse shows she could've chosen to pump into someone's head-
Sleep Manipulation
*honk shoo*
*honk shoo*
Combined Techniques/Spells
Ally + Reece: Thoughts Into Reality
Oh boy, here we go. Combining Ally's illusions and Reese's psychic powers, they're able to bring whatever they want into reality. Their experiments result in creating Twilight Sparkle Midday Glimmer, the alicorn main character of one of Reece's favorite cartoons.
Yeah, this happens in the webcomic.
She's technically an illusion, but Reece's psychicness gives her a physical form a unique conscience, making her the real deal. With her sparkle powers she's able to levitate objects with her horn, transmute a car into a horse-drawn carriage, turned scientologists into non-anthro squirrels, somehow replace an entire radio station, and magically create anything her heart desires. This ranges from a 50 ft tall air conditioner, to bringing the rest of her pony pals into reality. There's Moonshine, Vanity, Cokehead, Tomboy, and Social Anxiety, take a wild guess which characters these are supposed to mirror.
Creating Midday goes completely haywire after Reece introduces her to the internet and she discovers all that's wrong with the world. This leads to her to misguidedly attempt to forcefully fix the planet, causing all sorts of chaos. They were able to end this madness by creating Princess Celestia Empress Etheria to scold her apprentice and report back to her castle for her banishment. This made Midday so despairful that she couldn't live with being a failure in her eyes and disappeared along with the rest of the ponies. She fell for an existential dilemma created by the enchanters.
All I have to say is… what the fuck?
Oh boy, here we go. Combining Ally's illusions and Reese's psychic powers, they're able to bring whatever they want into reality. Their experiments result in creating Twilight Sparkle Midday Glimmer, the alicorn main character of one of Reece's favorite cartoons.
Yeah, this happens in the webcomic.
She's technically an illusion, but Reece's psychicness gives her a physical form a unique conscience, making her the real deal. With her sparkle powers she's able to levitate objects with her horn, transmute a car into a horse-drawn carriage, turned scientologists into non-anthro squirrels, somehow replace an entire radio station, and magically create anything her heart desires. This ranges from a 50 ft tall air conditioner, to bringing the rest of her pony pals into reality. There's Moonshine, Vanity, Cokehead, Tomboy, and Social Anxiety, take a wild guess which characters these are supposed to mirror.
Creating Midday goes completely haywire after Reece introduces her to the internet and she discovers all that's wrong with the world. This leads to her to misguidedly attempt to forcefully fix the planet, causing all sorts of chaos. They were able to end this madness by creating Princess Celestia Empress Etheria to scold her apprentice and report back to her castle for her banishment. This made Midday so despairful that she couldn't live with being a failure in her eyes and disappeared along with the rest of the ponies. She fell for an existential dilemma created by the enchanters.
All I have to say is… what the fuck?
Sheila + Reece: Fastball Special
In this combined move, Sheila throws Reece to deliver a quadruple punch at her target.
In this combined move, Sheila throws Reece to deliver a quadruple punch at her target.
Ally + Sheila + Reece: Snowman Golem
With their powers combined, they can create a giant snowman golem. He may be slow, but he really packs a punch.
With their powers combined, they can create a giant snowman golem. He may be slow, but he really packs a punch.
Ally-Exclusive Techniques/Spells
Moon Illusion
A moon illusion used specifically to trick werewolves into reverting back into still furry forms.
A moon illusion used specifically to trick werewolves into reverting back into still furry forms.
Curse Illusion
Depending on the severity of the magic she endures, Ally can make it seem like a curse inflicted upon her is affecting her body and mind before turning the tables.
Depending on the severity of the magic she endures, Ally can make it seem like a curse inflicted upon her is affecting her body and mind before turning the tables.
Hadouken
Ally you nerd-
Ally you nerd-
Sheila-Exclusive Techniques/Spells
Tail-Boosted Kick
A signature roo move.
A signature roo move.
Tail End of the Discussion
Sheila & Kiley's two-timing tail thwack.
Sheila & Kiley's two-timing tail thwack.
Junkyard Golem
Utilizing telekinesis, Sheila can put together a makeshift golem out of whatever scraps are available to fight against larger foes. Now that's what I call punk! As if it wasn't gnarly enough, it's able to shoot out spells at her command like fire magic.
Utilizing telekinesis, Sheila can put together a makeshift golem out of whatever scraps are available to fight against larger foes. Now that's what I call punk! As if it wasn't gnarly enough, it's able to shoot out spells at her command like fire magic.
Reece-Exclusive Techniques/Spells
N/A
Feats
Overall
- Defeated the evil orc Thrognor the Fierce
- Reece beat a dragon all by herself
- Beat a troll who tried to turn municipal workers into his petrified garden gnomes
- Beat the evil Animaniacs ripoffs Cracko, Smacko, and Blot
- Thanks to Ally's gambit they beat Ceryn, a witch who tried to turn them all into deer. The fight resulted in her permanently becoming a deertaur.
- Reece singlehandedly stopped an alien invasion of small misguided ant people
- Defended Haven from Temujin and her trolls
- Were able to successfully plead innocent in front of the enchanter elders for their actions on Earth
- Joined by Kaige, Kiley, Geoffrey, Ginger, and Xodiac, went on a quest to defeat the magic warlord Krassus, who has been robbing various artifacts across the planet Gygax. They were able to return the stolen items.
- Ally met Mozart
- They stopped the dimension-hopping mad scientist Dr. Eternium from conquering the universe
- Busted a group of dwarves' illegal mining operations
- All three fought nazi redcaps in World War II
- Reece rescued a sentient wooden door from burning up
- Ally, Reece, and their fairy friends defeated the haywire cartoon alicorn brought to life Midday Glimmer and her knockoff BFFs by giving Midday an existential dilemma
- They beat the hillbilly eldritch elder god Chuck'thulhu
- Teaming up with characters from Addictive Science, they beat Dr. Eternium and the Ghost of Consumerism
- The three busted Temujin's kidnapping operation where civilians were turned into brainwashed mutant warriors, who fought the enchanters in gladiator fights inside the Astrodome
- Joined by Wendy, they defeated Hageshi, a misguided kitsune trying to kill Wendy
- Sheila can hold up to four bowling balls in her pouch
- They interrupted Lord Thulssa's organization trying to transform a bunch of unassuming furries at the Super Bowl into reptiles
- Stopped the dragon hybrid burglar Regina
- The three saved their husbands after they were temporarily affected by heightened magic residue that rendered them walking disasters, all while fighting against magic creatures invading Earth
- Ally managed to subdue Peter when he was plagued with bad luck so potent it caused everything besides him to befall calamities
- The gals stopped an infestation of bugs that caused weird transformations throughout a building
- Ally and Peter defeated a hydra while both had three heads, wings, and six arms
Strength
Shared
Ally
Sheila
Reece
Speed
Shared
- N/A
Ally
- N/A
Sheila
Reece
Durability
Shared
Ally
Sheila
Reece
Scaling
Heroes
Aria is a core member of Nino's party. As they all (sans Five) fight side by side with comparable opponents, they all should be on a similar level to each other.
- Kaige & Kiley burst a hole through a wall
- Kaige decapitated Krassus
- Britt, a pixie that previously caused the ice age and has the potential to destroy a continent, considers Sheila stronger than her. She views her as so powerful, that she begs her for fighting advice (I suppose it makes sense considering Britt is the size of a doll, but she is responsible for the highest feats in the verse so far, can use powerful magic, and has millions of years of experience. Odd).
- Felicia blew up machinery with a roar
Villains
The alcoholic boyfail pirate cop himself. A few major feats and scaling moments happen during Nino's party's spar against him. It took the combined efforts of all four to take him down.
- The trio defeated Thrognor, a large orc able to hold Sheila up by her tail
- They fought Cracko, who could weaponize his speech bubbles
- Ceryn survived getting blasted out of her castle and across a forest Team Rocket-style
- Sheila got the dropdown on a buff gnome that lifted Ally by the ears
- Chuck'thulhu's huge enough to break through a floor, and his fist smashing against it can crack it
- Khan outgrew a small building
- Regina caused an avalanche
- Aleissa threw alley far above ground
Cross-Scaling?!
I'm not referring to the Animaniacs and Mane Six knockoffs lmao. At Arm's Length is the first webcomic here featured to have numerous instances of crossing over with other webcomics. There's one episode involving a crossover with Off-Centaured, and of course there's Channel Surfing that includes cameos from Spinnerette, Boomer Express, DMFA, Creators: Keepers of Mana, and …… Jack ◉︵◉
Major props to http://crossovers.dragoneers.com for listing every crossover listed in the episode, I would've only caught half of them otherwise! I also now have to curse this website for sucking me into yet another rabbit hole to search for series to add to my now 1,000+ readlist.
Of course, those are just simply cameos that don't involve any form of VS scaling. Out of all the crossovers, the one that's most arguable for cross-scaling is Addictive Science. There are currently three episodes dedicated to both verses crossing over and the characters interacting with each other. These episodes reference the continuity of the previous episodes and what's going on in the series at the time of the crossover, and the crossovers do affect the main series since the most recent one redeems Ceryn. Then again, Ceryn hasn't appeared since that episode, so the canonicity remains up in the air. I don't think I need to read Addictive Science in its entirety yet for the sake of the blog, since there's really only one feat worth mentioning that happens throughout all the crossovers.
Weaknesses
Shared
- Enchanters have their own kryptonite: an artifact that's the same material as the meteor that gave enchanters powers. They've been around that material before, but in the right hands, it can be activated to make enchanters feel weary and possibly lose consciousness.
Ally
- Her sense of judgment can be clouded by her desire to help as many people as possible, leading her to make dumb mistakes unbefitting for an immortal.
Sheila
- A hotheaded punk like her has a tendency to act pretty rashly. She's a punch first ask questions later kind of gal.
Reece
- Reece's psychic & magical detection skills aren't perfect, as she has been fooled by Ceryn's transformation spells numerous times. She also fought people before that have been able to reject her mind manipulation.
Matchup Potential
Like my Tom & Artie blog way back when, I sadly haven't found a team matchup I enjoy for them. However, I do have a couple matchups I like for Ally and Sheila! Reece will get her MU someday……
Ally Mancer vs Spinnerette (At Arm's Length vs Spinnerette)
(thumbnail by Vibe Check)
Vibe Check
Spinnerette is a webcomic following a multi-armed superhero who lives a double life. By day, she hides her extra limbs in favor of living a mundane life. But when evil strikes, she reveals other arms and uses them to beat up criminal scum. She also occasionally deals with issues that involve extra appendages. If you thought At Arm's Length was strange, wait until you've read Spinnerette. That series is like, Totally Spies levels of bizarre.
Although she doesn't get into the whole immortals defecting from their jerky culture to defend mortals, it is pretty apparent both webcomics are comparable. I discovered both webcomics around the same time, so this series pairing instantly clicked in my head. I wasn't the only one to notice. As mentioned before, Spinny cameoed in an episode as the enchanters hunted a foe across other webcomic dimensions. That's not all, as the author of Spinnerette made this crossover art between both series!
Spinnerette is a webcomic following a multi-armed superhero who lives a double life. By day, she hides her extra limbs in favor of living a mundane life. But when evil strikes, she reveals other arms and uses them to beat up criminal scum. She also occasionally deals with issues that involve extra appendages. If you thought At Arm's Length was strange, wait until you've read Spinnerette. That series is like, Totally Spies levels of bizarre.
Although she doesn't get into the whole immortals defecting from their jerky culture to defend mortals, it is pretty apparent both webcomics are comparable. I discovered both webcomics around the same time, so this series pairing instantly clicked in my head. I wasn't the only one to notice. As mentioned before, Spinny cameoed in an episode as the enchanters hunted a foe across other webcomic dimensions. That's not all, as the author of Spinnerette made this crossover art between both series!
So why choose Ally as the sole opponent for Spinny? Mainly since she's the leader of the enchanters and does pair well with Spinny as a closet nerd. I guess one could argue that this could just be made into a 1 v 3 fight with Sheila and Reece, but I've never been a fan of those. Dealing with one enchanter is enough, but all three certainly outclass Spinny in terms of abilities. Spinnerette is basically a Spider-Man expy in her abilities to give you an idea. I guess you could argue to include the rest of her team in the fight, but Mecha Maid and Tiger don't really tie into the theme I already described.
Regardless, Spinny has fought a variety of wacky villains with an assortment of different powers, so I imagine she could bounce off one enchanter well enough. As for who wins, likely Ally. Spinnerette does contain some multiversal stuff, but iirc none of the main cast scales.
Sheila Spellman vs Sheeva (At Arm's Length vs Mortal Kombat)
(thumbnail by Vibe Check)
Vibe Check
Out of the enchanters, Sheila is easily my favorite character, so I wanted to find a MU I like for her right out of the gate. Thankfully, I didn't have to look too deep to find something I dig.
The connections are as follows: Two burly and masculine women with mohawks that belong to an ancient race of powerful four-armed people from another world (the Shokan and Enchanters). Both of their races have shown corrupt tendencies (with the Shokan supporting Shao Kahn and the Enchanters being a high and mighty group that frowns upon other races and lies to their people). Sheeva is prideful in her roots and wants to steer her race in the right direction, eventually becoming their queen and defender. Meanwhile Sheila wants nothing to do with her people, leaving her world to reside in Earth and become its defender.
Okay so, of course I gotta mention the obvious tonal difference between both series. Despite that, I feel like the matchup shouldn't be too impacted by it. Mortal Kombat can get pretty cheesy and AAL can be bloody at times, so it isn't too bad of a clash. Given everything I went over this blog, I can guarantee the dynamic wouldn't just be another Goro vs Machamp. What Sheila offers dynamically could be a bit much for a straightforward character like Sheeva, but Sheila is one who focuses on physical combat the most out of the trio. Give her h2h combat, her nunchuks, a few spells, and her junk golem, and the fight could be pretty cool. Sheila's rowdy personality could also bounce well off of Sheeva's more serious warrior makeup. I originally thought Sheila won, but Mortal Kombat scaling has gotten pretty wack recently. I assume Sheeva wins now, but I dunno enough about MK to say.
Out of the enchanters, Sheila is easily my favorite character, so I wanted to find a MU I like for her right out of the gate. Thankfully, I didn't have to look too deep to find something I dig.
The connections are as follows: Two burly and masculine women with mohawks that belong to an ancient race of powerful four-armed people from another world (the Shokan and Enchanters). Both of their races have shown corrupt tendencies (with the Shokan supporting Shao Kahn and the Enchanters being a high and mighty group that frowns upon other races and lies to their people). Sheeva is prideful in her roots and wants to steer her race in the right direction, eventually becoming their queen and defender. Meanwhile Sheila wants nothing to do with her people, leaving her world to reside in Earth and become its defender.
Okay so, of course I gotta mention the obvious tonal difference between both series. Despite that, I feel like the matchup shouldn't be too impacted by it. Mortal Kombat can get pretty cheesy and AAL can be bloody at times, so it isn't too bad of a clash. Given everything I went over this blog, I can guarantee the dynamic wouldn't just be another Goro vs Machamp. What Sheila offers dynamically could be a bit much for a straightforward character like Sheeva, but Sheila is one who focuses on physical combat the most out of the trio. Give her h2h combat, her nunchuks, a few spells, and her junk golem, and the fight could be pretty cool. Sheila's rowdy personality could also bounce well off of Sheeva's more serious warrior makeup. I originally thought Sheila won, but Mortal Kombat scaling has gotten pretty wack recently. I assume Sheeva wins now, but I dunno enough about MK to say.
NEXT TIME ON WCAB… whenever I feel like it
