Written by JGG – Ice Queen of Lorcana
Introduction
Welcome back fellow Illumineers. Just like many of you, I have things I would love to see in Lorcana. There is so much Disney content to draw from, that it’s darn near impossible to put it all in the first set. But I’m sure it will just be a matter of time before we see things in the game from every Disney “Animated Canon” film, and much more. But what about the first set? What do you include in that? That’s such a hard question to answer. If it was me, I would make sure to include a wide and diverse number of includes. Which brings me to my article today. I wanted to make sure to include bits and pieces from the last century of Disney content, as well as not including every big hitter at once in this list. You got to spread yourself out. Before we dive in, however, this list is very subjective and is a bit tinted to what I like and my opinions. Also, this list will not name franchises that were featured in the D23 promo set because they are already confined. Without further ado, let’s dive in first with an honorable mention. Followed by this list in chronological order.
Tarzan (1999):
In my opinion, this is the perfect inclusion in their first set. It is the perfect blend of a film that people have an appreciation for, some haven’t seen, and hit the sweet spot for nostalgia. It didn’t make my list due to other films having a range of different reasons to be included that surpasses this film. On a personal note, this is one film that I haven’t seen all of. What I know most about it is from Kingdom Hearts.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937):
Disney’s first animated feature film, officially kicking off the “Disney Animated canon”, how can you not include it. It’s iconic, it’s groundbreaking, and it built Disney for years to come. I also think it would be fun to include a mechanic that rewards you for having all Seven Dwarfs on the board. Perhaps an Exodia kind of mechanic? Nah.
Fantasia (1940):
Two words, Sorcerer Mickey. Perhaps the most iconic image of Mickey is Him in Yen Sid’s blue hat. Personally, I think we are going to get multiple Mickeys in The First Chapter and what an include to have to have his most iconic image. Let’s not forget about Yen Sid himself, the dancing Hypos, the beautiful art, or Chernabog himself. IMO, Chernabog should be a boss chase card. Like Nicolis Bolas from MTG, Mewtwo from Pokémon, or Judgement Dragon from Yu-GI-Oh!. A perfect choice for a The First Chapter’s boss, closer, chase card.
The Jungle Book (1967):
The Jungle Book is essential Disney in my book. It brings that warm feeling inside of you when you think of Disney’s animated films. It doesn’t have the status of the earlier films, the obscurity of dark-era films, or the popularity of the Renaissance or more recent films. It’s like conform food and that is why I think it should be included.
The Many Adventures of Winne the Pooh (1977):
Winnie the Pooh is a franchise that you do not hear the same level of fandom as you do many other Disney franchises. Despite that though, it is the 4th grossing franchise of all time. THAT is why it should be included. It clearly has a following and I think you embrace that right away. I do think that Pooh and his friends should be none combat characters. Perhaps in a supporting role, like Personas in Marvel Champions (No combat stats but are like support cards except they are characters).
DuckTales (1987-1990)
“JGG, this is not a franchise that is a part of the Disney Animated Canon or a film.” You are right, this choice is neither one of those things. This choice is on here to include a franchise outside of those things to show that things like it are fair game. Sure, none of us think they will stick to just films or Micky Mouse & Friends, but including this will show Illumineers right out of the gate to expect stuff from the animated tv side of Disney. You got to have Scrooge McDuck here. Perhaps he can get you resources some way.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
The film that is considered to have revived Disney animation to its “prior glory” in pop culture and to have kicked off the Renaissance era. Before we get to this franchise itself, let’s clear the air. The majority of this list could have every Renaissance era film and it would not be wrong. Again though, I think you got to hold back some of your big guns for future sets. Just like Snow White and The Jungle Book though, it is considered to be the first film of an era and just like those, that is why it is worthy of an include. Also, we are starting to enter the era of content that most adults/parents are going to have that nostalgia for these prophecies since they saw them when they were brand spanking new.
Aladdin (1992)
Our second and final Renaissance era film in this list. Why did I go with this one over the other more “popular” ones, because of just that reason. I also thought you could do a lot of fun things drawing from this film. Abu could steal things from your opponents. Genie can give you 3 wishes, perhaps to draw a card or something. Genie Jafar could also give you three wishes but against your opponent somehow, discard maybe? The Carpet could exhaust to give a character Elusive perhaps. I could go on but come on, this film is just cool looking when you look at all of the things that are a part of it.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Fun fact, while an animated Disney film, it is not a part of the Disney Animated Canon. Just like DuckTales, that is why you include this in The Last Chapter. What including DuckTales does for TV animated content, this would show for non-Disney animated canon films. I also think this would be a great include to show off a bit of edge to Lorcana. Doing it without including the more creepy aspects of the film of course. This film has quite a following for having no other content outside of being included in things like Kingdom Hearts. I think including this could attract your teenage crowd that might roll their eyes, but I haven’t been a teenager in so long so maybe not?
The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Another film that kicked off a new era for the Disney Animated Canon. This time for the second Disney Animated Renaissance era. Even though it does not have the success of the film that followed it (Tangled), it was yet again a return to form for Disney. The last “classic 2D” animated film in the Disney Animated Canon, it features many unforgettable songs, characters, and aspects that would shine brightly in Lorcana. I mean, who doesn’t love a Jazz-loving-playing alligator?
Moana (2016)
Let’s get this out of the way, this is my favorite film from the Disney Animated Canon. Besides that though, I do think you include this franchise due to its continued popularity and relevance with younger individuals. You could include Tamatoa and he could collect items, maybe he could have a system that allows you to double dip on an item’s effect. Maui could have multiple effects that represent him transforming into different animals, each turn you can pick one to apply till the end of your turn. Moana herself could capture the spirit of adventure with an effect that allows you to search your top X cards for an item or character, maybe? Moana is a franchise you don’t leave out of your first set in a game focused on Disney, in this humble writer’s opinion.
Conclusion
And there you go. Those are 10 franchises that you should include in The First Chapter, according to this humble writer. What say you? Agree? Disagree? Please let us know what you think in the comments below and what would your top ten must include be?
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