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Context ComicStrip / PhoebeAndHerUnicorn

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1[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/phoebe_and_her_unicorn_cast.jpg]]
2[[caption-width-right:350:The main cast. Left to right: Dakota, Max, Phoebe, Marigold, Dad (aka Ethan), Mom (aka Emily), and Mr. Hart.]]
3
4->'''Dakota:''' ...whoa.\
5'''Marigold:''' Yes, bask in my wonderfulness.\
6'''Phoebe:''' This is less charming when you've heard it a couple times.
7
8''Phoebe and Her Unicorn'' is a [[NewspaperComics newspaper comic strip]] by Creator/DanaSimpson, and made its debut as ''Heavenly Nostrils'' on [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/ Go Comics.com]] in April 2012 as a webcomic. In January 2015, the comic assumed its present title; on March 30, 2015, it was relaunched as a syndicated comic in nearly a hundred newspapers.
9
10It begins when 9-year-old Phoebe Howell skips a rock across a pond and accidentally hits a {{unicorn}} in the face. Freed from her own reflection, the unicorn -- named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils -- grants Phoebe one wish. After her impractical requests[[note]]infinitely more wishes, infinite dollars, and super powers[[/note]] are denied, Phoebe wishes for Marigold to be her best friend. But can a vain mythical beast and a nine-year-old daydreamer really forge a connection? (Spoiler alert: Yes, and their OddFriendship becomes the heart of the strip.)
11
12The strip has been compiled in a series of collections. An original graphic novel, ''Phoebe and Her Unicorn in the Magic Storm'', [[http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/books/detail?sku=9781449483593 was published]] in 2017. A second, ''Phoebe and Her Unicorn in Unicorn Theater'', [[http://publishing.andrewsmcmeel.com/books/detail?sku=9781449489816 followed]] in 2018.
13
14In June 2020, it was [[https://deadline.com/2020/06/nickelodeon-phoebe-and-her-unicorn-options-franchise-1202963565/ announced]] that Creator/{{Nickelodeon}} had won a bidding war to create an AnimatedAdaptation of the strip. However, a couple years later, [[https://twitter.com/thecartoonnews/status/1608287653761253383 Dana announced]] that the show had been cancelled due to Nick believing [[GirlShowGhetto the show couldn't be marketed to boys]].
15
16Now has a [[Characters/PhoebeAndHerUnicorn character sheet]] in need of work.
17-----
18!!Phoebe, her unicorn, and their tropes:
19* ActingForTwo: In-universe example in the play Phoebe performs with Sue in the graphic novel ''Unicorn Theater'', where she plays both Queen Vaccuumia and Steve the lake monster.
20* ActuallyPrettyFunny: Marigold admits that the song Phoebe made up at the school talent show, "Unicorns are Stupidfaces", is catchy. She even hums to it later on.
21* AnAesop: Never explicitly stated, but the general theme is "Appreciate your friends for who they are, not what they can do for you."
22* AintNoRule:
23** The drive-in doesn't say your vehicle can't be a unicorn.
24** [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2016/11/02 Marigold votes for Phoebe for Rainbow Sparkle Princess, because no rule says the princess must be a unicorn.]]
25* AlienSky: During the FreakyFridayFlip arc, Phoebe-in-Marigold's-body casts a muffin-summoning spell, but due to a "rookie mistake" it has the side effect of turning the sky plaid. Marigold fixes it after she and Phoebe return to their own bodies, then reveals that no one else noticed because she'd already turned the Shield of Boringness up to maximum.
26* AllAnimalsAreDogs: Marigold sometimes displays catlike traits such as [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/01/22 purring]], basking in sunlight, or [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/02/10 poofing out her tail]] when startled.
27** Infernus's [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/06/25 tail starts wagging]] when neigh sees Phoebe at a Unicorn Reunion. Neigh does however admit: "It is more of a 'me' thing."
28* AllThereInTheManual: Phoebe's parents' names were only known from the [[http://www.universaluclick.com/comics/phoebe-and-her-unicorn character bio on the syndicate's website]] for a very long time. [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2015/10/16 A strip from October 16, 2015]] mentioned Ethan's name, and [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2016/08/16 August 16, 2016]] finally mentioned Emily's, well over four years later.
29* TheAntiNihilist: Marigold [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2016/05/12 cheerfully tells Phoebe life has no purpose]] but that it's much easier to accept "when one also has ''sparkles''". Phoebe's won over by the argument, saying it's much easier to accept from a unicorn than anyone else.
30** She isn't consistent with this position, however. In another strip, she says [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2015/07/30 the meaning of life is to be a unicorn]].... or, failing that, to find a unicorn to sit on.
31* ApathyKilledTheCat: What unicorns fear most is their boringness spells to avoid detection backfiring and creating the dreaded "Meh", a state of apathy where [[ApatheticCitizens people don't care]] if there is or isn't a unicorn standing right in front of them.
32* ArgumentOfContradictions: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2014/04/04 On whether Phoebe picks her nose.]]
33* [[ArmorPiercingResponse Armor-Piercing Statement]]: [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2012/05/10 In an early strip]], Marigold rather pointedly calls out Phoebe for treating her as a prop instead of a friend.
34* ArtisticLicenseAnimalCare: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2013/05/26 In one strip]] Phoebe feeds bread to ducks while talking about how they're more interested in the bread than the rainbow she's sitting on. Readers pointed out that bread is bad for ducks, so three years later, [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2016/09/18 a followup strip]] was made where Phoebe points this out.
35* AuthorAppeal: If you guessed that the unicorn ends up partially shaved at some point, [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2012/09/16 you'd be right]]. She also ends up [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/05/13 completely hairless]] in a Sunday strip.
36* AuthorAvatar: Phoebe's mom bears a resemblance to Dana minus the dyed hair.
37* AwesomeMcCoolName: Marigold Heavenly Nostrils.
38-->'''Phoebe:''' That's the best name I've ever heard.\
39'''Marigold:''' Yes it is!
40* BackgroundMagicField: Comes up largely in ''The Magic Storm'', where a dragon working a large spell nearby causes it to go out. It's treated as roughly comparable to the electrical grid; its absence means the Shield of Boringness and other passive spells stop working.
41* BagOfHolding: What Phoebe gets when Marigold casts a [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/08/26 "spell of enhanced containment"]] on her school backpack. While trying to investigate exactly how much room is inside, Phoebe ''falls in''.
42-->'''Marigold:''' I will get a ladder!\
43'''Phoebe:''' Don't hurry! There's CANDY down here.
44* BarelyChangedDubName: The Polish translation of the books renamed the title character to Fibi, pronounced more or less like her English name.
45* TheBeautifulElite: Unicorns. Deconstructed in that unicorns are generally so caught up in themselves that they lack the skills that make a friendship work, like empathy or the ability to apologize. Phoebe is helping Marigold develop these skills.
46* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor: Phoebe grouses that she thought having a unicorn best friend would make her awesome; Marigold points out that if she wanted to be awesome, she should just have wished for it.
47* BeYourself: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/03/17 Marigold advises Phoebe to be herself -- and more like a unicorn.]]
48* BigNo: Phoebe's [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2022/03/09 reaction]] when Lord Splendid Humility says that she and her friends may not able to save Marigold when she's TakenForGranite.
49* BlandNameProduct[=/=]MyLittlePhony: ''Pastel Unicorns'', a ShoutOut to ''Franchise/MyLittlePony''.
50* BluntMetaphorsTrauma: Marigold frequently understands human expressions literally, much to her confusion.
51-->'''Phoebe''': [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2012/05/02 I wanna rub you]] in Dakota's stupid, snotty face!\
52'''Marigold''': [''dismay'']\
53'''Phoebe''': Not literally.
54* {{Bowdlerization}}: The book collection has some dialogue in the first few strips edited from the web version. Most notably, a reference Phoebe makes to [[Music/{{U2}} Bono]] and a reference Marigold makes to the PATRIOT Act are removed.
55* ByTheLightsOfTheirEyes: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/03/25 in a night scene, where Phoebe and Marigold are otherwise silhouettes]].
56* TheCameo: Llewellyn from Dana Simpson's previous webcomic ''Webcomic/OzyAndMillie'' and Tater and Drizzle from Nicole Johnson's ''Webcomic/{{Meadowhawk}}'' appear [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/11/10 here]].
57* CannotTellAJoke: Marigold, through a combination of being LiteralMinded and unicorn humor being... idiosyncratic.
58-->'''Phoebe''': All those jokes about [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2015/02/14 off-brand hoof polish]] kinda lost me.\
59'''Marigold''': But its shine is hilariously insufficient!
60* CareBearStare: Marigold gives Dakota a literal box of happiness for her birthday, to make up for spoiling Dakota's big entrance with the Shield of Boringness.
61* CartoonCheese: Played with in a 2021 storyline where Phoebe is given one of these, only to discover it's cheddar, not Swiss cheese (Marigold poked holes with her horn).
62* CanonImmigrant: Voltina, the electricity dragon introduced in the graphic novel ''The Magic Storm'', appeared in a Sunday strip [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/11/25 a year later]] and has made occasional cameo appearances since.
63* CantArgueWithElves: Marigold is right most the time -- because she says so.
64* {{Catchphrase}}: Marigold cheers "UNICORN!" whenever she does something awesome... which is fairly frequently.
65* CheatedAngle: No matter which way Marigold is turned, the upper part of her mane is always behind her horn. WordOfGod is that it's [[AWizardDidIt magic]].
66* {{Chiaroscuro}}: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/03/25 At night, with Phoebe and Marigold silhouetted against city lights]] (for the first panel only).
67* ChocolateFrostedSugarBombs: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2012/06/13 In one strip]], Phoebe tells Marigold about a cereal called "Organic Kabooms", and that they were called "Sugar Kabooms" (possibly a reference to the [[ComicStrip/CalvinAndHobbes trope namer]]) when her mom was a kid, but were changed to their current title to sound healthier.
68--> '''Marigold''': "Kabooms" sounds healthy?
69--> '''Phoebe''': One thing you'll learn about humans is, we like explosions.
70* ClothingDamage: A downplayed non-fanservice example; when one arc has Marigold give Phoebe a temporary unicorn tail, the tail rips a hole in the back of her skirt when appearing. Phoebe moans [[BrickJoke a few strips later]] that she had really liked that skirt.
71* ComicBookTime: While seasonal events happen in 'real time' (summer strips in the summer months, Christmas strips in December, etc.), ten years of strips passed before nine-year-old Phoebe was allowed to avert an AgelessBirthdayEpisode and turn ten. (Marigold declared it was her tenth as well, reasoning that she must be ten of ''something'').
72* ComicallyMissingThePoint: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2013/05/18 In this strip]], Dakota spells Phoebe's name as "Feeby" on a flyer. When Phoebe clarifies that her name is spelled with a "P", Dakota remarks that "Feepy" is a stupid name.
73* CommonalityConnection: Max strikes up an unlikely friendship with Alabaster "Al" Goldenwithers-Jones, a unicorn who shuns his [[GoingNative pretentious homelands in favor]] of the forests to [[PlantPerson dabble and tinker in Green energy]]. Both of them find they really love playing video games together.
74* CostumeTestMontage: ''Magic Storm'' has several panels of Phoebe and Marigold trying on disguises in a costume shop which does nothing for the story but add pages.
75* CoversAlwaysLie: The cover of ''Unicorn vs. Goblins'' makes it look like the goblins will be villainous characters. While they have a somewhat antagonistic role in their introductory arc (kidnapping Dakota for her magic hair), the conflict is easily resolved by Marigold, and the goblins' relationship with Phoebe and Marigold varies from outright allies to frenemies like Dakota, and even then, they are [[ThePrankster pranksters]] at worst.
76* CreatorCameo: A variation. Dana Simpson's "ponysona", Princess Pedantia, appears in a scene from ''Pastel Unicorns'' in [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/05/14 this strip]].
77* CultureClash: Pops up every [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2012/06/04 now and then]].
78* DamnedByFaintPraise: [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/11/22 Phoebe is incensed]] when Marigold dismisses her new favorite song as "fine."
79* DeathbringerTheAdorable: Marigold's cousin [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Infernus, the Unicorn of Death]] turns out to be [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/01/30 a cute nonbinary foal]] who goes by 'Ferny'.
80* DefectorFromDecadence: [[DownplayedTrope ...sort of]]. [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/07/28 During a camping trip]], Marigold, Phoebe and Max meet a unicorn named Al (short for [[OverlyLongName Alabaster Goldenwithers-]][[OddNameOut Jones]]), who finds the Unicorn Lands to have become "stuffy and pretentious" and has taken to "roughing it" in the woods. ("Roughing it" including sleeping on a golden bed of only the ''second''-softest down.)
81* DistractedByTheSexy: Max doesn't openly react to Phoebe grabbing his hand during a spelling bee, but he does completely lose his ability to spell.
82* DontExplainTheJoke: Phoebe's dad tells her a joke about binary trees, then sees fit to explain a little. Unimpressed, Phoebe tells Marigold, "My dad speaks 'nerd.'"
83* DoubleStandard: [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/02/02 Among unicorns]], Phoebe is considered special for having a unicorn as a friend, but Marigold is considered weird for being friends with a human.
84-->'''Phoebe''': Life's unfair to unicorns.\
85'''Marigold''': [''perturbed''] ''This is the first I am hearing of it''.
86* DriveInTheater: Variation: In [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2022/05/20 this]] strip, Marigold mentions seeing movies at a "trot-in theater".
87* DrowningMySorrows: In ''The Magic Storm'', Phoebe admits to eating an entire tub of ice cream after losing in the spelling bee. This helps her recognize when another character is doing something similar.
88* DynamicEntry[=/=]DivingSave: [[ActionGirl Mare of Action]] Marigold bravely protects Phoebe... [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2013/10/11 from a dodgeball]].
89* EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: In their first appearance, the goblins were all in shades of green (Dana likened them to the variety of human skin colors). Later, they came in other colors such as blue and orange.
90** In some of her earliest appearances, Marigold would drop the occasional contraction in her speech, but this was quickly done away with. Not that it's ever stated that she ''can't'' use contractions anymore, she just chooses not to (see SpockSpeak below).
91* EasyAmnesia: Marigold's Spell of Forgetfulness. On the other hand, sometimes she erases more than she intended.
92-->'''Phoebe''': [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2020/02/04 Every time]] you cast one of those, you forget your name or you forget how to walk, or you forget what humans are and get super freaked out that I have fingers.\
93'''Marigold''': I do not remember ''any'' of that.
94* EmbarrassingMiddleName:
95** Florence Unfortunate Nostrils. So called because she [[BlessedWithSuck sneezes spiders]].
96** Phoebe isn't so fond of ''her'' middle name, Grizelda.
97* EskimosArentReal: Some unicorns don't believe that humans exist. While Marigold knows better, she -- and all unicorns -- think the Earth [[FlatEarthAtheist is unicorn-shaped]], because [[TheBeautifulElite unicorn.]]
98* ETGaveUsWiFi: A RunningGag throughout the comics involves Marigold claiming how tech like Wifi and Bluetooth where actually first invented by unicorns.
99* EverythingsBetterWithRainbows: After Marigold complains of an unrealistic movie, they go outside. [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2013/04/28 As they cross a stream on a rainbow]], Phoebe observes that recently, outside has seemed implausible to her.
100** [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2013/05/26 Later, on a rainbow deck while she feeds ducks, Phoebe comments on how the ducks don't notice, preferring stale bread.]]
101* EverythingsBetterWithSparkles: And how! [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2014/10/19 Marigold sparkles constantly]]. (Though the effect of coffee too many sparkles, even for her.)
102* EyeOfNewt: Marigold made Phoebe a tiara [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2015/06/20 of morning dew and moonbeams.]]
103* FairestOfThemAll: Marigold is the non-villainous variety. She ''hates'' being ignored, quickly turning jealous and envying whoever or whatever has stolen Phoebe's attention away.
104* TheFaceless: Lord Splendid Humility, whose unmatched modesty requires that he never allows anyone to see anything but his horn. (He has revealed himself to human characters, but they don't count).
105* FantasticRacism: Sometimes Marigold accuses Phoebe of digitism (favoring fingers).
106* FantasyKitchenSink: Besides unicorns there's also goblins, dragons, fairies, pixies, phoenixes...
107* FictionalCounterpart:
108** Aside from Phoebe's "Pastel Unicorns" toys (see MyLittlePhony, below), there's the cartoon ''[[Franchise/{{Transformers}} Robots That Are Totally Also Cars]]'', the video games ''[[VideoGame/AnimalCrossing Talking Animals]]'', ''[[VideoGame/{{Portal}} Portable Hole]]'', ''[[VideoGame/AngryBirds Irritated Birds]]'', ''[[VideoGame/PacMan Dot Eating Circle Man]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/{{Minecraft}} Cubecraft]]'', and the fantasy TV series ''[[Series/GameOfThrones Thrones of Ermagard]]''.
109** The cartoon series ''Confetti Canyon'' is believed to be a mix of ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse'' and ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls''.
110** Dakota posts videos on [[Website/YouTube MeTube]] and mentions needing a [[Website/{{Kickstarter}} Startkicker]] account to keep her magic hair in shampoo.
111* FiveStagesOfGrief: Phoebe hits all five beats throughout a story arc where Marigold has to leave for a few days to take a vacation at a unicorn spa: She reassures herself that she'll be fine without Marigold (Denial), gets upset because she can't do things that Marigold helps her with (Anger), asks her parents if they can help her bring Marigold back (Bargaining), becomes sad that her best friend isn't with her (Depression), but then realizes that even without Marigold around, she can still go on and be perfectly fine (Acceptance). Of course, her overjoyed reaction when she sees Marigold again implies that she might not even have moved past Denial.
112* FlawExploitation: Phoebe can silence Marigold at any time by holding up a mirror.
113* ForcedSleep: Marigold has used her magic to make Phoebe fall asleep twice: once (for a few seconds and possibly without meaning to) by yawning ("Unicorn yawns are powerful magic"), and once by raising her Shield of Boringness and "turning it up to its highest setting". However, she has stated that sleeping spells in and of themselves are dangerous, because they may accidentally turn their targets into pillows (although she admits it's never happened before).
114* ForcedTransformation:
115** Marigold is very much into the idea of [[{{Shapeshifting}} slowly changing Phoebe into a unicorn]]. A magical version of a MakeoverMontage, if you will. Baby steps, as Marigold's spells are usually short-lived but by encouraging her friend [[AFormYouAreComfortableWith to identify as a unicorn]], hopes this transformation will be permanent.
116** To get the Unicorn Investigative Agency off their case, [[https://schizanthusnerd.com/2020/08/20/virtual-unicorn-experience/ she and Lord Splendid Humility accidentally give the girl a temporary tail]] (which Phoebe likes). Marigold [[ShapeshifterModeLock offers Phoebe a permanent one someday]].
117*** That said, in [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2022/01/23 a later strip]] Marigold tells Phoebe that she promised her parents that wouldn't give her a tail again until Phoebe was old enough to buy her own pants.
118** [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/02/10 She gives Phoebe a temporary unicorn muzzle to enable her to smell magical perfumes.]] Marigold seems genuinely pleased with the result.
119** In trying to mend Dakota's [[WeUsedToBeFriends broken friendship]] with the Goblin princess, [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/11/16 Phoebe is changed into a goblin herself]] (Marigold claims it was faster than trying to teach Phoebe goblin language). She starts becoming goblin-like in mind as well as body, and eats her scarf before changing back.
120** Combining this with FreakyFridayFlip, [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2020/09/19 Marigold transformed Phoebe into her (and herself into Phoebe) for 24 hours]], in order to see which one could handle the other's life better.
121** Later, [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2023/01/18 Marigold temporarily turned both Phoebe and Dakota into goblins]] in order to be able to read and understand a goblin novel. Phoebe takes it in stride, while Dakota doesn't take it well at first, though she ''heavily'' leans into it after reading the novel.
122* ForHappiness: Marigold can get a bit... unprofessional with her magic, but she's never worse than mischievous. Most of her spells are used to make someone happy, if only herself.
123* FreakyFridayFlip: A voluntary version occurs when Phoebe and Marigold want to see who would have the harder time as the other.
124* {{GASP}}: PlayedForLaughs in [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/03/31 this strip]].
125* GetAHoldOfYourselfMan: How Phoebe brings Marigold out of one of her gazes in [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/05/26 this strip]].
126* AGirlAndHerX: The strip is centered on the OddFriendship between Phoebe and a unicorn, and while Marigold is not a pet, she generally tolerates being called Phoebe's unicorn with amused good humor.
127* GirlyGirlWithATomboyStreak: Phoebe is into video games like ''[[VideoGame/{{Portal}} Portable]] [[BlandNameProduct Hole]]'', and knows at least enough about ''Film/TheGodfather'' to jump at the opportunity to parody the horse head scene.
128* GoodAngelBadAngel: In [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2021/07/25 this comic]], a devil unicorn tries to convince Phoebe to secretly take a cookie, while an angel unicorn tells her not too. Then Marigold shows up and orders both to leave, revealing they're her cousins who love to mess with human children by sowing moral confusion.
129* GreenEyedMonster: There's a lot of envy floating around. Marigold resents anything that seems to be prettier than she is (a fairly common attitude among unicorns), while Dakota has an ill-concealed envy for Phoebe because of her relationship with Marigold.
130* HandWave: In-universe -- any new ability or unexplained feat of Marigold's is brushed off with "Unicorn!"
131* HandyFeet: Mentioned when Sue says [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2020/07/21 she can imagine Phoebe learning to play bass]]:
132-->'''Sue:''' Now I'm imagining you can play bass with your ''feet''!
133* HollywoodBoardGames: In Marigold's family reunion, Phoebe comments to Infernus how she can (now) play ''TabletopGame/{{Pictionary}}'' with a unicorn anytime she wants. It's become so mundane for her that when she realizes how [[ARareSentence outlandish such a thing sounds]], she cuts herself mid-sentence in quiet shock.
134* HumansAreUgly: Marigold invokes this from time to time.
135-->'''Marigold:''' What is a tiny bit of extra pink in a sea of fleshy human disgustingness?\
136'''Phoebe:''' Remember what I said about knowing when to stop talking?
137* HumanityIsInfectious: Marigold laments that Phoebe continually exposing her to human trends, activities and cultures means she can no longer find serenity by being alone, or grazing by herself.
138* HybridOverkillAvoidance: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2015/07/23 Marigold can't use magic to help Phoebe speed-read her summer reading, because Reading Is Magic]] and mixing it with other types is dangerous.
139* HypocriticalHeartwarming: Marigold's pride and ego demands that whenever Phoebe plays video games with her, her friend must always be the inferior less-attractive looking character. That said, she wouldn't choose anyone else to be her player number 2.
140* HypocriticalHumor:
141** Phoebe wants an older girl to think of her as cool but disdains a younger girl who wants the same from Phoebe because "younger kids are ''never'' cool."
142** Phoebe asks what could be more embarrassing than [[AmazinglyEmbarrassingParents parents]] while picking her nose. Marigold lampshades this with an AsideGlance.
143* IHaveThisFriend: Phoebe says this to Marigold when fishing for ideas of what to get her for Christmas.
144* ImmortalImmaturity: Most unicorns. Marigold herself admits that hanging around Phoebe makes her feel like they are [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/09/22 growing up together]].
145* IneptMage: Marigold once made Phoebe's room disappear with a cleaning spell, and cast a spell of forgetfulness much farther than she intended.
146* InhumanlyBeautifulRace: Subverted. How unicorns see themselves, including Marigold. It's not so much InformedAttractiveness, though Marigold's narcissism would make you beg to differ. If she actually dropped the "shield of boringness", it's more of a case of finding her [[YouCannotGraspTheTrueForm beauty literally blinding]], unable to look away and [[TouchedByVorlons shaken from the experience]]. They're so beautiful that a unicorn can be captivated by her ''own reflection''.
147* InnocentlyInsensitive: One of the few things that can make Marigold truly depressed, is when she pities all the poor creatures who are not unicorns. Phoebe takes offense, but Marigold's concern is still sincere:
148-->'''Phoebe:''' We're doing fine, thanks.\
149'''Marigold:''' Your courage inspires me every day
150* InsaneTrollLogic: Marigold is not above using this, either. [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2012/12/09 Case in point...]]
151* InsistentTerminology: Marigold is a ''unicorn'', not a horse. To be fair, she's insistent because she's clearly not just a horse with a horn, what with the cloven hooves, the lion tail, and the ability to see color.
152* InsubstantialIngredients: Proposed rainbow gates -- for a sand castle.
153* InsufferableGenius: Marigold from time to time, though it seems to be a species trait.
154-->'''Marigold:''' Unicorns invented music. We decided one day that only one thing could make us even more wondrous than we were already.\
155'''Phoebe:''' Humility?\
156'''Marigold:''' A soundtrack!
157* IntergenerationalFriendship: Marigold an immortal unicorn, being best friends with a 9-year old human child.
158* InterspeciesFriendship:
159** Phoebe and Marigold the unicorn.
160** Dakota and Blartholomew the goblin [[spoiler:and Lord Splendid Humility]].
161** Sue and Ringo the lake monster.
162** Max and [[spoiler:Voltina the storm dragon]].
163* InterspeciesRomance: Marigold has [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2014/08/06 developed feelings]] for Ringo, the camp lake monster. Possibly one-sided, as he seems simply confused about the whole concept.
164** According to Marigold, Infernus the Unicorn of Death has a crush on Phoebe. The latter is aware of this, but has not indicated whether she reciprocates neighir feelings.
165* IntriguedByHumanity: The Unicorn Investigative Agency will place any human who befriends a unicorn under surveillance, in case the human does something [[ComicallyMissingThePoint magical or wondrous to be worthy of the friendship]].
166* InvisibleAliens: Unicorns are everywhere, hiding in plain sight, but as Marigold explains their "shields of boringness" enable them to blend in and appear ordinary and mundane to other living creatures.
167* IronicName: Infernus, The Unicorn of Death, and neighr parents Maledicta Unavoidable Catastrophe and Oynx Darkbane, Foreteller of the World's End, are all perfectly pleasant despite their [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast grim names]]. Questioning this cues the introduction of Infernus' sibling [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/06/27 Buttercup Jeweled Delight]], who is tragically {{Goth}}, implying there is a reciprocal effect.
168* {{Irony}}: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2015/05/29 Phoebe is not sure if winning the spelling bee on "ironic" when she doesn't want Max to lose is ironic.]]
169* ITakeOffenseToThatLastOne: When Phoebe expresses feeling kinship with a [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2012/11/14 leaf]], Marigold comments that she agrees they're both orange and flaky. Phoebe will agree to 'orange'.
170* ItsAllAboutMe: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2013/01/15 Flashback Marigold]]'s active inner life is simply a [[ComicBook/{{Doom}} Doom-comic-esque]] repetition of "ME ME ME ME ME". Her outer life...isn't much different.
171* JerkWithAHeartOfGold:
172** Despite her narcissism and ego (see above), Marigold really does care about Phoebe as a friend.
173** Dakota becomes this after befriending Blartholomew and his fellow goblins.
174* KangarooCourt: Every so often the unicorns have Phoebe tried in absentia, for not being a unicorn. The verdict - sentenced [[ThePunishmentIsTheCrime to not being a unicorn.]]
175* LargeHam: Marigold, now and again. Also when Dakota tries to out-act Phoebe in the audition for the school play:
176-->'''Dakota:''' Choke on '''that''', Unicorn girl.\
177'''Phoebe:''' On what, the scenery?
178* LimbSensationFascination: [[InvertedTrope Inverted]] without any body switching or shapeshifting in [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2016/07/29 this strip]] when Marigold theorizes that having toes must be like having tarantulas on the end of one's legs.
179-->'''Phoebe:''' That's creepy, but it isn't inaccurate.
180* LimitedWardrobe: Averted with Phoebe, but Marigold always seems to wear the same burgundy scarf (and matching Eighties-style leg warmers) in cold weather. She keeps herself warm with magic, anyway -- the accessories are just for fashion.
181* LiteralMetaphor: Phoebe and Marigold give Dakota [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2012/09/07 the gift of happiness]] for her birthday.
182* LiteralMinded: Marigold, having a lack of understanding of human culture, is often subject to this.
183* [[LittleGreenMen Little Green Unicorns]]: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2016/08/26 Since the point of the universe would be missing were not every planet inhabited by unicorns, Marigold pictures these galloping magnificently over other worlds]].
184* LittleNo: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/04/08 Phoebe's response]] when Marigold suggests that both of them read "Spearhorne's [[{{Doorstopper}} 94-part]] {{epic poem}} ''Oats, Oats, How Tasty Thou Art''."
185* LittleProfessorDialog: Not to the same extent as [[ComicStrip/CalvinAndHobbes Calvin]], but Phoebe does this from time to time.
186** In [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2012/05/06 this strip]] Phoebe uses the words "appalling" and "semiautobiographical."
187** In a spelling bee, she correctly spells "appoggiatura" -- but she was ''actually'' asked to spell "hat".
188* MajorGeneralSong: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2012/12/02 "I am the very model of a modern magic unicorn...."]]
189* TheMasquerade: Marigold conceals her presence, yet at the same time doesn't, with a magical "shield of boringness." This makes it so people see her as a unicorn, but respond to it along the lines of, "Oh, a unicorn. Whatever."
190* MasterRace: Unicorns have ''tried'' to rule the world after seeing the mess humans created, but their attempts were not taken seriously, so they had to settle for merely being a SuperiorSpecies instead.
191* MathematiciansAnswer: The characters have done this at least three times.
192** [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/06/02 Her response]] when Marigold tells her that although Dakota is a goblin princess, the position is purely ceremonial.
193--->'''Phoebe:''' So Dakota is basically a glorified mascot? I have to tell her!\
194'''Marigold:''' Out of kindness, or to see her pained, startled expression?\
195'''Phoebe:''' Yes.
196** [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2021/04/04 Another example]]:
197--->'''Phoebe:''' I never know what to do with my hands on days I forget my phone.\
198'''Marigold:''' Those things always seem like more trouble than they are worth.\
199'''Phoebe:''' Hands or phones?\
200'''Marigold:''' Yes.
201** Lord Splendid Humility wants to use Marigold as [[WeNeedADistraction a distraction]] while [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2022/01/18 he leaves his bush]].
202--->'''LSH:''' We will need to test this system before we try it out on the wider world. We will need a test subject whose memory we can erase if things go awry. There is a ''small'' chance we will scramble their brain in the process, so it should be someone you do not mind--\
203'''Phoebe:''' Dakota!\
204'''Marigold:''' Are you warning us she is nearby, or suggesting her?\
205'''Phoebe:''' Yes.
206* MaybeMagicMaybeMundane: It's never made clear if Phoebe simply dreamed about Glorpie after returning him to his owner of if he actually has the power to appear in the dreams of children.
207* MeaningfulName: Unicorn names are their destinies, according to Marigold. This dooms her to having heavenly nostrils. It's a rough existence.
208* MetaphorIsMyMiddleName: In an early strip, Phoebe claims "Danger" is her middle name. It's actually [[EmbarrassingMiddleName Grizelda]].
209* MindControlEyes: [[ParodiedTrope Parodied]] in [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2020/08/02 this strip]]. When Phoebe tries to hypnotize Marigold, it seems to work until the unicorn reveals that she's "just showing off [her] new Spell of Eye-Swirling".
210* MirrorUniverse: [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2020/03/12 Phoebe and Marigold encounter a portal to a "dark dimension"]]. Though Dark Marigold isn't much different from regular Marigold; she just has a monocle, while the dark version of Phoebe just yells bad things and [[PokeThePoodle repeatedly pokes regular Phoebe]]
211* TheMindIsAPlaythingOfTheBody: When transformed into a goblin by Marigold, Phoebe goes from being a poorly disguised social misfit, to gradually enjoying the goblin Queen's company. By the time the unicorn returns to her friend she's already devouring her scarf.
212* MindOverMatter: Marigold sometimes manipulates things with her horn magic to make up for her lack of fingers.
213* MsExposition: Lampshaded [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2013/10/15 here]].
214* MuggleBestFriend: Phoebe to Marigold.
215* MultipleHeadCase: [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2016/08/16 Phoebe greedily dreams of Marigold as a two-headed "double" unicorn]]. [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2016/08/20 Dream Marigold is not immediately satisfied with this, nor do her two heads attain satisfaction at the same time]].
216* MundaneUtility: A characteristic of the human children who have taken up with magical friends.
217** Phoebe rides Marigold to school, among other less glittering uses for a real live unicorn.
218** Dakota uses the goblins for transport, especially when her status as goblin princess means she gets enough of them to carry her around.
219** Voltina, introduced in ''The Magic Storm'', is not only transportation but a handy source of electric power.
220* MyLittlePhony: Phoebe is a fan of the cartoon ''Pastel Unicorns'' and has a bunch of the toys. In a few strips (like on [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2013/03/17 March 17, 2013]] and on [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2013/08/11 August 11, 2013]]) she discusses recent plot developments from the show, and they're barely-veiled references to actual episodes of ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic''. And Dana is a pegasister herself.
221* {{Narcissist}}: A common trait of unicorns.
222** To drive the point home, Marigold was trapped by the beauty of her own reflection in the river, which is what happened to Narcissus in the Greek mythology.
223** Averted by Lord Splendid Humility, who is so modest that he refuses to show any part of himself but his horn... though the implication is that he takes pride in being so humble.
224** [[{{Deconstruction}} Deconstructed]] in the graphic novel ''Unicorn Theater'', where it was shown through flashbacks that Marigold was much worse before she met Phoebe. It was also a source of friction between Marigold and her sister Florence when they were younger.
225* NewPowersAsThePlotDemands: '''UNICORN!'''
226* NinjaPirateZombieRobot: InvokedTrope [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2020/09/02 here]], when Phoebe mentions that ''Confetti Canyon'' character Grandpa Jim is a "ninja spy ghost king".
227* NoodleIncident: The Thing with the Marbles.
228* NoBiologicalSex: Infernus, the Unicorn of Death.
229* NotAllowedToGrowUp: Phoebe has been in the fourth grade for multiple times in a row. It's unlikely that she was held back, especially since she appears to still be nine.
230* NoYou: Marigold's usual knee-jerk response to being insulted, although it usually doesn't make sense.
231* ObliviousToTheirOwnDescription: Marigold, of course:
232-->'''Marigold:''' Narcissus Tremendous Pomposity is more of a ME-icorn. So self-absorbed! All day it is just "me me me me meeeeeee!"\
233'''Phoebe:''' [[{{beat}} *mouth hangs open*]]\
234'''Marigold:'''...what?\
235'''Phoebe:''' Nothing
236* OddlyCommonRarity: "Unique orns" like Marigold take pride in their beauty and are the typical unicorn. "Common orns" think it's better to indulge in false modesty and are actually quite rare.
237* OneSteveLimit: Defied. Lord Splendid Humility informs Phoebe that there is more than one unicorn named Steve.
238* OnSecondThought: Marigold's initial reaction to Phoebe wishing the unicorn would be her best friend is "Or maybe... um, some gold?"
239* OtherworldlyVisitsYoungestFirst: Phoebe is the first person to meet Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, an honest to goodness Unicorn, but she quickly introduces the magnificent ([[{{Vanity}}just ask Marigold]]) Unicorn to her classmates (and presumably the teacher as well, as it was during Show and Tell), and her parents (Dad wonders if Marigold is housebroken, while Mom tells Marigold she simply has to paint her, [[LiteralMinded though Marigold is curious as to which color]]).
240* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Besides classic fire-breathing dragons, we've encountered two special variations: candy ([[PoopingFood breathes candy, regurgitates ice cream]], [[ShoulderSizedDragon small]], can only say "Rar") and storm (eats electricity, is a glowing blue, larger than a unicorn, speaks English).
241* OurGoblinsAreDifferent: They are basically civilized, but goblin language appears to consist only of "BLAART." Marigold still understands it from context. They also [[WalkingTechbane disrupt electronics by laughing]].
242* OverlyNarrowSuperlative: [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2023/04/30 this comic]], when Phoebe wants to believe she is unique she asks Marigold how many humans ride unicorns to school. When Marigold answers 910, Phoebe keeps narrowing it down further till she gets to human girls with freckles who play the piano and are named Phoebe Howell, of which she is the only one.
243* PaintingTheFrostOnWindows: Marigold is in charge of quality control on rainbows.
244* PaintingTheMedium: Marigold can tell when Phoebe's not pronouncing ''The Shield of Boringness'' with the right accent because of the font being used.
245* PaperThinDisguise: The male goblin who impersonates Dakota, both online and around the house, simply dons a wig (and eventually clothes) and holds a sign saying [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2013/10/27?ct=v&cti=1790252 "Litl gerl."]] Evidently, Dakota's own mom falls for it (or possibly thinks it's an improvement).
246* ParentalAbandonment: Subverted. Marigold doesn't know her parents because unicorn vanity makes it hard to recognize anyone but herself.
247* PeerlessLoveInterest: Lord Splendid Humility is Marigold's hopeless crush because she has never seen him -- and the only thing more beautiful than a unicorn is the ''idea'' of a unicorn. When she learns that Phoebe has seen his face, she drives herself to distraction between wanting to know and wanting to keep her illusion.
248* {{Pegasus}}: Subverted. According to Marigold, they're not real due to being vertebrates with six limbs ([[HypocriticalHumor and yet, the series features other six-limbed vertebrates as dragons and possibly pixies]]).
249* PlaceboEffect: Phoebe and Marigold experience strange effects when they swipe some coffee, but it turns out to be decaf.
250* PlayingATree: Inverted. Phoebe had the lead role but [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/01/19 felt like the tree would have been a more natural fit]].
251* PocketDimension: Marigold uses one as {{Hammerspace}}.
252* PonyTale: In universe, the book ''Horse Story'' (though apparently it ends with the central horse suffering DeathByNewberyMedal). It (or at least its film equivalent) had a sequel: ''Horse Story 2: Additional Horses''.
253* PopCulturalOsmosisFailure: During a storyline where Marigold and Phoebe work to confront the ghost that's been stealing Dakota's hot cocoa.
254-->'''Phoebe:''' Would you say the ghost will be BUSTED?
255-->'''Marigold:''' I suppose so.
256-->'''Phoebe:''' Okay then...[[Franchise/GhostBusters WHO YA GONNA CALL?]]
257-->(beat)
258-->'''Marigold:''' [[LampshadeHanging I...do not get that reference.]]
259-->'''Dakota:''' I do, but I refuse to acknowledge it.
260* PostModernMagik: Marigold can use unicorn magic to send and receive text messages with Phoebe's cell phone. Her horn also amplifies satellite radio signals, is a Wi-Fi hotspot, and functions as a record needle.
261* PottyFailure: Implied in one strip when Phoebe is meeting her new teacher; the teacher mentions he's heard about her, and Phoebe worriedly asks if Marigold told him about "[[NoodleIncident that time in the park]]", after which she hastily tries to assure him that [[SuspiciouslySpecificDenial her pants were wet because she spilled lemonade]].
262* PrecociousCrush: Marigold's cousin Infernus, the Unicorn of Death (a.k.a. Ferny), develops one on Phoebe and calls her almost as radiant as a unicorn ([[TheBeautifulElite which is very high praise]]).
263* PronounTrouble: Fortunately averted with the non-binary Infernus, since all unicorn pronouns are 'neigh'. Phoebe adopts this custom to refer to Ferny, which seems to please both neigh and Marigold.
264* PuppyDogEyes: Marigold casts her Big Puppy Dog Eyes of Persuasion spell to beg Phoebe for an apple.
265** Later, Phoebe proves that she can pull the same on Marigold.
266* RapidHairGrowth: The [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2012/07/16 July 16, 2012]] strip shows how beholding the glory of Marigold can undo baldheadedness for Dakota.
267* ReallySevenHundredYearsOld: Marigold claims she's old enough to have seen "oceans become deserts become forests".
268* RedEyesTakeWarning: Marigold does this in [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/10/21 a Halloween-themed strip]] to prove that unicorns can be scary.
269* ReleasingFromThePromise: When Marigold granted Phoebe one wish, she wished for Marigold to be her best friend. Phoebe released Marigold from her wish as a Christmas gift. Marigold's response:
270-->'''Marigold:''' It is all right that I still '''want''' to, though, is it not?
271* TheRival: Every holiday Marigold feels the Howell family Christmas Tree is a threat and trying to best her. She insists on being decorated herself, declaring nothing will out-sparkle her.
272* RuleBreakerRuleNamer: Several spells that Phoebe asks for are eventually restricted under the "Phoebe Howell Rule".
273* SarcasmBlind: Lord Splendid Humility. When Dakota describes an action of his as "lit," Phoebe has to reassure him that it was not a sincere compliment and therefore not a blow to his humility.
274** Marigold thinks she can detect Phoebe's sarcasm but fails with an example that is explicitly presented as an example: "You DON'T talk about yourself way too much." (Then again, she might be pretending not to know so she has an excuse to talk about herself even more.)
275* SelfDeprecation: [[PlayingWithATrope Played with]] in [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2022/05/08 this strip]]. When Phoebe introduces Marigold to the concept of self-deprecating humor, the unicorn decides to give it a try:
276-->'''Marigold:''' I may be slightly less beautiful than the most beautiful being who could possibly exist! Ha ha ha ha ha ha!\
277'''Phoebe:''' Practice makes perfect, I guess.\
278'''Marigold:''' Are you suggesting that I am less than perfect? That is ''also'' hilarious!
279* {{Sequelitis}}: [[invoked]] Parodied in [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2016/11/20 a strip]] where Phoebe and Marigold go to see ''[[NumberedSequels Horse Story 2:]] [[SixthRanger Additional Horses]]''.
280* ShaggyDogStory: One story has Phoebe getting annoyed by her wobbly chair at her classroom, which lead to Dakota calling her "Wobblebutt". She gets Marigold to magically switch chairs with her...only to discover that Dakota's chair wobbles, too. (They eventually settle this by stealing two good chairs from other students.)
281* ShakingTheRump: The strip where Marigold performs "[[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2013/09/15 The Dance of the Glittering Hindquarters]]".
282* ShoutOut:
283** Phoebe's EmbarrassingMiddleName Grizelda is a reference to Music/TheMonkees' song "Your Auntie Grizelda".
284** To Music/CarlySimon, in [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2014/03/24/ this strip]].
285** In [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2014/10/27 this strip]], from the 2014 Halloween storyline, Phoebe's parents are going to another costume party dressed as [[Film/TheMatrix Trinity and Morpheus.]]
286** Phoebe has an ''Webcomic/OzyAndMillie'' sticker on her laptop. And [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2016/03/30 here]] Marigold wears a hat very similar to Ozy's.
287** In the first Halloween arc, Phoebe is surprised to see Todd the Candy Dragon vomit a pile of candy ''much'' bigger than he is, saying that's physically impossible. Marigold replies with "[[Film/TheWorstWitch Anything can happen on Halloween!]]"
288** [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2016/10/28 This strip]] from the 2016 Halloween arc has Dakota and a goblin dressed up as [[Manga/SailorMoon Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus]].
289** The last panel in [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/07/12?ct=v&cti=2196996 this strip]] has Phoebe's dad reference "[[Franchise/StarWars Jedi mind tricks]]".
290** It's not named, but Phoebe and Marigold are playing ''TabletopGame/{{Monopoly}}'' in [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2016/11/12 this strip]].
291** [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/12/17 This strip]] shows Phoebe and Marigold watching Creator/{{Disney}}'s FunnyAnimal version of ''WesternAnimation/{{Robin Hood|1973}}''.
292** [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2020/07/15 This strip]] has Sue making an allusion to Music/RageAgainstTheMachine.
293** [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/12/15 Marigold on the Unicorn Tapestry]].
294** "Mom, Dad's trying to [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2021/06/24 make me know]] about Creator/MontyPython again."
295** One comic has Phoebe calling her mother a sponge due to staying home and trying to make a painting career, to which she refers to her daughter as "Miss [[WesternAnimation/SpongeBobSquarePants SquarePants]]".
296** [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2022/10/30 The 2022 Halloween Sunday strip]] has Phoebe dressed as [[Anime/KikisDeliveryService Kiki]]. Dana has stated it to be her favorite Creator/StudioGhibli film.
297* SitcomArchnemesis:
298** Dakota to Phoebe.
299** Marigold has a seasonal rivalry with the Howell family Christmas tree.
300* SleepCute: Phoebe and Marigold in the last panel of [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/12/23 this Christmas strip]].
301* SoBeautifulItsACurse: Marigold stuns everyone who sees her true beauty, even herself. When she catches sight of her own reflection, she can be trapped for days.
302* SoProudOfYou: PlayedForLaughs in [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/05/13 this strip]]; this is Ethan's reaction when Phoebe confesses that she's "an accessory to a minor cybercrime!"
303-->'''Ethan:''' [[TryingNotToCry I promised myself I wouldn't cry when this moment arrived!]]
304* SomethingAboutARose: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2016/04/28 Marigold poses with one with her teeth.]]
305* SpockSpeak: Marigold has a semi-formal speaking style with an utter lack of contractions. [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2015/07/18 When called on it]], she admits she likes to talk fancy.
306* SpoofAesop:
307-->'''Phoebe:''' I now understand that hair is ''far'' more important than pencil toppers.\
308'''Dakota:''' That's a stupid moral.\
309'''Phoebe:''' At least it's not a cliche.
310* StockNessMonster: Ringo the lake monster.
311* SuperSenses:
312** Marigold [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/04/22 tells Phoebe]] that unicorns can see magical colors that are [[InvisibleToNormals invisible to humans]], such as blurple, the color of "the songs of spring songbirds". She considers this being BlessedWithSuck because blurple is "a gross color".
313** Marigold feels the same way about her SuperHearing Spell. Yes, it allows you to eavesdrop on distant conversations, but you're also forced to listen to [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2022/04/25 worms crawling through dirt]] and [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2022/04/27 squirrels chewing]].
314* SweetTooth: Marigold loves candy, ice cream, and sweets. She'll take a sugar cube, but she's dazzled by a [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2017/03/05 massive sugar dodecahedron]]. (A taste for sugar is a trait of RealLife equines).
315* SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome: In this [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/1/14 Sunday strip]], Marigold tries to walk on two legs while Phoebe walks on all fours. She is having difficulty with it.
316-->'''Marigold''': You do this all DAY? And without a tail for balance!
317* TakeAThirdOption: {{Discussed|Trope}} in the [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2022/10/30 Halloween 2022]] strip.
318-->'''Phoebe:''' You ready to go trick-or-treating?\
319'''Marigold:''' In a way. I have come up in a third option. When someone says "trick or treat", you should say "neither!" Say instead, "I demand '''EFFUSIVE PRAISE!'''"
320* TakeThat: When Marigold says that her parents are now living in "[[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/01/16 the barren lands]]".
321-->'''Marigold''': It is a place elder unicorns go. Warm, bright and empty, and from whence unicorns seldom return.\
322'''Phoebe''': My grandparents live in UsefulNotes/{{Arizona}} too!
323* TakenForGranite: One plot arc has Marigold winding up like this, with Phoebe and her friends trying to find out what happened to her and how to change her back.
324* TheTapeKnewYouWouldSayThat: In one strip, Phoebe checks through her dad's browser history, and discovers that his last search was for "hello Phoebe, I know you're reading this".
325* ThisIsMyHuman: While Marigold doesn't mind being called Phoebe's unicorn, she has too much ego to entirely resist this trope.
326-->'''Marigold''': [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2015/06/15 You are not riding me. I am wearing you.]]
327* TimeAbyss: Expect Marigold to [[ExpositionOfImmortality lapse into this]] from time to time. She ''is'' an [[SeenItAll immortal unicorn]] who has seen the [[FantasticallyIndifferent very stars themselves live and die]]. Yet even she agrees that an [[EmbarrassingOldPhoto awkward snapshot]] of Phoebe's dad sneezing as the funny highlight.
328* TimeTravel: A July 2021 story arc involves Phoebe and Marigold traveling back in time so Phoebe can meet her dad when he was her age. [[spoiler:It turns out he still remembered the incident and had been waiting for it. He even knew she was his future daughter, because she was terrible about not calling him "Dad". It winds up being a StableTimeLoop.]]
329* ThickerThanWater: Lord Splendid Humility urged Florence to reconnect with Marigold because of this trope.
330* ThisIsReality: Phoebe lets her hair down, causing a younger girl not to recognize her. Phoebe explains that unlike a cartoon character, she doesn't have to look the same all the time.
331* ThreeChordsAndTheTruth: Sue uses the exact phrase to describe PunkRock to Phoebe in [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2020/07/14 this strip]].
332* ThroughAFaceFullOfFur: Even Marigold can get embarrassed, as when caught singing spontaneously.
333* TitleConfusion: Sometimes referred to as ''Phoebe and '''the''' Unicorn''.
334* ToiletHumor:
335** When Phoebe accidentally says "[[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/03/05 wee wee]]", she and Marigold both break down in laughter.
336** Marigold claims that [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2020/08/29 her farts smell like flowers]].
337* TranslationConvention: Phoebe-as-a-goblin starts off using the "Blaart" that we usually see the goblins using, but the goblins' words are now understandable, in parentheses [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/11/20 here]].
338* {{Unicorn}}: Marigold's design resembles the medieval description of a unicorn (deer-like build, cloven hooves, lion's tail), rather than looking like a mere horse with a horn. She's also pretty dangerous with her horn when the situation calls for it.
339* UnlimitedWardrobe: Every outfit seen in [[http://pedantia.deviantart.com/art/Phoebe-outfits-and-hair-332718473 this image]], Phoebe has worn at some point in the strip.
340* UnnamedParent: [[AvertedTrope Averted]], though it takes a while before we learn their names. Phoebe's parents are named Ethan and Emily Howell.
341* UnusuallyUninterestingSight: Justified in-universe. See WeirdnessCensor below for details.
342* VegetarianVampire: Marigold's distant cousin [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/01/15 Vlad of the Red Nostrils]], who has BlankWhiteEyes and "sucks the juices out of poor defenseless fruit!"
343* VomitIndiscretionShot: An unusually tasteful example: Marigold barfs rainbows when nervous.
344* WalkingTechbane: Goblin laughter causes every app on Phoebe's phone to crash. It also curdles milk.
345* WantingIsBetterThanHaving: The moral of [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2021/01/24 this strip]].
346-->'''Marigold:''' And often, the anticipation of a thing is much sweeter than having the thing itself. The sweetest carrot is the one that is just out of reach.
347* WeAreAsMayflies: [[http://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2013/07/20 Implied then subverted by Marigold]].
348* WeirdnessCensor: Dubbed the "Shield of Boringness" in-universe, a bit of magic that lets unicorns (and other magical creatures) pass below the threshold of interest. Marigold can raise or lower it (with varying results), and anything close to her tends to fall within its compass and seem mundane as well.
349** According to ''The Magic Storm'', Marigold no longer needs the "Shield of Boringness" around Phoebe's parents, Dakota, and Max, because they have been around Marigold enough times that they got used to her on their own.
350* WhamShot: When Phoebe and another ''Confetti Canyon'' fan become online friends, the last panel of [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2020/09/02 this strip]] reveals that Phoebe's new cyberpal is [[spoiler:her {{Frenemy}} Dakota]], which neither of them realizes yet.
351* WhatAreRecords:
352** Phoebe isn't sure what "records" are. Or a "radio". "I'm old" is Marigold's reaction in both cases.
353** [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2020/06/06 She also doesn't recognize]] a corded wall mounted phone she found in the basement, thinking it's a pair of nunchucks.
354* WipeThatSmileOffYourFace: Mentioned as a possibility in [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/06/03 this strip]]. Marigold warns Phoebe of the consequences if she keeps "trifling in silence curses":
355-->'''Marigold:''' I advise caution! It is all fun and games until a curse goes awry, and everyone winds up without a mouth.... Everyone always thinks this time will be different, and before you know it we are plunged into a second ''Epoch of Mouthlessness''.
356* YearInsideHourOutside: When Phoebe doesn't do her spelling homework, Marigold [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/10/11 helps out]] by sealing her inside a "magic time bubble" where she can spend an hour studying while ten minutes pass in the outside world. While [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2018/10/12 Phoebe mentions]] that "It's hard to memorize spelling words when [she's] floating in a [[PlaceBeyondTime timeless]] [[VoidBetweenTheWorlds void]]", she gets used to it.
357* YetAnotherChristmasCarol: In a Christmas story arc starting [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2022/12/12 December 12, 2022]], Phoebe gets visited by the unicorns of Christmas past, present and future after Marigold warns her they will come. However, they only visit briefly and never even try to make Phoebe change in any way since there's no need. When Phoebe questions Marigold about it the next day, she claims it is a unicorn tradition to do this to one human each Christmas. When Phoebe mentions Charles Dickens, Marigold refuses to talk about him.
358* YouMeanXmas: Marigold's typical reaction to human holidays is to explain that unicorns have a similar day with a different purpose (or the same day with a different name). New Year's Day, for example, is [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2020/12/29 New Fears Day]] -- a time for unicorns to assess their current fears, discard the ones they no longer need, and acquire some new ones.
359----
360-->'''Phoebe:''' [[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2022/06/24 Remember that time]] I wrote a story about us called ''Phoebe and Her Unicorn''?\
361'''Marigold:''' As if I am ''anyone's'' unicorn.

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