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BKelly95 Since: Jan, 2001
2nd Mar, 2021 08:29:58 PM

I've summoned the user to this thread.

HMSquared Since: Nov, 2018
2nd Mar, 2021 09:02:24 PM

As a Transformers: Prime fan, I can that example does not have enough context. Granted, Optimus has very good perception and Raf/Miko are tweens. However, that still does not explain how they epically failed.

Derv0sB2 Since: Apr, 2020
2nd Mar, 2021 09:05:25 PM

Fair enough. In hindsight, I don't think the Transformers: Prime entry quite qualifies as epic. As for the other two, I've now changed the entries to explain better where the "Epic" comes in — feel free to edit them or contact me further if necessary, or delete those entries if you think they don't count.

Derv0sB2 Since: Apr, 2020
2nd Mar, 2021 09:16:55 PM

Woops, forgot the "Under the Lake" entry. Just a minute...

laserviking42 Since: Oct, 2015
2nd Mar, 2021 09:17:22 PM

Looking at the Dr Who examples, I fail to see how they are even examples of epic fail. The first one is quite a stretch, and the second is just right out.

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P2C2E Since: May, 2018
3rd Mar, 2021 02:05:55 AM

In the Deadpool example, I'd say it qualifies as sufficient/appropriate context, but the quote doesn't add anything or really match the point of the trope

BeanWiggin Since: Feb, 2021
3rd Mar, 2021 05:17:19 AM

Deadpool example assumes the reader is familiar with Colossus's powers. So to make it a better example it should probably say "...attempt to fight Colossus(who has metal skin)..."

NotSoBadassLongcoat (Old as dirt)
4th Mar, 2021 05:49:41 AM

^ IDK, the protagonist breaking both arms and a leg fighting a guy sounds like an Epic Fail regardless of circumstances. It's one example that I don't have any objections towards.

"what the complete, unabridged, 4k ultra HD fuck with bonus features" - Mark Von Lewis
shadowblack Since: Jun, 2010
4th Mar, 2021 06:07:04 AM

Not always, it isn't! For example, what if the protagonist fights an opponent he has defeated before and thus expects an easy victory, only to discover that the opponent has gained damage reflection and so the protagonist is now hurting himself with every attack? That's why it's important to explain about Colossus's powers.

Or a better example, what if the protagonist fights someone much stronger, who greatly outclasses him, and still wins, but at a great cost? In that case "the protagonist breaking both arms and a leg fighting a guy" would not be an Epic Fail (though it could be a Pyrric Victory, depending on circumstances).

The other examples from the OP seem to require familiarity with the works in question, so they definitely need more context (assuming that they are valid examples at all).

P2C2E Since: May, 2018
5th Mar, 2021 03:12:41 AM

I was thinking along the same lines as Not-So-Badass Longcoat, in that Colossus "not moving a muscle" seemed sufficient to demonstrate that he wasn't doing anything and Deadpool managed to grievously injure himself fighting an opponent who wasn't fighting back. But sure, add a brief note that he has metal skin.

In Live Action, the Doctor Who "Under the Lake" example doesn't fit the trope. For those who don't know the context...Basically, the Clara gives the Doctor index cards to help him navigate social interactions, but he reads out ones that don't fit the situation. It's kind of awkward, but so minor that it's hardly an "epic failure".

Lermis Since: Nov, 2018
6th Mar, 2021 12:56:03 AM

Colossus example needs more context. The guy is Nigh-Invulnerable because he is entirely made of metal, which is why it's pointless to fight him, but the example assumes that you know that.

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MegaMarioMan Since: Jan, 2013
6th Mar, 2021 03:19:42 AM

The Deadpool film example was expanded by Tanta Monty on the 3rd, three days ago, so that one's already handled. Currently it reads:

Deadpool attempts to fight Colossus by repeatedly punching and kicking the latter's metallic body, which results in him breaking both hands and a foot without Colossus moving a muscle.

"Come on! Let's get this show on the road."
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