Fillies, gentlecolts, and foals of all ages, welcome once again to this month’s review of the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic comic book. It’s safe to say that after such a knock-it-out of the park issue #1, I was certainly ready for more ponies in the comic pages. And With this advanced review of what you’ll be able to get at your local comic shop soon, you’ll know exactly what you’re going to get this time around.
Once again, the book has multiple covers, including rare variants only available in certain stores. I like that this will be a recurring thing with the books, although I do hope the amount of variants does dwindle down a tad. Either way, each cover contains some fantastic art, that either make references to the story within, or subtle references to popular memes and characters in the fanon. For example a variant cover featuring Ponyville’s beloved time travelling stallion, Doctor Whooves.
The latest issue, continues from where we last left off in Issue #1. In that book, Ponyville was being invaded by changeling doppelgangers, and our mane six heroes put a stop to their evil schemes. However, it all turns out to be a rouse by the changeling leader, Queen Chrysalis, who has fillynapped the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and has given our heroes three days to make it to her hideout, before a comet will cross Equestria that can power all magical creatures. Suffice is to say, the game is on.
This issue opens up, as the ponies must go through a cave to continue their voyage to Chrysalis’ location. Along the way, the six of them encounter a giant cave troll with an affinity for cute, pastel looking ponies. Hmm, a giant manly beast who happens to love ponies. I see what you did there.
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They also have to deal with more of Queen Chrysalis’ changeling army, who disguise themselves as the other ponies to cast the seeds of doubt within their friendship. And of course, it works. But that quarrel is cut short due to the even bigger issue of a giant tarantula and his kin. And what you get is another solid fight scene where the ponies now have to face off with these dangerous spiders. .. that doesn’t exactly work in their favour. But they eventually do get some help from an ally from earlier in the story to save their hides.
Of course though, even with the day seemingly saved, and the six of them finding an exit from the cave, the quarrelling continues, as they all continue to doubt one another, believing they can handle things on their own. The group of six are now split to groups of three. Can they survive on their own? That’s for the next issue to decide.
Issue #2 is an okay issue. Once again, some great humour and action mixed with plenty of references of everything from Looney Tunes to Transformers. The art by Andy Price is once again excellent, as the characters and world within are all very vibrant and expressive. I will say the story doesn’t feel as strong as the first issue, but that seems to be more because we’re building to the next part of this continuing saga, and less the pacing of the actual story. But even with that issue, it’s still just as fun a read as the previous book that bronies, and general fans of pony-related adventures, can enjoy.
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic issue #2 hits comic stores and iTunes on January 1st 2013, and is also currently available on Nook.