This article was originally written for Modern Myths, INC. and was posted on December 5, 2012. This is a reproduction for portfolio purposes.
About a month before the official release of the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic comic, Diamond officially announced that the comic had completely sold out. Knowing the popularity of the cartoon series, created by the enduring Lauren Faust, the talent behind such notable animated series such as Powerpuff Girls and Super Best Friends Forever, it should really be no surprise that the comic is facing just as much success. The cartoon, and one would assume the comic, garners much of its success thanks to hordes of children who love it, but more so because of “bronies,” the 18+ males (and females, who are sometimes identified as “pegasisters”) who have actively formed a fandom surrounding the show and subsequent merchandise.
And it’s really no surprise that My Little Ponies is a success. Lauren Faust’s masterful, fresh character designed combined with compelling stories that feature a diverse and interesting cast of females tackle the children’s show genre in a way that really has not been seen before. The conclusions that each episode comes to involve a moral, but the moral is presented in a way that is realistic and easily accessible for people of all ages. Despite the seemingly saccharine surface, the show tackles real issues that kids and adults face daily, from bullies to racism to over-extension of ones’ self.
The comic follows the suit of the show, and features women prominently though out with in terms of writing (the amazing Katie Cook) and cover art (big names such as Jill Thompson and Stephanie Buscema). The interior art of the book is by up-and-comer Andy Price. It’s wonderful to see IDW tapping into both new comic stars and older, better know names, and it’s great to see some emphasis on women in the industry as well.
Andy Price’s art is a treasure. He perfectly embodies the characters from the show, but takes a little artistic license to exaggerate their features, giving them a fun, cartoon-y edge. It’s obvious that the comic will be an easy one for kids to understand without needing the vocal cues that the television show provides.
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic sold over 90,000 advanced order copies, more than an issue of Uncanny X-Men traditionally sells. This is a huge victory for IDW and Hasbro, who own the rights to MLP, obviously, but it’s also an even bigger success for Katie Cook. Based on the sales of the first issues, it’s likely secured a spot in the Diamond Top Ten list for best selling comics of the month, which is rarely occupied by books written by women and starring female characters.
The first issue is a charming start of an interesting story arch that ties in to the finale of the show’s second season. Although you don’t need to watch the show to read the comics, the first issue certainly has a lot of wonderful nods to the expanded cast of the cartoon, as well as a few tongue-in-cheek sight gags for the older fans.
So next time you stop by Modern Myths, whether it be in Massachusetts or New York, consider picking up a copy of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic #1. And even if you choose not to, don’t judge if you see someone else buying it: they are supporting women in the industry, celebrating good story telling, and buying something that they love.
Ellie Hillis 