My Little Pony: Equestria Girls (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors and IDW Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads


Title: My Little Pony: Equestria Girls
Authors: Ted Anderson, Katie Cook
Illustrators: Tony Fleecs, Andy Price
Upcoming Release Date: January 26, 2016


Synopsis: Based on the hit movie, join the girls as they get settled into Canterlot High. Plus, Sunset Shimmer tries to find the true meaning of the holidays as rumors circulate around the school. Collects the 2013 Annual and the 2014 Holiday Special.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: This comic follows the alternate human version of the Ponies we're familiar with that were introduced in the Equestria Girls film. There isn't magic in this world, but they know of the ponies and Sunset Shimmer is still finding her place in this human world. 

The first story in the trade paperback shows how the girls originally met in this alternate world. It was during the Freshman Fair. AppleJack, or AJ as she is known here, is new to the school and doesn't quite fit in. I liked the way these girls' personalities mirror those of their pony counterparts. The art of them as humans instead of ponies is awkward at times, but overall I like the concept.

The second half shows the girls during the holidays, on a slumber party binge. We are introduced to MyStable, the social media of this world. I love the references like this to pop culture that make their way into these comic books. 

This is another good entry in the MLPFIM comic book series. Like the ones before it, it's a great introduction to comics for young fans of the tv series. I give this graphic novel a 3/5. It's a great story of friends and family.


--PAUL

My Little Pony: Friends Forever Volume 3 - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: My Little Pony: Friends Forever Volume 3
Authors:  Barbara Randall Kesel, Jay P. Fosgitt, Ted Anderson, Tony Fleecs, and Agnes Garbowska

Upcoming Release Date: March 24, 2015

Synopsis: The tales of friendship and fun continue! 

Granny visits an apple convention and is dismayed to see the Flim Flam brothers are up to their old tricks. 

Fluttershy gets an unexpected visit from the most aggressive guy around, Iron Will! 

Rainbow Dash is overjoyed when Wonderbolt Spitfire invites her to a special training camp. 

And, Pinkie Pie meets her match… in the form of delicious, irresistible snacks called PheNOMNOMenons!

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: Like the other My Little Pony comic books, this graphic novel is made up of a few smaller stories. Each story focuses on one of the ponies. The thing that I like about MLPFIM is the way they are able to teach good lessons in an entertaining way with subtle pop culture nods that only older folk will get. 

The first story is about Apple Con. Applejack and her family are heading to this Comic-Con-like convention to sell their apples. There are many great comparisons, especially from Granny. Orange and berry growers now attend the convention and it's just not the same as it used to be. There are also some Music Man references in this story. 

In the second story, Iron Will has come in search of Fluttershy for some help with his family. This tale shows the need of patience, kindness, and generosity. 

Rainbow Dash has a secret mission from Spitfire of the Wonderbolts. She learsn that even your heroes can have flaws. 

Pinkie Pie asks for Twilight Sparkles's help in avoiding her food nemesis, PheNOMNOMenons. This story is about breaking habits. I liked all the interesting food carts in this one. 

Overall, these tales are pretty great. They all teach lessons in fun and interesting ways. I highly recommend this to young fans of the show. If your child or relative is a fan, this or any of the other My Little Pony comics would be a great way to introduce a love for reading and/or comic books. I give this graphic novel a 4/5. 


--PAUL

My Little Pony: Friends Forever Vol 1 by Alex de Campi et al. - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors/IDW Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: My Little Pony: Friends Forever Volume 1
Contributors: Alex de Campi, Jeremy Whitley, Ted Anderson, Rob Anderson, Amy Mebberson, Carla Speed McNeil (Illustrations), Tony Fleecs (Illustrations), Agnes Garbowska (Illustrations)
Publication Date: June 24, 2014

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Pony Tales Vol 1
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Vol 2
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Vol 1

Synopsis: Introducing four tales dedicated to exploring the magic of friendship. First, Applejack and Pinkie Pie enter a baking contest! Then, The Cutie Mark Crusaders team up with Discord, Spike enlists Princess Celestia to help him find a birthday present, and finally, Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor chase down a mysterious ghost.

-----------------------------------------

Review: I always love reading these My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic comics. They compile a few different short stories that focus on just a few characters. In this volume, the first story is a friendly lesson about competition when Pinkie Pie enters a Cooking Contest. 

The Cutie Mark Crusaders are back and I don't know what I'm going to do when they finally earn their marks because their adventures trying to discover themselves and their talents are so much fun. This story shows them interacting with Discord. I loved the Star Trek references in this one. Discord is definitely a Q like character. 

My favorite unusual pairing in this volume is in the third story. Spike looks for a birthday present for Twilight with the aid of Princess Celestia herself.  

In the last story, Twilight visits her Big Brother Best Friend Forever, Shining Armor. They reconnect over their childhood love of monster tracking. The Mario Bros. reference in this one is so epic! The plumbers have the best cutie marks. 

This volume is another great collection of short comics. Like the other My Little Pony comic books, this is a great gateway for young fans to get into comic books and reading. I give this volume a 4/5.


--PAUL

My Little Pony: Friends Forever Vol 1 by Alex de Campi et al. - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors/IDW Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: My Little Pony: Friends Forever Volume 1
Contributors: Alex de Campi, Jeremy Whitley, Ted Anderson, Rob Anderson, Amy Mebberson, Carla Speed McNeil (Illustrations), Tony Fleecs (Illustrations), Agnes Garbowska (Illustrations)
Publication Date: June 24, 2014

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Pony Tales Vol 1
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Vol 2
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Vol 1

Synopsis: Introducing four tales dedicated to exploring the magic of friendship. First, Applejack and Pinkie Pie enter a baking contest! Then, The Cutie Mark Crusaders team up with Discord, Spike enlists Princess Celestia to help him find a birthday present, and finally, Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor chase down a mysterious ghost.

-----------------------------------------

Review: It's no secret that I really enjoy My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic more than I probably should and more than I should probably admit. I get really excited when I stumble across a new comic book or see that a new season has been put on Netflix (since I can never figure out when new episodes come on television). And this comic book really did not disappoint me! 

The stories are very short - about 20 pages a piece - and don't really have any overwhelming lessons about friendship. They're short and sweet, and give us a little glimpse into the lives of the ponies. Plus we get to see some new ponies and visit old friends! It's basically just a really good time all around. 

I especially enjoyed all of the pop culture references. There are subtle references (especially in the story with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Discord) and more blatant ones (the plumbers at the palace in the Crystal Empire are my favorite!) and all of them are just as magical and fantastic as I hoped they would be. I think that's part of the reason I love MLP:FIM so much. Well, the pop culture references and the terrible puns. 

I would totally recommend this comic to anyone who has enjoyed previous My Little Pony comics or the television show. These comics are excellent for young kids just getting into comic books, especially with the vibrant colors, and for those adults who just need a little bit of an escape from the real world every so often. I am so glad that these comics are doing well, and I can't wait to read more of them! 4/5


--Ashley

MLPFIM: Pony Tales - Paul's REVIEW

***I was provided an ecopy of this comic via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Ashley's REVIEW

Title: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Pony Tales Vol. 1
Contributors: Thom Zahler, Ryan Lindsay, Katie Cook, Barbara Kesel, Ted Anderson, Bobby Curnow, Amy Mebberson (Illustrations), Tony Fleecs (Illustrations) , Andy Price (Illustrations), Ben Bates (Illustrations), Brenda Hickley (Illustrations)

Upcoming Release Date: November 5, 2013

Synopsis: Six spotlights focusing on everyone's favorite Ponies! Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack each get a whole issue devoted to them.

Review: I have a soft spot for My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic that I should probably be ashamed of, but whatever. Every time I see a new comic from them, I always request it. And they always have that MLPFIM fun and flare. This collection doesn't disappoint. 

This graphic novel collects six stories, one from each of the Mane Six. Twilight Sparkle takes a job as the Archivist's assistant. Rainbow Dash battles a Cloud of Sadness. Rarity goes on a spa vacation that doesn't turn out like she expected. Fluttershy enters an art contest. Pinkie Pie wins tickets to a famous clown's show. AppleJack is preparing the farm for Hearth's Warming Eve when the Sass Squash appears. 

I loved the many jokes and pop culture references. I think my favorite was a David Bowie reference. I love that the creators know that not only children are reading these comics. If a parent reads this with their kid, they are going to have a good time with all the little allusions. 

I give this graphic novel a 3.5/5. I recommend it to any MLPFIM fan from age 5 to 105. This would be a great gift and since there are six stories, this would be a great comic book to introduce a young audience to comics by reading a story with them each night before bed. 

-PAUL

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Pony Tales Vol. 1 - Ashley's Review

*I received this comic as an eARC from IDW Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Pony Tales Vol. 1
Contributors: Thom Zahler, Ryan Lindsay, Katie Cook, Barbara Kesel, Ted Anderson, Bobby Curnow, Amy Mebberson (Illustrations), Tony Fleecs (Illustrations) , Andy Price (Illustrations), Ben Bates (Illustrations), Brenda Hickley (Illustrations)
Publication Date: November 5, 2013

Synopsis: Six spotlights focusing on everyone's favorite Ponies! Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack each get a whole issue devoted to them.

-----------------------------------------------

Review: Every time I see a new My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic comic is released, I get way more excited than I probably should. I'm pretty sure these are targeted for a (much) younger audience, but I don't care. I really enjoy seeing the Mane Six in fun new adventures! 

This comic does not disappoint. It collects six short stories, each featuring one of the Mane Six. We get to see each pony tackle issues specific to them, and it's actually kind of neat. Usually we see them all together, using the Elements of Harmony to defeat some Big Bad. There are no real Big Bads here, just some situations that are not so pleasant. 

It was fun to learn more about the ponies without having them relying on their friends, and I enjoyed seeing them get out of sticky situations or help others entirely on their own. Twilight, who at one point needed to learn about friendship, is able to teach other ponies about how important it is. Rainbow Dash is forced to believe in herself when things don't go her way. Fluttershy is nervous about revealing a secret to the world, but learns to have a little self-confidence. Rarity needs some time away to relax, but is able to help out some unlikely friends. Pinkie Pie comes up with a solution for a problem her idol is having. And Applejack is taught that sometimes family needs to come before work and it doesn't hurt to ask for help. All of these are important lessons, and I think they work better as these short stories than they would have in a full issue. 

Also, there are so many subtle jokes spread throughout these stories that I was laughing when I wasn't appreciating the lessons. The pony names are, as always, plays on real people and places and internet memes. One of the want-to-be clowns, for example, is named Trollo Lollo. Applejack also learns about the Sass Squash (a sassy squash-throwing creature). I think it's awesome how pop culture is embedded in these comics, which are huge in pop culture themselves. 

I definitely recommend this for fans of MLP:FIM. You don't need to have read the other comics to enjoy these stories. I think these comics would be a great way to introduce the younger generation to comic books, so buy them for your children/younger siblings/nieces/nephews/etc. and enjoy the comics with them! 3/5


--Ashley

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Volume 2 - Paul's REVIEW

***I was provided an ecopy of this graphic novel from IDW Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review***

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Volume 2
Author: Heather Nuhfer
Illustrations: Amy Mebberson
Year Published: 2013

Ashley's REVIEW
My REVIEW of Volume 1
Ashley's REVIEW of Volume 1


Release Date: September 24, 2013

Synopsis: Get ready for another unforgettable adventure in the land of Equestria! Twilight Sparkle and gang are confronted with a perilous new danger in the form of a long-unseen enemy!

Review: Another adventure for the ponies of Ponyville. I always like the episodes when the ponies come together to help Princess Celestia save the kingdom. This volume depicts one of those epic adventures. 

Rarity has a leading role in this story which means Spike's infatuation for her is upfront and present. The ponies' adventure takes them to the Moon. Is Nightmare Moon back? 

I liked how we got to see the creatures of the Moon. The MLPFIM artwork is always so bright and fun. It's interesting to see how they depict darker creatures. 

Overall, this volume is about overcoming insecurities and working together. They prove that friendship really is magic. I suggest this to fans of the current tv series. These graphic novels would be an excellent way to introduce comics to a young reader. I give this volume a 3.5/5. I liked it more than the first volume. 

-PAUL

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Volume 2 by Heather Nuhfer & Amy Mebberson - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from IDW Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Volume 2
Author: Heather Nuhfer & Amy Mebberson
Year Published: 2013

My Review of Volume 1
Paul's Review of Volume 1

Synopsis: Get ready for another unforgettable adventure in the land of Equestria! Twilight Sparkle and gang are confronted with a perilous new danger in the form of a long-unseen enemy!

----------------------------------

Review: I really enjoyed the first volume of the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic comics (probably way more than I should have), so I was pretty stoked to find out that there was a second volume coming out. Because who doesn't love the ponies?! And they're up against an old enemy? Seriously, recipe for awesome right there. And yes, this series is totally a guilty pleasure that helps me to relive my childhood.

Compared to the first volume, these ponies are drawn more closely to what they look like in the show, so that was pretty neat. And all of the colors are just gorgeous and convey the moods that they're supposed to. When the ponies are in trouble, things get very dark and shadowy. When their friendship triumphs, the colors become more vibrant and welcoming. The artwork is beautiful, and made this comic a pleasure to read. And I definitely think it would hold the attention of a little kid who is just being introduced to comics and make them want to read more. 

The story is also really sweet. I mean, it does get a little scary at times, so I wouldn't recommend it for very young children, but I think any kid old enough to watch the show and not get scared should be fine. Plus, we get to see some familiar characters other than the Mane Six, and it's really interesting to have their stories developed a little more than what we already know. Luna is one of my favorite characters, and I loved that she had a bigger part in this volume than she's had since the Nightmare Moon episodes.

Like the show and the first volume, this set of comics is chock full of morals and lessons about life and love and friendship. It helps teach about insecurities and the power of working together and trusting your friends. Love is definitely the answer to overcoming fears and the baddies, as it always is with MLPFIM. I would definitely recommend this to fans of the show, and to young readers who are just getting started with comics and graphic novels. A 4/5 to this volume, and I can't wait to read more! 

--Ashley

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Volume 1 - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from IDW Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Volume 1
Author: Katie Cook, Andy Price
Year Published: 2013

Ashley's Review

Synopsis: Welcome to Ponyville, home of Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and all your other favorite Ponies!

 Something's not right in the town though, as some of the inhabitants are acting very, very strange. It’s up to the Mane Six to find the source of the weirdness before it’s too late!

Review: If you enjoy the tv series, you'll enjoy this comic. The art is very similar to the show. there are lots of colors and quite a few pages with so many details I found myself checking out what the background ponies were up to. The humor and dialogue is also very similar to the tv series. 

If you know a kid who loves the show, this would be a perfect way to introduce them to comic books! I'll give this graphic novel a 3/5, but that's only because it is childish and light. But, that's what My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is all about, teaching lessons in a really fun way. 


--Ashley

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Volume 1 by Katie Cook & Andy Price - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from IDW Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Volume 1
Author: Katie Cook, Andy Price
Year Published: 2013

Synopsis: Welcome to Ponyville, home of Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and all your other favorite Ponies!

 Something's not right in the town though, as some of the inhabitants are acting very, very strange. It’s up to the Mane Six to find the source of the weirdness before it’s too late!

Review: When I first heard that "My Little Pony" was going to be rebooted for television as "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic", I thought it was a really terrible idea. I mean, there have been some pretty awful incarnations of this franchise. But then, I decided to give it a chance... and I got hooked. And so, when I saw this comic available on NetGalley, I had to request it immediately. 

The ponies in this story are drawn a little differently than in the show, but it isn't too far off and I think it works in this medium. They're more cartoon-ish, but I guess that's what you get when you're not using a computer to animate. The story is predictable (because the Mane Six always win!), but it's nice and presents a good message nonetheless. They have to work past their differences and the trickery of Queen Chrysalis in order to make it to her kingdom and rescue the Cutie Mark Crusaders. 

I think any fan of the TV show will really enjoy this comic. I also think this would be a nice way to introduce younger children to the wonderful world of comics and graphic novels - give them something nice and easy to read, full of vibrant colors and their favorite characters. Boys and girls alike will enjoy this story (I mean, there are Bronies after all), and you don't have to be afraid of anything too scary or too mature for kids to handle.

Overall, I actually enjoyed this story more than I thought I was going to. I would definitely suggest buying the paperback version though, because reading an electronic copy of this was a little rough. I think comics are more effective in printed form anyway. A 3/5 from me. 


--Ashley