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*

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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.

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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*

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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!

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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