by Aaron Einhorn
So, it isn’t much of a secret that I am a “brony.” I happen to think that My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is one of the most fun shows on TV, and I am more than happy to share it with my daughters. I was lucky enough to meet with much of the vocal cast of the show to talk about Season Three (report coming soon!), and that was an awesome experience.
But the Ponies aren’t just at Comic Con to talk about another season of television. This year, for the first time, Hasbro had a “My Little Pony” exclusive figure available (which has long since sold out), and they announced, with IDW Publishing, that they will soon be bringing the first ever My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic comic series to comic stores.
Comic adaptations of cartoons are nothing new, but apparently this is the first time it’s happened for the ponies of Ponyville (or any other incarnation of the My Little Pony brand). The pedigree that IDW has announced looks good, so we’ll see where it goes. The one thing I do know, is that there will soon be a title that my daughters beg for each time I walk into the comic shop with them…
The full press release follows.
My Little Pony Gallops Into Comics
IDW Publishing and Hasbro, Inc. to produce first ever My Little Pony comics
At Comic-Con International, IDW Publishing and Hasbro, Inc. teamed up to announce the addition of yet another hugely successful brand to their portfolio. Based on the Hasbro characters from the popular My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic animated series, created by Hasbro Studios and currently airing on The HUB TV Network in the US, IDW’s MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC comics will offer all-new stories featuring the beloved ponies: TWILIGHT SPARKLE, PINKIE PIE, RARITY, FLUTTERSHY, RAINBOW DASH, and APPLEJACK.
“My Little Pony is a highly successful brand and we’re incredibly excited to have the opportunity to extend the franchise through this collaboration with Hasbro,” said IDW CEO and Publisher, Ted Adams. “We look forward to providing new stories for the fans and launching their favorite ponies into comic book form.”
Fans of the animated series will be excited to hear that the comics will stay true to its moral foundation, while providing themes and subject matter that older audiences can also appreciate. MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC will bring new adventures to the ponies as they help residents of Ponyville while learning memorable lessons about the meaning of friendship.
Coming in November 2012, the series will be written by Katie Cook (Gronk), who has previously worked on DC and Marvel Comics. Taking on the artistic duties is Andy Price (DC Legacy, Batman Archives), with special covers throughout the series by artists including Jill Thompson (Sandman, Beasts of Burden), Stephanie Buscema (Womanthology), and many more.
Hasbro’s My Little Pony brand was re-launched in 2003 and has brought fun, friendship & joy to millions of kids of all ages around the globe. The My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic animated series premiered on October 10, 2010, on The Hub TV Network, gaining much acclaim due to its brilliantly written plot lines, high quality graphics as well as the overarching message of friendship!
(Source: IDW Publishing)
