What was the last attempt a dying franchise alive, Lauren Faust was signed on the executive producer along with a talented crew of animation artists from Vancouver and storyboarders (M A Larson, Amy Keating Rogers, etc). From their the crew, they put time and effort into crafting their world, the animation and the characters that inhabited it. Lauren played a big part in this as she used parts of her own childhood dreams/stories/adventures to better write each one of the Mane 6 ( the six main characters of the show).

The show was better supported by other talented voice actors (Tabitha St Germain, Tara Strong, etc) and even its songs written by Daniel Ingram. After Friendship Is Magic had finally aired, Hasbro and the MLP staff were surprised by the support of the show. Not just from their young female demographic, but even to male fans that were beginning to appear.

Since then, the MLP franchise has achieved 7 full seasons and well on its way to airing a full length theater movie. And even underneath that is an endless sea of fanart, videogames, cosplay, figurines, conventions, charities and even more then one might imagine a show about ponies has reached (even Berrytube, lol).

This all comes back to the show’s creative aspect. For what lack of creativity could have been put towards making a cheap/cash-in product, a success like Star Wars could have just been another silly science fiction movie and easily passed off. Even the previous generations of My Little Pony didn’t feature much interest to anybody outside the young female demographic (and a few figurine collectors). Just take a look at what the Third Generation of My Little Pony provided. Nothing more than bright pink, cutesy faces and a very simple look meant to entertain babies.

And I know this show isn’t for everyone. As with any medium, it’s all subjective. I wouldn’t find it fair to shove this material (or any material) in anybody’s face and demand they accept it for its “perfection.”

From my own standpoint this show has greatly inspired me as artist, introduced me to some amazing new friends, and opened up the idea of how amazing ideas/animation can from anywhere. As Disney manages speaks to fans of all ages, a show about “pretty pink ponies” managed to inspire, drive and encourage alot of people on the importance of friendship.

Still, I think I find it most enjoyable when approaching fans of MLP and asking them, “Did you ever expect to enjoy watching a show about cartoon ponies?” practically every response back (and mine too) is, “Never in a million years.” And, here we are. ^O^

Later,

MLP © Hasbro/Lauren Faust
Oct 5, 2017