Heather Nuhfer

Thank you to Diamond Book Distributors for providing me with a electronic review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love MLP. I'm definitely one of the many faithful viewers of the TV show, and, like all of us I was crushed at the end of the season. How could I wait so LONG for the next season? Well, fellow bronies I have a solution for ya. Pick up and read these graphic novels! No, they're not only for kids. Pshaw, is the show only for kids? NO, it's not. It's lessons transcend age. show more It's awesome.

So now that's out of the way I want to discuss why I loved Vol. 2 better than Vol. 1. *ensue collective gasp*
There was way more depth to the story. It felt singular and the characters were exactly like they are portrayed on the show. True, in Vol. 1 they were similar; but they had some campy traits that I actually didn't love. It made the story feel slightly forced. But whatever else made the first volume a little off key-- the creators/artists/writers/collective team made a bold step forward with part 2.

The great thing about these graphic novels too is that you can just jump in at volume 2 if you want. Never seen the show? No problem, open a crisp new comic and you know what My Little Pony is about. That's what I love and that's why I strongly recommend it for you AND your kids/nieces/nephews/grand kids.

Still not convinced? OK, here are the "morals of the story" that I found present:
> Self-esteem-
> Friendship - THE theme of MLP. After all, it's in the title; My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic .
> Love - Another ever-present theme in MLP. Love is the key ingredient of friendship. If you truly love someone, there will always be a trait you cherish the most -- and all you have to do if a loved one is annoying you is to remember that love able trait(s).
> Guilt -Don't let guilt over your mistakes stop you for correcting them. Be brave (like Princess Moonbeam).
> Second chances - Those you love and who love you; will forgive you if you make a mistake. Even if your mistake ends up hurting them, all you have to do is ask for forgiveness and you can have a second (or even third!) chance. show less

Literary Merit: Fair
Characterization: Good
Level: 5-8 grade
Recommendation: Yes

All Veronica wants is to be in the the cool group at school, but when she develops weird superpowers (which she refers to as stupidpowers) where her emotions manifest in very real ways, things get a little complicated. Between disappearing, shrinking, blowing fire, and her own personal thundercloud, Veronica teams up with her best friend to try to fix her stupidpower problem before it ruins her chance to join the show more cool group and before it can cause problems at home with her dad. With the big dance looming ahead and her weird powers amplifying, the stress may cause everything in her life to implode.

Overall, this book had similar premise to a lot of books, but I did love several specific aspects. First, I appreciated the diversity of the characters, which is sometimes rare in MG. I also appreciate the fact that the main character (a girl) had a great friendship with her best friend (a boy) without there being any dramatic romantic tension between them. And, though, I did get some Carrie style vibes at the end, I liked that this story had a much happier and positive ending. show less

This book was definitely tailored to the older audience of my little pony. We find out so much more about some of the characters, and the Doctor Who references are everywhere! I absolutely loved this book!!

I'm not ashamed to admit it.

MLP was my childhood show, like some people watched the Ninja Turtles or Beetlejuice.

I love the Ponies of my childhood... Hell, I still like them. But their image has changed from when I was little. Much thinner and... Sexier (shudder). Seriously, Luna went from thin, to legs-the-size-of-sticks as Nightmare Moon. It was scary. I don't remember my ponies being so... Sexualized.

At least they left Spike the same as always. Thank goodness there wasn't a sexy baby show more dragon running around.

Makes me want to go watch the MLP movie... Because I am so disappointed in the revamp.

And with that said, I think I'll just leave this here...



ARC courtesy of Diamond Book Distributors, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. show less