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Friendship is Magic: Rarity Goes Overboard. Derpy Hooves is Still Canon.

SabreMauSabreMau ネトゲしよう판다리아Registered User regular
edited February 2011 in Social Entropy++
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  • "What? Why is this popular? We're not 7-year-old girls."
Yeah, this was kind of a surprise. First, a little background. The My Little Pony franchise started nearly 30 years ago, because little girls like ponies, little girls like dolls, and they really liked pony dolls. Anthropologists may debate why they do, but marketers didn't worry why because they sold millions of the things. With the 80s being the 80s, when you had successful toys, you had cartoons based on those toys. And when you had a cartoon based on something primarily for little girls, you cooked up the cutesiest, fluffiest, pinkest, most inoffensive-to-toddler-eyes thing your animators could come up with:
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Yeah. So this is what came to mind when you thought "My Little Pony". Supremely saccharine girls' toys. Not much at all to appeal to anyone over the age of 10, unless they were nostalgic over their own childhood pony collection.
  • "So, why do people like ponies now?"
To be clear, the inexplicable surge in popularity among people who aren't in the standard MLP demographic has nothing to do with the aforementioned series. Those cartoons were and remain mostly kiddie shows without much plot, characterization, or thought put into them. That changed right about the time Lauren Faust got hired to do the new series. Lauren's filmography includes animation work on some WB films (Cats Don't Dance, Quest for Camelot, The Iron Giant), writing and directing for The Powerpuff Girls, and she was the head writer and supervising producer of Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. Then, she was given the job of executive producer for the new My Little Pony, and wanted to shake things up:
I was extremely skeptical at first about taking the job. Shows based on girls' toys always left a bad taste in my mouth, even when I was a child. They did not reflect the way I played with my toys. I assigned my ponies and my Strawberry Shortcake dolls distinctive personalities and sent them on epic adventures to save the world. On TV, though, I couldn't tell one girl character from another and they just had endless tea parties, giggled over nothing and defeated villains by either sharing with them or crying–which miraculously inspired the villain to turn nice. Even to my 7-year-old self, these shows made no sense and couldn't keep my interest. No wonder the boys at school laughed at my Rainbow Unicorn Trapper Keeper.

From what I've seen since I've grown up, little has changed. To look at the quality of most girls' cartoons, it would seem that not one artist really cared about them. Not one designer, not one background painter, not one animator. Some of the more well-meaning, more expensive animated productions for girl audiences may look better, but the female characters have been so homogenized with old-fashioned “niceness” that they have no flaws and are unrelatable. They are so pretty, polite and perfect; there is no legitimate conflict and nothing exciting ever happens. In short, animated shows for little girls come across as boring. Stupid. Lame.

This perception, more than anything, is what I am trying to change with My Little Pony.

And so last October, the newest pony series, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic debuted. And things changed.
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As before, you've still got cute little ponies that your little sisters, daughters, or nieces can enjoy. Unlike before, regular animation fans found it...entertaining. The plots weren't stupid, the animation was well-done, the characters actually had characterization, the voice acting was quality, the humor was surprisingly un-lame, and the whole thing arrived as a character-driven production that not only appealed to the kids, but DIDN'T offend the intelligence of older viewers.
  • "This story of ponies intrigues me. Where can it be found?"
It airs Fridays at 10:30 AM Pacific, 1:30 PM Eastern on The Hub. If you haven't heard of it, you're not alone. It's a relatively new cable channel that premiered last October, replacing Discovery Kids. Since it's not available in all areas, there's a Youtube channel that gets episodes online shortly after they air, and another one that posts higher-quality episodes a week or so later.

And recent episodes are also available for viewing off The Hub's official site. As of right now, we're 16 episodes into a 26-episode first season.
  • "That's a lot to watch. Shall the next section be a quick reference?"
I think it shall. Here are the main characters. Cut-and-pasted from another forum (with attribution) because I've been typing for a long while.
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Twilight Sparkle: The de facto leader of our central cast. A unicorn who’s extremely book smart and good at magic, but is a bit new to this “social life” thing. She’s been assigned by her boss, Princess Celestia, to study the “magic of friendship” in Ponyville, which is the excuse for the plots-of-the-week and the Mork Calling Orson bits at the end of each episode.

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Spike: Twilight’s assistant/friend/baby dragon/personal mail system. Though he’s supposed to be helping Twilight study magic, his job is mostly to provide snark. He’s also one of only two legacy characters in the series, thanks to Hasbro losing the licenses to the old ponies. The other one is...

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Applejack: An earth pony who is proprietor and operator of Sweet Apple Acres, an orchard outside of town. Applejack is stubborn, blunt, and not much given to subtlety, but she’s also honest, reliable, and as faithful a friend as you could ask for.

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Rainbow Dash: A pegasus pony who LOVES to fly--preferably fast, and flashy. Rainbow Dash is in charge of keeping Ponyville’s weather under control, and though she’s a bit proud and insensitive at times, she cares deeply for her friends, and would never leave them--except maybe in her dust.

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Pinkie Pie: Pinkie Pie is an earth pony who is the living embodiment of a sugar rush. She loves to party, and celebration seems to follow her like a wake behind a ship. If she has an off button, it hasn’t been found yet--but though she can be a bit irritating, she’s always a joy to have around.

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Rarity: Rarity is a unicorn who is all about the fashion. She runs a fashion shop of her own in Ponyville, and is quite the artiste. She’s somewhat posh and a bit of a perfectionist, which can lead to her clashing with the down-to-earth Applejack, but if her friends or town need her, Rarity always pulls through.

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Fluttershy: Fluttershy is a pegasus pony who is quite literally scared of her own shadow. She’s timid, quiet, and, well, shy, which makes her ideal for her job of working with animals, but despite her own fears she’s always willing to help out, providing that little bit of kindness wherever it’s needed.

Together they get into hi-jinx, laugh, cry, squabble, and save the world once or twice. Just like any other group of friends, huh?

So, there you have it. A thread to discuss the show instead of derailing other threads discussing the show. It's definitely not for everyone, but it's a fun little series that's far surpassed nearly every expectation held for it.
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SabreMau on
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Posts

  • KrunkMcGrunkKrunkMcGrunk Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Sabre, part of me wants to thread shit. But the other part of me knows that I can't hate on My Little Pony.

    KrunkMcGrunk on
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  • JordynJordyn Really, Commander? Probing Uranus. Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    oh god for a second I thought there were TWO webcomics about My Little Ponies.

    Jordyn on
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    JordynNolz.com <- All my blogs (Shepard, Wasted, J'onn, DCAU) are here now!
  • crwthcrwth THAT'S IT Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    oh god sabre you've done it

    you've really done it

    crwth on
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  • skettiosskettios Enchanted ForestRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    I... feel the need... to watch this show..

    skettios on
  • SolarSolar Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    The threshold has been crossed

    the Horsemen (ponymen?) are upon us

    The Apocalypse is nigh!

    Solar on
  • LanglyLangly Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    that dragon's mustache is pretty awesome though

    Langly on
  • skettiosskettios Enchanted ForestRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Didn't know it was made by the person who did powerpuff girls.
    I'm sold. Checking this out soon.

    skettios on
  • LiiyaLiiya Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    My Little Pony, there's no place like Ponyland!:whistle:

    Liiya on
  • BeastehBeasteh THAT WOULD NOT KILL DRACULARegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    there are probably more overweight late 20s neckbeards that watch this show than little girls

    just ssj3

    Beasteh on
  • Munkus BeaverMunkus Beaver You don't have to attend every argument you are invited to. Philosophy: Stoicism. Politics: Democratic SocialistRegistered User, ClubPA regular
    edited February 2011
    oh God I have diabetes

    Munkus Beaver on
    Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but dies in the process.
  • CrashmoCrashmo Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    there is a steam group about this show

    they call each other bronies

    Crashmo on
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  • HunterHunter Chemist with a heart of Au Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    First Thundercats and now this. My childhood is being rehashed.

    Hunter on
  • UnbrokenEvaUnbrokenEva HIGH ON THE WIRE BUT I WON'T TRIP ITRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    maybe they'll make thundercats not suck this time around too

    UnbrokenEva on
  • HunterHunter Chemist with a heart of Au Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    We'll be lucky if Thudercats is as good as the original, which is already setting the bar at retarded.

    Hunter on
  • KrunkMcGrunkKrunkMcGrunk Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Beasteh wrote: »
    there are probably more overweight late 20s neckbeards that watch this show than little girls

    just ssj3

    I jerk off to the thought of Twilight Sparkle and Spike hooking up

    KrunkMcGrunk on
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  • Viscount IslandsViscount Islands [INSERT SoKo HERE] ...it was the summer of my lifeRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Well I cannot begrudge another's tastes.

    Viscount Islands on
    I want to do with you
    What spring does with the cherry trees.
  • TheySlashThemTheySlashThem Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    yes this is what I want

    TheySlashThem on
  • MysstMysst King Monkey of Hedonism IslandRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Hunter wrote: »
    We'll be lucky if Thudercats is as good as the original, which is already setting the bar at retarded.

    I never understood Mumra

    like, maybe he should have been wrapped in quilted two-ply

    Mysst on
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  • SabreMauSabreMau ネトゲしよう 판다리아Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    I jerk off to the thought of Twilight Sparkle and Spike hooking up

    2vhu6br.jpg

    (he already ships himself with Rarity)

    SabreMau on
  • MysstMysst King Monkey of Hedonism IslandRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    spike is a fuckin' boss, I gotta say

    Mysst on
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  • TheySlashThemTheySlashThem Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Solar wrote: »
    The threshold has been crossed

    the Horsemen (ponymen?) are upon us

    The Apocalypse is nigh!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIY41LrvMFQ

    TheySlashThem on
  • BeastehBeasteh THAT WOULD NOT KILL DRACULARegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    someone post that comic where it was all a dream and they are infact human girls with enormous tits

    Beasteh on
  • cadmunkycadmunky One hand on the bottle, The other a shaking fist.Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    this does not bode well for me.

    cadmunky on
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    "Think of it as Evolution in Action"
  • MysstMysst King Monkey of Hedonism IslandRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Beasteh wrote: »
    someone post that comic where it was all a dream and they are infact human girls with enormous tits

    that's how i prefer my ponies, I tell you what

    Mysst on
    ikbUJdU.jpg
  • SupraluminalSupraluminal Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Solar wrote: »
    The threshold has been crossed

    the Horsemen (ponymen?) are upon us

    The Apocalypse is neigh!

    8-)

    Supraluminal on
  • PiptheFairPiptheFair Frequently not in boats. Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Hunter wrote: »
    First Thundercats and now this. My childhood is being rehashed.

    uh

    why was my little pony part of your childhood

    PiptheFair on
  • SabreMauSabreMau ネトゲしよう 판다리아Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Well, in those days, there were only 4-5 channels, so if it was time for Saturday morning cartoons, you couldn't be too picky.

    SabreMau on
  • PikaPuffPikaPuff Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    SabreMau wrote: »
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    Ok that's pretty awesome. Especially since it beat out Big Time Rush, which I see all my cousins watching all the time.

    Also, most of the posts in this thread are gold and it's hard holding in my laughter at work.
    SabreMau wrote: »
    Spike: Twilight’s assistant/friend/baby dragon/personal mail system. Though he’s supposed to be helping Twilight study magic, his job is mostly to provide snark. He’s also one of only two legacy characters in the series, thanks to Hasbro losing the licenses to the old ponies. The other one is... [...] Applejack:
    I might just be misreading this, but aren't Princess Celestia, Princess Twilight, and Nitemare Moon also "Legacy"? I don't really know what that means either, it means they were in the original shows, right? :oops:

    PikaPuff on
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  • KrunkMcGrunkKrunkMcGrunk Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    SabreMau wrote: »
    I jerk off to the thought of Twilight Sparkle and Spike hooking up

    2vhu6br.jpg

    (he already ships himself with Rarity)

    Unnffff ugggghhhhhhh
    ohhhhh

    you're a peach, Sabre

    KrunkMcGrunk on
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  • PikaPuffPikaPuff Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    SabreMau wrote: »
    I jerk off to the thought of Twilight Sparkle and Spike hooking up
    2vhu6br.jpg

    (he already ships himself with Rarity)
    Twilight x Rainbow Dash OTP

    PikaPuff on
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  • skettiosskettios Enchanted ForestRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    wait, they're remaking thundercats too?
    what is going on

    skettios on
  • MysstMysst King Monkey of Hedonism IslandRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    what were the thundercats doing, anyway? were they even trying to get back home?

    Mysst on
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  • CrashmoCrashmo Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    maybe they will make Thundercats worth watching this time around

    and not as a joke

    Crashmo on
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  • BahamutZEROBahamutZERO Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Mysst wrote: »
    what were the thundercats doing, anyway? were they even trying to get back home?

    I think their home planet blew up? I don't remember.

    BahamutZERO on
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  • Viscount IslandsViscount Islands [INSERT SoKo HERE] ...it was the summer of my lifeRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Snarf snarf

    Viscount Islands on
    I want to do with you
    What spring does with the cherry trees.
  • BahamutZEROBahamutZERO Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    What the fuck is a samophlange?!

    BahamutZERO on
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  • TiBTiB Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Oh, thank God I am not the only one excited about this.

    I loved My Little Ponies

    I also loved Thundercats, but I am not so excited about the remake

    TiB on
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  • MegalomaniageekMegalomaniageek Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Solar wrote: »
    The threshold has been crossed

    the Horsemen (ponymen?) are upon us

    The Apocalypse is neigh!

    8-)

    <3
    <3 this thread

    Megalomaniageek on
  • YaYaYaYa Decent. Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    okay I really really enjoyed the pilot of this

    oh god

    I have the gay

    it's everywhere

    also am I nuts or is the voices in this basically a PPG reunion

    e: huh just Wiki'd it, turns out that the only voice actress to be in both was Tara Strong!

    weird

    YaYa on
  • Shock GShock G Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    I love the shit out of this show

    Shock G on
This discussion has been closed.