Written By: Thom Zahler
Artist: Agnes Garbowska
Cover Artists: Agnes Garbowska, Sara Richard, Thom Zahler
Colorist: Heather Breckel
Lettering By: Neil Uyetake
Published By: IDW Publishing
The quest for the Magenta Bloom sees Twilight, Fluttershy, Zecora and their new friend Cattail on the search for the magical flower that is rumored to cure any ailment. Following the notes left behind by the legendary Enchantress Mage Meadowbrook, their journey takes them to Fillydelphia. As Princess Twilight becomes fixated on finding the flower, she starts to put herself into some real danger.
This story takes place not long after Legends of Magic Issue #6 was released, which featured the legend of Mage Meadowbrook. Now, her descendant Cattail alongside Fluttershy, Zecora and Princess Twilight are on a mission to discover the Magenta Bloom. Having uncovered some undelivered letters from Meadowbrook’s past, they seek out the living descendant of its recipient. After arriving in Fillydelphia, they find the path that will lead them to their prize.
The most surprising character in this tale is the descendent of Aqua Vine, the recipient of Meadowbrook’s letters. Aqua Vine was a great horticulturist, who had a shared interest in finding the Magenta Bloom. His passion for greenery has been passed down to the most ‘recent bud’ in the family tree, Ms Vine. In this story, we may have seen the start of a close friendship, or even something more, between Ms Vine and Cattail. Hopefully it won’t be the last we see of these two ponies.
Twilight and her friends pick up the search for the medicinal plant that could perhaps be a turning point in both medical and magical history. However, it is all hypothetical until they can carry out experiments with the plant. It is a dangerous route to the flower; what looks like an easy flight for any alicorn to just go and grab the flower, is instead a death trap due to the harsh ocean winds around the coast. Twilight becomes fixated on acquiring the plant, wanting to leave a legacy behind that will outlive her. This is a haunting notion, but one that is very significant for her character development. However, she is soon brought back down to earth when the hunt for the flower on the coastal cliffs puts her in immense danger. Thankfully, she realises in time, and those around her come quickly to her rescue.
This issue is available in three cover arts, with Agnes Garbowska providing cover A pictured at the top of this review (Garbowska is also the artist for this story). Agnes has created a very interesting piece, depicting both Twilight and Fluttershy on a vine as it circles around the Magenta Bloom. The issue itself is brilliantly done, as it leaves no background unfilled, and gives us the introduction of a few new characters. Cover B is by Sara Richard, who returns once more with her coloring pencil, ‘dream like’ art style. In it, we see Twilight battling her way towards the flower, in what looks to be some rough winds. This is definitely the best cover to represent this story after reading it. Lastly, we have cover C by Thom Zahler, writer of this issue. It is a colorful piece that shows Fluttershy and Zecora accompanying the Princess, whilst standing on top of the flower that they are seeking.
This is an interesting tail and one that is a must-own if you are a fan of the Legends of Magic mini-series. We see some new characters, a possible discovery of what could be the greatest find in Equestrian history and a hard lesson to learn for Princess Twilight.
Overall: 9/10
