Written By: Thom Zahler
Artist: Toni Kuusisto
Colorist: Heather Breckel
Lettering By: Neil Uyetake
Cover By: Toni Kuusisto
Published By: IDW Publishing
Fluttershy is an animal activist and looks after all creatures, no matter how dangerous they may be. Our timid Fluttershy comes into contact with a powerful amulet, that switches her personality with that of any animal around her. Although it begins as a harmless daytime nap on the couch, her attitude turns ferocious as she begins to lose herself. Can her friends figure it all out in time and come up with a solution?
This was quite a good story for Fluttershy, once again showing her dark personality later in the issue, which was just as scary as back when she was Flutterbat. Although all her trouble began when she accidentally stepped on the once long lost amulet belonging to Starswirl, I would have liked to know where it has been all these past centuries for it to only now turn up on Fluttershy’s Animal Sanctuary. Although we are missing the majority of the Amulets backstory, this issue was well laid out. The story was smoothly laid out, even with the chaotic events surrounding the corrupted Fluttershy.
All of the Mane Six feature in this issue, along with the return of Fluttershy’s stylist brother Zephyr. Not the most dependable of ponies, but even whilst calling upon his sister’s home unannounced, he proceeded to feed the animals after noticing their hunger. We may just be seeing another side to Zephyr’s personality.
With Fluttershy under an ancient spell, with little to no knowledge known of the power the amulet holds, there is not much that Twilight can do without the proper research. However there is no time to waste, as Fluttershy is almost lost in the madness. With a surprising conclusion, that certainly allowed for one small character to shine, it was indeed a satisfying ending to this short tale.
Issue 73 was illustrated by Toni Kuusisto, who not only illustrated the entire issue but also the Cover A. Now I do love all three of these cover arts in their own right, Cover A shows Fluttershy acting fierce, which is more than likely after she has become affected by the Amulet. Cover B is by the ever talented Sara Richard, back once more with her pastel artwork. This time our sincere and sweet Fluttershy is sheltering some little ducklings form the pouring rain, without any such concern for herself. Lastly we have Cover RI by Thom Zahler, Fluttershy is enjoying her cat nap on top of her new feline tower. It’s just too purr-fect.
This was certainly a great issue all round and one well worth picking up & adding to your collection. If you can’t find this back issue in your local comic book store, then rest assure you can buy it digitally on the IDW Publishing website.
Overall: 9/10
