Written By: Jeremy Whitley
Artist: Andy Price
Colorist: Heather Breckel
Lettering By: Neil Uyetake
Cover Artist: Tony Fleecs
Published By: IDW Publishing
This is the prequel mini-series set before the My Little Pony Movie. It introduces the new threat facing Equestria, as the Storm King sets his sights on the magical kingdom. Alongside the Storm King, we get to meet those that both hinder and help the Mane Six in their mission to save their home.
Don’t allow the cover art at the beginning of the book to deceive you, there are some dark times ahead in this story. As we step away from the Land of Equestria, we venture into its neighbouring lands and across the sea. Different species roam here, and there is a massive culture shock as the normality of everyday pony life becomes a distant memory. Under the tyranny of the Storm King, many kingdoms have fallen, their treasures stolen from them. Seeking out immense power and riches, instead of a kingdom to rule, the Storm King’s one track mind has blindsided him when it comes to those whom he must trust. Events escalate, bringing about a great danger that not even the Sun and Moon Princesses can defeat.
This mini-series has its dark moments, showing us that magic has a place in Equestria only, and how the rest of the world avoids it.
There is immense action in this mini-series, and it is a great addition before we set off to see the film on the big screen. Although this mini-series isn’t a must read before watching the film, it does help with the build-up and getting accustomed to the characters before the main event. For instance, in this comic you get to see the comical side to the Storm King, although we do not get to see how he turned out to be an evil ape. The best back story, however, is for Capper. We see how he made his way to Kluge Town, having already barely escaped the Storm King’s troops. We also meet Tempest, a unicorn who looks out only for herself, after having left Equestria behind in search of finding a magic so strong, that it could repair her broken horn.
This comic certainly builds up the excitement ahead of the cinematic release. The front cover includes all the main characters that are in the film, but includes some that are not even in this comic collection. For instance, the merponies only appear in the film. The cover does add to the excitement as it prepares us for the worldwide film release. The comic is illustrated by Andy Price, and I personally adore his work. It perfectly captures every character’s attitude in their designs, bringing it as close to the animation used in the show as possible. Luckily for him, there were dozens of new characters never before drawn in the comics to experiment with. Going by their looks and design you can instantly imagine how each of them would speak. This is sometimes a risky undertaking as it gives the reader an impression of the character, such as the Storm King, in their mind before they see him in action in the film.
Let me know in the comments below, what you thought of this comic and how excited you are for the movie.
Overall: 9/10
