What is the appeal of MLP? (not hating)

[terrywood4 4]

Hello, I am a non-brony just trying to ask a group of my little pony fans, what is the appeal? If you can make me a brony, then I will understand, but I doubt that'd happen. 

 

Sincerely, Terry.

[Megas 27,062]

For me:

 

The characters, the writing, the charm, and the innocent, happy nature of the show

[terrywood4 4]

For me:

 

The characters, the writing, the charm, and the innocent, happy nature of the show

 

Well, can you show me what you mean? Because I am ignorant about that, thanks.

[Sunny Fox 5,929]

Great characters, fluid animation, humour, drama. And did I mention the great characters?

 

If you need more reasons, watch the show. You'll get it, or not. And no one can "make you" a brony. You choose it or you don't. Up to you. Good luck, and have fun, and whatever you decide, make sure you're being truthful to yourself.

[terrywood4 4]

Great characters, fluid animation, humour, drama. And did I mention the great characters.

 

If you need more reasons, watch the show. You'll get it, or not. And no one can "make you" a brony. You choose it or you don't. Up to you. Good luck, and have fun, and whatever you decide, make sure you're being truthful to yourself.

Can you recommend something then, like an episode, or something? I'm quite interested.

[Sunny Fox 5,929]

Can you recommend something then, like an episode, or something? I'm quite interested.

Try this thread, there will be some great recommendations there.

http://mlpforums.com/topic/11288-if-you-could-only-pick-one-episode-to-show-a-non-brony/

 

My personal recommendation? The two-part episode "Return of Harmony". 

[Roughshod 719]

The depth of the entire franchise and its fandom is what keeps me continually interested. There's so much there but also so much room for growth despite the seemingly shallow image it may present to those unfamiliar with it.

 

If you asked me to name one thing in particular I don't think I could give you a fair answer. There's many great things about My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

Edited November 9, 2014 by Roughshod

[newfrickinshow 100]

Well I found myself watching the show because I was trying to find programs to sit my nieces in front of when babysitting (not good with kids) and I found myself watching it without them around.  It was friendly, uplifting without being completely stupid.  I loved the sense of humor, the characters both had depth and grew as the seasons progress, and the show was child-friendly but not stupid like so many kids shows are.

 

I also love the liberal use of monsters out of Greek mythology (griffons, hydras, leviathans, chimeras, cockatrice, Cerberus, etc).

[[NULL] 906]

If you can make me a brony, then I will understand, but I doubt that'd happen.

 

Unfortunately, no one can be told what the appeal is. You have to see it for yourself.

Forced quotes aside, if you don't like the show, then you don't like the show. Nobody should make you like something.

 

For me, I've always liked the idea of something bad being remade into something good. That's probably the only reason I made it through the average first season, since I wanted it to be good.

My first impression of the show was not so great. I hated the puns (and still do to this day), and the theme song made me question why I'm even watching the show. Thankfully it got better after the first season, and now the puns and cutesy moments are downplayed. Don't get me wrong, I don't think the show is amazing, but I think it's improving, and I'm curious to see where it goes.

 

I know I said I didn't think season 1 was that great, but if you plan on investing a lot of time into MLP, I'd recommend you start from the first episode. I think that it would be more worthwhile to have seen the characters grow and develop. Also art is subjective, and you might even enjoy the first season more than I did.

Edited November 9, 2014 by SpaceOnion

[A Black Circle 1,585]

If you take the time to dig, you will find the most beautiful gems in the world, and you will shine to all of your peers.

[Tetrakemy 221]

It's just a really good wholesome show where the current generation was built from the ground up by a talented cartoonist to be a wonderful family show that is on par with some of the really great movies we would expect to see from Disney or other great animation studios. 

 

It has a talented voice actor cast that are wonderful singers and catchy and upbeat music that is well written or just fun to listen too. The characters have a lot of development and the cast of characters is larger in its 4 years its been around than every single character whom has ever appeared on the Simpsons, family guy, south park, and american dad combined. 

 

[碇 シンジン 27,427]

Ponies are great ! They have this magical imapct on me when I watch the show ! I don't know where it is coming from but when I see the colorful little beautiful creatures having fun on the screen . Something happens inside of me. It just makes me smile and it gives me happiness it is just so wonderful ! =)

 

[GenderIsAnIllusion 2,177]

I could go on about good characters, excellent writing, and very good animation till my fingers bleed..... But I wont.

 

When I first watched it, I thought the entire BRONY community was asenine..... But after watching episode 1.... I was smiling.... So I went on to episode 2...... Then 3, and 4..... It just gives me that warm fuzzy feeling, a sense of feel good if you will....... I do recomend giving it a try :3

[Celli 4,332]

Pretty much what everybody else has said. Though, might I ask, why you made an account here to ask that?

[Jangocoolguy 433]

- Not cutsie & condescending like most girls' cartoons

- Really good animation complete with vibrant colors and fluid movements

- Interesting, multi-faceted characters that play off each other well

- Fun, eventful, lively stories stories in a fantasy world where anything can happen

- Bringing musical numbers back!

- Some good ol' fashioned slapstick and wackiness in the style of Tex Avery and Old School Looney Tunes

- Pretty action packed for a girls' show

[CC_Maud_Pie 6,431]

- Good animation

- Likeable characters

- Meaningful in terms of what statement the show makes about friendship

[Mr Underhill 219]

In addition to all the other comments, I'd like to add that the show sends a message to young people that you can be anything you want to be and to heck with societal pressures. 

[Virgil 685]

-Some of the best Writing I have seen on a Television series in years

-A world and characters that reminds me of proper Fairy stories/ Fantasy ( Examples: Hans Christian Anderson, C.S. Lewis, or Tolkien)

-Excellent Comedy in the spirit of classic Tex Avery cartoons

 

And some of the appeal of MLP

 

reminds me of some of the same appeal I have for the Anime/Manga "Fruits Basket" in an odd way,

But I can't figure out why.....

[Applejackbumper 13]

It is so different from other shows. It isn't rainbows and kittens, their life's have downfalls

[They call me Loyalty 1,941]

It's cute, beautiful, and meaningful at the same time. It's not brain-dead (At least most of the times)

Well, that's one the reasons why I'm fond of this show. Besides, it reminds of something that actually never happened to me.

I guess that explains it to some degree.

[ShadOBabe 18,984]

Well it's a show with nice art and production values. And they only get better as the show gets more popular and Hasbro dumps more money into it.

 

Fun and varied characters. With REAL emotions and motivations.

I doubt you've seen any of the older MLP generations, but for the most part in those shows ALL the characters looked and acted exactly the same and there were no conflicts that had any weight to them. Even the most inconsequential problem in Friendship is Magic feels more important than the problems I've seen the characters in the previous gens deal with.

 

Production team that ADORES the entire fan base, and really works hard to make the show enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age or gender.

 

Expansive universe. Literally any mythical creature you know of is probably lurking somewhere in their world. But it's also comparatively modern and technologically advanced. Just about anything can happen there, so there's lots of story potential.

Edited November 28, 2014 by ShadOBabe

[Singe 2,109]

FIM is a show that has strong female centric characters. Most of the protagonists are female characters. They don't adhere to stereotypes, so only one is boy crazy and fashion. Most stories tend to revolve around daily life with some dramatic season premieres and finals.

 

Compared to cartoons today, there isn't really any other strong female cartoons like that around. It's either one of those high school themed drama cartoons or a goddess with constant personal issues.

Edited November 29, 2014 by Singe

[Visual Spectrum 1,932]

Being a stereotypical girl isn't a bad thing. Being like that BECAUSE it's the stereotypical girl is, but Rarity is a hopeless romantic because it's her nature, and she likes fashion because... well... she likes fashion. Don't make Rarity look bad for being "stereotypical girl." I hate people like that. 

 

Now, I can't say what the appeal is without repeating what everyone else said. Though maybe I could add that the fashionista isn't shallow and one dimensional like every other fashionista in any show out there. Also, Applejack is a farmer who can read. (There's a stereotype that farmers can't read, which I find ridiculous.)

 

 

The OP hasn't been on for a long time though. I doubt they're ever returning.  

[Guest90210 3,567]

To me, the appeal is in the distinct charm of the show. It has a plethora of likable, unique, and relatable characters. The setting is nothing short of gorgeous and expansive. It's generally well-written, using a healthy mix of humor and sincerity to make each episode feel special in it's own way. The colors are vibrant and interesting. The tone is joyous and exciting. Not to mention, the show does a great job at keeping the fan service at the right amount.

 

Another main draw of the show is actually the fandom itself. Viewing the show becomes an even more enjoyable experience once you're familiar with all of the fascinating things the fandom has done. Just look at Derpy for an example of a character heavily influenced by bronies.

[Plato's Pony 455]

I didn't become a brony from the show itself, but from all the beautiful fan art and music inspired by the show.  I used to be a big time anti-brony, in fact.  I decided to watch a few episodes, and found that some characters had very interesting personalities and have this mental conflict with themselves (i.e. Luna and Twilight) which makes for excellent character development, something you can't find in most kid's shows these days.