Swoop

A while back I had a similar discussion regarding my affinity for MLP. Like many, what caught and maintained my interest for the show went past that of the noticable break in the 'girls show' cookie cutter mould established by the previous generations, and the influence of the fanbase itself. To reiterate, here was my thoughts on the matter: To me, as well as many others, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, is a welcome breath of fresh air to a stagnant market. The series doesn't adhere to either male or female stereotypes, but instead settles itself in a mid-ground that has attracted such a diverse and varying fan-base that I never previously would have thought possible. What really caught my attention to MLP:FIM, is that the show possesses some of the most unique and distinctive animation styles out there today, in comparison to other cartoons of similar nature. Take these screenshots for example. While many animation series tend to recycle backgrounds to the point where they appear indistinctive, in almost every scene within the MLP series, there is a degree of variance; houses manage to appear analogous yet distinguishable in their own right, and add to the depth and beauty of each scene. Sure, you could argue that I'm rambling about features that one doesn't necessarily focus on in a cartoon, but honestly, that's what most bronies love to do. We love to pick apart scenes right down to the tiny details, heck, even the animators of the show recognised this and regularly chuck in little easter eggs for our community to find! All in all, Hasbro has brought a welcome and innovative change to the field of cartoon animation, and the fact that this came for the last franchise I would have ever imagined, makes it all the more commendable. As for attempting to explain my fondness for the show (to those who can only perceive it from an entirely different perspective), I generally recommend that they watch a least an episode or two before listening to all of my reasonings; that way they can at least relate to what I'm trying to convey, granting me a bit more of a scope to work with. All in all, trying to justify watching a show that the majority of society expects you to recoil to in inordinate horror to, is a tricky feat to say the least. However, with a bit of perseverance and guidance, in combination with a good measure of love and tolerance, it's possible to win over even the most ill-informed anti-brony.

This episode is soon due to air. All related episode discussion can be posted in this thread.

It would be brilliant if they titled either the newspaper or the gossip column 'Equestria Daily', or had Scootaloo live up to her 'Stalkerloo' Tumblr alter-ego. Fanon nods or otherwise, I'm all for hearing about the latest rumours and scandals in and around Ponyville, and judging from the previous CMC episodes this season, I doubt I'll be disappointed with this one.

How the Nightmare Moon pilot standoff should have gone.

Well, you know a song must be good when they can chuck in a heap of mortifying puns without making you instinctively cringe. Needless to say this intro has my upmost approval; a cheerful, refreshing little twist on the original.

If we take a look at the IMDB episode synopsis list, the following is quoted for season 1 episode 2: To stop Nightmare Moon, Twilight Sparkle, Spike and some locals must find the Elements of Harmony. ​Additionally, if we refer to the synopsis posted on Wikipedia, we're met with this description: "Nightmare Moon", the pony described by the legends Twilight Sparkle had discovered, has returned from her banishment, and Princess Celestia does not attend the celebration. However, Twilight Sparkle and the other ponies she befriended learn of the "Elements of Harmony", a set of 6 artifacts which could help defeat her. The term 'Nightmare' is also depicted as a single word in the oxford dictionary, and there is currently no pony (which has been given a canon name at least) that has a three word name. While I personally have no problem using either variant of of her name (particularly the latter if I want to emphasise the play-on words), from what I can gather, Nightmare Moon is probably her canon title, but then again, it still is a little hazy either way.

We actually have a forum Brony census, which covers individuals' ages, as well as a few other details in a poll. I advise you check that out. Edit: Merged this topic into the census to minimise clutter. To re-rail the topic and to reiterate, I'm an 18 year old male myself, so I fit quite nicely into the predominant demographic.

Voice and animation aside, I must say that the principle of changing the episode irks me. It's such a shame to see that complaints have compelled Hasbro to change parts of the show, just to satisfy those petty-minded few who go out of their way to misinterpret aspects of MLP and label them as offensive. This video goes to show that the Brony community has a substantial influence over the series, which of course, is a wonderful thing. But when it comes to the point where Hasbro has to change the show just to satisfy our demographic? Disappointing to say the least. Those who attempt to stigmatise and protest against MLP need to be reminded that this is not a show for Bronies, but one for children. Some people truly need to wake up be thankful, rather than aiming to find fault at Hasbro's expense.

Princess Luna, primarily for her aesthetic design (I have a bias for cerulean blues). While In all honesty I do prefer the fanon portrayals of Luna, to me, her canon personality still comes off as more interesting and appealing than that of Celestia's 'paragon of virtue' nature.

Well, that was quite an imposing episode to say the least. Let's review what we just witnessed: Ponies jumping on rooftops, trees and everything in-between. Inner abstractions of pinkies brain portrayed via felt. A literal Welcome Wagon complete with cake and confetti. Miniature Derpy snow-globes made in Manehatten. Amazing D'aww faces from all ends of the emotional spectrum. Four songs that almost dislocated my jaw from smiling so much. A donkey that reminded me of gloomy Eeyore from Winnie-the-Pooh. Pinkie spontaneously obtaining missile propulsion abilities as a result of immense happiness. And a hell of a lot more - just another typical, smile-worthy Pinkie episode I suppose ^.^Now, time for me to go sweep up what's left of the 4th wall.

Looks as though the rational side of Pinkie's brain works in felt. Nice! XP