Written by Ted Anderson
Art by Agnes Garbowska
Color assist by Lauren Perry
Published by IDW Publishing
My Little Pony Friends Forever # 21 has Spike and Zacora dare to solve a problem of an unknown illness. Writer Ted Anderson crafts a plot which flows with a good pace and has tender character movements. Artist Agnes Garbowska and color assistant Lauren Perry produce gentle colors and fitting mood in the art to support Anderson’s tale. For the readers who love My Little Pony Friendship is Magic or need something for a young child, My Little Pony Friends Forever # 21 is a heartwarming comic about belonging and friendship.
The comic opens with Spike rushing to see Zecora to ask for her help. Zecora questions the young dragon to find what is the matter in town. Spike tells Zecora about how in Ponyville there is case of a mysterious outbreak among the ponies. In fact, all of the ponies in town are infected. Spike needs Zecora help in find the source, because the Canterlot Disease Corps. will not be arriving in Ponyville for days. Zecora agrees to help the others as best as she can. Together Zecora and Spike check on the ill ponies and try to reach a conclusion about the cause of illness. All the while both Zecora and Spike wonder why they have been spared from the outbreak.
Perry and Garbowska make up the appeal of the comic with their gentle attention to details with muted colors to scenes and brilliant character expressions. The artwork shines with a muted color concept with the areas of all the sick ponies. It is a very real contrast to the usually bright and cheery feel of Ponyville. Furthermore, the brighter areas of the comic such as Zecora’s tent and the forest really pop out to the reader and adds to the oddity of the illness to Ponyville. The expressions and motions of Spike and Zecora add greatly to the writing of the plot. The artwork can make it clear both Spike and Zecora are trying their hardest to solve the mystery of the illness as shown by their tired expression after they have cared for everypony in town. Perry and Garbowska add to the impact of Anderson’s writing.
At the real heart and soul of the comic comes Anderson with his writing of character moments and mystery. Anderson shows he cares for the characters dialogue as he ensures beauty in the speech of Zecora. Zecora’s nature of speaking in rhyme never comes off as forced or tiresome. Also, the greatest strength of Anderson’s writing is the heartwarming character moments between Zecora and Spike. Zecora and Spike exploring the concept of being outsiders in an all pony town, while feeling like they can sort of relate to their pony counterparts. The execution of the concept is excellent as the reader gets insight into Zecora’s and Spike’s feelings on the subject. Anderson keeps the story going with the amount of mystery surrounding the illness as he makes Zecora and Spike really put in a lot of footwork. The two characters work hard to reach for the answers they need to help their friendship. Overall, the plot and character moments flow readily without much delay in the action.
The action of the plot to save Ponyville and the strong character moments makes this comic a strong piece to read. Perry’s and Garbowska’s artwork sells the tender scenes of the characters and gives the characters a special bit of magic in their coloring. Anderson’s writing will bring all of the intrigue and heartfelt emotions with his sweet Zecora and Spike scenes. Pick up a copy today!
Rating: 10/10
