Graphic Novel Review: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic vol.2 by Heather Nuhfer

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Volume 2 by Heather Nuhfer

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Publication Date: September 24, 2013

With thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.

If you're new to the new My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, or are disturbed by all that talk of bronies, check out my review of volume one for an explanation of why you should be watching and/or reading this.

Volume two of the comic book series does not pick up where the last volume left off. Much like the show, the volumes contain completely separate story arcs, however, like the show, they do build on the overall lore being formed within the series.

In this case, the powers of Nightmare we met in season one are back, attacking Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy in their dreams by presenting them with their greatest fears. Rarity succumbs to her fear and is kidnapped to the moon.

Princess Celestia and her sister Luna, come to Ponyville to help stop the bad guys, but Luna, formerly known as Nightmare Moon who destroyed Ponyville under the influence of Nightmare, is very uncertain about her contribution to the efforts. But true to form, the ponies put their faith in her and show her that friendship truly is magic as they set out to save Rarity.

Pinkie Pie by OcarniaofTimeLord

I really enjoy reading MLP to my daughters (7 and 5) because I love doing the voices and they love hearing it. They both gave this volume two thumbs and two big toes up, however, I didn't find this one quite as memorable as the previous volume, which the girls still quote regularly. There wasn't quite enough of the ponies doing their thing, or maybe there just wasn't enough Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie is like cowbell. You can never have enough.

Spike did get more airtime, though, since it is his beloved Rarity that's been kidnapped and he must use his wits to rescue her and the other ponies. Meanwhile, Luna has to learn to forgive herself and accept the friendship of the others, rather than let Nightmare intimidate and guilt trip her.

My five year old has had trouble with nightmares, lately, so this was a perfectly timed encouragement for the "nightmares aren't real," mantra we've been working on.

4 of 5 stars