Can My Little Pony: Pony Life Make Friendship Magic Again?

Bronies and pegasisters, Hasbro finally presents a brand new trailer for “Pony Life”, a forthcoming animated series that is based on the newest line of toys within the My Little Pony franchise [1] [15] [20]. Before its stated released date, it was unlisted on the company’s official YouTube channel, along with its official introduction possibly to further prevent spoilers for when it airs on Discovery Family [1] [5] [14] [16]. There was a previous trailer for what appears to be “Generation 4.5” that was unfortunately removed from publicity on Hasbro’s YouTube channel possibly due to quite an unsuitable choice of music [6] [22]. I am aware that the redesigns and animation that was rather exaggerated at times received quite a lot of negative reception at first [3] [6]. Nonetheless, I can tell that it simply a spin-off of the 2010s masterpiece, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic due to the return of its iconic and loveable main characters, including Spike the Dragon and a certain pack of talented voice actresses reprising their roles [13] [14]. Unable to get the new catchy and energetic theme song for the upcoming spin-off out of my head, I shall proceed to analyse the trailer and state my thoughts on what it has to offer in Summer 2020 [1] [16].

Feeling good as heck [22]! Well…until the first trailer was privatised [6]. [16]

“Sit back and watch, everypony! We have a new trailer!” [15]

As I look at the new art style of the ponies, it screams “chibi” right at me and looks like a rehash of Generation 3.5 [18] [28]. I like how their hooves are more detailed with thick strands of fur surrounding the top of them, which has also been featured on the toys in the Pony Life toy line [1] [20] [22]. To be honest, I think Rainbow Dash’s new hairstyle is a bit too wild. I can tell that the Pony Life series will take place between the third and last seasons of Friendship Is Magic because of how Twilight Sparkle has the wings that made her an alicorn in the third season [12]. One unfortunate downgrade is how each of their cutie marks have been reduced to only one essence on display, but they at least still suit their names and personalities [14] [15]. What makes the art style of the ponies more refreshing is how emotions are displayed, quite similar to how quirky expressions were introduced in the reboot of the Powerpuff Girls that began in 2016 [21] [25] [26], such as diamond-shaped sparkles in Applejack’s eyes when she is driving a fire engine and spirals in Rarity’s eyes when she makes a scene on a chaise lounge.

Allow a shattered Twilight Sparkle to sum up the reactions to the previous trailer of some disapproving bronies and pegasisters [3] [6]. [15]

As for me, I think the new character designs are alright, even when Applejack is wearing a beret. [15]

The art style of the backgrounds reminds me of Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends to a degree [2] [14] [15]. I can say that the colours are quite vibrant and enhance the premise of ponies living happily in a civilized society. On the other hoof, some objects are only outlines, which is quite an odd aspect and may negatively affect the overall quality for some viewers [14] [15] [16]. Some proportions in the backgrounds are too surreal and wonky, including the shape of counters. As shown in some of the promotional images that were shown some months ago, I do not really like how the floor behind the counter at Sugarcube Corner is not displayed completely horizontally and how some of the outlines for the staircase at Rarity’s sanctuary are not completely surrounding the colour [3] [16]. The reduced effort put into the backgrounds also remind me of the backgrounds of Garfield Originals and the third and fourth seasons of Dexter’s Laboratory [9] [23]. This is not such a big deal to me as reduced quality in art design would usually be a decision to cut costs. I would be more concerned about the portrayal of the characters in each episode in front of disproportionate backgrounds.

I like how the colours are not too saturated and easy on the eyes, but there are wonky proportions everywhere. I can at least the surreal proportions can suit the more energetic tone the Pony Life series is going for and help the characters stand out more with their fairly thick outlines, but they can still be seen as a sign of decrease in art quality. [15]

I can also say that the background of this image is at least really pretty. [15]

So, what is the premise of Pony Life? Well, the trailer shows that the spin-off of Friendship Is Magic will focus on the civilized lives of the Mane Six involving some moments of humour and less focus on any fantasy elements [4] [13] [14]. Apart from that, Rainbow Dash and Applejack are both seen drinking a bottle of potion, which is a sign of a bottle of potion being the prime source of solving conflict [15]. At some point in the series, it would be interesting to see the development of Potion Nova, a brand new character who seems to be possibly the only Pony Life exclusive character [17]. One thing that concerns me is the possibility of the value of friendship being overshadowed by the flaws of Teen Titans GO [24] [27], including reduced likeability of the main characters and too much whacky humour overshadowing character development. As long as the morality of benefiting friendships will still be present to a degree and there are no signs of the show being a bad influence for young children with poor morals [13] [27], Pony Life can potentially honour the magic of friendship from its masterpiece of a predecessor.

Wait a minute! How can the ponies be able to securely hold an item, such as a bottle with their hooves?! Questioning cartoon logic sure is fun. [15]

What is more important is that Pony Life should at least provide some moral teachings for a young audience, just like how Friendship Is Magic did [13]. [15]

What is more important than a character’s style is a character’s portrayal. According to some more promotional images, the Mane Six might have somewhat different explorations within their developments [16]. Oddly enough, Rainbow Dash is seen putting on weight as she watches television, possibly leading to an episode focusing on her competitive nature being put to a strange new test [4]. Twilight Sparkle is seen exercising, which I think would suit Rainbow Dash better, but it could expand on the brainy alicorn’s determination in a different area. Fluttershy is seen with leaves and sticks in her mane and tail, which might be a sign of an episode focusing on her helping some animals. Rarity’s two images make an assuming joke, but they could lead to an episode about how physical imperfection is okay. Pinkie Pie is seen meditating, which could lead to her trying to be less hyperactive. Applejack’s image is the most in-character as she is eating an apple. Reflecting on my concern about Pony Life ending up as a downgrade like Teen Titans GO [24] [27], I sincerely hope the characters will not be suddenly reduced to laughing stocks and their promotional images will not be misleading [4] [16].

Making Rainbow Dash competitive enough to try and be the “worst pony” is really taking her competitiveness to the extreme [4], which is quite concerning. [16]

As for the lovely Princess Celestia who is also returning in Pony Life, she seems to be interested in television, which is yet another sign of the forthcoming series focusing more on aspects of modern life rather than any fantasy elements. But can she still be the elegant voice of reason we loved from Friendship Is Magic? [15]

While plenty of Pokémon trainers who have fond memories of playing Pokémon Snap on the Nintendo 64 are looking forward to checking out its enriched remake for the Nintendo Switch that is simply titled “New Pokémon Snap” [8] [19], some bronies and pegasisters seem at least willing to give the Pony Life series a chance. While I understand the art style of the characters and backgrounds is not really all that appealing to some of us [3], I still believe the series can still consist of clever writing that includes refreshing, but familiar and faithful portrayals of memorable characters as shown in the new intro and good humour, including a fourth-wall break from Applejack we saw in the trailer [14] [15]. As long as the new series that will air in Summer 2020 will consist of similar teachings about friendship, it can be something for children to cherish in the same way our bronies and pegasisters have cherished Friendship Is Magic [7] [13]. As for the current era of animation aimed at adults, there is a show that Angel Dust, the four-armed frenemy from the pilot of Hazbin Hotel is yet to put on for many Hazbeans out there [10] [11].

I just cannot get over how gorgeous the pink spider web background is in a preview of Angel Dust’s new schemes that will be out soon. [10]

As for Pony Life, will it do some filler between the end of Generation 4 and the beginning of Generation 5 justice or not? We shall find out really soon. [16]

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