Comics offer the ability to tell stories in interesting and creative ways. The team behind this series has worked hard to show it can be more than simple supplementary material to go along with the TV series. This issue demonstrates times when they not only succeed but excel in being a must read series.
Modeled after a kids storybook (complete with a “This comic belongs to” page in the back of the issue) and narrated by the rhyming zebra Zecora, the issue talks about Rainbow Dash on her way to get a book and getting annoyed at another pony on her way, creating a bad mood spirit known as Dreary which seem to spread and soon everyone in Ponyville is affected. Simple premise but thanks to the art the issue becomes one fans won’t want to miss.
The issues uses different art almost every page and becomes the most memorable aspect of the issue. Though each page varies in its art style, it’s easy to tell artist Andy Price’s intent was to make each page contain a familiar feel and call back to show love to old picture books of yesterday. He did a fantastic job and really helped to make the issue stand out.
The pop culture references fans look forward to are spread throughout the issue. The title calls back to the kids book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day and is even parodied like in for the Hot Topic exclusive cover but there is also clear references to Peanuts and the Blues Brothers. This issue helps to show the benefits of telling stories using the Comic Book format and is one fans shouldn’t pass up.
