“Ponies of Dark Water Part 1” The Ponies go on an adventure to a newly erupted geyser. After some fun playing in the water, the ponies begin to act a bit strange, perhaps even… sinister? What happens when good ponies turn bad?
Writing
The mane six have gone evil. This results in some very interesting aspect of the character’s personalities coming to light. Applejack cares more about business than family, Twilight Sparkle crowns herself an empress, and Rainbow Dash just keeps making noise to annoy people.
Some may argue this plot borders on fanfiction territory but this is negative thinking. Seeing characters go evil every so often is something which happens to every great hero (it even happened to Captain America recently…Too soon?). Fans were apprehensive at first to the story line of “Nightmare Rarity” but since then the character seems to have been welcomed warmly by the fandom. Plot details which come out of nowhere and make now sense is when your in fanfiction territory but writer Thom Zahler made sure to explain why all this is happening. If this story had moved into pure fanfiction territory when, the characters would have become evil without any reasonable explanation and just because they snapped from all the stress in their lives.
Artwork
The artwork is at the perfect mixture of comedic yet emotional the comic has become known for. Tony Fleecs really knows how to draw the characters in a way which results in the right amount of comedy for the reader. Though it’s hard not to question the collar and tie Applejack wears once she is evil to look more professional. It makes her look too much like Yogi Bear. The tie is even green.
Conclusion
The first part of a storyline which will feature the heroes going bad and causing trouble for their family and friends is off to a great start. Fans will really want to check out this issue to make sure they are ready for what is going to come next. Here’s a small spoiler, it involves a reference to a certain clown prince of crime.
