My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (comics)

The Friendship is Magic franchise extends to several comic books. Outside of the short strips published in My Little Pony magazines, there are three series of ongoing comics published by IDW Publishing. The first issue of the comic was IDW's most successful book in 2012 and the company's top-selling book overall; it placed 90th (61st by dollar value) overall for the year.

Crew
IDW Publishing is publishing a Hasbro-licensed full-color comic book series entitled My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, with writer/cover artist Katie Cook, artist/cover artist Andy Price (Issues 1-4) and writer Heather Nuhfer with artist Amy Mebberson (Issues 5-8). The full cast includes colorist Heather Breckel, editor Bobby Curnow, and other cover artists including Jill Thompson, Stephanie Buscema, Amy Mebberson, Melanie Tingdahl, Tony Fleecs, J. Scott Campbell, Sabrina Alberghetti, and Rob Reger. Andy Price drew inspiration for the comic from the collection Creepy Presents Bernie Wrightson.

Previews and cameos
The first issue's third, fourth, ninth, and sixteenth pages were displayed at the New York My Little Pony Project 2012.

Two characters appearing in the series are Octavia and Jim, "a very specific character" named by Katie Cook, implicitly after Jim Miller. Katie Cook and Andy Price hinted in September 2012 that Wild Fire may appear in the series.

Format and story
IDW states that each issue is 32 pages long, having 24 pages of content: 22 story pages and a 2 page back-up story. The series consists of original stories set after the second season of the show, with the first eight issues divided into two four-issue story arcs. For the first arc, Queen Chrysalis is the main antagonist, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders play an important role; for the second arc, there is an original villain. The first arc is entitled The Return of Queen Chrysalis. Various compilations have also been announced.

Development
Rainbow Dash's cutie mark is often drawn backwards in relation to her appearance in the show due to an initial misconception caused by inaccurate merchandise; Heather Breckel, the colorist of the main series, stated that she continued drawing it that way for consistency to avoid confusion.

Issue #1
Issue 1 is written by Katie Cook, drawn by Andy Price, colored by Heather Breckel, lettered by Robbie Robbins, and edited by Bobby Curnow. Issue #1 was published on November 28, 2012, with a limited edition signed by Katie Cook. On the same day, the comic was made available for digital download in the US iTunes store. The issue was initially to be released on November 14, 2012, but IDW changed the release date to better accommodate solicitators. This issue's back-up story is written and drawn by Katie Cook. It is entitled "How Much Is that Pony In The Window" and focuses on Rarity and Pinkie Pie. By October 11, 2012, this issue had sold 90,100 pre-order copies in North America, a higher figure than the contemporary Uncanny X-Men sales.

Covers
The issue has a total of 20 different covers:
 * Covers A, B, C, D, E, and F by Andy Price, which compose a a six-part picture:
 * Cover A features Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia, Spike, and Owlowiscious.
 * Cover B features Applejack, DJ Pon-3, and Winona, and showing an album cover depicting four stallions with the text "The Hoof Beats."
 * Cover C features Pinkie Pie, Zecora, and Gummy.
 * Cover D features Rainbow Dash, Apple Bloom, and Tank.
 * Cover E features Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle, Angel, and several bees.
 * Cover F features Rarity, Scootaloo, Princess Luna, Opalescence, and multiple bees.
 * 1-in-10 variant Cover RI by Stephanie Buscema, featuring Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Angel.
 * Subscription exclusive variant SUB cover by Jill Thompson, featuring Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and four silhouettes.
 * Detroit comic book stores exclusive variant Cover RE by Katie Cook, featuring Derpy and Time Turner.
 * Double Midnight exclusive variant Cover RE by Amy Mebberson, featuring Derpy and Rainbow Dash.
 * Dynamic Forces exclusive variant Cover RE, showing artwork from page 3 by Andy Price and Heather Breckel.
 * Ghost Variant Cover RE by Melanie Tingdahl, featuring Derpy, Sweetie Drops, and Lyra Heartstrings.
 * Hastings exclusive variant Cover RE by Amy Mebberson, featuring Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.
 * Hot Topic exclusive variant by Tony Fleecs featuring Time Turner and Derpy in a Doctor Who parody.
 * Larry's Comics exclusive variant Cover RE by Amy Mebberson, part of a two-part picture, showing Rainbow Dash and the mane and tail of Fluttershy.
 * Jetpack Comics exclusive 750-copy variant Cover RE by Amy Mebberson, part of a two-part picture, showing Fluttershy and the tail of Rainbow Dash.
 * Larry's Comics and Jetpack Comics exclusive 125-copy variant Cover RE, showing production artwork from the individual Larry's Comics and Jetpack Comics variant Covers RE by Amy Mebberson.
 * Lone Star Comics exclusive variant Cover RE by Amy Mebberson, featuring Pinkie Pie, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom, and showing a magazine titled Hoof Beat depicting Time Turner, DJ Pon-3, Hoity Toity, and Spitfire.
 * Midtown Comics exclusive variant Cover RE by Amy Mebberson, featuring Derpy and showing Covers A and B by Andy Price.
 * Third Eye Comics exclusive variant Cover RE by Amy Mebberson, featuring Spitfire, Soarin, and other Pegasus ponies.

Covers A through F by Andy Price are to also be released together in a slipcase box set. An early cover (shown right) by Andy Price, featuring Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Spike, Opalescence, Gummy, Angel, and two birds, was displayed at the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con International.

Summary
Changelings invade Ponyville and capture and impersonate all the inhabitants of Ponyville except for the Mane 6, who defeat the changelings and rescue all the ponies except for the Cutie Mark Crusaders, whom Queen Chrysalis has imprisoned at her kingdom and tells the Mane 6 to come to the kingdom in three days, which is when the Secretariat Comet will fly by. As Princess Celestia is away on a royal emergency, Spike is left to try to contact her while the Mane 6 set out for the kingdom.

Publicity summary
The issue's publicity summary reads "Welcome to Ponyville, home of Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and all your other favorite Ponies! Something's not right in the town though, as some of the inhabitants are acting very, very strange! It's up to the Mane Six to find the source of the weirdness before it's too late!"

Characters
In the issue, Queen Chrysalis returns. A host of characters appears on page 3: a parasprite; "Snowflake"; Owlowiscious; a changeling; Cranky Doodle Donkey; a Pegasus mare based on the G1 pony Firefly; a pair of stallions based on the Blues Brothers; a mouse; Angel; Philomena; Golden Harvest; Silver Spoon; Rainbow Dash; an Earth pony stallion based on Thomas Magnum from Magnum, P.I.; Time Turner; an Earth pony stallion based on Earl Hickey from My Name Is Earl; "Ace"; Tank; Derpy; "Screwball"; an Earth pony stallion based on Andy Price; a unicorn mare based on Andy's wife Alice Price; a unicorn mare based on Katie Cook; the Prices' cats Sam, Spooky, Tabitha, Boris, Bela, and Mina; several other ponies, including one whose cutie mark is a peace sign; and several silhouettes; also visible are a banner depicting Mayor Mare with the text "Re-Elect" and a flyer depicting Iron Will.

Issue #2
Issue 2 is written by Katie Cook, drawn by Andy Price, colored by Heather Breckel, lettered by Robbie Robbins, and edited by Bobby Curnow. IDW was originally set to publish issue #2 on December 19, 2012; but it was delayed until January 2, 2013. The comic will have a 1-in-25 release bundled with temporary My Little Pony tattoos. On December 12, 2012, the comic was accidentally released on the Nook marketplace for Digital Download, but was pulled several days later. Comic Book Resources posted an extended preview along with the summary on the day before the release.

Covers
The issue has 14 different covers:
 * Cover A by Katie Cook, featuring Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, and three spiders.
 * Cover B by Katie Cook.
 * Cover C by Katie Cook.
 * 1-in-10 variant Cover RI-A by Stephanie Buscema, featuring Rarity, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, and Spike.
 * 1-in-50 unique hand-drawn sketch variant Cover RI-B by Katie Cook.
 * Double Midnight exclusive variant Cover RE by Amy Mebberson, featuring Derpy and showing Derpy's dream of herself, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash.
 * Dynamic Forces exclusive variant Cover RE, showing artwork from page 3 by Andy Price and Heather Breckel.
 * Hastings exclusive variant Cover RE, featuring Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and two rabbits.
 * Midtown Comics exclusive variant Cover RE by Amy Mebberson, featuring Time Turner.
 * Larry's Comics exclusive variant Cover RE by Tony Fleecs, part of a two-part picture, showing Rarity, two parasprites, and the mane of Fluttershy.
 * Jetpack Comics exclusive 750-copy variant Cover RE by Tony Fleecs, part of a two-part picture, showing Fluttershy, a parasprite, and the mane and tail of Rarity.
 * Larry's Comics and Jetpack Comics exclusive 125-copy variant Cover RE, showing production artwork from the individual Larry's Comics and Jetpack Comics variant Covers RE by Tony Fleecs.
 * Larry's Comics and Jetpack Comics exclusive blank sketch variant cover RE, featuring 45 Pinkie Pies and showing a map.
 * Hot Topic exclusive variant cover by Tony Fleecs featuring DJ Pon-3.

Summary
The Mane 6 go under the Appleloosan Mountains to get to the Changeling Kingdom. Six changelings cause a cave-in separating them into pairs, and then turn them against each other by impersonating and insulting them. When they meet up, they argue, until they are attacked by a giant spider, but Pinkie Pie brings in a cave troll they encountered earlier, who drags the spider away mistaking him for a teddy bear. However, the ponies split into their pairs again and so their separate ways.

Publicity summary
The issue's publicity summary reads "Queen Chrysalis has returned! Our ponies have no time to horse around, as they set off to rescue their friends from Chrysalis kingdom. What magical adventures await them, and where the heck is Princess Celestia?" Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and multiple spiders appear on one of the pages.

Issue #3
Issue 3 is written by Katie Cook, drawn by Andy Price, colored by Heather Breckel, lettered by Neil Uyetake, and edited by Bobby Curnow. Issue #3 was to be released on January 30, 2013, but was announced by Bobby Curnow to be delayed till the first week of February on January 17, 2013. It was released on February 6, 2013.

Covers
The issue has 11 different covers:
 * Cover A drawn by Amy Mebberson, featuring Queen Chrysalis and five changelings.
 * Cover B drawn by Stephanie Buscema, featuring Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie.
 * Cover RI (listed in the book as Cover C) with art by J. Scott Campbell and colors by Nei Ruffino, featuring Princess Celestia, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Applejack.
 * Dynamic Forces Variant, featuring Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash
 * Hastings Variant, featuring Fluttershy and Rarity going skiing
 * Hot Topic exclusive Tony Fleecs variant cover, featuring Princess Cadance and Shining Armor.
 * Midtown Comics exclusive Amy Mebberson "Gangnam Style" variant cover, featuring Rarity, Spike, Pinkie Pie and DJ Pon-3.
 * Jetpack Comics exclusive 750-copy variant Cover RE, part of a two-part picture.
 * Larry's Comics 750-copy variant, part of a two-part picture
 * A 125-copy variant cover, showing production artwork from the Jetpack Comics variant Cover RE and the other variant cover part of the two-part picture.
 * Jetpack Comics and Larry's Comics exclusive blank variant, featuring Applejack

Summary
As Queen Chrysalis reveals her plan to absorb Twilight's magic, destroy her, and have her changelings feast on her friends when their emotions peak, Twilight and Fluttershy run into a chubacabra, which mistakes them for goats and tries to eat them; Applejack and Rarity are attacked by Pony Eating Petunias; and Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie are attacked by blood-sucking rabbits called Vampiric Jackalopes. They eventually meet up while losing the flowers, and the jackalopes and chubacabra, who are natural enemies, fight for dominance. The Mane 6 apologize to each other and continue on their journey.

Publicity summary
"Our story so far…

The Cutie Mark Crusaders have been fillynapped by the nefarious Queen Chrysalis! Our heroes travelled through a perilous cave to reach the Queen’s kingdom. Unfortunately, the Queen has tricked the Ponies into becoming angry with each other and the group has split up… right as they enter into the most dangerous part of their journey!"

"The Mane 6 enter the heart of the Changeling Kingdom to rescue their friends! Danger lurks everywhere, and each Pony will have to put their best hoof forward if they are to survive the night! Unfortunately that’s exactly what the Changeling Queen expects! Will our heroes fall into her trap?"

Issue #4
Issue 4 is written by Katie Cook, drawn by Andy Price, colored by Heather Breckel, lettered by Neil Uyetake, and edited by Bobby Curnow. Issue #4 was to be released in February 2013, but due to issue 3 being pushed back into the first week of February, its release date was pushed back to the first week of March. It was released on March 6, 2013.

Covers
The issue has at least ten covers:
 * Cover A with art by Amanda Conner and colors by Paul Mounts.
 * Cover B by Stephanie Buscema, featuring Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Tank.
 * Cover RI by Andy Price.
 * Dynamic Forces cover.
 * Hot Topic cover.

Summary
The Mane Six reach the changeling kingdom and confront Chrysalis, who traps all but Twilight in cocoons. Upon seeing how powerful Twilight's magic is, Chrysalis decides to make Twilight her pupil, threatening to kill her friends if she doesn't. Twilight accepts, only for Chrysalis to reveal her plan to drain Twilight's love and have her drain her friends. When the Secretariat Comet flies by, Twilight is powered up and defeats Chrysalis with her magic. Celestia and Spike return from a battle against a horde of giant cockatrice in Canterlot, and Chrysalis is imprisoned in her castle with her minions entranced by Pinkie's animated costume asking riddles and singing endlessly.

Publicity summary
"Our story so far…

Our Ponies, intent on saving the Cutie Mark Crusaders from the nefarious Queen Chrysalis, have made it to the gates of the Changeling Kingdom! Who knows what danger lurks beyond!"

"Their epic quest nearing its end, the Mane 6 reach the Changeling Kingdom and find themselves at the mercy of Queen Chrysalis! A sinister offer threatens to tear the group apart before they can save the day. Will friendship prevail over the Queen's nefarious plan?"

Issue #5
Issue 5 is written by Heather Nuhfer, drawn by Amy Mebberson, colored by Heather Breckel, lettered by Neil Uyetake, and edited by Bobby Curnow. Issue #5 was released on March 27, 2013, but it was available in some locations on March 23.

Covers

 * Cover A by Amy Mebberson, featuring the main six characters and Spike.
 * Cover B by Stephanie Buscema, featuring Rarity and Opalescence.
 * Cover RI by Andy Price, featuring the princess sisters.
 * Midtown Exclusive Variant by Tony Fleecs, making a joint cover with Midtown Exclusive Variant 4.
 * Dynamic Forces exclusive cover, to be released April 24.

Summary
The story begins with Twilight Sparkle having a nightmare. The nightmare's setting is in what appears to be an abandoned village. She screams in horror as shadows reach for her, only to be woken up. She looks at her books while going for a walk; however, none of them has a cure. She is interrupted by Rainbow Dash, who seems to have a lack of sleep. She exclaims that she is having nightmares as well.Apparently, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy are under the same condition.

Later that night, Pinkie Pie hosts a slumber party, in where the others are still pondering about their nightmares. A few hours after they go to sleep, they experience the nightmares again. In Twilight's dream, she is dismissed from the royal court of Canterlot for eternity; meanwhile, Applejack is dreaming of her family blaming her for loosing their land. Fluttershy dreams of her animals running away from her. Rainbow Dash's dream is of her being rejected by the Wonderbolts. Pinkie's is of nopony being amused by her comedy. Last but not the least, Rarity's nightmare is about her friends rejecting her gifts and bringing attention to a new pony named Maybelle(who is similar in design to Mabel from Gravity Falls). Unlike the others' dreams, Rarity's have dark clouds around them.

After this, Rarity is immediately taken away by black smoke to the moon. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy try to stop this. However, they fail.Twilight sends a letter to the Princess by Spike, who immidieatly faints from tears after doing so. Twilight requests to speak to Princess Luna, due to the fact that she controls dreams and was taken over by Nightmare Moon.

Princess Celestia and Luna head over to where the group is. Princess Luna explains that, although she is not clear on what happened, she knows that dark and evil forces have taken Rarity to the Nightmare Dreamscape. According to her, when she was Nightmare Moon, she thought that she could make other ponies feel special about her by making them fear her. Often, the dark forces would decide for her on what to do. Once Luna was brought back to her normal self by The Elements of Harmony, she hoped that these dark forces would disapear; however, they somehow got enough energy from the new moon's cycle, and gain what Nightmare Moon promised them: a powerful kingdom of their own.

Alarmed, the Elements of Harmony suggest that they go at once, but Luna stops them by warning them that the dark forces may destroy Ponyville, saying that they will be better off by letting Luna go alone. Celestia replies by saying that the Elements are no ordinary ponies, and that they have defeated evil before. Reluctantly, Luna accepts this. Celestia explains that she can send them to the dreamscape, and that she will protect Ponyville. Luna mentions that she hopes Rarity has bravery;otherwise, the dark forces will take over quickly.

On the last page, Rarity is shown trying to fight off the dark forces, which she is doing somehow unsuccessfully. They surround her once more, which makes Rarity close her eyes. Afterwards, she says "Oh dear, that is definitely a step up. Good show, wooshie things", which indicates that she is starting to be corrupted by them.

Publicity summary
"Attention, everypony! Get ready for another unforgettable adventure in the land of Equestria. Twilight Sparkle and gang are confronted with a perilous new danger in the form of a long-unseen enemy! See how the Magic of Friendship prevails in the start of a brand new story arc!"

Issue #6
Issue #6 was released on April 24, 2013. It was planned to be released on April 17, but was delayed by a shipment split. Issue #6 is written by Heather Nuhfer, drawn by Amy Mebberson, colored by Heather Breckel, lettered by Neil Uyetake, and edited by Bobby Curnow.

Covers
This issue has at least eight covers:
 * Cover A by Amy Mebberson
 * Cover B by Stephanie Buscema
 * Cover RI by Tony Fleecs
 * Jetpack/Larry's Comics combined cover
 * Boston Comic Con exclusive cover by Agnes Garbowska

Summary
"Nightmare Moon returns! But it’s not the same old Nightmare Moon! Someone new, someone close to our heroes, has taken the mantle! What will the Ponies do when the danger hits so close to home? Read it and find out!"

"After a nightmare-filled slumber party, Rarity has been whisked away to the moon by dark, unknown forces! Now the ponies, along with Princess Celestia and Luna, prepare a plan to get her back!"

Issue #7
Issue #7 is to be released on May 22, 2013.

Covers
This issue has at least three covers: two regular covers and one variant by Tony Fleecs.

Summary
"The new Nightmare Moon has revealed herself... and captured our stunned Ponies! With time running short for Equestria before a full-scale invasion, the only hope lies with... Spike?! And what role will Princess Luna play?"

Issue #8
Issue #8 is to be released on June 19, 2013.

Covers
This issue has at least two covers:
 * Cover A featuring Princess Luna and a host of other characters
 * Variant cover by Andy Price

Summary
"The awesome ending to My Little Pony's epic 2nd story arc! The Nightmare forces of the moon descend down on Ponyville! Princess Celestia will try her best to stop the dark forces, but she may be overwhelmed! It'll be up to our favorite ponies to stop the new Nightmare Moon!"

Issue #9
Issue #9 is to be released. It is written by Katie Cook, drawn by Andy Price, and colored by Price and Tony Fleecs.

Covers
This issue has at least two covers:
 * Cover A by Andy Price, featuring Big McIntosh and other characters
 * Variant cover by Amy Mebberson

Summary
"The citizens of Ponyville take center stage as an ordinary morning for Big McIntosh quickly turns into an unexpected adventure! Filled with tons of colorful characters and side stories, this issue will put Big McIntosh’s typical bashfulness to the test!"

My Little Pony Micro-Series by IDW
IDW Publishing is publishing a separate comic book series entitled My Little Pony Micro-Series. The first six issues each center on one of the main six characters, and at least four more issues are planned, including one for Spike.

Issue #1
Issue 1 is written, drawn, and lettered by Thomas Zahler; colored by Ronda Pattison; and edited by Bobby Curnow. Issue #1, Twilight Sparkle, was released on February 20, 2013.

Covers
The issue has at least 11 different covers:
 * Cover A by Amy Mebberson, featuring Spike and Twilight Sparkle.
 * Cover B by Thomas F. Zahler, featuring Twilight Sparkle and Spike.
 * Cover RI by Sabrina Alberghetti, featuring younger Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor.
 * Subscription exclusive variant SUB cover, showing production artwork from Cover A by Thomas F. Zahler.
 * Retailer exclusive covers for Dynamic Forces, Double Midnight (by Sara Richard ), Third Eye Comics, Jetpack Comics, and Larry's Comics.
 * Two joint Jetpack/Larry's Comics covers.

Summary
The comic opens up in Canterlot, where Spike asks Twilight if she's nervous about her test, and when she wonders what makes him say that, he mentions the fact that she's chewing her mane, in addition to the fact that they've been standing at the top of a set of stairs for half an hour. She admits to being nervous, and Spike reminds her that she shouldn't be late, so she rushes off to the castle.

When they reach the castle, Princess Celestia informs them that there has been a change of plans, as the Royal Archivist, a pony named Summer Mane, had a fall, and so is having difficulty getting around. Celestia then mentions that she plans on postponing Twilight's test in order for Twilight to go and help Summer Mane, to which Twilight gladly accepts. Spike attempts to leave along with Twilight, but Celestia informs her that Twilight needs to take this on by herself.

At the Royal Archive, Twilight gets a rude reception from Summer Mane, who states that she doesn't want any help. Twilight is finally let in when she lies about Summer Mane being replaced if she doesn't let Twilight in. Summer Mane proceeds to lay down the ground rules, the last, most emphasized of which is that Twilight is to never enter Summer Mane's private office. Summer Mane is skeptical of Twilight's book knowledge at first, but is eventually convinced. Twilight also mentions that her favorite book is called "Canter in the Sky", written by her favorite author, Jade Singer, who disappeared after the release of that book.

In the morning, Summer Mane goes to wake Twilight, but finds her already in the library. She has Twilight get started on shelving the books, in alphabetical order, library style. Later on, during a meal, Twilight struggles to get a question out, before Summer Mane asks her what she's reading.

Later, Summer Mane has Twilight put dust covers on books, and when Twilight starts singing a song to herself, Summer Mane objects to it, and puts on swing music, which she insists is "good stuff".

At a later time, during a meal, Twilight and Summer Mane discuss typewriters, with Summer Mane mention that some authors are very picky about theirs. Twilight asks Summer Mane if she knows what typewriter Jade Singer used, and Summer Mane replies that she thinks Jade used an old "lipponzoner" model.

Over a period of time, Twilight and Summer Mane discover themselves to be kindred spirits when it comes to literature: both get lost in books occasionally when they're trying to re-shelve them, and they have a discussion about literature over dinner.

The next morning, Twilight discovers Summer Mane left for town to get them a pie, and the letter that tells her this also details her assignment. However, Twilight notices Summer Mane's office door is slightly ajar, and so she decides to peek in. Summer Mane walks in at that moment, however, as she had forgotten her checkbook. During the next meal, neither one of them can say anything to the other, until Summer Mane tells Twilight to pack her things, as she leaves in the morning.

As she is leaving the next morning, Twilight reveals to Summer Mane that she made the replacement story up so that Summer Mane would let her in. Summer Mane laughs, as she explains that was how she got her first job as assistant editor. Summer Mane then reveals to Twilight that she's actually Jade Singer, but Twilight replies that she figured that out a few days ago. When Jade asks her how, Twilight replies that since Jade is her favorite author, she knows all about her. She noticed the reading glasses from the author photo on the back of Canter in the Sky, how Jade and Summer are both fans of "horrible, horrible" old time swing music, that cutie marks don't smear unless they're made to look like something else, and the typewriter was the final clue. Jade reveals her reason for going into hiding: Canter in the Sky was such a huge hit her first time around, that it was such a hit right out of the gate, that it would be nearly impossible to live up to that a second time. Twilight responds that she can sympathize, as when she tested for magic school, she made such a splash that the princess took her on as her personal student. Jade asks her how she does it, and Twilight replies that her friends support her: they celebrate her victories and catch her when she falls. Jade says that she never had friends like that, to which Twilight replies that she does now.

A little while later, Twilight gets the results of her test back, showing she passed, as well as containing a note from the princess, thanking her for bringing her friend, Jade Singer, back.

Publicity summary
"Introducing the first of six spotlights focusing on everyone's favorite Ponies! Twilight Sparkle becomes enthralled in a literary masterpiece. Dismayed to hear the series never continued, Twilight goes on a quest to hunt down the reclusive author, Jade Singer. It will take all of the studious Pony's detective skill to find the author, and twists and turns abound! Don't miss this adventure in imagination!"

Issue #2
Issue 2 is written by Ryan K. Lindsay, drawn by Tony Fleecs, lettered by Neil Uyetake, and edited by Bobby Curnow. Issue #2 features Rainbow Dash. It was released on March 20, 2013, with previews released the previous day.

Covers
This issue has at least eight different covers:
 * Cover A by Amy Mebberson
 * Cover B by Tony Fleecs
 * Cover RI by Sabrina Alberghetti
 * Double Midnight cover by Sara Richard
 * Iguana Comics cover, drawn by Jeff Egli with colors by Kurk Kasparian
 * Covers for Larry's Comics, Jetpack Comics, and Larry's/Jetpack combined cover.

Publicity summary
"The next in a series of spotlights focusing on everyone’s favorite Ponies! Rainbow Dash takes her job patrolling the skies very seriously, but she may have met her match when a group of mischievous cloud gremlins threaten to block out the sun! Rainbow Dash will have her hooves full when it comes to these pint-sized menaces!"

Issue #3
Issue #3 features Rarity. It is to be released on April 25, 2013. It has writing by Katie Cook and art by Andy Price. Comic Book Resources released a preview on March 26.

DJ Pon-3 appears in a panel of this comic with her eyes colored red – as opposed to moderate cerise, their color in the show – as a reference to the popular belief prior to her appearance in A Canterlot Wedding - Part 2 that they were red.

Covers
Issue #3 has at least three covers:
 * Cover A by Amy Mebberson
 * Cover B by Andy Price
 * Cover RI by Sabrina Alberghetti depicting filly Rarity and baby Sweetie Belle.

Publicity summary
"Rarity is in need of some well-deserved R & R after working hard on her new fashion line. A sweet spa retreat turns sour when Rarity learns that the establishment is a little too “down to earth”! How will this resourceful pony make the best out of this “rustic” situation? Read on to find out!"

Issue #4
Issue #4 features Fluttershy. It is to be released on May 15, 2013.

Covers
This issue has at least three covers, including a variant cover by Sabrina Alberghetti.

Publicity summary
"Fluttershy knows her way around knitting! But her hidden talent starts to take on a startling new form, one that could be the next “big thing” in Ponyville! Will timid Fluttershy be able to handle the spotlight? The pressure is only going to increase with a visit from Princess Celestia!"

Issue #5
Issue #5 features Pinkie Pie. It is to be released on June 26, 2013.

Covers
This issue has at least two covers:
 * Cover A showing Pinkie's hooves and an arrangement of photo strips
 * Cover RI by Sabrina Alberghetti, featuring Pinkie Pie, "Blinkie Pie", and "Inkie Pie" as fillies

Summary
"When the famous clown Ponyacci comes to Ponyville, Pinkie Pie learns a startling secret about him that could ruin his career! Determined to save the master of mirth, Pinkie Pie sets out to prove the value of laughter. The show must go on!"

Issue #6
Issue #6 features Applejack. It is to be released in July 2013. Issue #6 is written by Bobby Curnow, drawn by Brenda Hickley, and colored by Amy Mebberson.

Covers
This issue has at least two covers:
 * Cover A
 * Cover RI by Sabrina Alberghetti, featuring younger versions of Applejack, Big McIntosh, and Apple Bloom

Summary
"It’s almost Hearth's Warming Eve, and the Apple family is busy at work preparing an array of tasty apple treats for all of Ponyville. But when a mysterious creature starts ruining their crop, Applejack sets out to find out who's behind this tomfoolery! Who, or what, is the SASS SQUASH??"

Issue #7
Issue #7 features the Cutie Mark Crusaders and is to be released in August 2013. It is accidentally alluded to by the volume 1 paperback, of which a preview was released on Amazon.

Covers

 * Cover RI by Sara Richards; editor Bobby Curnow released a sneak peek when the issue's subject was guessed

Related releases
A 104-page trade paperback book which collects issues #1-4, entitled My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Volume 1, is to be released on May 28, 2013. Volume 2 of the series is to be released on October 8, 2013. A 72-page "Color Me" Treasury Edition is to be released on June 12, 2013, containing the first issue in black and white as well as "all forty-eight" covers for the first four issues. My Little Pony: Digest-Size is to be released in trade paperback volumes, each 6x9 inches and containing 52 pages.

IDW Limited has announced comicfolios for Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash, both to begin shipping on April 15, 2013. Each comicfolio contains a variant cover comic book and lithograph in a hardcover portfolio; they are limited to 500 copies.

My Little Pony Animated by IDW
My Little Pony Animated is a series of books published by IDW Publishing intended for younger readers and consisting of frames from the show with dialogue balloons (taken directly from the show scripts ), sound effects, etc. Volume 1, which is 112 pages long, is to be released on August 27, 2013.

Art
The cover and page artists often release their own versions of the final cover designs and page art.
 * Andy Price's gallery contains preliminary character studies, the art for issue 1 covers A-F, and some original page inks.
 * Tony Fleecs' gallery contains cover art, including the Hot Topic covers and Larry's/Jetpack Comics combined cover final versions.
 * Heather Breckel's gallery contains some page art.