Ponyville Confidential

The History and Culture of My Little Pony, 1981–2016

Release Date
Format eBook 264 pages File Formats epub
ISBN-13 978-1-47662-686-4
Other Formats Paperback

Beloved by young girls around the world, Hasbro’s My Little Pony franchise has been mired in controversy since its debut in the early 1980s. Critics dismissed the cartoons as toy advertisements, and derided their embrace of femininity. The 2010 debut of the openly feminist My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic renewed the backlash, as its broad appeal challenged entrenched notions about gendered entertainment.

This first comprehensive study of My Little Pony explores the history and cultural significance of the franchise through Season 5 of Friendship Is Magic and the first three Equestria Girls films. The brand has continued to be on the receiving end of a sexist double standard regarding commercialism in children’s entertainment, while masculine cartoons such as the Transformers have been spared similar criticism.

Editorial Reviews

"A witty romp through the history of My Little Pony that anypony can enjoy, with helpful episode guides and references."

                        --Sara Prescott, editor of Neil Gaiman in the 21st Century

Never in a million years did I think My Little Pony had anything to offer me as a feminist, activist or fangirl. I ve been Pony-averse since childhood. Since reading Sherilyn Connelly's hilarious, insightful and information-packed Ponyville Confidential, I ve never been more excited to be proven wrong. Ponyville is Magic.

                       --Holly Payne, writer, creator, and producer of What Happened? on Comic-Con HQ.

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