The conclusion of the second arc comes to an epic conclusion. Does it bring everything front and center for a satisfying finisher? It’s definitely the issue with the biggest scope, and perhaps even the biggest scope from the entire franchise.

Here’s the official description from IDW:

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! 

This issue is a perfect example of how the My Little Pony brand appeals to everyone. The conclusion to Nightmare Rarity’s reign is jam-packed with pretty much everything you’ve come to expect from the arc. Lots of Luna, the power of friendship, (that will never get old) and most of all it delivers what the main cover promises, a war with the Ponies of Ponyville against the Nightmare Forces. While the story could have maybe used another issue to flesh things out a bit more, it’s still a solid finisher.

Heather Nuhfer’s writing portrays a very grim atmosphere, which is appropriate considering the circumstances. In fact, this is probably the most un-cheerful issue yet, it instead relies on its big plot rather than the series’ signature comedy. The part fans are going to have a blast with is Luna rounding up the citizens of Ponyville and having them take on the Nightmare Forces. It’s a Brony’s dream to see Derpy, Trixie, Doctor Whooves and even Lightning Dust together. It could have used another issue to show more of the war aspect, but I’m happy with what we got. Luna is written as a tragic soul, it’s interesting to see her in such an emotional state. I think she might have gotten a little too emotional with some of the lines, but nothing too bad. Nightmarity is written pretty good throughout. Sure, some of her lines are kinda generic, but I like how the writing makes her talk like an evil Rarity. Sadly the pretty cool comic exclusive villain Shadowfright is kinda thrown under the bus, which is disappointing.

Amy Mebberson’s art is solid throughout. Granted, sometimes the characters look a little off. (Twilight for an example when she has her flashback.) But aside from that, the art is nice to look at. The characters look good and the action comes alive. I do have to question Luna being drawn as tall as Princess Celestia, which isn’t show accurate. The main cover is one of the best yet, and definitely the most ‘epic’ cover. I mean, it’s a fans dream. Luna in battle armor commanding all the fan favorite background ponies, including Lightning Dust and Trixie? Sign me up. Cover B continues this arc’s tradition of centering around Nightmarity. It’s a glorious piece. The RI by Andy Price is definitely something Luna fans will want to pick up, it perfectly highlights her downcast persona in the story. As for store exclusives, there are actually no big highlights. Jetpack’s with superhero Applejack is pretty neat.

Overall, a pretty epic conclusion to the second arc of the My Little Pony comic series. It’s not perfect, it would have benefited from another issue to better highlight the war aspect. While the issue is pretty serious, that’s not to say it’s devoid of comedy, you’re going to get a good laugh when you see Pinkie Pie mention ‘Pegasisters.’ Oh, and Trixie gets the best line of all.

4/5

My name is Daniel (@Destroyer_199), the main guy for comic reviews here at Unleash the Fanboy. I was born in 1995 in the Big Apple, spent my formative years in Staten Island, and currently reside in the awesome state that is New Jersey.