The new My Little Pony Ongoing has finally arrived. Does it get off to a good start? Well, it’s not bad but there are some problems.

Here’s the official description from IDW:

Introducing a brand new ongoing series! Dedicated to exploring the magic that arises from the friendship of two different ponies, prepare for anything in this fun-filled team-team up comic!

Our first pony pairing features none other than Applejack and Pinkie Pie! When the two enter a baking contest, you can bet the culinary hijinks are going to get messy!

While it was disappointing to see the Micro-Series going away, the thought of a new ongoing alongside the main title made up for it. Friends Forever focuses on two ponies at a time, sort of like DC’s The Brave and the Bold and Marvel Team-Up. This first issue focuses on Applejack and Pinkie Pie at a baking contest. It’s a ‘sweet’ (pun intended) issue for sure. But, sadly there are factors stopping it from being a great read. If you’re expecting a story of the two and a vs., you will be sorely disappointed.

Alex De Campi writes a good enough Pinkie Pie and Applejack. They match their on screen counterparts well. The problem is the marketing and main cover would have you believe that this all about Applejack and Pinkie Pie competing against each other. Some of the big things said in an interview was that these two are incredible cooks, so what happens when pit against each other, who would win? The story is not about that at all. Their friendship isn’t explored in any way. Instead, it’s more about a new character called Toffee Truffle. While she may be too similar to the recent new character Coco Pommel from the episode ‘Rarity Takes Manehattan,’ she’s definitely nice to have around. Then the other thing the story focuses on is another new character called Marine Sandwich. In a more serious story she could have been a cool antagonist. But, she’s still pretty fun to watch. (Though when you really think about it, she has a right to be angry.)

The art by Carla Speed McNeil is either an interesting hit or an extreme miss. It has a distinctive, almost Strawberry Shortcake-like style. It’s very simple, perhaps too simple. The backgrounds lack a considerable amount of detail. The art would have been better if it matched the fantastic main cover. That cover was done by Amy Mebberson, a great piece with the featured ponies about to go at it. It’s a shame it kinda gives a false impression on what’s inside. Carla handles the RI, and I gotta say it’s a very nice, ‘sweet,’ (pun intended again) cheerful piece. Perhaps that should have been the main cover, it better describes what’s on the inside. The Subscription variant by Andy Price is fantastic. It has nothing to do with the story, but it makes for a nice general cover to add to your collection.

Overall, Friends Forever starts with cheerful but disappointing story. I was expecting a tale of two ponies, showing us what their friendship means even in a contest where they are against each other. We got none of that. Still, it isn’t bad. Toffee Truffle was a cute character and Marine Sandwich was a pretty cheesy/funny ‘antagonist.’ But, the fact that the comic sold itself as a battle between Applejack and Pinkie Pie hurts the overall experience a bit.

3.5/5

Daniel is a huge fan of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. His favorite is Fluttershy and you can follow him on Twitter: @Destroyer_199