Brian Truitt

USA TODAY

Pop culture’s favorite toy horsies are getting some animated inspiration.

Hasbro’s My Little Pony franchise launches a new Guardians of Harmony line this fall with figures and sets based on Discovery Family Channel’s My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic animated series. A first look will be available this weekend at Toy Fair in New York City.

The upcoming line comes from consumers and fans asking for more adventure and new ways to play with core Ponies such as Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash, says Samantha Lomow, senior vice president of Hasbro Brands. “They just wanted the characters brought to life in a whole new way.”

Pony toys that featured accessories and hair for kids to brush have been a staple in toy aisles since the 1980s. Lomow says she feels those will continue to resonate but Hasbro also saw an opportunity to take the property in a different direction while also showcasing characters such as Queen Chrysalis and her Changelings that haven’t been as broadly represented.

The Guardians of Harmony toy line, for ages 3 and up, features single figures ($9.99 each) like Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Shadowbolt and Shining Armor and themed accompaniments such as party cannons, swords and armor. The “Figure and Friend” assortments ($14.99) pair two characters in the same set — for example, Princess Twilight Sparkle with Changeling and Queen Chrysalis with Spike the Dragon.

Princesses Celestia and Luna ($19.99 each) are available, and a giant 13-inch Spike dragon figure ($39.99) comes with removable armor, fireball projectiles and a saddle for other Pony characters to hop on for a ride.

Many of the new figures come right out of scenes from the cartoon, and according to Lomow, a new series of comic books from IDW debuts this fall extending some of the story lines from the series and new toys.

My Little Pony has long fostered a female appeal, yet Guardians of Harmony is another way for Hasbro to release products to satisfy its current large and fervent fan base of girls and boys, young and old.

The new action figures tie toys into scenes from the entertainment, Lomow says, while also “continuing to ensure we have that overall message of inclusivity in our product range where there’s something for everybody who loves Pony.”