It’s happening, everyone. I am going public with this: I think My Little Pony is fucking delightful, and the newly released IDW comic is no exception.

I’m not going to sit here and defend My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic – if it’s not for you, it’s not for you. The magic of friendship simply is not for everyone.

However, I, along with millions of fans, feel that the magical team behind MLP:FIM is on to something here. The show, now in its third season, is a smash hit among all ages, and with 100,000 pre-orders the first issue of the new comic is one of the top-selling single issue comics of 2012.

The first issue of the MLP:FIM comic is an extension of the much-hyped Royal Canterlot Wedding story line. The evil queen Chrysalis and her band of changeling ponies have returned, and have forcibly taken Ponyville! Oh noes! Twilight Sparkle and the gang have to work together to save the town, but everyone’s favorite caped Cutie Mark Crusaders have gone missing…

The artwork feels less sugary sweet than the show, even a little darker and weirder at times. The best part is easily the facial expressions of the Mane 6 – they’re hilarious, a little crazy, and sometimes terrifying. Katie Cook and Andy Price did a fantastic job adapting the characters to the comic. The ponies’ personalities feel a little more extreme (less cutesy for sure) in the medium, but it works. It’s all terribly amusing.

Beloved sub-characters like Derpy, Vinyl Scratch, and Doctor Whooves make wonderful little appearances throughout the issue. And gosh, did I just see Blues Brothers ponies in the background? Is that Tom Selleck at that mustache stand?!

Pony fans will also be thrilled at the variant covers – there’s something for everyone. Personal favorites (read: Christmas presents!): Lonestar Comics Hoofbeat cover with Doctor Whooves and that gorgeous Jetpack Comics superhero Fluttershy.

In a way, the comic feels just marginally more adult than the cartoon show. Maybe it’s the lack of singing? I’m even considering abandoning the show for the comic…

Just kidding, everyone. I love ponies anyway I can get them. #brohoof