Of Earth And Air And Aether.

Now, I've the kenning I've no been on this for what certain folks be liable to term yonks. A term that translates into normal english as Ages. Coincidentally, I am using the word kenning to be the present verb participle of the scottish colloquial slang, ken, meaning know. Admittedly this means that translated that sentence would be read 'Now I've the knowing I've no been on this for ages', which I am well aware is atrocious grammar. I blame the fact that I am writing this at half two in the morning, having been up since about nine. Silly Jared. As the Lady Lamia will be the first to attest.

Anyway, whilst I has much knews I could relate, and you can expect a bunch of it in future (If I remember too) For now I intend to write  a brief review of what has rapidly become my favourite cartoon. Now. First let us take careful note of a few facts. I am Male. I am in my early twenties and am almost completely straight. I also have a number of less than pacifist views, and enjoy sword and axe work as a means of fun.

Right. Now that we have confirmed my masculinity. The Identity of this favourite cartoon. It be entitled (A word that I always hear pronounced Entittled, a fact for which I blame the guy who sings I Belong To Glasgow... Whats his name? Anyway, I digress.) My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic.
And...
And...
And...
Okay, now that the laughter has stopped, permit me to explain why. When it was first inflicted on me, something I blame on the Lady Laure, and less directly, the Peacock, I expected to dislike it, and indeed intended to ignore it completely. However. Someone happened to create ponyified version of the Accidental Vikingr characters, Which you can probably find on Deviantart if you search for Outremer Ponies. (When awake enough, I may dig out the link... If you be lucky, and I remember.)
This caused me to watch the first episode, and after that, I was kinda, slightly hooked.

The animation is reasonable, for a children's cartoon. They generally show the backgrounds, even in action scenes (occasionally blurring these to show speed, which is tolerable... sorry, is a particular peeve of mine in animated things.) The plots, whilst oft-times sickly sweet, are well-thought out, and rather than simply being the characters doing soppy things, tend to have them working through problems, often enough, problems they have caused completely unintentionally. Which leads me to the next reason. The Characters.
There are Six main characters, and two or three supporting characters I plan on mentioning.
First, there is the duo of Twilight Sparkle and Spike. Twilight is a Unicorn. A purple unicorn, and a rather deft hoof at the Seidr (Read: Magic.) She be a bit of a bookworm, and rather on the clever side, but not always the best with people. Spike is her companion, assistant, and closest friend, a baby dragon. Who is also a fully fleshed out character, with his own wants, personality, opinions, and flaws. Some of which lead to hilarity, particularly towards the end of the first season.
Then, in no particular order, you have:
Rarity. A fashionista, and another unicorn. What equestrians are liable to call a grey, which in real terms means white, with blue eyes, and large eyelashes, both of which she is capable of using to devastating effect. She is generous, unless gemstones are involved, although occasionally highstrung. Puts me in mind of one or two old friends, in fact, and certain relatives. Again, fully-fleshed out
Rainbow Dash. An ultra-competitive tomboy who lays claim to being the fastest pegasus in Equestria. Considering there is evidence suggesting she can reach speeds of Mach 5 (Evidence that I cannot confirm the validity of, not being a physicist, but which appears accurate enough) Do not get me started on the biological effects of that, but again, a fully fleshed out character, with her own desires (To join a specific aerial stunt team), dislikes (being ignored, for instance), opinions, priorities, all that jazz.
There be Applejack, a down to earth pony, who runs the local apple-orchard. Honest, strong, tough, always happy to lend a hand, even it be to her own detriment. Everyone knows someone like that, or at least, they should. I certainly do.
Pony number five to be briefly mentioned is Pinkie Pie, who, whilst she is decidedly annoying, has a heart of gold. Always up for a party, shockingly random, and again, a well-rounded character, who, were she human, you would think nothing of meeting in the... well, who, were she human, you could imagine meeting in the street.
The last adult Pony to be mentioned is Fluttershy, who happens to be my favourite. What we RP folks like to term a ranger. or possibly a beastfriend. She is a decidedly shy and insecure pony, who is better with wild beasties than with ponies. She is also rather softspoken, and may approach being the cutest thing ever.
Honourable mentions go to the Cutie Mark Crusaders, a trio of young fillies who have formed their own club (And what small child hasn't done that), are constantly getting into mischief (See prior statement about small children), but come out of it alright in the end, every time.
And also to Gummy. A Yearling Alligator with no teeth. He never speaks, barely moves, but is awesome all the same. And also belongs to Pinkie Pie, for which I can forgive her much.

Anyway, these, amongst others live in Ponyville (Yes I know. The horse puns are a dime a dozen. Or perhaps a copper a century. (Fancy talk for a hundred for a penny) Manehattan, Canterlot, et. Cetera, et cetera.) Where, over the course of the first season, they [spoilers present. highlight to read] encounter everything from Racism and Bullying to attmepting to throw a surprise party and attending the so-called Grand Galloping Gala, THE premier party in all of Equestria. And end with suitable solutions to everything. In fact, part of the reason I approve is the beneficial morals of the stories. That and Fluttershy is cute. Especially on the rare occasions she gets mad.

So lets see, what have we gathered...
Decent animation
Well-thought out, tolerable stories, with jokes and references that appeal to more mature audiences, whilst still being suitable for younglings.
Characters that require little more suspension of belief than acceptance of magic and sentient equines. (I read the Horseclans. and Wind Riders Oath. And the Valdemar books. Sentient horses? Not an issue...)
I'm just upset that more of season two isn't available online yet (but I suppose I should give them a break. It only started a week or so ago...)