Let's Review: MLP G5 #19

 

The sister swap continues!

Zipp and Pipp have hit their lowest point, so where can they go from here? Catch the full review–swapping in spoilers here and there–after the break!

So here we are, finally past the point that is inherent to any role swap story. Both participants have hit rock-bottom and must now find the humility to ask one another for help and to accept said help. The question is whether or not this issue can offer up a twist on the standard format or at least help us connect with the characters as they experience the process.

Really love this expression. 

It says so much about what's going through Pipp's head.

 

Artisically speaking, Amy Mebberson's work continues to be a joy as it's both true to Make Your Mark while also keeping the characters lively and expressive within the pages' medium. We get an extra surprise here as Misty gets to join the cast and we see how Mebberson handles that glorious mane style. Of all the characters in the show, Misty's mane might be the most vexing to depict. Izzy may have longer strands but they're of a uniform color and simply wavy. Misty's do is wavy and close while also being expansive at the same time. It's a look that can only be fully realized in 3D, for I pity any artist who tried to draw that level of detail in each frame.

Where did she get such uniquely-shaped glasses?

 

All in all, I think Mebberson did an admirable job though the Mane doesn't seem to reach out as far as I've seen in the show. Perhaps the goal is to constrain the mane so that it doesn't trespass into other characters' space. Either way, it's a good look but it feels confined and I'm betting they worked on this before they knew Misty would enjoy a color update to express her new friendships. Either way, I'm glad to see her becoming more a part of these adventures.

Think-think-think.

 

We rejoin the troupe with Pipp seeking a moment's privacy to regroup, only to smack into Zipp and her case of the munchies. Throughout this entire conversation, Pipp sets the tone and tempo. She is the first to lie, the first to confess, the first to criticize, and then offer both truce and a support. I find this interesting given that she's the younger of the two, she seems to be the driving force in a lot of these conversations. A carryover of her internet career or a sign of Zipp's hesitation to lead?

Maybe Zipp just knows not to get in the way of all that melodrama.

 

Meanwhile, the other ponies continue their investigation into Milkyway's history and possible motives. This requires visiting one Panini, a pegasus whose experience with Milkyway sent the well nymph into a two-year hiatus. Apparently, she pushed Panini too hard. The stallion was already wishing for a shortcut to success, but rather than simply bestow him with money, Milkyway set him on the path to earning it. This is already different from the simple "Poof! You now have enough money" idea that one might expect from a wish. The only violation of reality is when Milkway enchanted Panini to work endlessly without sleep, thus burning him out. Had she adjusted her timeline and expressed patience, Panini might have done the work and claimed his own shop without complaint.

I've felt this way, coming home from work.

 

We even get to see the Nymph monologue about her goals and expectations without putting on an act for everyone. Apparently, she thought she'd created a bridge between the quarreling sisters. Imagine her shock when even their teamwork seems to be suffering. Rather than try to get better, the entire pony group has committed to contributing to the mess and leaving it to the populace to sort things out. Thus, Milkyway has the ultimatum of either switching the marks back or having her reputation become more tarnished than the castle floors.

I can see nothing negative coming out of this confrontation.

 

So far, we've had Sunny and Izzy be the voice of conscience for Zipp and Hitch the voice for Pipp. Now it's Misty who tries to reign in the group's aggression, pleading with them to treat Milkyway with better kindness. She's proven right when Milkyway reacts to this aggression with a plan of her own, leaving the team in an even worse state than before. Sunny calls out Milkyway on her selfishness, but there's a vulnerability at play we don't yet understand. Milkyway is betting everything on this night and claims that she can't switch the marks back despite Panini's insistence. It's possible that her powers have degraded or there's a different caveat than we think.

Impressive targeting! What is that pony's K/D?

 

Suffice to say, our lead cast isn't handling this situation very well. From Zipp's confronting to Carotang to cornering Milkyway, it seems that this is a story that discourages aggression. I'm not sure how much I can get behind this message. Sometimes we must be willing to at least stand in place and tell the other party to move, especially in matters of principal. But it takes some wisdom and hard-won experience to distinguish these times. Certainly looks like the G5 crew is learning that experience now.

Welp, that didn't work!

 

The big three things about this issue are the ponies' plan, Misty's appearance, and finally getting some background info on our antagonist. There's one more issue to go and we'll hopefully close out the year with a resolution. Until then, I think this issue well worth a look and see what theories fans propose.

"Every Monday with you two..."

 

I'm Silver Quill. Thanks for reading!

 

Dare I hope Bronies would make this a real meme?

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