Internet Memes: Why Little Pony?

       There have thus far been four incarnations of Hasbro's My Little Pony franchise, the original series from the 80's, a low-key release in 1997 (it's primary claim to fame was a computer game), a re-vamp done in 2003, and the most current version Lauren Faust's My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. You may know Lauren Faust from her work on The Powerpuff Girls and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends- if not you ought to check them both out.

Art © Sarah Hendricks, Character © Hasbro

       Although it was originally targeted at young girls, the latest version of My Little Pony has taken on a life all it's own, spawning countless internet memes and even gaining it's own section of memebase and 4chan.This isn't surprising, given Ms. Faust's status as an occasional 4chan'r.
       In fact, the most steadfast demographic enjoying the show seems to be men in their 20's and 30's known as "bronies"- bro + pony, get it? Although the term "brony" now tends to refer to any fan outside the key age range the show was intended for (yo).
       But what has made the show such a success among the older crowd? Visually, the show is stunning, the artwork is crisp and bright, and basically just fun to look at. The show's moral sensibility and solid writing are also attributed to it's success among young adults, and there also seem to be a handful of moments aimed more at an adult sense of humor (read: Derpy Hooves). Those factors, combined with the show's huge ensemble cast, seem to all play into it's booming popularity.

So, who's your favorite pony?