My Little Pony: Friends Forever #30 - Twilight and Princess Cadance
- Story by Christina Rica, Art by Agnes Garbowska
Twilight Sparkle travels to the Crystal Empire to spend a few days with Princess Cadance. Despite a list of activities that they have planned to do, Twilight finds Cadance acting a bit reserved, such as going out into the marketplace in disguises. The next day, Twilight learns that Cadance is having a crisis of identity, feeling that she is only a pretty figurehead put in place to run the Crystal Empire, feelings reinforced by interactions from the marketplace the day before, which spoke only of Cadance's beauty and nothing about her abilities as a leader. Twilight and Shining Armor try to convince her otherwise, that she is a capable leader, but as her royal court sessions progress, with Twilight and Shining trying to offer her advice, her confidence is shaken further and she retreats to her quarters.
Twilight notices that the light of the Crystal Heart seems dimmer, and when Cadance is late at the dedication event for the Crystal Heart and then declares herself unworthy of being their leader, its light nearly goes out. Twilight panics as she looks across the gathered crystal ponies, and comes to a realization, recalling that she herself appreciated Cadance in her youth. Twilight realizes that Cadance may not be as powerful as Celestia or Luna, but has the love and devotion that she has shown to her subjects, which inspire them to do well and to try to inspire her by recognizing her kindness and beauty, which is just as important as authority. Cadance takes this to heart, her confidence is fully restored, and the Crystal Heart bursts forth anew with light, returning it to normal. The next day, Cadance is happy to walk in the marketplace without hiding, and thanks Twilight for her help.
Tropes appearing in this issue:
- Debate and Switch: The issue deconstructs Cadance being the most "stereotypical" of the Princesses, showing she has self-esteem issues with the perception that she's only relevant for appearance and gets no respect for her authority, leading her to doubt if she deserves the throne. She then gets assured her appearance IS important for inspiring others.
- King Incognito: Princess Cadance wears disguises to go out and about at first, but after Twilight helps her overcome her personal crisis, she walks about as herself again.
- Take That!: Tony Fleecs's cover
◊ takes a direct shot at the Hasbro marketing department for the pony toys. It has the packaging as one would expect for pony figurines, and includes the plastic accessories (such as combs). However, the toy set with both a Twilight and Cadance figure labels them as "Princess of Friendship" and "The Other Princess", respectively. In the issue, there is a similar gag, though done in-universe, when they stop at a toy stall.
