Perplexing ‘brony’ subculture surrounds newest ‘My Little Pony’ animated series

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Bronies unite once more!

Season four of “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” starts Nov. 23 on the Hub Network.

What’s a brony you may ask?

While the bulk of the cartoon fans are young girls, there are fans that happen to be guys in their late teens to early thirties.

Brony is “bro” and “pony” put together.

It sounds a little strange, but the fandom comes from an honest and genuine love of a goofy and charming show.

This summer was full of “My Little Pony” (MLP) to get fans excited about the upcoming season.

The Hub network held a poll for fans to vote for best pony from the “mane” six, with manly names as “Pinkie Pie,” “Apple Jack,” “Twilight Sparkle,” “Rarity,” “Rainbow Dash” and “Fluttershy.”

Ultimately “Fluttershy” was announced the winner of the contest, much to the chagrin of fans of the other five pony protagonists.

Also this summer the “My Little Pony: Equestria Girls” movie was released in select theaters across the United States.

The film’s plot concerns the main characters from the series being turned humans with hijinks ensuing.

Before the release the film received wide criticism from fans.

Once fans had a chance to actually see the movie, the fervor died down and “Equestria Girls” was found to have the same charming formula that made the show so popular in the first place.

What made MLP so popular, is a question in and of itself.

On first glance, the artwork and animation are colorful but not spectacular, and the voices can be annoying.

Yet next thing you know, you’re two episodes in and can’t stop watching.

Each episode deals with moral issues and positive messages for young children. Bronies are charmed by how disgustingly adorable the show is habitually.

Unlike a lot of mindless entertainment that permeates throughout children’s television, MLP at least attempts to be about something.

We can only guess what will happen in season four of “Friendship is Magic,” but Bronies and Pony lovers from all around are excited about the return of the beloved show.