Sparkler (Classic)

Caden Dickinson
Apr 29
3 min read

Updated: Jul 26

CHARACTER(S): Sparkler

YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 1984

PLACE OF PRODUCTION: Hong Kong

MANUFACTURING COMPANY:

TYPICAL PRICE ONLINE: $15 - $25 USD

OTHER COMMENTS/INFO:

German name: Gitzi

Release Info

Released in Year Three (1983-1984) as part of the Unicorn Series
- She was part of the second wave of Unicorns, which along with Sparkler also consisted of Powder, Gusty, Skyflier, and re-releases of Glory & Moondancer

Other Info

She came with a white comb and pink ribbon
Sparkler's name was reused twice - Once for a Merry Go Round Pony, and once for a 'Baby Sparkler' who did not seem to be an attempt at making an actual Baby Sparkler
Despite being featured in the UK comics, Sparkler did not get a UK brushable release
It's noted that there are two variants - sometimes her cutie mark is slightly bigger

Media:

Sparkler appears in the second G1 TV Special Escape from Catrina, and in the UK G1 MLP comics series. She also appears in some of the picture books.
She was the main inspiration for G4's iteration of Rarity

Personality: Sparkler is a collector - Something that might resonate closely with many MLP fans. She collects trinkets, jewels, and anything shiny or glittery - Sort of like a magpie!

Her US Backcard Reads: Sparkler stood out in the sun, admiring her collection. "It's so beautifully shiny," she remarked as she rearranged her glitter cards, gold coins and aluminum foil pieces. Sparkler loves shiny, sparkling objects. When the moon is full, she follows the brightest star in search of glittering trinkets. On the night of the last full moon, Sparkler found a glowing diamond. "This will be perfect for Majesty's crown," she thought. But Majesty urged Sparkler to keep the jewel because someday she might have a crown of her own!

Image sources:

My Little Wiki
eBay - jenniferdorf0
eBay - tmht-toys
Etsy - BetterDaysVintageCA
Etsy - cloudweaver

Fable Pony Sparkler:

Nicknamed "Fable Ponies", the Pegasus and Unicorn Series ponies were combined into one series sold on the same style of backcard in Scandinavia, Germany, Norway, Australia & South Africa.
- The "Fable Pony" name comes from the marketing surrounding the ponies, as well as the German tagline for the series "Fabelponies" - Most of these countries seem to have not included a tagline/series name, but they all use the same backcard art
The Fable Pony Sparkler sold in Germany was made in Italy, and was only slightly different from the standard Sparkler design - Her cutie mark was a different shade of blue and was non-glittery.
- There are other Italian Nirvanas for her, but they all differ much more from the original. This one is closer to being just a variation - But she was made in Italy
It is unclear if it was standard for the Fable Pony Sparklers to be made in Italy. They probably weren't for all countries, but the importing of Italian MLP production out to other European countries was not uncommon, so she may have been sold in more than just Germany. It is unclear if she was ever actually sold in Italy.
The South African Sparkler was for sure not from Italy though - She was made in Hong Kong like the standard Sparkler - but she had her own unique design!
- She's sort of doing a vampire goth thing, I think
- She is copyrighted with 1983, and uses the Moondancer pose
- The only South African Sparkler currently for sale online is over $2,000