1987:

Twinkle Eye Ponies

1987 was a year for several set farewells, as well as a lot of new beginnings. Goodbye to the So Soft Ponies, to the trend of the unicorn coloured streak of hair, to the Flutter Ponies and, of course, to the Twinkle Eye Ponies, too.

The release is a little complex - the set shown above are the set of six sold in the North American release in 1987 and I've pictured them like that because it's the only way to include all of the ponies on the page. Not all of the above ponies were sold here in the UK. Mimic, Quackers and Bright Eyes were never a part of the UK release, and Speedy, Tic Tac Toe and Locket were sold over here in a set with Sky Rocket, Fizzy and Sweetie. These four newcomers were introduced in a comic story in edition 42, with a mad flying fish and another reference to the Cave of Jewels (although for some reason Speedy was drawn in purple, and Sky Rocket had sprouted a horn!)

Confused yet?

The set included two unicorns, one pegasus and three earthlings, and this set contains some of the most sought after Twinkle Eye Ponies. Most specifically, it's important to mention the enigmatic Mimic, whom collectors both adore and hate in equal numbers. Either way, Mimic has been one of the most consistantly in demand ponies since I've been online trading (from 1998), and she continues to be to this day. Bright Eyes, Quackers and Tic Tac Toe are also quite sought after, and difficult to find in nice condition.