The My Little Pony Scrapbook: G1 in the UK and Europe

Barnacle

Big Brother Pony 1989

Blue stallion with red-orange hair (gold streak in mane) treasure chest symbol

Barnacle
Pony Data
Set Big Brother Ponies, 1989
Asst. Number 4783.01 (North America)
4491 (UK)
Accessories Black pirate hat with skull and crossbones, gold bandana/neckscarf, yellow dog brush
Pose Sunburst
Distribution Largely worldwide.

 
Other Versions

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Ponies Sold in 1989 in the UK First Tooth Baby Ponies | Big Brother Ponies II |Kiss Curl's Grooming Parlour | Windy Wing Ponies| Happytails Ponies (Import) | Crimp & Curl Hair Salon | Baby Buggy | Sundae Best Ponies | Brush & Grow Ponies | Princess Brush & Grow Ponies | Perfume Puff Palace (UK: 1989) |Sparkle Ponies (Store) | Perfume Puff Ponies | Scrub-a-Dub Tub | Sweet Dreams Crib | Club Newborn 1989 | Loving Families (individual and gift set) | Loving Family Accessories| MUMMY CHARMS

Other 1989 Ponies Princess Ponies (Germany/Austria) |Sparkle Ponies (Mail Order) | Newborn Twins II (Partial, Germany/France) | Twice as Fancy Megan & Sundance | Goldilocks | Sweet Scoops | Chuck. E. Cheese Baby | Valentine Twins | Satin & Lace (Lavender) | Coat/Tux 'n' Tails | Twice as Fancy Baby Ponies | Birthday Baby Ponies | Merry-Go-Round Ponies (UK: 1990 | Candy Cane Ponies (UK: 1990) | Sunshine Ponies (UK: 1990) | Dance & Prance Ponies (UK: 1990) | Fancy Pants Babies (UK: 1990 - partial) | Playtime Baby Brother Ponies (UK: 1990 - partial) | Newborn Babies (UK: 1990) | Sweetheart Sister Ponies (UK: 1990 - partial) | Baby Ponies with Pretty Pals | Pearly Baby Ponies | Pretty Mane Ponies | Baby Sister Ponies | Dream Castle (Lavender)




Barnacle

Barnacle was introduced to the UK market in 1989, as one of the Big Brother Ponies. He had the same name and accessories in the UK as he did in North America, and was themed as a pirate - although one whose morals were generally in the right place!

Barnacle Mint on Card
Barnacle Mint on Card
UK, 1989
Image from Evil Santa


Like all the Big Brother releases, Barnacle was sold with a hat and bandana (called a scarf, or a neck scarf in the UK) as well as a brush. The bandanas were the same style between ponies, but in different colours (each brother had a unique colour). The hats were specially designed to fit that pony's theme, and so were only sold with that specific character. Barnacle has a black pirate hat with attached eyepatch and white skull and crossbones painted on it. Friendly. :)



Barnacle's character

Barnacle was a pirate, although he seemed more interested in treasure hunts, maps and treasure than in actually causing anyone harm (thankfully!) He was first introduced in the pony comic when some of the other boy ponies went on a boat adventure and wound up on an island. Here they found a treasure map, which ultimately led them to Barnacle. Perhaps as a greeting ritual, Barnacle suggested they all dress up as pirates and join him on his ship. Boys will be boys, I guess.

Barnacle
Barnacle's Treasure Hunt
My Little Pony Comic, 1989

 
With the introduction of Barnacle, the hints that Tug's adventures may have led him into piracy ceased. Hasbro had clearly decided that it would be ok to release an actual pirate character without horrifying parents.