Honeycomb in the United Kingdom

Honeycomb was sold in the UK set in 1986. She was the only pegasus out of a group of six ponies. More importantly, given the lack of other unicorn and pegasus sets released on these shores, she was also pretty much the only basic range early pegasus - aside the Waterfall's Sprinkles - to be sold in the UK until the Movie Star ponies joined the fray in time for 1987. She, along with her set-mate Gypsy did not get released on the continent. At time of writing, it is thought she was exported to Hungary and to Israel (on UK cards), but in most of Europe she was replaced by either white Tootsie or a new version of Lickety Split.

Honeycomb and Surprise

Honeycomb's similarity in colouring to the early pegasus pony Surprise - sold in some form pretty much everywhere BUT the United Kingdom :( - has led to speculation that she was intended as a replacement or a substitute in the United Kingdom line. While this is possible, I think it unlikely for the main reason that Surprise was hugely promoted in the UK comics and stories - probably more than Honeycomb was. The fact-file also infamously illustrated Honeycomb as a unicorn (see below).

While they are similar in their appearance, Honeycomb also has deliberately straight hair, which puts her more in keeping with her actual set. Whatever the intentions, anyway, Honeycomb was only sold in 1986, in this release. The shift from Surprise to Honeycomb appears deliberate, however, for a plush version of Honeycomb was also sold in 1986. The plush version of Surprise never made it to the UK.

In German speaking countries - and despite the fact the adult was not sold there - a baby Honeycomb was sold. The baby is sometimes associated with the UK, but weirdly she was not sold here.

Honeycomb's Accessories

MOC Honeycomb (UK Card - miscarded on Snowflake's card)
(UK, 1986)

There seems to be a variation in Honeycomb's accessories, which is best shown with these two pictures.

My Honeycomb is sealed on Snowflake's card, but the accessories she has are not Snowflake's. She has a much lighter colour dove brush and ribbon than that seen in the other picture.

It is possible that some Honeycombs ended up with accessories from Wind Whistler, but honestly, I'm not sure exactly how this happened, or how often it happened. Because my pony is misnamed, it is possible she also ended up with the wrong accessories. Jury is still out.

An example of Honeycomb with darker accessories.

Honeycomb's Character

Honeycomb, as her name suggests, was a fan of honey and a friend to the bees. Her factfile entry talks about her helping them collect nectar by pointing out the best flowers for them to visit. Although her story clearly indicates she is a pegasus, the factfile illustrated her as a unicorn.

Something not quite right here...