Strawberry Surprise
Although the Sweetberry Ponies were some of the first scented
ponies to be released in the States, they were one of the last
scented releases in Europe. Unlike most delayed sets, which were
sold one year after the North American issue, this set was sold
two years later, and essentially they seem to have been
recreated for the UK market. As mentioned on the main set page,
the 1988 set from North America were mostly made in Hong Kong
and the earth ponies at least had forelocks. In Europe, the four
ponies who saw release were made in China, and the earth ponies
did not have forelocks.
I have not seen the Hong Kong version of Strawberry Surprise in
person, so am not sure whether she has a forelock or not. Her
hair is intentionally curly which makes it harder to tell. The
one pictured above is made in China; she does not have a
forelock.
Strawberry Surprise Mint on Card
(Colour palette - dark pink/pink)
German release version, 1990
Image from Shivhae
Strawberry Surprise's Character
Strawberry Surprise's backcard story describes her using her
parasol to collect strawberries, and then covering them with cream
to create a strawberries and cream dessert. This theme is also
covered in the pony comic, albeit with a slightly more
introspective twist. In the story, "The Sad Sweetberry Pony",
Strawberry Surprise is depressed because, unlike her friends, she
isn't a great culinary expert, and cannot make pie, cordial or jam
to take to the July Jollities party. Sad, she decides to leave and
go on a 'long walk' until the celebrations are over, as she does
not want to turn up empty-hooved. In tears, she ultimately finds
herself in a strawberry patch, and is helped by some fieldmice to
gather strawberries and create her parasol dish for the party.
Someone give her a hug.
My Little Pony Comic, 1990
