Is the world of whimsical ponies truly immune to the touch of darkness? A chilling new trend has taken hold, proving that even the most vibrant and cheerful universes can be twisted into something terrifying: the MLP Infection AU.
The internet, particularly platforms like TikTok and DeviantArt, is currently abuzz with a chilling wave of fan-created content centered around the "My Little Pony" franchise, reimagined through the lens of horror. This isn't your typical, saccharine-sweet depiction of Equestria. Instead, it's a descent into alternate universes (AUs) where a devastating "infection" a kind of creeping, monstrous plague has taken hold, corrupting the beloved characters and transforming the landscape into a realm of decay and fear.
This creative explosion, often referred to as "MLP Infection AU" or "Pestraobia," is a testament to the enduring power of fan creativity and the human fascination with exploring the dark corners of imagination. The core concept revolves around a variety of infectious agents, each with its own unique characteristics and horrifying effects. These infections are not merely physical ailments; they often involve psychological and spiritual corruption, resulting in a loss of identity and a transformation into something monstrous.
The trend's emergence is multifaceted, but it gained significant momentum in late 2023 and has continued to surge in popularity into January 2024. This resurgence of horror content within the MLP fandom, previously somewhat dormant, is fuelled by a confluence of factors. The inherent flexibility of the AU format allows creators to explore a wide range of scenarios and themes, from zombie apocalypses to body horror to psychological thrillers. The visual medium of platforms like TikTok, with its short-form videos and trending sounds, provides an ideal environment for sharing and spreading this kind of content. Additionally, the community thrives on collaboration and cross-pollination, with artists, writers, and animators inspiring and building upon each other's work.
One of the most notable examples of this phenomenon is "Pestraobia," a particularly gruesome AU centered on a flesh and mind-eating disease. This concept has spawned countless artworks, videos, and fanfictions, each adding its own unique spin to the central premise. Other popular infections include the "Smile Virus," and "Swamp Fever". Creators like Tsamsinfectionau on TikTok (@tsamsinfectionau) have amassed large followings by creating their own unique infection AU, generating interest and inspiring others to join in.
The appeal of the MLP Infection AU transcends mere shock value. It taps into a deep-seated human fascination with the uncanny, the grotesque, and the potential for corruption. By taking familiar, comforting characters and placing them in terrifying situations, these AUs force us to confront our own fears and anxieties. They also serve as a commentary on the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of loss, despair, and the struggle for survival in the face of overwhelming adversity.
This isn't just a niche interest; it's a vibrant subculture with its own language, conventions, and community. The use of hashtags like #mlp, #mylittlepony, #mlpinfectionau, and #mlpinfection is widespread across platforms. Fan art, often featuring decaying ponies with unsettling features, is prevalent on sites like DeviantArt. Animated horror stories, often presented as photo slideshows or short video clips, are a staple on TikTok. Furthermore, the creation of comic dubs and adaptations of these AUs demonstrates the level of investment and engagement within the community.
The trend has also extended beyond the original "My Little Pony" context. Creators have begun to adapt the infection AU concept to other franchises, creating crossovers and alternate versions of beloved characters from other universes. These projects showcase the versatility of the infection AU format and its ability to resonate with a wide audience.
The appeal of these stories lies not only in their frightening imagery but also in the narrative potential they offer. The best infection AUs create complex and engaging storylines, exploring the psychological impact of the infection, the struggles for survival, and the moral dilemmas faced by characters in a world gone wrong. They are often deeply affecting, creating a world where the familiar is shattered and the very essence of the characters is put into question. Some of the more known are the 'Sonic Dark Gaia Infection Au' and "How to Train Your Dragon Infection Au".
The rise of the MLP Infection AU illustrates the powerful role fans play in shaping and expanding the boundaries of creative expression. By taking a beloved franchise and reimagining it through the lens of horror, they've not only created a new and engaging form of entertainment, but also a space for exploring complex themes and sparking meaningful conversations. This trend is a testament to the ongoing ability of creative communities to find new and exciting ways to engage with the stories they love.
The current trend is a multifaceted phenomenon, spanning various platforms and creative mediums. Here is a brief overview of the most prominent examples:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Core Concept | Alternate Universes (AUs) where "My Little Pony" characters are infected by various diseases, viruses, or curses, leading to horrific transformations and a breakdown of society. |
Key Infections | Pestraobia (flesh and mind-eating disease), Smile Virus, Swamp Fever, Black Tree Virus, Everfree Infection. |
Popular Platforms | TikTok, DeviantArt, Reddit (r/outoftheloop), Archive of Our Own (AO3). |
Content Types | Scary fan art, horror animations (often slideshows), fanfiction, comic dubs, and crossover content. |
Notable Creators | Tsamsinfectionau (@tsamsinfectionau on TikTok), chairnoizes (Troll Infection AU on various platforms) and sneepsnob. |
Franchise Adaptations | Beyond "My Little Pony", the infection AU concept has been extended to other franchises, including "How to Train Your Dragon", "Trolls", "The Amazing Digital Circus" and Cuphead. |
Themes Explored | Horror, survival, loss, despair, transformation, identity, moral dilemmas, psychological impact of infection. |
For a deeper dive into this trend, exploring the sources and communities is highly recommended. Consider these resources:
- TikTok: Search for hashtags like #mlpinfectionau, #mlpinfection, and #mlp.
- DeviantArt: Explore artwork tagged with mlp_infection_au.
- Reddit: Examine the discussions and analyses in r/outoftheloop.
- Archive of Our Own (AO3): Search for fanfiction related to the MLP Infection AU.
The "My Little Pony Infection AU" trend is a striking example of how fan communities can take existing media and transform it into something entirely new and thought-provoking. It's a testament to the power of imagination, the enduring appeal of horror, and the creative potential of the internet. It serves as a reminder that creativity knows no bounds, and that even the most innocent of universes can harbor dark and terrifying secrets.

