Here's a timeline:
* 1981: Hasbro released the first generation of My Little Pony toys.
* 1984: The animated series "My Little Pony 'n Friends" premiered.
* 1986: The animated series "My Little Pony" premiered, featuring a new cast of ponies.
* 1986: The first issue of the "My Little Pony Tales" comic book series was published.
So, while "My Little Pony Tales" was a spin-off that came out after the original My Little Pony toys and animated series, it predates the later generations of My Little Pony toys and the "Friendship is Magic" series.