Sonic Universe: Issue 71

Sonic Universe: Issue 71
Publication Date: December 2014

For the first twelve years of her existence, Nicole was just Sally’s handheld computer. Though useful on missions, and occasionally showing some sass, she was mostly just a fancy Tricorder. That all changed in 2005, with the publication of “Stargazing” and the first appearance of Nicole’s holo-lynx form. After Ian Flynn took over writing duties, a hologram lynx would become Nicole’s standard appearance. Her evolution from plot device to actual character complete, she became an essential member of the “Sonic” cast. With the “Spark of Life” story arc, beginning in issue 71 of “Sonic Universe,” Nicole’s post-reboot origins would be established.

After a long night of defending the Sky Patrol from Dark Gaia Creatures, Sally and Tails are hoping to get some sleep. Instead, Nicole is drawn into the Digital World by an emergency signal from Dr. Ellidy. Ellidy created Nicole but the Freedom Fighters haven’t heard from him in years. Inside the Digital World, Nicole rescues the doctor from a mysterious threat. Sally, Tails, and Big head to Ellidy’s island. He’s safe but something unusual is definitely going on.

The plot of “Spark of Life” is credited to Flynn but the script is from Aleah Baker. And my theory that Flynn’s wife is a better writer than him continues to be barred out. The first part of “Spark of Life” successfully teases out some new history. Nicole’s pre-reboot origin was far from concise, as she was sent into the past from that idyllic possible future Ken Penders loved to write about. That time travel business didn’t amount to anything and never made much sense. For her new back story, Baker simply has Nicole be created by a kindly scientist who worked for the Acorns before Robotnik’s coup.

As Baker answers some questions, she also provides some new mysteries. Simply from a narrative perspective, we have the question of who this villain is and what their objectives are. More pressingly, there’s some unspoken tension between Nicole and Ellidy. See, Ellidy is also a lynx and seems somewhat unnerved by Nicole choosing that form for herself. During the otherwise adorable flashback that shows little Sally receiving Nicole for the first time, we see that even the name makes Ellidy uncomfortable. That he’s leaving his position due to an unnamed personal tragedy. These little mysteries are presented in a natural way that doesn’t seem intrusive while also drawing the reader in.

Part one of “Spark of Life” features a few action scenes. There’s a neat opening, devoted to Sally and the others fighting the Dark Gaia Monsters outside the Sky Patrol. When Nicole rescues Ellidy, she shows off the defensive abilities she has in the digital world. (Which apparently includes summoning the Lance of Longinus.) Yet this is primarily a character-based story. Sally risks her life to rescue Tails early on. Despite being exhausted afterwards, she still immediately launches off to locate Nicole. There’s lots of cute little interactions between Sally, Nicole, and Dr. Ellidy. These moments are small but they establish how much everyone cares about each other.

While I’m fairly ambivalent to Ellidy, I do really like his island home. He’s set up a home on Isolated Island, a Zone which apparently originates in the “Knuckles’ Chaotix” game. He’s retrofitted old Badniks into his personal squad of helpers and servants. It’s a surprisingly comfy location. I mean, who wouldn’t want to retire to a personal island staffed with robots that wait on your every want and whim? It’s also a colorful location, as the book maintains the 32X game’s searing neon color scheme.

This issue also introduces the concept of the Digital World, which is a name that surely wasn’t just swiped from a popular anime/multi-media franchise. While the preboot world featured a neutral online location where digital avatars could interact, this issue makes the Digital World way more significant. Apparently, it’s a mysterious location that has possibly existed before computers where even able to tap into it. I’m not sure why Baker just couldn’t make the Digital World a physical representation of the planet’s various internets. This works too, I guess.

Though I have some questions, the first part of “Spark of Life” is strong. I love the little interactions between the characters and the elegant way Baker reimagines Nicole’s past. Not too much happens in this issue but we’re still given enough that we want to know more. [7/10]