Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 278

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 278
Publication Date: November 2015

Issue 278 would be the last issue of Archie’s regular “Sonic” series published in 2015. That wasn’t planned. I know I’ve referenced the mysterious delay of the “Sonic” books that happened at the end of that year. After this, the main “Sonic” wouldn’t resume publication until March of 2016. “Sonic Universe” would take off November, December, and February. Archie’s official explanation for this involves them moving to new printing facilities. Yet knowing the quagmire of bullshit that followed in the next year, climaxing with all “Sonic” titles ceasing permanently, it’s hard to take Archie at their word. I guess what I’m saying is this is truly the beginning of the end.

But it’s not like anybody actually working on the book knew that, because Archie tells its freelancers nothing. So business otherwise continues as normal. “Face of the Enemy Part One: Friends in Need” begins with Sonic, Antoine, Big and Chip arriving in Shamar, a region of Sonic’s world obviously inspired by the Middle East. They are immediately attacked by the local Egg Army. Luckily, the local chapter of Freedom Fighters - Spike the Porcupine, Sonar the Fennic, and Trevor Burrows the Mole - arrive to help. Later, the united teams decide to sneak into a local base, which Sonic suspects of being a Gaia Temple. An ambush awaits them.

I continue to feel a great sense of disconnection with the comic’s ongoing plot during this point in its history. I’ll admit, as of this writing, I’m picking up the book after taking a month off. In that time, I’ve managed to forget any and all pertinent information regarding the Gaia Temples, Gaia Keys, Chaos Emeralds, and how they all fit together to fix the world. At this point, Ian Flynn feels like he’s going through the motions as well. This is a passionless narrative, involving heroes following MacGuffins from one location to the next. About the only interesting thing in this story is the scenes of them sneaking into the temple at the end, which are mildly fun.

It’s a total wash from a narrative perspective. However, we do get some small character moments that make this issue somewhat interesting. Upon seeing that the local Freedom Fighters - who are named the Desert Raiders, the Sonic News Network tells me - have patterned themselves after him, Sonic’s ego swells. While sneaking into the temple, Antoine has to reassure himself that he’s conquered his fear of the dark. Though intended as comic relief, that moment also shows that Antoine still isn’t quite the hero he imagines himself to be. Big even gets one or two funny moments, repeatedly spoiling Antoine’s fun by bluntly explaining their mission.

So what of those Desert Raiders? Like I said, they fashion themselves after the Knothole crew. Spike is a dead ringer for Sonic, Sonar resembles Sally, and Trevor looks a little like Rotor. If Flynn was a smarter, more subversive writer, I would assume this was a jab at O.C.s and recolors. Since he’s not, the Desert Raiders’ imitative fandom of Sonic and friends characterizes them as enthusiastic youngsters eager to fight. Upcoming reveals would show that Flynn clearly had more plans for these guys but the book’s cancellation would prevent them from coming to fruition. So, as they exist now, the Desert Raiders are peppy Freddom Fighters with a secret and not much else.

In the back pages, Aleah Baker continues to tell more compelling stories. Her “Hidden Costs” story continues into its second part. Bunnie and Cassia continue their fight over the Chaos Emerald above the mysterious temple. They eventually clatter through the stone roof, Cassia twisting her ankle in the process. Bunnie takes pity on the other cyborg and carries her through the temple. Meanwhile, Sally and Clove face each other. Instead of fighting, they have a tense conversation.

Baker’s priorities as a writer remains heartfelt. “Hidden Costs” would’ve been a senseless fight story in lesser hands. Instead, Baker makes this a story about empathy. Bunnie immediately resents Cassia, assuming the deer willingly gave up her wholly organic body. After their fight is paused, Cassia explains that her mechanical parts were actually replacing broken limbs, dying eyes and ears. The two discuss their differences and similarities, eventually forming a truce. Sally and Clove’s talk has a similar effect. Clove explains that further fighting will just lead to more misery for her people, something Sally also wants to avoid. It’s a story about understanding and character development, which was sorely needed after the weaker cover story.

Artwork wise, 2015 ends on a high note. Adam Bryce Thomas contributes some highly energetic artwork to the cover story. The action scenes have a kinetic motion to them, the characters stylishly moving around the battle field. His quiet moments are good too. The absolute joy the Desert Raiders feel at meeting their heroes is keenly felt. Any suspense that’s generated in the last scene is the results of Thomas’ detailed, shadowy illustration. Evan Stanley’s work on the back-up is not as consistently strong. The fight between Bunnie and Cassia is a just a little awkward. However, the tense and emotive scenes that follow makes up for that.

Once again, I’m digging Baker’s work much more than her husband’s. While Flynn has the characters on an endless fetch quest, Baker is injecting some heart in their conflicts. So I’m going to have to give this issue a split rating. The cover story gets a [5/10] while the back-up gets a really strong [7/10]. I guess the evens out to a [6/10], which seems to be the only rating I give out anymore.