TailsTube #5 (Remember When?)

TailsTube #5 (Remember When?)

Original Release Date: October 10th, 2023

Ahhh, nostalgia. Is there anything the internet loves more? Pornography, probably. Racism and witch-hunts too. Looking back at the past with a wistful fondness is indeed a favorite past time of people who spend entirely too much time looking at their phones or computers. You could even say that a misplaced nostalgia for an idealized past that never actually existed is part of why America is on the slippery slope towards full-blown fascism! Nevertheless, I think looking back on the cartoon shows or toys or breakfast cereals or whatever that you loved as a kid with a smile is generally a harmless activity. I mean, it is basically one of the main reasons this entire blog exists! "Sonic" fans tend to be highly nostalgic, whether they are old guys like me remembering the Genesis days and still holding a candle for Princess Sally or if they are a generation or two younger and recall "Sonic Adventure 2" or "Shadow the Hedgehog" blowing their minds. I simply can't wait until that cellphone game all about selling people alternate costumes and skins is a source of nostalgia for "Sonic" kids. It's gonna happen sooner than you think! 

Sega is absolutely aware of how fans of their trademark franchise are deeply sentimental. At this point, you could argue that nostalgia is one of the main driving forces of the series. Last year's big title, after all, was an expanded re-release of a game that came out when I was in college. The success of the live action movies seem heavily dependent upon "Sonic" being a thing that people think back on and smile about now. Every "Sonic" game made now includes a throwback or Easter egg nodding at some obscure bit of the series' history. I can't say I'm immune to this, as someone who loves that there's an entire "Classic" umbrella part of this universe now. This is seemingly the fate of all nerd properties, to franchises eating their own tail as they become increasingly devoted to celebrating their own existence in service of fans who only want to be reminded of simpler, happier times. Damn, there I go getting doomy again. Sorry about that. 

I bring up the existential emptiness of nostalgia as a concept because the fifth installment of "TailsTube" is seemingly devoted to looking back. It is called "Remember When?," which suggests an episode devoted to Sonic and friends recalling past adventures. It's kind of that. A line at the beginning places this episode, continuity-wise, shortly after the events of "Sonic Frontiers." Tails gets Sonic, Knuckles, and Amy physically in the studio with him. The discussion soon turns towards friends and enemies they haven't seen in a while. Namely, Mighty and Ray. A little later on, the discussion turns towards Fang the Hunter. That's pretty much it, though the final minutes of the broadcast has everyone announcing, without Tails getting any input, that they are about to have a cook-out. This continues what might be "TailsTube's" most important contribution to "Sonic" lore: That Sonic is a penniless mooch who is constantly stealing Tails' food. 

"Remember When??" is technically the start of the second "season" of "TailsTube," an essentially meaningless distinction when the program has as irregular a release schedule as this one. Writing credits for a lot of the newer episodes of this venture are tricky to find. However, if I was a betting man, I'd put money on this one emerging from Ian Flynn's pen. Mainly because "Remember When??" is, once again, an excuse to clarify details about the world and its timeline. Having previously dismissed the "Classic/Modern" divide, this episode outright confirms something I was speculating about not long ago. If the current iterations of Sonic and the gang are, indeed, the same ones that hung out with Mighty and Ray in the past... That means those guys are still out there, somewhere in the world, waiting to be re-introduced with flashy, updated designs whenever Sega deems them relevant again. The script is intentionally vague about where these two are now or what they might be up to. Amy simply says that they are always on adventures, aren't great about staying in contact, and they haven't heard from them in some time. They are among us though. That's nice. 

Flynn or whoever wrote this one goes further than that too. "Remember When??" references events from the IDW comics and the, at the time forthcoming, "Sonic Superstars." That continues to confirm that the "Sonic the Hedgehog" series is now a much more unified effort, all the games and the new comics taking place within one consistent world and timeline. No word on how "Sonic Prime," the movies, or the other cartoon shows relate to this, not yet anyway. This is an inevitable effect of Ian Flynn being given the keys to the Corvette, as it were. This is the same dude who took the tangled mess of plot points and unresolved story threads that was Archie "Sonic" and weaved it into some sort of coherent history. He's now doing the same thing with the different branches of the series, tying all the games and much of the spin-off media into one big tapestry. 

At least, as far as the English-language branch of the franchise is confirmed. "TailsTube #5" is the first of the series to not receive a Japanese dub. This has remained the case with all future episodes, "TailsTube" as a concern only being relevant to English-speaking fans, I guess. This is another clear indication that Japan doesn't actually care that much about "Sonic." See also: How the third movie, very successful in many global markets, basically flopped in the hedgehog's home country. No wonder they are letting us dorks here in God's country take over. It also makes me dread the very likely possible that Sega of Japan will eventually make some sweeping generalization or massive change that fucks up whatever master plan Ian and friends are cooking up here. You know it's gonna happen.  

Despite continuity concerns largely being the main topic at here, that's not what "TailsTube #5" is actually doing. Remember how I was bitching about how, sometimes, these YouTube shorts seem to be nothing more than quickie summaries for newer, less nerdy fans? That's more-or-less what "Remember When??" is doing. This is about quickly establishing who Mighty, Ray, and Fang are for anyone who might not know. The comics, "Sonic Mania" and "Sonic Mania Adventures" are all referenced. As is "Sega Sonic the Hedgehog," "Knuckles' Chaotix," and "Sonic the Fighter." However, the script here largely reads like a quick run-down of these guys' superpowers and personality points. Perhaps it hints at the main reason why Mighty and Ray haven't shown up in modern games still: They are basically just more powerful versions of Sonic and Tails. Mighty's gentle nature and Ray's sweetness are shouted out but the script mostly draws attention to their abilities and similarities to Sonic and Tails. Which doesn't make a great case for why these two should come back. 

Still, I guess it is nice that Sega considers Mighty and Ray worth mentioning. Since "TailsTube" is a quasi-promotional program, I don't know why so much time is spent on these two. Where they originally planned as DLC for "Superstars" before that underperformed? However, Fang the Hunter getting highlighted does make sense, considering his prominent role in that game. That leads to what is probably the main thing we all love to talk about when it comes to this guy: What the hell is his name and what even is he? "Nack the Weasel" is acknowledged as a past alias, as is "Fang the Sniper." (Which Amy amusingly mentions as being too violent.) This leads into the reveal is not a weasel, not a wolf, but a jerboa. The script does not clarify what the hell a jerboa is, for those who might know. I guess Sonic saying "One of those bouncy desert mouse things?" would be too meta. Akin to Sonic glancing at Knuckles and saying "You don't look like an egg-laying spiny anteater with a freakish four-headed peen!" 

It annoys me when characters are reduced to only a list of attributes or stats like this. I suppose that's unavoidable when characters are little more than gameplay features. However, I do like a certain feature of this episode. Actually putting Tails and the other three prongs of the team in a room together allows for a lot more banter between them. That leads to Knuckles complaining about Tails' computer thing, Sonic pointing out all the times the echidna has been tricked by Eggman, and Amy doing her best to police all the macho posturing. Shit like this is, in fact, what keeps me coming back to these videos! These personalities play off each other nicely. This cast is really good at bouncing dialogue back and forth. That makes this short little video more than a mere lore-dump. We actually learn some things about who these furry animals are and what their relationship with each other. We listen to real podcast – at least I do – more often because I like to hang out with the hosts than necessarily whatever the topic is. Bits like this in "TailsTube" captures that nicely. 

Also, I guess to signal that a new season has started, this episode features a new background. It's a look at Tails' lab, post-"Frontier." I'm sure the people who love to look into images like this for little Easter eggs found plenty. I like that the Tornado is front and center. Like all "TailsTube" so far, there's not much to this particular installment. I like the confirmation on Mighty and Ray's current status – whereabouts unknown but somewhere – and I like Sonic and Knuckles arguing like an old married couple. I guess I didn't feel like my five minutes were wasted. [6/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Amy's 30th Anniversary Special

Sonic the Hedgehog: Amy's 30th Anniversary Special

Publication Date: September 27th, 2023

The “Sonic the Hedgehog” titles must be a big hit for IDW, as they are continuing to make a habit out of releasing one-shots on a regular basis. They just announced another one last week! Among their most persistent series of one-shots have been the anniversary editions. Sonic's 30th anniversary in 2021 was a big deal for the whole franchise, IDW honoring it with one of their best comics in the entire series. They continued the trend last year, giving Tails an anniversary special too. Showing that this is clearly going to be a tradition until they are out of 30th anniversaries, 2023 has brought with it a 30th anniversary special for Amy Rose too. (The fact that Sega has a new retro-platformer coming out soon was, no doubt, another reason to greenlight this special.) I bet Flynn is already drafting the script for Knuckles' birthday one-shot for next year. 

Of course, when you compare Amy to Tails or Knuckles, you notice she's a very different character. Amy Rose is probably the most popular female character in the “Sonic” franchise now, essentially being the female face of the entire series. Yet she didn't even debut in one of the numbered sequels. Amy Rose first appeared in “Sonic CD,” a game a lot of fans probably didn't play when it was new because not many people had a Sega CD. Tails was appearing in the American “Sonic” comics and cartoons and Knuckles would soon acquire a massive following in the comics. Amy, meanwhile, wouldn't appear in an animated series until “Sonic X” and was only a minor supporting character in the Archie books for years. 

Despite being the closest thing Sonic had to a love interest in the video games at the time, Amy Rose didn't really become a detailed character until the Dreamcast era. “Modern” Amy was still a fashionable, very pink girl hedgehog but she also wielded a big-ass hammer, while having personality traits outside of endlessly pursuing Sonic and being a damsel-in-distress. The Piko Piko Hammer has become such an ingrained part of Amy's personality that Classic Amy – the subject of this one-shot – has retroactively been given it as well. While Modern Amy has flourished and become a beloved member of the series, Classic Amy has just sort of hung around.  The reinvention of the character has overshadowed the rather vague original version. 

How did Ian Flynn go about resolving this issue? Let's see. “Amy's 30th Anniversary Special” begins with the pink hedgehog throwing a little party for her animal friends, also giving them a reading from her divination cards. The cards warn of danger and, soon enough, Metal Sonic barges into the area. Joined by a little blue Flicky, and guided by her magic cards, Amy sets out to get the bottom of things. She discovered a series of Egg Capsules, freeing Nack Fang, Ray, and Bark along the way. They soon follow a shipment of fruit to an island fortress, where Eggman has captured all of Amy's friends in similar Egg Capsule. Metal Sonic is right on their trail though, leading to a big showdown. 

You know what my first thought was upon finishing reading this comic book? “Ian Flynn should write a “Strawberry Shortcake” or “Rainbow Brite” comic or something like that.” This issue really captures the feel of “girly” Saturday morning cartoon shows from the eighties and I mean that in the best way. This one-shot is unapologetically girly. Pink is the primary color on many of the pages. Amy is constantly surrounded by cute, little animals – who look like stuffed toys, really – and pretty flowers. After quickly assessing that Bark, usually an antagonist, isn't such a bad guy, she gives him a big hug. The issue ends with the heroes having a tea party! The visual design for this comic shoots is designed to appeal to the audience of “cutest little girl you can imagine in the early 90s.”

Again, I don't mean any of this as a criticism. I'm not the target audience for “She-Ra” or “Jem” or “Care Bears” or whatever. Yet it's impressive that this comic marries to this specific aesthetic so unerringly without letting it effect the story any. Despite Amy, and Classic Amy especially, being defined largely by her devotion to Sonic, that's only a little part of this comic. Instead, there are some decent stakes here. Amy's friends have been captured and, gosh darn it, she's going to free them. She's a young girl, with young girl problems, but that doesn't hinder her from overcoming the specific challenges this narrative presents. Flynn's script argues that Amy's girliness is not a defect but an asset. 

Honestly, I think the character arc Amy gets here is really cute. All throughout the story, she expects to find Sonic or Tails or someone really famous like that in the Egg Capsules. Instead, she gets Nack, Ray, and Bark. All throughout, she attributes the extraordinary characteristics her magic cards points towards to other people. In the end, it's pointed out that Amy is the one who accomplished all these things. Honestly, I think this is a good message to send to young people. Young girls, especially, undervalue their own abilities because our society is so fucking sexist. Amy learning her own strength, that even she denies, is a sweet little arc that fits the character and also makes for a compelling narrative. 

Aside from her infatuation with Sonic, Classic Amy has one other characteristic. At least, she does in theory anyway. The manual to “Sonic CD” mentioned that Amy was into Tarot and this is a factoid that was widely ignored for years. These days, all out of a desire to make the modern/classic divide more distinct, Classic Amy's Tarot fixation is focused on more. This issue, in particular, hammers the fortune telling thing really hard. It proves a decent way to keep the story moving and also allows Aaron Hammerstrom to design some really cute cards. It's still weird to me that Sega pretends Amy has always been into divination though.

Though Ian Flynn has told fans not to worry about the Classic/Modern divide anymore, it seems this mandate is still in place for the comics. Mighty, Ray, and the Hooligans have yet to appear in the modern-set stories. Another way you can tell these characters are still off-limits for the rest of the comics is that, any time IDW publishes a “Classic” title, they tend to show up. Yes, this issue gives a plum supporting role to Ray the Squirrel. Mighty, Bean, and the Weasel Formerly Known as Nack all put in some appearances. Ray gets some cute little moments to himself, playing up his youthful nativity. (It's still weird to me that Comic Ray doesn't have a stutter anymore.) 

Yet Bark the Bear proves to be the secret MVP here. Because, really, who is Bark the Bear? In the Archie comics – where the extremely obscure character of Bark has been more defined, versus his sole appearance in a largely forgotten video game from 27 years ago – he's also been this silent bruiser.  While Flynn has always written Bark as an antagonist, he's mostly just been muscle for hire. Not really a dedicated villain in his own right. It's been suggested before that Bark actually isn't a bad guy and this comic runs with that. Maybe it's just because Flynn has a limited number of characters to work with in this setting, so Bark got selected. Yet to see the big quiet bear prove he's more teddy than grizzly is a nice touch. 

You know what another element of cutesy eighties cartoon is? Bad-ass villains that are always humbled by the soft, adorable heroes. Even “boy” cartoons have this element, where extremely cool looking bad guys like Skeletor, Shredder, and Cobra Commander were repeatedly humiliated. This contrast was even more obvious in shows targeted at younger kids and girls. Seriously, look at this guy. Could be a mascot for a metal band, right? And he got his ass kicked every week by Teddy Ruxpin. Meanwhile, this demonic looking motherfucker regularly lost fights to the Little Ponies. 

What is the point I'm making her? It's practically a tradition that, the softer the cartoon looks, the more disproportionately bad-ass the antagonist looks... Who is then, despite that intimidating exterior, totally defeated over and over again. This also accurately describes Metal Sonic in this issue. He blasts in, tears shit up, frightens Amy into hiding, but never actually does anything productive. In the end, he's left defeated in a comical fashion. As an old man who has been watching cartoons my whole life, it warms my heart to see this nostalgic troupe upheld in a comic clearly paying tribute to that era. 

That the Classic Sonic aesthetic is so readily apparent always makes these anniversary specials a treat for the eyes. Aaron Hammerstrom provides the pencils here, as he did for the Tails Anniversary special. He does excellent work too. The characters are expressive and adorable, fitting within the Classic house style while also coming alive within these panels. This is especially important for characters who don't speak, like Bark and Metal Sonic. They seem as lively and well-characterized as the rest of the gang. Reggie Graham's colors are bright and soft, furthering the feeling of a vintage cartoon. 

I don't think the “Amy 30th Anniversary” special is as good as the “Tails” or “Sonic” anniversary one-shots. Those stories were more action-packed, with more adventurous pacing. Yet I think this comic book is pretty good too. As it's probably clear by now, Classic Amy is not a “Sonic” cast member I'm especially attached to. Yet this issue managed to make her endearing to me. While I don't think this will replaced the later versions of Amy as my preferred take on the pink hedgehog, the one-shot does argue for Classic Amy's place in the franchise's history. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW): Free Comic Book Day 2021

Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW): Free Comic Book Day 2021

Publication Date: August 14th, 2021

Ah, Free Comic Book Day. That most beloved holiday centered around getting free comic books! It's hard to believe it's been fourteen years since Archie Comics' “Sonic” book first started participating in this nation-wide day ostensibly designed to promote local comic shops, officially making Sega's most blue hedgehog-related franchise a part of this American tradition. After publishing “Sonic” comics for three years, IDW has finally decided to have their iteration of the “Sonic” franchise join the same tradition. Because COVID fucked everything up – and, really, is still in the process of fucking everything up – Free Comic Book Day happened in August this year, instead of May when it usually happens. And because Sega is still celebrating Sonic's 30th anniversary, the IDW's first FCBD special is also set in the Classic Sonic universe.

The story exclusive to this issue is “Amy's New Hobby.” Tails comes to visit Amy at her adorable little bungalow, because he's lonely while Sonic is out adventuring. During lunch, Tails notices Amy doodling in a little sketchbook. She is somewhat embarrassed to admit that she's started drawing fan comics about Sonic and all his friends, including herself. Tails thinks it's pretty cool though and shows it to everyone. When Sonic speeds in and demands to see, Amy is petrified... But he likes her little comics too.

“Amy's New Hobby” comes from Gale Galligan, who previously contributed “Dr. Eggman's Birthday” in the 30th Anniversary special. It's evident that they specialize in cute and funny little stories about characters just hanging out. The detail of Amy being embarrassed by her fan art is a really adorable detail. Similarly, Sonic, Mighty, Ray, and Tails being completely accepting of this hobby is so friggin' sweet. They accept her, even if she doesn't! How fucking nice is that? Similar to the story Galligan wrote previously, that had Eggman's robots being grateful for him even if he wasn't for them, this is a quiet and sweet tale about acceptance and friendship. It's really nice to see some low-key stories like this in the modern Sonic comic universe.

The brief peeks we get at Amy's comics here are also absolutely adorable. Unsurprisingly, there seems to be some wish fulfillment in these comics, with at least one panel devoted to Amy rescuing Sonic from a grave situation. Another one has Knuckles thanking Sonic for being a friend, some of the cast buying chili dogs, and an extended homage to the “Strange, Isn't It?!” scene from the OVA. That is one of several cutesy homages to “Sonic” history in this brief little comic. Other shout-outs include cameos from Honey the Cat, Bark and Bean, and the sound test band. Honestly, Mighty and Ray's small roles feel like a shout-out to obscure “Sonic” history at this point too. The shot we have of Amy's house includes a couple easy-to-miss nods to franchise lore.

The artwork goes a long way to selling the sweetness of this story too. Thomas Rothlisberger, who also did the art for Galligan's previous story, provides pencils. There's a lot of really cute little details in the character's faces and body language when they're talking. Like Tails describing his stories with Sonic while munching a sandwich or Amy's clear uncertainty over showing anyone else her work. The panel devoted to Amy's absolute horror when Sonic sees her art is especially amusing. The comics-within-the-comic are completely precious too, done in a sketchy/colored pencil style that recalls Knuckles' little imagine spots in the Archie “Mega Drive” specials. 

The second story in this special... Isn't really a story. David Mariotte, an editor at IDW, gets official credit for writing “Race to the Empire.” It's really just a quick recap of the first few years of the book, with some pithy narration on-top and artwork thrown together from across the different issues. About the only thing that's really interesting about this “story” is the blurb at the end pointing towards the future of the series. Namely, a story arc called “Battle for the Empire” will be running in the comic in the lead-up to issue 50. And at some point in the future a new mini-series called “Sonic: Imposter Syndrome” will be arriving. That title is literally the only thing we know about that series right now but one assumes Mimic will have something to do with it. 

IDW's first FCBD issue isn't going to go down in “Sonic” history as especially important to the lore. Not that Archie's FCBD specials were ever all that significant either. These issues are, essentially, advertisements after all. So it's not surprising that a third of the comic is devoted to driving people's eyeballs to the back issues and upcoming issues. However, the headlining story is really cute and the artwork is very well done. I'm glad I was able to read this and recommend it to all Hedgehogs Can't Swim readers as well. I hope IDW continues to do more Classic Sonic stuff going forward, if only because it's the only way we're going to see more of these obscure characters. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 266

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 266
Publication Date: November 2014

By November of 2014, we were about a year into The Shattered World Crisis and no end was in sight. I guess what bothers me the most about Flynn stretching this story out for so long is the distinct lack of urgency. If you started reading “Sonic” after issue 256, with no prior knowledge of the franchise, you’d probably think Sonic and friends running around a broken up world was an ongoing concern of the overall story. That it had always been this way, that this was the status quo. (And it basically was, considering the comic would get shitcanned not long after the Crisis was finally resolved.) The world is basically ending but Flynn is taking it slow, making a crisis feel more like relaxed road trip.

With “Ambushed: Part 1,” Flynn splits the plot three ways. Deep in the Rocky Jungle Zone, Sonic continues to train under Master Moss, in hopes of controlling his nightly Werehog transformations. Chastised by Eggman, Thunderbolt plots revenge. Meanwhile, the Doctor himself makes devious plans, discovering the advantages of the planet being broken up and flooded with Dark Gaia energy. Lastly, the Freedom Fighters plan to grab the blue Chaos Emerald from the Doctor but suspect they may be walking into a trap. Surprise: They are.

“Ambushed” is another one of those Ian Flynn two-parters were the first half is all about setting up the second half. A lot of time is spend building towards the issue’s dual cliffhangers. The Freedom Fighters explain why they’re heading into an obvious trap. Thunderbolt’s very personal reasons for wanting revenge on Sonic are established. (She feels awful that Sonic humiliated her in front of her husbando.) The obvious plot mechanics showing are not necessarily a bad thing. The scenes of Sally leading her team into an uncertain area are mildly tense. The big reveal – that three E-series robots have been sent to exterminate Team Fighters – makes for a decent cliffhanger.

Usually, this style of writing just stretches out the tedious set-up, delaying us from getting to the actual interesting parts. However, by taking his time, Flynn leaves room for some touching character moments. The Werehog may be lame but at least it’s weighing on Sonic and his friends. Though their going on a mission, the Freedom Fighters’ thoughts are with Sonic. Sally says Sonic needs to focus on “getting better,” as if he’s going through rehab or therapy. Later, the hedgehog is having a good time, goofing around with Mighty, when he notices the sun is setting. He gravely turns towards his fate, afraid and uncertain of how the transformation will affect him tonight. This is immediately deflated because Sonic has complete control over his Werehog form but, just as stand alone moments, these scenes are effective.

There’s also something to be said for just hanging out with these characters. The scenes of Sonic spending time with Mighty and the others in the jungle are fun. The two old friends shoot the shit. Sonic snipes at Master Moss, a little sick of the sloth's aphorisms. Later, it's suggested in jest that Mighty should lead his own Freedom Fighter team, an idea Ray and Moss support but Mighty dismisses. (Whether Flynn was foreshadowing some future event here, we'll never know.) This kind of lived-in dialogue is naturalistic and likable.

I also enjoy the scene where Eggman discovers just how much power the Dark Gaia Energy puts off. That sequence gives us a brief look into the office politics of the Eggman Empire. The Doctor wants to execute Thunderbolt for her failure but is reminded that he doesn't have as many soldiers as he used to. This causes him to bemoan the days when his whole empire ran on robots, which suggests the SWATBots and Roboticization do exists somewhere in the past of the new timeline. I guess I just like this image of Eggman as an especially ruthless corporate boss, annoyed with his employees and delighted at any unexpected breakthrough.

Once again, I find myself favoring the slower, more character orientated issues over the ones that focus heavily on action. I'm sure we'll get plenty of smashy-smashy in the next issue, as that's clearly where the cliffhanger is headed. Occasionally, however, a more slow paced issue is appreciated, especially when it gives us touching and interesting peeks into the inner lives of these characters. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 265

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 265
Publication Date: October 2014

Last time, I was pretty critical of Ian Flynn’s decision to hold off on introducing the Werehog for a whole year. However, I might have found a possible justification for this with issue 265. Ya see, this issue came out in October of 2014. As in the spookiest, scariest, Halloween-est month of the year. Over the twenty years Archie published the comics, there was only ever one real Halloween special. While the Werehog undermines everything scary about the werewolf concept by being adorably fluffy and keeping Sonic’s personality intact, there was something cool about picking up a “Sonic” comic in October that had a monster on the cover. If Flynn did that on purpose, he earns some major points.

Keeping that cover’s promise, most of “Control Part Two: Unleashed!” revolves around the Werehog. In this powerful new form, Sonic quickly saves his friends and defeats Egg Boss Thunderbolt and her henchmen. However, now the Freedom Fighters have a rampaging Werehog to deal with. Mighty can match the mutated Sonic with his super strength but it’s ultimately Sally and her empathy that reaches out to the beast.

As I've said before, the Werehog doesn’t really understand what makes the werewolf scary. In this form, Sonic is not a murderous monster that kills everything it sees. Nor are Sonic’s darker inner desires unleashed. Instead, he’s just a bigger, grumpier version of Sonic. He’s more prone to violently resolving problems, though he still doesn’t kill anybody. About the only scary thing about him is his tendency to see friends as mocking demons. Though vividly brought to life by Tyson Heese, these hallucinations are fallible. Sally and Amy eventually make it through to Sonic’s mellower inner nature, causing the snarling Werehog to calm down. Turns out, you don’t need a silver bullet to slay this beast, just some soft words. It’s a disappointing execution of the “Sonic becomes a werewolf” premise. And I must point out again how goofy he looks, with his glorious floof, spiky shoes, and utterly inexplicable ability to stretch his limbs.

Once again, the main attraction of the issue appears to be a fight scene. After making mincemeat of Thunderbolt and her forces, Mighty tries to calm down the Werehog. This does not work and the two end up brawling for a while. Mighty is one of the few characters strong enough to stand toe-to-toe with the Werehog. A memorable panel has Mighty grabbing the Werehog by one of its extending arms and then whipping it back around through some trees. What makes this fight scene really neat is that Mighty is doing the opposite of what the Werehog is doing. Even while getting knocked on his ass, he's attempting to keep his emotions under control.

Issue 265's cover story also gives the proper introduction to what is, I think, the worst new character from the post-reboot universe. Meet Thunderbolt the Chinchilla. Yes, she's yet another small and annoying thing. However, Thunderbolt eclipses previously seen annoyance level. Most Egg Bosses work under Robotnik somewhat reluctantly, as a mad scientist/would-be tyrant is not super forgiving of mistakes. However, Thunderbolt loves Eggman and does everything to please him. Which is a new approach, if you ignore her being directly inspired by Harley Quinn, a way more nuanced character. But Thunderbolt screams every line of dialogue. She's at a constant high energy level, like one of those obnoxiously shriek-y kid's cartoons. Just looking at this obnoxious thing makes me irritated. It's been clear for a while that Ian Flynn is way too susceptible to “lol so random” style of humor and Thunderbolt is the apotheosis of that.

Hey, here's another back story. The book continued to bring new talent on at this point which, as far as I can tell, never worked on the book again. So say hello and goodbye to Eric Esquivel, the author behind “The Grand Tour.” The story, set a few issues ago, has Rotor showing the Freedom Fighters around the newly completed Sky Patrol. While they are initially impressed, they are quickly bored by all the hyper-specific niceties Rotor has included. At that point, Dr. Eggman sends a new super-badnik known as the War Walrus – an extremely weird looking robot version of Rotor – to attack the ship. Rotor then shows off the Sky Patrol's extensive defensive capabilities, quickly destroying the War Walrus. But, don't worry, Eggman did that on purpose.

“The Grand Tour” is mostly a comedic story and one that made me laugh. Among the features Rotor has included in the Sky Patrol are a zen garden, an extensive video game collection, and even a commode. Yes, the star/bumper/beach ball emblem is included on the toilet lid. The walrus' enthusiasm for this creation, and his friends' growing disinterest, makes for a decent comedic device. This goofy atmosphere allows Esquivel to get away with an utterly ridiculous creation like the War Walrus. Not much too this one but I liked it.

Once again, I want to spotlight the artwork a little. Tyson Heese continues from part one of “Control” and, once again, does some excellent work. His aptitude for exciting and intense action scenes are on display here. I really like how he focuses on the Werehog's snarling face even as it does goofy stuff, like stretch it's arms around. It is a little weird that he draws four separate characters, over the course of this story, doing Jesus Christ poses. That probably wasn't intentional. James Fry also returns to the back story. His work here is especially animated and unhinged, in a way that's slightly off-model but still conveys the necessary emotion.

Once again, I've finished up an issue and am unsure how to feel. The book definitely features some fun or exciting sequences. Yet the overall execution of the story still needs some work. I just continue to wish Flynn had found someway to make the Werehog actually interesting, instead of basically just doing with it what Sega did with it. Still, the second half of “Control” is slightly better than the first, if just because we really get to see Mighty be a bad ass. [6/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 264

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 264
Publication Date: September 2014

“Sonic Unleashed” will forever be known as the game where Sonic turns into a werewolf. (They called it the “WereHog,” even though that sounds more like someone who turns into a monstrous pig under the full moon.) Like all things in this franchise, this concept has its fans. Most, however, thought it was a really dumb gimmick, present company included. Archie and Ian Flynn’s decision to bring the Werehog into the comic struck me as both desperate and unnecessary. Even worst, as with everything concerning the reboot, it was stretched out for far too long. Sonic’s transformation into the Werehog was first teased in October of 2013. He wouldn’t actually transform until issue 264, published in September of 2014, almost a year later.

Even then, we don’t see the full Werehog until the very end of “Control, Part One: Breaking Point.” Sonic and the Freedom Fighters, using Eggman’s pilfered intel, have tracked a Chaos Emerald to the Rocky Jungle Zone. There, they encountered some old friends. Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel have been living in the jungle for some time, fighting the Doctor’s forces. Mighty has also been studying with a wise old sloth named Master Moss. Upon meeting him, Moss immediately recognizes some darkness inside Sonic. That darkness is revealed when the Freedom Fighters fall into the local Egg Boss’ trap.

This issue also reintroduces someone way more important than the dumb Werehog. Mighty is back. Oh yeah, Ray too. Since Sega retconned the Chaotix into a trio, the “SegaSonic Arcade” buddies have increasingly become a duo of their own. Though they sport the new outfits they wore right before the reboot, the two have definitely undergone some changes. Mighty’s complexity over his tangled past has been reduced to issues with self-control and anger. Ray’s stutter is gone, a plus for readability but a minus for stutterer representation in pop culture. Still, the important stuff is intact. Mighty is still defined more by his love of his friends than his prodigious strength. Ray is still Mighty’s adopted kid brother, sweet but bland. More than anything else, it’s nice to see these two again.

The situation the two are reintroduced in strikes me as a little odd though. They’re living in a giant onion with a slimy green sloth. Flynn makes no attempt to distinguish Moss from the classical zen master archetype. It probably would have been more interesting to see Mighty’s anger problem play out, with his tutelage under Moss as the concluding chapter. Imagine a dramatic scene where Mighty lashes out at Ray, perhaps that being the moment he realizes he has a problem. That would have been compelling! Instead, we’re tossed right into this as the status quo.

And that’s because Moss is simply a plot device. Flynn knew if he was adapting “Sonic Unleashed,” he had to include the Werehog. But having Sonic be a raging, uncontrollable monster all night, every night, would have really complicated this asinine Shattered World Crisis Flynn is telling. So the Werehog’s introduction comes along at the same time as someone who can teach Sonic to manage his new condition. Never mind that the threat of Sonic becoming a savage beast, who rips friends and enemies alike to shreds, would have made for a hell of a story.

But that’s the problem with the Werehog, isn’t it? It’s not a way to challenge Sonic and his friends in a new, interesting way. It’s not a way to introduce some monster movie tension that comments on Sonic’s personality and the traditional werewolf story subtext. Hell, it’s not even an Incredible Hulk situation, where Sonic has access to a beast mode that decimates his enemies but endangers his loved ones. It’s a game play mechanic, another gimmicky power-up. But at least we’re done waiting for the stupid thing, with its ridiculous shoes and goofy stretchy limbs, to finally arrive. The Werehog’s arrival would make a good cliffhanger, if we didn’t already know it’ll be rendered harmless soon enough.

At least the issue looks good. After previously contributing the cover to issue 258, issue 264 would be the celebrated Tyson Heese’s debut as an interior artist. And, yeah, he’s pretty damn good. Heese’s aptitude for hilarious, goofy faces is on display here in almost every panel. His action is fantastic, with a real sense of movement. He’s an artist who perfectly captures the characters as they exist while also putting a unique spin on them. All of this is well and good since Hesse is a despicable human being who is somehow living the nerd dream and also built like a linebacker, the fucking bastard.

Also, we’ve got a back story, from a new pair of writers. Say hello to Jonathan Bailey and Joey Esposito. “A Nice Day to Start Again” does not feature Billy Idol. Instead, it follows Bunnie and Antoine as they continue to help people in cities still threatened by the world shattering. During the chaos, they rescued a young couple on their married day. The duo managed to salvaged the kids' wedding to a degree. Afterwards, Bunnie and Antoine reflect on their time together as husband and wife.

I was really hoping “A Nice Day to Start Again” would delve into Bunnie and Antoine's relationship a little more. That aspect of their relationship, post-reboot, is still a little underdeveloped. Unfortunately, the back-up is more focused on action than anything else. There's several panels devoted to Antoine and Bunnie flying around, dodging falling debris and a billboard, in order to rescue the newlyweds. Afterwards, there's a short scene were Bunnie wonders about if her and Antoine's love can last, since they're still new to it themselves. I wish this was expanded on more, instead of just one short page shoved into the back. James Fry, after a long break, comes back to pencil and does okay.

So I have a lot of mixed feelings about this issue. I'm happy to see Mighty and Ray back. The back-up story is well-intended, though it stumbles slightly. Then there's all that bullshit with the Werehog, a concept I have so many problems with. At least the artwork is solid overall. [6/10]

Knuckles the Echidna: Issue 28

Knuckles the Echidna: Issue 28
Publication Date: July 1999

In the final part of “The First Date” story arc, Ken Penders’ seems intent on wrapping up all the story’s plot threads. Knuckles’ approaches his mom for advice concerning his up-coming date with Julie-Su. Turns out, the date is falling on the same night as a surprise birthday party Lara-Le is throwing her son. She organizes the party with Julie-Su and Locke. Meanwhile, Knuckles makes peace with Vector and his parents.

“The First Date” three-parter is an idea I like more conceptually then in actuality. Considering how constantly insane Knuckles’ life is, slowing things down for an arc and focusing on character relationship was a great idea. Moreover, the story line finally allows Knuckles and Julie-Su to get serious, putting aside that stupid “soul touch” concept in favor of actually developing their attraction.

And it sort of did that, in a way that was slightly jumbled if relatively amiable throughout. For example, this issue turns the focus from Knuckles and Julie-Su’s upcoming date – the event we’re really invested in – towards Knuckles’ surprise birthday party. Feels slightly like a cheat, since there’s been so much build-up towards the Guardian and his would-be girlfriend finally having some personal time together.

How many times has the book drudged up Locke and Lien-Da’s failed marriage for extra drama? Issue 28 seems to bury that plot point once and for all. While Locke is spying on Knuckles and his friends like a total creep, Lien-Da gives him a call. She asks him to come to their son’s birthday party, the two assuring each other they can put their problems behind them for the sake of their child. At the party, Knuckles’ parents tell him they have a big announcement. His reaction is one of the story’s most unnoticed and saddest moments. He wonders if his mom and dad are getting back together. Hope springs eternal for this child of divorce, apparently. Lien-Da and Locke assure him that will never happen but they’ll continue loving him. It’s a potentially strong emotional beat that probably deserved a little more attention then it got.

That’s not the only instance of forgiveness in this story. After nearly tearing his stupid head off last time, Knuckles and Vector make up. Both basically admit they acted too rashly, deciding to forgive and forget. This seems to dismiss the serial asshole behavior Vector has been displaying from the beginning. The book even acknowledges that, with a hilarious exchange where Espio flat-out admits that people wonder why they hang out with Vector. See?! Everyone knows he’s useless! Still, the Chaotix are back together again. That’s good, I guess.

With everything else the issue is handling, the eponymous first date gets sidelined. It basically comprises two pages. Knuckles shows up as Julie-Su’s apartment. She slips on a slinky, little black dress. (This isn’t the only example of blatant fan service for us Julie-Su fans. Earlier, she appears wearing only a big t-shirt.) The two walk to their destination, exchanging some mildly flirtatious dialogue. That’s when this story line collides with the birthday party plot thread. At the party, they dance a little, which is a cute moment, before locking lips. That’s a moment I wish the story spent a little more time building up to.

Chris Allan continues to do the artwork for this story arc. His work in the last two issues was frequently off-model and overall a bad fit for the book. In issue 28, Allan looses his fucking mind. In several panels, Knuckles, his parents, and his girlfriend become lankier. Sometimes, Knuckles appears to grow several pounds of muscle. Allan apparently previously did work for Archie’s Ninja Turtles comic. It seems he thought he was drawing Raphael and Leonardo at times. Near the end, Vector suddenly becomes a muscled monstrosity. It’s ugly as hell. Once again, Archie reached out to artist who clearly had no attitude for drawing these characters.

Luckily, series regular Manny Galan is back to draw the back-up story. (Save for Andrew Papoy drawing a single page, for some reason.) Unluckily, the story arc devoted to Mighty, Nic, and Fiona searching for Ray continues to be a jumbled mess. Mighty throws open a vault and discovers Ray clinging to a magical crystal. In flashback, it’s revealed that Robotnik originally powered the prison camp with this stone. When Sonic and Mighty escaped, Ray grabbed the crystal and blinked out of reality. Apparently, he’s been floating between dimensions for the last decade. Also, Fiona reveals that she sneaked out of the camp on her own.

If I had to guess, I’d assume that Ken really wanted to tell this story. Perhaps he had trouble justifying devoting three cover stories to a quartet of minor supporting characters. So this plot got shoved into the back of the “Knuckles” book. You can tell this was a bigger idea that the writer clipped down. The page devoted to Ray disappearing while Sonic and Mighty escaped the camp borders on incoherent. How Nic rescues Ray from his trans-dimensional fate is a total narrative shrug. Throughout it all, the script never provides a reason why Mighty cares about Ray so much. The stuttering squirrel is a thin sketch, with little personality. Meanwhile, the entire business with Fiona seems shoved in for no reason. It’s a mess... Which is a shame, as the concept showed some promise. A story devoted to a young Sonic and Mighty wrecking Robotnik’s shit probably could’ve been a lot of fun.

To say issue 28 is a disappointing conclusion betrays the intentionally low stakes this story had. It could’ve been great but some pretty awful artwork and a script that leaps around too much brings it down. The back-up story, meanwhile, feels seriously abbreviated. Oh well. [6/10]

Knuckles the Echidna: Issue 27

Knuckles the Echidna: Issue 27
Publication Date: June 1999

As I mentioned last time, the promise of focusing on Knuckles and Julie-Su’s relationship made me eager to check out issue 26. I enjoyed that comic book but never picked up the other two parts. This was less an intentional choice and more because I don’t think I made it to the comic shop that month. So now, eighteen years later, I finally get to read the rest of the “First Date” story arc. This is a momentous occasion, I’m sure you agree.

The second half of “The First Date,” which is verbosely subtitled “Who Wrote the Book of Love?,” does not satisfyingly follow-up on the first part’s cliffhanger. Yeah, Knuckles has walked in on Julie-Su having brunch with some other echidna. Instead of confronting her, he looses his cool and has Archimedes teleport him back out of there. Of course, Julie-Su has no feelings for this Raynor dork. After both Knuckles and Julie-Su angst about the relationship – and Knuckles nearly beats up Vector – he finally gets up the cajones to asks her out on a date.

On paper, issue 27 unnecessarily stretches the storyline out further. The entire cover story is, more or less, based around the two teens wondering anxiously if their feelings are reciprocated. And, yeah, some times the story feels like its dragging its feet. When Knuckles is having slapstick antics inside the restaurant, nothing is added to the story. Knuckles bumping into the Chaotix at an arcade, and nearly giving Vector the beating he has long deserved, is mostly unneeded. However, I go to bat for Knuckles agonizing over his asking Julie-Su out. We can’t forget that the Guardian is 16 years old. Agonizing over whether or not a girl likes them is exactly what sixteen year olds do. Yes, Penders’ writing is as inelegant as always. However, I think he handles this particular plot turn alright.

Knuckles’ story is natural if bumpy. Julie-Su’s part of the story seems a little more compelling. Being a hot and bad ass young woman, it’s totally expected that she would attract male attention. While Knuckles stumbles into his feelings, like the awkward bruiser he’s always been, Julie-Su gives it more thought. She’s got a guy making goo-goo eyes at her but he’s not the one she wants. Poor girl. You really feel for her. A panel devoted to Julie-Su sitting in her apartment, distraught, is definitely my favorite moment from this issue. Naturally, Knuckles does eventually ask Julie-Su out, ending this story on a triumphant moment. Of course, now the anxiety about the actual date begins.

The script for issue 27 is pretty good, all things considered, but it wouldn’t be an issue of “Knuckles” without some obnoxious business with the Brotherhood of Guardiands. The various Fire Ants and Knuckles’ granddads seem way too invested in Knuckles and Julie-Su’s romance. They all basically demand to spy on the boy. Locke, in an unexpected moment of clearheadness, decides to protect his son’s privacy.

Naturally, that ridiculous “Soul Touch” business crops up again. Archimedes explains that particular plot contrivances thusly: Echidnas suck at romance as a species. Therefore, sexual attraction is attributed to magic. Is it just me or does all of this feel like a big excuse to justify Locke and Lara-Le’s dysfunctional relationship? No, Ken, Locke and Lara-Se broke up because Locke is an asshole. Anyway, it’s dumb and puts a damper on a story I otherwise enjoy.

Oh yeah, the artwork kind of sucks too. Once again, this Chris Allen guy handles the pencils. Allen doesn’t really have a grasp on the characters’ proportions. His Knuckles – and other echidnas, for that matter – often bend into shapeless blob. Archimedes shifts in size randomly. Julie-Su remains weirdly short and squat. Vector and the other Chaotix are obviously off-model. He doesn’t even seem to understand were the character’s heads and limbs are in relation to their necks and bodies. Why did Archie keep letting people like this to draw the book?

The back-up story continues Mighty’s quest to relocate Ray the Squriel. Along with Nic the Weasel and Fiona Fox, he explores the Robotnik work camp where he met Sonic years before. Fiona shows some resentment towards Mighty but goes along on the mission anyway. Mighty remembers rescuing the girl years earlier and later teaming up with Sonic to escape the place. In the present, the trio discovers deactivated Auto-Automatons of the Freedom Fighters. Then the story ends suddenly.

The story is called “Those Were the Days…,” which must be an ironic title. It has so much potential. Mighty feels guilt over abandoning his friend years before. Robotnik's recruiting organics to work in a mine, when he has plenty of robots at his disposals, seems like an odd story. Yet it provides an interesting set-up, of a young Sonic and Mighty having bad ass adventures before either became associated with their teams. Sadly, the story rushes through all these points, draining them of their emotions. Flesh-and-blood Fiona and Nic continue to be thinly sketched characters. Nic is mostly defined by her greed and Fiona is mostly defined by her anger. At the very least, the artwork is better then the cover story. Manny Galan draws the flashback sequences while Andrew Pepoy draws the present day scenes. Galan’s artwork is typically solid. Pepoy’s work is a bit too angular but he gets the job done.

The back-up story is fairly weak. Even the cover story has some serious problems. Still, I continue to like the emotional, comedic, and laid-back stakes of “The First Date” story arc. Let’s hope Ken doesn’t fuck it up in the third act. [7/10]

Knuckles the Echidna: Issue 26

Knuckles the Echidna: Issue 26
Publication Date: May 1999

As a kid, I was unusually invested in Knuckles and Julie-Su’s relationship. Which is weird since, as I’ve previously pointed out, I barely read “Knuckles” solo comic at the time. Even from the few issues I had read, I became unusually attached to Julie-Su. I guess a tough, pink, cyborg echidna chick was a character I had been looking for. Or maybe I deeply desired Knuckles to have a love interest equal to what Sonic and Sally had. Either way, when I saw that issue 26 of “Knuckles” would revolve around his relationship with Julie-Su, I had to pick it up.

Following their reconciliation last issue, Knuckles and Locke are spending some father/son time together. Despite reconnecting with his long, lost dad, Knuckles’ mind is on another subject: Julie-Su. Locke explains the Soultouch to Knuckles, the bullshit psychic connection thing that draws echidnas to their mates. Meanwhile, Julie-Su is also wondering about her feelings with Knuckles. Even further meanwhile, Vector and the other Chaotix shoot the shit in a mall.

My biggest complaint about the “Knuckles” series is Ken’s self-involved, ridiculous, obnoxious mythology rail-roading any honest character interaction or development. “The First Date” story arc was a refreshing change of pace. There was no arch villains, convoluted plots, or stupid mythology to explain. It was just a story about Knuckles and Julie-Su coming to a decision about their feelings for each other, a way overdue development.

Okay, there’s no stupid myth-building… Except for one thing. For a while now, Ken has been hinting that Knuckles and Julie-Su’s connection isn’t so simple. Apparently, having them both be young, hot, tough, and relating over shitty parents wasn’t enough. Instead, Julie-Su has been compelled to pursue Knuckles for some reason. Now, we know that reason: The Soultouch. Yeah, there’s some stupid, psychic juju that goes on when echidnas give each other boners. It’s dumb. Why did you have to be so dumb, Ken?

Knuckles and Julie-Su wondering out loud about their feelings for each other is way more compelling. The two teens handle their emotions in very different ways. Used to having old people explain shit to him, Knuckles asks his dad. Per the average, Locke explains some vague spiritual nonsense and then disappears. Julie-Su, meanwhile, shoots a picture of Knuckles with a motherfucking gun. That seems pretty reasonable, considering Knuckles abandoned her in the middle of the city last time. After that, Julie-Su goes shopping. If this was Tumblr, I would accuse Penders of being sexist, by assuming all women love shopping or something. Instead, I’ll point out that retail therapy works for any gender. Moreover, both teens are kind of confused about their feelings. Which is accurate. Love does that to you.

Of course, there’s got to be a sting in the scorpion's tail. After his dad fucks off, Knuckles is left to brood in some Haven waiting room. Archimedes appears and teleports Knuckles to wherever Julie-Su is. The problem is Julie-Su decided to get coffee with some rando. Some fucking echidna in a Chewbacca bandolier who bought her a hat. It’s not smooth writing but Knuckles popping in on Julie-Su making goo-goo eyes with some dipshit makes for a hell of a cliffhanger.

Oh yeah, there’s more. The Chaotix are dealing with Charmy leaving the group. While hanging out at the mall, Espio reveals that he knows more about Charmy then the others. Somehow, this segues into a conversation about Vector’s ability to attract females. I don’t think Ken wrote it this way on purpose, but this is how it plays out: Vector is gay. That would explain why he hates Julie-Su so much. That would explain why he’s so terrified when he hears that Charmy is engaged. That would explain why his attempts to seduce women are so facile and shallow. Vector the Crocodile is deeply closeted, his internalized homosexuality manifesting as misogyny. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself, since it makes this stupid subplot more compelling.

Someone named Chris Allan provides the pencils for the cover story. The artwork is pretty off. Luckily, Manny Galan returns for the back-up story. Mighty the Armadillo teams up with Nic the Weasel, Nack’s previously unmentioned female sister. The weasel promises that she’s gotten a lead on Ray the Squirrel, Mighty’s long lost childhood best friend. On the way to their destination, Mighty flashbacks to his childhood adventure with Ray and Sonic... Before the last panel reveals the return of Fiona the Fox. But not the one you think it is.

Considering the Chaotix are kind of important characters, it’s good that Ken is finally filling their back stories in a bit. In “Friend in Need,” he even does a sort of clever thing. The obscure SegaSonic arcade game was the first appearance of Mighty the Armadillo, where he co-stared along side Sonic and Ray. So integrating both of these characters into Mighty’s origin is a neat idea. Ray’s stutter marks him as a different character, even if we get no other development on him. Showing that he let a friend down at some point explains Mighty’s deeper attributes. As for Nic the Weasal and not-robot Fiona, neither have proven compelling just yet. Maybe that’ll get better maybe.

I’ve given issue 26 a lot of shit but it’s not a bad issue. It might honestly be one of the better issues, considering Ken puts a leash on one or two of his ten thousand annoying quirks. The story has some emotional heft to it which counts for something. The backstory is short but not terrible. That pays off to a [7/10,] I guess.