Sonic X: Issue 12

Sonic X: Issue 12
Publication Date: September 2006

I had to look at that cover a couple of times to figure out what the hell was going on. On first glance, it looked like Sonic and Knuckles were holding up a tipping over claw machine. And there's a laser eye in there or something shooting a heat ray at them? And I guess this is happening in front of a TV shop? It wasn't until I actually read this issue that I realized I was looking at the “War of the Worlds”-style tripod previously seen in Sonic X: Issue 7. That still doesn't explain the TV shop though. It's not the best designed cover is what I'm saying.

Three things are happening at once, around here in the “Sonic X”-verse. With Eggman in jail, Sonic is super bored and beings pestering his friends for something to do. Eventually, he agrees to help Sam Speed track down a pair of crazy street racers. Meanwhile, the government recruits Tails to help study the alien ship that Captain Westwood uncovered in the desert. Even more meanwhile, Dr. Eggman and his hench-bots sit in jail, slowly forming their next evil plan.

I continue to be frustrated with the relationship Archie's “Sonic X” has with the Saturday morning “Sonic X.” After the previous issue's adventure, the comic concluded with a word balloon indicating that Eggman was thrown in prison following some shenanigans on the moon. This was, I assume, all shit that happened on the cartoon show. So if you missed that tidbit, you'd be very confused as to why the bad guy was incarcerated in this issue. On top of this, Joe Edkin's script ominously references the villain planning some evil plot involving appliances while located in prison. This also appears to be a plot point from the TV show. It's obvious that the target readers for this comic book were watchers of the show. It's annoying to read but I bet it was worst to write.

Vague foreshadowing for events that won't actually happen in this comic book are my only real qualm with issue 12 of “Sonic X.” Instead, this one begins with an amusing idea: What happens when Sonic gets really bored? This comic hasn't played up the hedgehog as a source of comedy but this one happily draws attention to his ADHD tendency. He pesters Knuckles to go on an adventure but the echidna refuses to leave his post. He pesters Chris at his soccer game before being told that hedgehogs aren't allowed on the field. It's amusing to see Sonic, usually portrayed as a big hero, succumb to such childish impulses. Yet totally in-character. (Though, I was hoping this would lead into Sonic and Knuckles having an adventure, the echidna acting as the terse, by-the-book Murtaugh to Sonic's impulsive, wacky Martin Riggs.)

Eventually, Sonic's urge for adventure has him teaming up with Sam Speed. Despite all the fan dislike I've seen for Chris Thorndyke, I honestly think Sam Speed is a goofier, more out-of-place character. The wackiness Sonic and the race car driver – who is also a police contractor because, sure, go with it – is middling stuff. Sonic rescues an ugly-ass baby after a speeding car collides with the infant's baby carriage. That stuff is kind of silly in a way that isn't entertaining. The moments that follow, where Sonic tracks down the racing ruffians, is kind of funny though.

It is interesting that Tails gets a story point all to himself in this issue. Thus far, “Sonic X” has mostly played the fox as Sonic's sidekick, there to toss a ring his way when he needs it but not good for much else. So I do approve of Edkin bringing up Miles' intellect. I'm also a fan of the alien stuff that the writer previously introduced. These two plot elements collide in a slightly awkward fashion. Tails is really smart but apparently not smart enough to avoid getting trapped inside an alien tripod, which then goes on a rampage through the city. The action stuff that follows – Sonic defeating the tripod by bouncing its own heat ray inside its force field – is not super coherent. It does leave to the rather juicy reveal of Sonic's best friend popping out of an alien death machine. I wonder if the book will pick that plot point up in an interesting way or just let it dangle?

So now we reach the portion of my “Sonic X” review were I criticize Tim Smith 3's artwork. Listen, I don't dislike Smith's artwork. He grasps totally the designs for each of the characters, making him especially good at mimicking the look of the “Sonic X” cartoon. Yet the lack of detail he puts into his backgrounds and his sometimes odd facial expressions can't be ignored. Sonic and Tails' faces look pretty weird in a couple of panels. The humans get oddball facial expressions too, especially the random crook in the car or Chris' one female friend that keeps showing up.

So it's another middle-of-the-road issue of “Sonic X.” There's some stuff I like about this one – Bored Sonic, Smart Tails – and stuff I'm less crazy about – the Amazing Adventure of Sam Speed, the overly direct relationship with the cartoon. That kind of push and pull has become pretty standard for this series. Hopefully, Edkin and his artists can get their shit together enough to produce some more classics like issue 6 before this series wraps up its forty issue run. [6/10]

Sonic X: Issue 9

Sonic X: Issue 9
Publication Date: May 2006

You've got to give Archie's “Sonic X” book this much. The series' covers never lied to us very much. No, issue 9 doesn't feature Sonic, Eggman and Rouge recreating the poster to “A View to a Kill.” In fact, the Eiffel Tower doesn't appear in the book at all. The story is set in Paris though. And, hey, to the majority of the world Paris is synonymous with the Eiffel Tower. It's like New York City's association with the Empire State Building or London and Big Ben. So I'm willing to excuse Spaz' creative flourish on the cover. Anyway, on with the review.

I might have forgotten to mention this but this two parter is entitled “Wicked Sweet Shuttle Shenanigans.” Part two picks up where the first left off, with Sonic and the gang chasing Eggman into the Hall of Mirrors. The mad doctor activates another one of his robots. The Scrambler ride transforms into a giant spider. During the attack, Chris, Froggy, and Topaz fall into the sewers below, forcing the others to rescue them. Emerl follows along, still determined to protect Eggman but confused enough to help Sonic survive the fight.

Issue 9 isn't committed to the formula Edkin laid out in the first four issues of “Sonic X.” Yeah, there's a crazy new robot. A Scrambler transforming into a big-ass robotic spider is a pretty neat visual. Yeah, Sonic gets a power up from a ring. However, this one's story isn't even really about Sonic. The hedgehog hero defeating the giant Scrambler spider is treated more or less as a given. Instead, this issue focuses on Sonic's friends trying to get to safety during the attack. It's not exactly a novel change but it keeps things from getting too stale.

The Emerl subplot remains somewhat unsatisfying. Once again, the robot never directly interacts with the main cast. Even when fighting the spider with Sonic, the hedgehog is unaware of the robot's assistance. It's not until the very end, when a damaged Emerl joins Eggman on his ship that he ever actually talks to other characters. (Interestingly, he refers to Eggman as Robotnik, which is unusual for this series.) That Emerl's programming is fried enough that he sees Eggman as his master to protect but still helps out Sonic is a bit of fractured plotting. Overall, I don't quite see where Edkin is heading with this one though, presumably, this will have some sort of point.

Truthfully, it's a bit unusual for a comic as traditionally light hearted as “Sonic X” to focus on the aftermath of the battle. It's not graphic at all. Much of Eggman's involvement features him talking with a lisp, his nose still bruised and swollen from Big's punch last time. Chris Thorndyke merely has some scratches on his face and body. After Mr. Tanaka pulls him to his feet, he's fine. Similarly, Tails gets buried in some rubble, only for Amy to yank him free. He's otherwise unharmed. Rouge and Topaz spend most of the issue trading quibs about the stinkiness of the sewer and Topaz' weight.

Their roles are minor but at least they contribute to the book. What does Big the Cat add? Well, Froggy gets left underneath the fun house, forcing Big to swoop in with his lure and carry the frog to safety. This, I think, is suppose to raise the tension a bit, one of the good guys getting tossed into harm's way. It would, normally, except the reader doesn't care about Big the Cat and Froggy. I don't anyway. I don't know about you guys. Either way, there's really no reason for the rotund feline and his amphibian life partner to appear in this story.

Last time, I mentioned that Tim Smith was having on off-day on artwork duties. His stuff looks better this time so maybe it really was the colorist's fault. The backgrounds are a little flat and the expressions could be better. By now, these are established as Smith's weak points. All the characters look okay and the action is well orchestrated. Sonic and Emerl's dual fight with the giant spider is easily a highlight of the issue.

It's a slight improvement over the last issue but “Sonic X” remains in something of a slight slump. Or maybe the wacky fun of issues six through seven where the exceptions and the rest of the comic will be defined by mediocrities like this. I guess I'll find out as I continue my way through this series. While relatively harmless, issue 9 is still an uninspiring and uninspired affair. [5/10]

Sonic X: Issue 8

Sonic X: Issue 8
Publication Date: May 2006

The previous issue of “Sonic X” ended on not-quite a cliffhanger. As Chris' birthday party concluded, he received a message from his parents. Mom and Dad Thorndyke are currently in Paris and invited Chris and all his friends to visit them. You'd think the comic would embrace that change of local. Maybe a big fight scene atop the Eiffel Tower? A foot chase around the Arc de Triomphe? Perhaps Eggman could attempt to rob the Louve? Or perhaps Sonic could chase a Phantom inspired enemy through the Paris Opera House? Nah. The change in location is just set dressing. This is an otherwise routine issue of “Sonic X.”

So what happens once Sonic and the gang get to Paris? Chris' dad has designed a new space shuttle and Chris' mom, as a prominent actress, is unveiling it. Eggman wants to hijack the shuttle so he can rule over the moon. Rouge and Topaz has been sent to watch over the hedgehog and friends, in case Robotnik makes a move. Naturally, he does, forcing Sonic to leap into action. Unbeknownst, they are still being watched by Emerl. Big the Cat also shows up for some reason.

After two issues that gratefully did something different with the book, issue 8 of “Sonic X” disappointingly slides back into the formula that was present in the original four issues. Sonic and friends end up in a new location. Eggman attacks with a new robot. Sonic gets tossed a power ring and starts to whoop ass. Yes, Joe Edkin mixes it up a bit. The robots are just a distraction so Eggman can steal the shuttle. The action is mixed up, involving more characters then just Sonic. Despite the differences, it's the same sort of story the author has passed around before.

He does have some fun with it. This batch of killer robots are fitted to both the Parisian location and the carnival setting. (Did I mention most of this issue takes place at a carnival? It does.) There's a wind-up elephant robot that shoots peanuts. A roller coaster leaps to life, crawling around like a caterpillar. One robot looks vaguely like the Eiffel Tower, with a high head and spindly limbs. My favorite one is the evil mime robot, which wears a beret, a stripy shirt, and suspenders. That's a nice touch.

The entire Sonic gang gets in on the action. Amy Rose smashes the elephant-bot's head off with her hammer. Rouge karate kicks the mime-bot in the neck, knocking it over. Interestingly, we even see Chris Thorndyke getting in on the adventure. During the chaos of the robot attack, Chris races out to rescue a chained-up dog from getting crushed by the roller coaster bot. Sadly, instead of giving the boy some heroic character development, he just puts himself in the line of danger. Chris' butler, Tanaka, has to rescue him. That feels like a wasted opportunity and might explain why some fans hate this kid so much.

I'm not sure why Edkin is doing with Emerl either. The robot spends the entire issue lurking around, watching Rouge and Topaz closely. His entire monologue mentions incomplete memories and seems generally confused. He doesn't add much to the story. At the end of the issue, for some reason, Emerl decides that Eggman is his master. He deploys a huge-ass cannon and turns on Sonic. That seems like a really random writing decision. The mysterious robot was previously a neutral observer. To have him become an antagonist at the end, for very sloppy reasons, is disappointing. I suspect a reveal is coming concerning this.

Also, Big the Cat is here for some reason. I mean that fairly literally. He's wandering around Paris without any explanation. He wanders into the action scene, recognizing Eggman. The only act he contributes to the story is punching the bad guy in the face. Granted, the cat had a chance to grab the villain then and there. Sensing a pattern, he lets the bad guy get away. I'm no fan of Big, mainly because I find his personality annoying and hate all those fucking fishing mini-games in “Sonic Adventure.” He remains that useless in his appearance here.

The last few issues of “Sonic X” had pretty good artwork. Tim Smith 3 returns to pencil this one. While Smith's work was getting tired by the end of his previous run, his stuff was still consistent. I don't know what the hell happened here but issue 8 looks like shit. The lines are shaggy. The facial expressions are weirdly blank and empty. Topaz gets this the worst, as she looks like a blow-up doll in a few panels. The coloring is sloppy, making much of the issue look like it was colored by an overeager kid with some crayons. Maybe the inker and the colorist were having off days? Either way, this is the least visually attractive issue of “Sonic X” yet.

I guess the back-and-forth in quality is normal is for a comic book like this. Archie's mainline “Sonic” book certainly has had wildly divergent ups and downs even in-between individual issues. It's just a bummer that, after the comic seemed to have found its footing recently, “Sonic X” would hit another lame bump like this. I hope Edkin is going somewhere with this Emerl business because it might become a problem soon otherwise. Hopefully this isn't a derailing event and just a minor off-set. [5/10]

Sonic X: Issue 4

Sonic X: Issue 4
Publication Date: December 2005

Archie's original plan was to simply grant the “Sonic X” comic four issues, as a test run mini-series, and take it from there. Apparently, the reaction to the book was so overwhelmingly positive that “Sonic X” got the green light for an on-going series before even hitting number four.  This one ends with a preview with a fifth issue, showing that this was a done deal by now. So it looks like we'll be going faster-faster-fucking-fucking-faster for a while now.

Picking up where we left off last time, issue four's “Boisterous Bot Battle!” has Sonic and his friends cornered by Eggman's quartet of kill-bots in the air/space museum. Before smashing them, Sonic is informed that his human friends are inside the machines. They are being forced to pilot the robotic executioners. So the hedgehog has to think on his feet, finding some other way to topple his arch-enemy's latest villainous scheme. Luckily, he's got some people backing him up.

As covered last time, Dr. Eggman's latest act of villainy is a little more devious than his first two tries. I just wish the book handled it a little better. Several panels are devoted to Chris Thorndyke, inside the robotic shell, being forced to attack his close friend. His dialogue balloons talk a lot about how upsetting this is for him without really showing it. Later, Chris somehow manages to disobey the mechanical straps controlling him, allowing Sonic a chance to escape. How he pulled this off isn't expounded on. Moreover, we never get a peak at how the other unwilling pilots are feeling about this. If anything, the President seems to be relishing his chance to attack Sonic, judging by his catty dialogue.

Then again, I have to remind myself that “Sonic X” isn't meant to be taken entirely seriously. This issue makes it clear that writer Joe Edkin mostly saw this comic as a chance to tell goofy jokes. Some of these work better then others. Eggman informing his henchman that he built his latest robots just by robbing the local hardware store is amusing. Rouge flirting with Knuckles after his sudden arrival, only for Amy to remind her that now isn't the time for such things, is a cute gag. However, “Boisterous Bot Battle!” is a little heavy on the goofy puns. The heroes quote  “Grease” in one scene, for some reason. Topaz' evil robot constantly sings ho-down songs while attacking the heroes. The constant quibs really undermine any dramatic tension in these scenes.

The action, over all, isn't much to write about. “Boisterous Bot Battle” continues to maintain the “Sonic X” formula with only one or two variation. Sonic and friends spend most of the book getting their asses kicked. The beating goes on for so long that the heroes' agony almost becomes comedic. There's really only one or two change of pace here. Sonic grabbing a power ring doesn't solve all his problems. Later, after a robot grabs Tails and takes to the skies, there's an airplane chase. Otherwise, it's business as usual. Robotnik's robots beat on Sonic for a while before he gets up the strength to smash 'em all. He then lets the bad guy get away, so the villain can scheme another day.

At least Joe Edkin finds a role for the whole crew in this story. Chris Thorndike and his grandpa play major roles in the story. Knuckles gets a few action beats, dodging a missile and riding in on an airplane. Rouge is bouncing around, contributing to the fight. Even Cream's chao, Cheese, gets in on the action. The little chao helps deactivate one of the robots, freeing the human inside. The “Sonic X” cast is still fairly small, compared to the cast of thousand in the main book, but it's nice to see Edkin do a decent job of balancing everyone's roles.

I've criticized Tom Smith 3's artwork as slightly flat in the past. It continues in that direction in issue four. These are the most inert action scenes to be featured in “Sonic X” so far. The characters are getting more simplistic. Far too much of this issue is composed of the robots grabbing somebody, shaking them around for a while, and starting over again. The air chase is especially lifeless. More and more, the backgrounds are nothing but single colors, contributing to the book's overall blah visual presentation. Smith's work is always competent but it's not very interesting.

I've been saying this the whole time but “Sonic X” is going to have to start shaking things up if it expects to hold my attention. How many times will field trips be interrupted by Eggman attacks? How many times will Sonic grab a Power Ring and save the day? Once again, I have to reiterate that it's not bad. It's just so simplistic that it borders on boring. One or two funny gags and the burning sexual tension between Rouge and Topaz is turning out to be the main reason to read this series. I doubt that'll be enough to sustain a forty issue run. [5/10]

Sonic X: Issue 3

Sonic X: Issue 3
Publication Date: November 2005

The third issue of Archie's “Sonic X” series raises some interesting questions. Part of the script takes place at an air/space museum. Tails mentions John Glenn, Neil Armstrong and the Lunar Module. This suggests that “Sonic X” takes place on our world or at least some place nearly identical to it. (If the original “Sonic X” cartoon covered this, please excuse my confusion.) On one hand, this makes the book slightly more interesting. The implication is that Sonic and friends are now part of a history that includes George Washington, Albert Einstein, Elvis Presley and Adolf Hitler, just to name a few. This is also disappointing because there's no way the comic is going to explore this at all.

I bring this up in the introduction because it's a tiny tidbit that in no way affects the rest of the issue's story. Instead, the joyfully entitled “Field Trip of DOOM!” concerns another Eggman plot. While Sonic is distracted hero-ing, Eggman sends booby trapped gifts to a number of the hedgehog's allies. A collection of new robots attack Sonic and friends while at the museum. Instead of being powered by animals, they're powered by people. Specifically, Sonic's friends, trapped by Eggman and forced against their will to attack Sonic.

Robotnik's previous plans in the “Sonic X” comic have been... Well, not great. They've mostly amounted to the mad scientist attacking a specific location – a bank, a sunken pirate wreck – with some sort of new animal-themed robot. His plan in “Field Trip of DOOM!” is practically identical. He sticks new life forms in robots and attack Sonic and pals while they're at a new location. But it does show a little more cunning than usual. By distracting Sonic with a standard fetch quest, and targeting the hedgehog's friends, it makes him seem like a more competent villain. It's a step forward.

The biggest problem with Joe Edkin's script is that it makes Sonic's acquaintances look like complete idiots. A robot – some little blue thing called Bokkun that I remember seeing in a lot of 4Kids' advertisements – comes to Sam Speed's door. Sam knows Bokkun is affiliated with Eggman but still accepts his gift of a new fuel injection system. The people who receive the gifts are Chris, Topaz, the President, and Thorndyke's school teacher Mr. Stuart. (Who is also a government agent, an info box informs us.) All of them accept the gifts without asking a single question. You'd think a known Eggman target, an active field agent, an undercover spy, and the fucking President would show a little more caution when accepting gifts.

The museum-set action sequence doesn't present much to write about. Tails and Amy participate in the battle, which presents one or two cute moment. Like when Tails attempts to dissemble the robots with his screwdriver. Amy gets some hammer time in. (Though Edkins still provides her with a thought balloon, expounding on her obsession with Sonic, showing how shallow his characterization of Amy is.) The action scene escalates to a fairly uninvolving chase. After some kids are shoveled into an armored truck, Sonic and Sam Speed take chase. Sam proves totally useless, driving his car off a cliff, while Sonic quickly rescues the kids.

However, I do kind of like the action sequence that opens the issue. As a distraction, Eggman has captured Cream's chao Cheese and placed him at the end of an obstacle course. As with everything else in this book, Sonic's constant quibbing keeps the stakes from getting very high. But this scene does feature some fun throwbacks to classic Sonic elements. He's chased by an orca, as in “Sonic Adventure.” Badniks like Buzzbombers and Relief appear. Sonic mentions the Green Hill Zone by name and sings his own theme song. (Sadly, it's the super lame “Sonic X” theme song, instead of the awesome SatAM theme song.) At the end, he leaps on a giant container and frees a bunch of cute animals. There's not much to it but it's catnip to classic Sonic nerds like myself.

Tim Smith 3 – the third entry in the Tim Smith franchise – continues to draws these. “Field Trip of DOOM!” shows some of Smith's limitations. Some of the action scenes are very flatly drawn, especially Sonic and Sam Speed's foot chase. His total adherence to the “Sonic X” cartoon house style produces some awkward results. Sonic in the opening scene looks a little funny. So does the President and Topaz in the a mid-book sequence. Still, Smith's work is almost stiflingly competent. It's good. Fine. But it doesn't really impress or linger in the memory.

Issue 3 of “Sonic X” ends on a cliff hanger, Sonic facing off against one of the robots containing his friends. Considering the series has been strictly episodic before this point, that's nice. I'm doubtful “Sonic X” will ever grow to a point of sophistication of Archie's main “Sonic” book but the series is showing a little more promise. Hopefully, it'll continue to improve, especially if I'm going to read all forty of these damn things. [6/10]

Sonic X: Issue 2

Sonic X: Issue 2
Publication Date: October 2005

In its second issue, “Sonic X” seems to establish its tone more concretely. You see, kids, this is suppose to be the funny Sonic comic. The story is light weight and silly, filled with many goofy moments and gags that intentionally lean on the fourth wall. From what I've seen of the actual “Sonic X” cartoon, it is slightly more serious than this. Then again, I'm even less familiar with the English dub. Maybe it's sillier? Anyway, on with the review.

Following last issue's adventure, Sonic and friends are invited by the fucking President on a special mission. The unique energy signature of a Chaos Emerald has been detected under the sea, within a well known pirate ship wreck. Sonic, Rouge, and some government secret agent chick named Topaz go diving. Tails and Grandpa Chuck stay above water. Turns out the whole journey is a trap. Eggman, utilizing the power rings he grabbed from Sonic last time, has replicated the signal. Once Sonic and friends are inside the ship, Eggman sends a new set of robots – robot dragons piloted by komodo dragons – to attack.

We're only on the second issue of “Sonic X” and a formula is already setting in. This is how it goes: Eggman designs some new ridiculous robots – both have been animal themed thus far – to destroy Sonic. While the hedgehog and his friends are out on some sort of journey, they are attacked by the aforementioned robots. The fight continues until it reaches its most dramatic point. Sonic then grabs a Power Ring, which affords him the extra strength to wreck Eggman's new machine. I have no idea if “Sonic X” will stick with this story outline throughout its entire forty issue run but I can imagine it wearing thin quickly.

Issue 2's sole story is brilliantly entitled “See Sonic! Sea Battle! See Sonic Sea Battle!” This points towards the jokey tone. Writer Joe Edkin frequently employs meta gags in order to cover up a sloppy plot. When the President mentions that Sonic's next mission will take him to a sunken pirate wreck, he references having a similar adventure once before. This is apparently a reference to an episode of the show. Edkin hastily attempts to cover this up but the truth, that he's recycling plots from the cartoon, is apparent. Some other gags are better. Such as the ship being named “The MacGuffin,” an amusing gag that isn't paid too much undue attention.

I'm willing to go along with most of Edkin's silliness. There's even some gags that border genuinely absurd. Such as the surly komodo dragons or Eggman's robot henchmen whispering to themselves, how disinterested they are in their boss' mad plan. Yet there's one gag that steps over the line for me. In the final act, a mysterious figure appears and removes the batteries from the komodo-bots. This frees the power rings, allowing Sonic to save the day. Who is this intervening stranger? It is the ghost of the Pirate Captain, a character so otherwise unimportant he doesn't even have a Mobius Encyclopedia entry. It's a joke but gags shouldn't resolve the plot like that.

Last time, Sonic's supporting cast barely got any page space. Issue 2 does give a little development to the hedgehog's friends. Rouge's thought bubbles frequently inform us that she's only going on this mission because she might get a shiny jewel out of this. The stand-out sequence comic involves a shark attacking the boat. Topaz – a character I'm otherwise unfamiliar with – fights the shark off with a candelabra that is also provided by the ghost pirate. Knuckles puts in an appearance too, doing more then just brooding on his island.

Truthfully, aside from a random appearance by an angry shark, my favorite aspect of “See Sonic Sea Battle” is the simmering sexual tension between the cast members. Topaz – who spends the entire comic in a skin tight diving suit, it must be noted – is the only living thing Rouge actually expresses concern or interest in. The bat declares that no one will hurt the woman, as if she belongs to her or something. When Knuckles jumps in, by punching a robot dragon in the face, Topaz outright proclaims that she would hit on the echidna if he was human. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but I couldn't help but notice these things.

Artist Tim Smith III returns from the first issue. His pencils remain competent if slightly flat. Sonic in his diving gear looks a little awkward. The shark barely resembles an actual shark to start. After getting beaten up, the shark looks even weirder. Smith seems have the most difficulty drawing Tails, as the fox looks perpetually baffled. Still, the art is fine, you guys.

The whole comic is fine, you guys. As I said last time, I hope the comic develops a little more complexity as it goes on. This issue is fitfully amusing and has its moments without making much of an impression on the reader. It needed more random shark attacks, I guess is what I'm saying. [6/10]

Sonic X: Issue 1

Sonic X: Issue 1
Publication Date: September 2005

I can't tell you how many times I have tried to get into “Sonic X.” When the English dub premiered, I was in high school. I felt a little self conscious about watching a Saturday morning cartoon back then. I stopped watching after two or three episodes. Since then, I've made at least two other attempts to watch the original Japanese version. Each time, I drift away after a few episodes. This isn't a knock against “Sonic X's” quality. The show ran in syndication many years after its original run, suggesting it was popular. I'm sure that “Sonic X” was the gateway drug for some that SatAM was for me. Someday, I'll watch the whole thing, I swear.

If I have next to no familiarly with “Sonic X,” why am I reviewing the comic book? Originally, I wasn't going to. The series only had one quasi-crossover with the main Archie “Sonic” book, mostly staying in its own continuity. There's really no reason for me to read it, much less review it. However, a combination of my O.C.D. and my professional devotion to you, dear readers, made me change my mind. If I gave “Sonic Live!” and the fucking “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” crossover a fair chance, why not “Sonic X?” Besides, it'll make my Best/Worst List more comprehensive or something.

The first issue of Archie's “Sonic X” tie-in features a few info bubbles, detailing the basic premise of the cartoon. The short version: Sonic and his friends got zapped from their world to Earth, where they shacked up with Chris Thorndyke, a rich kid, and his scientist grandpa. Issue 1 features the story “Saving and Groans.” In it, Dr. Eggman realizes these humans keep their funds inside facilities called "banks." He immediately decides to rob one, utilizing a giant rat robot for the job. By coincidence, Sonic's friends are at the same bank that gets attack. Luckily, Sonic shows up to save the day.

I don't want to put “Sonic X' down too much. But one of the reasons why the show has never clicked with me, personally, is it strikes me as a more simplified version of Sonic and his friends. Sonic is a speedy, super-good guy with minimal 'tude. Tails is childish, occasionally ingenious, but also something of a klutz. This is displayed in “Saving and Groans” when he drops a bunch of Power Rings on the floor. In his one appearance here, Knuckles is more serious then Sonic, refusing to abandon his post on Angel Island for any reason. Amy is Sonic's fawning fan girl. Cream the Rabbit – thus far unseen in Archie's main book – just comments on events as they happen, being even more childish than Tails.

I don't want to call it the kiddie version of “Sonic the Hedgehog.” (That's “Sonic Schoolhouse,” if we're being totally technical.) But it's obviously a softer, less serious take on these characters. Take at look at Eggman, for one example. He petulantly whines about humanity's refusal to acknowledge his genius. He's utterly baffled by the Earthly exchange of money and goods. After activating his rat robot, he sings a few lyrics of Michael Jackson's “Ben.” Which is, admittedly, a totally unexpected reference. The book doesn't stop there, as Eggman also has two comic relief henchmen, a pair of robots named Decoe and Bocoe. It's occasionally funny, especially the robot's reaction to an ATM or Irish-accented cop, but the writing is clearly aiming for a younger demographic.

If fans are critical of any aspect of “Sonic X,” it's the cartoon exclusive characters. Chris Thorndyke is a frequent target for fan derision, with his grandfather not being much better liked. In issue 1 of “Sonic X,” Chris doesn't come off as any more whiny, cutesy, or obnoxious then Tails or Cream. A few pages are devoted to Chris being reunited with his parents, who are frequently away from home for some reason, but it doesn't amount to much. (I'm also not sure what to make of Mr. Tanaka and Ella, Chris' racial minority servants.) More annoying is Sam Speed, a cocky race car driver who is apparently related to Chris. Sam is obsessed with beating Sonic's speed but always fails to best him. I'm not sure why the issue opens with this. Is Sam Speed going to become important later?

I'm not sure if “Sonic X” becomes more serialized as it goes on but “Savings and Groans” is a stand alone story. The action is saved for the back half of the book. There is a certain goofy appeal to a giant rat robot shooting missiles from its back and laser beams from its eyes. Amy and Tails attempt to fight off, granting some determined toughness to the pink hedgehog. Sonic bests the rat-bot in a few minutes, struggling all of once. He also allows Eggman to get away at the end. But it's not a bad bit of action.

A totally different staff from the main book handles the creative duties on “Sonic X.” Somebody named Joe Edkin writes the script. Somebody named Tim Smith III draws the issue. Smith's artwork closely resembles the artwork of the “Sonic X” cartoon. It's totally serviceable. Smith seems to especially enjoy drawing Eggman and his minions, all of him look appropriately cartoony. Smith's artwork is also slightly flat. His backgrounds are a bit drab and panels devoted to characters talking are a snore. But it looks fine.

So what do I think of the first issue of the “Sonic X” comic? It's... Fine. That's more-or-less how I react to the cartoon, as well. Don't hate it, don't love it, aren't immediately sucked in. But it's inoffensive and relatively well executed. Hopefully, the book will get a little more interesting as forty whole issues of simply fine stories might get a little dull after a while... [6/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 148

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 148
Publication Date: April 2005

Dear readers, I feel like we can level with each other. When Archie first published the “Good/Bad/Unknown” story arc, I was barely reading the comic. At this point, I'd yank the issues out of my comic shop bag and skim them. So, in a way, this is the first time I've ever really read this story. What I remember of this one is a plot that went nowhere and got loaded down with exposition. I guess what I was really remembering was Issue 148, which certainly features both of those elements.

Last time, Sonic and the gang were left in precarious positions. Sonic, Shadow, Isaac, and Metal Sonic fell down a hole in the floor, accidentally activated by Tails. Rotor and the others, meanwhile, got caught in one of the complex's traps. The group was in the process of being electrocuted to death. Tommy immediately sets out to rescue the Freedom Fighters. Sonic, meanwhile, awakens in an underground tram way. There, his rivalry with Shadow continues while Metal gets a lecture from Isaac.

In my previous review, I characterized this four-parter as being an excuse for Sonic and Shadow, and to a lesser degree Metal, to fight. I still think that was a good summation of this arc. However, if that was Penders' goal, he screwed up on this one. Sonic and Shadow barely fight in issue 148. After running into each other on the underground tram way, Shadow briefly puts Sonic in a choke hold. By slamming on the bumper car's brakes, the darker hedgehog gets tossed into the dirt. And that's about it, as far as erinaceinae fisticuffs go. This really puts a damper on Steven Butler's awesome ability to draw fight scenes, which where the sole highlight of the last two issues.

Instead, most of the story is devoted to Isaac laying some heavy-handed exposition on us. For some reason, Metal Sonic is being civil to Shadow. He patiently listens, sitting in a roller coaster car with Isaac, as the shinier robot drones on. And on. And on. When Metal Sonic notices that Isaac's creator was named Kintobor, it causes the other robot to launched into an unending lecture about his origin. Ken even takes a page from the Christian Weston Chandler playbook, as Isaac's narration carries over panels depicting unrelated events. Instead of just saying “Yeah, Kintobor was the guy who dissected the Xorda ambassador. Afterwards, he built me and this underground lair to survive the apocalypse,” the robot delivers a monologue about Mobius' entire history. It's just the worst, you guys.

If that wasn't bad enough, Archie is still struggling with what to do with the other characters. I honestly don't why Ken had Tails and the Freedom Fighters join Sonic on this journey. All they've done is hang back while the hedgehogs fight. Maybe it was all a ruse, another attempt to make Tommy Turtle interesting. In this installment, Tommy saves Rotor and the gang by donning a rubber glove and smashing a circuit box. There's two problems with this. First off, considering how long they were being shocked, I'm pretty sure Fiona and the others are already dead. Secondly, drawing the pudgy, slow moving turtle in such a heroic light is unintentionally hilarious. This summarizes the Freedom Fighters' involvement in this story.

Archie continues to fill each issue with three stories. What's weird is the back-up tales are clearly set at a different period then the cover story. “Playing Around,” for example, is a total goof with no affect on anything. It shows Sonic and the others putting on a play for Sally and the orphans. Sonic clearly wrote the play himself, as its an ego-stroking account of a time he rescued Sally from Robotnik. That's pretty much it.

The humor in “Playing Around” mostly comes from the bizarre casting decisions Sonic made in his play. Only Sonic and Uncle Chuck play themselves. Only Big as Robotnik makes much sense. Rotor is Tails, Tails is Snively, Bunnie is St. John, Vector is a SWATBot, and – seemingly to throw a bone to the slash shippers – Knuckles is Sally. The cross dressing and fat jokes have limited appeal but “Playing Around” did make me laugh once. When somebody gets punched, Amy holds up cards with sound effects on them. Otherwise, there's little reason to check this one out.

Rounding out issue 148 is “Destiny's Child,” a story starring Tails. Sadly, the plot does not involve whether or not somebody is ready for this jelly. Instead, Tails is sitting in Knothole, wondering why everybody else has gotten their parents back but him. That's when a disembodied voice starts talking to him. Turns out the floating head of Athair has come calling again, informing Tails of his great destiny as the Chosen One. Before this conversation reaches any sort of point, Athair disappears again, leaving Tails and the reader greatly annoyed.

All “Destiny's Child” really accomplishes is to remind the reader about Tails' status as the Chosen One. Athair expounds on his first encounter with Tails in that Australian crater, that time he helped beat Mammoth Mogul, and that whole business about Tails being cloned. Throughout this, Athair mentions Tails' magician uncle Merlin, who the fox claims to have never met. This is either a plot hole or only the copycat Tails met Merlin. At this point, I can't be asked to keep this shit straight. “Destiny's Child” ends by promising that this Chosen One business will be resolved soon. God, I hope so.

How about that artwork? Steven Butler is still doing a pretty good job on the cover story, even if the script continues to disappoint. Nelson Ribeiro, who we haven't seen in a while, returns to draw “Playing Around.” Ribeiro's artwork has never been very good. His characters remain overly furry, soft, and squishy. The last one is drawn by a newcomer named Tim Smith 3. Smith's artwork strike me as what Dave Manak's drawings would look like if he was really into anime. It's okay but pretty angular and loose.

The title story continues to drag further and further into uselessness. The “Tails is the Chosen One” plot point returning hardly excites this particular reader. The middle story is cute but pretty dumb. Right now I'm counting down the days until we reach Ian Flynn coming onto the book in issue 160 because this period of Sonic is as dire as I remember. [4/10]