Sonic the Hedeghog: Issue 76

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 76
Publication Date: August 1999

During my review of issue 75 of Archie’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” series, I expressed some disappointment that the series was returning to the established formula of Robotnik ruling over Robotropolis, while Sonic and the Freedom Fighters hide in Knothole Village. I can’t help but wonder if head writer Karl Bollers’ attitude was similar. The cover story for issue 76 is entitled “Business as Usual.” Do I dare detect a hint of sarcasm there, Karl?

Following the end of last month’s issue, Robotnik 2.0 and his fleet of powerful ShadowBots have successfully taken over Mobotropolis, reestablishing Robotropolis. Luckily, most of the Mobian citizens, including the King and Nate Morgan, have escaped to Knothole. Sonic and the Freedom Fighters, meanwhile, have crashed their space shuttle in the middle of the city. Snively reminds the Freedom Fighters that, since this new Robotnik has access to the old Robotnik’s files, he knows the location of Knothole Village. (The doctor, you may recall, finally located the village during “Endgame.”) Sonic distracts the robotic army while Sally and Snively hack into Eggman’s computers and deletes the aforementioned information.

“Business as Usual” may be business as usual but at least its entertaining business. Issue 76 has a solid foundation for its story. If the population of Mobotropolis is going to relocate to Knothole Village, making sure Robotnik can’t find the village is important business. It’s a matter of time too, as Sally and Snively have to race to delete the info before Robotnik thinks to check it. Bollers’ script builds a decent sense of suspense from this race against time. Yes, there’s no reason Robotnik couldn’t just scan the forest with aerial drones until he pinpoints the village’s location. Then again, there’s no reason the original Robotnik couldn’t have done that too. Considering this is a story element – the doctor’s search for Freedom HQ – the series ran with for nearly fifty issues, I’m use to justifying it.

Issue 76 also breaks the team into units, which is a good way to maximize story function. Half of the script is focused on Sally and Snively sneaking into Robotnik’s fortress and hacking the computers. Snviely remains an uneasy ally. As soon as they land on Mobius, he wants to skedaddle but Sonic guilts him into staying. While inside the Egg Dome, Sally is attacked by a ShadowBot. Since Bollers has seemingly forgotten that Sally is more then capable of taking down SWATBots by herself, Snively has to rescue her. The Princess outright comments on how weird it is to be working with someone who previously tried to kill her. However, considering Snively’s cowardice, and the fact that the new Robotnik is even more psychotic then the old one, I like his temporary alliance with the Freedom Fighters.

Meanwhile, Sonic goes about doing what he does best. No, not running fast, eating chili dogs, or cracking puns. He smashes through a crap ton of robots, wasting fifty ShadowBots in several minutes. A clever action beat has him melting the ShadowBot’s feet into the asphalt below. Showing that he has a lot in common with his predecessor, the new Robotnik takes the time to curse that hedgehog.

After wrecking some shit, Sonic takes the time to make a new friend. He spots Mina the Mongoose, who is futilely attempting to sneak inside Robotropolis and rescue her captured parents. Since Sonic is still bumped that Uncle Chuck and Muttski are brain-washed again, the two bond over their shared angst. Mina would quickly become a controversial character, since a new potential love interest was the last thing Sonic needed. Still, their little conversation provides a decent emotional beat to what is otherwise an action-centric story.

Issue 76 also introduces a new regular artist into the Archie fold. James Fry, who is credited only as “Fry,” would quickly become a regular artist within the book’s pages. Fry’s style is heavily anime influenced. He draws the characters with giant, shining eyeballs. They all have noodle legs, huge hands and feet. However, Fry’s work is still quite good. Once you adapt to his style, you see that Sonic and the gang are all on-model. The anime style artwork allows for a decent amount of expression on the character’s faces. Fry also has a solid grasp on action, as the scenes devoted to Sonic taking out the ShadowBots are well done. (Fry also has a tendency towards random in-jokes. In a crowd scene, you can easily spot Mr. Snuffleupagus, Bean the Duck, Donald Duck, and furry versions of “Tenchi Muyo’s” Ryoko, Sasami, and Mihoshi.) Not everyone is a fan but Fry does decent work in his premiere issue.

Despite the story seemingly leaving little room for it, Ken Penders continues to include some “Tales from the Great War” in the back story. Antoine, Bunnie, and Tails escort Sonic’s parents out of Robotropolis. Along the way, Tails insist on checking out the library and making sure Jeremiah is okay. While inside the library, Jules pulls one of Kirby’s volumes from the shelves. Despite the group being on the run from Robotnik’s forces, he still pauses to read a story from the book.

Sadly, this is hardly an essential bit of backstory. The flashback that unfolds details a young Jules, Charles, and Bernie encountering a small band of Overlanders. Among the attackers is Colin Kintobor, Julian “Robotnik” Kintobor’s brother. (And Snively’s dad.) That’s mostly the purpose this story has. In addition to giving Colin Kintobor a proper introduction, it also introduces Cocoa the Cat, Hershey’s mom. Which isn’t very interesting. What’s more amusing is seeing teenage versions of Jules and Bernie flirt. Otherwise, this Tale is a totally unneeded addition.

A mediocre backstory can’t distract from the solid cover story. If Robotnik must be back, this is the kind of story I prefer to see. [7/10]