Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 132

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 132
Publication Date: January 2004

Man, does it bother any one else when big plot arcs get split up by years? Just me? Okay. But, yes, the “Home” series headed into its third part as Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog” began 2004. After a strong start, the story line would cluttered apart into uninspired action. I remember 2004 and 2005 being especially weak years for Archie's “Sonic” series. So I'm not exactly excited to be heading into these next 26 issues. Let's get this over with as quickly as possible.

With all the pieces moved into place last time, Sonic and the Freedom Fighters begin their offensive strike against Robotnik's empire. Sonic and Tails confront Eggman on his battle ship, unprepared for the doctor's new mechanical children: A sentient computer virus named A.D.A.M. and a super strong female android named M. Outside the Kingdom of Acorn, the Chaotix faced down an army of ShadowBots. Princess Sally, meanwhile, watches helplessly while her friends get their asses kicked.

Once upon a time, Dave Manak was the regular artist on this book. As the book grew more serious, Manak's cartoonish illustrations appeared less and less often. Usually, Manak only contributed to back-up stories or brief appearances during landmark issues. For some reason, Manak was brought back to draw issue 132. Along with his angular pencils, a certain degree of silly humor has also returned to the book. In “Home Part 3: A.D.A.M. & EVIL,” Tails distracts the evil computer virus with corny jokes. Vector blows away an entire fleet of evil robots with loud music, beamed from a pair of giant amplifiers. Considering the crux of this story revolves around Robotnik threatening to nuke two heavily populated cities, it's an odd decision to include jokey elements like this.

As the title indicates, this story does successfully introduce Robotnik's “children” as serious threats. A.D.A.M. proves unhackable, impervious to Rotor and Tails' attempts to combat him. Apparently, Tails' navigational computers are compatible with whatever system A.D.A.M operates on, as he causes Tails' Tornado to zip-zag through the sky. M, meanwhile, prefers to beat the shit out of people. The statuesque female robot kicks Sonic in the face, bends him over her head, and tosses him into the water. Manak's handle on action isn't the best but these moments are mildly diverting.

This is far from the only action in the book. Since getting her Chaos Emerald assisted growth spurt, Amy Rose hasn't contributed too much to the book. She hasn't had much of a chance to develop beyond her status as Sonic's number one fan girl. (Even then, Mina mostly eclipsed her in that capacity.) In “Home: Part 3,” Amy suddenly reveals herself as a massive bruiser. Armed with her magical hammer, she single-handedly destroys a whole army of ShadowBots. It's a surprising change, that's slightly hard to believe, though the book would run with it. Amy's hammer swingin' robot massacre is certainly easier to believe then Vector wub-wubing apart an equally impressive selection of mechanical soldiers.

In all this chaos, the book pauses for two brief moments of emotion. Before the ShadowBots descend on their outpost, Julie-Su and Knuckles have a conversation. She's reluctant to have Knuckles fight in this battle. After only getting him back recently, she's afraid to loose him again so quickly. This sweet moment is bordered with some nice humor, when Knuckles jokes that death ain't nothing he hasn't lived through. Julie-Su, showing her toughness again, swats at him, not appreciating the humor. This sequence certainly works better then the one devoted to Sally. Once again, Karl has reduced the Princess to pining for Sonic from a distance, her hands tied by royal bureaucracy. Gee whiz, haven't you hit that note enough already, Bollers?

For a while, I've been complaining that Archie didn't know how to utilize the new characters Sega was introducing in their more recent video games. This continues to hold true with “Home.” Both Shadow and Rouge appear in this story. Both saunter on-screen suddenly, providing heroic support when the other characters need it the most. In other words, the “Sonic Adventure 2” additions continue to float around the comic's universe, entering the story only when the writers can find a slot for them. Which is weird, considering this comic has always had a massive cast. You'd think Bollers and the bunch would be better as juggling characters.

In the back pages, Ken Penders continues his lo-fi “Mobius: 25 Years Later” epic. “The Unveiling” is, as you'd expect, devoted to Lara-Su's unvealing party. Which is like a weird puberty prom or something. Lara-Su dresses up in a pretty gown, dances with her dad, uncle, and potential boyfriend, while everyone else stares at her. Meanwhile, Rotor and his partner Cobar make a startling discovery about the dimensional fortitude of Mobius' Prime-Zone.

Last time, I compared unveilings to a bat mitzvah. I think Ken was still kind of going for that but the purpose of the ceremony seems different. Instead of Lara-Su entering adulthood, and becoming responsible for her own actions now, the unveiling seemingly has a different purpose. It's about presenting Lara-Su as a sexually mature individual, ready to be romanced. Which is pretty creepy and exacerbated by Lara-Su dancing with both her father and her uncle during the ceremony. This can't help but bring to mind those symbolically incestuous “purity balls” that were all the rage among Christian nut jobs a decade ago. Considering Knuckles was so eager to abandon traditional in the last issue, it's weird that he would be so insistent on something as traditional and regressive as an unveiling. (There's also a really lame panel where Julie-Su insist that Mace, Knuckles' previously unmentioned half-brother, get married soon. This does not seem in character for her.)

Once you get past the creepy subtext, “The Unveiling” isn't a bad story. Lara-Su continues to express ambivalence, if not outright disinterest, in tradition. The best panel occurs when Knuckles retreats to the balcony. He bemoans how quickly his daughter has grown up. It's a cliched moment but a sweet one, that any parent can relate to, especially once Julie-Su comforts her husband.

This story also introduces us to Argyle, Vector's son. Unlike his braggart, blowhard dad, Argyle is shy and soft spoken. As the son of a braggart blowhard, that seems like a realistic development. A cute moment has Argyle cutting a rug with Lara-Su, continuing to develop their romance. (By the way, we never meet Vector's “wife” so this in no way disproves my head cannon that he's queer as hell. Argyle could be adopted, for all we know.) These small, character-driven moments are certainly more interesting than Rotor discovering that repeated dimensional travel has weakened the physical laws of the universe, leading to another one of those prophecized disasters that Ken loves so much.

The cover story has one or two interesting moment, mostly thanks to a clever action beat, but remains a bit on the dull side. The back-up story creates some unfortunate implication but is otherwise pretty good. If the post-time jump world continues to go the way I remember it going, things are going to stay that way for a while now. [6/10]

THE 2003 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG COMIC BEST/WORST LIST!

 
2003 was probably the best year Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog” book had had in a while. Which isn't saying too much. The comic's quality was more consistent then outright excellent over these twelve months. There was some lame arcs and one or two lame cover stories. However, most of the issues in 2003 were readable, decent, and not terrible at the very least. The artwork also took a  swing up in '03, with Ron Lim making fewer appearances. The year brought the 125th milestone which was, if nothing else, way better then the year that brought the 100th milestone.

The main book is still the only “Sonic” book Archie was publishing at this point. Once again, only thirteen issues will be covered in this retrospective Which are:

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 119-131

BEST COVER STORY:
Karl Bollers, "Home Part 1: The Blue Blur Returns" (Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 130)

Dan Drazen loved this one too. While issue 120's “She's Gotta Have Him,” also from Karl Bollers, has the advantage of not setting off a disappointing story arc, the first part of “Home” is clearly the standout story of 2003. Sonic being reunited with his friends and family produces some touching moments, such as Tails tackling him in affection. What's better though is the hedgehog's reunion with Sally. In a beautifully composed moment, he greets her at his own memorial. The tearful reunion crescendos with an intense kiss. The cherry on top is some humor, in the form of paparazzi snapping the two's picture. “Home” immediately falls into some mediocre plotting but that first half of that first story still holds up.

WORST COVER STORY:
Benny Lee, "Caterkiller is Coming" (Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 119)

The “Tossed in Space” story arc presented some underachieving stories, for sure. Benny Lee's “Red Chaos” was probably the most underwhelming one. Yet those joints at least had interesting ideas behind them. “Caterkiller is Coming” was mostly just lame, a story whose lameness I have always remembered. Turning Caterkiller into a giant tank-train was a weird decision. Sonic shows off a ridiculous ability to phase through solid matter, never mentioned before nor ever again. Lee also contributes some seriously bizarre dialogue that also distracts the reader.

BEST BACK STORY:
Romy Chacon, "Song Bird" (Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 121)

There were other candidates for this slot. Ken Penders' “When There Was Only One Guardian” from issue 122 and Romy Chacon's “The Royal Signet” from issue 120 nearly got the nod. Both of those stories had flaws but still summoned up some decent emotion. Ultimately, I signaled out another Chacon production.

With “Song Bird,” Mina Mongoose finally finds her purpose as a character. She becomes the pop sensation of Knothole, providing fight songs to the resistance against Robotnik. Watching the sheer joy on her face as she finds her calling is quite touching. While the love triangle wouldn't be buried quite yet, it is handled with some humor. I especially like Nicole's dismissive attitude towards pop music. Add it all up and you got a pretty decent five pager.

WORST BACK STORY:
Mike Gallagher, "Better Read Than Dead" (Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 126)

Thanks for making my job easy, Mike Gallagher. “Better Read Than Dead” is an unnecessarily meta act of self-indulgence. Gallagher writes his boss, editor Justin Gabrie, as a superhero who saves Sonic from the villain Deadline, a grim reaper lookin' motherfucker who tries to get his shitty fan fiction published in the comic. So, right away, it removes the character we care about in favor of the editor's self-insert. The way the villain is defeated – by calling on the sometimes mediocre talent behind the book – is equally self-serving. Some stupid jokes take us out and thankfully end this awful story.

BEST STORY ARC:
Karl Bollers, "Sonic Adventure 2.5" (Sonic the Hedgehog: Issues 124-125)

The only reason “Heart Held Hostage,” from issue 122 and 123, didn't win this honor is because of Karl's weak characterization of Princess Sally. Instead, I went with “Sonic Adventure 2.5,” Archie's big event of 2003. The story line is one of the most satisfyingly constructed stories of the year. Karl successfully juggles a number of plot points. He brings Shadow back into the book, revives Knuckles the Echidna, reveals that Mobius is really a future Earth, and packs in a number of big action set pieces. True, some of them are a bit convoluted. But, over all, “Sonic Adventure 2.5” is a good read.

WORST STORY ARC:
Ken Penders, "Afterlife" (Sonic the Hedgehog: Issues 120-123)

The “Tossed in Space” story line was probably the most disappointing arc Archie published in 2003. Those stories were subpar but they contained potentially interesting ideas. Penders' “Afterlife,” meanwhile, never got off the tarmac. Knuckles could've done anything while exploring echidna heaven. Instead, the goddess Aurora recapped his entire life up to then, including his very recent history, while hammering home the tired point of his great destiny once more. In the end, Knuckles wills himself back to life even though, you know, it probably doesn't work that way.

BEST COVER ART:
Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 130 – Patrick Spaziante

“Tossed in Space” might have been disappointing but the covers were usually pretty cool. Issue 127 and 128 featured some eye-striking visuals. Yet, me being a sentimental old fogie, the cover that tugged my heart strings the most won this award. Issue 130 features the stirring image of Sally, weeping by Sonic's gravestone. Behind her, framed by a setting sun and billowing leaves, Sonic gingerly approaches her, a very confusing set of emotions racing through his mind as well. As always, Spaz' combination of dynamism, detail, and skill makes the image unforgettable.

WORST COVER ART:
Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 129 – Patrick Spaziante

The utterly brainless “magazine cover” gimmick shackled Spaz' hands for the first half of 2003. For seven issues,  he drew the characters standing in static, overly arranged poses in front of a white background. It was dumb. And, for reasons I can not understand, Spaz more-or-less returned to this gimmick with issue 129. The story presented many opportunities. Spaz could've, say, drawn Sonic and Tails' parents before a council of alien judges. Instead, he stuck Sonic and the Prowers in another white void, framed by text, calmly talking to each other. Come on, man, you can do better then that.

BEST STORY ART:
"Heart Held Hostage" - Jay Axer (Sonic the Hedgehog: Issues 122 and 123)

Surprisingly, there was a lot of good art in the book in 2003. Art Mawhinney contributed some fine work in the first part of “Afterlife” and 120's “The Royal Signet.” Steven Butler, meanwhile, did an excellent job with 119's “Dust Bunnie,” 120's “She's Gotta Have Him,” and 131's “Mobius: 25 Years Later.”

Yet, for the second year in a row, Jay Axer wins this spot. The “Heart Held Hostage” arc – I went ahead and counted both of them – featured some of his best work yet. Axer's trademark detail made Knothole, Castle Acorn, and Nack the Weasel's hiding spot look like real places, full of detail. His sense of action made sequences, like the weasels rushing into the village and Sally's escape from Nack, really pop. Axer also found a way to incorporate emotion into his art. Especially notable are Sally and Sonic's confession of love and Mina's world literally shattering apart in response. Axer wouldn't contribute to the book often after this year which was a real shame.

WORST STORY ART:
"The Prince and the Revolution" - Ron Lim (Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 121)

He only showed up a few times in 2003 but Ron Lim still occasionally sullied the book with his crappy illustrations. His work on 119's “Caterkiller is Coming” didn't do a mediocre story any favors but his drawings for 121's “The Prince and the Revolution” - otherwise a decent story – were weaker. Sonic and friends were drawn as lopsided, big headed, and noodle-limbed as ever. Lim's weakness for facial expressions become even more apparent in this story, which is directly concerned with characters' feelings. There were two deciding factors that causes this one to sink below Lim's usual shoddy standards. First is an army of utterly indistinct robots that appear briefly. Second is the final panel. Lim's attempted to draw Sally rolling her eyes. Instead, she appears to be having a stroke, her eyes receding into her skull.

BEST NEW CHARACTERS:
M:25YL Knuckles and Julie-Su

2003 provided few great options for this category. While the “Tossed in Space” arc introduced many alien species, few of them were very memorable. I very nearly gave this slot to Captain Oe, from issue 127, who only appeared briefly but at least seemed like a pretty good guy. Instead, a better candidate emerged from the year's final issue.

The Mobius Encyclopedia considers the “Mobius: 25 Years Later” versions of the “Sonic” cast distinct from their present timeline counterparts. Which is how I can justify giving the Best “New” Character award to Knuckles and Julie-Su. Unlike his dad, Knuckles appears to be a pretty good parent. He cares deeply about his daughter but respects her privacy and doesn't manipulate her feelings. Julie-Su, meanwhile, has grown into a patient mother, a equal to her daughter's father, willing to stare down his temper. Their futuristic outfits are pretty neat too.

WORST NEW CHARACTERS:
Ceneca-9009

Ceneca-9009 is responsible for the death of an entire planet's population. And she's not a villain either. Instead, we are suppose to feel sorry for Ceneca-9009, a scientist who bumbles into alien civilization and attempts to “save” them while completely ignorant of the species' culture or even their basic biological needs. That alone would probably be enough to make her the worst new character of 2003. However, this dumb-ass also filled the book with heavy-handed techno-babble.  Her overly mannered speech made it equally difficult to care about her strife, even beyond her status as an engineer of genocide.

BEST IDEA:
Sonic and Sally make it official

Two very important things happened in Sonic's world during 2003. First off, the book finally buried the Sonic/Sally/Mina love triangle forever and ever. This first positive element is a direct result of the second. After years of fiery sexual tension, noncommittal flip-flopping, and obviously romantic implications, Sonic and Sally finally declared their love for one another. They even essentially announced their engagement, letting the King and Queen approve their eventual marriage. If you need further proof, the hedgehog and the Princess made out, like, three times. That's as close as this G-rated book could get to physical intimacy. This was a development that was way damn overdue.

WORST IDEA:
Death cheats

Sadly, Sonic and Sally's status as honest-to-God lovers was cut short by the blue hedgehog's “death.” Granted, the book didn't pretend he was really dead, only tossed across the cosmos. Knuckles didn't get that gratitude, as he actually did shuffle off this mortal coil for a few months. Killing characters off just to revive them a little while later cheapens the mourning other cast members feel. It makes death seem like something anyone can easily escape, reducing the overall tension for any future stories. It's also something the book has done before and better. I know dying and returning to life is standard practice for comic book heroes. But shenanigans such as these is one element I don't want to see Archie inherit from their big brothers at Marvel and DC.

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 131

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 131
Publication Date: December 2003

You probably expected the rest of the five part “Home” story arc to tread similar emotional ground as the first issue. Would this be an entire story line exploring the ramifications of Sonic's return to Mobius? Showing his reunion with his friends in extended detail? If you were expecting such a thing, get ready to be disappointed. Issue 131, containing the story “Home Part 2: The Gathering,” is a straight ahead action story, focused primarily on plot mechanics over character interactions.

Following Robotnik's threat to blow up two major cities, the Freedom Fighters gather their forces and organize an offense. Half of the Freedom Fighter team fly into the atmosphere aboard a redesigned Freedom Fighter Special, preparing to take the fight to Robotnik. Knuckles, the Chaotix, and Amy Rose for some reason rush to help General D'Coolette against an incoming army of ShadowBots. Station Square throw together a special team, including Rogue, to protect their city. Lastly, Sonic and Tails rush Robotnik's base straight ahead.

Karl has done this kind of thing before. Before heading into a big, action filled story event, he'll spend an entire issue setting up the adventure. Which is fine, I guess. After all, you can't rush right into the action. However, all the characters being slotted into place doesn't make for a very satisfying read. “The Gathering” is essentially a collection of vignettes, following different characters as they get ready. The relentless focus on plot construction leaves little room for any sort of character interaction. The cast members are reduced to players in a simplistic series of events.

Karl even devotes some time to characters we definitely do not care about. Two entire pages to are devoted to the President of Station Square arguing with Hugo Brass, the head of G.U.N. (Brass is miscolored, so you can't even tell its him at first.) Brass is incensed that the President is relying on Sonic to save the day... Which sort of makes sense. When Station Square has a nuclear army at their disposal, it is odd that the President would expect a ragtag band of rebels to save the day. Continuing his focus on characters we don't care about, the real Fiona Fox – who still hasn't been developed as a character – is now a member of the Freedom Fighters. Because this book needed another fox running around.

Sonic himself doesn't even have much to do in this issue. He appears at the very beginning of the issue, rushing toward Freedom HQ. He has a brief conversation with Sally that ends shortly. He doesn't appear again until the very end of the issue, rushing towards Robotnik's battle ship on the Tornado. It's kind of weird that the hedgehog gets the title position but has so little to do in this particular story?

Then again, “Home Part 2” isn't really the main attraction of this issue. The cover is devoted to the back-up story. Issue 131 is the official debut of “Mobius: 25 Years Later,” a story line that Ken Penders had been hyping since nearly the beginning of his run on the comic. Does the story arc detail the future Knuckles struggle with an inter-dimensioal cyborg Robotnik or Dr. Ian Droid or something? Nope! It takes place after that! Instead, “Mobius: 25 Years Later” focuses on how life has changed on Angel Island in that time frame. The focus is especially on Lara-Su, who is nervous about her “unveiling.” This is apparently a tradition for echidna females that seemingly serves the same function as a bat mitzvah, though it's for sixteen year olds instead of twelve year olds.

The intervening twenty-five years have certainly had an affect on our cast. Sonic and Sally are now king and queen. Tails is a successful businessman, apparently. Knuckles is wearing Grandpa Hawking's hat, a matching Indiana Jones get-up, and has a robot eye. Julie-Su has grown her hair way out but can still rock a pair of bicycle shorts. Rotor, for some reason, wears an ominous black hood as the Acorn Kingdom's emissary. Espio is sporting a frankly embarrassing goatee/trench coat combo. Lien-Da has settled down, birthed a son, transformed into a smothering mother, but still hangs out with Grandpa Dimitri's floating head. Harry is still driving a cab, poor guy.

On one hand, these changes seem entirely superficial. Yet give credit where it's due. The first part of “Mobius: 25 Years Later” shows off some good world building. The first scene is set in Lara-Su's high school. Which is a natural way to deliver some exposition. The formerly isolationist Angel Island is now opened to the entire world, becoming a bustling metropolis and a major city on Mobius. I like how Ken casually presents the changes here, how many of the main characters are now parents or experienced professionals. When Sonic and Knuckles have to get together, they have to set up official meetings. It works pretty well.

Even though the story is called “Mobius: 25 Years Later,” it's clear Ken originally planned this as a “Knuckles” story arc. Naturally, this episode focuses primarily on the Guardian and his family. Thankfully, Knuckles is a much better parent than his dad. He's concerned but not obsessive about Lara-Su's romantic life. He's done away with many of the Guardian traditions. He doesn't abandon his kid in the wilderness. He doesn't expect Lara-Su to take over his position as Guardian, which Knuckles considers antiqued. She, however, wants to become guardian. Which leads to a cute scene where Lara-Su won't come out of her bedroom. When Knuckles' temper gets the best of him, Julie-Su sternly talks him down, a wonderful moment. Calmness prevails and dad and daughter work through their differences.

Ron Lim draws the cover story and, typically, it looks pretty shitty. The back-up, meanwhile, features some assured, detailed, well done pencils from Steven Butler. That first story is pretty lame, showing the “Home” story arc's quick degradation, but the back-up shows some promise. Some times, that's just how it goes. [6/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 130

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 130
Publication Date: November 2003

With issue 130, Sonic the Hedgehog returns to his home world, his journey through space officially over. I'm not sure why Archie tossed Sonic through space for four months, other then to expound on the sci-fi concepts the Xorda introduced. Maybe it was in pursuit of those two words comic editors are always after: “Fresh” and “new.” Though the five part “Home” story arc had Sonic – go figure – returning home, this story arc was also striving for a fresh and new approach. Because this isn't the same Mobius Sonic left behind.

Sonic’s ship crash-lands on Mobius, finally returning the hedgehog home. The first person he runs into upon arriving is Geoffrey St. John and Hershey surrounded by ShadowBots. He saves their asses, the two quite surprised to see him alive. Sonic’s tearful reunions with all his friends and family – including a Sally deeply grateful to see him alive – is interrupted by Robotnik’s latest plan. The Eggman is pointing weapons of mass destruction at Knothole again. He’s got a nuke pointed at Station Square too.

Why are things on Mobius so different? Because Sonic has been in outer space for a year. Oh, it only seemed like a few days for him but, you know, relativity and all that shit. The “one year later” gimmick is something comic do from time to time. Three years after this issue, DC Comics would launch an event actually called “One Year Later.” I’m not a fan of time-jumps like this. They’re usually cheap, easy ways to introduce big, sweeping changes into the book, with no explanation provided. At least not immediately.

The first part of the “Home” arc certainly provides its share of changes like that. Geoffrey St. John and Hershey get married on the third page. Antoine is now a stoic bad-ass with a scar over his eyes. Knothole Village has been re-built into a high-tech city. Robotnik is accompanied by two new creations: A.D.A.M., a super smart computer, and M, a fem-bot bodyguard. Rotor has a vest and Sally has long hair. The book provides an off-panel promise that these changes will be explained… Eventually.

Ultimately, the big sweeping changes are way less meaningful to the reader than Sonic reuniting with his friends and family. Mobius’ greatest hero has been gone for a year. People miss him. Hell, even Geoffrey St. John is excited to see him! The Chaotix rush to him, in excitement. Knuckles gives him a high five and bond over their mutual status as resurrectees. Uncle Chuck and Bernie give him big hugs. Tails and Amy Rose tackle him. Most amusingly is Robotnik’s reaction. Believing his arch-enemy is dead, the villain responses to Sonic’s return by screaming in agony towards the heavens. There’s even a meta angle to this, as the reader is equally happy to see these characters. Four months isn’t as long as a year but we’ve still missed these guys.

The most important of all these reunions is Sonic’s meeting with Sally. Even twelve months later, it’s evident the Princess is still mourning for her hedgehog hero. He finds her kneeling at the memorial statue. The scene is impressively orchestrated. It’s presented as a first person perspective of Sonic approaching Sally. He reaches out for her. Her tear soaked eyes look back to him in shock. Finally, the two lock in a powerful kiss, without saying a word. Later, as the two walk hand in hand, Sonic asks if Sally was shocked by his return from the dead. She says she wasn’t. She always knew he’d return to her. Um, sorry you guys, there’s some dust in my eyes. (There’s even some humor in this scene, when a group of paparazzi interrupt the couple’s tender moment.)

In truth, the issue’s emotional stakes are effective enough that they completely overshadow the actual plot mechanics. The issue shoves the events that will drive the next few issues into the back of the book. Something about Robotnik threatening to unleash radiation on the world. Or nuke Knothole and Station Square. Or maybe Station Square is going to nuke Robotropolis? Whole lot of potential nuking going on. That’s a threat the book has returned to far too often and I really don’t care about it.

For an emotional issue like this, Archie brought back two of their best artists. J. Axer pencils the first three pages. This, disappointingly, does not stick Axer with the best moments. He draws Sonic’s ship crash-landing, the hedgehog reacquainting himself with Mobian dirt, and then Robotnik’s ShadowBots encircling St. John and Hershey. Still, Axer makes the most of what he’s given. Steven Butler draws the rest of the issue. He also does some good work, really milking Sonic and Sally’s reunion for as much pathos as possible.

There’s some great emotional moments in issue 130 of “Sonic the Hedgehog.” Honestly, I wish the book could inject this level of emotion into the book more often, without doing a silly time jump like this. Because the character interaction is way more compelling than the plot Karl is trying to push in this one. I remember the “Home” arc starting strong and fizzling out quickly. Let’s see if that recollection holds true as I re-read these comics. [8/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 129

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 129
Publication Date: October 2003

I've made my dislike of the magazine cover gimmick well-known. I had no idea why Archie conceived of that idea in the first place and I was happy to see it go. The “Tossed in Space” story arc, meanwhile, has featured some pretty great cover artwork from Spaz... Up until now, anyway. For the final installment of this would-be space epic, Spaz seemingly returned to the magazine cover style. You've got a handful of characters posing simply in a white background, boarded by text. I don't know, maybe he missed a deadline? Either way, it's very disappointing.

Issue 129 is one of those weird ones where the cover story comes second. The back-up, coming first, is “Space Gamble.” In it, Sonic competes in an alien foot race. Why? Because his space ship got busted up and he has to get it repaired before continuing on his quest back towards Mobius. This is also a chance, you might notice, for Sonic to prove that he really is the fastest thing alive. Naturally, the motley crew of alien speedsters are no match for the blue hedgehog's famously speedy footwork.

Last issue, I noted the obvious influence “Star Trek” had on the “Tossed in Space” arc. This issue, that other famous “Star” franchise gets homaged. “Space Gamble” is pretty clearly inspired by the pod race scene from “The Phantom Menace.” There's no pods but the resemblance is otherwise clear. The race takes place over a desert terrain. Sonic wagers his victory against his own ship. He competes against a number of colorful, alien racers. One of which is clearly antagonistic, especially once his cheating ways are revealed. The announcer is even a two-headed creature, which is probably the most direct steal. (Also, one of the racers is named Greebo.)

It may not be creative but this scenario does, admittedly, entertain me. The other aliens are suitably weird. The cheater is named Scarab and, obviously, has an insect like design. There's also a weird, frog thing, a pink female, and a red horse critter that barely appears. There's no suspense, as Sonic overcomes the other racers pretty easily. Letting Sonic loose the race might have been an interesting moment of humility for the hedgehog. Instead, Scarab is a dirty cheater, making Sonic the winner. Then again, one of the reasons we read this comic book is to watch Sonic tear shit up and be a bad ass. So “Space Gamble” isn't a great story but it's mildly entertaining.

The second part is devoted to the final edition of “Tossed in Space.” In “Welcome to the Wheelworld,” Sonic arrives at the wheel shaped world of the Bem. Last time, E.V.E. told him this world could take him anywhere in the universe. The planet is preoccupied with a big trial. One of the Bem scientist, one Sonic previously met, is on trial for interfering with other alien worlds. Through a convoluted series of events, Tails' long lost parents also reside on this world. All of these disparate characters have to work together if Sonic is going to get back to Mobius.

Boy, there is a lot of technobabble in this one. When Sonic touches down on the world, he delivers an uncharacteristic monologue about his space ship. Four whole pages are devoted to detailing Ceneca-9009's history. These pages are accompanied by text balloons packed full of words. And not natural words either. Like, pseudo-science-y words instead. When one of the other Bems show up before the end, this character also smacks a panel full of exposition on us. I get that this is a race of scientists but must all of them be so damn droll?

Furthermore, I do not care about the plight of Ceneca-9009. I guess we're suppose to feel bad for this green-skinned weirdo. Yet she's such a non-character. Everything we learn about her, we learn through stiff exposition. Through this info-dump, we discover that Ceneca accidentally doomed an entire race to death. She thought a planet of formerly organic and currently robotic beings had been turned into machines against their wills. After turning them fleshy again, she found out that these guys had become robots to protect themselves. You'd think a scientist would've double-checked that kind of shit. So she's an idiot. It's hard to be sympathetic towards someone who accidentally massacred an entire race, even if her intentions were pure. It's difficult to care about Sonic's subsequent attempt to rescue the alien.

Bringing Tails' parents into this story is an odd decision. I suppose we never have learned what happened to Tails' mom and dad, after being introduced to them in “Sonic Kids 2.” I just assumed they had been part of Robotnik's Robian force and, I don't know, got destroyed or something over the years. It wasn't an exactly pressing plot point. “Welcome to Wheelworld” seeks to resolve this plot point that you probably didn't care about. Basically they were abducted by aliens, right after Rosemary Prower was about to be robotocized. The already robotocized Amadeus Prower was immediately change to organic again. However, their rescue made Mobius the center of intergalactic controversy. It's a strange way to resolve this particular plot point.

As random as the circumstances surrounding the Prower's disappearance is, it does allow Benny Lee a few chances for pathos. Sonic's reaction to learning that Tails' father was robotocized on the day of his birth – to hang his head in his hands, feeling like he's failed his best friend – is surprisingly vulnerable. Sonic's determination to help the two foxes is mildly touching. Though Lee's dialogue remains tangled, it's nice that he devotes so much time to Sonic and the Prowers catching up. The conclusion, where the foxes decide to stay on the alien world so Sonic can return to Mobius, isn't quite earned. But it tries and that's worth something.

Recently, the artwork continues to be good. Dawn Best draws “Star Gamble.” Her style is well suited to the alien physiology of Sonic's opponent. Best can't quite capture the sense of motion that would've made this one really pop, as the artwork is a little overly posed. Still, it looks good. Art Mawhinney returns for the cover story. As always, Art is a total professional. Even the aliens are rendered in his cute, emotive style. Since this is mostly a dialogue driven story, Mawhinney's strength for action isn't displayed much. Still, these are two nice looking stories.

The final page of issue 129 shows Sonic piloting his ship towards Mobius. Which means the “Tossed in Space” arc has finally come to a close. The story line was disappointing, an interesting idea that always seemed to rush through its fascinating ideas, to focus on the more awkward aspects. Notably, Sonic wouldn't return to outer space for quite some time following this. I guess the writers had to work through their sci-fi fascination? For what it's worth, the last issue of “Tossed in Space” is probably the best installment of the arc. [6/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 128

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 128
Publication Date: October 2003

So we're three issues into the “Tossed in Space” event. Thus far, the story arc has not impressed. For the third part, which confusingly contains the fifth and sixth installments of the story, Archie dug deep into the archives, bringing back a foe that hasn't been seen in 107 issues. The return of E.V.E. - last seen a long ass time ago in issue 21 – provides us with the best edition of “Tossed in Space” thus far. Which still isn't saying too much.

Sonic is cruising through space in the ship the Azurites provided him with last time. They instructed him to visit a near-by planet, promising the residences there could return him home. When Sonic reaches those coordinates, he instead discovers a ring of space debris. Quickly getting picked up by a group of space adventurers, the hedgehog is informed that the world was destroyed by E.V.E. As in the highly advanced robotic life form Robotnik created ages ago. Which has taken to devouring planets all over the solar system. Feeling responsible for E.V.E.'s path of destruction, Sonic heads out to face the entity directly.

The first half of the story, entitled “Starmada,” is devoted to Sonic talking to the fleet of aliens. It's mildly fun, capitalizing on the sci-fi setting more than any of the previous chapters of “Tossed in Space” have. There's definitely some pulpy fun to seeing Sonic interact with a bunch of crazy aliens. The same can be said for the hedgehog piloting a space ship, avoiding laser blasts and asteroids. Yes, their leader – who is named Bagbar Breeblebrox, yet another obvious Douglas Adams homage – does little more then cough up exposition. But the designs are all pretty neat, especially the reptilian female in leather cowboy hat.

Once E.V.E. re-enters the story following her long absence, this issue becomes less interesting. The neigh unkillable super-robot has essentially evolved into yet another Galactus rip-off. That brings the “Sonic” book's number of would-be Galactuses – Galacti? - to three. This is emphasized in a scene where E.V.E. massive ship floats over an innocent planet, tears it apart, devouring everything there, and leaving ruin in its place. Unlike Galactus, who has a clear reason for eating worlds, E.V.E.'s goals are a little fuzzier. She talks about freeing other enslaved artificial life forms but I'm not sure how destroying how planets accomplishes that.

The second half, which gets the pun-tastic title of “E.V.E. Ill,” isn't a story with a lot of emotional stakes. But there's one scene that stands out. After sneaking inside E.V.E.'s massive ship, Sonic goes exploring while wearing a space suit. He, somehow, runs into Sally. The two unite with a hug and attempt to kiss, their space helmets clanking together. They were so caught up in the moment, they didn't even think about it. Awwwww. It's easy to guess that this isn't the real Sally but rather E.V.E. impersonating her. But it still provides this story with its sole moment of emotional resonance. It also serves to reminds us on what Sonic is missing out on and why he's journeying through space in the first place: To be reunited with the people he loves.

“E.V.E. Ill” has a disappointing conclusion, like seemingly all the stories have in this arc. (This one doesn't even have the excuse of making room for a back-up story, as this entry occupies the entire comic.) Twice, issue 128 reminds us of the events of issue 21. Probably not a bad idea, since it was a while ago, though I don't know why we needed two recaps. Anyway, Sonic informs E.V.E. that, when he told her to evolve pass her original programming, he didn't expect her to go around, destroying worlds. It basically takes one page of convincing before E.V.E. realizes she has fucked up. Her response? To dive into a fucking sun, obliterating herself. Sonic talks the super-robot into killing herself way too quickly. His lack of a reaction is also disappointing, as he's too preoccupied with fleeing to his space ship.

The story could've used another draft but issue 128 features some nice art work. J. Axer draws the first half. The gang of alien marauders look pretty awesome in Axer's style, as his extreme detail and colorful character designs make these utterly minor character look memorable. Dawn Best handles the second half. Best isn't as great an illustrator as Axer but she still does fine work. Sonic's body looks a little funny in a few panels but Best's nicely draws the faux reunion between the hedgehog and his princess. Her design for E.V.E. - a pink-skinned and haired female with a dress made of tentacles – is interesting. It's just as good a design as the crystal-brained angry face with tentacles Spaz drew oh so long ago.

At least there's no lame back-up story this time! Yeah, issue 128 still has some serious problems. I'm not going to deny that. But it also has some amusing moments, which counts for something in this comic book. If nothing else, it looks pretty neat. I'll take what I can get. [6/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 127

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 127
Publication Date: September 2003

Archie is choosing an odd numbering scheme when it comes to the “Tossed in Space” story arc. Issue 127 of “Sonic the Hedgehog” is the second issue devoted to this story line. Yet the cover story is part three. That's because issue 126 contained a two part stories, both parts contained in the comic. The company usually split the individual Sonic stories into parts but rarely carried the number over to the next issue. It's just a weird quirk that caused me to look at things a second time. Anyway, on with the review.

After the incident on the Blodex home world, Sonic catches a ride with another alien race. The D'Novulans are explorers and scientists. Unluckily for Sonic, their ship collides with an exploding moon, taken out by a barrage of debris. He's tossed into an escape pod and lands on a strange planet where the local life evolves super quickly. A civilization sprouts up in the course of a day, the natives coming to worship the comatose Sonic, asleep in his pod, as a god.

From time to time, Archie's “Sonic” writers have shoved in random references to “Star Trek” or “Star Wars.” It's clear these guys are big fans of both franchises. The first half of “Evo-Solution” - that's a weird title, innit? - plays out like a direct “Trek” homage. The D'Novulans wear color coordinated uniforms, that look a lot like something you'd find in Starfleet. Their techno-babble filled dialogue and a character being called “helmsman” certainly recall the famous series. For bonus points, Benny Lee throws in some other sci-fi references. The ship looks a lot like the Yamato. Their leader is Captain Oe, which is astonishingly similar to Captain Eo, you might notice. Sonic can understand the alien's language thanks to a device nearly identical to the Babelfish.

Yet this reference filled opening is just a preface to the actual story. Once Sonic crash lands on the strange world, “Evo-Solution” features some colorfully odd moments. Sonic comments on how much the water looks like pink lemonade. A huge tree sprouts up from under the hedgehog's feet. The seasons change before his eyes, the lake freezing and melting again in seconds. The next second, a snowy winter blows in. In the course of an afternoon, Sonic watches a civilization grow from grass huts to a high-tech society.

Because issue 127 is set during this era of “Sonic,” the story in no way lives up to its lofty ambitions. The idea of Sonic inspiring an alien civilization is fascinating. So is the speedy hedgehog discovering he's the slowest thing on the planet. (Lee's script, baffingly, barely comments on this irony.) The aliens, who call themselves Azurites, uses a time displacement device to allow Sonic to leave his pod and interact with them. During this brief exchange of dialogue, the aliens tell Sonic that they worshiped him like a god. The exact nature of this deity even inspired wars. Sonic is surprisingly nonplussed by this revelation. The hedgehog is so focused on getting home that he barely comments on the situation at all. He tells the Azurites he's not a god, without ever thinking that this statement will probably cause another war. The script throws big ideas around but only addresses them in the most shallow of ways.

Ron Lim illustrates this story and it makes his limitations as an artist very apparent. Lim's Sonic looks as shitty as ever. He's got the giant eyes, the inexpressive face, the absurdly long quills, and the noodly limbs. The D'Novulans and Azurites, meanwhile, look okay. They don't look great but they have memorable designs. The D'Novulans have insect like stingers. The Azurites have three eyes on their heads. The extraterrestrials even manage to be more expressive then Lim's Sonic, though just a bit. So that proves it: Ron Lim isn't a terrible drawer. He just sucks at drawing Sonic and friends.

In issue 126, Mike Gallagher and Dave Manak contributed a totally useless back-up story. In issue 127, the same team throw together another pointless story. “Agent Sonic vs. Agent Knuckles” is a parody of “Spy vs. Spy,” though only in the loosest sense. It doesn't make fun of or comment on the famous MAD Magazine stripe. Instead, it simply slots Sonic and Knuckles into the roles of the White Spy and Black Spy. The two attempt to murder each other, their plans often unfurling in unexpected ways. There are some loose puns, such as a carnival “House of Whacks” resulting in the two getting whacked, and a weak attempts at jokes, like a surprise appearance by Shadow.

What can I even say about something like this? It's really not very funny. Gallagher and Manak don't create the same anarchistic laughs that the original “Spy vs. Spy” comics had. Casting Sonic and Knuckles in these roles doesn't even make much sense, seeing as how the two have been allies for years now. Manak's artwork is sketchy even by his standards, the characters appearing extra angular. If it wasn't for the sudden appearances of Shadow, I'd assume this was something Archie had been sitting on for years. An old stripe tossed off years ago, shoved into this book to fill out the page count. That's exactly what it feels like.

The “Tossed in Space” story arc continues to have promising ideas. But promising ideas only go so far, especially when paired with a middling execution. And if the back-up stories don't get better sooner, I'll increasingly suggest others to just skip reading them altogether. [5/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 126

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 126
Publication Date: August 2003

When Knuckles died a while ago, Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog” series sent the echidna on a wild trip through the afterlife. Or, at least, that's what was supposed to happen. Similarly, after Sonic “died” in issue 125, editorial decided to send the hedgehog on a similarly unexpected journey. The “Tossed in Space” story arc saw Sonic bouncing around bizarre alien planets, having adventures among extraterrestrials. This decision was not well received, many “Sonic” fans deciding explicit science fiction was a poor fit for the series. Well, this is Hedgehogs Can't Swim and I'll be the judge of that!

For as yet unexplained reasons, causing the Quantum Dial to collapse in on itself tossed Sonic across space. He awakens on the planet of the Blodex, psychic, insect-like aliens. Aliens that are currently at war with another insect like race, the Bzzzz. Sonic, being who he is, decides to help the underdog. When he grabs several red Chaos Emerald-like jewels that decorate the city, something unexpected happens. Super Sonic emerges... As a separate entity from Sonic. And he's kind of an asshole.

The sci-fi stuff seems especially poorly regarded by Sonic dorks. A lot of people considered the Xorda reveal trite. I guess several issues of similarly themed, alien-filled adventures weren't very exciting for those people. I, however, don't mind the Xorda. Moreover, I'm a fan of trippy, European sci-fi comics. “Tossed in Space” seemed like an opportunity to bring some energy like that to this book. Archie “Sonic” series has always been kind of weird anyway, after all. The series has been slightly directionless for a while. Maybe an experiment like this could've righted the ship?

“Red Chaos,” the first part of “Tossed in Space,” fulfills a little bit of that possibility. Steven Butler is no Moebius but the Blodex, Bzzzz, and their asteroid-like world is an interesting sight. I like the little amoeba like plants that decorate the surface and the insect-esque vehicles the Blodex travel in. However, the alien culture ends up being thinly developed. The Bzzzz are simply described as fascist shitheads, wiping out any race they feel is inferior. The Blodex don't even get that much development. They communicate telepathically, live in cities, and don't have space travel capabilities. That's all we learn about them.

Ultimately, “Red Chaos” is not about the Blodex or Bzzzz. The story is more about the “Sonic vs. Super Sonic” fight the cover promises. As a likely homage to DC's Red Kryptonite, the Red Chaos Emeralds split Sonic in two. The Super Sonic that emerges isn't as virtuous as our hero. Instead, he's an amoral asshole. He declares himself beyond good and evil, before deciding to destroy the moon for some reason. This, it turns out, is also a homage to another comic book. In the British “Sonic the Hedgehog” comics published by Fleetway, Super Sonic is not just a super-charged version of Sonic. Instead, he's a separate personality, power hungry, chaotic, and very dangerous. Introducing an equivalent to this Super Sonic is a random idea but a potentially interesting one. What will Sonic do, when forced with a more powerful, more unhinged version of himself?

Disappointingly, he does what he always does: Run real fast, crack corny jokes, and punch things.  The fight between Sonic and his chaotic neutral other half is real underwhelming. They tussle for a page and a half. Sonic tackles the gold version of himself, before receiving a series of blows to the face. Right when Super Sonic is preparing to deliver a killing blow, he fades out of existence. Turns out, he could only sustain himself for a short while. Which doesn't make for much of a climax. Instead of outwitting his foe, Sonic survives because of dumb luck. This Super Sonic would never return, probably because the comic already had an abundance of evil Sonic clones, but I sort of wish he could've been developed further.

The cover story is flawed but at least it had an interesting idea at its center. The back-up story, “Better Read Than Dead,” was never a good idea. The tale is set in the world of Off-Panel, the gag stripes that conclude nearly every issue of “Sonic.” These stripes function on the premise that Sonic and friends are just actors, interacting with the writers and editors of the book. In “Better Read Than Dead,” Sonic and editor Justin Gabrie comment on Off-Panel getting a back story to themselves. This conversation is interrupted by Deadline, a grim reaper-like spectre that reduces Sonic to a line drawing, threatens everyone, and then pitches a bunch of lame story ideas. Gabrie's super-duper editor powers is enough to defeat him.

“Better Read Than Dead” is best described as a pointless act of self-indulgent, auto-fellatio for editor Justin Gabrie. In this story, Sonic isn't the hero. The hedgehog we're all here to read about is sidelined early into the story. Instead, it's up to Gabrie to save the day. This kind of writer is even worst then when Ken Penders or Frank Strom introduce their pet heroes that are never wrong or challenged. At least Penders thought up Locke and the Brotherhood. At least Strom created Monkey Khan. Here, Mike Gallagher just drops Justin Gabrie himself into the story, making this a very literal bit of self-insert fiction. Gallagher either did this to flatter his boss or Gabrie insisted the idea go to print.

But maybe if “Better Read Than Dead” was funny, it wouldn't matter. The likes of Charlie Kaufman and Dan Harmon can get away with meta bullshit like this because they're clever and insightful. Gallagher's story, meanwhile, is mostly set up for some extremely lame jokes. The villain's name is a pun. He wields an hourglass called the “horror-glass.” He pitches extremely dumb story ideas, like Knuckles' dad being Elvis or Mammoth Mogul getting flees.

Gabrie defeats Deadline by calling on all the talented writers and artists who have worked on the book. Considering Archie has published things like “Sonic Live!,” the Image crossover, and the works of Many Hands, this conclusions comes off as pompous, if not delusional. (Hands, notably, is left out of the list of names.) It's likely “Better Read Than Dead” was created to defeat a real life deadline. And because this is a Mike Gallagher joint, it ends by asking the reader if they want to see more stories like this one. I suspect that question was met with a resounding “no” but we would get a few more extended Off-Panel stories anyway.

This is not the most promising start, is it? The cover story has potential and proceeds to waste most of it. The back-up story was just a bad idea. At least the artwork is pretty good. Butler does solid work as ever on the first story and even Dave Manak does alright during the Off-Panel thing. If only the script was up to that level. Once again, I must emphasize the patience of we Sonic fans. [5/10]