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]