Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 136

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 136
Publication Date: May 2004

This is how certain Archie was that fans wanted Tommy the Turtle back. Issue 136 is the middle chapter of a story arc they have dubbed “The Tommy Trilogy.” Shit, how many actually important character had their name right in the title of an arc? We never got the “Dr. Quack Quartet” or “The Dulcy Decalogy.”  Of all characters, why Tommy the Turtle? Issue 136 doesn't provide any answers to that specific question but does feature plenty of other stuff.

In “The Infiltrator,” Tommy is integrating himself into Knothole society, having apparently moved in Sonic and Tails. After pulling an all-night mission, Sonic collapses into his bedroom, exhausted. While he sleeps, Tommy sneaks off. The turtle reveals himself as an Auto-Automaton, a robotic double sent to infiltrate Knothole and kill Sonic. Jules prevents the reptile from eviscerating his son with a hand drill but at the cost of his own life. Sonic has to take drastic measures to save his father.

What's most frustrating about “The Infiltrator” is that it presents a perfect out for this whole Tommy the Turtle business. The Tommy Sonic took back to Knothole is a goddamn robot, designed to sneak into Knothole and assassinate the hedgehog hero. A smart writer would've revealed that this was the plan all along, that Tommy did not survive his initial appearance. This would've been a way to sate the apparent demand for Tommy's return without cheapening that original story too much. Instead, after Auto-Tommy drills a hole in Jules and Sonic spin-dashes him in half, we learn that the real Tommy is still alive, held captive by Robotnik somewhere. Way to miss that chance, Romy.

Despite this issue, there's one or two things interesting about “The Infiltrator.” Firstly, Tails mentions going to school for the first time in forever. (I was really hoping Knothole High was decommissioned during that year Sonic spent in space.) Secondly, Sonic has apparently traded his race car bed out for a regular mattress and bedroom setting. Lastly, Jules' life being endangered presents a chance for some emotional resonance. It's handled in a melodramatic way. After seeing his father injuries, Sonic screams “NO!” towards the heavens. After Uncle Chuck informs him that Jules is dead, a single tear runs down his cheek. But at least this sorrow is an appropriate response. Archie still hasn't, and seemingly has no plan to, allow Sonic to mourn the end of his relationship with Sally. Jules' death could've been granted further weight, since father and son have a minor scuffle at the story's beginning.

Could've. But didn't! Because Jules doesn't die. Instead, Sonic grabs a power ring from the Lake of Rings – another plot element that hasn't been mentioned in years – and uses its magic to wish Jules back to life. This is a plot hole, as I was pretty sure that only Sonic's magical one-millionth ring had the ability to grant wishes. More importantly, it's yet another death cheat, a cheap deus ex machina pulled out of nowhere to prevent Jules' death. Once again, sloppy writing shanghais what might have been a powerful, emotional story. “The Infiltrator” should've been about Jules' death. Instead, it's about Tommy the fucking Turtle.

How about that “Mobius: 20 Years Later?” In “Girl Talk,” Julie-Su and Queen Sally discussing what food should be presented at an up-coming dinner between the Royal Family and the Guardian's brood. Apparently, the hedgehog and the echidna disagree on meals. Lien-Da, via phone call, joins in the conversation, as does Lara-Su, via the power of walking into the room. That's pretty much it.

“Mobius: 20 Years Later” has been doing okay for a while but hits a snag with “Girl Talk.” At first, it seemed like natural character development. Julie-Su is a mother now, changing her priorities in a major way. However, seeing the former bad-ass Legionnaire discuss dinner plans, arguing over ingredients, being a Susie Homemaker in an apron, pushes things too far. Looks like Ken has done to Julie-Su what Karl Boller has done to Sally in the present time line: Turn her into a reductive feminine stereotype. Considering Julie-Su's overriding toughness has always been her most endearing attribute, it's a very disappointing change.

“Girl Talk” has another problem, as it's focused on disguising exposition as regular dialogue. Something Ken is notoriously bad at. So Sally details Sonic's history with taking the crown, stating information the other characters surely already know. We get more vague hints about bad weather and then the story abruptly ends. Lien-Da, Lara-Su, and the catty family maid Abby contribute nothing to the plot.

Archie shoves another story into this issue, perhaps explaining why “Girl Talk” ended so suddenly. In “Patience,” Knuckles watches Angel Island float overhead. He considers leaping from the cliff top, climbing aboard the island, and rescuing his mom from Robotnik's occupation. He pauses, remembering the King told him they would rescue the Island when the resources became available. He eventually decides to listen to authority and lets the Island pass by. It saves his life, as Robotnik had snipers watching, ready to murder Knuckels as soon as he revealed himself.

“Patience” could've shown how much Knuckles' personality has grown. The earlier Knuckles, far more hot-headed and impulsive, wouldn't have paused to rescue his Island. Modern day Knuckles pauses to consider his action. In execution, however, “Patience” has another effect. Too much of the story focuses on Knuckles' whining about loosing his gliding abilities, along with the rest of his god-like Chaos powers. (I always assumed that was a natural ability but, okay, sure, whatever.) By having King Max describe Knothole's unwillingness to free Angel Island as a lack of resources – instead of it being a dangerous political move – it makes the kingdom look like withholding dicks, disinterested in echidna lives. Knuckles agreeing to this makes him look impotent. Having the echidna be unaware that his patience saved his life means the greater importance of his decision doesn't dawn on him. And leads to a totally useless story.

All about, it looks like issue 136 is full of missed opportunities. Tommy could've been written back out. Jules' sacrifice could've meant something. Knuckles' patience could've been character development. The three-way phone call between Julie-Su, Sally, and Lien-Da could've been cute. None of these goals are met, leading to a flatly lame book. Only Art Mawhinney and Steven Butler's artwork makes this one worth reading. (Ron Lim draws “Patience,” meaning there's no reason to read that one.) [4/10]