Sonic X: Issue 7

Sonic X: Issue 7
Publication Date: April 2006

Issue 6 was, by far, the most entertaining installment of Archie's “Sonic X” adaptation thus far. What made that issue so much fun was writer Joe Edkin combining oddball references to sci-fi/horror classics with a madcap sense of humor. With issue 7, writer Joe Edkin continues to dig into a cinematic past for inspiration but dials back with the comedy. This also ends up working pretty well, even if this issue doesn't reach the hilarious insanity of the previous one.

Chris Thorndyke's birthday has come. Naturally, his parents are off working around the world. Luckily, he has Sonic and his friends to keep him company. Work draws them away too. Sonic is recruited by a self-serving G.U.N. agent, Captain Westwood, to dig up a mysterious and possibly alien object in the desert. Meanwhile, Rouge and Topaz go into the sewers to investigate a strange room discovered underground. What they don't see is the entity living in that area, watching them.

Despite the punny title, “Take This Job and Shovel It” actually leans far less on the goofy humor that has characterizes “Sonic X” up until this point. Instead, the book moves into a slightly more serious, and even mildly creepy, direction. Eggman and his quibbing sidekicks are nowhere to be seen in this issue. Tails, Amy Rose, and even Chris have a smaller role. Instead, most of the issue is devoted to Sonic having his adventure in the desert and Rouge and Topaz having their adventures in the sewer. There's more shadows in these scenes, as well as hints at a deeper mythology, suggesting aliens will have a role to play in “Sonic X.” Interesting!

Not that Edkin abandons the humor that has filled this book so far. Most of the jokes come from Captain Westwood. Despite being a high-ranking government agent, Westwood is deeply insecure. He's jealous that Topaz gets all the cool gigs and blames having Rouge as a partner, an interndimensional furry animal, is what's giving her the extra edge. So Westwood decides to seek out Sonic, hoping to recruit him as his partner. His melodramatic reactions to these concerns are good for a laugh. Sonic's reaction upon discovering his deception is equally amusing. During these scenes, we even get some decent character development when he explains to Westwood while he likes to hang around with Chris Thorndyke. (Mostly because the kid lets him stay in his mansion for free.)

The most obvious homage in “Take This Job and Shovel It” is to “War of the Worlds.” After using his super speed to dig up the strange alien device, the vessel comes to life. It's a dome-like vehicle that walks around on three spindly legs. It also has a heat ray mounted on an agile, articulated hose. If the homage wasn't super obvious already, Edkin even throws in the image of the heat ray rising out of the pit and firing on Sonic. It's a hedgehog-afied take on the early events of H.G. Wells' novel. It's not as much fun as gremlin-like Chao with chainsaws or giant robots but it's still pretty cool. Especially when Sonic defeats the tripod with only a shovel.

Meanwhile, Rouge and Topaz' journey into the sewers recalls some other eighties horror flicks, of which Edkin is clearly a fan of. It begins with a pair of sewer maintenance workers uncovering an unopened door. That's an image that brings to mind “Alligator,” “Don't Be a Afraid of the Dark” and about a dozen episodes of “The Real Ghostbusters.” As Rouge and Topaz slink around the mysterious area, I couldn't help but be reminded of the likes of “Alien” and “C.H.U.D.” Maybe my horror nerd brain, fried from too many midnight double features, is just seeing stuff that isn't there. But there's a likable, vaguely spooky atmosphere to these moments. I don't think it was accidental.

Issue 7 also introduces a new character. I am aware of Emerl, from vague memories of playing “Sonic Battle” on my Game Boy Advance. He's a mysterious gold robot that can copy other abilities or something, right? I believe he had a bigger role in the “Sonic X” anime? Anyway, the gold robot appears in this story. He's the thing in the room, observing Rouge and Topaz from the shadows. I don't know where Edkin is going with this but it's an interesting angle, keeping Emerl mysterious while suggesting that he might be either a threat or a new friend.

Issue 7 brings a new artist onto the book. David Hutchinson's work is pretty good. He shares a major problem that Tom Smith III had, as his backgrounds are rather undefined and bland. However, his work on faces is quite good. I especially like the anime-esque designs he brings to Topaz' face. He stays on-model but brings his own style to the book. His action is solid, with a decent sense of movement. I hope he continues to work on the book, even if his illustrations shows room for improvement.

Looks like “Sonic X” is starting to come into its own, developing its own mythology distinct from the main book and perhaps the cartoon show that spawned it. Honestly, if “Sonic X” kept it up – mixing some light-hearted humor with interesting plot reveals and throwbacks to classic sci-fi and horror stories – I would be perfectly alright with that. [7/10]