Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 180

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 180
Publication Date: September 2007

Ian Flynn can usually be counted on for a good cliffhanger. After resolving the 'House of Cards” arc, issue 179 ended with Dimitri – former enemy of Knuckles and the Freedom Fighters – barging into New Mobotropolis with a grave warning. He believed that a new Enerjak, the deeply evil and divinely powerful former alter ego, was about to be unleashed. Well, that'll get the kids back next month, won't it? Luckily, Flynn knew going right into another big story arc would exhaust the reader. Issue 180 sets up the adventure to come while giving the audience a little breathing room.

We open with Sonic battling Robotnik's latest, absurd machine. The fight ends when the hedgehog demands a truce with his archenemy. Once the doctor hears that the god-like Enerjak can threaten both of them, he agrees temporarily. Before the newly formed Council of Acorn, Dimitri states his case. The Chaotix are listening in the whole time. Hearing that Knuckles' life may be in jeopardy, Julie-Su demands the team is allowed to visit Angel Island. And she doesn't care what Sonic and the others have to say about that.

Like I said, “Preparation for War!” isn't much more than an extended prologue to what Flynn is planning next. As far as building suspense goes, the story doesn't do a great job. There's been enough foreshadowing – in the comic's recent issue and even over the years – that Knuckles is destined to become the next Enerjak. When the villain shows on the final page, sporting the echidna's distinctive red fur and gloves, the audience isn't surprised. What “Preparation for War!” is really about is checking in with what Julie-Su and the Chaotix are thinking on the eve of a greater conflict. Considering Knuckles' supporting cast has been ignored too often, it's a worthy gesture.

Just on a personal level, I also like to see how cozy New Mobotropolis still is. Nicole's defense systems keep them safe from Robotnik. The strife inside the still new city has been settled. We get a peak at the newly democratic kingdom's Council. In a nice turn, Flynn utilizes some long since forgotten about characters in these newly created positions. Sitting along Uncle Chuck, Rotor, and Tails' mom is Sally's team of Substitute Freedom Fighters. As in Hamlin the Pig, Dylan the Porcupine, and Penelope Platypus. I don't think these guys have had a prominent role in the book since “Brave New World?” I wouldn't say I'm happy to see them but I do appreciate Flynn's willingness to dig deep into the comic's considerable roster of characters.

This story also gives us a further peak at Dimitri, one of Ken Penders' most accidentally compelling characters. As Enerjak and in his early days as the leader of the Dark Legion, he was a totally stereotypical villain. He'd gloat, perform evil deeds, and always allow the good guys to get away despite his massive power. Pretty much the only interesting aspect to arise from Knuckles' green days was Dimitri slowly developing a conscious about his past evil deeds. Since then, he's evolved into a compelling anti-villain: Someone who still isn't exactly good but is trying to do better. His most recent mission has him warning former adversaries about Enerjak's frightening new return. What's impressive about this is how natural the growth has been.

Even in a more character based story such as this one, Flynn remembers to pack in the action that the seven-to-twelve year old boys expect. “Preparation for War!” actually starts with an amusing bit of comic book-y shenanigans. Sonic appears fighting Robotnik's new invention: The Egg-Nautilus. That's a giant robot squid in a curly shell. My favorite moment occurs after the fight is over. When the Nautilus spends its tentacles like a propeller, flying off! Despite what the cover promises, the truce between Sonic and Robotnik play a small role in the story. It's not a great alliance but clearly a strictly temporary armistice. But fake-out covers are part and parcel for the comic business.

I guess the threat of Sonic and his greatest enemy teaming up draws eyes more than Sonic fighting with the Chaotix, especially since Knuckles is currently separated from his team. In truth, that conflict with the Chaotix is the main point of this issue. Like the hedgehog's struggle with Tails last month, the fight happens for natural reasons. The Chaotix have orders to stay in Mobius. They don't intend to obey those orders because Knuckles is in danger. That's decent writing, especially when you have dynamically drawn panels of Sonic fighting the team without really fighting him. Moreover, this plot point draws attention to Julie-Su's dominating personality trait and the reason she's one of my faves: Julie-Su is a bad bitch that follows her heart and does what needs to be done, damn the consequences.

In keeping with what happened last month, the fight is ultimately resolved with words. Sally, once again, marches into the middle of the fight and talks everyone out of fighting. (Sally playing the role of negotiator two months in a row might be a point of criticism but it fits her so well. She's always been a tactician, after all.) The two factions agree that fighting isn't necessary, that it's easier and prudent to just let Julie-Su and the Chaotix do what they want to do. Gee, why aren't more comic book fights resolved that way, with people talking things out and realizing there's no reason to fight? This stuff is certainly more compelling than the scenes on Angel Island, of Scourge and Fiona shooting the shit while Dr. Finitevus plots ominously.

Once again, Ian sticks a game adaptation in the back pages. “High Stakes on the High Sea” is based off the then-new Nintendo DS game, “Sonic Rush Adventure.” Anyway, the story begins with Sonic and Tails awakening on a mysterious beach, disorientated and confused. They are quickly met by Marine, a raccoon who fancies herself a sailor. She yanks a Chaos Emerald out of nowhere and explains that some bad guy called Captain Whiskers is after this MacGuffin. Just then, a green robot calling himself Rocket swoops in and grabs the jewel. And we're off.

Unlike the “Sonic Rush” and “Sonic Riders” adaptions, Ian doesn't stretch this one out for two installments. Instead, this glorified advertisement for a new video game only goes on for a few pages. It ends by imploring the reader to go out and buy the game. To be totally honest, “Sonic Rush Adventure” is one of those Sonic titles I tend to completely forget about. Having said that, this one-shot does introduce Marine the Raccoon. She's a fun character, rambling out pseudo-pirate lingo that she clearly doesn't understand. Despite the obvious potential she has, Marine would only appear one or two more times.

Issue 180 is obviously a transitional book, bridging the gap between one big story line to the next. As far as these things go, it's pretty well done though. The character work is decent, the stakes are personal, and the action is effective. The back-up is mostly useless but I still enjoyed this one. [7/10]

Sonic X: Issue 24

Sonic X: Issue 24
Publication Date: September 2007

Through its thus far twenty-four issue run, Archie's “Sonic X” comic had yet to establish much of an identity separate from the cartoon show that spawned it. That the book would constantly reference the events of the show, even interrupting its own stories to make room for ones on the cartoon, didn't help matters. In the past, “Sonic X” has functioned the best when throwing logic to the wind and focusing on goofy action stories, usually in service of obvious homages to eighties classic cinema. Issue 24 doesn't feature any random shoutouts to “Gremlins” or “Evil Dead” but does give the Sonic version of another popular comic book troupe: The villain that copies the heroes' abilities.

Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Chris for some reason are on a talk show. Each of them discusses their individuals abilities and superpowers. The reporter asks them to participate in an obstacle course, the heroes showing off their unique strengths. Unbeknowst to the hedgehog and his friends, Eggman is recording this entire event. He's gathering the information from the broadcast and pumping it into his latest invention: The X-Robot. Once unleashed, the machine can copy the abilities of Sonic and company, besting them with their own powers.

Like I said, the super villain that copies or adsorbs the abilities of the heroes is a well trotted troupe. Marvel has its Super Adaptoid. DC has Amazo. These are only the most well known examples and I'm sure many more exist. The X-Robot is the Sonic-verse's late addition to this cliché. For what it's worth, the machine is a formidable enemy. Visually, he combines the silhouettes of Sonic and friends rather cleverly, pouring a silver finish over all of them. Action wise, he can counter most anything Sonic and friends throw at him. Though lacking in personality, I honestly hope Archie brings back the X-Robot. It's the first “Sonic X” adversary to actually feel like a threat.

The obstacle course is another frequently featured story idea. Considering Sonic and his partners have their basis in video games, I'm surprised its an idea Archie hasn't minded more often. (I think Robotnik set up an obstacle in the early days of the mainline book? I can't remember specifics.) There is a certain entertainment factor in watching the gang do what they do best. Sonic runs fast. Knuckles shows off his super strength. Amy smashes shit with her hammer. Weirdly, and amusingly, Tails' flying abilities is only referenced, not actually shown.

There's a rather obvious moral to the story. Sonic and his friends take on the X-Robot one by one, each getting easily defeated. It's only when they decide to work together that they can best the machine. This is a rather obvious solution. The heroes shouldn't have fought the robot by themselves, anyway. Material ranging from “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and, well, Archie's other “Sonic the Hedgehog” book have featured similar solutions before. Yet, considering this is an action driven story, I don't mind this too much.

Another reason “Camera Hog” works pretty well is that Eggman's goofy comic relief shenanigans are mostly kept to a minimum. Becoe and Docoe get in a few lame lines while recording the TV show. Considering how brain dead characters usually are in this book, it's refreshing that Chris Thorndyke recognizes the robot behind the camera. Baffingly, he still doesn't do anything about it. Otherwise, Eggman mostly sits back in his lair and directs the X-Robot, save a line or two about how obsessed humans are with television. (Which is hypocritical, of course, considering this version of Robotnik has gotten most of his ideas for killer robots from TV.)

I probably should've mentioned before this point who wrote this story. Tracy Yardley, who has only worked as an artist before this point, decided to try his hand at writing with “Camera Hog.” While I found most of Yardley's future writing credits on “Sonic” uninspired, Tracy writes to his strength with this one. It's a simple, action based story, providing lots of chances for the high energy fight scenes that Yardley does well with. He even manages to sneak in some cute, character based humor. The X-Robot activates its Amy-based abilities and looks at Sonic. A little heart floats above the machine's head, obviously mimicking the pink hedgehog's affections as well. After Sonic spin dashes the machine, that little heart breaks. It's a tiny moment but one that made me chuckle.

Over all, “Camera Hog” doesn't measure up to the work that Flynn was doing in the main “Sonic” book at the time. For the often mediocre “Sonic X” series though, it really stands out as a fun and amusing little story. There's not much meat on the bones, as far as narrative or character development goes, but sometimes watching the good guys fight a super powerful robot is enough for me. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 179

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 179
Publication Date: August 2007

I've mentioned it, once or twice before. The critics of Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog” series frequently dismiss the comic book as a “furry soap opera.” Because, even in 2017, furries are still the bullied schoolyard punks of the internet. What's weird is that these critics don't target the comic's actual moments of overheated melodrama. Such as the seemingly endless Sonic/Sally/Mina triangle or the godawful way the comic handled the Princess and the hedgehog's break-up. Instead, they frequently target the “House of Cards” two-parter. Which is weird, since this is actually a pretty good story line. But you can't please some people, especially in the “Sonic” fandom.

In the depths of New Mobotropolis' prison facility, Sonic and Tails continue their fight. Soon, the conflict explodes out into the forest surrounding the building. Yet the brawl between the former best friends is mostly a distraction. While Sonic is preoccupied with Tails, his parents have sneaked into the Royal Palace. Peaceful negotiation between Amadeus and King Elias quickly break down, the two leaders fighting with one another. Will reason prevail?

Flynn has been building up the showdown between Sonic and Tails since he came onto the book. Comic book readers being who they are, the “who would win in a fight?”query has naturally been applied to Sonic and his sidekick. “House of Cards” shows that the two-tailed fox is more capable in a fight than either the reader or Sonic maybe imaged. Ian applies a little science, figuring that Tails must be able to swing his tails with an awful lot of force. It's sort of satisfying that the younger Freedom Fighter holds his own against his mentor, even pushing him back a few times.

Yet the emotion behind the fight is more interesting. At first, Tails brings up that old chestnut about Sonic and the others treating him like a kid. He brings up how badly the Kingdom has treated his dad a few times. While these are probably valid reasons to be pissed-off at Sonic, these read as slightly insincere motivation for Tails to turn against his best friend. Turns out, this is intentional on Flynn's behalf. After trading some punches, Tails explodes into tears, revealing that he's heart-broken Sonic dated Fiona. Even though he knew the real Fiona felt nothing for him, Tails still can't believe his friend would betray him that way. This wouldn't be the first time a brotherhood came to an end over a female.

What happens next is surprising. Sonic... Apologizes? He admits that his head wasn't in the right place when he began dating Fiona. That he was still on the rebound from Sally dumping him. He even hoped that dating Fiona would help Tails get over his crush on her. (Which is a bit like saying “I screwed that girl you liked for your benefit, buddy.”) Not only does this settle the lingering plot point of Sonic and Fiona's relationship – another case of Flynn burying the previous writer's mistakes – it's also a really sweet moment. Eventually, the two friends hug it out, talking through the resentment that brought them here. Flynn had done a good job of making this fight between friends seem natural, not like your standard comic book breakdowns in communication. In the end, communication is what saves the day, not fisticuffs.

There's a similar dynamic between the book's other fight. When Amadeus marches into the royal bedroom, King Elias is waiting for him. The two attempt to negotiate something but their mutual hardheadedness leads to swords and those weird glaive things Elias carries being drawn. The reasoning behind the fight is a little too sloppy. Amadeus wants the people to be given the power immediately. Elias thinks the monarchy has its place. Having said that, the fight is pretty cool too, with lots of blades being swished through the air, making contact and clanging.

Continuing the theme of characters resolving problems with words, this fight also ends peacefully. Sally marches in, tells the two grown-ass men to stop fighting, and to actually listen to the other side. This is another example of my favorite attributes of Ian Flynn's early run: Un-fucking Sally's character derailment. Once again, he takes the time to show the Princess is cool under pressure, clearly thinking of a solution while those around her are arguing about petty bullshit. Which is why Sally is a leader and an all around bad ass. It's hard to believe this is the same character that spent months standing around in the castle, pining for Sonic and letting her parents boss her around. In a way, it's not. This is the real Sally Acorn and it feels so good to have her back.

If Flynn's early work on “Sonic” continues to be defined by taking out the trash, all of “House of Cards” has really been about explaining why the hell the civilized side of Mobius is sticking with an insane monarchy who used to base all their decisions on whatever a magical glowing pool of goo said. The answer was apparently “Tradition!” while the solution here is allowing Mobius citizens to elect a council of officials, with the King weighing in as the tie-breaker. It's not dissimilar to how England transformed from a monarchy to a republic and clearly means big changes inside Knothole. So it's good to see the city dragged into the 20th century or whenever the hell this is suppose to take place.

What really makes part two of “House of Cards” flow is Ian sneaking in little moments of humor, helping to smooth out the more dramatic actions that make up the book's center. While Sonic and Tails are fighting inside the prison, Bean shouts typically bizarre nonsense. Later, the imprisoned bad guys begin to take bets on who will win. Nicole gets a strong moment, when she summons Sally after Elias explicitly forbid her from waking his parents. Probably my favorite moment in the issue is when Sonic and Tails, after reconciling, race towards the castle. They expect to walk in on a fight between Amadeus and Elias. Instead, they find them peacefully drinking tea together.

The book ends by teasing the next in-coming story arc, revolving Enerjak's return. While that's a decent cliffhanger, what I really like about that final scene is Sally and Sonic chit-chatting while watching the townsfolk walk up to the ballet box. Quiet conversion is a fitting conclusion to a story arc about people talking through their issues, instead of punching each other. Highly emotional stakes and a steady handling of conflict made this a pretty great two-parter, still highly regarded as one of Flynn's best contributions to the series by most reasonable people. [8/10]

Sonic X: Issue 23

Sonic X: Issue 23
Publication Date: August 2007

Whenever Ian Flynn has stepped over to the “Sonic X” title, I've always treated it like a big deal. Truthfully, Flynn's work on this particular comic has been unwilling to push outside the boundaries of a licensed, kid friendly title. Flynn's previous “Sonic X” stories have been goofy, comedic bits, usually based around a holiday of some sort. Issue 23's story, “Hedgehogging Their Bets,” isn't too big an improvement over the usual “Sonic X” standards but it is a mild move in the right direction.

We begin with Sonic being chased by a race car and a pair of attacking robots. After a gas filled capsule is clamped down over his head, he passes out. When the hedgehog awakens, he's chained to the floor and faced with a council of mysterious people. Each one has been wronged by Sonic in some way, some more imagined than others, and want revenge on the blue hero. Of course, Sonic is harder to get rid of then that and he's quickly throwing monkey wrenches into their plans.

There's an interesting idea behind “Hedgehogging Their Bets.” The organization seeking revenge on Sonic call themselves S.O.N.I.C.X., one of those ridiculous acronyms comic book super villains are fans of. Yet they might as well be the Sonic Revenge Society. What's interesting about this set-up is how the negative effect Sonic has had on these people's lives was mostly unintended. This is the common side effects of superhero-ing. Sonic and his friends coming onto the Earth scene changed the world... And now all those changes are good. Sadly, instead of bringing some ambiguity to this scenario, showing Sonic as conflicted by this information, Flynn plays the members of S.O.N.I.C.X. as bad guys and Sonic as his usually quibby, heroic self.

At least some of the people in SO.N.I.C.X are clearly original creations for Archie's comic book. Yet some of these characters reference events from the TV show. The number ones in the organization are a military leader and presidential adviser who got thrown in jail after the President forced G.U.N to form a truce with Eggman. I would hope this is expounded on more in the “Sonic X” show, as it barely makes any sense on the printed page. Another one of the guys is a prison guard at a facility where Sonic escaped, who lost his job because of the hedgehog. I don't recognized the island so, again, I assume it's from the cartoon. Yet another member is a treasure hunter who lost multiple valuable relics to Knuckles and... Hawk? Who the fuck is Hawk? I guess questions like that are what I get for reading a tie-in comic without watching the program it ties in with.

I do appreciate how Flynn is sneaking in an element of serialized to a book that has predominantly been episodic, up to this point. Disappointing, his method could've been more elegant. Far too much of “Hedgehogging Their Bets” is based around awkward exposition. Flynn has each member of the Sonic Revenge Society explain their backstory, directly to the reader. This takes up seven pages, about a third of a book. By the time we get to the biologist, explaining about how the mere existence of humanoid animals like Sonic and friends ruined his credentials, the reader really begins to wonder if all this information was truly necessary.

As is common in story's about omniscient councils of ominous intent, some shadowed individual is revealed as being behind it all. The issue concludes by showing the seven members of S.O.N.I.C.X. reporting back to a mysterious commander. Sadly, it's super obvious who this mysterious boss is. Unless Flynn is planning some sort of audience blind-siding twist, Captain Westwood is the one pulling S.O.N.I.C.X.'s strings. Which certainly makes sense, considering the degree of antagonism he holds towards the hedgehog. Maybe this'll even signal Westwood's transformation from incompetent joke baddie to real threat. But it doesn't do much to build suspense.

“Sonic X” being what it is, the comic still finds time to include a few action beats. They are competently put together, as always. Sonic quickly speeds through a group of martial artists, taking them down with ease. An especially cute moment has the hedgehog landing atop one of the standard G.U.N. droids – regular enemies in “Sonic Adventure 2” – and using it to surf out of the secret compound. My problem with these scenes is how this escape is for Sonic. S.O.N.I.C.X. had the competence to capture him in the first few pages but not the competence to actually put up a fight?

I like some of the ideas on display in this issue of “Sonic X” but it doesn't function well as a whole. Once again, I come away from an issue of this book with general feelings of mediocrity. “Hedgehogging Your Bets” appears to be the start of a story arc. Maybe Flynn will stick the landing in part two. If not, I'm not sure “Sonic X” will ever rise above its roots as a cutesy kids' book. [5/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 178

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 178
Publication Date: August 2007

For the last few issues, Ian Flynn has been planning something concerning Tails' parents. A late introduction into the already swelling supporting cast of Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog” series, Amadeus and Rosemary Prower haven't done very much since they were introduced back in “Sonic Kids 2.” For years, it was just assumed that they were dead. Turns out, they were just on an alien planet for some fucking reason. Since bringing them back to Mobius, Flynn has been hinting that Amadeus was up to something. In this issue, we find out what.

It turns out the Prowers are no fans of the monarchy. They rally a protest in the newly created streets of New Mobotropolis, demanding that the new city gets a new form of government. One that speaks for the people, instead of some royal family that takes advice from a talking pool of gold in their basement. Amadeus Prower gets tossed in jail for this protest, seen as an act of treason. Sonic comes to the monarchy's defense. Tails comes to defend his parents. It's a disagreement the two life long pals won't be able to hug out.

The revolt in Knothole has been brewing for quite some time. I like this idea for a few reasons. First off, it gives Amadeus Prower a pretty important character turn without turning him into a bad guy. In fact, his objection to the Acorn royal family are entirely reasonable. He points out that the last two generations of kings allowed Robotnik to come to power and then allowed him to come to power a second time. That there's been a constant state of strife in Mobius all throughout Max and Elias' reigns. These are valid complaints. This also addresses an issue I've had with the series for years. Which is why would a technologically advanced civilization such as this live under a monarchy anyway? Maybe it is time to try something new.

Ian successfully prevents Amadeus from looking like an asshole. He even maintains Elias' integrity, as the young king is heavily conflicted about what to do in this scenario. Sadly, Max Acorn gets thrown under the bus instead. In the past, other writers have written the now retired King as an asshole for no reason. So I guess there's precedence for it. When Elias suggest that maybe there's some validity to what Amadeus is saying, Max is incensed. He believes Prower is a traitor, that should be locked up and punished. That the Acorns have ruled for hundreds of years and should rule for a hundred more. It just makes the king come off as petty, terrified of loosing what meager power he has left.

Of course, the civil unrest in New Mobotropolis is just the reasoning for the story's more important conflict. “House of Cards” would prove to be Archie “Sonic's” way less stupid “Civil War.” Sonic and Tails are going to fight. Two of its greatest heroes, originally best friends, would suddenly become enemies. Instead of cooking up some stupid heroes' registration act, the conflict is entirely personal. Sonic is fighting for the order he's worked so hard to maintain. Tails is fighting for his family, which he doesn't want to loose again. Flynn has been hinting at some tension between the hedgehog and the fox for a while now. Ever since his mom and dad came back, Tails has realized he doesn't need Sonic to be his hero anymore. Let's face it: Tails has grown a lot over the years. And Sonic still treats him like a sidekick.

As far as a reason for two good guys to fight, it's about as organic as it gets. Still, for a long time “Sonic” reader, seeing Sonic and Tails trade blows is kind of shocking. I'm not even the biggest fan of Sonic and Tails' bromance. Yet the two-tailed fox sneaking up behind his best friend, his hero, and punching him in the head? Shit. That's pretty severe! My favorite version of Tails has always been the angry one, when he's a little resentful of his placement on the team. So I find myself enjoying this turn of events quite a bit. Any friendship as long lived as Sonic and Tails is going to have its growing pains.

If the first part of “House of Cards” has any problem, it's that the dialogue balloons are a little oppressive. “Sonic,” being about a blue hedgehog that runs fast and fights robots, is not usually a wordy book. Yet “House of Cards” is very focused on dialogue. Sonic and Nicole talk. Sonic and Elias talk. Elias and Max talk. In an especially long winded series of exchanges, Amadeus and Elias talk. (Actually, what Amadeus does is more like talking at the King.) I certainly have no issue at all with character based stories. I usually like them a lot. But this one is a little heavy on the orating.

Even in an issue as plot heavy as this, Ian sneaks in some smaller character moments. First off, Knuckles is leaving town for a while. Mostly, this sets up the upcoming arc where the echidna will become Enerjak and resolve the conflict on the Floating Island. Still, the scenes of Julie-Su and the Chaotix bidding Knuckles farewell are awfully cute. Knuckles insists Julie-Su stays, for her safety. While I'm not sure my Julie-Su would ever settle for that, her reluctance is sold well.

The character that gets the most development in this one is Nicole. It turns out she is still getting used to having a physical body. In a very cute series of panels that a book like this normally wouldn't make room for, Nicole awkwardly barges into Sonic's bedroom, waking him up. How the hedgehog handles this – surprise but then sleepy calm – is a little moment that really impresses me. As is Nicole sheepishly admitting she's still getting used to things.

Tracy Yardley makes great use of shadow in this, adding a moodier edge to a story about alliances being tested. The page devoted to Tails and Rosemary sneaking into the detention center is fantastically illustrated and inked. Part one of “House of Cards” isn't a perfect story, as there are some minor flaws. Still, this is a “Sonic” story that is ambitious in an all together different way than Ian's last few issues. It's all about character, all about emotion, and it all flows so naturally too. It's another very good edition to a really awesome year of stories. [8/10]

Sonic X: Issue 22

Sonic X: Issue 22
Publication Date: July 2007

I don't know what the hell was up with the writer's rotation on Archie's “Sonic X” book. Joe Edkin wrote most of the first fifteen issues, Ian Flynn subbing in for him a few times. With the last two issues, the series has rotated through a couple of new additions. Now, with issue 22, Joe Edkin is back. I don't know why it was like that. Anyway, does this issue of “Sonic X,” which has been in a mediocre groove for far too long, offer any surprises at all?

Proving once again that Edkin likes to make references to eighties movies, issue 22 is devoted to a story entitled “Decoe and Bocoe's Not-So-Excellent Misadventure.” In it, Decoe and Bocoe's utter incompetence finally forces Eggman to let them go. Instead of turning them into scrap metal as you'd expect, the robots are fired. They search around for some new jobs, finding employment in an ice cream shop. Because apparently some places will hire you even if all your references are evil scientists. In their place, Eggman builds a pair of far more competent replacements for the robots. Turns out they are too competent, as they attempt to take over his criminal empire all together.
Despite what the title and above plot description might lead you to believe, this issue isn't really about Decoe and Bocoe so much. Oh yeah, they are in the story. They are given more to do than usual, actually helping direct the plot. Yet the issue is just as devoted to the sexier, sleeker replacements Eggman builds. Or Sonic saving the day, for that matter. I guess the title made me hope for a day in the life story about the bad guy's unappreciated henchmen. Instead, I got a story that only strays slightly outside the “Sonic X” formula I've bitched about roughly 21 times before.

So, when the book is focused on them anyway, what do Decoe and Bocoe's not-so-excellent misadventures include? Mostly some pretty hacky slapstick shenanigans. When they get hired in the ice cream bar, they prove to suck at this job as much as they did at their old one. Within minutes, they somehow reduce the entire building to a chocolate covered mess. Wow, that's actually sort of impressive! But don't worry. The robot's stupidity ends up saving the day, in a round about way. I'm not much of a fan of Decoe and Bocoe. This book already has a surplus of goofy, comic relief villains. But this issue did make me appreciate them a little bit more. Their dumbness is so sincere, it's nearly charming.
Naturally, Sonic has to save the day again, as is his wont. This time, he's forced to team up with Captain Westwood again. The human's distrust of Sonic has, at this point, become a running gag. Which is arguably what it should be, since characters in this comic aren't allowed to grow or develop. The action that is there is pretty standard. With one surprise. The hedgehog actually looses his initial scuffle with Eggman's new hench-bots. It's just a momentary set back but still more then what I'm use to seeing from this version of the character. It's short lived though as, by the end, Sonic is homing attacking a giant robot hard enough it returns to Eggman's base.

From the title on down, there's some cute homages tossed into this issue. No, Decoe and Bocoe never perform air guitar. That would've been too awesome. However, Eggman's latest harmless death machine is a spitting image of the “Lost in Space” robot. Which is pretty cool. Beyond that, the Mobius Encyclopedia informs me that the owner of the ice cream shop looks a lot like some minor character from the “Archie” books. You know, the ones actually featuring America's favorite ginger polygamist. I'll take your word for it, nerd wiki editors.
There's at least one surprising name in this issue's credits. James Fry draws the story. Fry has mostly retired from the main “Sonic” book at this point, so his appearance is a pleasant surprise. I've often wondered if “Sonic X” mandated its artist to copy the art style of the show. Issue 22 more-or-less confirms this. Fry retrains his usual anime-esque artwork and, instead, sticks to the established looks of the characters. Having said that, Fry keeps the energy that defines his works. The action scenes are pretty well done. The facial expressions are vivid. Eggman's robots, for once, don't look utterly goofy. They even look kind of cool.

The standard for Archie's “Sonic X” comic is such that even a slightly above issue like this one really stands out. The jokes are still pretty lame. Nothing too exciting happens. But at least it's something a little different, a little outside the norm. It barely rises above the last few issues but I'll give Edkin some credit for putting in a little more effort than he obviously had to. [6/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 177

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 177
Publication Date: July 2007

With issue 177, the first major story arc of 2007 wraps up. Sonic began this story totally defeated at his enemy's hands. He would end it victorious. While it may seemed like Flynn planned it that way, apparently the corporate overlords intervene. As previously discussed, one of Sega's brain dead mandates on the book was that Sonic could never loose. This would seem to limit the series' plotting potential, since the hero potentially loosing his fights is kind of what causes dramatic tension in actions series like this. Sega would only allow the crushing defeat in 175 if it had turned around by 177. But it all worked out okay, because Flynn was once really good at working around the dumb mandates.

Having escaped Robotnik's Egg Grapes last issue, the Freedom Fighters are happily hanging out in the New Mobotropolis Nicole has built for them from the Nanite City. The surrounding force field is strong enough to protect against the Eggman Empire's constant bombardment. Inside the dome, Sonic and his friends tend to the wounded and realize the magnitude of what they have won. Eventually, Robotnik comes calling for another personal showdown.

Despite what the cover promises, this is not an action packed story. In fact, it's almost an entirely character-centric conclusion. That's a pretty interesting idea, ending an event story line with an extended resolution like this. Maybe that's fitting, considering what Ian has pulled off here. “Home, New Home” finishes the reconstruction he's been putting the comic through for the last year and a half. The new status quo is set up with this one. The heroes have a new base, a new line of defense against their greatest enemy. The changes aren't exactly done but all the debris that was laying around when Flynn first came on the book has been swept away, the useful pieces built into something more orderly and focused.

That this story is given such an affectionate title as “Home, New Home” is very fitting. One of the things I loved so much about SatAM and the comic's early days is how homey and comfortable Knothole Village felt. Yes, Sonic and his friends were fighting a guerrilla war against a dictator with a humanity draining weapon. That has been lost for quite some time, since King Elias and Karl Bollers rebuilt the tiny village into a growing city. With “Home, New Home,” Flynn has recaptured that early feeling of safety, of comfort. New Mobotropolis is a lot more then just simple grass huts. Yet it maintains the comfort, the familiarity of the old location. It also has an nigh-impenetrable laser shield and the city can even come alive to protect people, confirming that safe feeling.

Issue 177 is also about examining the losses that have occurred. Nobody has died during the Eggman Empire arc. Maybe somebody should've. Maybe Ian got his blood lust out of the way during “The Darkest Storm.” Yet the Freedom Fighters didn't come away from this fight without some injuries. Rotor's back is in a sling, after being buried in some rubble during Snively's attack on Freedom HQ. Charmy is still acting very peculiar, following his exposure to the Egg Grapes. Sonic... Well, he's mostly okay, according to Dr. Quack. It's not a huge deal but, when mainstream comics toss major injuries and deaths aside with such ease, it's nice to focus on the recovery a bit.

A major goal of Flynn's, that has been very apparent for the last few issues, was to de-bitch-ify Princess Sally. He's had her back on the battle field more often. He's had her apologizing for the grossly out-of-character writing she suffered under Boller's pen. He's had the People's Princess interacting with the commoners more, realizing an important part of her royal duty is to serve the public. In other words, Flynn has given Sally her agency back, so that she's no longer at the whims of the plot. This comes full circle in “Home, New Home.” Sally gets a significant haircut. She looses the long red hair she's been sporting since the “Home” arc. She's back to the tomboy-ish bob she wore in the SatAM days. This visual cue makes something all too clear: The Sally we fell in love with is back. Thank god for that.

Through all of this character work, Ian is still finding time to squirrel away older, lingering plot points. This speaks to either his strengths as an organized writer or just how much bullshit was left by the old crew. Probably both. Anyway, Robotnik sends the team of B-list villains – Mogul, Naugus, Nack, Bean and Bark – to intimidate the Freedom Fighters. Instead, Nicole uses the city's new built in defenses to immediately teleport them into jail cells. This leaves these guys alive but indisposed, until Ian finds a place for them again. We also see Hope Kintobor for the first time in a while. Pissed at Snively for lying to her, she flies off. This also allows Ian to some breathing room, to use Hope at a later date.

He also uses this slower paced issue to set up more future plot points. During the siege on new Mobotropolis, we catch up with what Dr. Finitevus is up to. Something sinister, it turns out. He's prepping the return of Enerjak or, more accurately, the unveiling of a new Enerjak. This also reminds us that Scourge is still out there, being an asshole. Lastly, Tails' parents continue to hint at their plans for the royalty. At the times, this was probably meant to suggest something more severe. Maybe their time in outer space scrambled their brains, making them evil? Flynn would go in a different direction with that, something a little less trite. Setting up the new blocks after knocking down the old ones is smart writing.

The token action sequence this issue includes also has its purpose. When Robotnik lands in front of New Mobotropolis, still wearing the Egg Beater armor, he demands to face Sonic again. The hedgehog marches outside to fight. And he brings all his friends along with him. This makes two points. That the Freedom Fighters are the greatest assets Sonic has, that they won't be going anywhere in Flynn's brave new world. It also serves to humiliate Robotnik the way he humiliate Sonic two issues ago. Which is fair and fitting.

In conclusion, “Home, New Home” is a pretty great conclusion to a pretty great story arc. It's a deeply satisfying read, promising exciting new adventures to come while giving our heroes a victory they can be proud of. It also returns some really important elements, and feelings too, that have been absent for a while. Which is really important to me, an old school Sonic fan who likes things done a certain way. [8/10]

Sonic X: Issue 21

Sonic X: Issue 21
Publication Date: June 2007

Issue 21 is around the time Archie's original “Sonic the Hedgehog” comic book started to get good. While it would take quite a few years for the series to reach anything resembling a consistent tone – even the more serious stories were often followed up by goofy ones – no. 21 was when more serialized elements starting creeping into the comic. That's when life and death stakes became apparent, when relationships started becoming something important. I was hoping “Sonic X” would undergo a similar transformation around the same time. The series would reach its halfway point with this issue, after all. If the goofiness contained in this comic is any indication, a similar tonal change is unlikely.

Issue 21 would feature yet another new writer taking a crack at this series. “Sub Sonic” was written by somebody named Mike Bullock. The story details Grandpa Chuck reading news that an old lab partner of his has successfully invented a matter shifting machine. The guy's lab is right next to a toy store, where Chris hopes to buy some new action figures. Naturally, Eggman and his cronies attack around this time. Sonic, Tails, and the villains get struck by the ray, shrinking to small size. The chase ends up in the toy store, where further shenanigans ensue.

Mike Bullock at least doesn't stick to the “Sonic X” formula as closely as James McDonough and Adam Patyk did last time. Instead, Bullock seems to follow a trend Joe Edkin employed from time to time: Mash up Sonic with a classic genre story. “Sub Sonic” is essentially “The Incredible Shrinking Hedgehog,” while also drawing some probable inspiration from the toy store scenes in “Toy Story 2.” Sadly, bullock doesn't bring the same manic energy that Edkin added to his “Gremlins” and “Evil Dead” riffs. “Sub Sonic” is, instead, a standard action comedy story with low stakes, goofy slapstick, and very little tension.

Sadly, the story doesn't even utilize the goofy potential that idea has. Sonic and friends going on a rampage through a giant toy store could've featured all sorts of endearing silliness. What about Sonic fighting among the action figure shelves, as the cover teases? Using a teddy bear as a shield or crafting weapons from all sorts of plastic doodads? Instead, the toy store is merely used as set dressing. Eggman jumps in a remote controlled monster truck. Sonic briefly utilizes slinkies to protect himself. In another possible riff on “Gremlins” – maybe I just see “Gremlins” everywhere – Tails drives a pink sports car around at one point. That's pretty much it. This could've been way more fun.

It must be said that Eggman and his henchmen are still total buffoons. For what feels like the one hundred time, Eggman's evil scheme is spurned on after watching a TV news report. This time, his anger is activated by somebody taking attention away from the line of toys he's designed or something. While exploring the toy store, Bocoe and Decoe pause to fight over a Barbie doll, apparently mistaking her for a sexy fem-bot that they both desire. I guess I'm just not a fan of this interpretation of the character. I like my Robotnik to be a devious, ruthless villain, not a bungling man-child who somehow manages to build giant death machines every month.

If you want to talk about wasted potential, what about that ray gun Chuck's old partner invents? The story begins with the idea that Chuck and this guy worked on the device as a way to teleport matter across dimensions. This conversation is presented along side Sonic and friends wondering if they'll ever make it home. Seems like these two points would connect, right? Nope! It's disappointing that the issue starts in such an ambitious place and just uses it to set up a standard “hero gets shrunk” story line. Similarly underwhelming is the way the issue begins with Sonic having nightmares that foretell the adventure he's about to have. Does this have any deeper significance? Not that I can tell.

Hidden in this issue are also some not so subtle jabs at some of Sonic's competition. The toy line Chris is hoping to collect is called “Robonicles.” Which is, you'll notice, a pretty similar name to “Bionicle,” a Lego action figure line that was very popular around the time this comic book was published. Why did Bullock associate this popular, real life toy line with part of Eggman's evil scheme in this comic book? Once again, I have no idea. There's also a less direct jab later in the story, when Sonic and Tails stumble upon some stuffed toys modeled after them, annoyed by the bad likenesses.

At least the artwork is pretty good. David Hutchinson returns to penciling duties. It's not his best working, lacking the moodiness that characterizes his better issues. Yet it's very solid. The action is smooth. The characters are on models. The faces are expressive. What's frustrating about “Sonic X” isn't that it's so consistently mediocre. What annoys me is that it so clearly could be better, if the writers were willing to put a little more effort into things. [5/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 176

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 176
Publication Date: June 2007

Issue 175 of Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog” series would establish new writer Ian Flynn's structure going forward. That issue would start a three part story arc, running through 177. Throughout the next two years, going towards the next anniversary edition, that's how things would function for “Sonic.” Simple, concise storylines that run for three or four issues, taking place in the new order Flynn had built for himself. In retrospect, it might very well be the writer's best period, as he kept up a consistent sense of quality. Considering how the book was floundering only recently, that counts for a lot.

Anyway, “Cracking the Empire” continues where 175's “Eggman Empire” left off. After torching Knothole and leaving Sonic to stew in his defeat, Robotnik heads off to his home city to luxuriate in his victory. Before he can turn on the Egg Grapes, and drain the hedgehog's friends and family of their life sources, a rescue mission bursts in. Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Amy, working off a plan from Nicole, attack Robotnik's lab and free their captive friends. They find themselves in a new home, one Nicole has built from the ashes of the old. Yet this victory isn't won quite so easily.

I'll admit, “Cracking the Empire” is slightly disappointing. After seeing Dr. Robotnik crush Sonic's home and his spirit so totally last issue, the remaining Freedom Fighter's immediately turning around and attempting a perfect rescue mission seems anticlimactic. It's not an especially complex plan either. The quartet of heroes ride into Robotropolis, bust their way into the Egg Chamber, and free their friends. The only conniving aspect of the plan is how they escape, what with Nicole reprogramming Robotnik's teleportation beams to send them to safety. I don't necessarily want to see our heroes miserable and defeated but maybe they shouldn't have bounced back from their previous defeat so easily.

Instead, Flynn sticks our heroes dealing with being beaten into the beginning of the book. Sonic returns to the ruins of Freedom HQ. Amy is distraught. Knuckles is stunned. Tails, meanwhile, is angry. He gets into an argument with Sonic, incensed that his friend is so casual about the massive defeat they just suffered, mistaking Sonic's resolve for apathy. This continues a plot point Flynn has been playing with from the beginning of his run. That Sonic and Tails' friendship is about to come to blows, years of resentment showing its ugly head. We'll see pay-off on that soon enough. Like I said, I don't necessarily want to see the heroes in-fighting like this forever. But maybe a little more stuff like this would've made that rescue mission more meaningful.

Another reason Sonic and pals can rescue the other Freedom Fighters so easily is because Robotnik takes time to gloat. Instead of immediately turning the captured heroes into living batteries, he humiliates them further by saying mean things to them. On one hand, I totally get this. Watching Robotnik gloat is admittedly fun and in character. He's a sadistic bastard and a bit of a ham. Yet it also shows Ian falling prey to a very old flaw: The Villainous Monologue, such an ubiquitous troupe that mocking it isn't even fun anymore. Again, if Robotnik really wanted to win, he should've just murdered everyone immediately. But that's comic books, I guess.

What really saves “Cracking the Empire” from just being a collection of cliches is the touching conclusion. Like I said, bombing Knothole to the ground was Flynn rather literally portraying in the comic what he's spent the last year doing. And, in 176, he continues this literal streak. Now, Knothole has been rebuilt. Nicole has taken the still remaining Nanite City, left over from so many issues back, and remade it into a New Mobotropolis. As in, a new capitol city of the Kingdom of Acorn and Mobius. Years before, after Endgame, the Freedom Fighters reclaiming the old Mobotropolis was a mixed victory. They got their city back but it had been ruined by Robotnik's abuse. The heroes rebuilding their city totally from scratch, into something new and pure, is way more touching. New Mobotropolis represents hope for the resistance. Which is hope for the reader too.
New Mobotropolis also allows for another hopeful reveal. Flynn has referenced Nicole's holographic lynx form a few times over his run. By building a city for her friends, Nicole has created a place where she can keep her lynx avatar active at all times. This begins another serious change the writer has been pushing for since he came on. Nicole's personality has grown a lot over the last year or so. Now, her growth into an actual character can really begin. Sally greeting the Holo-Lynx with a big hug is even more touching.

Tracy Yardley's artwork really gets a workout on this one. His strength for big emotions, maybe even overdone emotions, comes through in the earliest scenes, when Amy is crying and Sonic and Tails are arguing. The faces are really vivid, almost comically so. This comes up again when Sally believes Sonic has led them into a dead end. She makes a face so anguished, it's actually sort of painful to look at. The panels of Robotnik villainously gloating about his victory are framed by shots of Sonic and the others sneaking into his city. It's also fun to look at the Egg Grapes and spot some obscure characters, like Sally's team of Substitute Freedom Fighters, making an appearance.

We're not done yet. The last page promises another conflict behind the Freedom Fighters and Robotnik. They've earned their new city but they won't get to keep it without a fight. I have some problems with issue 176. It's not as good, not as big of a gut punch, as the proceeding issue. However, there are enough decent moments – fun ones, like the action, or emotional ones, like the reveal of the new city – to redeem this one in my eyes. Hopefully this is just a slightly flubbed middle act on the way to an awesome conclusion. [7/10]