Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 199

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 199
Publication Date: April 2009

Pacing is something Ian Flynn struggled with on and off during his tenure as head “Sonic” writer.  Before issue 199 and many times afterwards, he would develop a bad habit of letting inventive or interesting plots go on for way to long. We experienced this recently with the Scourge saga and it'll be coming up again soon with the Iron Dominion arc. Yet when the guy got a hold of a story that really moved, that had a strong forward momentum, his reputation of the comic's best writer really held true. Issue 199's “Knocking on Eggman's Door” is one such example.

The Freedom Fighters, still in their make-shift camp outside New Megaopolis, wake up from a restless night of sleep. Rotor sets up a live stream to Knothole, informing the residents that, for better or worst, the war ends today. The combined forces of the Freedom Fighters and Chaotix march on Robotnik's city. What they encounter is not exactly what they expect. The Dark Egg Legion gives them so resistence. Yet they also retreat at times. This is a result of Snively and Dimitri's partnership, preparing to sell out Robotnik to an outside force. Robotnik doesn't know this. Instead, the mad doctor has prepared for a one-on-one showdown with his archenemy.

Midway through “Knocking on Eggman's Door,” characters begin to reminiscence about the last time Sonic had a fight to the death with Robotnik. Tails notes that most of the team were captive last time. Bunnie and Antoine recall that they had just escaped from a prison camp in Downunda. Sally, in a nice bit of gallows humor, points out that she was “dead.” Yes, they're all talking about “Endgame.” I'm not sure if Flynn is directly comparing his story to Penders' would-be epic. One is certainly a lot more upbeat and humorous than the fairly grim “Endgame.” It's also a lot more clearly plotted, with none of the half-assed plot twist. Knowing Flynn, he probably threw this references in as just a callback to the book's history. But it makes you wonder if “Knocking on Eggmans' Door” is meant as a direct assault on one of the book's most controversial story lines.

Of course, a big difference between issue 50 and issue 199 is that Sonic was facing Robotnik alone during “Endgame.” This one is decidedly a team effort. Every team member gets a panel or two to shine. Antoine is slicing laser blaster in half. Bunnie is backhanding baddies. Mighty gets to show off his super strength. Sally's skills as a field leader continue to be on display, as she formulates plans on the fly throughout the attack. Flynn really draws attention to the camaraderie among the team. Which makes the fight seem a little too easy for them but certainly draws attention to how important they are to each other.

Probably my favorite moment of the issue concerns Julie-Su. While running through the Egg Dome, combating Legionaries, she begins a dialogue with Vector. One of the crocodile's defining characteristics over the years has been his irrational hatred of Knuckles' girlfriend. Julie-Su outright informs him that now isn't the time for petty bickering. Before Vector can call her a “witch,” both characters help the other from being attacked. Which leads to a really funny panel, where the two look at each other and, confused, say “thanks?” This is a nice way for Flynn to give Vector some character development without discrediting the character's history. (Or my personal headcanon that he's got some serious hang-ups about women.)

I don't know if Ian felt himself slipping during the recent Scourge fight-a-thons. Yet his work here and in the first few “Sonic Universe” issues suggest he realized he was loosing sight of the characters among the constant fist fights. Issue 199 pauses for some character moments. The opening scene, where Rotor allows Sonic and the others to address friends back home, was an awfully nice inclusion. Mighty and Esipo get jumped by some attackers, only for Charmy, Saffron and Ray – hardly the most prominent characters – to swoop in and save them. The armadillo and the chameleon comment on how the younger Chaotix, the ones they're use to protecting, have protected them. Julie-Su asks Knuckles if he's okay with wailing on Dark Legion members. He says he is, because winning the war is more important right now. It's not a lot but small moments like this elevate an action-heavy story.

In particular, Flynn throws a bone to the shippers. While Amy Rose is wrecking enemies,  she talks about how happy she is to be fighting the final battle with her true love near-by. Later, before Sonic runs towards his fight with Robotnik, Sally gives him a great big hug. Flynn is clearly providing some grist for both Sally and Amy Rose shippers. Yet it's also clear to me which moment is more important. Sally showing her vulnerable side to Sonic is especially interesting, considering how the book has been hammering home her status as a brave leader recently.

The scenes concerning Snively's incoming plan are less emotional. It's mostly set up for the upcoming next arc. Still, there's something nice about seeing Snively act confident. A cute comedic bit has Robotnik's nephew putting on cologne. Lien-Da is grossed out by the smell, which greatly annoys him. Snively is usually nothing more than Eggman's toady. To see the guy happy, for one of his schemes to actually go according to plan, is a nice change of pace.

If there's any real criticism for “Knocking on Eggman's Door,” it's how relaxed everyone is. Flynn did a good job last time of showing how nervous everyone was. The Freedom Fighters realize they may die on this mission. There's some slight nods towards that point here but, otherwise, everyone seems to be having a good time. As Sonic walks into the villain's trap, ready to fight Robotnik one-on-one, he's still cracking jokes. I mean, I know that's part of Sonic's personality. But it does drain the dramatic tension a little. If “Knocking on Eggman's Door” is meant to rebuff “Endgame,” that's one thing Flynn could've learned from Penders: That your heroes probably shouldn't be so pleased with themselves, when marching towards their possible doom.

Still, this is a good comic book. There's plenty of action but we get a sense of who these characters are, what's important to them. Moreover, this satisfies as a near-conclusion to a long fight for everyone involved. Obviously the Freedom Fighters and the Eggman Empire would be warring again eventually but the script imposes on the reader that this is a pivotal battle. I liked the last issue a little more but this one still earns high marks from me. [8/10]