Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 200

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 200
Publication Date: May 2009

Back when I reviewed issue 100 of “Sonic the Hedgehog,” I talked about my childhood belief that a comic series reaching a hundred issues was an indication that the book was really successful. That continued success was a big deal for “Sonic the Hedgehog,” a seemingly silly licensed book that has been commonly overlooked. And now, here we are, a hundred issues later. If “Sonic” hitting 100 issues validated the book, the series hitting 200 proved that Sega's blue hedgehog had truly, once and for all, earned his place in comic-dom..

And what a difference one hundred issues make. When issue 100 came out, the book was not doing very well, quality-wise. The darkest times were yet to come but 2001 was a very not-good year for Archie's “Sonic.” By 2009, Ian Flynn had reinvigorated the series. The fans were passionate about the Sonic comic again. The individual issues rose to a consistent level of quality. Flynn also knew to make the anniversary issues count. Issue 175 had Robotnik scoring a major victory over Sonic. Issue 200 has Sonic scoring a major victory over Robotnik.  It's certainly a big improvement over the mediocre story that appeared in issue 100.

“Turnabout is Fair Play” picks up right where issue 199 left off. Sonic and Robotnik are having themselves a showdown. Inside a secluded chamber, Robotnik attacks with a giant robotic spider. The hedgehog, without even breaking a sweat, defeats the doctor. As his latest plan falls to pieces, the Eggman cracks up. With their enemy reduced to a rambling madman, Sonic and the Freedom Fighters have won. As they race back to Mobotropolis, celebrating their massive victory, Snively and the Dark Legion have other ideas planned.

Over there's any problem with issue 200 – otherwise a very fine comic book – it continues a problem Flynn has been having with Sonic recently. Truthfully, it's a problem that has affected the whole “Sonic” franchise from time to time. As Sonic faces down Robotnik's latest vehicle of destruction, the hedgehog is quibbing the whole time. He makes jokes about the giant spider, probably entitled something lame like the Egg-Spider. When the doctor brings up his coup of the original Mobotropolis, Sonic derisively references how he was five at the time.  The hedgehog denigrates every one of his arch-enemy's accomplishments. Only once during the entire fight, when the spider's legs spin in a saw-like fashion, does Sonic even seem intimidated. It only takes a handful of spin dashes before the robot spider is reduced to scrap.

Then again, maybe the ease with which Sonic defeats Robotnik was on purpose. For a while, the comic has been referencing the doctor's worsening mental state. After his latest plan is smashed, Eggman completely falls apart. He removes his glasses, revealing the red-on-black eyes of his SatAM counterpart. He yanks out his mustache. His words degrade into half-formed syllables. He has a complete and utter nervous breakdown. If “Sonic” is a book partially characterized by formula, which isn't an unfair accusation, this represents a major break in tradition. When the bad guy is defeated, he's not suppose to totally loose his shit. It's an unexpected sight.

Even more unexpected is the guilt Sonic feels for totally breaking his greatest opponent. The scientist's mental collapse shocks Sonic even more than it does the reader. Both the hedgehog and Sally are repulsed by how ugly the villain's reaction is. Sonic seems dismayed when celebrating the victory with Amy and Tails. As a hero who rests comfortably in a moral white zone, completely shattering his enemy's mental state – even someone as wicked as Robotnik – weighs on him.

Despite these moments of discomfort, issue 200 is characterized by a sense of victory. As I mentioned last time, there's something to said about seeing our heroes win after fighting for so long. Sally tears up with glee. Tails and Amy jump into the air with excitement. There's dancing and celebration in the streets of New Mobotropolis. Yet Flynn even gifts this moment with some sweet, sweet ambiguity. In a private area, Sonic tells Sally that this wasn't how he pictured their victory. And wonders what they'll do, now that they've won. Sally assures him that more adventures await. Yet Sonic's doubt speaks volumes.

Robotnik's defeat also gives Snively cause for celebration. There's something powerful about the scene where he grimly informs the Freedom Fighters that they've won. While Snively shares very little affection for his uncle, it's obviously that his sudden deterioration affects him too. Yet Snively can only hold his glee back for so long. Just as the Freedom Fighters have been dreaming about defeating Robotnik for years, Snively has been dreaming about taking over the empire. And it's finally happened. He finally has the respect he craves. It's a far more insidious type of feeling but, again, there's something to be said for seeing Snively achieve his dream.

Because, of course, the Freedom Fighters' battle is far from over. This is comic books. The conflict can never end. In the final page, Ian Flynn reveals who Snively has been communicating with, the other superpower he sold Eggman out to. The last page shows the Iron Queen and her gathering of ninjas landing in Megaopolis. I'll admit that, when I first read this comic book, I had completely forgotten who the Iron Queen was. I'm sure I wasn't the only Archie Sonic fan who was baffled by the reveal. The Iron Queen had only appeared in one issue, number 60, which was eleven years before this one. And it's not like I ever paid much attention to the Monkey Khan-centric issues anyway. I guess I'll be talking about that corner of the Sonic-verse a lot more in the near future.

The emotional aspect of issue 200 really makes it worth reading. The action beats are cool and all. Seeing Sonic and his friends triumph over evil, no matter how briefly, is also satisfying. Tracy Yardley's artwork, naturally, is very good. He clearly has a good time illustrating Eggman's breakdown. I have some mixed feelings about the changes the book will be undergoing soon but it's clear to me that these last few issues have been very successful. [8/10]