Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 210

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 210
Publication Date: March 2010

As I've said before, back when the story arc was new, some fans complained that the Iron Dominion event went on too long. The story did go on for exactly a year and the pacing clearly flagged a little in the middle. Over a year, I can see how that would get old. As I've said before, it's hard to get a sense of that arc fatigue when you've read the whole thing in a little over a week, as I have here. Either way, the Iron Dominion was heading towards its end by March of 2010. The “Home Invasion” two-parter, which would depict the Iron Queen's defeat, would begin in this issue.

The occupation of New Mobotropolis by the Iron Dominion continues. Amy Rose and Antoine attempt to hold up a rebellion. Nicole has carved out a hiding place for them, where Bunnie is also being kept hidden. With Sonic, Sally, Tails, and Monkey Khan in the Dragon Kingdom, the Freedom Fighters are barely holding on. Even with the arrival of Geoffrey St. John, the tides don't exactly turn. The Queen leads the heroes into an obvious trap after proclaiming they'll be legionizing – brainwashing and implanting robotic parts – in the city's coliseum.

The first part of “Home Invasion,” subtitled “Breaking and Entering,” features very little of this comic book's titular character. This is an experimental decision that easily could've gone wrong. The book has attempted to sideline Sonic before to mediocre results. Flynn, however, pulls it off. Instead of switching the focus to some shitty new character, Flynn shines the spotlight on Sonic's established supporting cast. We've followed Amy, Antoine, and the others for years. We really care about them and their personalities are more than strong enough to support a single issue. I honestly wish this had gone on a little longer, as Sonic is sometimes a drag on his own book.

However, I do have one slight problem with the way this story is presented. Flynn makes it seem like the rebellion at home has been fighting off the Iron Dominion for quite some time. Which is a little hard to believe. First off, in the beginning of the issue, it's only Amy Rose and Antoine leading the resistance. I know they're both good fighters but it strains believably that two people have been holding off an army for a while. Also slightly implausible is how Nicole has been hiding Bunnie for all this time. You think the Iron Queen would've noticed something, considering her primary A.I. has been hiding her greatest enemies right under her nose for at least a couple of days.

They eventually get help though. Geoffrey St. John gets a flashy reintroduction, in his first major appearance since issue 188. St. John mostly just stood around, accompanying Rouge on a mission in that one. The skunk secret agent gets a lot more action-y stuff to. Like leaping through the air on a rope, shooting bolts all over the place. Flynn even exploits the character's general seriousness for some comic relief. When Iron Nicole first shows herself to St. John, he attempts to shoot here, still believing she's under the Queen's control.

Another high-light of issue 210 is a brief scene between Snively and Dr. Robotnik. During the occupation of Mobotropolis, it seems like Snively has made a regular habit of visiting his uncle in jail and mocking his disheveled state. Only this time, we see that the Eggman's mental state is starting to reform. He's come to an interesting conclusion about Sonic: That his archenemy represents the variable of chaos present in any scientific experiment. That's a good moment and segues into an even better one. Snively tells his uncle that he and Regina love each other, which causes Robotnik to laugh like crazy. Like the audience, the villain can see right through the Iron Queen's manipulations. It's a good moment because it further shows Snively's weird vulnerability. He's so desperate for love, for power, for understanding, that he's willing to accept Regina's feelings, even if they're obviously fake. It's also a great way to show that Robotnik's scheming, brilliant, evil self is back.

The other villains get a chance to shine too. First off, public Legionizing having in the coliseum, for everyone to see, is a pretty fucked-up thing for a bad guy to do. Especially since Rotor, another established character we already care about, is chosen as the first person to undergo this procedure. (Rotor initially resists too, giving a somewhat underserved character a rare chance to shine, however briefly.) I also like a brief dialogue exchange between Regina and the Iron King. We're she explains to the King that this is entire idea is a trap, meant to lure the heroes out. Which will give him an opportunity to smash shit. Which he'll enjoy. Little moments like that make the villains a little more personable.

Steven Butler returns to penciling duties. Butler grants the story a sleek, powerful energy that helps sell the zippy pacing. Butler's strength for character work really comes through in this one. His rendition of the Iron Queen looks especially powerful, rising her staff and surrounded by sparkling energy. His action scenes, like St. John leaping around flying ninja stars or Amy Rose meeting the Iron King's hammer swing-for-swing, are fantastic. Butler also makes Robotnik look especially sinister and unhinged, adding further intimidation to his scenes with Snively. I also like the little details Butler adds to Snively, such as his eyes bulging out when Rotor takes a swing at him. It's a really strong looking issue.

Issue 210 concludes with Sonic and the others returning to Mobotropolis, crashing the Tornado through the city's dome. It's actually a moment that works really well, making the entire comic seem like a nice build-up to that arrival. Over all, the first part of “Home Invasion” is a solid story, full of action and likable character moments, even with a few minor plot holes. Will the Iron Dominion end on a up note? Maybe! If nothing else, the first part is pretty good. [7/10]