Sonic Universe: Issue 16

Sonic Universe: Issue 16
Publication Date: May 2010

As I said at the start of my “Journey to the East” reviews, I always thought this was a weird idea for a “Sonic Universe” arc. This is a series about Sonic's supporting cast, right? It's right there in the title. We're exploring the other corners of Sonic's universe. So why is a story arc starring Sonic being published in this book? I have a theory. “Journey to the East” is a pretty slow story arc, low on action and heavy on backstory. Maybe Flynn was nervous about putting such a low-key story in the main book? I don't know, I might be giving that guy too much credit.

So the last part of this four-parter is subtitled “A World Under Constant Vigil.” Espio has revealed himself to Sonic, Monkey Khan, and the others. He offers to bring them to the Bride of his clan, though he has to prove he's serious about this whole ninja thing first. Once they get to the cave, the guys have to get through some boobie traps. The negotiations with the chameleon ninjas are very successful and everyone goes home happy.

Flynn mixed it up last time, squeezing some action into a dialogue heavy issue by throwing in an encounter with the Destructix. This time, he leans back on lots of talking. Obviously, I'm not opposed to stories relying on dialogue over action. Some of my favorite “Sonic” issues are entirely character-driven. However, there's a difference between focusing on character and building an entire issue around exposition. That's what I feel like Flynn did with “Journey to the East.” This was an arc devoted to expanding on an under-explored corner of Mobius, which I guess fits the mission statement of “Sonic Universe.” The problem is I don't care about these ninjas. I only like the awesome ninajs that kill people with ninja stars and samurai swords. Not the boring Sonic ninjas!

Honestly, I don't think Flynn was that interested in the ninjas either. “A World Under Constant Vigil” is more about expanding Espio's back story than anything else. Since the introduction of this ninja curve ball, there's been an open question about how this fits into what we already know about Espio. There's some circular dialogue between Espio and his ninja clan leader that results in a two page spread exploring his background. How the chameleon ninjas have observed the Floating Island for years. How Valdez previously held that position, taught Espio, and got him grounded with the locals. How it became more than just a mission when Espio genuinely became Knuckles' friend. This not only confirms what has long been suspected – Espio and Valdez have some connection – but also establishes that this ninja thing is basically a sloppy retcon. Espio is still the guy we've always known and love. (Also the female clan leader is his mom, a nice touch briefly mentioned in dialogue.)

Since there's little action here, Ian attempts to spruce things up. After arriving at the home of the Clan of Constant Vigil, the gang have to jump through some hoops. In order to talk to the clan leader, they must navigate a valley filled with traps. Saws and flamethrowers, things of that nature. Turns out there's an invisible pathway crossing the gab, which can be identified if you toss dirt on it. Okay, Flynn, I've seen “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” too! I actually don't mind the blatant rip-off. It's actually kind of cute how we get a Sonic spin on it. The hedgehog quickly navigates the path, tossing dirt down as he goes, while cracking some trademark Sonic snark. But I think it does speak to how thin this story arc actually was, if Flynn was cribbing from Spielberg to pad it out to four issues.

Whatever problems this one has, the whole issue is nearly redeemed by one page. In order win the trust of Sonic and the others, Espio promises to reveal all the dirt he has on them. It boils down to the chameleon telling Sonic and friends some embarrassing secrets. He mentions the Sneak to Sonic. He points out Captain Super-Fox to Tails, the fan-comic the fox drew back in the “Tails” mini-series. He reveals that he knows about Sally's embarrassing birthmark. (Considering Sally is practically naked at all times, I'm not sure where she could be hiding such a thing.) It's a cute, funny moment that displays Flynn's mastery of this book's obscure, bullshit lore and brings our characters closer together.

Aside from teaching us a little about Espio, all issue 16 of “Sonic Universe” really does is set the stage for the end of the Iron Dominion. In fact, that's what this entire story arc has been about. It hasn't really been a natural story development. Instead, it was a way to wrap up some loose ends that the writer didn't feel like dealing with in the main book. Espio is told to grab the magical fan capable of defeating the Iron King before he leaves. Because it's not technically a deus ex machina if we set it up first, right guys? All of this may serve its purpose but I sort of wish Flynn had found a less dry way to accomplish this.

Well, the covers have been pretty neat, right? In fact, Tracy Yardley's artwork has, generally, been fairly strong for all four of these issues. Now that “Journey to the East” is finished, I guess that means we are really, truly done with this ninja/Monkey Khan business for now. And that's something to be thankful. [5/10]