Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 218

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 218
Publication Date: October 2010

I gave positive props to issue 217 of Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog” series, mostly because it was pretty well written. However, there was something else I liked about it that I didn't really mention. The story is set in and around the Oil Ocean Zone. I'm sure most longtime “Sonic” fans remember the Oil Ocean Zone from “Sonic the Hedgehog 2.” It's always been a favorite stage of mine. The music is awesome. The stage is full of clever gimmicks and traps, the title lending oil just being part of it. So I was happy to see the stage finally canonized in the comic book.

“Thicker Than Water: Part 2” picks up with Sonic and Bunnie fighting. The conflict between the two friends has come to blows, Bunnie being protective of her uncle why Sonic is incensed that the long time Freedom Fighter has seemingly aligned herself with the Dark Egg Legion. However, the two quickly realize they shouldn't be fighting each other and devise a scheme. They find a way to tear apart the Oil Ocean Zone, fucking up Robotnik's oil supply, while also preventing the Sand Blasters from getting access to the base.

Compared to the usual punching marathons Ian shoves into the book, the scuffle between Sonic and Bunnie is a lot more compelling. First off, we care a lot about these characters. Secondly, this conflict is based in important issues of family and loyalty. Better yet, Flynn doesn't drag things out. Sonic and Bunnie, being long time friends, quickly realize fighting each other isn't productive. The combat scenes are also beautifully rendered by Ben Bates, who seems to relish a chance to portray the heroes smashing through pipes and structures.

The conflict here isn't just between Sonic and Bunnie. Uncle Beauregard's continued role also emphasizes that this is a story about family. After seeing the havoc they've reeked on the refinery, Beauregard becomes enraged at Bunnie. However, as the title indicates, blood is ultimately thicker than water or oil. He forgives his niece, especially after the specifics of the plan is discussed. It's a nice emotional bow on this story. Also floating around the two-parter's familial themes is the introduction of Matilda, a Dark Egg Legion member who is obviously Mighty the Armadillo's little sister. Matilda shows promise as a character but, sadly, that's a plot point Ian wouldn't get to before the continuity reboot.

(Also notable: Matilda's robot arms are patterned after the arms of the titular giant robot from the anime series “The Big O.” Combined with her perpetually droopy eyelids and calm demeanor, this causes me to imagine her voice as the same as Dorothy the Android's dub actress.)

We also learn a little bit more about the Sand Blasters in this one. The bear and lizard characters are still pretty underdeveloped. However, I like that the wolf character is clearly the brains of the team, prone to loquacious English and cooking up various devices. Also, there's the green roadrunner who has an slightly manic, highly energetic personality. You might notice that this is rather similar to Bean the Duck. A similarity that Sonic lampshades. So Flynn is at least upfront about his reoccurring tendencies as a writer. Still, considering Jack Rabbit was the only Sand Blaster that previously had any personality, that's still an improvement.

In the back pages, we are greeted to “Hindsight.” In their secret base, Robotnik and Snively are plotting something sinister. The Eggman decides to rake Snively over the coals, considering his recent betrayal. The mad doctor forces his nephew to cut all ties with the Iron Queen, who he has secretly been communicating with and plotting to free. Even after being forced to say he's done with Regina, Snively has plans of his own.

“Hindsight' isn't a bad little five-pager. It serves a decent narrative purpose. After screwing him over in favor of the Iron Dominion, it makes sense for Robotnik to want pure obedience from Snively. Meanwhile, it's also in keeping with his personality that Snively would have other ideas. His undying love for the Iron Queen, despite how she clearly was just using him, displays how pathetic the little guy is. I'm a fan of Robotnik and Snively's fucked-up relationship so this makes for compelling reading, even if “Foresight” is mostly just a reminder to readers what these guys are up to these days.

Issue 218 is also pretty nice looking too. Ben Bates' pencils on the cover story remain of high quality. Jamal Peppers draws the back-up and its also up to his high standards as well. The second part of “Thicker Than Water” isn't as impressive as the first half but it still provides a solid conclusion to a pretty good story. All in all, this is a solid issue. [7/10]