Sonic Universe: Issue 25

Sonic Universe: Issue 25
Publication Date: February 2011

When “Sonic Universe” was launched, it probably didn't seem like a sure thing. A reliable reader base obviously kept Archie's “Sonic” book running for years and years. But the book's attempt to support a spin-off series have been uneven, to say the least. “Knuckles the Echidna” is the only real example, among half a dozen mini-series that failed to create on-going series. And, least we forget, “Sonic Universe” was a somewhat hastily assembled replacement for “Sonic X.” As faithful as Sonic readers were, there was no guarantee they would stick around for a book essentially about the hedgehog's supporting cast. Of course, “Sonic Universe” ended up being another big success, becoming the longest running “Sonic” spin-off. Issue 25 was its first milestone issue and probably a good sign that the series would continue to be successful.

The latest story arc is focused on Silver. It's called “Fractured Mirror” and the first part is called “Through the Looking Glass,” because Ian Flynn loves subtitles. Anyway, Silver continues to chill in his post-apocalyptic future, as the future Mogul continues to teach him the ways of magic and discipline. Their time together is interrupted by an unexpected figure bursting into the city. The being, a seemingly robotic crocodile, fights Silver and takes a beating before being pacified. After stopping him with some help from Edmund, the elderly Guardian of the now downed Angel Island, the croc escapes through a portal. Silver reluctantly follows, entering into an entirely different dystopian reality.

Silver is really one of Ian Flynn's success stories. As he exists in the video games, Silver the Hedgehog was a total lame-o. Like Shadow, he was another boldly colored hedgehog that was a rival to Sonic. His psychic powers were the only thing to distinguish him and they were, let's face it, a cheap gimmick. Flynn, meanwhile, would take Silver and turn him into a lovable doofus. He stumbles into the past from the future, trying to unravel a mystery he doesn't have all the clues for. He makes plenty of mistakes but there's always based in sincerity. So, amazingly, he managed to make a Silver-focused story line actually seem like a good idea!

It helps that Flynn finally makes Silver's shitty future seem like an interesting location. He does this mostly by focusing on Edmund. We still don't know much about the echidna, though this issue seemingly confirms he's Lara-Su and Argyle's son. However, his personality proves endearing. He's a crotchety old man, eager to let anyone who will listen know how much better things were back in his day. This leads to an especially amusing bit of dialogue about lasers. Edmund makes a good foil for Silver, as the enthusiastic but uncertain young man and the overly certain old man make for a nice contrast.

“Through the Looking Glass” is a solid action story. The fight with the crocodile, which the reader immediately assumes is some alternate universe version of Vector (it is), is entertaining. Silver's psychic powers leads the battle some dynamic variety. Silver is shot out of the sky by lasers and has some debris drop on him. His telekinesis, meanwhile, allows him to manipulate said debris and toss it back at his opponent. He also generates a shield and throws a dumpster around, all of which are pretty cool images. It's good to know Silver can do more than just fly and lift stuff from far away.

What really makes “Through the Looking Glass” good is its final reveal. The reader puts it together before the characters do. Silver enters another broken down city. He sees a huge statue of someone who certainly looks like Enerjak. He's attacked by the rest of the Chaotix, also encased in mechanical shells. Lastly, we meet this new Enerjak... but we've met him before. This is Knuckles, from the alternate reality where he gave in to his dark side and became a tyrant. This is the future of Jani-Ca, the original Lara-Su. It's a plot point Ken Penders dropped years ago and never picked up again. So, once again, here comes Ian Flynn to utilize tiny details the previous writer did nothing with.

Tracy Yardley has been the regular “Sonic” artist for quite some time. To the point where you could say that he's falling into an established style. You know exactly what a Yardley illustrated story is going to look like. However, the artist really outdoes himself with this one. Silver's city is a moody place, full of foreboding buildings and dark alleyways. The Enerjak'd Chaotix, which we'll soon learn are called the Prelates, are really cute designs. It's immediately obvious who they are meant to represent but they still stand as individual designs. Dark Enerjak also has a pretty neat look, unique from previous Enerjaks but clearly in the same line. Yardley also keeps the action beats fresh and exciting. It's some of his best work in quite some time.

I remember “Fractured Mirror” being one of my favorite “Sonic Universe” arcs. Who knows if the whole thing will hold up but the story is certainly off to a strong start. Now that the set-up is out of the way, Flynn can really get down to exploring the world(s) he's showing off here. I'm looking forward to revisiting the rest of it. [7/10]