Sonic Universe: Issue 31

Sonic Universe: Issue 31
Publication Date: August 2011

Looking at this cover reminded me of a little anecdote concerning this particular issue of “Sonic Universe.” Usually, I keep my pile of to-read comic books on the corner of my coffee table. Back in 2011, when the issue was new, my sister was visiting with my then-six year old nephew in tow.  I recall the kid picked up my “Sonic” comics, this issue specifically, and started leafing through it. My sister then asked me if the comic's content was appropriate for him, to which I said it was probably fine. I had completely forgotten about this until I saw the cover image just now. Anyway, on with the review.

Part three of “Inside Job,” subtitled “Inside Job,” follows Scourge as he continues to put together a team, for is upcoming escape from space jail. In this issue, he re-connects with Lightning Lynx and Flying Frog, allowing Flynn to expand on both characters' non-existent back story. After successfully convincing both of them, the escape leaps into action.

If nothing else, “Inside Job” has been a fun story line just for all the silly in-jokes Flynn has thrown in. He has frequently filled the margins with interesting sights. Last issue, Void and Mephilies the Dark showed up briefly. This issue introduces the Zero Zone equivalent of Rouge, who works as the prison's behavioral psychologist. Which is cute. Her therapy class features a robotic Tails, a entity composed entirely of fire, seemingly the Moebius version of Ray the Squirrel, and a bulky version of Amy Rose. (Maybe she's from the same realm as Hulk Sonic.) And if that wasn't fucking nerdy enough for you, there's also a blink-and-miss-it cameo from Silver Snively and Robolactus, the villains from that ill-conceived “Guardians of the Galaxy” parody, last seen a thousand years ago in issue 104 of “Sonic the Hedgehog.” I like this goofy shit.

As I said last time, one of the driving forces behind “Inside Job” was to finally expand on the Destructix's origins. Part three focuses on Lighting Lynx and Flying Frog. However, Flynn has already developed Lightning's back story a little bit. We know he's affiliated with the Raiju Clan ninjas from Monkey Khan's corner of the globe, that he has some connection with the Bride of Conquering Storm. The issue expounds on that a little bit more. Confirming what was hinted at previously, we find out that the lynx had a crush on Conquering Storm. Like some weird Red Sonja shit, courting rituals in the Raiju Clan dictate that a suitor must defeat his potential mate in combat. Lightning failed to do that, being rejected from the ninja brood. In other words: Lightning got friend-zoned and freaked the fuck out, as too often happens. Sort of sad but makes him look like a big creep.

Next comes Flying Frog's origin story. Turns out he was a court jester in that quasi-Arthurian area of Mobius, where Rob O' the Hedge hangs out. He's also a totally deranged murderer, who killed several people back in Murcia. That kind of came out of nowhere, didn't it? Flynn writes Flying very similarly to Bean and Rosy the Rascal, showing that his unhinged characters more-or-less come in one variety. Turning Flying into a straight-up serial killer, when he's only previously been shown to be a little goofy, was a fairly extreme change. It's the only character expansion Flynn goes through here that really bugs me. It seems like he had no idea what to do with Flying and just threw some random shit at the wall.

Once all of that is out of the way, the plot can start to move forward. To paraphrase George Pappard, it is satisfying to watch a plan come together. Within the last few pages, the break-out begins. Watching Lighting and Flying scale the side of the building, seeing Fiona break out, is gratifying to see. As the issue reaches its conclusion, Scourge gets his revenge on Smalls the Cat. Instead of straight up killing the dude, like would happen in an actual prison movie, he simply spin-dashes him into a wall. But the intent is clear. Scourge is done being anyone's butt monkey.

Artwork wise, issue 31 of “Sonic Universe” continues to show good work from Tracy Yardley. How he depicts the flashback are probably my favorite thing about this issue. Lightning's flashback is ringed in purple and green, seemingly the colors most associated with the Raiju clan. A painting of a dragon watches as he gets the shit kicked out of him. Flying's flashback, meanwhile, is depicted in a slightly shakier, more expressionistic fashion. Which invokes his more unstable personality, I suppose. Both are neat touches.

While not quite as strong as the previous two issues, “Inside Job” continues to be a pretty good story arc. I like the setting. I like getting a little more info on these obscure supporting characters, even if some of it gives me pause. I like seeing Scourge transform into a bad ass, reminding all of us why we liked him in the first place. It's a pretty good issue. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW): Issue 7

Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW): Issue 7
Publication Date: July 25, 2018

IDW has been publishing their “Sonic” comic for only four months now but one difference between Sonic’s new home and his old home at Archie is already apparent. The San Diego Comic Con was this month. Though now devoted to a hundred other forms of popular culture, actual comic book news is still frequently announced at SDCC. In the two decades Archie was publishing “Sonic,” I can recall exactly one occasion of them ever announcing any “Sonic” news there. IDW, meanwhile, had a big panel devoted to “Sonic.” They announced an upcoming one-shot devoted to promoting that new racing game that’s coming out. They showed off a new character - the terribly mysterious Whisper the Wolf - and released a version of this issue with two special covers exclusive to convention attendees. Whether or not IDW will still be putting this much effort into promoting the book after it’s been running for a few years remains to be seen. However, it already seems to me that IDW cares more about getting the word out than Archie ever did.

Though big shot comic con people got to read issue 7 early, we plebeians had to wait for its physical/digital release earlier this week. Contained within is “Meet the New Boss.” Hopefully, I wasn’t the only Who fan who Pavlovianly responded to that with “Same as the old boss!” This was likely Ian Flynn’s intention, as the issue begins with Sonic and Tails intercepting an Eggman Empire airship. Sonic quickly runs to the cockpit and sees Dr. Eggman inside. However, he quickly deduces this is a copy. The clone reveals its true identity: Metal Sonic. And the robotic hedgehog intends on carrying out his old master’s plans.

I’ll give Flynn this much. His double zig-zag plot twist did catch me off guard. After seemingly setting up Infinite as the new big bad, he reveals that it’s actually Metal Sonic behind the Badniks' activity. This is still disappointing, as Metal Sonic was everyone’s first guess as to the true identity of the new mastermind. So, after making it look like the book was going to go in a different, more interesting direction, it then heads in the direction that all of us were expecting. The big mystery that the first half of the book’s first year revolves around dissolves in the least interesting way possible.

Metal Sonic - who has relapsed back into his high school “Matrix” phase, as he’s wearing black leather and insisting people call him “Neo” - does not distinguish himself as a villain right out of the gate. In fact, Metal’s goal is to make sure Eggman’s plans run exactly as the doctor intended. I’m sure Flynn is going somewhere with this. A confrontation between Metal and Eggman’s newly benevolent persona is surely forthcoming. However, if a villain that was going to act exactly like Eggman was what he was going with, why didn’t he just use Eggman in the first place? The only differentiation Metal Sonic brings to this role is his laser-focused need to prove his superiority over Sonic. It’s just further proof to me that Metal Sonic is kind of boring.

Moreover, the book justifies Neo Metal Sonic’s reappearance in an awkward way. When the robot is revealed, he takes a minute to espouse on his origin. Using some very clunky “as you know” style exposition, he explains that something similar to this already happened, during the “Sonic Heroes” video game that I am now forced to acknowledge as canon. He then goes on to say that Eggman removed his rebellious tendencies before rebuilding him. Why Eggman would rebuild a robot that previously tried to kill him is not addressed. So, within a few panels, Flynn admits that this plot point is derivative and doesn’t make much sense.

But maybe I’m overthinking it. It wouldn’t be the first time. Because, like quite a few of his Archie issues, this one is heavily focused on action. The book skips right to Sonic and Tails flying over the new Egg Carrier, dispensing with any set-up whatsoever. He goes racing across the landing strip of the ship. He speeds pass explosive rounds being fired by cannons. Naturally, there’s a big fight scene with Metal Sonic, the robot proving more than capable of catching up to his organic counterpart. Some Egg Pawns get smooshed. I’m not really complaining, as it’s all entertaining, but Flynn’s desires to get to the fighting and exploding does seem to take precedence over character or plot some times.

It all looks really cool, which helps. After blowing the doors off with his work in issue 2, Adam Bryce Thomas returns to illustrate another issue. His work is not quite as graphically overwhelming this time. There’s even one coloring error, when Sonic grows a weird oval shaped mouth. (Like last time, Thomas does all his own inking and coloring, so that one is totally on him.) However, Thomas is still the best artist working on this book so far. He continues to handle action in a highly cinematic fashion. He truly conveys a sense of speed, as Sonic and Metal blur around each other during their fight. The artist is committed to making sure every image makes as much of an impact as possible. Which really pops in a book where, thus far, a lot of the art has felt a little phoned in.

The book’s best moment are not focused on punching and kicking though. After Metal Sonic catches up with the original, the two have a tense exchange. Holding Sonic by the throat, he gives him the option of telling him Eggman’s location or falling to his death. Sonic grins back and says he “never fears the fall.” He’s not just referencing Tails and the Tornado being right below, ready to whisk him to safety. He’s letting the villain know that not even the threat of death will keep him from doing the right thing. It’s a brag that doubles as a clear declaration of Sonic’s morals and heroic strength. And I like shit like that.

I also like the way the book concludes, with Sonic regrouping with Tails, Knuckles, and Amy. He informs them of this new info and they change their plans accordingly. Considering Sonic has been such a loner so far in this book, it’s nice to see him interacting with his friends as a team again. This just might be because I miss the Freedom Fighters but giving the hero a core group of friends, people he cares  about and depends on, makes him a more fully fleshed out being. Amy also says she’s going to call on the Resistance to help them. Hopefully, this means we’ll be seeing more of Sonic working with his friends (including Tangle) in the near future.

By the way, this issue has five variant covers and they’re all pretty nice. My favorite is the regular cover, which ominously depicts Sonic as a super fast wrecking ball racing up the deck of the Egg Carrier. The B cover, also from Bryce Thomas, is also pretty nice. The colors are pretty and the image is dramatic. Though the other covers aren’t as striking, they’re all pretty cool. As for the issue itself, I generally liked it while still being very disappointed in the villain’s true nature. [6/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 228

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 228
Publication Date: August 2011

In the second half of August of 2011, Archie's celebratory “Genesis” event just kept on rolling. Part three, subtitled “Divide and Conquer,” moves on to adapt “Sonic the Hedgehog 2.” Sonic introduces the Freedom Fighters to Tails, who he apparently has known for quite a while. As the tremors continues on Mobius, Sally points out that Eggman's industry complex continues to operate. Sonic was right: The Eggman still lives, watching from his flying Death Egg fortress in the planet's upper solar system. The Freedom Fighters head off to destroy the villain's resources but some interpersonal drama rears its head.

While the first two issues of “Genesis” manage to hit just about every beat from the first “Sonic” game, Flynn's adaptation of “Sonic 2” is a bit more abbreviated. Emerald Hill Zone is mostly indistinguishable from Green Hill Zone and only recognizable because of a corkscrew bridge in the background. The characters quickly run over to the Chemical Plant Zone. From there, we head towards Oil Ocean Zone and Metropolis Zone. I'm sort of bummed that we didn't get to see Sonic and the gang explore the Aquatic Ruins or the Mystic Caves. It would've been cool to see fan favorites like Hill Top Zone or Casino Night Zone. (Though the latter probably would've been hard to fit in.) I guess Flynn couldn't find a way to squeeze those in, considering “Genesis” is quickly speeding towards its conclusion.

Though, I guess, if you had to pick one stage from “Sonic 2” to highlight, it would likely be Chemical Plant and Oil Ocean, two faves of mine. Flynn even justifies both areas. Robotnik is manufacturing all the fuel in Chemical Plant to power the Death Egg, with the oil drilling Oil Ocean likely serving a similar purpose. Flynn devotes page space to Chemical Plant's most famous elements. Such as the floating platforms or the pressurized tubeways Sonic can ride through. Or, most importantly, the infamous Tunnel of Death. Seasoned Sonic fans will surely know what I mean by that: The part where you have to navigate up a vertical tunnel, leaping across floating bricks, as the area slowly fills with mega muck. That notoriously nerve wrecking area gets a whole sequence devoted to it, Flynn justifying the floating bricks as a magnetic conveyor belt of sorts. It's not as suspenseful as the real thing – Flynn includes comedic sights like a frightened Tails or Rotor being trampolined up into the air – but big points are rewarded strictly for its inclusion.

“Divide and Conquer” also continues to develop the relationships between these newly memory-wiped version of the characters. Tails being introduced as someone Sonic already knows was probably the easiest way to handle that, even it feels slightly like a cheat. Their brotherly relationship is nicely displayed, Sonic goofing around with the kid even in the heat of battle. Equally important is Sonic and Sally's relationship, which escalates here to white hot flirting. After saving her from the Tunnel of Death, a whole panel is devoted to the intense eye-contact they make. Which could not be more satisfying to an old Sonic/Sally shipper like myself.

Simply letting the characters play off each as they progress through the levels worked pretty well for the first two issues of “Genesis.” But I guess Flynn figured he had to pump shit up as the end got closer. So there's some not entirely convincing drama in “Divide and Conquer.” Sally is insistent that the Freedom Fighters have to take out Robotnik's resource if they hope to defeat him. Sonic is more interested in attacking the big guy and smashing him directly. Due to this difference in opinion, the hedgehog and his fox sidekick go their separate ways from the Freedom Fighters. The real reason why this happens is because Sonic gets a brief flash of Sally's death from the main timeline, presumably shocking him into a random asshole mood. But it doesn't play out in the most natural way.

Despite frequently being talked about, Eggman doesn't appear in much of this issue. We briefly visit the Death Egg, which Robotnik and Snively escaped to and launched into space at some point. What follows is a cute scene of the two playing off each other. See, the universal reboot scrambled Eggman's mind as well. He can't even remember what his master plan is anymore, simply knowing that Phase 2 is on its way. I mostly like this because of Snively's baffled reaction to his confused boss. I like comedic Eggman in small doses like this, as opposed to it being his primary personality. In this context, it's fine. Even fun!

After getting two issues of awesome Patrick Spaziante art simply filled out by Tracy Yardley, Yardley goes solo on this one. However, I think working closely with Spaz rubbed off on Tracy some. “Divide and Conquer” looks really good, Yardley sacrificing some of his trademark cartoony elements in favor of some Spaz-like, animesque detail. Sally, in particular, looks especially curvaceous and powerful in several panels. There some dramatic use of shadowing and silhouette, as well as characters leaping across panels, also trademarks of Spaz's style. You can still tell that Yardley drew this one, such as when it comes to Antoine or the facial expressions, but I don't mind a little of Spaz's chocolate getting in his peanut butter.

Issue 228's cover is a gorgeous homage to “Sonic the Hedgehog 3's” box art, even though the story has nothing to do with that particular game. Much the same way issue 227's cover was a homage to “Sonic 2” without actually adapting the game. I can't bitch too much about that, since patterning each issue's cover after a classic game box was too tempting. While not as strong as the first half of “Genesis,” the third part is still pretty good. I'm still having fun in this setting. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 227

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 227
Publication Date: August 2011

After a brief delay of one month, the main “Sonic” book – and the “Genesis” event happening within – was back on track in August of 2011 with issue 227. While I love Spaz' homage-riffic cover, I must point out that it is very misleading. The cover is a stylish recreation of “Sonic 2's” American box art. The comic story inside adapts the second half of the original “Sonic the Hedgehog.” Tails is present on the cover. Tails is not present in the story. Lastly, Eggman does not transform into a mountain destroying giant monster. But that didn't happen in the video game either. I guess the temptation of making the first three issues of “Genesis” each a homage to the next game in the original series was too overwhelming. I probably would've done it that way too.

Part two is subtitled “Friends and Fate,” a pretty accurate summation of the story's theme. Having apparently skipped right over the Spring Hill Zone, Sonic and the Freedom Fighters arrive in the subterranean Labyrinth Zone. They continue to face challenges as they fight their way through the rising water and enemy Badniks. They make it through to the Starlight Zone but not without seemingly loosing Antoine to a waterfall. The loss of a friend motivates them further and they take the fight to Eggman, in his base inside the Scrap Brain Zone.

As I mentioned last time, “Genius' continues to be a highly satisfying adaptation of the original “Sonic” game. Yes, Spring Hill Zone is a no show. As much as I love that level, it never did fit the narrative flow of the original game very much, did it? Truthfully, seeing the watery peril of the Labyrinth Zone, the windy turbines of the Starlight Zone, and the booby traps of the Scrap Brain Zone brought to life made me smile. Flynn does a really good job of cooking every iconic stage down to its most iconic elements. There's not much story wise to heroes walking through perilous areas but the environments still provide plenty of tension, action, and adventure.

Last time, I also mentioned how everyone's personalities have been slightly simplified for this quasi-alternate universe story. That's still true here but it works in its own charming way. I got a real SatAM vibe from “Friends and Fate.” Antoine is still the somewhat cowardly load, though his courage is already starting to show through and he proves useful in other ways. Sonic and Antoine spent a few panels jibbing at each other for Sally's affection. (Which just acts as more flirting between the hedgehog and the heroine.) Everyone is on an adventure, working together and fighting against the bad guy to survive and save others. It's simple, sure, but I fucking love SatAM. I cannot dislike a comic that invokes it so strongly.

Flynn even attempts to incorporate some pathos. While escaping the Labyrinth Zone, Antoine seems to fall to his death. Sally is shaken to loose a friend and a fellow Freedom Fighter. We all know Antoine isn't dead. He comes back before the issue is over, in a comical and not entirely well explained well. Sally and the others even believe that they're going to be reunited with their friend, through a nebulous feeling that is actually the aftereffects of their lives in the prime universe. But it's still a decently emotional moment. Flynn invokes it again when Rotor nearly falls down a trap door in Scrap Brain. If nothing else, these scenes show how much this ragtag group of characters care about each other, providing some decent heart to what is otherwise a straight-forward action story.

As I've mentioned before, I believe “Genesis” might have been seen as a chance to bring some new readers into the book. So the Freedom Fighters having strange feelings or strange shared thoughts isn't just Flynn acknowledging the cosmic shift that recently took place. It's also a hint to new readers to maybe check out the main book some time. Yet these moments of deja vu and unexplainable connection among the characters is also the issue's weakest element. By constantly referencing this, Flynn is making it feel like the characters really are just being pushed through a series of checkpoints. Maybe “Genesis” would be stronger, or at least more natural feeling, if the Freedom Fighters' truly had no memory at all of the Prime Zone.

Spaz continues to provide the main pencils, with some help from Yardley, on the issues. Once again, Spaz' work is of the absolutely highest quality. The second part of “Genesis” looks even more exciting and dynamic then the first. Spaziante really employs a near-cinematic panel construction. Panels like Sally looking over a ledge, a Badnik rushing through the water,  Sonic lunging for the falling Antoine, or Sally sliding to grab Rotor have such an incredible sense of movement. Spaz also says a lot with a little. One page, showing the Freedom Fighters' run through the Starlight Zone, struggling with fans and cherry bombs, is full of so much personality. Visuals like these are one of the things that made me fall in love with this comic in the first place.

“Friends and Fates” still has its flaws. Eggman's defeat is a bit of a cop-out and the expectation that he'll be back next time, heavily lampshaded, draws even more power from the ending. But it's a fleetly written issue, with some decent character moments. It's a really fun adventure that is fantastically brought to life by some great artwork. The first half of “Genesis” is quite a solid comic book. [8/10]

Sonic Universe: Issue 30

Sonic Universe: Issue 30
Publication Date: July 2011

When it comes to Best/Worst list, which I do whenever I wrap a year's worth of reviews up, I more-or-less make shit up at the last minute. However, I've got to say that issue 30 of “Sonic Universe” is definitely a front runner for my favorite cover art of 2011. It's such a fun image, isn't it? Seeing Scourge and the Destrutix in a police line-up, showing lots of personality and attitude, says so much about their characters. These guys stand as a team and you don't want to mess with them.

Part two of “Inside Job,” “Any Port in the Storm,” begins with Scourge in much the same place as before: Getting his ass beat. However, this time, the hedgehog villain has a purpose. After his encounter with the Destrutrix last time, he realizes he has a chance to finally get out of this hellhole. So he proceeds to win the loyalty of the different Destrutrix, biding his time until he can take revenge on those who have wronged him.

“Any Port in the Storm” is clearly the middle part of the story. Issue 30 is devoted to moving plot points into place, so that the rest of the adventure can happen. There's a long series of panels devoted to Warden Zobotnik meeting with Scourge, expressing concern about what the Destrutix have planned for him. It's an issue about Scourge meeting his teammates, winning them over to his side. There's other plot points sprinkled throughout, like Anti-St. John overhearing Fiona Fox's conversation, suggesting King Maxx's role in this arc isn't quite over yet. It's not super smooth but there is something satisfying about seeing a plan come together.

Yet these events serve another purpose as well. Yes, Scourge gets a beating at the beginning of the issue. However, the evil hedgehog is starting to get his mojo back. He's scheming more, plotting his eventual escape from the prison. He's not wallowing in his misery, taking beatings because he has nothing better to do. He's beginning to show why he was such a formidable villain in the first place. So our villain antagonist has got a character arc, which is nice.

However, even this isn't the primarily purpose of this issue. Instead, it's about one of Flynn's favorite things: Fixing bullshit previously writers introduced. He finally gives the Destrutrix a definitive origin. This issue is devoted to exploring the back stories of Fiona Fox, Sgt. Simian, and Predator Hawk. (Lighting Lynx and Flying Frog get their share next time.) Fiona was introduced in 1995 while the other two joined the comic in 1996. That's fifteen or sixteen years in-between introduction and actually learning about these characters. That just goes to show you how fast and loose this comic was with its cast in the early years!

For the most part, the origins are pretty satisfying too. We learn that Fiona is an orphan, abandoned by her parents and enslaved by Robotnik early in her life. Flynn has always been fond of connecting seemingly unrelated plot points – what TV Tropes calls Arc Wielding – and utilizes that here. Predator Hawk's back story is connected to both the Battle Bird Armada and the Babylon Rogues. Connecting such an old character to more recent introductions bugs me slightly. Sgt. Simian's back story is fucking great though. His origin is connected with the Gorilla Army, introduced way back in issue 45 of “Sonic,” which is a very natural tie-in. He's a self-made soldier, defying his society's pacifist ways to take the fight to Robotnik. (We also find out that he's literally a Sergeant, so it's not just a catchy name.) Moreover, we find out their motivations. Predator is motivated by a need to find worthy adversaries. Sgt. Simian is motivated by a need to prove his strength. Just like that, these guys go from thin sketches to fleshed out characters.

You know the most surprising part of this issue? Flynn actually makes me like Verti-Cal and Horizont-Al a little! I know, this is a shocking revelation. The obnoxious twins are basically the story's comic relief. Why Scourge is getting roughed up, the two little guys stand back and talk about how happy they are someone besides them are getting beaten up. They even get a really funny line about how the prison guards like to beat people up! Holy shit, up is down and down is up, you guys. I may be coming around to Cal and Al. It only took nearly two decades.

Tracy Yardley's pencils continue to be strong too, for those that were curious. Though generally not as good as the previous issue, I'm still having a good time with “Scourge: Lockdown.” This is very much an in-between point for the story. However, learning some things about long neglected cast members is perfect for me, a fucking nerd who has been reading this comic book for way too long. [7/10]

Sonic Universe: Issue 29

Sonic Universe: Issue 29
Publication Date: June 2011

“Genesis” was the first time in a while that Archie had set up a big event story arc for their “Sonic the Hedgehog” comic. This would become a more regular thing going forward. The next huge event would play out through both the primary “Sonic” book and “Sonic Universe.” During “Genesis,” however, “Sonic Universe” went about its normal thing, making no attempt to compete with the fan-favorite event happening simultaneously. It devoted a four issue arc to Scourge breaking out of space jail alternate reality jail. I almost feel like Flynn was trying to sneak this one out while nobody was looking. In a weird way, that worked in “Scourge: Lock Down's” favor.

Last time we saw Scourge the Hedgehog, he had been defeated by Sonic, left humiliated on his home planet. The Zone Cops have dragged him away to a prison in their reality. The former king of Moebius is not taking it well. He's bullied and belittled by his fellow in-mates, his only friends being the only bigger losers in the prison, Verti-Cal and Horizont-Al. Soon, a new shipment arrives. It's Fiona and the Destructix. They've devised a plan to bring Scourge out. But the hedgehog isn't so certain...

Scourge, as we've previously seen him, has been Sonic's cockiest enemy. He's all the negative attributes of the hedgehog hero crank up to ten, so naturally his ego is insufferable. With “Inside Job: Part 1,” Flynn brings the villain down to zero. Scourge is routinely humiliated, beaten up by other in-mates, his spines cut short, and intimidated at every turn. This process takes Scourge from lovably wicked bad guy to adorable loser. He's fucking pathetic and you can't help but feel bad for him. It's a clever writing trick on Flynn's behalf, a way to make reader emphasize with one of the comic's most amoral villains, but mostly it's just fun seeing Scourge be the punk for once.

Another purpose of this story is rearranging old characters into new roles. The Destructix, in one form or another, have been floating around the comic for over a decade. Recently, they've been mercenaries, showing up whenever Flynn needed a team of heavies for Sonic to wail on. “Inside Job” re-configures the team as Scourge's flunkies. These guys have worked with Scourge before but now they are exclusively the green hedgehog's henchmen. It's a pretty good idea. In the rest of the arc, Flynn would use this as a chance to explore the team's back stories, which where still mostly untouched on.

Another reason I'm fond of “Inside Job” might just be my love of prison movies. Though less well explored, the prison flick genre has just as stable a collection of rules and tropes as the slasher movie or rom-com. There's always a sadistic warden, various gangs in the prison, abuse among the inmates, and the whole thing usually concludes in a riot. Since this is a kid's book, Flynn can't directly quote this stuff. However, Scourge does have a physically larger cellmate that bosses him around, making him the G-rated equivalent of a prison bitch. The sadistic warden is accounted for, with an alternate version of Robotnik taking a little too much joy in punishing his inmates. There's no skinheads or white supremacist in this prison but gang lines are still apparent. I'm just saying, this is the best possible Sonic the Hedgehog-related version of "Death Warrant."

The alternate universe gimmick also allows Flynn to have some fanboy fun with the premise. The background of the space jail is filled with old and new faces. We get to briefly meet versions of various Sonic stalwarts from Scourge's zone. Scourge's bullies in the prison yard are alternate versions of Lupe, Sleuth Dawg, and Drago. Scourge's aforementioned cell mate is the Anti-Mobius version of Big the Cat, named “Smalls.” (I see what you did there, Flynn.) Evil versions of Geoffrey St. John and King Max put in plot relevant appearances. Seeing Al and Cal in jail is also fitting, considering that's where they belong. We get one-panel cameos from “Sonic '06's” Mephiles the Dark and “Sonic Shuffle's” Void – one of the rare times the comic has acknowledged those games – and Bebop and Rocksteady even show up. As someone who obsessively reads and re-reads Alan Moore's “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” and things like that, to catch all the little references in the background, I really appreciate that.

Tracy Yardley is pulling pencil duties this time and does a good job, like always. A setting this creative leads to some neat sights. The Zone Cops still occupy vertical space. Yardley depicts them interacting with the prisoners in various interesting ways, via platforms and magnetic boots. Yardley also delights in depicting Scourge's turmoil. The panels devoted to his abuse – his spines shaved, being dunked into like a basketball by a beefy Knuckles look-a-like – were clearly illustrated with a lot of glee. The colorists did a good job on this one too, as it's a moody looking book.

So Scourge's “Sonic Universe” arc is off to a good start. I'm not terribly invested in the plot yet but there are other joys here. Primarily, the amusing setting and high entertainment value of Scourge being in such a predicament. I remember this being an entertaining arc so let's hope my memories don't let me down this time. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 226

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 226
Publication Date: June 2011

In 2011, the “Sonic the Hedgehog” multimedia franchise turned twenty years old. That's right, the series was nearly of drinking age. Sega commemorated this momentous occasion with the release of three video games: “Sonic Generations,” a retro leaning game that addressed some of the long-held concerns about the series' modern direction while ignoring others. They also released “Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1,” a huge disappointment, and “Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games,” a game I'd comment on except, like everyone else in the world, I've never played it.

Archie's comic book series, which had ran for nearly as long by this point, picked a different route to celebrate. They kicked off a four-part story arc called “Genesis.” Following the retro direction “Generations” took the series in, the event would loosely adapt the first two original “Sonic” games, from all the way back in the Genesis (Megadrive for you limey bastards) era. Ian Flynn would express disappointment with the story, saying it was rushed through development. However, it remains a fan favorite. Archie would even greet the story arc with more pomp and circumstance than usual, giving it lots of advertising and republishing the story in a nice, hardcover trade collection.

The first part of “Genesis” is subtitled “In the Beginning...,” a religious reference that has no deeper meaning so don't read into it, Zack. Anyway, following Robotnik's activation of the Genesis Wave in issue 225, Sonic awakens in the Green Hill Zone. He has no memory of the past and only a vague conception of who he is. However, he quickly deduces that running fast and fucking up robots is what he does. Soon enough, he becomes aware of a mysterious person named Eggman and his plot to turn little animals into living batteries for his robotic minions. He plans on converting the entire natural world into a mechanical wasteland. Right then and there, Sonic decides to fight this enemy. Along the way, he encounters a group of Mobians calling themselves the Freedom Fighters, also determined to defeat the Eggman.

“Genesis” attempts to reduce the “Sonic” series back down to its essential elements. The original “Sonic” game was very light on story but touched upon potent ideas. At its core, “Sonic” is a franchise about a small creature fighting against a destructive, industrial take-over of his peaceful, natural world. “In the Beginning...” touches upon this in the briefest of ways. Sonic quickly realizes that the exploitation of nature is wrong and, due to his quick wits and natural moral sense, decides to fight it. Some stories would make me wonder if he was ignorant of it but this issue makes it pretty clear that Ian Flynn understands the core components of Sonic.

Refreshingly, he also considers the Freedom Fighters one of those key components. As I mentioned last time, some fans were concerned Sega would use “Genesis” as a way to remove Sally and the Freedom Fighters – cast members tied to a long canceled cartoon the corporation never acknowledges – from the book. Flynn rebuffs this concern quickly. Within a few pages, Sonic pops the prison capsule at the end of Green Hill Zone and out pops Sally, Antoine, and Rotor. Flynn clearly presents the point that these characters give Sonic, someone otherwise satisfied with running around aimlessly, a sense of direction and purpose. It also gives him someone to play off of. Within a few panels, Sonic and Sally are flirting and snipping with each other. Because the sexual tension is necessary. The sexual tension is absolute. The sexual tension is good.

As I've noted before, I suspect big event stories like “Genesis” were designed to bring in new readers. Perhaps the hope was classic “Sonic” fans, drawn to the book directly adapting the original game, would pick up the series? As sometimes happens when an event like this is planned, Flynn has to re-introduce Sonic and the supporting cast. To accomplish this, he simplifies everyone's personalities a little. Antoine is now the cowardly French surrender monkey SatAM depicted him as. Eggman isn't much more than a cackling villain, sporting his simplified classic design. Rotor is depicted as both the team's brawn and also their gadget guy. Sally, for some reason, gains the ability to communicate with lower animal lifeforms through the power of song. Sonic remains the most constant and that's, perhaps, how it should be. This is intended as both a ground level for newbies to come in on and also an intentional throwback to the franchise's earlier days.

“Genesis” is a fan favorite for a simple reason: Long time “Sonic” nerds get a thrill out of seeing the original games referenced. Why do you think Sega keeps bringing Green Hill Zone back? Considering the hundreds of “Sonic” stories Archie had published at this point, it's surprising they've never done a straight-up adaptation of that first game. So seeing Sonic and the gang run through Green Hill and the Marble Zone, seeing them battle Buzz Bombers and Catakillers, is a thrill. This is a speedy action story, focused on getting our cast through those stages as quickly as possible. To make this go down smoothly, Flynn throws in lots of humor – see Sonic and Sally's flirting or Antoine's cowardice – and plenty of action.

Further marking “Genesis'” status as the biggest “Sonic” event in a quite a while is the artwork. It's been 128-plus issues since Patrick Spaziante has drawn an actual “Sonic” comic. Technically, Spaz only did the outlines for this issue, which were then finished by Tracy Yardley. However, Spaz' command of dynamic action is still very clear. Shots of Sonic smashing Motobugs, or flying through Green Hill Zone on a Neutron, just leap off the page. Panels were Rotor smashes a Catakiller or Sally leaps out an enemies way are brought to life with a fantastic sense of speed. And it must be said that Sally and the Freedom Fighters never look better than when Spaz draws them. It's all really good looking except for two panels of Snively, where Robotnik's nephew looks especially grotesque.

“Genesis” is not a probing piece of highly dramatic writing. However, it is a lot of fun. The book looks great and seeing the old stages brought to life are fun. As always, I also enjoy seeing Sonic and the Freedom Fighters on an adventure together. Momentarily casting off the book's massive backstory and lore produces a fleet-footed and fun story. “Genesis” is off to a pretty good start. [7/10]

Sonic Universe: Issue 28

Sonic Universe: Issue 28
Publication Date: May 2011

It's entirely possible I'm too hard on “Sonic Universe.” By the time issue 28 came out, the series had been running for slightly more than two years. Before the Silver Saga began in issue 25, there hadn't been very many story arcs in the book I wholeheartedly enjoyed. I really love the Shadow arc that began the book. The stories after that either had strong beginnings and weak endings – like the Tails-focused arc or “Mobius: 30 Years Later” – or generally suffered from weak pacing and poor executed, like everything else. “Shattered Mirror” was also not a perfect story but managed to be much stronger than most anything else found in “Sonic Universe,” allowing the spin-off to finally come into its own.

Anyway, where were we? “Picking Up the Pieces,” part four of “Shattered Mirror,” begins with Dark Enerjak and Silver fighting it out. Lara-Su, meanwhile, uses the Sword of Acorn to fight and protect the Prelate, versions of her family and friends that Enerjak has robbed of spirit and enslaved. Silver and the god-like villain rumble until the hedgehog completely gets his ass-kicked. At that point, he realizes a change in strategy is needed.

Most of issue 28 is devoted to the fight between Silver and Enerjak. This is a rumble between probably two of the most powerful characters in Archie “Sonic” lore, meaning Flynn has to go really big for this one. Silver tosses entire buildings at Enerjak, which he disintegrates in seconds. An especially cool action beat involves the hero throwing the villain through the face of his own statue. The fight peaks with two massive comic book style images I really appreciate. Enerjak lifts the entire Floating Island upward, smashing it into Silver. In response, he ensnares the bad guy and drags him across the island's surface at super speed.

Action theatrics of this level are fun but, come on, stuff like this only goes so far. “Picking Up the Pieces” does pause for one or two emotional moment. After dragging Enerjak around, Silver believes for a second that he's actually killed the tyrant. He has a moment of regret, believing he's gone too far. Naturally, Enerjak is functionally immortal so he's very much still alive. But it's a cute little character beat, revealing some of Silver's ethics. Lara-Su/Jani-Ca gets a similar beat. She ultimately decides that saving her friends and family now are more important to here than not hurting them at the time, using the Sword of Acorn to battle them. It's a little but that heart elevates things a little.

All of the crazy action is ultimately a bit of a misdirect. Silver doesn't use brute strength to save the day. He eventually realizes that he's simply not as strong as Enerjak. He can't out-punch him so he has to out-think him. What he comes up with is slightly disappointing. He simply redirects Enerjaks' attacks back at him. That's the kind of shit you do to defeat a level two boss in an old video game, not the kind of raw tactics that take down supervillains. That Enerjak, someone who can easily bend the laws of physics to his whims, falls for it so easily is the underwhelming bit. (This also feeds into a moment where Silver realizes the strength to defeat his opponent have been in him all along, a cheesy but satisfying bit of writing.)

Even these tactics are a bit of a misdirect. Silver's plan is to distract Enerjak until Lara-Su gets an opening. One poke from the Sword of Acorn drains Knuckles' power into his daughter, making Jani-Ca the newest Enerjak. Unlike her dad and ancestor, she doesn't go immediately power mad, suggesting what happens when someone becomes so powerful depends a lot on the person. It's actually a really neat image to conclude on, Jani-Ca gaining her dad's power and, within seconds, showing him up. What happens next – the Guardian undoing all of her dad's evils, off-panel but presumably in minutes – is a bit too much on the clean side.

Such an action heavy issue does allows Tracy Yardley plenty of chances to flex his artistic muscles. I continue to adore Jani-Ca and Dark Enerjak's designs, with all their little details and pointy ends. Silver and Knuckles shooting energy bolts at each other could've been a depicted as the two just tossing fireballs. Yardley makes the action more dynamic, by depicting the two thrusting and parrying with each other. Yardley's mastery of facial expressions is evident in the final confrontation between Jani-Ca and Knuckles, showing her rage and exuberance as she smashes the Sword of Acorn and robs Enerjak of his power forever.

Another disappointment in the book is that awesome reveal – that Enerjak has turned practically every character in the book into a Prelate – doesn't amount to much outside an awesome bit of artwork. Though pretty flawed, this is still a decent comic book. “Shattered Mirror” is still the best “Sonic Universe” arc in quite a while, revolving around a fantastic villain, a cool setting, and a decent bit of dramatic weight from its protagonists. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 225

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 225
Publication Date: May 2011

When you're reading this comic book as quickly as I am, you loose track of a sense of time. It seems we got from 2006, from Ian Flynn's introduction to the book, to 2011 really quickly. That was when Flynn wrote his third milestone issue of the main “Sonic” series. Time sure does fly, doesn't it? What makes 225 even more special is that it's this is the last issue before the big “Genesis” event began. So, naturally, this issue was greeted with much pomp-and-circumstance. It got a double wide gatefold cover and even a snazzy variant, a technique Archie would start employing more often from here on.

“One Step Forward...” begins with the new Death Egg looming high in the Mobian sky. Sonic and Naugus agree to put their differences aside, until Robotnik's new scheme is dealt with. The Freedom Fighters quickly mobilize. Sonic and Sally jump on the Tornado and head towards the flying fortress. The hedgehog and the Princess make it inside. Robotnik seemingly allows them to enter. In fact, this has all been a trap of sorts. The scientist happily prepares his next latest scheme, a ploy that will remake all of the planet. And Sonic and Sally are left in a very tight place.

Ever since it's appearance in “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” Robotnik's Death Egg has become a pivotal part of Sonic lore. It's such a mainstay of the series that it's easy to forget the entire thing is a goofy riff on “Star Wars'” Death Star. As I said, despite its prominent place in the franchise's history, the space station has only appeared once before in the comic. So Flynn bringing it back – along with Silver Sonic, who has more appearances than the Death Egg it spawned from – makes issue 225 an even bigger deal.

This story is also pivotal for being Robotnik's proper return to major villainy. His time spent around the bend and hiding in the shadows has changed him. More than once since then, he's referenced that the hedgehog is the unavoidable, unpredictable, chaotic variable. So the mad doctor simply goes with the flow when the hedgehog sneaks onto his ship. Snively and Lien-Da think he's gone mad but it's an interesting change-up. Instead of the mad doctor going head-to-head with his enemy, he builds his latest scheme to occur around Sonic. If anything, going insane for a while has made the villain a little smarter than usual.

What I mostly like about “One Step Forward...” is how it's primarily devoted to Sonic and Sally adventuring together. The two are officially a couple again, making their big mission together especially crucial. Before leaping into the Death Egg together, the two lock lips in a fantastic panel. From there, we are greeted to a wonderful sight; Sally being all analytical about a mission while Sonic zips around, wanting to smash robots. While he's tango-ing with Silver Sonic – a solid action scene – Sally is off investigating. These are the simple joys I demand from my “Sonic” material: Two of my favorite characters, doing what they do best as a team.

Sonic and Sally are romantically involved again so, naturally, the Princess' head is back on the chopping block. The variant cover for 225 shows a hand – it's pretty obvious whose – laying on the floor, while Sonic stares on horrified. The issue ends on a massive cliffhanger, with Sally getting a faceful of a double barrel cannon while Sonic is too distracted to help. Once again, the book is teasing us with Princess Sally's death.

And I'm not sure how to feel about it. In 2011, I was more apprehensive. There were rumors that a series reboot was coming, following the upcoming “Genesis” arc. This cliffhanger seem to threaten Sally being removed from the series altogether. Now we know this wouldn't come to pass. Sally would survive the reboot, which wouldn't happen for a few more years. In practice now, the ending can't help but come off as a slightly cheap cliffhanger. A way to keep the reader glued to the page over the next three months, while Sonic is off in Sega-land.

So what of “Genesis?” I'll discuss my thoughts on that story soon enough. As a prequel to that story, “One Step Forward...” is slightly uneven. It's a pretty strong story that stands happily on its own without much trouble. Knowing that a 25th anniversary story is coming up next, that the main story will be taking a break to re-adapt the original video games, makes “One Step Forward...” is a little less exciting in retrospect. Robotnik's evil plan is no less sinister than re-creating the Sega Genesis games for a while, which is probably not as terrifying as the the mad scientist hopes it will sound.

Issue 225 suffers from being awkwardly shoved between different story threads. We have “Genesis” on the horizon and the still lingering plot tumor of Naugus' attempt to rule Mobotropolis behind us. The result is a milestone story that is not as satisfying as 175 or 200. however, I still like this one a lot. Mostly because watching Sonic and Sally kick ass together will never not be a big deal for me. [7/10]

Sonic Free Comic Book Day 2011

Sonic Free Comic Book Day 2011
Publication Date: May 2011

It's hard to believe that 2011 would be the fifth year where Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog” series would participate in Free Comic Book Day. Seems like just yesterday, I was writing about the very first FCBD edition. I guess what I'm saying is, the tradition became such a standard part of the “Sonic” series, that I hardly recall a time when it wasn't. Luckily, Archie wouldn't just throw some reprints together for the fifth year. Instead, they allowed Ian Flynn to retell – and improve – one of the most notoriously awful stories in Archie “Sonic” history.

Though I've criticized it in the past, you can't fault Archie's scheduling with this one. 2011's Free Comic Book Day story, “Rematch,” is set precisely between issue 224 of “Sonic” and issue 225, which would come later in the same month. As the new Death Egg rises over Mobotropolis, Sonic looks over at Naugus and thinks about their last encounter. He recalls visiting the Frozen Tundra to place a rose on Eddy the Yeti's grave. There, he discovered that Naugus temporarily escaped from the Zone of Silence and has another fight with him.

If that plot description doesn't sound familiar, you must not be as big of a “Sonic” nerd as me. I distinctly recall opening this comic book for the first time, getting a few pages in, and immediately realizing that this was a retelling of “Naugus Games.” Yes, “Naugus Games,” the notorious final story from the Sonic Super Special quarterly series. Even in 2011, fans still remember that odious issue, still considered one of the worst in the comic's long history. Slipping a retelling of the story in 2011's FCBD edition was Flynn retconning a universally loathed story out of existence.

Sort of. In fact, Ian Flynn still follows the basic outline of “Naugus Games.” Sonic still returns to the former sight of Nate Morgan's laboratory. He still finds a massive, underground reserve of power rings. He discovers Naugus has returned, fights with him briefly, just to toss him back into the Zone of Silence. However, “Rematch” makes some pretty big improvements on the source material. First off, Sonic doesn't accidentally wish Naugus back into the Prime Zone, making our hero seem like less of an idiot. Flynn makes Naugus' return his own doing. Secondly, the awful original story receives an actual point. Sonic's second fight with Naugus ends up wiping Nate Morgan's left-over power rings away. So that's a plot device we won't have to deal with again.

Lastly, Flynn manages to add some more grandeur and pathos to a story that is still fairly circular and unnecessary. He pays more attention to Eddy the Yeti's sacrifice, gifting the story a little more heart and feeling. Before defeating Naugus, Sonic becomes Ultra Sonic again, making this second fight at least as big as their previous one. These are small improvements but they manage to salvage the thin gruel that was “Naugus Games.”

A clear way “Rematch” is a big improvement over “Naugus Games” is the artwork. That might have been the primary reason Flynn decided to retell this one. Many Hands' hideous scribblings are replaced with some sharp Steven Butler artwork. No, half the book isn't total darkness nor a generic snowflake pattern. Instead, we actually see Sonic's fight with Naugus in detail. The sorcerer looks especially beefy and intimidating here. The early shots of Sonic running through the frozen waste is beautifully rendered, Butler employing his typical abundance of detail. The fight has a lot of cool moments, Sonic speeding around ice blast and walls of flame. Butler even gets to thrown in some swirling space scapes at the end, when Naugus gets tossed away again.

(In fact, getting Butler to draw this issue was an especially neat idea. Butler drew many of the original issues that surrounded that one, including the Nate Morgan trilogy that set this one up. So, in other words, you could easily slot this story into “Naugus Games'” original place in continuity and hardly notice that it wasn't there originally. At the very least, this tactic removes half of Many Hands' hideous work from the book's history.)

Though deeply entrenched in “Sonic” lore, this is still a Free Comic Book Day special. The book makes sure to summarize recent events in Sonic history at the beginning, for some newcomers who may be getting their introduction to this universe. There's not much to this one. It's more-or-less an extended in-joke for “Sonic” fans who have been around a while. In other words, I am one-hundred percent the target audience for this comic book. [7/10]