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]