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]