Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 229

 

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 229
Publication Date: September 2011

Here we are, at the end of the “Genesis” story arc. Ian Flynn has, at least once, has talked about how he was not satisfied with how this event turned out, despite its popularity with fans. Over all, I don't totally agree with that. Though not without flaws, “Genesis” flew along pretty decently. However, in its final issue – which ditches the game cover gimmick for a cool pic of Super Sonic – I can kind of see Flynn's point. But maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's talk about the issue itself.

The last chapter of “Genesis” is subtitled “Reset,” a cute reference to the reset button on your Genesis or Mega-Drive consoles. After going their several ways at the end of the last issue, Sonic and Sally face off with Eggman in different ways. Sonic races through Metropolis Zone, eventually attacking the doctor directly. Sally and the Freedom Fighters sabotage the Ocean Oil Zone, cutting off the villain's energy source. In the end, Sonic and Eggman both head to the Death Egg to face off for the fate of the world.

Last time, Sonic and the Freedom Fighters splitting up was kind of an odd choice, contrived but in a way that I understood. Sadly, because of the limits of a four-issue story line, Flynn doesn't really have time to pay off. Sonic and Sally are left separated throughout this issue and never come back together. There's no resolution to this emotional fissure. Flynn tries to patch things up as best he can, having the characters speak to each across panels. It doesn't quite work though and the reader is left not entirely satisfied.

Another attempt Flynn makes to add an emotional heart to the story involves the story's status as outside regular continuity. All along, Sonic and the others have been receiving memories of their previous lives. As the world starts to shake apart more and more, more of these memories return. (Interestingly, he includes several shout-outs to “Endgame.” Since this was right before the Pendering started, that story was still pretty well regarded by Archie Sonic fans.) I like this touch, especially Robotnik's growing frustration with memories of his failures coming back. However, Flynn still can't quite sell the threat of the earthquakes tearing Mobius apart. It's mostly a few panels and one or two dialogue balloons that point this at. It certainly doesn't feel like the planet is about to be thrown into chaos.

Being a quickie adaptation of “Sonic 2,” issue 229 concludes with Sonic and Dr. Robotnik fighting it out inside the Death Egg. While Flynn had rushed through the second Genesis game, seeing this final boss battle play out is still neat. Moreover, Robotnik's growing frustration during the fight is a nice touch. He's so close to pulling off his plan and here's the hedgehog, once again, fucking his shit up. And he's pissed about it, letting us all know again how much he hates that hedgehog. Lastly, seeing the “Sonic 2” final boss rampage through the comic is pretty cool too.

Sadly, we conclude with practically a lame deus ex machina. After mentioning that the Death Egg is powered by Chaos Emeralds, Sonic grabs a wire and magically transforms himself into Super Sonic. After mopping the floor with Eggman, Sonic then uses the same power source to reverse the Genesis Wave's effect, returning Mobius back to normal. It all feels like an extremely rushed conclusion. More than ever, it's clear that the Chaos Emeralds can do whatever the plot demands. Lastly, the hedgehog magically turning himself into Super Sonic feels like a cheat. First off, Sonic didn't need to go super to beat Robotnik in “Sonic 2.” Secondly, the transformation really comes out of nowhere. It's a weak conclusion.

The artwork is interesting here. You can still see that Yardley was taking some influences from Spaziante, after working with him on the first parts of this series. Especially in the way he draws Sally or Eggman. However, even this quickly, Yardley is already slipping back into his standard style. Which is not a bad thing! I like Yardley's work, always have, always will. The panels of the Freedom Fighters running in the Oil Ocean Zone are nicely done. Eggman's facial expressions, increasingly annoyed, are funny. The fight with the robot sure is cool. However, the truth is I just prefer Spaz's more detailed, dynamic work over Yardley's cartoony work. Seeing the book slip back into the latter mold is a little disappointing. No offense, Tracy.

Ultimately, I would still qualify “Genesis” as mostly a success. The story line served its purpose, which was to nostalgically remind us of the first two classic games and see them brought to life in comic canon. The conclusion is awkward but I still enjoy this one. I also enjoy the hardcover collection Archie put out, which is handsomely put together and includes some cool extras. Honestly, if you had told kid-me that, one day, Archie's Sonic series would be published in a hardcover collection – like a real book! – I would've shit myself with excitement. So that's fun. [7/10]