Sonic Universe: Issue 55

Sonic Universe: Issue 55
Publication Date: August 2013

Following the end of “Worlds Collide,” the entire Archie “Sonic “ universe was rebooted. You already know this, because you’re reading this blog and also because I’ve been bitching about it non-stop for weeks. The main “Sonic” book would deal with this soon enough, in a way you’ll be hearing all about next time. However, the first issue to be published in the post-Super Genesis Wave time was actually “Sonic Universe” issue 55. The spin-off would smartly bypass the awkward business of dealing with the shaken up continuity by setting this story arc in an alternate dimension. Why fan opinion would be split, I personally think this was a really good idea.

“Pirate Plunder Panic!” is set in Blaze’s world. The effects of the Genesis Wave has tossed Amy and Cream onto a boat with Blaze and the ever-manic Marine. They’ve been looking for the last of the Sol Gems, those magical MacGuffins Blaze is compelled to seek out. They’ve tracked the last one to a metallic pirate ship. And its crew is determined to hold onto it. While Amy, Cream, and Marine deal with the bombardments, Blaze sneaks aboard the enemy ship. There, she finds some familiar faces.

Blaze the Cat has been part of the Sonic franchise since 2005. (That was 13 years ago, good god.) She first appeared in the comic the next year, in issue 160. Despite being a long established part of “Sonic” lore, it still felt like we had never gotten much insight into her personality before. Blaze is the protagonist of “Pirate Plunder Panic,” allowing us to get to know her better than ever before. And she’s surprisingly, and likably, neurotic. Blaze’s destiny as keeping of the Sol Emeralds weighs heavily on her. She hates that her friends are risking their lives to assist a quest she sees as strictly her own. But she keeps these concerns inside, wanting to maintain a stoic, strong outer appearance. Naturally, Blaze’s friends do get hurt, causing her fiery emotions to burst out of her rather literally. That’s a lot for a little pussycat to handle, and it makes for compelling reading,

By the way, “Pirate Plunder Panic” is the second time Tracy Yardley would write a story arc, in addition to drawing it too. His last writing credit was “Babylon Rising,” which just fucking sucked. His second attempt already shows a lot of improvement. However, you can still tell this is a Yardley joint, do to the aggressively wacky humor. Marine the Raccoon brings her usual nonsensical pseudo-Australian slang, as well as a considerable manic streak. This eventually results in her attempting to use fireworks as a projectile, which quite literally blows up in her face. Bean the Duck is here too, as part of the Pirate crew. He shouts a bunch of random nonsense in that way that is loved/begrudgingly tolerate by the fandom.

While Yardley features plenty of rAnd0M!!1!!! humor, this is generally a much more serious story. Blaze is concerned with her responsibilities and how they may negatively impact her friends. Amy, Cream, and Marine, meanwhile, are being plummeted with explosives. The constant bombardment quickly wears down their resistance. At one point, Amy and Cream hug each other, admitting they’re scared. I think Yardley is trying to make a joke in that moment, to contrast against Marine’s foolhardy confidence. But Amy showing such vulnerability is much more meaningful than some silly gag. Lives are in danger and everyone - well, maybe not Marine and Bean - is all too aware of that.

They have good reason to be afraid. The pirates are led by Caption Metal. The book tries to keep his identity mysterious, though it’s fairly obvious he’s a rebuilt version of the Metal Sonic that was exploded back in issue 4 of “Sonic Universe.” (Supposedly the character was extensively rebuilt so as not to counteract Sega’s new “Only One Metal Sonic” rule.) He quickly establishes himself as a serious villain. He shouts threats to Blaze after she sneaks aboard the ship, quickly discovering her. He points a big-ass laser cannon at Marine’s ship, saying he’ll destroy it unless she reveals herself. Confirming his status as a uncompromisingly brutal villain, he then blows up the ship anyway. Causally murdering two beloved supporting characters is a good way to get a new villain to make an impression.

Of course, Amy and Cream aren’t really dead. They’re Sega property, so they sure as fuck can never die. But that scene is a good example of Yardley’s willingness to actually go to some serious places. That tendency largely makes up for what’s a pretty lame premise. This issue starts out as just another fetch quest, after all. It stars a bunch of Sega B-listers that are beloved by some but have never meant much to me. The whole pirate premise stinks of some desperation too. The two original members of Captain Metal’s crew we see are named, groan, Swash and Buckle. Their designs are among the worst of Yardley’s whole career. Just goes to show what a decent script and an actual grasp on your cast’s personalities can accomplish.

While the main “Sonic” book is tossed into chaos by the reboot, “Sonic Universe” smartly skirts the entire issue. The result is a darn good issue. I’m actually excited to see where this will go! That’s unexpected considering how bad Yardley’s last writing job was. [8/10]