Sonic Universe: Issue 67

Sonic Universe: Issue 67
Publication Date: August 2014

Is it appropriate to open a review with a sigh? The very first issue of Archie’s “Sonic” comic I read was issue 17, published in September of 1994. Which means, by the time issue issue 67 of “Sonic Universe” came out in September of 2014, I had been reading these comics for exactly twenty years. That’s a long time to stick with something. Sadly, I think pure fan inertia was more responsible for this than anything else. Because, post-reboot, very little of the comic I loved still existed. The prospects of reading issue 67 fills me not with elation but dismay. Flynn’s really going to run with this “Dark Trilogy” thing, isn’t he? All right, let’s see how it goes.

Part one of “Total Eclipse” – of the sun? Of the heart? – begins with Eclipse crash landing on Angel Island. He survives and so do some infant Black Arms. Days later, G.U.N. has determined that the alien is somewhere on the island. Shadow is preoccupied with tracking down and destroying Eclipse but Rouge insists they meet with Knuckles first. After everyone meets and argues, a decision is made. Knuckles, Rouge, and Omega will find Eclipse while Shadow and Relic will guard the Master Emerald. Eclipse, however, has other plans.

Plot wise, part one of “Total Eclipse” is focused on set-up. Most of the issue is spent determining which characters will go in which direction. The differing goals of the heroes are quickly set up. The importance of the Master Emerald is re-emphasized. The parallels between Shadow and Eclipse’s deadly obsessions with each other are established. This is a boldfaced first act, designed to put all the players and plot points in place, so that Flynn’s story can progress just as he needs it to.

Normally, this would bug me but it works out all right here. Flynn padded the first issue of “The Great Chaos Caper” with comic relief from the Chaotix, which was obnoxious. He pads this issue with interaction between Knuckles’ gang and Team Dark, which is delightful. We begin with some awkward banter between Knuckles and Relic, suggesting the echidna really likes having her around, even if it conflicts with his lonely duty. Once Rouge appears, she immediately begins flirting with Knux, as is her nature. This escalates, in a really cute way, into Rouge suggesting Knuckles and the pika are keeping each other company in a less than platonic manner. The young guardian is embarrassed, Relic is annoyed, and Rouge is amused that she can manipulate both of them so easily.

I am all for blatant ship-teasing like this. Not just because I think Knuckles and Relic would be a cute couple, the nerdy academic complimenting the lonely brawler. And not just because characters this age should obviously have romance on their minds, no matter what Sega thinks. I approve because it shows that these guys and gals are more than just their superpowered attributes, their status as corporate mascots, and their roles as plot points in a comic book story. It shows that they’re people, with feelings and opinions. Flynn is also really good at this kind of flirty character interaction, as displayed many times in the past. I wish he would focus on it more, instead of mindless action and uninvolving world-building. (Also, there’s a hilarious and adorable panel where Omega and Fixit, two very different types of robots, compare attributes.)

When not focusing on wholesome banter, the issue pays attention to Eclispe’s latest plight. I’ll admit, the Darkling is growing on me. When not plotting revenge on Shadow, he takes care of his younger Black Arms siblings. I care not for the little aliens’ designs, which are obviously meant to resemble the Wisps but, like, evil and shit. However, Eclipse caring for them in a very parental manner is cute. He feeds them when they’re hungry, scolds them when they misbehave, and cuddles them when they’re good. That Eclipse loves and cares for these little critters makes him a little more complex than the one-dimensional villain he appeared to be initially.

This issue, at the very end, also bends slightly towards horror. While Shadow grimly guards the Master Emerald, Relic attempts to make polite conversation. As Shadow turns to face her, the pika’s face has transformed into a hideous insect maw. Shadow then hears Black Death’s mocking voice in his ear, making it clear that Eclipse is fucking with him psychically. It’s a cool, kind of creepy sequence that, disappointingly, seems to be building towards another tedious fight scene. Eclipse’s ability to mess with Shadow’s mind is way more interesting than his status as a physical threat.

Before we go, I have to talk about Snively, who gets his proper reintroduction here. He’s now known as Dr. Julian Snively, since Sega forbade video game cast members from having blood relatives. That rule is really dumb and I’m glad Flynn found a way around it, so he could keep Snively in the book. However, I have some concerns about the former Colin Kintobor. First off, his new design is awful. Snively now has a hideous goatee and wears one of those “Dragon Ball Z” power scanners. He’s been changed into a G.U.N. employee, shown here shepherding Team Dark via drone. We’d eventually discover that Snively 2.0 has a past with Eggman and might still harbor loyalties to him. Wherever this was meant to go, we’ll never know. Flynn was too busy stretching the Shattered World Crisis out for three years to get around to it. So, essentially, a fan favorite was brought back with a ugly new design, hung around the peripherals for three years, but never actually did anything. Great job, Ian.

Aside from totally fucking up Snively, I’m happy to say this issue fills me with less existential dread than anticipated. That’s mostly thanks to some really cute and charming banter between Knuckles and friends. I’m even sort of, kind of interested in what’s happening with Eclipse. I remember “Total Eclipse” being an overall lame story arc but, at the very least, the beginning is better than I remember. Also, check out this cool 16-bit style variant cover from Ryan Jampole. I like Omega’s burning orange eyes. [7/10]