Sonic Boom: Issue 3

Sonic Boom: Issue 3
Publication Date: January 2015

Archie opened January with issue three of “Sonic Boom.” The book entering its first full year should’ve been the start of a lengthy run. I mean, if “Sonic X” could make it to forty issues, surely an actually entertaining book like this could run just as long. Instead, Archie’s “Sonic Boom” wouldn’t live beyond 2015. But let’s not bury the book just as it’s beginning. The series would continue to develop its absurdist voice in its third issue.

“Hammer Spaced” picks up where we left off last time, this goofy comedy book seeding the tiniest specks of continuity. Amy is still distraught over loosing her hammer. Like seriously distraught. Sonic and friends go about solving this problem in their own ways. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails search the island while Sticks tries to introduce Amy to other weapons. Her hammer, meanwhile, is discovered by Cubot inside Eggman’s base, which quickly leads to some jealousy on Orbot’s behalf.

“Sonic Boom’s” humor continues to lean pretty hard on the self-aware and referential side of things. There’s still jokes about logos appearing in dialogue balloons, a running gag I’m a little tired of. Every sound effect is still proceeded by “ker,” though the book is drawing a lot less attention to it. There are some solid gags of this type though. The montage of the gang looking for Amy’s hammer is presented as a two-page spread, with a musical note informing us that this is a montage. The book also ends with Sticks addressing the book’s editor, telling them to cut it out with the overly long list of other Sonic titles Archie was publishing at that time. (Three monthlies, a magazine, a digest, and several trade paperback lines.) That made me chuckle.

There’s also some surprising references made throughout this issue. One that delighted me occurs early on. While Amy is freaking out, she tells Sonic that she was given a gift. She hammers. She hammers very well. For those unaware, that’s a callback to 1999 superhero comedy “Mystery Men.” It’s one of my favorite movies and among the most quotable films of all time but I didn’t expect a “Sonic” comic to reference a fifteen year old flop. While bemoaning his lot in life, Cubot also mentions Robotnik’s various other lackies. He obliquely refers to Scratch and Grounder, Snively, Bocoe and Decoe, and even “Sonic Underground’s” Sleet and Dingo. Some of the kids reading this book definitely did not know who all those characters were.

Issue three pairs this stuff with some solid physical comedy. Pratfalls usually don’t work very well in the comic medium. Without the motion of live action or animation, it’s hard to make that stuff pop. However, “Hammer Spaced” manages to pull gags with some goofy artwork and good timing. Amy’s attempt to master Sticks’ boomerang leads to her whacking herself. When the badger hands her a staff, the comic employs that classic gag of someone accidentally whacking people. It’s an old gag but, I don’t know, I laughed.

The subplot about Cubot and Orbot bickering over Amy’s hammer is more varied. Cubot going all Gollem over the hammer did nothing for me. Orbot tells Cubot that he must turn the hammer into Eggman but, the minute he’s pressed on it, he admits he just wants the cool thing because it’s cool. I liked that. I also like Eggman’s pre-villainy warm-up, which includes doing squats, posting to Twitter, and shoving an animesque slice of toast in his mouth.

The artwork in issue three is technically provided by two people. Ryan Jampole is credited with breakdowns while Jennifer Hernandez handled finishes. The result is an odd fusion of their two styles. Some panels, especially those dedicated to the robots, look like Jampole’s blocky and static work. Others feature Hernandez’ bright, crisp, and cheerfully cartoony lines.

What I’m finding myself liking the most about the “Sonic Boom” comic is how comfy it is. Compared to the usual drama and strife of the main book, this is a comic with decidedly low stakes. While the comedy is extra zany, the characters seem to mostly spend their time just hanging out with each other. It really captures what’s nice about sitcoms: The characters are fun to be around, the comedy is light and amusing, and everyone leaves in a good mood. I never thought that would be a good fit for the “Sonic” franchise but it’s already working pretty well. [7/10]