Sonic Universe: Issue 73

Sonic Universe: Issue 73
Publication Date: February 2015

By the beginning of 2015, despite my many reservations about it, the post-reboot “Sonic” comics were rolling along. I may think the two stories diverge widely in their quality, but both “Champions” and “Spark of Life” are fan favorites. I might have felt like the overarching plot was barely moving but it was at this point that most Archie Sonic fans became comfortable with the new continuity. But what’s this I see in the corner of “Sonic Universe: Issue 73’s” cover...? “Worlds Unite in 3?” Feels like a threat, doesn’t it? “That’s some nice pacing you’ve got there. It would be a shame if a Megaman crossover happened to it.”

Anywho, “Spark of Life: Part Three” begins by defusing last month’s cliffhanger. Ellidy is angry with Sally because the princess has stumbled upon his shrine to Nikki, his late daughter. Apparently, Nicole began as a way to save the dying Nikki’s personality, which is why the doctor is so unnerved by her. As the argument escalates, Sally realizes the two are being influenced by Dark Gaia energy. They rush into the house before the monsters attack. Meanwhile, in the digital world, Phage reveals herself to Nicole. As the sentient computer virus threatens the A.I., Sally realizes she has to digitize herself if she hopes to save her friend.

Last time, I complained that the pacing was getting a little lackadaisical. Part three corrects that in a very serious way. The third part of “Spark of Life” gives this story two very urgent objectives. The first of which is for our heroes to survive the night, as the Dark Gaia monsters pound in their doors and windows. The second, even more pressing concern is saving Nicole from Phage. This story went from having a vague motivation to rocketing the reader into a very tense situation. Considering this story is all about establishing Sally and Nicole’s relationship, showing how far the Princess will go to save her digital BFF brings both the plot’s emotional and narrative needs together.

Issue 73 also has mysterious new enemy Phage revealing herself to the heroes. Phage isn’t much to write about on a design level, just a shape shifting blob of black pixels wearing an anime cat mask. Her desire to consume other networks and systems, to make herself more powerful, is a standard villain motivation. However, the character still proves to be effectively threatening. She has control over the digital world, putting Nicole in serious danger. Her very detached, analytical approach to everything contrasts nicely with Nicole while also making her actions seem rather sadistic. She’s a villain that works for this story, in other words. My only complaint is how quickly Phage reveals that she was sent by Robotnik. I would’ve preferred it if she was something that arose by itself, some side effect of the digital world’s existence.

I mentioned before that the reader has already figured out what’s going on with Dr. Ellidy and Nicole. However, Aleah Baker still handles the reveal very well. Ellidy was clearly so heartbroken by his daughter’s death that he never really moved on. Furthermore, he blames himself for failing to save her. Nicole doesn’t just physically remind him of his daughter. She also reminds him of that sense of failure. This really comes into focus during his argument with Sally. She points out that she understands that sense of loss, from the days when the King was gone. Ellidy points out that Sally got her father back eventually. Nikki is never coming back. The script makes us understand while Ellidy has acted like such a jerk, making him sympathetic while still clarifying his main flaw: His inability to see Nicole as a person.

Sally and Nicole are separated through most of this issue, not coming face-to-face until the very end. Yet there are two important moments where they communicate. First off, after Nicole is attacked by Phage and the Dark Gaia monsters swarm the house, Nicole sends a frenzied message, telling Sally to prioritize saving the world over saving her. (Oh yeah, there’s a Chaos Emerald on the island too.) That’s an impressive display of the A.I.’s attitude, that the needs of the many etc. Even better is a flashback, where Sally is awoken in the middle of the night by Nicole’s first attempt to create her hologram body. This scene is the first time Flynn would recreate a specific story from the old continuity in the new one, as it’s obviously based on issue 151’s “Stargazing.”  Nicole even says she wants to see the stars. It’s good to know some of the old universe’s heart is still floating around in the new one.

“Sonic Universe: Issue 73” is also the first time the Dark Gaia monsters feel like a threat. In their past appearances, the monsters were easily defeated. It rarely felt like our heroes were actually in danger. Here, the gang is attacked unexpectedly in the middle of the night. Tails and Big are awoken out of a sound sleep and immediately have to leap into panic mode. The creatures slam on the doors, trying to force their way, in a way clearly meant to invoke zombie movies. It totally works. For the first time, the comic actually leans into the reasons why hordes of weird creatures attacking at night is a frightening premise.

Once again, Aleah Baker proves that she’s got some serious chops. Part three of “Spark of Life” is a damn fine comic, nicely balancing narrative tension with the emotional concerns of the characters. Tracy Yardley’s cover and artwork is also pretty good. What isn’t too hot is the variant cover, drawn by Agnes Garbowska. It looks like it was done with colored pencils. Otherwise, this is a really good issue. [8/10]