Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 272

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 272
Publication Date: May 2015

Something I applauded Ian Flynn for, quite a while ago, was his tendency to take breathers between big story arcs. Usually, there was an issue or two focusing on the characters in between a big threat being vanquished and another being introduced. It seems that was another element lost after the reboot. The rambunctious “Champions” and the emotional “Spark of Life” just finished. While Flynn had a few issues before the “Worlds Unite” crossover started, he didn’t use that time to decompress. Issue 75 of “Sonic Universe” set up the crossover while issue 272 of “Sonic” is knee-deep in the mechanics of the Shattered World Crisis.

“A Ray of Hope” has Sonic and the gang stopping over in the vaguely Mediterranean Apotos. After smashing some robots, Sonic and Antoine give a pep talk to a discouraged Chip. Soon, the trio is led to an ancient temple. There, a scholar named Gregorios explains the importance of the Gaia Temples and keys. Aboard the Sky Patrol, Amy and Knuckles realize their complimenting super powers can make hunting Master Emerald shards easier. Before anyone can get on their quests, they must all unite to fight a giant Dark Gaia Monster.

Spending nearly three years adapting “Sonic Unleashed” was a mistake for so many obvious reasons. Flynn choosing to adhere so closely to the game’s MacGuffin chase plot was an especially egregious error. I can’t keep track of all the shit the Freedom Fighters are chasing after right now. They need Chaos Emeralds and magical keys and Gaia Temples and in that order, I think. Knuckles, meanwhile, is searching for Master Emerald shards, a quest Amy’s Mystical Melody is helping him with now. The story is getting bogged down in searches for various magical plot devices. This focus on sheer magical mechanics is threatening to choke the heart out of the comic.

With so much of this issue preoccupied with lore-heavy bullshit, you really got to search to find the likable moments. In between bouts of exposition, Flynn finds room for a few little bits I like. Rotor argues with Knuckles and Amy about whether they should focus their energy on saving Angel Island or the rest of Mobius, a potentially juicy plot point that is not focused on enough. Sonic gently pokes fun at Antoine later, which is amusing. Also amusing is the coyote getting freaked by his transformation into the Werehog.

Sometimes, these likable scenes only take up one panel. Like Cream’s annoyance at Rotor’s continued refusal to let her go on missions. Or Cheese’s look of aggravation when Omochao flies into the same panel. After the fight is over, Bunnie carries Antoine over her shoulder which embarrasses him, a scene that’s cute and suggests some interesting things about their sex life. Around the same time, the Werehog hugs Amy, causing her to blush. These are all tiny bits but they end up providing the only emotional resonance in this issue. (Chip also gets some more character development, which I guess is good.)

The whole thing inevitably ends in an action sequence too. However, credit where it’s due, it is a pretty good fight. The Werehog’s stretchy arms are well utilized when dodging the Dark Gaia Monster’s wooden club. When Knuckles, Amy, and Bunnie join in the fight, it gets a little more active. The reveal that the monster has an emerald shard wedged in its chest is a nicely grisly moment. The combined efforts of the Werehog’s stretchy arms and Antoine’s sword dislodge the shard, while Knuckles and Amy finish the guy off. It’s all pretty entertaining and I like how the monster’s pink, slimy innards stand in for blood.

It’s common practice recently for two artists to handle the “Sonic Boom” book. The main book adopts this with issue 272. James Fry handles the first nine pages. His work is nicely energetic, the characters moving in an excited manner. Fry’s animated expressions are also well done. Evan Stanley picks up after that, mostly handling the action scenes. It’s a good trade off, as both artist are good at character work but Fry’s action scenes can border on the incoherent. Edward Huang provides an energetic, if slightly off-model, main cover that probably would’ve been a better fit for “Sonic Universe: Issue 75.”

Weirdly, the issue features very little set-up for “Worlds Unite,” despite being the last issue before the crossover starts. That’s because this issue actually takes place right before issue 75 of “Sonic Universe,” ending with Metal Sonic about to attack the G.U.N. transport. Despite being published a whole month after that issue. As always, Archie’s scheduling is commendable. Anyway, it’s an issue that has one or two cute moments but that really bugs me overall. That’s the post-Genesis Wave continuity for you. Anyway, bring on Mega Man once again. [5/10]