Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW): Issue 42

Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW): Issue 42

Publication Date: July 21st, 2021

I have such a weird relationship with IDW's "Sonic" comics. There have been a few times when I've been really into it, eagerly anticipating the next issue. And then there have been times, like this week, where I forget what happened in the last issue until I read the new issue. Which I only remembered to do because someone on Twitter reminded me "hey, the new issue is out today." I think the awesomeness of the anniversary special wiped out my recollection of the last regular (mediocre) issue. But, hey, you are reading these words right now, so clearly, I'm staying ahead of things.

Anyway... "Zeti Hunt, Part 2" starts with Jewel on a video call with Sonic, Tails, and the Chaotix. They have deduced that the Deadly Six have been attacking the villages they attempted to conquer during the Metal Virus crisis. It seems like a good bet but they are wrong. The Zetis instead attack Restoration HQ directly, catching everyone off-guard. Meanwhile, Dr. Starline sneaks into the base at the exact same time and uses the chaos to capture Belle, whom he seems to have nefarious plans for. 

The Freedom Fighters Restoration weren't the only ones caught off-guard by the Deadly Six pivoting from their expected path. This is a plot twist that successfully surprised me too. When Zavok throws a flaming truck at a sleeping security guard – possible "Manhunter" reference??? – it sure got my attention too. I guess I've gotten so use to Ian Flynn's mediocre plotting that, when he tells us what the characters are going to do, I just believe him. Does that mean kicking this story arc off with an underwhelming issue actually a fiendish scheme to make this issue's events more unexpected? Probably not but it worked out anyway.

This issue also satisfactorily brings together two of the book's lingering plot points. I really expected this entire story arc to simply focus on Sonic and pals fighting the Deadly Sox, since that's what all the solicitations seem to say. Dr. Starline entering into this story was also a surprise. Considering watching big colorful monsters tear shit up has limited appeal, Starline sneaking around makes for a good counterpoint. It was also wise to play off Belle's on-going circumstances, as that's the most compelling plot point the comic has right now. 

The most memorable thing about the first part of this story arc was the brief insight we got into Zeti philosophy. That continues here. After busting into Restoration HQ, Zavok and the gang are disappointed to only be met with a handful of armed guards. Master Zik observes that the furries live in peace when Eggman isn't around. They know nothing of conquest or conflict when an outside force isn't involved. I don't know how serious Flynn wants us to take this observation but I'm betting it's supposed to be bullshit. We know avaricious and power-hungry critters like Mimic, Clutch, Rough, Tumble, and Starline exist in this universe. I'm assuming this observation is meant to tell us more about the Zetis than Sonic's gang. Their lives are so consumed by violence that, when they see people who don't spend every waking minute focused on conquering shit, they just assume they're all a bunch of lazy, empty-headed peaceniks. If Flynn did this on purpose, it's another subtle way to build up the Zetis' cultural obsession with warfare. 

What ultimately makes this a stronger issue is something I've lauded Ian Flynn for doing during his better moments. That would be sneaking little character moments in-between the smashing and trashing. We have Charmy waving hi to Jewel in the background of the video chat with Vector, behavior befitting a small child. When Starline comes to claim Belle, the gearhead orangutan who was previously an asshole to her stands up for her. Good to know that big orange guy isn't a total prick. Belle's interaction with Starline – nudging herself towards getting away from him whenever possible–  is also pretty cute. For that matter, so is an adorable panel of Starline geeking out when he thinks about Belle in the context of Eggman creations. He really is a fanboy, having a joygasm when discussing new discovery by his favorite creator. (Who just happens to be a world-conquering tyrant.)

My favorite little bit of character development occurs when Sonic is chilling at Winterburg, sipping hot coco with a cozy blanket around his legs. He looks out the window and sees two kids playing with snowballs. He thinks about how "everyone wants to forget the Metal Virus was even a thing." That everyone is eager to get back to their normal lives. At first, I was going to bitch about how Flynn once again wants to sweep the aftermath of the Zombot crisis under the rug... But then I realized he's not talking about the Metal Virus, you guys. I don't know how far in advance these comics are written. If he wrote this issue in the middle of lockdown or if it was done more recently, when rising vaccination rates made it look like normal life may resume soon. Considering the first third of this issue is devoted to a Zoom conference, I'm guessing the latter. Either way, it's nice to see that Flynn, however obliquely, is finally referencing the world-shattering pandemic that his stupid cartoon animal comic just happened to resemble. 

This issue also marks the first time Tracy Yardley has drawn a "Sonic" comic in quite a while. As far as I can tell, his last issue was #18, in June of 2019. It's nice to see Yardley back after such a long absence. The only way you can tell that he might be a tad rusty is that the Zetis look a little goofy in a couple of panels. Check out Zeena doing the Adventure pose on page nine, with her dainty little feet. Otherwise, Yardley's work is solid and there's even two pages that look excellent. That would be the Zetis storming into Restoration HQ, which features some really nice shading, and Sonic speeding off to make it back to base, which is depicted as a series of sonic booms breaking across the countryside.

Overall, it's an unexpectedly good issue. I don't even mind Flynn having Tails talk about two new gadgets that will presumably factor into the Deadly Six's defeat. It would be real nice if he was planning on subverting that particular set-up as well. A strong plot twist pairing with some decent little character works makes for a very enjoyable issue. Also, Starline mentions both "serenity now" and "fear is the mind killer," two references I did not expect to see in a "Sonic the Hedgehog" comic book. [7/10]