Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW): Issue 48

Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW): Issue 48

Publication Date: February 23rd, 2022

We are dangerously close to the fiftieth issue of IDW's "Sonic the Hedgehog," showing that the quote-unquote new "Sonic" comic may at least have some of the legs of the old one. (Though we'll see if this book is still running in nineteen years.) While the Archie series was doing a four-parter at this point that was originally meant to act as the series finale, IDW's "Sonic" is playing things a little more loosely. There's obviously some sort of master plan and presumably the events of the "Imposter Syndrome" mini-series will play a role. But the main book is devoting an issue to some side characters and mostly playing it for laughs. I guess Flynn and Evan Stanley have different ideas about what makes an anniversary issue than, uh, Ken Penders.

There's no actual title seemingly listed for this issue's story but Jon Grey's (still overly busy but admittedly not hideous) film noir inspired cover features the words "Chaotix Confidential Presents... Villains with Filthy Faces." So I'm going with that. Anyway, we begin with Vector and Espio retrieving Charmy from the KTBR radio station for some reason. Nite the DJ gives them a tip that Central City is experiencing all sorts of electrical disruptions. The Chaotix investigate and soon come across... Rough and Tumble, who are smuggling weapons for Clutch the Opossum. 

It's a running joke throughout the "Sonic" franchise at this point that the Chaotix are not the best detectives. They were depicted as complete nincompoops in "Sonic X." The Archie comics had them getting results more through blind luck than actual detective-ing, while never getting paid for their work. This is inspired by their similar constant lack-of-funds in the games. The IDW comic, meanwhile, has made the bold decision to depict the Chaotix as... Fairly competent? This version of Vector has repeatedly been shown to be a reasonable leader and strategist and even an empathetic listener. Here, he actually asks appropriate questions of witnesses, follows clues, and is cool under pressure. Espio successfully sneaks into Clutch's warehouse later and even Charmy proves useful.

Now, the Chaotix are still not great detectives. A degree of luck is definitely still a factor in this story. The only reason they're able to track down Clutch's waterfront base of operation is because Tumble drops the piece of crate containing the address. The heroes never actually find the villains responsible for the power outages, instead uncovering a totally unrelated criminal operation. Yet compared to the completely farcical depiction in "Sonic X," this is a pretty big step-up. I would consider hiring these guys to, I don't know, hunt down my adulterous lover or whatever it is private investigators actually do in real life. 

Despite all of that, I would still characterize this as a light-hearted issue. And a pretty funny one too. Charmy's status as the team's kid produces a couple of chuckles. Such as the way he immediately falls asleep in Vector's arms after enthusiastically co-hosting a radio show all night. Later, he's even drawn in a bumblebee stripped booster seat, which is adorable. The direct way the trio deals with traffic or the eccentrics that come out when they start asking questions are amusing. There's some amusing banter between the heroes, especially when slinking around the sewers. The funniest moment occurs when Rough and Tumble's traditional pre-battle rhymes prompts Vector to counter with his own rap, which brings out the music critic in the bigger skunk. 

Evan Stanley has shown that cute dialogue is a strength if her's, so I'm not surprised it's a highlight here. Another trademark of hers is an interest in expanding the comic's supporting cast. This issue features the return of some minor players. Nite the Owl and Don the Rooster show up at the beginning mostly because it's clear the writer just wanted to include them. Meanwhile, Clutch the Possum officially graduates from Chao-abusing asshole to crime boss. We find out he used to be a weapons smuggler and is eager to get back into the game. He opens fire on Espio and nearly outsmarts the Chaotix at one point. Considering the obvious care that was taken with his design, I'm not surprised Clutch returned. I'm happy to see the comic's rogue gallery expand a little more. 

Comedy and light-hearted character interaction is, I think, the main goal of this issue. But that doesn't mean there isn't some decent action here too. Instead of just piling on the fisticuffs, the way some recent issues have, this one nicely builds to a big action sequence. The rumble kicks off with Clutch nearly shooting Espio with his nifty cane gun. Vector burst down the door and grapples with the skunks, using his fists and tail. The way the crocodile defeats the villain's plan is nicely direct too. Everyone involved definitely had some fun designing these action scenes.

They're well-drawn too. Aaron Hammerstrom provides the pencils this time and he continues to distinguish himself as one of the best artists IDW has on this series. Those action scenes are really dynamic, with a real sense of motion as Vector and the others take swings at each other. There's also some nicely moody panels. While chasing after him in the sewer, Rough is mostly depicted as a shadowy silhouette, which is a nice touch. Reggie Graham did the colors and they deserve a lot of credit too. The panel of the Chaotix approaching the docks at sundown is beautifully. 

Of course, Surge and Kit never actually appearing in this issue does bring with it a minor problem. Starline's master plan is still playing out and, the closer we get to the end of that particular plot, the more underwhelmed I am by it. Surge and Kit's big acts of villainy are to... Cause traffic jams? Damage the city's electric grid? These are, no doubt, criminal acts. But I would say the effect on people is more inconvenient than full-on life threatening. I'm increasingly feeling like the hype behind the Imposters was misplaced. Aside from starting that forest fire, I've been pretty underwhelmed by their actions as bad guys thus far. None of this is the fault of Evan Stanley's writing and instead speaks to my problems with the IDW comic's overall approach to its post-Zombot world. 

I think the real reason I really liked this issue is because of how well-paced it is. It quickly sucks us in, keeps the story rolling along at a fast rate, features some twists, an exciting climax, and wraps everything up within the span of one issue. I can't remember the last time a regular installment of this book — not one of the specials — told such a complete story in one issue. They should do this more often! "Chaotix Confidential" or "Villains With Filthy Faces" or whatever you want to call it is overall a delightful read. [7/10]