Sonic X: Issue 40

Sonic X: Issue 40
Publication Date: December 2008

When I began my trek through Archie's “Sonic X” comic, it was with the reservation that I had never watched much of the cartoon and was deeply unmoved by what I had seen. From the beginning, there was this dim hope that the comic wouldn't be so bad, tempered by a mounting fear that I would actually hate it. Sadly, the latter instinct turned out to be more true. Reading through all forty issues of “Sonic X” was frequently a slog, as the book's plots were lame, the character work non-extensive, the humor far too broad, and ideas deeply simplistic. There's only one more of these fucking things left so let's, as a wise sage once said, go fast.

The definitively entitled “The End” begins with Sonic having a peaceful tea party with Cream and Vanilla. This is interrupted when Shadow the Hedgehog and Metal Sonic Chaos Control on top of their table. But this isn't the versions of Shadow or Metal Sonic from the “Sonic X” cartoon. One seemingly doesn't exist and the other is locked in a tube in Eggman's lab. Instead, this is Shadow and Metal Sonic from Archie's other, better “Sonic” comic. How'd they get there? Because Archie fucking sucks at scheduling this story is actually set after issue 196, which wouldn't be published until a month later. Anyway, most of the comic is devoted to the “X” version of Sonic showing Shadow around his world, until the darker hedgehog unceremoniously returns home.

There's a reason Sonic takes Shadow on a tour. Usually, the two fight when they bump into each other like this. However, this is the final issue of “Sonic X.” Ian Flynn clearly wanted fans to get one more peak at as many “Sonic X” exclusive characters – x-cluvises, if you will – as possible. So Sonic stops by the Chaotix's office, which they are in the process of rebuilding. Inside Eggman's laboratory, we see his El Gran Gordo suit, his trucker outfit from issue 20 and his collection of creepy love letters to Ella. Further walking reveals the giant leprechaun robot he built in issue 17, some of the evil Chao from issue 5, and the ruined X-Robot from issue 24. Sam Speed, Chris' parents, Rouge, and Topaz drop in for a handful of panels. Big the Cat has a cameo in a single panel. It's clear that Ian wanted to pay homage to the series' forty issue run by sneaking in as many callbacks as possible.

A big problem I've had with “Sonic X” throughout its run is how the comic connected with the cartoon show. Archie's other “Sonic” book stood alone from the SatAM. “Sonic X: The Comic,” however, would often weave in and out of episodes from the first two seasons of “Sonic X: The Series.” This annoying habit of referencing stuff that happened on the TV show continues even into the final issue. When Chris sees Shadow, tears well up in his eyes and he gives the black hedgehog a big hug. Where did this homoerotic chemistry between Chris and Shadow originate? I have no idea! Later, we discover Eggman has this universe's Shadow in a tube in his lab. How did he get there? I don't know! Setting the comic in-between the events of the TV show was a bad idea. Either make it a definitive alternate continuity or set it after. Don't jerk us around like this.

Speaking of jerking the readers around! You know how the evil organization, S.O.N.I.C.X., have shown up occasionally to fuck with Sonic's good days? You'd expect the last issue of the comic book to conclude that plot point, right? Nope! The S.O.N.I.C.X. council appears on one page, revealing that they've bugged Sam Speed's car. Upon seeing that Shadow has returned, the S.O.N.I.C.X. members get cold feet and call off the plan. (Which further shows how utterly weak and incompetent these guys are.) So all that foreshadowing about the organization's shadowy leader probably being Captain Woodward? We never find out the truth. It's all been a bunch of build-up for nothing. That just fucking sucks and is a complete failure on the behalf of Archie's writing and editorial staff.

Considering this bull-shittery, I had a thought. Maybe this S.O.N.I.C.X. story concludes in the anime, since so much of the “Sonic X” book referenced the show? I looked it up and was dismayed to find out that S.O.N.I.C.X. is a comic exclusive organization. It really seems to me that the “Sonic X” crew knew the end was coming, since Archie has been hyping “Sonic Universe” for a while. But maybe the cancellation notice was totally sudden. Even then, would it have been too much to include an extra page of Westwood revealing himself and disbanding the organization, declaring it an obvious and dismal failure? Some sense of finality would've been nice.

By including Shadow in this final issue, Ian actually ends up distracting from the regular “Sonic X” cast. Aside from Chris, the rest of Sonic's friends don't get much to do. Cream, Tails, Knuckles and Amy don't appear until the final handful of pages. If Flynn was going to sacrifice the main cast for Shadow and Metal Sonic's guest spots, you'd think he'd at least make the fight scenes awesome, right? Once again, the answer is “no.” Shadow and Metal Sonic wrestle on the first two pages. Near the end of the book, they leap at each other before Chaos Controlling back out of this comic book. It ends the series on one hell of a weak note. (Then again, considering this issue was more-or-less a big advertisement for “Sonic Universe's” premier issue, maybe devoting so much attention to Shadow was just an excuse to draw eyeballs to the upcoming new series.)

In the end, Ian Flynn tries to make issue 40 seem like a proper send-off to “Sonic X,” despite the dangling plot threads and disorganized plotting. The final page has Sonic telling Chris that his mansion, and Earth in general, have become like a new home for him. He then promises Throndyke and all his other pals that more adventures will follow. Once again, “Sonic X: The Comic” is writing around the TV show. Even if the series had been over for a while by the time this book came out, Flynn can't put a definitive end on “Sonic X.” That was up to the show writers and whatever they did in the third season.

And thus “Sonic X,” a mostly pretty poor excuse to promote a cartoon show, came to an end. Forty issues – not quite four years – was actually a great run for this series, especially since the scripts were often extremely weak. I actually really liked one or two issues, when the comic balanced its kid-friendly setting and goof-ball humor well. But, most of the time, “Sonic X” was not a comic book I enjoyed reading. As I said at the beginning, this simply isn't my version of Sonic. So, it is with very few mixed feelings that I bid Archie's “Sonic X” adieu. Bring on “Sonic Universe.” [4/10]

Sonic X: Issue 34

Sonic X: Issue 34
Publication Date: June 2008

I probably sound like a broken record at this point but the material presents me with very few other options: As Archie's “Sonic X” series slowly moved towards its conclusion, it became more and more apparent how totally out of ideas the writers were. “Sonic X” has always operated under the general philosophy of “let's throw random shit at Sonic.” At least gold nuggets like “Leprechaun robots!” and “Transforming robots!” fit the series to a degree. Lately, premises like “Eggman is a wrestler now!” and “Sonic joins the circus!” suggests that the writer's room was really scraping the bottom of the barrel. And yet, somehow, the barrel just keeps going. Issue 34 is the pool party edition of “Sonic X.” Yes, really.

The creatively entitled “Fool Party!” begins when Sonic, aghast, reads that the Chris' dad is throwing a charity donation pool party... With Sonic's attendance as part of the deal. Since Sonic hates swimming, this is a problem. When Eggman donates what looks to be about a billion dollars to become that special guest, it becomes more of a problem. Weirdly – or not, considering this version of Robotnik is an even bigger moron – the villain doesn't just use this as an opportunity to firebomb Sonic and friends. Instead, he actually uses the pool party as a chance to get closer to Chuck Thorndyke's new invitation, some super powerful engine or something. Anyway, shenanigans ensue.

In Japanese anime, episodes where the cast of characters go to a bath house are so common that there's an entire wiki devoted to it. Since about fifty percent of anime is aimed at perverts, this is usually an excuse to get the female characters in no or very little clothing. It's such a common troupe that even a sci-fi show like “Outlaw Star” devoted a whole episode to such a setting. “Fool Party!” kind of plays like the G-rated version of this, lacking the fan service but keeping the other ideas you associate with the concept. (Though Amy and Cream are in bathing suits, if you're into that kind of thing, you fucking weirdo.) In other words, the script is devoted to goofy poolside antics and the characters generally relaxing.

Ian Flynn does, rather disturbingly, add a romantic element to “Fool Party!” While Eggman is trying to weasel the location of the engine out of Chuck Thorndyke, something distracts him. Ella – yes, the Thorndyke's offensively stereotypical Latina maid – walks to the pool in a bathing suit. Eggman apparently finds this sight so enticing that it more-or-less derails his entire incompetent scheme. You know, different strokes for different folks. I'm not judging the guy's taste in women. I guess if a cast member of “Sonic X” had to give Eggman a boner, Ella is the least horrible choice. Yet this is just a further example of how totally useless this Eggman is as an adversary. But mostly it's just gross and weird. I don't want to think about Eggman having sex, much less with a matronly older woman. Why did you put that image in my head, Ian Flynn?!

Aside from that horror, there is one mildly – and I'm talking the mildest of mild sauces here – amusing gag in “Fool Party!” Sonic's reluctance to participate in the pool party has less to do with Eggman showing up and more to do with his general hydrophobia. He stays at the side of the pool for most of the issue until Eggman's challenge of a belly flopping contest forces him to jump into the water. It's the thinnest wisp of a joke but, considering this indirectly references my blog's title, it gave me the briefest flicker of amusement.

In truth, the pool party premise is so diaphanous that Ian's attention quickly wanders. Being robots with shitty water proofing, Bocoe and Decoe cannot participate in the poolside gaiety. Tails' offers to fuck around with their programming to, perhaps, allow them to dip into the water. All the fox succeeds in doing is setting off Eggman's built-in fail safe against program tampering. The two comic relief robots immediately become murderous kill-bots, pursuing Tails. Sonic's sidekick only escape certain de-meatment due to Eggman's dive bomb into the pool, emptying the pool's contents into the surrounding yard. This is an example of Flynn desperately pawing around for some sort of plot to beef up this meager story.

During my previous “Sonic X” review, I noted how the quality of David Hutchinson's artwork varies wildly from issue to issue. Hutchinson's pencils for issue 33 were actually pretty good. His pencils for issue 34 are actually pretty bad. The robots look slightly off-model and kind of unintentionally creepy. Hutchinson seems to have trouble drawing Sonic and Tails' eyes, as both look weirdly cross-eyed in a few panels. Grandpa Chuck suffers the worst of it. There's two panels where Chuck's face twist into deeply unfortunate looking expressions. One has him biting his tongue in abject horror, the other has him screaming madly against a swirling backdrop. It's a bummer that these bad moments are so glaring. Otherwise, Hutchinson's pencils are decent enough.

Most of the “Sonic X” comics have been squarely mediocre. Issue 34 hits a new low. There's really no point to this story at all. I mean, shit, they could've at least put Rouge or Topaz in bikinis. I'd even accept Chris' mom in skimpy swimwear, a visual teased on the cover that the book does not deliver on. You know, anything to actually justify this comic book's existence. It's not as if inappropriate fan service is something unseen here. Instead, we get a bunch of aimless slapstick antics that are even more dire than usual. It's a disposable issue, even by the admittedly slack standards set by the other issues of “Sonic X.” Just six more of these fucking things. [4/10]

Sonic X: Issue 33

Sonic X: Issue 33
Publication Date: May 2008

With issue 33 of Archie's “Sonic X” series, original head writer Joe Edkin returns to the book. I have no idea why Edkin took such an extended break, leaving Ian Flynn and a random selection of other people to pen the scripts. Nor do I know why Edkin would come back at this point. Maybe Flynn was busy with the main “Sonic” book. Maybe Archie was already planning “Sonic X's” end and wanted to bring back the original writer to create a sense of finality. Who knows? Sad to say, Edkin's uneven skills did not improve during his vacation from this title.


 “Meteor Madness” begins with Sonic and pals having a cook-out. While Chris Thorndyke bemoans how few adventures he has, Grandpa Chuck spots a meteor with his telescope. This bit of news becomes more urgent when Chuck announces that there's a Chaos Emerald inside the meteor. The group of friends – which includes the Chaotix, recently returned to Earth – head out on a wild scavenger hunt, forming teams and seeing who can make it to the Emerald first.

The scavenger hunt idea starts out as mildly amusing. Some good natured-competition between friends is always a nice way to ratchet up tension inside a story. Sadly, “Meteor Madness” quickly falls into an exhausting zany streak. Not to mention some spotty continuity. Sonic running to the North Pole from where ever the hell the Thorndyke mansion is located is one thing. Running fast is Sonic's thing. But how the heck do the other characters keep up with this pace? “Meteor Madness” has the team running all over the world and it raises some serious questions.

But back to that zany aspect. While in South America, the meteor changes hands more times than I could count. Rouge zips in, determined to have it for herself. Amy gets a little too involved, threatening to smash people with her hammer. The Chaotix grab the meteor only to loose it. Big the Cat is here for some reason. What could've been a mildly cute gag – Eggman is on vacation, relaxing in a mud bath – is interrupted when the heroes run through the doctor's base, dipping him too deep into the mud.

If the overbearing physical comedy wasn't your first clue, “Meteor Madness” catches “Sonic X” in an especially juvenile mood. Edkin is getting at a moral here. In the early pages, Chris Thorndykes expresses some misgivings about how Sonic and his friends always have all the adventures. After forming a team with Cream and Charmy, Chris tags behind the others on the chase. In the end, Chris is revealed to have grabbed the Emerald from the meteor when nobody was looking. This proves his worth to the time and, presumably, imposes on the young reader's how observation and planning is sometimes more important than brute strength.

The only problem is... Chris Thorndyke is a whiny little bitch. Those panels devoted to Chris talking about how he wished he had more adventure in his life are insufferable. Shit, kid, aren't you like ten years old? Don't you realize you aren't cut out for adventuring? Jesus, why does Sonic put up with this entitled little brat? Your parents are fucking loaded, Chris. Enjoy the fact that you can have absolutely any material possession in the world for your entire life and stop trying to force yourself into life risking adventures with your furry friends.

Truthfully, I think Edkin was aiming his writing at a very young crowd with this one. “Sonic X” has always skewed younger than Archie's other, superior “Sonic” book. But this particular issue is practically aimed at the kindergarten crowd. More than once, Edkin's narration boxes push over into overly pushy, outright asking the reader questions. In case you didn't get the obvious moral, Edkin pins on another narration box on the final page, outright explaining today's lesson. Maybe the six-to-seven crowd would have less of a problem with this.

Having said that, at least the artwork is pretty good. You never really know what level of quality you're going to get when David Hutchinson is drawing an issue. Some of his illustrations have been the best artwork “Sonic X” has ever seen. Some of his other pencils have been the worst artwork to appear in this book. Luckily, Hutchinson is bringing his A-game with this one. Everyone is on-model. There's an expressive, fluid aspect to the action sequences. The change in locations allows for some colorful backgrounds. There's even a surprising amount of detail in the scenes devoted to Eggman's robot, suggesting Hutchinson had been taking pointers from Steven Butler. So at least the artwork's nice.

Oh, and one more thing. Joe Edkin leans on another annoying habit in this issue. He takes time to reference stuff that happened on the cartoon show. Knuckles makes some vague reference to fighting a robot ninja at one point. Is it too much to ask for this comic book to stand alone? Around the same time, Edkins also takes the time to correct a continuity error. Edkin had the Chaotix getting zapped back to Sonic's world off-panel many issues ago. Ian Flynn, in his Valentine's Day special, had Vector and his crew back on Earth without explanation. Edkin takes the easy way out and just says that the Chaotix were teleported back to Earth in-between these two explanations. Not that anyone really noticed this foul-up but I guess it's good that somebody is paying attention.

Once again, an issue of “Sonic X” has left me feeling more-or-less nothing at all. It's a fairly inoffensive read but I guess I demand a little more from my comic books about blue hedgehogs that run fast. Edkins wrote some really fun stories in the past but when he pitches to the kiddy crowd, the quality suffers. Anyway, that's another issue of “Sonic X” reviewed. 33 down, seven to go. [5/10]

Sonic X: Issue 21

Sonic X: Issue 21
Publication Date: June 2007

Issue 21 is around the time Archie's original “Sonic the Hedgehog” comic book started to get good. While it would take quite a few years for the series to reach anything resembling a consistent tone – even the more serious stories were often followed up by goofy ones – no. 21 was when more serialized elements starting creeping into the comic. That's when life and death stakes became apparent, when relationships started becoming something important. I was hoping “Sonic X” would undergo a similar transformation around the same time. The series would reach its halfway point with this issue, after all. If the goofiness contained in this comic is any indication, a similar tonal change is unlikely.

Issue 21 would feature yet another new writer taking a crack at this series. “Sub Sonic” was written by somebody named Mike Bullock. The story details Grandpa Chuck reading news that an old lab partner of his has successfully invented a matter shifting machine. The guy's lab is right next to a toy store, where Chris hopes to buy some new action figures. Naturally, Eggman and his cronies attack around this time. Sonic, Tails, and the villains get struck by the ray, shrinking to small size. The chase ends up in the toy store, where further shenanigans ensue.

Mike Bullock at least doesn't stick to the “Sonic X” formula as closely as James McDonough and Adam Patyk did last time. Instead, Bullock seems to follow a trend Joe Edkin employed from time to time: Mash up Sonic with a classic genre story. “Sub Sonic” is essentially “The Incredible Shrinking Hedgehog,” while also drawing some probable inspiration from the toy store scenes in “Toy Story 2.” Sadly, bullock doesn't bring the same manic energy that Edkin added to his “Gremlins” and “Evil Dead” riffs. “Sub Sonic” is, instead, a standard action comedy story with low stakes, goofy slapstick, and very little tension.

Sadly, the story doesn't even utilize the goofy potential that idea has. Sonic and friends going on a rampage through a giant toy store could've featured all sorts of endearing silliness. What about Sonic fighting among the action figure shelves, as the cover teases? Using a teddy bear as a shield or crafting weapons from all sorts of plastic doodads? Instead, the toy store is merely used as set dressing. Eggman jumps in a remote controlled monster truck. Sonic briefly utilizes slinkies to protect himself. In another possible riff on “Gremlins” – maybe I just see “Gremlins” everywhere – Tails drives a pink sports car around at one point. That's pretty much it. This could've been way more fun.

It must be said that Eggman and his henchmen are still total buffoons. For what feels like the one hundred time, Eggman's evil scheme is spurned on after watching a TV news report. This time, his anger is activated by somebody taking attention away from the line of toys he's designed or something. While exploring the toy store, Bocoe and Decoe pause to fight over a Barbie doll, apparently mistaking her for a sexy fem-bot that they both desire. I guess I'm just not a fan of this interpretation of the character. I like my Robotnik to be a devious, ruthless villain, not a bungling man-child who somehow manages to build giant death machines every month.

If you want to talk about wasted potential, what about that ray gun Chuck's old partner invents? The story begins with the idea that Chuck and this guy worked on the device as a way to teleport matter across dimensions. This conversation is presented along side Sonic and friends wondering if they'll ever make it home. Seems like these two points would connect, right? Nope! It's disappointing that the issue starts in such an ambitious place and just uses it to set up a standard “hero gets shrunk” story line. Similarly underwhelming is the way the issue begins with Sonic having nightmares that foretell the adventure he's about to have. Does this have any deeper significance? Not that I can tell.

Hidden in this issue are also some not so subtle jabs at some of Sonic's competition. The toy line Chris is hoping to collect is called “Robonicles.” Which is, you'll notice, a pretty similar name to “Bionicle,” a Lego action figure line that was very popular around the time this comic book was published. Why did Bullock associate this popular, real life toy line with part of Eggman's evil scheme in this comic book? Once again, I have no idea. There's also a less direct jab later in the story, when Sonic and Tails stumble upon some stuffed toys modeled after them, annoyed by the bad likenesses.

At least the artwork is pretty good. David Hutchinson returns to penciling duties. It's not his best working, lacking the moodiness that characterizes his better issues. Yet it's very solid. The action is smooth. The characters are on models. The faces are expressive. What's frustrating about “Sonic X” isn't that it's so consistently mediocre. What annoys me is that it so clearly could be better, if the writers were willing to put a little more effort into things. [5/10]

Sonic X: Issue 20

Sonic X: Issue 20
Publication Date: May 2007

Most of Archie's “Sonic X” series has been written by Joe Edkin, with Ian Flynn subbing in for a handful of issues. With issue 20, Archie would invite a new duo of writers onto the book. James McDonough and Adam Patyk would write this issue. Since I have no experience with the “Sonic X” comic, I have no idea if McDonough and Patyk would stick with the book or if this is just a temporary stop-off for the team. Yet it certainly seems like Edkin would contribute less and less to “Sonic X” from this point on.

In “Speed Lines,” Sonic is going about his heroic business, saving lives and stopping Eggman's wicked plans. He continues to show up Sam Speed, formerly Station Square's number one superhero. In a moment of desperation, Sam Speed is picked up by a mysterious mechanic calling himself Robbie Nick. This guy provides Speed with a fancy new race car, one that can fly and is actually capable of outrunning Sonic. Of course, “Robbie Nick” is Dr. Eggman. Sam's car turns into a giant robot and immediately attempts to murderize Sonic and his friends.
The team of McDonough and Patyk do not deviate very much from the “Sonic X” formula that has been established up to this point. As in many of Joe Edkin's issues, Eggman is inspired by something he sees on TV to build a new giant robot. This ridiculous new robot, based on some sort of pre-existing idea, attacks Station Square or Sonic directly. Sonic then trumps Eggman's plan without too much effort. About the only seemingly required element McDonough and Patyk skip is Sonic getting a plot resolving power up from a Power Ring. I don't know if somebody at Sega or Archie demanded the comic follow these story set-ups or if the new writers were just following the previous one's lead. It's a little disappointing, either way.

Throughout the series, Sonic and Sam Speed's rivalry has come up from time to time. Speed isn't a bad guy. However, the jealousy he feels for Sonic's heroic has caused him to make some poor decisions in the past. In “Speed Lines,” Sam once again ends up aligned with Eggman due to his inability to recognize an obvious trap. Sadly, the book never comments on this ambiguity. Sonic forgives Speed at the end, promising it'll never happen again. I honestly wish the book would just make Speed a real villain, instead of leaving this lingering tension between the two heroes, never to be resolved or built on properly.

However, “Speed Lines” did make me laugh once. Eggman's “Robbie Nick” disguise got a couple of chuckles out of me. First off, I like that “Sonic X” actually acknowledged what Eggman's American/True and Honest name is for once. Secondly, the villain throwing on an easily seen-through disguise, dressing up as some goofy profession, positively reminds me of the cartoon absurdity of “Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog.” Or maybe I just like seeing Eggman in trucker clothes and his robot henchmen in Evel Knieval gear. It's the only real gag in the book that made me smile.

The back cover of issue 20 features an advertisement for Michael Bay's “Transformer” movie, which would hit theaters a few weeks after this comic book came out. Perhaps not coincidentally, “Speed Lines” also features a giant, transforming robot at the center of its story. The robot that Sam Speed's new car changes into is obviously inspired by Hasbro's wildly profitable toy franchise. The robot has the same vaguely Japanese head design that countless Transformers share. Having Sonic go up against a transforming robot doesn't shake things up very much. The machine shoots a couple of missiles at the hedgehog, throws some electric bolts around, and punches and kicks at him. If this was meant as a direct parody or homage of “Transformers,” very little thought was put into it.

The final fight does bring Knuckles into the story. The echidna just happens to spot one of the big explosions the robot causes from his perch on Angel Island. Convenient how that worked out, wasn't it? In classical buddy cop fashion, Sonic and Knuckles bicker as they fight an enemy together. Instead of appreciating how each other's skills helped save the day, they argue about which direction to run in or which pun to use. It's not very much but it ends up being one of the more interesting things about the story. By the way, Knuckles is the only “Sonic X” supporting cast member to really play a serious role in this issue. Tails, Amy, Cream, Chris, and Grandpa Chuck only appear briefly.

You know, Sonic being bested by Sam Speed might've lead to an interesting character moment. What happens when the fastest hedgehog's confidence in his speed is shaken? Instead, this is quickly bypassed for more goofy shenanigans. I'll bump this issue's rating up one strictly for that lovably goofy gag of Eggman dressing up as a trucker. Otherwise, “Sonic X” is another formulaic, forgettable comic book of a series that too often could be describe that way. [6/10]

Sonic X: Issue 18

Sonic X: Issue 18
Publication Date: April 2007

After letting Ian Flynn take the reigns for two issues, Joe Edkin returns to “Sonic X.” Choosing not to follow the holiday theme and have Sonic learn about the Easter Bunny, the book is instead back to its goofy, sci-fi adventure antics. This time, Edkin at least mixes things up by making Rouge the center of the story. It's surprising that “Sonic X” had been running for 18 issues at this point and the bat femme fatale had yet to get a story centered around her. Maybe this'll set a precedence and Topaz or Grandpa Chuck will get a cover story next?

The story's entitled “Rouge Goes Rogue,” which is confusing because I call confuse my bat girls and X-Women all the damn time. Anyway, the jewel loving bat enters the story by stealing a rare moon rock from the air-space museum. The real Rouge immediately goes missing, causing GUN agent Westwood to suspect she truly is behind these crimes. Next, Knuckles' Master Emerald is swiped by the rogue Rouge. As Sonic and friends attempt to flush out the jewel thief out, they discover the truth. That Eggman has built a robotic duplicate of Rouge and is using her to swipe power sources for his evil machines.

From the opening pages, it's apparent what direction “Rouge Goes Rogue” is going in. Archie's other “Sonic the Hedgehog” book has featured plots about robotic duplicates numerous times over the years. Whether its Pseudo-Sonic, Auto-Automatons, or the Infiltrator Units, Robotnik has attempted to sabotage Sonic's operations with look-a-like machines many times. Edkin doesn't deviate too much from the established patterns these stories usually follow. A normally heroic character acts as villainous. A friend wonders about their odd behavior, while another is eager to condemn them for the crime. Eventually, the truth is revealed, the real character steps forward and the robo-double is revealed.

Edkin does make a few smart decisions over the course of this typical story. First off, the story moves at a decent pace, zipping right along. Making Rouge the victimized character is clever. She's an ally of Sonic but with a checkered past. She's also far enough removed from the central gang that her alliances are suspect. Of course, giving Rouge such a prominent role in the story also allows for plenty of fan service. The opening sequence, where Rouge winds her way around the museum's security measure, is about as edgy and sexy as “Sonic X” could be expected to get.

The story also brings Topaz and Captain Westwood back into the story, after a brief hiatus. It's already established that Topaz is close to Rouge, though the exact confines of their relationship remains delightfully ambiguous. Naturally, Topaz comes to the defense of her partner/secret girlfriend. Also well established is Captain Westwood's paranoia and distrust of Sonic and his friends. Though initially fresh and entertaining, Westwood's constant antagonism is becoming tiring. When he tosses a giant net over Sonic and Knuckles for no reason, the audience starts to roll their eyes. Having said that, Topaz and Westwood being forced to work together provides some decent conflict. Edkin probably should've played that up a little more.

As an action story, “Rouge Goes Rogue” is mildly entertaining if a standard affair. The Robo-Rouge karate kicks Knuckles in the head, after a double entendre laden conversation. Naturally, Rouge ends up fighting her mechanical copy. This fight is disappointingly short lived. You think the comic would've made more of that one. Eggman's latest mecha suit ends up dominating most of the action. He raises from the Potomic River is a heavily armed but unimaginatively designed robotic suit. Naturally, Sonic and Knuckles make short work of the machine. The echidna tears open the armor while Sonic dive bombs the vulnerable innards. I mean, it's kind of fun but a bit on the uninspired side.

Luckily, issue 18 is a nice looking comic book. David Hutchinson returns to pencils. After producing some underwhelming work in his last appearance, Hutchinson is back in top form. The opening sequence, devoted to Rouge stealing the mono rock, features some creative angles and nice use of shadows. That same atmospheric approach returns with a later scene, where Topaz and Westwood are staking out the robotic Rouge. As usual, Hutchinson's grasp on the “Sonic X” house style remains strong but he continues to add enough expressive touches to the characters' to make him his own. Knuckles' rage while breaking a window or Topaz's shock at Rouge's disappearance are two good examples.

There's one or two fun elements to issue 18 of “Sonic X.” Otherwise, it's just another issue of a series that is all too happy to be mediocre, more often then not. The sexy Rouge shenanigans does elevate this one above the average but just slightly. [6/10]

Sonic X: Issue 14

Sonic X: Issue 14
Publication Date: November 2006

Last time, I referenced the weird push-and-pull inside “Sonic X.” This is two fold. Joe Edkin is clearly pulled between telling the original stories he wants to tell but, for some reason, is stuck working within the TV show's timeline. This makes the book really frustrating to read, sometimes. I suspect it made it frustrating to write too. The more pressing divide is in the book's tone. With issue 13, and it was evident in a few other issues too, you can see Edkin desiring to write a fun book referencing eighties horror flicks. On the other hand, this is still a book for little kids, forcing him from going too far with the monster movie shenanigans.

Picking up were we left off last time, Chris and Cream are being chased around a mansion by the ghost-possessed versions of their moms. When they attempt to escape, they find the home surrounded by more zombies. The two kids stay inside and fight off the ghosts with what they can get their hands on. Eventually, Cream finds a magical plot device that protects them and, eventually, helps them resolves the story once Sonic and Tails are sprung from prison.

In its opening pages, “Hare-Um Scare-Um: Part 2” is actually a pretty great horror story for young kids. The presentation of the ghost-possessed people – floating a few inches above the ground, huge but blank eyes, sharp teeth – is just eerie enough to be potentially creepy. Though we still don't know Vanilla and Chris' mom very well, parents attacking their children is edgy for this book. Edkin continues to make the zombie parallel rather literal. By surrounding the house with the possessed people, forcing Chris and Cream to hide, he intentionally recalls “Night of the Living Dead.” This builds towards my favorite sequence in the comic. Chris and Cream hide in an old wardrobe, while their demonic mothers float outside. The two have to stifle their screams while the creepy faces pass outside, visible through the crack in the door.

That scene is honestly as spooky as “Sonic X” was probably allowed to get. Which might be why the book immediately retreats into goofiness afterwards. We get a lot of really stiff, childish dialogue between Chris and Cream. The boy grabs a golf club, as if that'll protect him, before rather improbably ending up with a sword and a shield. Afterwards, we get a blatantly comedic sequence of Cheese being possessed by a ghost. At that point, the ghosts' true form – goofy, floating blue spectres – is revealed. This is significantly less spooky then the floating, corpse-like possessed bodies. After this scene, “Hare-um Scare-um” never recovers, remaining in a strictly goofy mood.

Admittedly, I chuckled lightly at the reveal concerning why the ghosts are here. Turns out, Mrs. Thorndyke's tennis court is haunted. The exact specifics why are escaping me at the moment but King Boom Boo – the giant ghost boss from “Sonic Adventure 2” - has taken up residence under the concrete. The constant sound of balls bouncing awoke and disturbed him or something. That's a goofy, amusing gag but leads to a rather disappointing conclusion. The ghosts explain his motivation before some nonsense about a magical talisman – another carry over from the cartoon show – wraps the story up. Kind of a bummer.

Continuing from last month, we get a few pages devoted to Sonic and Tails being in jail. There's one or two funny joke here, about Sonic slowly going stir crazy inside the small cell. He even helps Eggman assemble refrigerators – another carry over from the cartoon, Jesus Christ – strictly because he's going slightly mad from being pent up. Eggman's delight at the hedgehogs' anxiety makes for a decent laugh. As does his robotic henchmen saying the boss probably shouldn't admit to liking prison so much.

Sadly, this subplot also gets a hasty, lame resolution. Grandpa Chuck makes some phone calls, absolving Sonic and Tails of all guilt. They are immediately freed and instantaneously join Chris and Cream on the island. By this point, the ghost business has already more-or-less resolved itself. Sonic only shows up again so he can race the magical plot device controlling the ghosts or something back to its rightful place and so on and so forth.

David Hutchinson does the artwork for this issue but it's a major step down from his usually reliable work. Sonic and Tails go horribly off-model in several panels. There's a lack of mood and atmosphere throughout the latter half of the issue. This is odd, considering that is usually Hutchinson's strong suit. Sometimes, the perspective and proportions are kind of weird. In a major no-no, he even uses a stock picture of grass as the background in one panel. Seemingly in a move swiped from Tim Smith 3, bright, primary colors are used as the backgrounds on several other pages. In fact, I thought this was Smith's work at first. I guess Hutchinson was really rushing it on this one. He's capable of better work.

After a really promising start, “Sonic X's” first Halloween story arc ends in a very disappointing way. One or two dynamite moment can't make up for a flimsy script, overly easy resolution and mediocre artwork. And, just think, we were this close to a “Sonic” version of “Evil Dead.” [6/10]

Sonic X: Issue 13

Sonic X: Issue 13
Publication date: October 2006

It's not often that Archie's suite of “Sonic the Hedgehog” books acknowledged the holidays that happened around their release schedule. The book featured a Christmas story all the way back in its first year but that's about it. Considering Mobius is an Earth millions of years in the future, it makes sense that Sonic and his pals would have no conception of human holidays. The “Sonic X” book, however, appears to be a different story. Issue 13 pays homage to objectively the best of all holidays, by featuring Sonic and his friends trick or treating on the cover. The corresponding story also contains some seasonally appropriate spooky elements. That's right, kiddies, this issue is something I thought I would never get: A Sonic the Hedgehog Halloween special.

Following last month's cliffhanger, where Tails emerge from an alien war machine, both Sonic and his two-tailed sidekick are taken into government custody. Captain Westwood, fearful of being punished for his own screw-up, claim both Mobians have been working with Dr. Eggman the whole time. As a result, both are tossed in prison. Meanwhile, Vanilla has expressed some concerns about whether Cream and Chris are safe going on adventures with Sonic. Hoping to ease her mind, Chris' mom takes the four of them on a trip to a private island the family owns. The vacation is far from peaceful though. As Chris and Cream discover, evil spirits have possessed everyone living there.

Before we get to the spookiness, I'll discuss the element of government intrigue in the first part of “Hare-um Scare-em.” The idea of the Earthly government turning against Sonic and Tails is an interesting one. On one hand, it strikes me as slightly unlikely. As one of the presidential aides point out, Sonic has helped save Earth countless times. I'm also not quite sure what G.U.N. targets Sonic for, since he took down the alien war machine that was attacking the city last time. Still, there's something suitably powerful about the image of the comic's heroes being detained, interrogated, and tossed in prison by those that employ them. (Though, yes, Sonic and Tails wearing stripy prison uniforms is a goofy sight.)

Moreover, “Hare-um Scare-um” has Captain Westwood graduating from minor annoyance to full-blown villain. We already known that Westwood is a coward more then happy to manipulate people to further his own goals. In this issue, he reveals a truly treacherous and scummy side. He sells Sonic and Tails up the river to protect his own ass and as petty revenge for previous humiliation. He's more then happy to stroke anti-alien sentiment in the president in order to rise to power. I know this is a ten year old kids' comic but, considering this was the same year our fucking president tried to ban an entire religion, the “Sonic X” president turning against “aliens” is a weirdly unnerving sight.

But let's put all of that stuff aside in order to discuss this comic book's most important element: The motherfucking zombies. Or, at least, zombie-like entities. Confirming my suspicion that he's a huge horror dork, writer Joe Edkin shoves a bunch of “Evil Dead” references into this issue. Upon arriving on the island, the Thorndykes find it eerily empty. As the ghost-possessed humans attack Chris and Cream, they moan out cries of “Join us!” You probably wouldn't expect a “Sonic” comic to feature ghostly humans, with creepy doll-like eyes, floating above the ground and attempting to attack a pair of children. “Hare-um Scare-um: Part 1” even concludes on a page portraying Vanilla and Chris' mom taken over by the evil spirits. That's an image that probably traumatized a copy of young readers. At least, I hope it did.

Of course, “Sonic X” is still a goofy kid's book. Things aren't allowed to get too creepy. When Chris and Cream are attacked by the zombie/ghosts inside an ice cream parlor, they fight off the creatures by flinging Rocky Road at them. That's a good way to undermine the spookiness of your threat, don't you think? That a pair of actual children, Chris and Cream, can easily outrun the possessed also makes them seem less dangerous. All of this is apparently a reference to a previous episode of the “Sonic X” cartoon, where Amy Rose was possessed by the ghosts from “Sonic Adventure 2.”  (As another random shout-out to the events of the show, apparently Emerl is still alive, living with the Thorndykes as Cream's personal bodyguard? I guess that's another thing that happened when we weren't looking.)

Through the government betrayals and ghostly zombies, an actual theme of sorts emerge from “Hare-um Scare-um: Part 1.” Vanilla and Chris' mom – who has a name, I guess – bound over their mutual concerns about their children's well-being. Thorndyke seems pretty confident that the aliens and such he's hanging around with are enough to keep Chris safe. Vanilla is still concerned about Cream, even though “Sonic Advance 2” portrayed the little bunny as a confident crime-fighter. Presumably the events of this story arc, featuring Chris and Cream fighting some monsters, will make both mother realized that their kids can handle themselves. I mean, that's where I assume Edkin is taking it.

It could probably be a little better balanced, and isn't as much fun as the “Gremlins” inspired story he previously wrote, but this is still one of my favorite “Sonic X” issues so far. This is, after all, a comic containing both Sonic the Hedgehog and some “Evil Dead”-style zombies. I mean, holy shit, how could I not love this? David Hutchinson provides some solid, even atmospheric artwork, furthering my theory that he's probably the best artist working on this book. Who knows if Edkin can provide a solid conclusion to this story but I sure did enjoy this first half. [8/10]

Sonic X: Issue 7

Sonic X: Issue 7
Publication Date: April 2006

Issue 6 was, by far, the most entertaining installment of Archie's “Sonic X” adaptation thus far. What made that issue so much fun was writer Joe Edkin combining oddball references to sci-fi/horror classics with a madcap sense of humor. With issue 7, writer Joe Edkin continues to dig into a cinematic past for inspiration but dials back with the comedy. This also ends up working pretty well, even if this issue doesn't reach the hilarious insanity of the previous one.

Chris Thorndyke's birthday has come. Naturally, his parents are off working around the world. Luckily, he has Sonic and his friends to keep him company. Work draws them away too. Sonic is recruited by a self-serving G.U.N. agent, Captain Westwood, to dig up a mysterious and possibly alien object in the desert. Meanwhile, Rouge and Topaz go into the sewers to investigate a strange room discovered underground. What they don't see is the entity living in that area, watching them.

Despite the punny title, “Take This Job and Shovel It” actually leans far less on the goofy humor that has characterizes “Sonic X” up until this point. Instead, the book moves into a slightly more serious, and even mildly creepy, direction. Eggman and his quibbing sidekicks are nowhere to be seen in this issue. Tails, Amy Rose, and even Chris have a smaller role. Instead, most of the issue is devoted to Sonic having his adventure in the desert and Rouge and Topaz having their adventures in the sewer. There's more shadows in these scenes, as well as hints at a deeper mythology, suggesting aliens will have a role to play in “Sonic X.” Interesting!

Not that Edkin abandons the humor that has filled this book so far. Most of the jokes come from Captain Westwood. Despite being a high-ranking government agent, Westwood is deeply insecure. He's jealous that Topaz gets all the cool gigs and blames having Rouge as a partner, an interndimensional furry animal, is what's giving her the extra edge. So Westwood decides to seek out Sonic, hoping to recruit him as his partner. His melodramatic reactions to these concerns are good for a laugh. Sonic's reaction upon discovering his deception is equally amusing. During these scenes, we even get some decent character development when he explains to Westwood while he likes to hang around with Chris Thorndyke. (Mostly because the kid lets him stay in his mansion for free.)

The most obvious homage in “Take This Job and Shovel It” is to “War of the Worlds.” After using his super speed to dig up the strange alien device, the vessel comes to life. It's a dome-like vehicle that walks around on three spindly legs. It also has a heat ray mounted on an agile, articulated hose. If the homage wasn't super obvious already, Edkin even throws in the image of the heat ray rising out of the pit and firing on Sonic. It's a hedgehog-afied take on the early events of H.G. Wells' novel. It's not as much fun as gremlin-like Chao with chainsaws or giant robots but it's still pretty cool. Especially when Sonic defeats the tripod with only a shovel.

Meanwhile, Rouge and Topaz' journey into the sewers recalls some other eighties horror flicks, of which Edkin is clearly a fan of. It begins with a pair of sewer maintenance workers uncovering an unopened door. That's an image that brings to mind “Alligator,” “Don't Be a Afraid of the Dark” and about a dozen episodes of “The Real Ghostbusters.” As Rouge and Topaz slink around the mysterious area, I couldn't help but be reminded of the likes of “Alien” and “C.H.U.D.” Maybe my horror nerd brain, fried from too many midnight double features, is just seeing stuff that isn't there. But there's a likable, vaguely spooky atmosphere to these moments. I don't think it was accidental.

Issue 7 also introduces a new character. I am aware of Emerl, from vague memories of playing “Sonic Battle” on my Game Boy Advance. He's a mysterious gold robot that can copy other abilities or something, right? I believe he had a bigger role in the “Sonic X” anime? Anyway, the gold robot appears in this story. He's the thing in the room, observing Rouge and Topaz from the shadows. I don't know where Edkin is going with this but it's an interesting angle, keeping Emerl mysterious while suggesting that he might be either a threat or a new friend.

Issue 7 brings a new artist onto the book. David Hutchinson's work is pretty good. He shares a major problem that Tom Smith III had, as his backgrounds are rather undefined and bland. However, his work on faces is quite good. I especially like the anime-esque designs he brings to Topaz' face. He stays on-model but brings his own style to the book. His action is solid, with a decent sense of movement. I hope he continues to work on the book, even if his illustrations shows room for improvement.

Looks like “Sonic X” is starting to come into its own, developing its own mythology distinct from the main book and perhaps the cartoon show that spawned it. Honestly, if “Sonic X” kept it up – mixing some light-hearted humor with interesting plot reveals and throwbacks to classic sci-fi and horror stories – I would be perfectly alright with that. [7/10]