Sonic Universe: Issue 40

Sonic Universe: Issue 40
Publication Date: May 2012

Sonic fans are not ones to let a good in-joke get pass them. The cover of issue 40 of “Sonic Universe” takes on a fighting game motif, the second such time an Archie “Sonic” book has done that. The cover is specifically paying homage to “Sonic the Fighters,” an obscure fighting game that only popped up in arcades. A secret character for the game was Honey the Cat, who was herself a homage to Sega's “Vitura Fighter” character. Part of me suspects that Honey actually becoming a proper character in the post-reboot universe wouldn't have happened with all that blink-and-miss-it throwback on this cover. Anyway, on with the review.

The fourth part of “Scrambled” is given the rather delightfully melodramatic subtitle “In the Name of Love.” Snively and the Iron Queen, him armed with the Iron Oni mech and Regina with her techno-magic, faces down Eggman. The mad scientist quickly calls in a giant robot of his own to do battle with his nephew. And then some other stuff happens.

It seems to me that, in all the years that Robotnik and Snively have secretly plotted against each other, I don't think they've ever actually come to blows before. In the conclusion of “Scrambled,” the two finally fight it out. It's pretty well done too. Amusingly, when Eggman drops a giant robot out of his mustache flier, it's an Egg Beater armor made entirely from plastic, porcelain, and polymers and operated entirely with wires. That makes it entirely unaffected by the Iron Queen's techno-magics. Amusingly, Robotnik doesn't even need the armor to defeat Snively. He undermines Snively's Iron Oni with his tool kit more than anything else. Moreover, finally allowing a fight to take place allows all the resentment that has simmered between them for years to boil over.

All throughout my coverage of the Iron Queen's various appearances, I've widely assumed that the Iron Queen has no actual feelings for Snively. That she's only using him. It's a pretty obvious conclusion. However, Flynn has never outright stated that Regina is just using Snively. In issue 40 of “Sonic Universe,” we finally have this confirmed. During the middle of the fight, Eggman yells at Snively that he's obviously being manipulated. In the last part of the comic, it becomes clear to how little Snively actually means to her.

Oh yeah, Monkey Khan is in this comic book too. His role in the plot is pretty minor. He ends up under the control of both Robotnik and Iron Queen pretty quickly but that ends up not contributing much to the story. Ultimately, his role in the story is to keep Mecha Sally from immediately swooping in and destroying Snively. At the end, Robotnik taunts him some more about Sally's current state. But that's about it. Monkey Khan has very little reason to be here but I guess Flynn makes his inclusion pretty painless.

The comic relief in the last few issues have been slightly distracting. There's a little bit of that here, with Cubot and Orbot cracking some jokes. Mostly, however, “Scrambled” concludes on a gleefully mean tone. Robotnik completely destroys Snively. His slapdash attempt to overthrow his uncle is undone. He looses his girlfriend. In the end, Robotnik even completely supplants his role in the Eggman Empire. The real Snively is left in a small prison, beaten and bruised, his spirit totally crushed. And Robotnik mocks him all for it. Astutely, he says that Snively “brought his A-game and [Eggman] still won.”

And that's a bit of a tragedy, isn't it? Once again, “Scrambled” brings attention to the strange balance of pity and disgust we feel towards Snively. He desperately wants to be a serious villain but he just doesn't have the skills to hack it, making his attempts likelier to illicit sympathy. Very few plot points of the original Archie Sonic universe were resolved before the upcoming reboot. There's a few lingering plot points here, like the Iron Queen's new role in the Eggman Empire. However, the rivalry between Robotnik and Snively is brought to a very satisfying conclusion. I'm sure Snively would've been given more to do if the original story had continued. But, as far as I'm concerned, him rotting forever in a cell after yet another failed insurrection is the sad fate he deserves.

Jamal Peppers' artwork is quite good too, the artist no longer being content to copy Yardley. Instead, he's doing his own thing here. After the super lame “Babylon Rising” story arc, “Sonic Universe” is back in prime shape with this one. “Scrambled” is probably my favorite story arc from the spin-off book's entire history. Funny how that worked out, isn't it? [8/10]

Sonic Universe: Issue 39

Sonic Universe: Issue 39
Publication Date: April 2012

Do you think the people reading “Sonic Universe” in 2012 were familiar with “Patton?” I mean, I was because I was a good ten years older than the target audience and also a huge dork. But the six-to-ten-year-olds this comic is ostensibly targeted at? Probably not. It's sort of funny how a pop culture reference like that has reverberated through history, to the point that some have probably forgotten, or were never aware of, where it originated from. This is the shit I think about at 12:30 at night when I'm writing these reviews.

Anyway, part three of “Scrambled” is subtitled “Line in the Sand.” It begins with Eggman and his cronies tracking Snively to the Dragon Kingdom. Snively has traveled to the area to free Regina, his Iron Queen./ex-girlfriend. As usually happens when you try a big gesture to impress your ex, she is not happy to see him. Robotnik starts burning buildings and being an asshole, causing Monkey Khan to fly into the fight, where he is shocked to encounter Mecha-Sally. Meanwhile, Snively is not quite done for.

Something that continually disappoints me about a lot of “Sonic” media is the decision to play Robotnik as a comic-relief villain. Even outside of the grimmer-than-most “SatAM,” this is a guy who has turned living things into batteries for his army of deadly robots, in an effort to take over the world. He should be remorseless. Even though Flynn's Eggman still has a comedic touch, he understands that essential ruthlessness. That's once again on display here. Early on, while talking with Conquering Storm, he demands she legionize her ninja soldier. When she explains that the Raiju are a proud clan that doesn't want to be given an unfair advantage, Eggman says he doesn't care and threatens to completely destroy the clan unless she obeys. Later, he casually commands his troops to burn the Dragon Kingdom to the ground without even thinking about it. That off-hand, nonchalance is played for laughs but is pretty damn evil in-universe. As it should be.

This isn't the only example of how damn cold Eggman can be. When Monkey Khan arrives to defend his city, the evil scientist is informed that the simian cyborg has a soft-spot for Princess Sally. So he immediately deploys Mecha-Sally. Ken is shocked but quickly swings back into battle mode, proving once and for all that his love was not true. Granted, he does attempt to reach out to Sally, hoping a shred of her personality still survives inside the machine. This doesn't work and the whole thing ends up being all a ploy to get Khan to give up his powers, which he totally falls for. I understand why Flynn included this stuff but it does distract slightly from the conflict between Robotnik and Snively, the heart of this story.

Perhaps sensing that this story would be slightly grim otherwise, Flynn throws in some comic relief. Some of it works well. Like Eggman expressing to Regina that, out of all his underlings that could've usurp him, she actually would've been his choice as she's not a filthy furry... However, he balks at her use of magic. Another gag I like is easy to miss. That Cubot and Orbot riding around in similarly shaped, tiny Egg-Mobil. However, the robotic sidekicks are otherwise the source of some unsightly comic relief. Having Cubot talk like a pirate for no reason undermines the seriousness of the situation slightly.

After getting shot down by Hope, “Line in the Sand” has Snively reaching out to the only other human being he's ever had a positive emotional connection to. The Iron Queen has been kept at the bottom of a well by the Dragon Kingdom locals, a prison set-up that doesn't seem entirely ethical. (“Where does she poop?” is just the first question that comes to mind.) Despite that, she's still pretty pissed that Snively abandoned her at the end of the Iron Dominion arc. Of course, it's not like Regina ever actually loved Snively anyway. That he still doesn't realize she was just using him as a means to an end – which is re-enforced when her opinion completely turns around once Snively actually does rescue her, via a Daimajin-esque oni battle-mech – further emphasizes how pathetic and tragic Snively's quest to be loved is.

I've had some mixed things to say about Jamal Peppers artwork throughout this run. He's still trying too hard to emulate Yardley. In this issue, his take on the Iron Queen also seems to be slightly off-model, to my eyes. I can't quite place it but she just doesn't seem right. Otherwise, Peppers does a pretty good job. He makes good use of facial expressions, especially in the scenes where Eggman is scowling at the locals or Conquering Storm is lying through her teeth at the arch-villain. His action scenes are solid too.

Though not quite as solid as the previous two issues, “Scrambled” continues to be one of the strongest “Sonic Universe” arcs in a while. Eggman being a heartless villain and Snively's continued pathetic attempts to succeed has endeared this one to me greatly. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 212

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 212
Publication Date: April 2010

Why did Archie keep inviting Sanford Greene to draw covers for the “Sonic the Hedgehog” comic? I mean, aside from the obvious fact that they could barely be bothered to gave a shit about this particular series. I guess there were times when both Patrick Spaziante and Tracy Yardley were unavailable to pencil the cover. Yet, out of all the talented artists they could've contacted, why do they keep bringing back this guy? This guy who contributed only deeply off-model, ugly covers? Then again, this is the same company that employed Ron Lim for years, despite his obvious lack of aptitude for these characters. See my earlier point about Archie not giving a shit about “Sonic.”

“The Roads We Take” begins with its key players in different locations. Since they've defeated the Iron Dominion, Sonic has seen hide nor hair of Robotnik. Sonic believes the doctor (and Snively!) to be hiding out in the Egg Dome, the central building still standing among the ruins of Old Robotropolis. He's right, the doctor observing the hedgehog. Sally joins Monkey Khan as he assumes his new position as ruler of Dragon Valley. On the Floating Island, Espio informs Knuckles and the Chaotix of the secrets he gathered about them, as a ninja sent to spy on them years ago.

In the past, after wrapping up a big event storyline, Ian Flynn has devoted an issue to matters more low-key and character based. Issue 212 is one such story, which is even subtitled “Iron Dominion Epilogue.” “The Roads We Take” is a story about putting story threads to rest. The aftermath of Espio's betrayal and Sally's romantic tension with Monkey Khan get whole spreads devoted to them. The issue is also about setting up new story opportunities. Robotnik is planning something devious inside the Egg Dome, dragging Snively along with him. Sonic and Tails discover Dimitri's head inside a storeroom, though that reveal is kept off-screen for now. The book manages the divide between emotions and narrative structure fairly well.

Most importantly, for me anyway, “The Roads We Take” puts the damnable Sally/Monkey Khan romance to bed, once and for all. It's handled with a surprising amount of grace, even if it's still a romance that has no reason to exist. Their scene together acknowledges the growth that Khan has undergone over the last year, going from a totally obnoxious character to someone more well rounded. He low-key proposes to her but Sally turns her down, knowing she has business to attend to in Knothole. And, thus, Khan is out of the book, not to be seen for a while, without hurting anyone's feelings. (Sally also spends the night in Dragon Valley, suggesting she experienced some sweaty monkey love before going back to Sonic. You're welcome for that mental image.)

In the last few pages, Flynn reaffirms Sonic and Sally's status as soulmates. After she returns to Knothole, Sonic rushes up to her. In a cute moment, he surprises her by running up to her quickly. The Princess offers to buy the hedgehog lunch, which raises some questions about what currency they use in Mobotropolis. Sonic is surprised by the offer. As they walk off towards lunch, Sally reminds Sonic of the long history they have. It's a quiet, subtle moment, pointing out the unshakable connection the two have. And will continue to have, even if a cybernetic ape tries to come between them. (Seemingly to drive this point home, the entire fan art section is devoted to romantic Sonic/Sally artwork. Some of it, such as Brittany M. from Texas' dynamic piece, is quite good.)

The Monkey Khan/Sally romance wasn't the only dumb-ass plot point that sometimes made “The Iron Dominion” a slog to read. Espio's betraying the heroes, due to some loyalty to a previously unmentioned ninja clan, was a dumb idea. Worst yet, it had very little effect on the story. Flynn neatly rolls up and disposes of that point. Around a fire, by the Master Emerald, Espio throws himself on the mercy of his fellow Chaotix. He admits all his secrets. That he's been watching Knuckles, because his clan has always watched the Brotherhood. It gets plot stuff out of the way but in a way that emphasizes the bound between characters. The chameleon feels like shit about this, that his friends have no obligation to forgive him. It's a vulnerable moment that makes up for some of the previous mistakes.

There are moments of humor and pathos here. Espio reveals that Vector is from Downunda. That his entire persona as a hip-hopping cool guy is a put-on, meant to cover up his natural Australian accent. Charmy's scrambled mind comes up again, the newly child-like Chaotix still unable to accept his recent history. Most pressingly, Espio tells Mighty that he has a sister and that she's a Dark Egg Legion member. This leads to Mighty and Ray heading off on an adventure to rescue his sister. The story reason for this is to give Mighty, a character with a strong personality that is rarely explored, something to do. I also wonder if there's some editorial, Sega-mandated reason for this. In the video games, “The Chaotix” are just Vector, Espio and Charmy. Mighty and Ray aren't official Chaotix anymore. I wonder if Flynn separated Mighty and Ray from the main group to bring the comic closer to the games?

There's so much going in this issue that, honestly, Sonic doesn't get too much to do. Mostly, the hedgehog and Tails spend most of issue 212 running around the Egg Dome, looking for Robotnik, unaware that he's right under their nose. Dialogue reveals that Sonic has made a habit of returning to Egg Dome. He's almost become obsessed with finding the villain. I'm probably reading too much into this but I think Sonic's guilt about Robotnik – about breaking his mind in the first place, about letting him get away – is manifesting in an obsessive desire to track him down. Or, maybe, he's happy to have the chase back, to have their rivalry renewed. Either way, I suspect the hedgehog's feelings will be explored more in upcoming issues.

Issue 212 is a pretty good comic book! In fact, it might actually be better than any of the issues part of the proper “Iron Dominion” story arc. By focusing on the relationships between the character, Flynn almost justifies some of the sillier narrative wrenches he through into the proverbial gears. Sometimes, getting a bead on everyone's status is more important than fisticuffs and good guys fighting bad guys. [8/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 211

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 211
Publication Date: April 2010

Issue 211 contains the second half of the “Home Invasion” story. This is, essentially, the climax of the year long Iron Dominion event. That's a tricky place for a writer to be. This issue has to wrap up twelve months of build-up. It also has to leave enough crumbs for wherever the book is headed next. I know other readers, obviously those that hated the whole thing, were eager for the story to be over. So here we go.

The second part of “Home Invasion” is given the lofty subtitle of “Security Measures” for some reason. We pick up with Sonic, Monkey Khan, Sally and Tails smashing through the dome of Mobotropolis. An enormous battle with the Iron Queen and the Dark Egg Legion ensues. Double crosses and dramatic reveals follow. The Yagyu Clan abandons the Iron Queen. Snively hightails it out of there. Lien-Da attempts a betrayal and is brutally rebuffed. At the end of the fight, the Iron Queen has fallen and New Mobotropolis has been reclaimed.

As I said, “Home Invasion Part Two” has the heavy goal of providing a satisfying conclusion to the last eleven-plus comic books. Over all, Ian Flynn mostly succeeds. This issue is packed with action. Both of the fisticuffs variety but also in the sense of plot movement. About half a dozen different plot points are resolved here. Most everyone gets something to do. Only Bunnie and Geoffrey St. John are left out the fray, as Bunnie is totally off the battlefield and St. John just leaps around in the background. Even Nicole gets a couple of juicy moments.

Probably my favorite moment in issue 211 revolves around Lien-Da. After Monkey Khan announces that the Yagyu Clan has severed ties with the Bride of the Four Houses – a reference to the boring shit happening in “Sonic Universe” – the bat ninjas vamoose. Lien-Da decides to take this moment to seize power. Because, of course, she does. Lien-Da is always power hungry, always looking for a chance to consolidate her power. And that's what we love about her. Honestly, the scene where she yells to the heavens on the battlefield, attempting to rally her own people to rebel, is oddly powerful. Lien-Da may be a shifty bitch but she's such an awesome shifty bitch.

I'm not too sure Ian Flynn agrees with that. He certainly seems to enjoy humiliating Lien-Da. Previously, he wrote the villainess throwing herself on Eggman's mercy, getting killed off by King Shadow in the 30 Years Later future, and seeing a betrayal by her brother in the “Birthright” back story. In “Home Invasion,” her attempt to seize power from the Iron Queen is interrupted when Regina activates the explosive implant that was hidden inside Lien-Da a while ago. (If there's any problem with this issue, it's that there's a few too many previous plot points resurfacing.) The explosion happens off-panel and Lien-Da's exact fate is left ambiguous, making you wonder if Flynn was flirting with killing her off. She would come back eventually though.

Over the last two issues, Robotnik's shattered psyche has started to reassemble. In this issue, the villain reverts back to his previously sinister personality. This revolts in an amusing scene, where Snively throws himself on Robotnik's mercy. Naturally, Colin's uncle takes him back... But not without humiliating him a little first. Man, these two have a pretty fucked-up relationship, don't they? Of course, the chaos of the battle allows the bad guys to escape the city, leaving both of them around for whatever the comic's next story will be.

Ian Flynn has done this before. The previous big story line, where the Freedom Fighters took the fight to Robotnik, concluded with the heroes resoundingly crushing their enemy. “Home Invasion” features a very similar beat. The Iron Dominion's defeat is sound and all consuming. Monkey Khan grabs the magical deus ex machina fan needed to stop the Iron King. I guess they grab that at some point in the on-going “Sonic Universe” arc. The Iron Queen uses her powers to create a fucked-up spider looking monster and, eventually, a giant robotic dragon. Yet Sonic and the gang take these efforts apart with ease. Dramatically, this shouldn't be very sound. And yet, somehow, it works. Again, Flynn employs a clever strategy. After a number of hard losses for the heroes, seeing them kick some serious ass makes for a gratifying read.

As I mentioned above, issue 211 is jam packed full of stuff. There's lots of action and plot points coming out. To the point that some story reveals get shuffled to the side. In the heat of battle, Espio shows up literally out of nowhere. This bluntly resolves the subplot about Espio's betrayal of the Freedom Fighters, which has been seriously sidelined recently. That only occupies a few panels. Would've liked to have seen more of that one. But maybe this overstuffed approach isn't too bad. Sally gives Monkey Khan a big hug at the end. The moment comes and goes without lingering on that odious ship any further though, thankfully.

Steven Butler is once again drawing the issue. It's clear that the artist realizes this is a key issue. He brings his A-game. There are a couple of key panels here that are just gorgeous. Such as the aforementioned spider monsters or giant dragons the Iron Queen assembles out of nowhere. (You can also tell Butler enjoys drawing the Iron Queen, a shapely human female, instead of the usual shapely furry females he draws for this book. He also adds some effective villainous touches to Regina, such as her glowing eyes or spittle-lined teeth.) The action scenes are, of course, top of the line. There's this panel where the Iron King is fighting off Antoine, Amy, Sonic and Monkey Khan at the same time that just looks great. Butler's work is always good so, when he really puts in the extra effort, that makes things even better.

Though it has some flaws, issue 211 works more often than it doesn't. A few minor details could've used some more exploring but, as the wrap-up to a long story line, it does most of the things you'd expect. And, if nothing else, it does provide us for that great moment of Lien-Da being an awesome bad guy. Best yet, the conclusion of the Iron Dominion mega-arc means we won't have Monkey Khan to kick around much longer. And thank goodness for that! [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 210

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 210
Publication Date: March 2010

As I've said before, back when the story arc was new, some fans complained that the Iron Dominion event went on too long. The story did go on for exactly a year and the pacing clearly flagged a little in the middle. Over a year, I can see how that would get old. As I've said before, it's hard to get a sense of that arc fatigue when you've read the whole thing in a little over a week, as I have here. Either way, the Iron Dominion was heading towards its end by March of 2010. The “Home Invasion” two-parter, which would depict the Iron Queen's defeat, would begin in this issue.

The occupation of New Mobotropolis by the Iron Dominion continues. Amy Rose and Antoine attempt to hold up a rebellion. Nicole has carved out a hiding place for them, where Bunnie is also being kept hidden. With Sonic, Sally, Tails, and Monkey Khan in the Dragon Kingdom, the Freedom Fighters are barely holding on. Even with the arrival of Geoffrey St. John, the tides don't exactly turn. The Queen leads the heroes into an obvious trap after proclaiming they'll be legionizing – brainwashing and implanting robotic parts – in the city's coliseum.

The first part of “Home Invasion,” subtitled “Breaking and Entering,” features very little of this comic book's titular character. This is an experimental decision that easily could've gone wrong. The book has attempted to sideline Sonic before to mediocre results. Flynn, however, pulls it off. Instead of switching the focus to some shitty new character, Flynn shines the spotlight on Sonic's established supporting cast. We've followed Amy, Antoine, and the others for years. We really care about them and their personalities are more than strong enough to support a single issue. I honestly wish this had gone on a little longer, as Sonic is sometimes a drag on his own book.

However, I do have one slight problem with the way this story is presented. Flynn makes it seem like the rebellion at home has been fighting off the Iron Dominion for quite some time. Which is a little hard to believe. First off, in the beginning of the issue, it's only Amy Rose and Antoine leading the resistance. I know they're both good fighters but it strains believably that two people have been holding off an army for a while. Also slightly implausible is how Nicole has been hiding Bunnie for all this time. You think the Iron Queen would've noticed something, considering her primary A.I. has been hiding her greatest enemies right under her nose for at least a couple of days.

They eventually get help though. Geoffrey St. John gets a flashy reintroduction, in his first major appearance since issue 188. St. John mostly just stood around, accompanying Rouge on a mission in that one. The skunk secret agent gets a lot more action-y stuff to. Like leaping through the air on a rope, shooting bolts all over the place. Flynn even exploits the character's general seriousness for some comic relief. When Iron Nicole first shows herself to St. John, he attempts to shoot here, still believing she's under the Queen's control.

Another high-light of issue 210 is a brief scene between Snively and Dr. Robotnik. During the occupation of Mobotropolis, it seems like Snively has made a regular habit of visiting his uncle in jail and mocking his disheveled state. Only this time, we see that the Eggman's mental state is starting to reform. He's come to an interesting conclusion about Sonic: That his archenemy represents the variable of chaos present in any scientific experiment. That's a good moment and segues into an even better one. Snively tells his uncle that he and Regina love each other, which causes Robotnik to laugh like crazy. Like the audience, the villain can see right through the Iron Queen's manipulations. It's a good moment because it further shows Snively's weird vulnerability. He's so desperate for love, for power, for understanding, that he's willing to accept Regina's feelings, even if they're obviously fake. It's also a great way to show that Robotnik's scheming, brilliant, evil self is back.

The other villains get a chance to shine too. First off, public Legionizing having in the coliseum, for everyone to see, is a pretty fucked-up thing for a bad guy to do. Especially since Rotor, another established character we already care about, is chosen as the first person to undergo this procedure. (Rotor initially resists too, giving a somewhat underserved character a rare chance to shine, however briefly.) I also like a brief dialogue exchange between Regina and the Iron King. We're she explains to the King that this is entire idea is a trap, meant to lure the heroes out. Which will give him an opportunity to smash shit. Which he'll enjoy. Little moments like that make the villains a little more personable.

Steven Butler returns to penciling duties. Butler grants the story a sleek, powerful energy that helps sell the zippy pacing. Butler's strength for character work really comes through in this one. His rendition of the Iron Queen looks especially powerful, rising her staff and surrounded by sparkling energy. His action scenes, like St. John leaping around flying ninja stars or Amy Rose meeting the Iron King's hammer swing-for-swing, are fantastic. Butler also makes Robotnik look especially sinister and unhinged, adding further intimidation to his scenes with Snively. I also like the little details Butler adds to Snively, such as his eyes bulging out when Rotor takes a swing at him. It's a really strong looking issue.

Issue 210 concludes with Sonic and the others returning to Mobotropolis, crashing the Tornado through the city's dome. It's actually a moment that works really well, making the entire comic seem like a nice build-up to that arrival. Over all, the first part of “Home Invasion” is a solid story, full of action and likable character moments, even with a few minor plot holes. Will the Iron Dominion end on a up note? Maybe! If nothing else, the first part is pretty good. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 209

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 209
Publication Date: February 2010

With issue 208, the Iron Dominion super-arc was heading into its last third. The plot line was always disliked by some Sonic fans and, even the ones who liked the idea, where starting to tire before now. However, as Flynn started to put the pieces together for the conclusion, “Iron Dominion” picked up considerably steam. Issue 209 contains the second half of the two-parter actually called “Iron Dominion.”

After the Iron Queen has seized control of New Mobotropolis, Sonic, Sally, Tails, and Monkey Khan successfully escaped to Freedom HQ. As a last ditch effort to save the city, Sonic and Sally has Tails digitize them, using the same technology previously used to enter Shadow's digital memories. The two's avatars face down the digital firewall of New Mobotorpolis, coming in contact with the retrofitted Iron Nicole and the Iron Queen herself.

The first few pages of “Iron Dominion: Part Two” is devoted to Ian Flynn trying to cover up his own plot hole. Sally freaks out about how she never suspected that the Iron Queen would use New Mobotropolis' nanites or Nicole against them. Which makes Sally look like a fucking moron, as that's probably the first problem I would consider. No matter. “Iron Dominion: Part Two” is about Sally reconnecting with Nicole and bringing her back around to the side of good. This eventually results in a touching sequence where Sally uses just her words to fight back the Iron Queen's evil influence on Nicole. By this point, the friendship between Sally and Nicole is so touching that it's hard to remember that, for years, Nicole was nothing but a handheld computer.

On one hand, the science behind Sonic and Sally being inserted into a digital world is shaky, at best. I have no idea how the hell this is supposed to work. (Flynn actually using the words “Digital World” immediately starts me humming the “Digimon” theme song.) Having said that, Flynn uses this as an opportunity for some cool, mildly surreal action sequences. The Iron Queen inserts herself into the digital world, appearing as a giant version of herself with snarling, white eyes. Sonic has to leap into Regina's giant face. Interestingly, Nicole uses her digital status to match Sonic, spin dash for spin dash. It's a little different from the action beats we usually see in this book.

Before the digital adventure happens, Ian indulges in some romantic tension between Sonic, Sally, and Monkey Khan. Probably inadvertently, Flynn shows perfectly why Sally and Khan's potential romance is so uninteresting and why Sonic and Sally is the superior ship. While Sally is having a pity party about allowing the Iron Queen to take over Knothole, Khan pats her on the back. He gives her some empty platitudes about how it's not her fault, how nobody else saw this obviously predictable scenario coming. Sonic, meanwhile, knocks Sally out of her funk by pointing out that the Freedom Fighters have come back from worst than this. That the fight isn't over as long as they're still alive. See! Khan just says nice shit because he wants to bone Sally. Sonic actually understands her, you guys.

Khan, however, does have some purpose in this story. While Sonic and Sally are paling around in the digital world, Monkey Khan lets his fatalistic side out. He decides he'll fly out to Knothole and destroy Nicole's physical processors. Tails has to talk him down. The fox essentially tells him that Freedom Fighters never surrender and never say die. It continues to establish that the Freedom Fighters never give up on their friends, even if they are computer programs compromised by technomages.

In the middle of these fight scenes and interpersonal conflicts, we get a small update on the book's primary villains. There's a funny interaction between Snively and Lien-Da, where the echidna rolls her eyes at Snively claiming he has authority over her. Meanwhile, Uncle Chuck is pushed into a prison cell next to the still raving mad Robotnik. The conversation between the two seems to jog something in Robotnik's memory, as he begins to remember who he is and where he is. The sequence concludes with him putting his glasses back on, seeming to confirm that his mental breakdown is nearing its end.

“Iron Dominion: Part Two” still has some of the problems the other installments in this arc had. Yet Ian remembers something very important: The action scenes are the best when we care about the characters involved. Giving time to Sally's conversations with Nicole and Sonic strengthens what otherwise would've been an undemanding issue. Decent action, respect for the cast, and my favorite characters getting stuff to do: That's all I really ask for from this comic. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 208

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 208
Publication Date: January 2010

I went into 2010 with an unusual amount of optimism. I was going to graduate college in a few months. At the time, I was in love with a beautiful young woman who I wanted to marry. Things, uh, didn't work out. By the end of the year, I was adrift in the worst depression I've ever faced in my life. Hard times were ahead. None of this has anything to do with Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog,” which was headed for some changes itself in 2010. So why bring these things up? That's a good question! On with the review!

Ever since the Iron Queen and her cronies marched into Megaopolis, Archie had been calling the on-going story the Iron Dominion. With issue 208, a two-parter actually called “Iron Dominion” begins. It begins with Snively begging forgiveness from Regina. He wins her back after pointing that New Mobotropolis is made entirely out of nanites. In other words, the enemies' city is composed of machines that the Iron Queen can manipulate with her technomagik. She immediately lays siege to the city. Sonic, Sally, Tails, and Monkey Khan barely escape as their city is twisted by their latest enemy.

When the Iron Queen and Snively first attacked Knothole a few issues back, I wondered why she didn't use her technomagik to manipulate the nanites then. I guess I assumed that she could just magically sense when machinery was near-by. Or, at the very least, Snively would have informed her of this factoid. This is not the case. In fact, it appears that Snively just became aware of Mobotropolis' status as a nanite city. Maybe I missed the memo that this isn't common knowledge among Mobius' villains. Or, maybe, Flynn specifically wanted to hold off on these events happening until later in the story, for maximum pay-off. Either way, it feels like something that should've happened.

Once the Iron Queen rides over to Mobotropolis' gate, we are treated to a surprisingly effective scene. Nicole projects a hologram to Regina and politely asks her to fuck off back to Megaopolis. In response, the Iron Queen waves her magic stick. Even though Nicole is a hologram and presumably can't feel pain, her face twists in horror as her body is torn apart. The Queen then reassembles the Holo-Lynx as Iron Nicole, her brainwashed slave. Considering this is a kid's book, seeing a beloved character go through such an awful process is pretty shocking.

That scene with Nicole casts a relatively grim mood over the proceedings. At first, the comic sticks with that. Darkness falls inside Mobotropolis. The population panics. The dome snaps shut over the city, preventing Bunnie from escaping. These moments are very effective, conveying that the Freedom Fighters have seriously screwed up. Disappointingly, Ian doesn't maintain the darker mood. Even though their city is falling around them, Sonic and Tails still have room to crack jokes. About how it's too dark to see their opponents or how Tails' snarkiness is rubbing off on Sonic. I know quipping, even in the face of sure death, is Sonic's thing but it kind of derails the tone.

That approach, of focusing on the character interaction as the Iron Queen's forces storm the city, does lead to two excellent moments. The first of which involves Antoine and Bunnie. Antoine insists his wife escape while she still can, fearful that the villain will use her cybernetic parts against her again. She has that chance, when Vector pulls out a warp ring and Mighty begins carrying off citizens. Instead, Bunnie stays by her husband's side, determined to fight beside him even when danger is all around. And that's why these two are the comic's most consistently great couple.

Meanwhile, Snively takes some time to gloat in his uncle's face. As I've mentioned before, Snively's cocky moods are fun. For years, he's been the universe's punching bag and all his previous attempts at cues have blown up in his face. So seeing Snively lording something over Robotnik is amusing. Even if the doctor is so far out of his head that he doesn't even know what year it is. Yardley's artwork makes sure to emphasize how ridiculous Snively looks even when paired with his self-serious dialogue, reinforcing the fact that Snively actually sucks at being an evil overlord, no matter how much he desires it.

There are other smaller moments that work well in this issue. Such as Amy Rose going toe-to-toe with the Iron King, being a massive badass without sacrificing her trademark girliness. Yet Flynn is still hammering home the love triangle between Sally, Sonic, and Monkey Khan. It's especially out of place in this story. When the city is in danger, Khan putting his hand on Sally's shoulder or Sonic showing off to the Princess seems ill advised. Ken's public display of affection really draws attention to what's wrong with this love triangle. Sally doesn't seem to mind that Khan has his arm around her, right in front of Sonic. Do you really think that Princess Sally Acorn – a super observant, experienced field commander who has known Sonic since they were both children – would disregard his feelings so callously? Seems unlikely.

So issue 208 is a very uneven package. The central idea is good but one that should've happened much sooner. There are some great moments during the chaos of the Iron Kingdom's invasion of Knothole. There are also some moments that really take me out of the story. Still, the good stuff – especially that scene between Bunnie and Antoine – elevates the whole issue. I'm forced to give this a positive grade. Forced, I tells ya'! [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 207

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 207
Publication Date: December 2009

2009 was nearly over and the Iron Dominion super-arc was heading into its last third. If I remember correctly, this was right around the time when fans were beginning to tire of the story. (Excluding those who thought it was a terrible idea to begin with, anyway.) However, it's hard to replicate how I felt about this story being dragged out for a year, when I'm reading one or two issues a day. Honestly, the only problem I have with issue 207 is that it feels like a mostly unnecessary plot point while pushing a new romance I'm not a fan of.

Issue 207's cover story, “Blackout,” begins with the Iron King about to attack Old Mobotropolis. No, not Robotnik's former base. Robotnik's former-former base. As in the radioactive remains of the original capitol, which powers New Mobotropolis generator and is surrounded by a bubble. Sonic and Monkey Khan immediately fly off to stop the villain before he can burst the force field, polluting the area and draining the Freedom Fighters' home of energy. Meanwhile, Sally asks Bunnie for advice concerning her growing infatuation with Monkey Khan.

So does anybody else remember this business about a fort being built in front of the irradiated remains of Robotropolis? Okay, I'm sure Ian has covered this information before. I vaguely remember something about Nicole using the still radioactive ruins to power New Mobotropolis. Is this new information? Or did I just forget everything? You know, it says a lot about how convoluted this comic's universe can get, when even a faithful reader like me regularly forgets shit like this.

In truth, this is mostly set-up up for another fight with the Iron King. Just a few months ago, Sonic was marveling at how the Iron King is nearly physically unstoppable. Now he rushes back into battle with the guy, more-or-less making the same mistakes. Even when aided by Monkey Khan, there's only so much the hedgehog can do to the goat man. However, if you're a fan of seeing the hedgehog bounce off a bad guy, well, this issue does provide that. There's one or two clever moments, like when he digs the guy into the ground, a gag Sonic's been using since the original mini-series.

However, all the fighting and pinging builds up towards a very underwhelming conclusion. Sonic outsmarts the Iron King. Which is fine. (Even if he should've realized that sooner, since he already knows he can't beat the King into submission.) It's the method I have trouble with. After a few pages of fighting, Sonic tells Monkey Khan that Nicole will rebuild the generator underground. That they'll tell the King they're retreating, that he's won this one. Which is a seriously disappointing conclusion. The heroes fooling the bad guy off-panel and then just walking away is anticlimactic, to say the least.

The battle scene ends on a lame note. Yet this is not what I truly dislike about “Blackout.” The issue begins with Sally and Monkey Khan at lunch, The two participate in some pretty obvious flirting. While the men are away fighting, Sally visits Bunnie. The cyborg rabbit essentially tells the Princess what she already knows, that she wouldn't be attracted to the guy if he wasn't a good person, if slightly irresponsible. (Considering what we'll soon learn about Geoffrey St. John, I'm not sure Sally's judgment is so great.) It's all set-up for the last two pages of the story. After Sonic and Monkey Khan return to Knothole, the Princess walks away with the simian, arm in arm, giving him some serious bedroom eyes.

Just... Why? Flynn has brought Monkey Khan a long way with the last few issues, taking him from a totally obnoxious character to someone that's at least sort of likable. But why ship him with Sally? What do they have in common? Moreover, what purpose does teasing a romance with the monkey serve? Beside attempting to disrupt a love story that is practically preordained at this point? I mean, “Sonic Universe” just finished an arc set in the future where Sonic and Sally are married and have two kids. I know, that's an alternate time line. But come on. The Sally/Ken ship sank before leaving the dock. It's not offensively done or anything but why bother?

The back-up story, “The Iron Queen,” continues to fill out Regina's back story. After learning of the Iron King's failure, the villainess storms off, seriously pissed. This segues into a conversation between Snively and the Iron King, where the monarch explains how he first met Regina and how they came to rule the Dragon Kingdom together

On one hand, expanding on the Iron Queen's origin is a good idea. However, “The iron Queen” goes about it a bit awkwardly. 202's “A Lonely Girl's Story” had the conqueror explaining her history in her own words. This story is told by someone else, causing the explanation to smack deeply of flat exposition. While that story gave us a peak at Regina's personality, “The Iron Queen” just lays down the facts about how she assumed power. Which is not as interesting. It also tosses more ninjas at us, which I still barely care about.

On the art front, issue 202 brings back some names we haven't seen in a while. James Fry illustrates the cover story. Like many other artist, Fry alters his anime-influenced artwork so it's more in line with Tracy Yardley's work, which is more-or-less the book's default look now. Fry still has some of that energy though. You can see it in the character's facial expressions and some of the action scenes. The back-up features the second appearance of Renae de Liz, after her impressive debut in issue 198. de Liz' weaknesses are more apparent here. Her Snively continues to look seriously weird. Her composition is still relatively dramatic and eye-catching though, I'll give her that.

I guess I just wasn't feeling this one much. The cover story's central action chases the reader around before coming to a sudden stop. Meanwhile, the romantic subplot simply has no reason for existing, other then generating more unneeded shipping drama. The back-up has a solid idea but the execution feels a bit rushed and underdeveloped. It's a fairly flat issue to wrap 2009 up with. [5/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 206

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 206
Publication Date: November 2009

Ever since “Sonic X” ended, Patrick Spaziante has been contributing covers to Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog” series more frequently. Not as often as in the good ol' days but still pretty regularly. Spaz' work has been as dynamic as ever but, with issue 206's cover, I really have to question his decisions. It's not a bad cover and represents the book's content fairly well. But drawing a strand of spittle flying from Sonic's mouth was, at the very least, an odd choice. Not really sure we needed to see that.

Anyway, the plot. Issue 206 concludes the “On the Run” two-parter with “Troubles by the Dozen.” Sonic faces off against the Iron Queen and King, along with an army of ninjas. Sonic distracts the bad guys while Tails sneaks the comatose Dr. Robotnik back to Mobotropolis. The ninjas are easy to deal with but the Iron King presents a bigger challenge. Luckily, the Freedom Fighters swoop in to help him out.

“On the Run: Part 2” represents the heroes' first victory over the Iron Dominion. Granted, that comes with a covet or two. The guys still have to race away from the battlefield suddenly. However, Sonic successfully squashes the Queen's foot soldiers. He wrecks her hovercraft, dropping the villain out of the sky. Sonic even gets in some genuinely intimidating trash-talk. He points out to his adversaries that an exact clone of him successfully conquered his world in a few days. Flynn has proven good at this in the past. It's satisfying to see the heroes get one over on the bad guys, especially after loosing several key battles.

Yes, of course, this leads to several big action sequences. Which are fun. Sonic knocks several saucers out of the sky by pin-balling through them. Those Yagyhu bat ninjas are tossed around easily. Maybe showing Sonic wrecking his enemies so easily is intentional, as the next scene has the Iron King knocking him back with one blow. (That scene may be where Spaz got his idea for the cover, since he features a line of spit flying from Sonic's mouth.) Once the Freedom Fighters rush in, we get a cool panel of Tails tossing Sonic through Regina's hovercraft. It's fun stuff.

Steven Butler is still the book's regular penciler at this point. His work is up to his usual quality. What I really like about Butler's work this time is the visual humor on display. Such as Tails huffing and puffing after dragging Eggman back to the city. Or a close-up of the Iron King's snorting nostrils. My favorite sequence begins with Antoine wondering aloud if they can outrun the bad guys. We then get a whole page devoted to Sonic running back and forth, carrying various Freedom Fighters to safety, while Antoine struggles to keep up.

Ian wraps the action up early to make room for some more character-oriented scenes. Sonic has a one-on-one with Dr. Robotnik. The doc is still raving mad. He seems to be confused about which point in time he's at, referring to Sonic as Sir Charles. He leaps back and forth between thinking it's before the Great War or right afterwards. This scene is decent but what follows is better. Monkey Khan confronts Sonic, asking him how he can show Robotnik mercy after all the horrible things he's done. This continues last issue's conversation about delivering justice with a fair hand. Sonic's not-so philosophical answer boils down to him not being interested in revenge. Monkey Khan's reaction – bafflement that Sonic is deeper than he expected – is amusing.

Speaking of Monkey Khan. Ian is still subtly pushing a potential romance between the simian cyborg and Princess Sally. It's evident in little moments. Such as Khan giving Sally an especially welcomed grin when she catches him walking around the village. Or how graciously she thanks him when he carries Robotnik to his jail cell. By this point. Flynn has recuperated Monkey Khan as a character, actually giving him some humility and heart. But pushing him as another potential love interest of the Princess? It's unnecessary and, while the two share a certain chemistry, it's clearly just as friends.

So how does the Iron Queen react to her first major failure? As you'd expect, poorly. That visual sense of humor that characterized the earlier scenes reappears when Snively, crawling across the battlefield, is nearly stomped on by the retreating army. Later, after returning home, he knocks on the door to Regina's chamber. She informs Snively that he won't see her again until they've regained Mobotropolis. Which confirms two things. That the Iron Queen really is just using Snively as a power play, something obviously to everyone but him. And that he really isn't getting laid tonight.

Which brings us to the back pages. The month before, Flynn presented the first half of “Birthright,” which covered Lien-Da's early history. The second half of the story picks up in the modern day. Lien-Da and Dimitri are in his lab, discussing the microchips, which would override the kill switch Robotnik previously installed in the Legionnaire's robotic parts, the new regime has promised them. The conversation goes differently when Lien-Da shatters Dimitri's glass orb, robbing him of mobility. She then hides him in a box in the lab, finally assuming the role of Grand Master of the Dark Legion.

As I've said before, Lien-Da's utter ruthlessness has greatly endeared her to me. In “Birthright: Part 2,” we really see just how far she'll go for power. Imprisoning Dimitri in a box, as nothing but a head, is by far the most evil thing she's ever done. It's somehow even worst than if she had outright murder him. And what did she commit this ghastly act over? A title and a little more power than she already had. That's cold. And, in an especially villainous way, pretty bad ass.

Hey, this is a good comic book! The artwork is strong for both stories, as Jamal Peppers continues to do fine work in the back pages. The script is solid enough, allowing us some peaks into the characters' minds along with decent action beats. That sounds like a [7/10] to me.

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 205

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 205
Publication Date: October 2009

Just recently, I was yelling about misleading comic book covers. It's a proud tradition of the art form. In the days before comic shops ruled the industry, when most people bought comics at new stands, outrageous covers that frequently did not reflect the books' actual content were done to draw in youthful eyes. Even in 2009, Archie was keeping this tradition alive. No, Sonic and Robotnik do not team up in issue 205. That doesn't even come close to happening. But, you know, I bet it probably sold a few more issues.

“On the Run Part One: Put All Your Eggs in One Basket” – Do you like egg puns? You better like some fucking egg puns – begins where the last issue left off. While still ranting and raving, Robotnik escapes his padded cell. Despite being a rambling lunatic, he manages to escape the Egg-Dome in a giant robotic tortoise. Sonic encounters the mad doctor while exploring the woods and is quickly disturbed by his scrambled actions. After Sonic and Tails apprehend the nutty doctor, they consider returning him to Mobotropolis and putting him in jail. That's when the Iron Queen catches up with them.

Ian is running with the idea that his most recent defeat has completely shattered the Eggman's sanity. But don't expect this mental breakdown to make the villain more dangerous. The book mostly plays Robotnik's lapse into total madness for comedy. He shouts references to the “Pingas!” internet meme, as well as the music video remix relating to said meme. His behavior is unhinged but child-like, delusional. He allows Sonic to circle his vehicle for several minutes. I'm not sure about the goofy comedic moments but making Robotnik pathetic, even sympathetic, is an interesting move.

Even more interesting is Sonic's reaction to his greatest enemy being reduced to a gibbering lunatic. As previously references in issue 200, Sonic actually feels bad for the guy. This leads to an interesting conversation between Sonic and Tails. Tails believes Eggman is beyond forgiveness. Sonic isn't so sure. Either way, they both agree that leaving him to the mercy of the Iron Dominion is cruel and decide to incarcerate him in Mobotropolis instead. It's an interesting moral dilemma to put our hero in. Usually, Sonic just runs fast, smashes robots, and makes quibs. Actually discussing the nature of justice is an unexpected but appreciated shift.

But this is still a comic book for the seven-to-twelve crowd. We've got to have our action scenes. Due to Robotnik being nuttier than squirrel shit, the fight scene is rather one-sided. The initial sight of his Egg-Tortoise tearing up the forest is actually rather startling. So is a panel afterwards, of Sonic being tossed aside by an explosion. Though the best action beat in the story is one of the more low-key ones. After Tails effortlessly disables Robotnik's robo-turtle, Sonic offers the scientist a hand... And he gets a straight-up punch in the face for his troubles. It made me laugh anyway.

In some ways, this feels like a transitional issue. The opening scenes are devoted to Sonic checking in on Bunnie in the hospital. There, he runs into Monkey Khan, who is still feeling sorry for himself about what happened recently. What's especially amusing about these scenes is Dr. Quack grumbling at both of his patients, for not staying in bed. Quack has been part of the comic for over a decade but has never been developed much. Flynn does more for the waterfowl in a handful of pages than past writers have done in years. This moment also shows Khan's continuing development, that he's starting to get over his guilt a little.

Steven Butler is still penciling the book and doing a great job. He gets several opportunities to draw Robotnik's grotesque face, which he seems to relish. As always, Butler's attention to detail is especially valuable. A nice, small touch has Robotnik continuing to wear his straitjacket, as a stylish cape, throughout most of the issue. He also gets a bunch of leathery electronic wrapped around one arm. I'm not sure when that happened but it does look cool. Butler even manages to make the Egg-Tortoise, a very goofy concept, look threatening. His character work is also fantastic.

During the cover story, Lien-Da walks away to sulk in her bunk. The back-up story, “Birthright: Part One,” picks up with Lien-Da laying in her bed, thinking about her past. She reflects on her time in the Twilight Cage, when she conspired with Kragok to murder their father. Lien-Da successfully pulls off the assassination but gets herself heavily injured in the process. She lived but Kragok took over the Dark Legion while she was out.

Lien-Da's ruthlessness has always endeared me to her. She's a villain who treats her adversaries with no mercy. Yet “Birthright” gets you to feel a little bad for her. She reflects on her failures. Despite numerous stabs at power, she has never achieved her goal of becoming the Grand Master of the Dark Legion. Moreover, her failures are laced with personal betrayal. Kragok promised her that they would rule the Legion together, after their dad's death. Instead, he intentionally boobie-trapped the blaster she used, knowing it would blow up in her face. While she was rehabilitating in the hospital, he assumed power without her. What a dick! Lien-Da may be an unrepentant villain but she has feelings too.

By the way, Jamal Peppers' pencils on the back-story are also very strong. Overall, issue 205 is a solid one. The cover story introduces a heady conflict for the hero which is compelling. The back story is a decent character piece, devoting to exploring a villain's history. The artwork is good throughout. The humor is a little heavy-handed but I enjoyed this one. Let's see if Flynn can keep it up in part two. [7/10]