Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 272

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 272
Publication Date: May 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 265

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 265
Publication Date: October 2014

Last time, I was pretty critical of Ian Flynn’s decision to hold off on introducing the Werehog for a whole year. However, I might have found a possible justification for this with issue 265. Ya see, this issue came out in October of 2014. As in the spookiest, scariest, Halloween-est month of the year. Over the twenty years Archie published the comics, there was only ever one real Halloween special. While the Werehog undermines everything scary about the werewolf concept by being adorably fluffy and keeping Sonic’s personality intact, there was something cool about picking up a “Sonic” comic in October that had a monster on the cover. If Flynn did that on purpose, he earns some major points.

Keeping that cover’s promise, most of “Control Part Two: Unleashed!” revolves around the Werehog. In this powerful new form, Sonic quickly saves his friends and defeats Egg Boss Thunderbolt and her henchmen. However, now the Freedom Fighters have a rampaging Werehog to deal with. Mighty can match the mutated Sonic with his super strength but it’s ultimately Sally and her empathy that reaches out to the beast.

As I've said before, the Werehog doesn’t really understand what makes the werewolf scary. In this form, Sonic is not a murderous monster that kills everything it sees. Nor are Sonic’s darker inner desires unleashed. Instead, he’s just a bigger, grumpier version of Sonic. He’s more prone to violently resolving problems, though he still doesn’t kill anybody. About the only scary thing about him is his tendency to see friends as mocking demons. Though vividly brought to life by Tyson Heese, these hallucinations are fallible. Sally and Amy eventually make it through to Sonic’s mellower inner nature, causing the snarling Werehog to calm down. Turns out, you don’t need a silver bullet to slay this beast, just some soft words. It’s a disappointing execution of the “Sonic becomes a werewolf” premise. And I must point out again how goofy he looks, with his glorious floof, spiky shoes, and utterly inexplicable ability to stretch his limbs.

Once again, the main attraction of the issue appears to be a fight scene. After making mincemeat of Thunderbolt and her forces, Mighty tries to calm down the Werehog. This does not work and the two end up brawling for a while. Mighty is one of the few characters strong enough to stand toe-to-toe with the Werehog. A memorable panel has Mighty grabbing the Werehog by one of its extending arms and then whipping it back around through some trees. What makes this fight scene really neat is that Mighty is doing the opposite of what the Werehog is doing. Even while getting knocked on his ass, he's attempting to keep his emotions under control.

Issue 265's cover story also gives the proper introduction to what is, I think, the worst new character from the post-reboot universe. Meet Thunderbolt the Chinchilla. Yes, she's yet another small and annoying thing. However, Thunderbolt eclipses previously seen annoyance level. Most Egg Bosses work under Robotnik somewhat reluctantly, as a mad scientist/would-be tyrant is not super forgiving of mistakes. However, Thunderbolt loves Eggman and does everything to please him. Which is a new approach, if you ignore her being directly inspired by Harley Quinn, a way more nuanced character. But Thunderbolt screams every line of dialogue. She's at a constant high energy level, like one of those obnoxiously shriek-y kid's cartoons. Just looking at this obnoxious thing makes me irritated. It's been clear for a while that Ian Flynn is way too susceptible to “lol so random” style of humor and Thunderbolt is the apotheosis of that.

Hey, here's another back story. The book continued to bring new talent on at this point which, as far as I can tell, never worked on the book again. So say hello and goodbye to Eric Esquivel, the author behind “The Grand Tour.” The story, set a few issues ago, has Rotor showing the Freedom Fighters around the newly completed Sky Patrol. While they are initially impressed, they are quickly bored by all the hyper-specific niceties Rotor has included. At that point, Dr. Eggman sends a new super-badnik known as the War Walrus – an extremely weird looking robot version of Rotor – to attack the ship. Rotor then shows off the Sky Patrol's extensive defensive capabilities, quickly destroying the War Walrus. But, don't worry, Eggman did that on purpose.

“The Grand Tour” is mostly a comedic story and one that made me laugh. Among the features Rotor has included in the Sky Patrol are a zen garden, an extensive video game collection, and even a commode. Yes, the star/bumper/beach ball emblem is included on the toilet lid. The walrus' enthusiasm for this creation, and his friends' growing disinterest, makes for a decent comedic device. This goofy atmosphere allows Esquivel to get away with an utterly ridiculous creation like the War Walrus. Not much too this one but I liked it.

Once again, I want to spotlight the artwork a little. Tyson Heese continues from part one of “Control” and, once again, does some excellent work. His aptitude for exciting and intense action scenes are on display here. I really like how he focuses on the Werehog's snarling face even as it does goofy stuff, like stretch it's arms around. It is a little weird that he draws four separate characters, over the course of this story, doing Jesus Christ poses. That probably wasn't intentional. James Fry also returns to the back story. His work here is especially animated and unhinged, in a way that's slightly off-model but still conveys the necessary emotion.

Once again, I've finished up an issue and am unsure how to feel. The book definitely features some fun or exciting sequences. Yet the overall execution of the story still needs some work. I just continue to wish Flynn had found someway to make the Werehog actually interesting, instead of basically just doing with it what Sega did with it. Still, the second half of “Control” is slightly better than the first, if just because we really get to see Mighty be a bad ass. [6/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 264

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 264
Publication Date: September 2014

“Sonic Unleashed” will forever be known as the game where Sonic turns into a werewolf. (They called it the “WereHog,” even though that sounds more like someone who turns into a monstrous pig under the full moon.) Like all things in this franchise, this concept has its fans. Most, however, thought it was a really dumb gimmick, present company included. Archie and Ian Flynn’s decision to bring the Werehog into the comic struck me as both desperate and unnecessary. Even worst, as with everything concerning the reboot, it was stretched out for far too long. Sonic’s transformation into the Werehog was first teased in October of 2013. He wouldn’t actually transform until issue 264, published in September of 2014, almost a year later.

Even then, we don’t see the full Werehog until the very end of “Control, Part One: Breaking Point.” Sonic and the Freedom Fighters, using Eggman’s pilfered intel, have tracked a Chaos Emerald to the Rocky Jungle Zone. There, they encountered some old friends. Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel have been living in the jungle for some time, fighting the Doctor’s forces. Mighty has also been studying with a wise old sloth named Master Moss. Upon meeting him, Moss immediately recognizes some darkness inside Sonic. That darkness is revealed when the Freedom Fighters fall into the local Egg Boss’ trap.

This issue also reintroduces someone way more important than the dumb Werehog. Mighty is back. Oh yeah, Ray too. Since Sega retconned the Chaotix into a trio, the “SegaSonic Arcade” buddies have increasingly become a duo of their own. Though they sport the new outfits they wore right before the reboot, the two have definitely undergone some changes. Mighty’s complexity over his tangled past has been reduced to issues with self-control and anger. Ray’s stutter is gone, a plus for readability but a minus for stutterer representation in pop culture. Still, the important stuff is intact. Mighty is still defined more by his love of his friends than his prodigious strength. Ray is still Mighty’s adopted kid brother, sweet but bland. More than anything else, it’s nice to see these two again.

The situation the two are reintroduced in strikes me as a little odd though. They’re living in a giant onion with a slimy green sloth. Flynn makes no attempt to distinguish Moss from the classical zen master archetype. It probably would have been more interesting to see Mighty’s anger problem play out, with his tutelage under Moss as the concluding chapter. Imagine a dramatic scene where Mighty lashes out at Ray, perhaps that being the moment he realizes he has a problem. That would have been compelling! Instead, we’re tossed right into this as the status quo.

And that’s because Moss is simply a plot device. Flynn knew if he was adapting “Sonic Unleashed,” he had to include the Werehog. But having Sonic be a raging, uncontrollable monster all night, every night, would have really complicated this asinine Shattered World Crisis Flynn is telling. So the Werehog’s introduction comes along at the same time as someone who can teach Sonic to manage his new condition. Never mind that the threat of Sonic becoming a savage beast, who rips friends and enemies alike to shreds, would have made for a hell of a story.

But that’s the problem with the Werehog, isn’t it? It’s not a way to challenge Sonic and his friends in a new, interesting way. It’s not a way to introduce some monster movie tension that comments on Sonic’s personality and the traditional werewolf story subtext. Hell, it’s not even an Incredible Hulk situation, where Sonic has access to a beast mode that decimates his enemies but endangers his loved ones. It’s a game play mechanic, another gimmicky power-up. But at least we’re done waiting for the stupid thing, with its ridiculous shoes and goofy stretchy limbs, to finally arrive. The Werehog’s arrival would make a good cliffhanger, if we didn’t already know it’ll be rendered harmless soon enough.

At least the issue looks good. After previously contributing the cover to issue 258, issue 264 would be the celebrated Tyson Heese’s debut as an interior artist. And, yeah, he’s pretty damn good. Heese’s aptitude for hilarious, goofy faces is on display here in almost every panel. His action is fantastic, with a real sense of movement. He’s an artist who perfectly captures the characters as they exist while also putting a unique spin on them. All of this is well and good since Hesse is a despicable human being who is somehow living the nerd dream and also built like a linebacker, the fucking bastard.

Also, we’ve got a back story, from a new pair of writers. Say hello to Jonathan Bailey and Joey Esposito. “A Nice Day to Start Again” does not feature Billy Idol. Instead, it follows Bunnie and Antoine as they continue to help people in cities still threatened by the world shattering. During the chaos, they rescued a young couple on their married day. The duo managed to salvaged the kids' wedding to a degree. Afterwards, Bunnie and Antoine reflect on their time together as husband and wife.

I was really hoping “A Nice Day to Start Again” would delve into Bunnie and Antoine's relationship a little more. That aspect of their relationship, post-reboot, is still a little underdeveloped. Unfortunately, the back-up is more focused on action than anything else. There's several panels devoted to Antoine and Bunnie flying around, dodging falling debris and a billboard, in order to rescue the newlyweds. Afterwards, there's a short scene were Bunnie wonders about if her and Antoine's love can last, since they're still new to it themselves. I wish this was expanded on more, instead of just one short page shoved into the back. James Fry, after a long break, comes back to pencil and does okay.

So I have a lot of mixed feelings about this issue. I'm happy to see Mighty and Ray back. The back-up story is well-intended, though it stumbles slightly. Then there's all that bullshit with the Werehog, a concept I have so many problems with. At least the artwork is solid overall. [6/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 222

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 222
Publication Date: February 2011

Once again, Ian Flynn employs one of my favorite tactics of his. We're still technically between events. Iron Dominion is in the rear-view mirror. Genesis is a few issue off. Though Flynn is laying down heavy plot points here of late – such as St. John betraying the Freedom Fighters, Naugus' upcoming coup, Mina's generating civil unrest with her new music – we are technically in the calm between storms here. So the author throws in an issue that's mostly focused on smaller, more personal issues for the cast of lovable characters.

This is apparent in the cover story's title: “The World Can Wait.” Sally and Sonic have finally decided to go out on a real, with-a-capital-D date. Both teenagers are anxious, though they display their nerves in different ways. Once they finally meet for the evening, dining at New Mobotropolis' only super nice restaurant apparently, politics interrupt their nice evenings. The waiter and other customers begin to debate the Nicole issue.  However, Sonic and Sally still manage to have a nice, wholesome time, even with outside forces plotting just under their noses.

I should say that “The World Can Wait” is half a more character-orientated story and half a way for Flynn to further some of his recent plot points. Scenes of Sally and Sonic being adorable around each other are interrupted by the politics of the day. The reader is experiencing this almost the same way the characters are. Sonic and Sally want a peaceful evening together. The readers want to see this long-separated couple get back together. Both expectations are sidetracked by the petty bullshit happening around them. This is an effective tactic but does little to delude the frustration I feel.

Honestly, any complaints I have with “The World Can Wait” can totally be put aside thanks to several fantastic moments. There's a two page sequence where Sonic and Sally prepare for the date. On one side, we see Sally fret over what she should wear and how serious things are going to get. On the other side, we see Sonic's anxiety manifest in a less obvious but still jittery way. Contrasting the two approaches is really cute, showing the differences and similarities in the characters. Mostly, it's just super cute watching these characters, who have fought supervillains all over the world, get nervous over a little date. It's a reminder that Sonic and Sally – monarchs, Freedom Fighters, child soldiers, superheroes – are still teenagers, first and foremost. They're allowed to be uncertain about their romantic lives.

Of course, Sonic and Sally going on a date while their city is having a moral crisis is one of my problems with the way Flynn would handle this plot point. Ash and Mina being at the same restaurant as Sally smacks of overly easy writing. (Though it is nice to see Mina in that tight, Chinese style dress again.) There's also some less-than-elegant long-reaching plot mechanics here. Sally is visiting Monkey Khan at the beginning of the day. This is to confirm that the Iron Queen is going to be out of the picture for a while. It's also to bury the Sally/Khan ship once and for all, as Sal officially friend-zones the ape here. I figured Flynn had handled that already but I guess the extra assurance isn't bad either.

Naturally, the book ends by teasing Naugus again. The evil wizard is hanging out in the woods, on the edge of the current story line. For about four issues now, Flynn has been teasing Naugus' upcoming attempted coup of New Mobotropolis. I kind of wish he would shit or get off the pot on this one. Watching a villain scheme is only so threatening up to a point. After a while, it makes the bad guy seem ineffectual. Now, of course, we know what Ixis Naugus is capable of. But he really needs to get moving on this soon. Especially since he still hasn't really justified St. John's face-heel turn.

Again, don't think I disliked this one! There's actually a number of personable moments that I really like a lot here! The story opens with Sonic and Tails playing a game of Capture the Flag. It's always nice to see the two friends actually messing around and acting like friends. Reminds you why their camaraderie exist in the first place. One of the best moments in the issue entails Amy Rose leaping out of the sky, using her big-ass hammer to dissuade the people following Sonic and Sally. That's funny and also continues to show Amy Rose's character development. She values Sonic's overall happiness over everything else, even her own romantic interests. Lastly, once Sonic and Sally are left alone, the two begin to get closer again, healing the wounds their last break-up created.

In the back pages, the “Second Impressions” two-parter continues. Espio and Nicole nervously explain to Knuckles that Dimitri's disembodied head wants to meet with him. At first, Knuckles is horrified and extremely angry. After listening to Dimitri's very sincere apology, and his earnest promise to change for the better, the Guardian changes his mind.

The character-focused atmosphere continues in the back story. “Second Impressions: Part Two” shows Knuckles doing something very unusual: Talking things out, instead of punching stuff. He wants to punch stuff but eventually clears his head. The story represents Dimitri's final switch from villain to ally. It's been coming for a long time, as Flynn has long built towards making the once tyrannical madman into a more sympathetic character. Knuckles finally accepting his great uncle as a friend represents character development for the both of them. Dimitri is a hero now and Knuckles is chill with it. It's solid writing.

Tracy Yardley takes this entire issue off, allowing some other artist to shine. Steven Butler draws the cover story. Butler's gritty details have always been well-served by action stories. However, that same attention to detail also works for character-based stories like this. He really makes Sally and Sonic's feelings clear. He also makes the moody conclusion, of Sonic and Sally getting closer in the woods, look awfully nice. James Fry draws the back-up. Fry's character work is still looking a little looser than usual. However, there's a sense of expression here that serves the story nicely. It's a good looking issue.

Over all, I have my problems with this one but they are minor compared to what it gets right. As a life-long Sonic/Sally shipper, I especially appreciated Flynn finally getting these crazy kids back together. [7/10]

Sonic Free Comic Book Day 2010

Sonic Free Comic Book Day 2010
Publication Date: May 2010

Time flies when you get old. I'm not just regurgitating a pithy metaphor there. It's scientifically true. As you age, your perception of time speeds up. 2010 was eight years ago, nearly a decade. It feels like yesterday to me. The joys and pains and memories of that year still linger in my brain as if they were fresh. It's hard for me to realize that 2010 saw Archie publish the fourth Free Comic Book day edition of “Sonic.” Seems to me that they only recently started participating in that comic shop tradition. Presumably, by the time I finish this project, I won't believe I've wasted three years on this.

Now that my rambling introduction is out of the way, let's get on with the review. Sonic's 2010 FCBD issue is entitled “Hide & Seek & Destroy.”  Sonic is still searching the Egg Dome for Robotnik, running around the radioactive city without even a hazmat suit. The doctor continues to observe him secretly from afar. Sonic's search is interrupted when the Hybrid Krudzu Hydra, a super-badnik created by the original Robotnik, emerges from the ground and attacks him.

You've got to remember that these Free Comic Book Day issues aren't really intended for the series' faithful readers. Because everyone in the comic shop gets one of these, they are primarily intended to interest non-readers of the series. So, naturally, “Hide & Seek & Destroy” spends a decent number of pages recapping recent events in the “Sonic” book. As Sonic races through the city's ruins, he thinks about his long history with the Doctor and Robotropolis. As he approaches the Egg Dome, he thinks about defeating Eggman in issue 200. After that is a one page visual summary of the Iron Dominion story arc. It's fine, for what it is, but I don't think dumping a boatload of info on new readers will hook them.

And that's not really what “Hide & Seek & Destroy” primarily does. Most of the free issue is devoted to the fight between Sonic and Krudzu. It's odd to bring the mechanical plant back for a free edition. The pest hasn't appeared since the very first issue of the series. (Then again, considering 2009's FCBD issue reprinted that story, maybe this strategy does make sense.) The lengths Flynn goes to get the creature in the story are a bit much. The original Robotnik was working on resurrecting the plant years ago, leaving him buried deep within the Robotropolis soil. After the city was nuke, it's taken all this time for the organic machine to rebuilt himself. Which he's done by grafting the parts of shattered Badniks to his body. It's not the smoothest idea but at least it's something different.

Robotnik may be technically sane but he still seems a little goofy. The scenes between the Eggman and Snively are mostly comedic in nature. The gags vary. Robotnik chastising his nephew for daring to take a lunch break got a chuckle out of me. So did the Doctor shouting “Great Googly-moogly!,” suggesting Eggman is a Frank Zappa fan. Other jokes are less amusing. Robotnik taking notes on the fight, like he's never seen his hedgehog adversary battle a robot before, is odd. Snively getting super into the fight also strikes me as slightly out of character. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that, in a FCBD issue, Robotnik's personality veers more towards the goofy character he is in the Sega games than the more sinister villain he usually is in the Archie-verse.

The issue is worth reading for the fight between Sonic and the Krudzu. As you'd expect, there's lot of leaping and dodging around the plant's tentacles. Sonic swings the plant's own tendrils back at it, in an elastic manner. There's a cool panel of Sonic ricocheting off the various robot heads the creature is equipped with. However, it all leads up to a real flop of an ending. Robotnik decides that a neigh-unkillable plant monster will be too powerful to control. He also dictates that, if anyone is going to kill Sonic, it should be him. So he cooks up a golden hummerbird that bites the Krudzu, causing it to explode. That's an underwhelming conclusion and so is Sonic just leaving afterwards, tuckered out from the fight.

2010's FCBD issue is penciled by James Fry. Fry is usually a reliable artist but he's been away from “Sonic” for a while. His work here suggests the lack of regular practice has caused his abilities to slip a little. “Hide & Seek & Destroy” looks a little rough. The opening pages, of Sonic running through the dead city, look cool. After that, things start to fall apart. Fry's rendition of Robotnik and Snively look seriously weird, both growing massive mouths full of ugly teeth. The Krudzu looks cool, with its grasping claws and snapping mouth. Yet, once the fight starts, Fry starts drawing Sonic with increasingly odd looking facial expressions. The hedgehog performing an uppercut while in a spin dash just looks strange. It's far from the worst art to ever be published in a “Sonic” comic. It's actually kind of cool looking occasionally. But it's also not Fry's best work.

It's a middle-of-the-road comic. I guess we should be happy we got a new story at all. Archie has been more than happy, before and after this, to just fill the Free Comic Book Day issue with reprints and cheaply thrown together walls of text. Actually going to the effort to pay writers and artists to pump out something new, and charge nothing for it, was a nice treat. I guess. [6/10]

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 X: Issue 37

Sonic X: Issue 37
Publication Date: September 2008

Ian Flynn's work on Archie's main “Sonic the Hedgehog” book was clearly a passion project for him. He obviously cared about the comic and its world. He wrote fan fiction before becoming the book's main writer, so clearly this was a dream project for him. But what about “Sonic X?” I have no insight into how Archie's editorial department approached the “Sonic X” book. Maybe they, or somebody in Sega's licensing sector, demanded the book be more childish and simplistic. However, as the series nears it conclusion, it seems to me that Ian's “Sonic X” scripts were last minute, late night ideas.

With that in mind, it's easy to imagine Flynn sitting at his word processors, at a blank document, and saying “We haven't tried a body-swap premise yet!” “Switcharoo!” begins with Eggman attacking the President. He's wielding a mind changing ray, hoping to put his mind into the President's body. (In 2018, if Eggman really wanted to be president, he'd just have to campaign.) Sonic intervenes and the hero and villain end up switching bodies. Both are content to enjoy their enemies' homes... Until S.O.N.I.C.X. attempts to kidnap the President, forcing both characters to leap into action.

This is not the first time an Archie “Sonic the Hedgehog” comic handled the mind swap premise. You may remember – I totally had to look it up – but Ken Penders did something similar in “Sonic Super Special: Issue 12.” Of course, the kids reading “Sonic X” in 2008 probably hadn't read that book. However, the odds that they had seen “Freak Friday,” “Like Father, Like Son” or any number of similarly themed movies or television episodes seems likely. The popular remake of “Freaky Friday” had come out five whole years earlier. The point is: Even the youngsters reading this comic probably realized this was a derivative, worn-out premise.

I'll say something about Flynn's script. Issue 12 of “Sonic Super Special” revolved around Sonic and Knuckles switching places. This times, it's the hero and the villain trading places. This does lead to some cute moments. Neither Sonic nor Eggman are able to handle each other's various gifts. Seemingly ignoring all those hilarious game mods, Eggman's attempts to run in Sonic's body leads to him bouncing off all surfaces. Sonic, meanwhile, has to get used to Eggman's slower, fatter body. I know I say this every time but it's mildly amusing.

In the grand tradition of body switch comedies, this experience also causes the characters to appreciate each other more. Considering his escapades as El Gran Gordo, we already know that Eggman yearns to be heroic. As Sonic, he decides to rescue the President ostensibly because he's annoyed another villain is edging in on his territory. Yet we can tell he secretly wants to be the good guy. Sonic as Eggman, meanwhile, realizes he doesn't have the skills to operate the sci-fi technology Eggman regularly utilizes. It's not a lot – it's really a little, truthfully – but it adds some depth to the script.

A while ago, Ian Flynn introduced S.O.N.I.C.X., that cabal of anti-Sonic haters hoping to defeat him through subterfuge and trickery. It seemed like Flynn was building towards something with that but, after two appearances, S.O.N.I.C.X. disappeared from the book. Well, they're back. Their master plan is as incompetent as ever. They kidnap the President and try to convince him to declare Sonic and friends illegal aliens. That's it. Wouldn't a better plan have been to, I don't know, infiltrate the government and use federal resources to capture Sonic and friends? Kidnapping the President in a very public display of villainy seems to undermine their own goals. But S.O.N.I.C.X. have always sucked at planning, despite their obvious resources.

Flynn also remembers another forgotten plot point: Eggman's lust for Ella, which the villain references while inside Sonic's body. So now that old, fat romance also includes an element of bestiality and furry fetishism. Thanks for finding a way to make that gross plot point even weirder, Flynn. Thankfully, a fairly underwhelming conclusion, that features Sonic and Eggman slamming  into each other and switching back, saves us the awful sight of Sonic attempting to bed Ella.

James Fry's artwork is pretty good, I'll say. There's actually some cool, moody panels devoted to Decoe and Bocoe. Of course, Fry also draws Sonic looking extremely creepy in a few other panels. Maybe that was intentional, since Eggman is inside his body at that point. But it's still an odd sight. Anyway, as the uninspiring premise might make you expect, issue 37 is another soundly middle-of-the-road edition of “Sonic X.” Only three remain and thank Aurora for that. [5/10]

Sonic X: Issue 36

Sonic X: Issue 36
Publication Date: August 2008

As Archie's primary “Sonic” cover artist for more than twenty years, Patrick Spaziante's obvious skills should speak for themselves. Every once in a while though, he would draw something that was just... Weird. Like the cover for issue 36 of “Sonic X.” For some reason, Spaz made the decision to illustrate the pets surrounding Sonic and Eggman in a hyper-realistic manner. The result is unnerving, as clearly cartoony characters are surrounded by nearly photo-realistic animals. That Sonic and Eggman have pained, unnerved facial expressions only adds to how uncomfortable this cover is to look at. It's not bad – Spaz's work is too detailed to qualify as 'bad” - but it's definitely weird looking. But at least it ties in perfectly with the story inside the book.

So, anyway, the plot: “Petastrophe” begins with Sonic dining with Chris Thorndyke and friends inside an ice cream shop. A spoiled little rich bitch named Milan Ramada marches in and starts being a massive cunt to Chris and his friends. This petty argument is thankfully interrupted by an Eggman attack, where the doctor steals the limo Milan rode in. The car's engine contains a special device called a Recombobulator – yes, really – that Eggman desires for some reason. Yet he needs a Chaos Emerald to power it. Instead of just stealing one like he usually does, Eggamn decides to participate in a pet show where a real Chaos Emerald is the prize. A pet show where Milan is also appearing. Chris enters Sonic into the same pet show strictly to spite both of their archenemies.

“Petastrophe” is another Joe Edkin dish. In the past, Edkin's work on “Sonic X” has ranged from deeply formulaic stories to enjoyably nutty homages to classic genre cinema. With this story and his previous credit, the writer is showing a previously unseen and deeply unseemly preachy side. His story for issue 33 included an annoying moral about the advantages of intelligence over brute strength. “Petastrophe” pauses for two sequences so Cream can learn a lesson on the importance of leash training your pets. At first, the cartoon bunny is disturbed by Earthlings putting animals in cages and on leashes. After Eggman's shenanigans causes a bunch of pets to go ape-shit, Cream realizes leashes are necessary. It's an odd lesson to include in a “Sonic” comic, firstly, and seems more-or-less disconnected with the rest of the story.

And what is the rest of the story about? Mostly, making fun of Paris Hilton. By 2008, Hilton's status as an inescapable, inexplicably famous celebrity starlet was on the wan. The vile Kardashian brood was already beginning to supplant her. So Edkin choosing to make fun of her in a kid's comic was a weird decision. His characterization of Milan Ramada as a deeply petty, manipulative, vicious little bitch borders on the mean-spirited. (Though I have no doubt that twelve year old Paris Hilton was an equally terrible human being.) Considering Chris Thorndyke is also the child of insanely rich parents, it's odd to make his heated enemy another rich kid. You'd think Milan would consider Chris an equal, instead of someone to look down on. The book points out this factoid, claiming Chris isn't a hateful piece of garbage like Milan. Okay, sure, but it's not like he can relate to the struggles of the working class either.

When the book isn't lecturing kids on pet safety or lobbing soft balls at Paris Hilton, it's contrasting Sonic and friends with normal Earth animals. Which does admittedly lead to some cute moments. Such as Sonic encountering a realistic hedgehog and pausing in confusion at the strange creature. Or Sonic getting examined by the judges. (Disappointingly, Edkins doesn't throw in a panel of Knuckles comparing genitalia with a real echidna.) Sadly, Eggman trying to pass Bokkun off as a cat is a less amusing. Christ, it's barely a joke.

That is a good example of how incredibly stupid Eggman's plan is, even by the standards of his previous evil plots. Eggman randomly grabs this Recombobulator thing, which does not come up in the rest of the story. He needs a Chaos Emerald to power it, even though it was inside a car motor for some reason. Though Eggman has shown no qualms about stealing Chaos Emeralds before, he decides to fairly compete for it. Also: Why the fuck is a pet show giving away an incredibly volatile, literally magical power source? I know this is a kid's comedy book but, gee whiz, is a little internal consistency too much to ask for?

This is an action comic, theoretically. Issue 36 does feature some mildly diverting action scenes. An early bit has Sonic grabbing missiles that Eggman has launched into Station Square as a distraction. (Which is a nice reminder that, even if the book plays him exclusively for comedy, Eggman is still a wantonly destructive terrorist.) The pages devoted to the hedgehog grabbing the missiles before they hit innocent bystanders are pretty good. The book's big conclusion has Sonic and Eggman's fight causing an animal riot at the pet show. For some reason, cheetahs, giant snakes, and red tail hawks where invited to this pet show. Weirdly, the big hero moments belongs to Cream. She shows off a previously unseen super-ability, releasing a sonic scream that throws back three snarling dobermans. It really comes out of nowhere but James Fry's pencils at least look nice.

So it's another middling, pretty dumb issue of “Sonic X.” I'm honestly surprised I keep finding new things to say about this comic book. I could save myself a lot of trouble and just type the words “It stinks!” 499 times. But, no, I've got to be a professional for my cartoon hedgehog blog. I'm going to whisper “Only four more issues of Sonic X!” into my pillow before falling asleep tonight. [5/10]

Sonic X: Issue 35

Sonic X: Issue 35
Publication Date: July 2008

Think way back, Archie “Sonic” faithfuls. Take a look at some of the book's early covers. I'm talking about, specifically, issue 19. If you have a memory for this kind of bullshit, you may recall that issue 19 of Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog” series featured multiple Sonics on the cover, each one in wildly different costumes. Fourteen years later, the “Sonic X” spin-off series would pay homage to that cover. This issue features Eggman in a number of crazy, different costumes and personas. I mean, I assume this is a deliberate throwback. Maybe it's just a wacky coincidence.

“Cracking the Eggman!” begins with a mysterious crime wave gripping Station Square. Multiple strange, mustached men have robbed banks all over the city. The Chaotix are brought into investigated but Sonic is fairly certain Eggman is behind this. He tracks down the villain and discovers him in different costumes, sporting bizarre personality shifts. He eventually discovers that Eggman is on a weird sugar rush and conspires to run the bad guy's batteries down.

By 2008, the bag of ideas that the “Sonic X” writers got their comic premises out of was empty. This forced them to dig up increasingly desperate story concepts, somehow dragging this book's sad, pathetic existence out for a few more issues. Issue 35 of “Sonic X” can be boiled down to “Eggman Plays Dress-Up!” The “Sonic X” version of Robotnik has always been a clownish opponent. By this point, any threat level he might have had was completely depleted. This Eggman is a loser, a moron, and a lame excuse for an adversary. So why not watch him dance through a series of goofy costumes? Why the fuck not? Nothing fucking matters anyway.

In that spirit of “Fuck it! Who cares?,” I'll admit to getting some entertainment value out of the different personalities Eggman cycles through. He first appears as a viking, dragging a long ship through the streets of the city and speaking in a ridiculous Norwegian accent. He later shows up as a pirate, a ninja, and a knight, bringing a new, bizarre vocal inflection along with each new outfit. In an honestly rather impressive two page spread, Sonic tricks the villain into leaping through a dozen different outfits. A few these – such as a vampire or an Elvis Presley impersonator – are mildly cute visual gags. Even better, there's a bizarre gag where Eggman wears a fur suit and Chris Thorndyke's clothes. Chew on that, weirdos.

Another fleetingly amusing aspect of “Cracking the Eggman!” is how Sonic's opinion towards his enemy has evolved. This version of Sonic has always treated his opponent as more of a nuisance than anything else. He's never outright hated the guy, even if he's attempted to murder him countless times. By this point in the series, he's even developing a clear pity for him. Sonic helps Eggman get back to normal because he feels bad for him. Maybe he would just like his regular archenemy back, instead of this bananas bullshit. Yet a hero who actively pities his primary opponent is an interesting idea.

I probably would've given issue 35 a six outta ten and left it at that. If it wasn't for that ending. The reveal that Eggman went crazy because he had sweets for breakfast is fucking stupid. I've had my share of sugar highs and never went on a costume-fueled rampage. What makes this plot reveal even dumber is how the book handles it. In the final pages, Sonic chastises Eggman for eating too much junk food. The book ends with a moral, explaining to the audience that sugary foods should be consumed in moderation and should never be eaten for breakfast. I get this book was pitched at a really young crowd but do not appreciate them talking down to me in this manner. Seriously, kids, don't take nutritional advice from a “Sonic the Hedgehog” comic book.

For some reason, the Chaotix are in this comic. Why? I don't know. They are interviewed by that reoccurring newswoman character whose name I've never bothered to learn. They show up at the end, making a stupid assumption about this situation. I guess this was for comic relief or something but it's not funny. Maybe Ian Flynn, who wrote this one, just wanted an excuse to shoehorn in some characters he's fond of or something? I don't know. “Sonic X” has raised a lot of baffling questions recently.

The artwork is pretty good. James Fry is clearly having fun doodling Eggman in these ridiculous get-ups. Fry probably didn't get many other chances to draw a viking ship. Fry seems to be the only Archie regular artist whose style wasn't compromised by the mandates of the “Sonic X” book. So it's not complete shit, even if the book is so clearly, obviously begging for the executives to put a bullet in its head. Hold on, baby, we've got five more of these things to wade through. [5/10]

Sonic X: Issue 30

Sonic X: Issue 30
Publication Date: February 2008

With this review, I wrap up my second year of consistent blogging here at Hedgehogs Can't Swim. What a difference a year makes. I began 2017 with the final issue of “Knuckles the Echidna” and the precursor to the “Sonic Adventure” adaptation. I was very nearly at the point where this comic book stopped being good for a long time. Now, at the end of 2017, I'm in one of Ian Flynn's best runs on the series. I wish I had something fancier to commensurate the upcoming three year anniversary of this project but... I don't. Let's get on with the review.

Remember how I said a while ago that it was clear “Sonic X” was never going to rise above its own mediocre standards? I thought, maybe, the book was attempting to better itself with that Perfect Chaos two-parter last time. With issue 30, the series slides back into the “not great, not bad” groove it's existed in for most of its run. In fact, issue 30 is so focused on gimmick-based story telling that there is no set-up at all. We begin with Sonic and his friends in a wacky situation. The script, from Ian Flynn, extrapolates from there.

If the title - “Big Top Terror!” – and the cover art didn't clue you in, this story is the “Sonic X” take on the Evil Circus troupe. Since this is a kid's book, the horror aspect of that concept isn't pushed too far. The clowns are intimidating, not evil. The side show is excluded entirely. Yet this story still revolves around Eggman placing Sonic and his friends inside of a circus. The acts are made extra dangerous as a way to mock the pain and terror the heroes are feeling. This being the “Sonic X” version of Eggman, he is defeated by his own incompetence.

“Big Top Terror!” is pretty thin gruel but it does, one must admit, utilize the circus setting very well. Very few of the elements you associated with the circus aren't at least nodded towards. The aforementioned intimidating clowns, which appear on the first page, are robots built by Eggman. Yes, they march out of a small clown car. Knuckles is also forced to dress as a clown, getting pletted with creampies and selzer water. Sonic is forced to walk a dangerous tightrope, while juggling deadly items. Tails and Cream are drafted to become lion tamers, though Eggman's robot lions aren't very interested in being tamed. There are robot elephants too, which Amy contends with. Eggman is the ringmaster, naturally. There's not much plot but at least Ian commits to the circus thing.

This set-up does lead to some decent action scenes. There's a fun scene where Amy attempts to fight off the robot elephants with dual hammers. Instead, the elephants grab the hammers with their trunks and chase after her. Knuckles fights his coulophobia by punching some robot clowns apart. In a cute touch, one of the robot clowns is obviously patterned after the Joker, acid-spitting flower included. Later, the clown's equipment is utilized against them.

A big issue with “Big Top Terror!” is that it's far too easy for Sonic and the gang to escape Eggman's plot. Sonic essentially just runs away. When the time comes, he's had enough and leaps off the high wire. Tails and Cream fly out of the animal cage. They have to stop and rescue the Thorndykes but that's pretty much the only thing keeping them there. If Eggman designed this circus to contain Sonic and his companions, the doctor did a shitty job.

This is not the only example of incompetence from our villain. Early on, Decoe and Bocoe appear in the circus. They're dressed as acrobats and are insistent on joining Eggman's circus of crime. The doctor immediately dismisses them. Yet the duo still want to be included. Later, they break into the big top and perform their act. This distraction is what allows Sonic and the others to escape. Eggman's sidekicks ruining his plan doesn't stop there. Bokkun was locked up at the beginning fo the story, so his sugar hungry ways wouldn't ruin the plan. The little devil breaks out anyway, gets into the cotton candy, goes nuts, and drives a cage into the circus tent. Why does Eggman keep these guys around?

Despite the qualms I have with the writing, the artwork in “Sonic X” has been consistently good here of late. James Fry returns to draw this one. He sticks to the “Sonic X” template, of course, and seems to be taking some cues from Tracy Yardley. Fry's facial expressions and action sequences here recal Yardley. There are some cool moments.. An early page depicts Eggman with the Ringmaster's microphone and whip, a striking image. Knuckles' fight scenes with the clowns are well done. Though not horribly distinguished from the book's other artwork, it still looks pretty good.

In conclusion, number 30 is yet another mildly entertaining but generally forgettable issue of “Sonic X.” The book runs with the circus stuff but does so in service of a really thin story. I don't want to say Flynn phoned this one in. Let's just say it wouldn't surprise me to discover he wrote this script very quickly. I wish I had more to say about it than but... Nope, not really. Let's move on. [6/10]