Sonic Universe: Issue 74

Sonic Universe: Issue 74
Publication Date: March 2015

I tend to consider “Spark of Life” solely the work of Aleah Baker. However, we must remember that she was still working from Ian Flynn’s outline. In issue 74 of “Sonic Universe,” I can’t help but wonder if their two styles conflicted a little. The action-packed climax of “Sparks of Life” reads very much like an Ian Flynn story. This ends up not totally meshing with Baker’s more intuitive and emotional writing. The two are still married so they obviously collaborate well in other aspects of life. But, while reading this issue, I found myself wishing that Flynn or Archie, or whoever made the decision, let Baker handle this one totally solo.

Part four of “Spark of Life” picks up with Sally in the digital world, standing in-between Phage and Nicole. Laser swords drawn, the princess does what she can to defend her girlfriend friend. The direct approach doesn’t work and the holo-lynx carries Sally to a safer location. The two devise a plan, to lock Phage out of Ellidy’s system, that might work. Meanwhile, in meatspace, the Dark Gaia monsters and Phage-controlled Badniks continue to close in on Ellidy’s lab. Outside, Tails and Big race to retrieve the Chaos Emerald before the bad guys do.

What ultimately proves most compelling about the last part of “Spark of Life” is seeing Sally and Nicole interacting. After spending most of the last issue separated, the two are together for all of this one. Throughout the story, Sally tells Nicole to flee and Nicole tells Sally to leave. Both times, the two remain by each other. That connection, sisterly or romantic depending on how you read it, is what drives the story. Seeing Sally and Nicole be so willing to protect each other grants “Spark of Life” a strong degree of emotional resonance.

Which is a good thing, as “Spark of Life: Part Four” is a little disappointing on a narrative level. Up to this point, Phage has been depicted as practically unstoppable in the digital world. She can manipulate the environment and overpower Nicole. But apparently the computer virus is not a great strategist. Sally and Nicole out-think the villain without too much effort, eventually locking her out of Ellidy’s system with some simple trickery. In her moment of defeat, Phage starts pathetically crying about how Robotnik will punish her if she fails. This might add some humanity to the villain but she was more effective as a cold, somewhat sadistic adversary. (And it turns out Nicole can hurt Phage. In another Evangelion homage, Nicole pierces Phage’s very Angel-like core with her very Lance of Longinus-style digital spear.)

What makes the conclusion more disappointing is the method Nicole uses to defeat Phage. In their moment of need, Ellidy slams the Red Star Ring into Nicole’s handheld, confirming that subplot’s status as nothing but a power-up. This transforms her into Overclocked Nicole, giving her the strength needed to lock Phage out once and for all. For a story so built around emotional needs, it’s a little disappointing that a plot device and a hastily introduced super form is what saves the day. Even if it is sort of neat to see a non-Sega female get a super transformation.

At the last minute, Baker does try to resolve the story’s emotional threads. Before leaving the island, Sally talks to both Ellidy and Nicole. The doctor admits he was an asshole to Nicole. Nicole explains how she understands that and blames herself a little for Nikki Ellidy’s death. The doctor then tells her to take the Red Star Ring with her, even though it’s the only one he has. It’s a gesture that suggests he accepts the holo-lynx. In a cute final panel, Nicole decides to ride back to Sky Patrol in her hologram form, so she can feel the wind on her face. It’s all very sweet and helps resolve some of my issues with the story’s otherwise brute force conclusion.

This issue is so focused on Sally and Nicole’s adventure online, that it’s easy to forget about what Tails and Big get up to. To Baker and Flynn’s credit, the scenes focused in this duo are pretty good too. Big is still a big dumb idiot but at least his hyper-specific super-fishing powers come in handy. It allows him to retrieve the Emerald from the lake bed just in time. Still, the ever-encroaching threat of killer robots and vicious shadow monsters makes Tails and Big’s quest feel especially time sensitive. The story probably, most definitely, could’ve survived without this subplot but it in no way distracts either. In fact, it’s pretty good.

Ultimately, “Spark of Life” is still the only universally agreed upon classic to emerge from the reboot era. I’ll admit, it’s a pretty good story. However, I found myself wishing the arc fused it’s emotional and narrative needs a little better. Was this a result of Flynn and Baker’s styles clashing? Who’s to say? Either way, despite some flaws, this was still a pretty good issue and a very good story arc all together. [7/10]

Sonic Super Digest: Issue 11

Sonic Super Digest: Issue 11
Publication Date: March 2015

It’s time to talk about another one of those wacky digest again. Perhaps to coincide with the then-running “Spark of Life” arc, Nicole would be the next Freedom Fighter to get the Sonic Comic Origins treatment. But we’ll talk about the story in a minute. Instead, let’s look at the digest’s cover. It sure looks like a generic piece of Spaziante art, the kind of thing he could’ve scribbled in a few minutes, doesn’t it? I was certain it was a piece of Spaz stock art Archie had lying around and, indeed, that’s exactly what it is. It’s a cropped image of Sonic from “Sonic Universe: Issue 76’s” cover.

I just assumed Archie was being lazy but there’s evidence to suggest this was a last minute replacement. The original solicitation said issue 11 of the Digest would have a Lamar Wells cover. You can find it online. It’s a fitting image of Sonic, Sally, and Nicole posing in front of a supernova. I can only assume Archie got cold feet at the last minute about featuring comic exclusive characters on the cover of the mass-market digest. Or, worst, about putting female characters on the cover of a book partially aimed at seven year old boys. Or maybe they just didn’t want to pay Lamar that week. So they threw a somewhat awkward Sonic image Spaz drew in his sleep on there instead. I have no actual evidence that any of this is true but, knowing what a slapdash business Archie is, it wouldn’t surprise me.

Anyway, “Sonic Comic Origins: Nicole” concludes the loose story arc that began in the previous year’s Free Comic Book Day Special. Apparently Sonic and the Freedom Fighters weren’t the only ones running through Nicole’s “Sonic Spinball” themed training simulation. Team Rose  – Amy, Big, Cream and Cheese  – are about to take on the Machine Zone boss. As the action goes down, Nicole reflects on her early years as a handheld computer. She thinks about how her friends made her more human than she originally was.

Nicole’s tale is definitely the thinnest of the thus-far published origin stories. Despite the title, “Sonic Comic Origins: Nicole” doesn’t actually get into how the holo-lynx came to be. This is presumably because the “Spark of Life” arc, the last part of which would be published two weeks after this digest, actually details the A.I.’s backstory. Instead of spoiling the ending to his own story, Flynn focuses on character development. We see Nicole watching the Freedom Fighters grow, growing along with them. Apparently, observing her furry friends helped Nicole realize her own humanity. (Furmanity?) Only being five pages long, this story can only hint at the loneliness Nicole felt at first, being unable to truly interact with anyone. It doesn’t even have the page room to show how Nicole developed the hard-light hologram technology that makes her physical form possible.

It’s fairly thin stuff but Flynn does include some substance. We learn that both of Antoine’s parents are dead in this timeline, thanks to a chilly panel were Bunnie and Antoine cry in his bed, while Nicole’s screen displays the death announcement. We see Sonic and Tails appreciate a sunset, Rotor and Tails joking around, Nicole present as a silent observer. These colder moments are contrasted with what we see on the next page, where Nicole actually interacts with her friends: Playing chess with Sally, rocking out with Sonic, cooking with Antoine, putting a blanket over a napping Rotor. It conveys a lot of emotion in just two pages.

Lamar Wells’ artwork is up to the task of conveying this emotion. Admittedly, Nicole looks a little odd in his style. He always draws her at an angle that causes her feet to taper off to a smaller point. However, his command of mood and expression is strong, helping to sell the emotional flashbacks. I also like the especially cute way he draws Sally. Wells’ version of the Princess always looks extra fluffy and cuddly. His action scenes are squeezed into small panels, which does them a disservice. (His original cover is fine too, even if Sonic, Sally, and Nicole all look a little like melting ice cream bars.)

The rest of the digest is, of course, filled with reprints. We’re long past the point when Archie could actually pull from their history of back issues, for fear of angering Ken Penders' or anyone else’s lawyers. So all the reprints are from the comic’s very recent past. The only preboot content here is “Sonic Generations” from issue 230 and the first two parts of “Treasure Team Tango.” The themeing is weak, as the only stories here to feature Nicole are 267’s “The Grand Tour” and all of “A Light in the Dark.” (Including “Consequences.”)  Otherwise, we get all four parts of “Total Eclipse,” part four of “Waves of Change,” “Knuckleduster” from issue 2 of “Sonic Boom,” “A Nice Day to Start Again” from 264, and a very random appearance from the “Sonic Dash” adaptation.

The only bonus content is a few pin-up illustrations and one coloring page, most of which are reused cover art. In other words, aside from the Origin story, there’s no reason for Archie Sonic fans to track this digest down. I would never suggest anyone resort to piracy but, if you really want to read the Nicole story and have no interest in owning a bunch of random reprints, it’s probably the best option. Anyway, the cover story gets a [7/10], mostly for being so darn cute.

Sonic Universe: Issue 73

Sonic Universe: Issue 73
Publication Date: February 2015

By the beginning of 2015, despite my many reservations about it, the post-reboot “Sonic” comics were rolling along. I may think the two stories diverge widely in their quality, but both “Champions” and “Spark of Life” are fan favorites. I might have felt like the overarching plot was barely moving but it was at this point that most Archie Sonic fans became comfortable with the new continuity. But what’s this I see in the corner of “Sonic Universe: Issue 73’s” cover...? “Worlds Unite in 3?” Feels like a threat, doesn’t it? “That’s some nice pacing you’ve got there. It would be a shame if a Megaman crossover happened to it.”

Anywho, “Spark of Life: Part Three” begins by defusing last month’s cliffhanger. Ellidy is angry with Sally because the princess has stumbled upon his shrine to Nikki, his late daughter. Apparently, Nicole began as a way to save the dying Nikki’s personality, which is why the doctor is so unnerved by her. As the argument escalates, Sally realizes the two are being influenced by Dark Gaia energy. They rush into the house before the monsters attack. Meanwhile, in the digital world, Phage reveals herself to Nicole. As the sentient computer virus threatens the A.I., Sally realizes she has to digitize herself if she hopes to save her friend.

Last time, I complained that the pacing was getting a little lackadaisical. Part three corrects that in a very serious way. The third part of “Spark of Life” gives this story two very urgent objectives. The first of which is for our heroes to survive the night, as the Dark Gaia monsters pound in their doors and windows. The second, even more pressing concern is saving Nicole from Phage. This story went from having a vague motivation to rocketing the reader into a very tense situation. Considering this story is all about establishing Sally and Nicole’s relationship, showing how far the Princess will go to save her digital BFF brings both the plot’s emotional and narrative needs together.

Issue 73 also has mysterious new enemy Phage revealing herself to the heroes. Phage isn’t much to write about on a design level, just a shape shifting blob of black pixels wearing an anime cat mask. Her desire to consume other networks and systems, to make herself more powerful, is a standard villain motivation. However, the character still proves to be effectively threatening. She has control over the digital world, putting Nicole in serious danger. Her very detached, analytical approach to everything contrasts nicely with Nicole while also making her actions seem rather sadistic. She’s a villain that works for this story, in other words. My only complaint is how quickly Phage reveals that she was sent by Robotnik. I would’ve preferred it if she was something that arose by itself, some side effect of the digital world’s existence.

I mentioned before that the reader has already figured out what’s going on with Dr. Ellidy and Nicole. However, Aleah Baker still handles the reveal very well. Ellidy was clearly so heartbroken by his daughter’s death that he never really moved on. Furthermore, he blames himself for failing to save her. Nicole doesn’t just physically remind him of his daughter. She also reminds him of that sense of failure. This really comes into focus during his argument with Sally. She points out that she understands that sense of loss, from the days when the King was gone. Ellidy points out that Sally got her father back eventually. Nikki is never coming back. The script makes us understand while Ellidy has acted like such a jerk, making him sympathetic while still clarifying his main flaw: His inability to see Nicole as a person.

Sally and Nicole are separated through most of this issue, not coming face-to-face until the very end. Yet there are two important moments where they communicate. First off, after Nicole is attacked by Phage and the Dark Gaia monsters swarm the house, Nicole sends a frenzied message, telling Sally to prioritize saving the world over saving her. (Oh yeah, there’s a Chaos Emerald on the island too.) That’s an impressive display of the A.I.’s attitude, that the needs of the many etc. Even better is a flashback, where Sally is awoken in the middle of the night by Nicole’s first attempt to create her hologram body. This scene is the first time Flynn would recreate a specific story from the old continuity in the new one, as it’s obviously based on issue 151’s “Stargazing.”  Nicole even says she wants to see the stars. It’s good to know some of the old universe’s heart is still floating around in the new one.

“Sonic Universe: Issue 73” is also the first time the Dark Gaia monsters feel like a threat. In their past appearances, the monsters were easily defeated. It rarely felt like our heroes were actually in danger. Here, the gang is attacked unexpectedly in the middle of the night. Tails and Big are awoken out of a sound sleep and immediately have to leap into panic mode. The creatures slam on the doors, trying to force their way, in a way clearly meant to invoke zombie movies. It totally works. For the first time, the comic actually leans into the reasons why hordes of weird creatures attacking at night is a frightening premise.

Once again, Aleah Baker proves that she’s got some serious chops. Part three of “Spark of Life” is a damn fine comic, nicely balancing narrative tension with the emotional concerns of the characters. Tracy Yardley’s cover and artwork is also pretty good. What isn’t too hot is the variant cover, drawn by Agnes Garbowska. It looks like it was done with colored pencils. Otherwise, this is a really good issue. [8/10]

Sonic Universe: Issue 72

Sonic Universe: Issue 72
Publication Date: January 2015

Let’s open this review of “Sonic Universe: Issue 72” with some thoughts on Big the Cat, a character who is included in this arc for no particularly good reason. I’ve never liked Big the Cat, partially because his fishing levels in “Sonic Adventure” were fucking awful, but mostly because his personality is so one-note. He’s a character defined solely by his surface elements - large, likes fishing, has a pet frog - and seemingly lacks any inner life. Despite the character going from ironic in-joke to genuinely loved, I still dislike the huge dumbass. Having said that, Flynn makes him super protective of Sally in this issue and that’s kind of cute. It won’t stop me from making fun of him but it’s cute.

Alright, on to the important stuff. “Spark of Life: Part Two” begins with Sally and the team still on Dr. Ellidy’s island. The scientist explains to them that the Lake of Rings on the island has started producing Red Star Rings. Those are super powerful variants of the regular power rings. Sally and Big go to investigate the lake while Tails and Nicole stays behind to look for the outsider messing with Ellidy’s system.

I continue to admire “Spark of Life” for being a more character-oriented story than what we’ve been getting recently. There’s only one brief action sequence in this issue, when Sally and Big are attacked by the reprogrammed Badniks. Otherwise, this one is about the cast and their world. However, part two really feels like a middle chapter. The script is laying the mystery on thick. Ellidy’s connection to Nicole is still being hinted at and the last page suggests the doctor may be a sinister figure. The story’s true villain continues to move in the background.

The problem with this is the reader has already figured out both riddles. It’s already obvious that Ellidy based Nicole on his dead daughter. It was obvious as soon as we saw they were practically identical looking lynxes, that her physical appearance makes him so uncomfortable. The new villain hasn’t revealed herself to the characters but the readers already know about her, robbing that subplot of much suspense. We don’t know what Phage’s exact motivation is but it’s obvious she’s up to some bad shit. While there’s value in hanging out with the cast, I do wish the plot was moving a little faster. Or that Flynn and Baker hadn’t laid their cards down so early.

This issue also introduces the Red Star Rings, which were previously glimpsed in that “Sonic Rush” adaptation. In the video games, the Red Star Rings are usually objects to be gathered in order to unlock bonus content. Baker and Flynn changes it into a super powerful new type of Power Ring. I’m not really sure these things needed to be added to the comic continuity. In a world full of countless regular rings and far too many Chaos Emeralds, did we really need another exotic power source? As far as I can remember, the Red Star Rings mostly exist to give Nicole a super form later in the story. Which probably could’ve been accomplished with any number of other plot devices.

None of this is really what people remember about this story arc. Changing her back story, so Nicole’s original handheld form was Sally’s companion all throughout childhood, is significant. Now we get flashbacks of Rosie using Nicole to teach Sally about the pressures of being a tactician. Or an especially touching scene of a young Sally, after Robotnik’s takeover, confiding in Nicole. She talks about how hard it is to be a brave inspiration for the Freedom Fighters when she’s still a scared little girl who misses her dad. Sally and Nicole have always ostensibly been BFFs but the simple shift of Sally receiving her when she was a child changes everything. Now the A.I. has been Sally’s friend and closest confidant through the hardest years of her life.

Or, perhaps, more than just a friend. The “Spark of Life” arc became especially controversial when, after the “Sonic” books were canceled, Flynn announced on Twitter that he wrote Sally and Nicole as if they were lovers. The hints are blatant enough that I’m surprised more people didn’t pick up on it. Sally asks Big if he likes Nicole, even though she’s digital rather than organic. The extension of this question — Is everyone okay with an organic person dating a digital one? — is heavily implied. Earlier, Sally places her hand on Nicole’s shoulder in a way that seems a little more than casual.

Nerds being who they are, some people freaked out about this. Usually due to typical reactionary fears that those damn dirty liberals are inserting their gay agenda into the totally apolitical medium of comic books. (I don’t know how Sonic fans can think this way, considering Sonic is a socialist hero. But there’s also racist “Star Trek” fans, so some nerds are just fucking dumb.) I think the “Sonic” franchise badly needs LGBT representation. It reflects the world better, kids need to see that gay relationships are perfectly normal and, besides, there’s always been a huge queer component of the “Sonic” fandom anyway. It would’ve made sense for any number of “Sonic” characters to be gay. Old continuity Vector was always written as if he was deeply closeted. Tails has never had a satisfying relationship with a woman, has perpetually pined for Sonic, and is a total twink. The yet-to-be-introduced Jian and rebooted Dulcy sure would’ve made a cute couple as well.

I certainly do not mind Sally and Nicole being made lovers. But... As a lifelong Sonic/Sally shipper, this story choice fills me with complicated feelings. It absolutely makes sense for these versions of Sally and Nicole to have a more-than-platonic relationship. It’s also depicted well. And, because of Sega’s ridiculous mandates, Sonic can never have a romance with anyone ever again anyway. Yet I’m always going to long for the preboot days, when Sonic and Sally were officially an item. My head-canon justifies this by making reboot Sally bi and giving her an open relationship with Sonic and Nicole. Ya know, in case you were curious about my feelings towards the sex lives of cartoon animal video game characters.

But I digress. “Spark of Life” hits a bit of a bump in its second part. The emotional heart of the story remains strong but the plotting isn’t so certain in this one. Still, Aleah Baker’s mastery of these characters even makes a slightly off-paced story pretty damn good. [7/10]

Sonic Universe: Issue 71

Sonic Universe: Issue 71
Publication Date: December 2014

For the first twelve years of her existence, Nicole was just Sally’s handheld computer. Though useful on missions, and occasionally showing some sass, she was mostly just a fancy Tricorder. That all changed in 2005, with the publication of “Stargazing” and the first appearance of Nicole’s holo-lynx form. After Ian Flynn took over writing duties, a hologram lynx would become Nicole’s standard appearance. Her evolution from plot device to actual character complete, she became an essential member of the “Sonic” cast. With the “Spark of Life” story arc, beginning in issue 71 of “Sonic Universe,” Nicole’s post-reboot origins would be established.

After a long night of defending the Sky Patrol from Dark Gaia Creatures, Sally and Tails are hoping to get some sleep. Instead, Nicole is drawn into the Digital World by an emergency signal from Dr. Ellidy. Ellidy created Nicole but the Freedom Fighters haven’t heard from him in years. Inside the Digital World, Nicole rescues the doctor from a mysterious threat. Sally, Tails, and Big head to Ellidy’s island. He’s safe but something unusual is definitely going on.

The plot of “Spark of Life” is credited to Flynn but the script is from Aleah Baker. And my theory that Flynn’s wife is a better writer than him continues to be barred out. The first part of “Spark of Life” successfully teases out some new history. Nicole’s pre-reboot origin was far from concise, as she was sent into the past from that idyllic possible future Ken Penders loved to write about. That time travel business didn’t amount to anything and never made much sense. For her new back story, Baker simply has Nicole be created by a kindly scientist who worked for the Acorns before Robotnik’s coup.

As Baker answers some questions, she also provides some new mysteries. Simply from a narrative perspective, we have the question of who this villain is and what their objectives are. More pressingly, there’s some unspoken tension between Nicole and Ellidy. See, Ellidy is also a lynx and seems somewhat unnerved by Nicole choosing that form for herself. During the otherwise adorable flashback that shows little Sally receiving Nicole for the first time, we see that even the name makes Ellidy uncomfortable. That he’s leaving his position due to an unnamed personal tragedy. These little mysteries are presented in a natural way that doesn’t seem intrusive while also drawing the reader in.

Part one of “Spark of Life” features a few action scenes. There’s a neat opening, devoted to Sally and the others fighting the Dark Gaia Monsters outside the Sky Patrol. When Nicole rescues Ellidy, she shows off the defensive abilities she has in the digital world. (Which apparently includes summoning the Lance of Longinus.) Yet this is primarily a character-based story. Sally risks her life to rescue Tails early on. Despite being exhausted afterwards, she still immediately launches off to locate Nicole. There’s lots of cute little interactions between Sally, Nicole, and Dr. Ellidy. These moments are small but they establish how much everyone cares about each other.

While I’m fairly ambivalent to Ellidy, I do really like his island home. He’s set up a home on Isolated Island, a Zone which apparently originates in the “Knuckles’ Chaotix” game. He’s retrofitted old Badniks into his personal squad of helpers and servants. It’s a surprisingly comfy location. I mean, who wouldn’t want to retire to a personal island staffed with robots that wait on your every want and whim? It’s also a colorful location, as the book maintains the 32X game’s searing neon color scheme.

This issue also introduces the concept of the Digital World, which is a name that surely wasn’t just swiped from a popular anime/multi-media franchise. While the preboot world featured a neutral online location where digital avatars could interact, this issue makes the Digital World way more significant. Apparently, it’s a mysterious location that has possibly existed before computers where even able to tap into it. I’m not sure why Baker just couldn’t make the Digital World a physical representation of the planet’s various internets. This works too, I guess.

Though I have some questions, the first part of “Spark of Life” is strong. I love the little interactions between the characters and the elegant way Baker reimagines Nicole’s past. Not too much happens in this issue but we’re still given enough that we want to know more. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 171

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 171
Publication Date: January 2007

Over the course of 2004 and 2005, Archie published a number of “Sonic the Hedgehog” stories featuring Shadow the Hedgehog. To be brutally honest, none of them were good. In fact, when I was first reading these issues as a teenager, I honestly wondered if Shadow had a place at all in the Archie Sonic-verse. As part of his mission to get the comic to shape the fuck up, Ian Flynn set out to write the very first good Shadow the Hedgehog story published in this comic. (And, depending on how you feel about “Sonic Adventure 2” and “Sonic Heroes,” maybe the first good Shadow story period.) Amazingly, he succeeded.

In the biblically entitled “I Am,” Shadow the Hedgehog storms into Robotnik's main laboratory. He demands to see Gerald Robotnik's diary, which Eggman has been keeping from him, and finally learn the final facts about his origin. After grabbing the ancient disc, Shadow is chased out of Robotropolis. He flees to Knothole, where Tails attempts to read the disk. Using an experimental digital interface, Nicole inserts Sonic and Shadow into Gerald's diary. Meanwhile, Snively follows the black hedgehog to Freedom HQ, ready to bust some heads.

In outline form, “I Am” is another one of Ian Flynn's stories devoted to fixing a stupid plot point introduced by the previous writers. For a while now, Shadow has been working for Robotnik. In the Sega video games, Shadow is more of a free agent, working to meet his own needs. By this story's end, Shadow is no longer affiliated with the Eggman. The book also spills the details of Shadow's origin, involving Gerald making a deal with the alien tyrant Black Doom. (Of course, Ian has already established that the Black Arms may never returned to Mobius, being locked in an endless war with the Xorda, preventing us from getting an adaptation of Sega's widely loathed “Shadow the Hedgehog.”) This is also another move that brings the comic's world a little more in line with the video games, without sacrificing the comic's uniqueness.

This is all well and good but what makes “I Am” an above average story is its emotional component. Shadow's drive and determination to resolve his past as the so-called ultimate life form has him showing more personality then he has anywhere else up to this point. More important, Shadow achieves the impossible. He is reunited with Maria. The hedgehog and the saint-like teenage girl he bonded with, years ago, have a tearful reunion. That's right. Sega allowed their number one tough guy character to cry, however briefly. When Shadow confronts Snively in the final pages, declaring definitively who he is, it's actually rather powerful. This character has found himself. It's satisfying to read – a floundering cast member is now centered – but it's mostly just good writing.

On paper, Nicole inserting Shadow and Sonic into the digital memories on Gerald's CD seems like a sudden plot point. Nicole outright announcing to Shadow that this is a rather miraculous thing she can do fairly easily does come out of nowhere. Having said that, setting the story inside what is essentially a memory is a cool idea. The disk's memory is slowly eroding away, which gives the plot a time limit, raising tension. It also leads to a cool image, the world slowly falling apart around our heroes. This moment also allows for a return of Nicole's lynx form, giving the computer program some more character development. Soon, the holo-lynx shall become Nicole's default form, finalizing her growth into a real person.

Though this is clearly Shadow's story, “I Am” does feature some decent character beats for the book's primary cast. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Nicole are the only Freedom Fighters that appear in this story. This creates a nice streamlined cast. I love Sally and the gang but there was no reason for them to be in this story. Sonic and Tails' relationship continues to be rocky, the fox still having trouble forgiving the hedgehog for dating Fiona. Of course, Fiona's been AWOL for two issues and Sonic's not so sure about her anymore either. In an especially cute series of panels, Knuckles expresses an honest concern for the young scientist. Knuckles apparently just finished a run around the woods on his hover board, a little personable touch.

On top of being a really solid character story, “I Am” also features a delightfully fun action beat. Before fleeing Robotropolis, Shadow does something unforgivable to Snively... He snatches him bald-headed, tearing out his six remaining hairs! This gives us a fun look into Snively's personality, as he was attached to these stray hairs that he had tracking devices implanted inside. After arriving in Knothole, he attacks in a deliciously preposterous vehicle called the Egg-Lobster. Yes, it's a giant robot lobster. That's a level of goofy fun I welcome, which puts this story over-the-top into the genuinely great category.

After such a great cover story, the back-up comes off as rather minor. In “Enforcers,” a group of dingoes are preoccupied with oppressing a village on Angel Island. Before Locke can start guardian-ing the place, the Destructix leap in and fight off the canines. Doctor Finitevus emerges from a warp ring, asking Locke to form a pact with him. In order to help sell the deal, Finitevus has Dimitri's floating head on hand to testify. Locke eventually, reluctantly agrees to the doctor's conditions, eager to unite the Island again. (And, pointedly, to do it without Knuckles' help.)

Of course, there's a twist and that's really the whole point of “Enforcers.” On the final page, it's revealed that Finitevus is lying. He's putting the pieces in place for his next power move. From the moment Dr. Finitevus was introduced, it's been implied that he has devious plans of his own. While Bollers was happy to let this point rest, Flynn obviously has plans of his own for the albino echidna. In the last panel of “Enforcers,” we discover that Finitevus is plotting the return of Enerjak.

Though mostly focused on plot. “Enforcers” does have one or two little dollop of character development. When Finitevus suggest Knuckles could help protect Angel Island, Locke outright refuses. This continues Flynn re-establishing Knuckles' asshole dad as an intentional asshole. This story also continues Dimitri's development into a quasi-heroic character or at least someone eager to atone for his villainous ways. It's little stuff but it's enough to elevate what would otherwise just be more plot development for future story lines.

By the way, Tracy Yardley provides pencils for both stories. Yardley keeps up with his own high standard, producing two nice looking tales. Issue 171 is another really strong contribution from Flynn, another example of what this guy would become the comic's most respected and beloved writer. He took underdeveloped characters, like Shadow or Finitevus, and turned them into something you actually cared about. “I Am” is a great cover story and even the back-up is pretty good. And since I'm feeling generous, I'll give the whole issue a [9/10.] I'm not always this nice.

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 151

(Yes, I've read the news today: Archie's "Sonic the Hedgehog" comics have officially been canceled. Since I've already eulogized the book on this blog, I don't have too much say. Click over to the Hedgehogs Can't Swim Tumblr for my latest thoughts about this development.)

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 151
Publication Date: July 2005

There’s no getting around this one: Evil Sonic switching places with his heroic counterpart primarily so he could get his dick wet is one of the worst premises for a “Sonic” story Archie would ever publish. It’s certainly one of the most embarrassing. But here’s how bad things were for the book in 2005: This is actually one of the year’s more readable arcs. Especially coming off the epic suck-fest that was “The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown,” even something as lame as Anti-Sonic’s philandering ways reads as entertaining. Let’s dissect this one a little further, shall we?

Last issue concluded with a horny Anti-Sonic getting a look at Ms. Fanservice Rouge and immediately deciding he needed a slice of that. The bat falls for the line that Sonic knows his way around the Floating Island. The two high tail it for the Chaos Chamber. While Rouge distracts Locke by making out with him, Anti-Sonic sneaks towards the Master Emerald. There, the real Sonic confronts him. The hero hedgehog defeated the Anti-Freedom Fighters in the Mirror Universe and talked them into sending him home. Inevitably, bad guy and hero trade blows. Guess who wins?

“Chaos Emeralds Are Forever” – yeah, that’s another Bond reference from Penders that barely connects – doesn’t do much with its premise. Wouldn’t it have been cool to see Sonic do the same thing to Anti-Sonic’s gang that the evil copy did to his? Sneak among them and manipulate the others towards his goal? (A story about how the evil double’s selfish actions affect the real deal would be nice too.) Instead, Sonic quickly reveals his true identity and goes about stomping the Freedom Fighters’ bad equivalents. Which, by the way, include an Anti-Bunnie, a character previously unseen.

Yet at least good ol’ action is worth a little more then undercooked soap opera antics. I know it was Evil Sonic that the previous issue focused on but, after seeing a blue hedgehog act like such a tool, this issue’s opening sequence – where the Anti-Freedom Fighters beat the shit out of Sonic – is somewhat cathartic. That opening barrage also causes the good hog to turn the tables on his attackers to be a little more satisfying. Sonic’s headbutts, flips, and discombobulating cyclone spins are old tricks but there’s something to be said for that. Half the fight also features him in just his socks, which is sort of funny.

Annoyingly, the story dangles a conclusion to the similar plot concerning Antione before ignoring it. During his fight with the reverse Mobians, we see Antoine’s thoughts bubbles, commenting on how he’s been living in his doppleganger’s place. You’d think this would set up the real Antoine’s return to Mobius. Instead, Sonic cold cocks the coyote and leaves him where he lands. It would be a few more issue before the book got around to resolving that one, even if the opportunity was right there.

The big conclusion is the Sonic-on-Sonic fight at the end. Again, you’d think this would be a good chance to do something mildly clever. What if we were watching a fight where we weren’t sure who the hero was? That would be interesting! Instead, Ken identifies which Sonic is which with some typically thudding dialogue and a few visual clues. But, again, it’s not a bad fight. I’m especially fond of the panel of Evil Sonic doing a handstand into Regular Sonic’s face.

If Archie spent several of the year’s issues forcing Shadow into the book, it seems there was some weird mandate to include Rouge the Bat in this one. Her role in the story is negligible. She essentially gets Evil Sonic onto Angel Island, so that fight can commence. (Of course, there’s no reason that showdown had to take place in the Chaos Chamber.) Otherwise, Rouge’s subplot is vague at best, the character’s objective getting pushed to the point of obscurity. I’m sticking with my theory that Penders wanted Locke to have a hot girlfriend. In this issue, the elderly echidna and the sexy bat get to second base, it appears. Rumor has it that Ken thought Rouge was a little closer to Locke’s age, though that still doesn’t change how kind of gross that particular pairing is.

After a cover story that gets a begrudging, barely passable recommendation from me, let’s move on to “Stargazing,” issue 151’s back-up feature. After awakening in the middle of the night, Princess Sally notices that Nicole’s screen is blank. She walks outside the castle to see a strangely dressed lynx looking up at the night skies. This, she soon discovers, is Nicole. After the computer got a taste of the fleshy life in issue 146’s “Circuit Me,” Nicole decided to create herself a hologram body that would allow her to interact with the physical world. Sadly, she only has the power to project the hologram for a short time. After Nicole’s Mobian form disappears, Sally is left stargazing all by herself.

“Stargazing” is a short tale that would, unexpectedly, end up being an important part of the Archie Sonic mythos. After years as simply Sally’s handheld computer, showing bits and pieces of personality at times, Nicole would soon graduate into a full-fledged characters. And it started here. “Stargazing,” written and drawn by Tania del Rio, is a sweet, quietly observant tale. Nicole’s appreciation for the simple things is touching, especially how it makes Sally regain that appreciation for the blessings she does have. I also like the story’ bittersweet tone. Nicole’s ability to project a body for herself, what it allows her to experience sensation, is wonderful. Yet it’s a short lived experience, giving it more meaning.

Art Mawhinney continues to draw the cover stories and does a pretty good job. The Anti-Freedom Fighters look fittingly comical in his style. While his Rouge still looks a little off, especially in her clashing “Sonic Heroes” outfit, Anti-Bunnie is a welcomed addition to this collection of rogues. As I mentioned, Tania del Rio draws “Stargazing.” del Rio was brought over from the then-anime inspired “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” book. It’s clear she doesn’t quite have a grasp on how to draw the “Sonic” cast. Sally and Nicole have similar, anime-esque eyes and faces, which is a bit off-putting. del Rio’s also gets Sally’s body proportions off several times. Still, it’s serviceable work and doesn’t distract from the story.

I guess “Stargazing” proves that there were a few worthwhile stories published in this book during 2005. The cover story in issue 151 is fairly weak yet I can’t entirely hate it, despite being a disposable plot over all. The back-up story is one of the more touching ones to be published in this book in quite some time. I don’t feel like figuring out what that would even out to, so I’ll split the score again. “Chaos Emeralds Are Forever” barely gets a [5/10.] “Stargazing” gets a [7/10.] I hate to do that but some times these things happens.