Sonic Universe: Issue 40

Sonic Universe: Issue 40
Publication Date: May 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sonic Universe: Issue 39

Sonic Universe: Issue 39
Publication Date: April 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 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 Universe: Issue 16

Sonic Universe: Issue 16
Publication Date: May 2010

As I said at the start of my “Journey to the East” reviews, I always thought this was a weird idea for a “Sonic Universe” arc. This is a series about Sonic's supporting cast, right? It's right there in the title. We're exploring the other corners of Sonic's universe. So why is a story arc starring Sonic being published in this book? I have a theory. “Journey to the East” is a pretty slow story arc, low on action and heavy on backstory. Maybe Flynn was nervous about putting such a low-key story in the main book? I don't know, I might be giving that guy too much credit.

So the last part of this four-parter is subtitled “A World Under Constant Vigil.” Espio has revealed himself to Sonic, Monkey Khan, and the others. He offers to bring them to the Bride of his clan, though he has to prove he's serious about this whole ninja thing first. Once they get to the cave, the guys have to get through some boobie traps. The negotiations with the chameleon ninjas are very successful and everyone goes home happy.

Flynn mixed it up last time, squeezing some action into a dialogue heavy issue by throwing in an encounter with the Destructix. This time, he leans back on lots of talking. Obviously, I'm not opposed to stories relying on dialogue over action. Some of my favorite “Sonic” issues are entirely character-driven. However, there's a difference between focusing on character and building an entire issue around exposition. That's what I feel like Flynn did with “Journey to the East.” This was an arc devoted to expanding on an under-explored corner of Mobius, which I guess fits the mission statement of “Sonic Universe.” The problem is I don't care about these ninjas. I only like the awesome ninajs that kill people with ninja stars and samurai swords. Not the boring Sonic ninjas!

Honestly, I don't think Flynn was that interested in the ninjas either. “A World Under Constant Vigil” is more about expanding Espio's back story than anything else. Since the introduction of this ninja curve ball, there's been an open question about how this fits into what we already know about Espio. There's some circular dialogue between Espio and his ninja clan leader that results in a two page spread exploring his background. How the chameleon ninjas have observed the Floating Island for years. How Valdez previously held that position, taught Espio, and got him grounded with the locals. How it became more than just a mission when Espio genuinely became Knuckles' friend. This not only confirms what has long been suspected – Espio and Valdez have some connection – but also establishes that this ninja thing is basically a sloppy retcon. Espio is still the guy we've always known and love. (Also the female clan leader is his mom, a nice touch briefly mentioned in dialogue.)

Since there's little action here, Ian attempts to spruce things up. After arriving at the home of the Clan of Constant Vigil, the gang have to jump through some hoops. In order to talk to the clan leader, they must navigate a valley filled with traps. Saws and flamethrowers, things of that nature. Turns out there's an invisible pathway crossing the gab, which can be identified if you toss dirt on it. Okay, Flynn, I've seen “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” too! I actually don't mind the blatant rip-off. It's actually kind of cute how we get a Sonic spin on it. The hedgehog quickly navigates the path, tossing dirt down as he goes, while cracking some trademark Sonic snark. But I think it does speak to how thin this story arc actually was, if Flynn was cribbing from Spielberg to pad it out to four issues.

Whatever problems this one has, the whole issue is nearly redeemed by one page. In order win the trust of Sonic and the others, Espio promises to reveal all the dirt he has on them. It boils down to the chameleon telling Sonic and friends some embarrassing secrets. He mentions the Sneak to Sonic. He points out Captain Super-Fox to Tails, the fan-comic the fox drew back in the “Tails” mini-series. He reveals that he knows about Sally's embarrassing birthmark. (Considering Sally is practically naked at all times, I'm not sure where she could be hiding such a thing.) It's a cute, funny moment that displays Flynn's mastery of this book's obscure, bullshit lore and brings our characters closer together.

Aside from teaching us a little about Espio, all issue 16 of “Sonic Universe” really does is set the stage for the end of the Iron Dominion. In fact, that's what this entire story arc has been about. It hasn't really been a natural story development. Instead, it was a way to wrap up some loose ends that the writer didn't feel like dealing with in the main book. Espio is told to grab the magical fan capable of defeating the Iron King before he leaves. Because it's not technically a deus ex machina if we set it up first, right guys? All of this may serve its purpose but I sort of wish Flynn had found a less dry way to accomplish this.

Well, the covers have been pretty neat, right? In fact, Tracy Yardley's artwork has, generally, been fairly strong for all four of these issues. Now that “Journey to the East” is finished, I guess that means we are really, truly done with this ninja/Monkey Khan business for now. And that's something to be thankful. [5/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 212

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 212
Publication Date: April 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sonic Universe: Issue 15

Sonic Universe: Issue 15
Publication Date: April 2010

The Iron Dominion has fallen in the main “Sonic” book but “Sonic Universe” is still covering the events leading up to that victory. In my last review of “Sonic Universe,” I complained that the “Journey to the East” story arc has been overly sluggish for my taste. I mentioned that bringing in the Destructix was a desperate attempt by Ian Flynn to pick up the story's pace. This may be true but it actually worked. Issue 15's sole story, with the mixed metaphor subtitle “No Love in a Conquering Storm,” is by far the best entry in this arc.

 
The last issue ended with a cliffhanger, with the Destructix seemingly ambushing Sonic's crew. That fight is short lived though. Fiona, now leading the group, offers a truce. They want to re-recruit Lightning Lynx, who is still faithful to the Raiju Clan. Sonic and Monkey Khan, meanwhile, want the Raiju Clan to cut ties with the Iron Dominion. So their goals lie up. The two team work together to break into the lynx ninja's base, where Sonic and Lightning duel to determine the outcome of this adventure.

Forcing Sonic, Sally, Khan, and Tails to work with the Destructix is a good idea. Heroes and bad guys forced to work together by circumstances is usually a good story move, as it creates some natural tension in the narrative. “No Love in a Conquering Storm” also adds another unexpected but welcomed aspects. The Destructix may be heartless mercenaries but there's a certain amount of honor among thieves. Sgt. Simian, Predator Hawk, and Flying Frog miss Lightning Lynx. He's their pal, their buddy, and they've seen a lot of shit together. Having these usually mercantile characters show some genuine affection for a comrade is a surprising but effective move.

Flynn uses this opportunity to do two other things. First off, he reshuffles the team's line-up a little. Drago has gone back to the Eggman Empire, for some reason. (Presumably so Flynn can humiliate him some more further down the road.) Sleuth Dawg is retiring, leaving the team and walking out of the book forever. Fiona is probably a better leader anyway.

The other thing Flynn does is develop a few members of the Destructix. Despite kicking around the book for over a decade, most of these guys are still thin sketches. Some of his choices here are more interesting than others. We discover that Lightning Lynx isn't just loyal to the Bride of Conquering Storm because of ninja honor bullshit. He's literally in love with her. That's pretty interesting. As is the absolute rage and heartbreak he feels after getting kicked out of the clan by her at the end of this comic. Least interesting to me is what Flynn does to Flying Frog. Previously a totally non-descript character, Flynn writes Flying as an unhinged goofball prone to spouting off random phrases, usually in a cutesy manner. In other words, he write him entirely like Bean the Dynamite. Not sure we needed another Totz Cray-Cray Random Comic Relief character in this book.

Lightning Lynx isn't the only character showing some surprising emotion in this issue. The fight scene at the start of the issue is a totally superficial bit of action, obviously thrown in to placate the action-hungry seven-to-twelve-boys demographic. Yet it does lead to one fantastic moment. While Fiona is trying to convince the Freedom Fighters to pal around with her, she starts to tease Tails about his still unrequited crush on her. In response, Princess Sally walks up to the fox and punches her hard in the gut. Hard enough for Fiona to nearly collapses. It's a satisfying sight. It's also nice to see Sally cut loose and be a hard, bad bitch every once in a while.

Like I said, there's plenty of action in this issue. The opening fight scene is pretty minor but does feature the amusing sight of Sonic giving Flying Frog a noogie. When the gang invade the fortress, that leads to a cool moment of Monkey Khan hitting a curled-up Sonic with his bat, turning the hedgehog into an electrified bowling ball. The finale also presents a refreshing change of pace. Instead of ending this issue with characters just talking shit out, we get a fight. A dual, in fact, where Sonic and Lightning Lynx battle. If the hedgehog looses, the heroes will become the prisoners of the Raiju Clan. If Lynx looses, he'll leave the Clan and the lynxes will reject the Iron Dominion. Talking it out is nice and all but sometimes you need to punch people.

Issue 15 of “Sonic Universe” naturally ends by setting up future storylines. The Destructix have some devious plans for the future, Lightning eager to get revenge on both Sonic and Conquering Storm. Espio shows up on the final page, offering the heroes a chance to talk to his ninja clan, ending both this story arc and that dumb-ass “Espio is a traitor!” subplot. Who knows how that'll turn out but the third part of “Journey to the East” is the first installment of this arc that actually entertained me. So that's good. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 211

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 211
Publication Date: April 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sonic Universe: Issue 14

Sonic Universe: Issue 14
Publication Date: March 2010

In the main “Sonic” book, the hedgehog and his closest friends (and Monkey Khan) have already returned to Mobotropolis. Obviously, this entire “Sonic Universe” arc is set in-between 209 and 210 of “Sonic the Hedgehog.” It's a bit of an awkward fit. We know Sonic makes it back to Mobotroplis with no problem. Kind of removes most of the tension from this particular story line, doesn't? Considering the book is already striving to make the reader give a shit about the ninja clans, it's a blow the “Journey to the East” storyline really didn't need.

Anyway, part two is subtitled “High Price for Rich Nights” – what the fuck does that mean? Sounds like A-ha lyrics – and picks up with Sonic and the others attempting to meet with the Yagyu Clan. Because ninjas are bad at communicating, this results in yet another fight scene, the Yaygu not realizing that this blue hedgehog is the blue hedgehog their boss is meeting. The leader of the Yagyu is interested in talking to Sonic and Tails, so they get kicked out of the meeting. While Monkey Khan and Sally attempt to reason with the bat, Sonic and Tails run into some unexpected faces from their past.

Let me repeat myself: I do not care about the mythology surrounding Monkey Khan. The Yagyu Lord previously appeared in Super Sonic Special #8. Which I hardly remember because it was a shitty Monkey Khan story from Frank Strom. As random mooks for the Freedom Fighters to beat up, the bat ninjas worked fine. But I have zero interest in learning about their history. Whole panels are devoted to explaining their history. Terse conversations detail the conflicts the Yaygu have with the other ninja clans in the Dragon Valley. I just don't care, guys. I just don't care.

Last time, Ian Flynn has Monkey Khan talk out a conflict with the spider ninja lady. Conceptually, a comic book hero talking to his enemies, instead of punching them, is an interesting ideas. In practice – or at least in practice here – it's super boring. Khan comes to some sort of agreement with the Yaygu Lord and that's the end of it. I don't demand fight scenes in every issue. But when you already barely care about a story's events, pulling back on the punching isn't a great strategy. It's almost as if Flynn took the wrong lesson from people complaining about his focus on fight scenes in his first two years.

Worst yet, the writer is still trying to make the Princess Sally/Monkey Khan ship a thing. After successfully conversing with the bat guy or something, the two exit the temple. As they walk away, we are treated to yet more quasi-romantic dialogue between the two. Ken talks about how Sally has made him smarter. Sally says they're too devious to be together, a tactile admission that this romance won't work out. Yet the scene ends with the monkey giving the Princess a kiss on her hand. It's a moment that might be charming if the very fabric of the universe wasn't resistant to this romance working or even making any sense.

So issue 14 of “Sonic Universe” is a bit of a dud... Except for one scene. The Yagyu Lord insists Tails leave the meeting with Khan and Sally, because he doesn't want children present. This, of course, infuriates Tails. It leads to a mildly touching moment outside the temple where Tails talks about how hard he's work to establish himself as a serious Freedom Fighter. (Amusingly, he shouts that he “fought Mammoth Mogul!”) Sonic reassures his friend. It's a super cute moment, based on our characters' shared history. 

That sequence crashes right into a sudden reappearance of Fiona Fox. On one hand, Flynn tries to make this count. It's clear the vixen still exerts some influence over Tails, as she clearly makes him nervous. That would be a nice contrast to the young fox's diatribe about how mature and grown-up he actually is. Flynn doesn't use that so much. Instead, it leads to a fight scene with the Destrutix, which Fiona is working with now. The action would be a nice compliment to the dialogue heavy negotiations between Monkey Khan and the Yagyu... Except bringing Fiona and the Destructix into this story is a clearly desperate move to add some conflict, to stretch out a tale that could be resolved in three issues to four.

Tracy Yardley's artwork features some great use of shadow, especially in the panel where Sally and Monkey Khan march into the Yagyu lair. However, the Strom-designed Yagyu Lord looks a little weird in Yardley's style. Probably because he looked a little weird in Strom's style. So it's another very mixed issue from “Sonic Universe,” a series that is still stumbling through some awkward early years. Gee, it's almost as if devoting an entire story arc to fucking ninjas wasn't a great idea. [5/10]

Sonic Universe: Issue 13

Sonic Universe: Issue 13
Publication Date: February 2010

The “Iron Dominion” two-parter in the main Archie “Sonic” book ended on kind of a weird note. Instead of the central quartet of heroes – Sonic, Tails, Sally, Monkey Khan – heading into Mobotropolis to save the day, the four decided to head back to Khan's Dragon Kingdom. For some reason. Flynn would devote the fourth “Sonic Universe” arc to this adventure, cheekily entitling the story “Journey to the East.” Back in 2010, this bugged me. “Sonic Universe” was supposed to be about Sonic's supporting characters. Featuring a plot in this book that starred Sonic seemed to defeat the purpose. It was another example of the growing pains “Sonic Universe,” still a fairly new book, was struggling with at this time.

“Journey to the East” has the lofty subtitle of “Endless Reach of Fate.” In the installment, Sonic and Tails are exploring a golden temple devoted to Monkey Khan. This visit is interrupted by a group of spider ninjas. They inform the hedgehog that the bride of their clan wants to speak with Sonic. And, in order to make sure Sonic shows up, they've kidnapped Sally, Tails, and Monkey Khan. Sonic quickly convinces the ninjas to let his friends go, leading into a talk with the Bride of the Endless Reach. Khan manages to resolve any conflict with the spider bride with his words, not his fists.

When “Journey to the East” was new, I remember finding the arc to be a huge drag. This was a story line devoted entirely to expanding on the mythology surrounding Monkey Khan and his home land. At the time, I could resoundingly say I did not care about this stuff. In 2018, my opinion has not changed very much. No, I still don't care about Monkey Khan very much, despite Ian's mostly successful attempts to humanize him. Somehow, I care even less about the ninjas surrounding him. I really could care less about Ian pointing out that Li Moon and Li Yuen, two minor characters Frank Strom introduced years ago, survived Khan's Iron Queen motivated rampage.

Still, there's one or two interesting tidbit exposed here. First off, we learn that the Dragon Kingdom was literally occupied by dragons at one point. In fact, the valley is apparently the birth place of Mobius' dragon populace, who abandoned the area after a devastating war millennia ago. (How dragons fit into Mobius' status as a post-apocalyptic Earth mutated by the Xorda's gene bomb still hasn't been explained.) The spider ninjas aren't horribly interesting except for one aspects. Apparently, the ninja's leader take advice from a giant silk web. Yes, a giant web spun thousands of years ago by the clan's founder is said to foretell the future. The ninjas take this entirely seriously. Aside from reminding me of that goofy Loom of Fate from “Wanted,” I'm also reminded of the Source of All the Kings of Acorn used to take advice from. Flynn acknowledges how silly this is slightly but mostly takes this at face value. Interesting but weird!

Penders and Scott Fulop never apologized for how fucking stupid the Source of All was. Flynn is a little different. After being rescued from her kidnappers, Sally breaks down in tears. Sally feels like she's screwed up too often here of late, in between not arresting Robotnik immediately, loosing New Mobotropolis to the Iron Queen, and now getting captured here. Sally, in tears, reflects on how she used to take down SWATBots with her bare hands. Ian Flynn spent so much time fixing Sally's personality after how badly Karl Bollers fucked it up. After a few minor mistakes with the character, Flynn devotes a whole page to how he feels Sally's characterization has slipped a little. Of course, that's because Flynn is a fan that really cares about these characters.

It's a decent moment. Any time Sally gets emotional in a way that doesn't screwed up her core components as a person gets to me. During that initial monologue from Sally, about how she feels she's screwed up, there's a panel of the Princess crying and Monkey Khan stepping back, helpless to do anything. This would be another good chance to display how badly a match these two are. Instead, Flynn tries to spin it into a moment for Khan/Sally shippers. Khan tells Sally that, nah, you are strong, gurl. Sally even admits this is a shitty pep talk but the book goes on from there. Far more entertaining are the two panels devoted to Sonic reacting in disgust to the obvious romantic overtures between Sally and Khan. (Such as the two feeding each other, Jesus Christ.) The fans know how you feel, Sonic.

One of the reasons why I found “Journey to the East” to be such a snore in 2010 was, perhaps, the lack of actual action in the story. Issue 13 of “Sonic Universe” opens with a fight scene, Sonic trading karate blows with a ninja spider. Later, after another ninja breaks into the temple, Sonic briefly pins the guy. That's about it. Otherwise, “Endless Reach of Fate” is devoted to conversation. Lots of talking. We get recaps about Uma Arachnis, dead since “Sonic's” 100th issue, and find out where her and her off-springs fit into the spider ninja clans. We get terse dialogue exchanges about how Monkey Khan's status as the King of the Free People will affect the spider clan doing their spider ninja thing. It's... Fine. But feels a bit like watching C-SPAN. Not exactly what you expect to see in a “Sonic the Hedgehog” comic book.

On the plus side, Tracy Yardley's artwork is pretty good, making good use of silhouette and shadows. The story concludes by setting up a meeting between the heroes and the Yagyu Ninja clan, which is obviously what the next issue will deal with. Thus far, my memories of this arc being slow going have not being challenged. Are we destined to see three more issues devoted to Monkey Khan having polite conversations with ninjas? What does the magical spider web of fate say? “Outlook not so good,” it tells me. [5/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 209

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 209
Publication Date: February 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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