Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 169

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 169
Publication Date: November 2006

With issue 169 of Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog,” it was confirmed that – like God – Ian Flynn is one of us. Goobble Gobble. I mean, that he wrote a fan comic before coming aboard as Archie's head writer probably should've been our first indication. The point I'm making is that, as his first year on the book made clear, Ian was just as frustrated with the mess the book had become as we were. He was tired of all the bullshit plot turns, out-of-character writing, and wasted potential. His biggest objection as the writer was to fix that. He was also sick of Tommy Turtle. One of his explicit objectives was to murder the turtle. See? That's how you knew he was a fan.

“Order from Chaos – Part 2: The Great Harmony” picks up with Sonic sneaking into A.D.A.M's nanite city, checking to see that his dad is okay. After determining that his father is fine, Sonic rushes over to rescue his friends, Tails and Tommy. (And Shadow too, I guess.) With Robotnik's aerial egg-fleet flying in to bomb the Nanite City to ashes, Sonic has to act quickly. A.D.A.M uses his homing rod, powered by Turbo Tails and Hyper Shadow, to draw different colored Chaos Emeralds from all over the galaxy, using the powers to make himself into an invincible super-form. Luckily, Sonic utilizes the same Emeralds to make himself Super Sonic. Ultimately, it's not the hedgehog that saves the day though.

By this point, Ian's task of cleaning up the mess Ken and Karl left behind was just about wrapped up. I mean, he would continue to tidy up remaining plot points and expand on neutered characters. Throughout his next year, he would really focus on making the comic his own. With “Order from Chaos” - again, I don't think that title was picked just because it was catchy – he was really sweeping the debris under the rug. By the end of this story arc, the Nanites and Tommy and Tails' prophecy as the Chosen One would all be gone for good.

I know I've talked shit about Tommy Turtle pretty much non-stop since he was brought back to life. Back when the comics were new, I remembered Tommy Turtle being shoved into everything, just interrupting the flow of the book and annoying the hell out of everyone. Re-reading these issues, the turtle was present a lot less then I remembered. Though still annoying, still a symptom of the book's worst year, Tommy was less of a tumor than I recalled. Still, after considering it (and notably leaving the reptile out of most of his issues), Ian decided that Tommy must die. And I still consider it one of his best decision. All Flynn did was right what was set wrong previously. Tommy was never suppose to survive past his initial appearance.

Most surprising of all, Flynn even manages to somehow redeem Tommy Turtle in his final appearance. Fans were annoyed by Tommy but he was still Sonic's childhood friend, making him reluctant to beat his face in. (This makes A.D.A.M a better villain, as he takes advantage of that.) Tommy's final act is to seize control of his body long enough to end his life, flying into the Egg Fleet's cannons, destroying A.D.A.M and saving the world. After he's gone, Sonic and Tails reflects on the courage, determination, and willingness to protect others that was needed to do that. It's... Poignant? Surprisingly so! That's some ace writing, taking one of the book's most despised characters and making us kind of sad to see him go.

Tails being the Chosen One was a plot point that was more-or-less resolved already, save for one point. Tails was supposed to bring about the Great Harmony. That, by all appearances, didn't seem to happen. I mean, it's not as if Tails could remove all the conflict from the book. So Ian changes the meaning of the Great Harmony. After Tommy drawls all the Chaos Emeralds from the galaxy to Mobius – a nice callback to the Tossed in Space arc – Tails spills the emeralds into the Zone of Silence. We'll soon discover that this'll fuse the thousands of Emeralds into seven, while transforming the Zone of Silence into the Special Zone. Which makes the comics a little bit more like the games while clipping away at some confusing aspects.

Another interesting aspects of “Order from Chaos” might have been unintended by the writer. The issue begins with Sonic discovering Jules inside the Nanite City. (A nice touch: A.D.A.M told the Robian to self-destruct but didn't specify a time. So Jules set his countdown clock for forty years.) Later, while fighting with A.D.A.M/Tommy, the computer program claims that all his chaotic antics were done to emulate and impress Robotnik, his quote-unquote father. All along, Anonymous was trying to stand up to Daddy. This draws a parallel between Jules and Robotnik as dads, the effect their parenting has had on their respective sons. It doesn't solidify into an actual point, which is why I don't think Ian did it on purpose. But it's certainly interesting.

If “Order from Chaos” can be said to have any problem, it's being a little too plot heavy. The first half was, indeed, a bit heavy on the exposition. This second half is so focused on resolving its point that it doesn't find time to return to Knothole, letting us know what happened with Bunnie. It would've been nice to get a follow-up on that. In truth, Tommy's death is the only time this issue pauses to feature some real emotion. Shadow doesn't have much any reason to be in the story, after A.D.A.M utilizes his abilities. These are the kinds of things Dan Drazen would complain about. The second half isn't as solid as the first but it's still pretty great.

Despite being pretty front-loaded, issue 169 still finds room for a back-up story. “...For a Friend” focuses on the Chaotix. While Knuckles and Julie-Su are on a double date with Charmy and Saffron, the others focuses in on the still-Robotnik-controlled Golden Hive Castle. Otherwise known as Charmy's childhood home. Espio sneaks inside, discovering that there's no chance on saving the hive, that it's been totally assimilated by Eggman. Determined to save his friend the grief, he blows the whole thing way the fuck up.

Plot wise, “...For a Friend” resolves a pretty minor previous point. I can't say I really cared about Charmy being a prince much. It was always a kind of pointless development. Thanks to this story, we don't have to worry about that any. What makes this story worth reading are the smaller, character-oriented moments. There's a cute character beat where Espio spies on an Egg Drone playing Solitaire on his computer. This leads to the chameleon talking with Nicole. She appears on a computer screen in her lynx form, a cute foreshadowing of that becoming her default appearance soon enough. Even by focusing on Ray's stuttering, Flynn finds some minor character developed for the often neglected squirrel. Of course, Espio blowing up the building to save his friends' grief is interesting too, playing into the chameleon's developing personality as a stoic ninja.

Interestingly, Ken Penders did the inking and lettering for this story. I wonder how that worked out, the guy returning briefly to the book following his not exactly mutual separation? Anyway, Steven Butler handles the pencils. While usually reliable, Butler is having a slightly off day. Espio's limbs appear a little too noodly and angular at times, almost as if Ron Lim did some uncredited clean-up on this. Luckily, Butler still packs in some memorable images, like Espio rushing into the castle.

The flaws of “Order from Chaos” are really just nitpicks. Honestly, my biggest problem with this comic book is the eleven page ad shoved in the middle, advertising some long defunct, kid-centric social network called SparkTop. They dragged the Teen Titans into it, which was just rude. Anyway, while “The Darkest Storm” was supposed to be Ian's first big event as a writer, this is his first really great story arc for the book. He managed to take a disorderly, messy world and reorganize it in such a natural way, that makes so much sense. The result is so very satisfying. Tracy Yardley's artwork is pretty solid too, it must be said. While the first half of the story was superior, “Order from Chaos” still wraps up on a pretty great point. [8/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 168

 
Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 168
Publication Date: November 2006

As the book reached the end of his first year as head writer, Ian Flynn really pulled out all the stops. Issue 168 is when it was explicitly clear to me that Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog” book had entered a new era. And, for the first time in six years, that was a good thing. The waste of the old was being cleared away to make room for something new. Despite the goofy cover art, this is one very good comic book. Let's, as a blue cartoon hedgehog is fond of saying, do it to it.

In Robotropolis, Dr. Robotnik has finally put all the pieces together. He figures out that A.D.A.M, his sentient computer virus son, has been Anonymous, the malicious third party acting against both him and the Freedom Fighters, all along. Being a master planner, A.D.A.M foresaw this. Using the Nanites in his shell as a conduit, the virus takes over Tommy Turtle. He has the Nanites that infected Bunnie and Jules activate in Knothole, creating a distraction and grabbing Tails. He incapacitates Shadow the Hedgehog. Both Shadow and Tails are valuable parts of his plan. The villain's endgame falls into place and he's rearing to take both Eggman and Sonic out.

With the first part of the very appropriately named “Order from Chaos,” Ian Flynn pulled off practically a damn miracle. As their run on the book came to an end, Ken Penders and Karl Bollers threw out probably a dozen plot points that never went anywhere or did anything. Seems like both writers were just throwing lots of things against the wall, seeing what would stick. Or maybe they were out of ideas. Either way, the book had become a mess. Though he started his clean-up in “The Darkest Storm,” with “Order from Chaos,” Flynn takes nearly every point the previous writers sets up and ties them together into a coherent plan.

That lame attempt to make Tommy Turtle interesting by giving him Nanite-powered transforming abilities? Actually a plot by Anonymous to give himself a physical form. The Nanites being released and building a city? The city was a distraction, so the Nanites could pulled the homing rod A.D.A.M really needs for his plan. That business of Bunnie, Nicole, and Jules being infected by Nanites? That was so A.D.A.M has eyes in Knothole and perfect ways to distract the Freedom Fighters. Those robotic Destructix that appeared and reappeared a few times? Fakes, sent to make sure Robotnik watched the faked video of somehow talking to them. Shadow working for Eggman? Well, Shadow is needed for Anonymous' master plan too. That business of Tails being the Chosen One and bringing about the Great Harmony? The writer is going to get to that as well. It might seem convoluted but that it makes sense at all is fucking amazing.

Probably the greatest stroke of genius was turning Tommy Turtle into a villain. (Or, at least, the physical embodiment of one.) In the two-or-so years he had been a main member of the cast, Tommy had accomplished nothing but annoy the hell out of readers. Making him into a bad guy redirected all of that fan resentment in the right direction. Flynn even makes some of Tommy's previous incompetent antics intentional acts of sabotage carried out by Anonymous. The turtle gains a silvery redesign that is even somewhat intimidating, looking like what I imagine Mecha-Gamera would be. To prove he's a bad-ass, he has A.D.A.M./Tommy easily subdue Shadow. Which is probably an example of Shadow succumbing to the Worf Effect but, fuck it, I'll allow it.

Yeah, I guess another somewhat unsightly cliché is employed in this story. As Anonymous slots Shadow and Tails into his machine, he explains his master plan. That's right, he performs a villainous monologue, detailing every aspect of his evil scheme before crushing his opponent. You could even call this exposition, as A.D.A.M pauses to explain something about Chaos Emerald, the objects he seeks to gather. All of this is true. But I'm so impressed by the writers ability to make sense out of all this nonsense that I'm willing to let this stuff slide a little.

What elevates “Order from Chaos” from being a good story to a truly outstanding is that Flynn still finds room for some emotional content. When Bunnie marches into Rotor's lab, she is not under her own control. The Nanites are forcing her arms and legs, causing her to smash Nicole's monitor and attack Sonic. All the while, tears are streaming from her eyes. The Chaotix are called in to subdue her. Unlike the quasi-rape Bunnie suffered in “Sonic's Angels,” Ian makes sure that Bunnie keeps her agency during this ordeal. It's not just an action beat but a sequence of honest emotion. Sonic's interaction with his dad, also controlled by the villain, gets another almost tearful moment from our hero.

In the back pages, Ian Flynn picks up another plot point that a previous writer introduced and then seemingly forgot about. I'm referring to Antoine's father falling sick. “Courage and Honor” opens with Antoine in his hut, still in disarray from Anti-Antoine's time in Knothole. A touching moment between Bunnie and Antoine is interrupted when Sonic bursts into the room. He has bad news. General D'Coolette, who was also poisoned by Anti-Antoine, has taken a turn for the worst.  The coyote and his girlfriend gather around his sick father, having a heart-to-heart before Antoine's dad finally passes.

General D'Coolette becoming sick is a plot point that nobody has mentioned since Karl Bollers introduced it back in issue 153.  Even the clarification that Anti-Antoine poisoned the General is Flynn's invention. That's how little attention the previous staff paid attention to stuff. Flynn uses that dangling plot point to build a touching story. As Antoine and Bunnie sit around the General's hospital bed, Antoine apologizes for his past cowardice and rash actions. His father forgives him, insisting that he was always proud of his son, that he always loved him. He even finds time to bless Antoine and Bunnie's relationship. The elder D'Coolette was never much of a character but, in his last appearance, Flynn makes him a real living thing. He makes his loss felt. It's surprisingly heartfelt stuff. (I imagine Ian's feelings were genuine. He dedicates the story to his deceased mother.)

“Courage and Honor” is a really well written story. It's a shame that the artwork isn't up to that same standard. Someone named Gary Bedell does the pencil for this story. Bedell draws the Mobians with weirdly stretched out bodies. Bunnie, for one example, looks about seven feet tall. Everyone's limbs are too long, too skinny. The heads are too round, everyone's faces looking the same. Sonic's spines, meanwhile, drape all the way done his back in a really weird looking way. I will give Bedell this much. His facial expressions are good, so he still manages to express the emotion at the center of this story.

Tracy Yardley's pencils on the cover story, by the way, are up to his usual standard of quality. Flynn's script has to unpack a lot in this one, which is why I forgive him for one or two contrived move. Otherwise, the cover story moves super quickly and smoothly, cutting through about two years of bullshit in a way that looks easy. The back-up story, meanwhile, is a genuinely touching story about a father and son coming together just as one of them is about to die. I don't give out really high grades on this blog very often but, fuck it, this is a [9/10.]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 159

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 159
Publication Date: February 2006

Well, guys, we are here at last. Issue 159 is the final issue of “Sonic the Hedgehog” that Ken Penders would work on. With his exit, one era of Archie Sonic history – with, admittedly, wildly divergent ups and downs – was about to end. Another era, one widely regarded as the comic's best, was about to begin. As far as transitional issues go, 159 hardly wraps up any of Ken's lingering plot points. In fact, it sets up a few more! This suggests that his departure from the book was rather sudden. If I didn't know for a fact that he left willingly, I would assume he was fired.

So let's get to “System Reboot.” During their attack on Knothole, Hope is injured by a Metal Sonic Trooper. This forces Shadow and Sonic to work together, grabbing the girl and running her to safety inside of the King's castle. Afterwards, the two continue to work together to defeat the Metal Sonic horde. Robotnik, meanwhile, sits back and watches, actually hoping his enemy saves the day, since the troopers threaten both of them.

You know how the previous comic's cover trumpeted the fight between Sonic and Shadow as if it was a big deal? And then ended by setting up the brawl? Yeah, that lasts all of two pages. Granted, the reasoning for the fight – Shadow blames Sonic for Hope's injury, for some reason – is as thin as you can get. Instead, “Reboot” is devoted to the two rivals actually finding common ground. They work together to rescue Hope. They fight along side each other to stop the Metal Sonics. In a moment that's very nearly touching, Sonic even extends a branch of friendship towards his gruff rival. And Shadow smiles back! It's not exactly organic but at least it's a little more interesting then the two just wailing on each other all the time.

Sadly, every step forward is a step back. For reasons I can't remember now, Knuckles and the Chaotix are in town, fighting off the robots. When Shadow uses his Chaos Control powers to teleport Hope to the castle, Knuckles witnesses it. Later, Shadow uses the same ability to deactivate a whole fleet of machines. Knuckles confronts the hedgehog about it, realizing Shadow can tap into the Chaos Force, an ability previously limited to Guardians. So that's how you can tell Ken was starting to care about Shadow. He wrapped him up in the convoluted mythology revolving around Knuckles, his dad, and the Floating Island. That's one plot point I'm happy was dropped. That particular strain of bullshit wasn't needed at this moment. Or ever, for that matter.

Truthfully, “System Reboot” is a little more character oriented then you might expect. After arriving at the castle, Sonic announces how pissed off he is. How he thinks the Metal Sonic Troopers were an obviously bad idea and wonders why the King ever approved them. The moment doesn't go much further then that. Elias informs Sonic that he wasn't King then so there's no reason to yell at him. The story has to move on from there, getting Sonic to fight the machines. Still, I appreciate the writer for letting the hedgehog expresses these thoughts. I was thinking the same thing. I'm sure other readers were too.

The action nearly gets pushed totally aside. There's the brief Sonic/Shadow fight in the beginning. The last half features three whole pages of Sonic fighting the Troopers. He tackles a few, gets shot with an eye beam, and then whips up a tornado that blows most of them away. (Shadow and his special powers then arrive to finish off the rest.) It's pretty underwhelming. Ron Lim's pencils are as lackluster as ever. Then again, I wasn't very invested in that plot line anyway. Might as well blow it away quickly and cleanly.

Throughout the last two issues, Ken kept pausing for these really weird moments where Jules and Bernie worried about their son. These scenes barely connected with the other things going on in the story. This incredibly awkward subplot concludes here in an incredibly awkward manner. After saving the day, Elias awards Sonic a medal and a royal designation. Jules and Bernie are overwhelmed with pride, realizing their boy has truly grown up. What makes this weird is Sonic's parents barely interact with him during this story. Wouldn't some conversations with Jules and Bernie have handled this plot point in a more compelling manner? Does Ken know that parents are suppose to talk to their kids? (If he truthfully didn't know that, it would explain so much.)

Dr. Robotnik took a backseat throughout the cover story. I guess to make up for this, the back-up story stars him. It's called “Insidious” and, sadly, no lipstick-faced demons appear. Instead, the story revolves around A.D.A.M. explaining to Robotnik that they still have partial control over the nanites inside Knothole. Tommy Turtle is already infected. Using the remote link, A.D.A.M. gets the nanites to infect Bunnie's cybernetic limbs and Nicole, hoping they will take down the Freedom Fighters from within their own base.

“Insidious” is a very bland story devoted to setting up future stories. The conversation between Eggman and A.D.A.M is heavy on the exposition, making it a snore to read through. Penders draws the story himself. His pencils are not as grotesque as they sometimes were. Only Bunnie looks off-model. Instead, the illustrations are just boring to look at. Which is fitting, I suppose, since the story is devoted to a conversation between a mad scientist and his computer. Not the most compelling stuff and Ken isn't strong enough a writer to make it compelling.

Like I said, both stories leave some dangling plot points, as if Ken was expecting to continue his tenure. What of Shadow's connection with the Chaos Force? What about A.D.A.M. using the nanites to infiltrate Knothole? The next writer would only pick up one of these plot points, likely taking it in a very different direction then what Penders intended. Having said that, there is something like a point of finality to Ken's final issue. Sonic getting a medal of honor and being elevated to Gentleman-at-Arms status is a decent stopping point, as is Shadow's growing humanity. If the comic had ended with Penders' exit, it certainly wouldn't have been a satisfying conclusion. Yet it almost feels like an ending.

Good-bye, Ken Penders. His tenure on “Sonic” has been a long, usually frustrating ride. For all his flaws – his many, many flaws – I can't hate Ken's work. For better or worst, he built most of the comic's early history. He created a lot of characters I like, even a few I love. The weird world that Archie Sonic inhabited is mostly his doing. And I like that world. Towards the end of his run, Penders' writing skills really fell apart. If he had left a year or two earlier, the book would have been better off for it. Even on his best days, he was a frustrating writer. Yet, at the end, I'm still almost, sort-of, kind-of a fan. (This issue also marks Ron Lim's final Archie credit. I'm less conflicted about his departure.) His last issue wasn't entirely terrible and that's okay. Bring on Ian Flynn. [6/10] 

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 154

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 154
Publication Date: October 2005

I didn't mention it last time, as I was too busy discussing Karl Bollers' in-coming retirement from “Sonic,” but Archie has drafted a new artist to work on their covers. Sanford Greene would draw a few covers for the book before gracefully disappearing. Greene's brief tenure as cover artist is probably due to his underwhelming – some would say garish or “ass ugly” - artwork. Patrick Spaziante would quickly return before soon-to-appear regular artist Tracey Yardley would mostly take over cover duties, with Spaz occasionally putting in an appearance. Anyway, on with the show.

The second part of “Songoose” begins with Mina being informed that Sonic and the Freedom Fighters will be acting as her bodyguards. This does not sit well with Ash, Mina's boyfriend/manager. He quickly butts heads with Sonic, believing that his girlfriend still has feelings for the speedy hedgehog. He's not entirely wrong. Personal matters are put aside when Robotnik sends new versions of Heavy and Bomb to attack the concert, endangering everyone's lives.

Ash's doubts aren't without good reasons. As I've pointed out, it's obvious that Mina still has a thing for Sonic. Of course, the problem is that Ash expresses these concerns in the worst way imaginable. Upon hearing that Sonic is going to be Mina's bodyguard, he immediately jumps down the guy's throat. He then confronts Mina in a passive-aggressive fashion, breaking up with her afterwards. As if that wasn't bad enough, he then picks a fight with Sonic. Keep in mind, this happens after the robots attack the concert. When Mina expresses her annoyance with Ash's antics, he starts dropping the love bomb. None of this changes my earlier impression of Ash Mongoose. He's an overly macho, emotionally manipulative asshole.

Of course, Ash just being left an asshole wouldn't be enough for Karl. He has to give the guy a redemptive moment. He ends up saving Mina's life. After an individual Bomb appears in her dressing room, he leaps on the explosion. This seems to prove to Mina that Ash really does loves her. They reconcile in the hospital. (Too bad for Mina that Ash will still be an asshole when he wakes up. That's what abusive boyfriends are like.) Sonic looks on sadly. If you're keeping count, this is roughly the ten thousandth time the comic has buried the Sonic/Mina romance. I think it does stick this time though, thank Christ.

As an action story, “Mongoose” is pretty underwhelming. The army of Bombs are mostly dealt with off-panel by Bunnie, Amy, and Tails. This doesn't make the collection of robotic suicide bombers seem very effective, do they? Heavy doesn't do much better. The bell-shaped 'bot tangos with Sonic briefly. The hedgehog dodges all the attacks easily, further undermining any tension. Sonic utilizes an old trick to defeat Heavy. He spins around, drilling a hole into the ground, dropping the robot into what appears to be well water. It's a move we've seen before, against one of the more uninspired enemies we've seen recently.

The conclusion of “Songoose” makes it clear that the assassination attempts were never the main point of the story. After his second attack is deflected, Robotnik simply gives up on this particular mission. Karl tries to wring some humor out of this, with Robotnik dismissing Mina's second album songs as inferior. It still comes off as a cheap, lazy conclusion. I can gleam the truth. This two-parter was more about squeezing more drama out of the Sonic/Mina romance, not about Eggman trying to kill the pop princess.

In the back pages, we greeted to a Ken Penders' joint named “More Than Meets the Eye.” The Knothole Brain Trust – Tommy, Rotor, Tails, Uncle Chuck, Snively, Fiona for some reason – are studying a sample of nanites. Tommy ponders on the meaning of life before taunting the nanites into attacking him. The microscopic machines then bond with the back of the turtle's shell. Somehow, he forms a neurological connection with the nanites. Tommy discovers that, just by thinking something, the machines will make it, allowing him to sprout wings or a jet pack from his shell or some such bullshit.

By this point, the fandom remained hostile to Tommy Turtle's return. The simple fact was the character had no reason to be in the book. Instead of just killing him off again, Archie's own brain trust insisted on keeping Tommy around. First, they tried to turn him into Rotor's neat freak partner. When that failed to make him interesting, Penders touched upon a far dumber idea: Turn the Turtle into a fucking Transformer. It's a bad idea, as Tommy's problem wasn't his lack of superpowers. Giving him new abilities does nothing to resolve the character's biggest issue. That he has no business being in the book in the first place. Setting up this new ability – in a very awkward, borderline nonsensical manner – is all “More Than Meets the Eye” accomplishes.

Art wise, all of issue 154 looks pretty shitty. I said Ron Lim was getting better last time. Any ground he gained previously, he looses once more. “Songoose: Part 2” is probably Lim's worst pencils in quite some time. His crowd shots are embarrassing, as the collection of Mobians look totally blank-eyed. Sonic, Sally, and Mina seemingly spend the entire story with static, “annoyed” expressions on their faces. The action is incredibly sloppy, with Sonic and Heavy bending off-model several times. Penders draws “More Than Meets the Eye” himself. As usual, his pencils are stiff, disproportionate, and blank faced. Ken really doesn't know how to draw turtles, as Tommy's appearance changes from panel to panel. The late in the story action is as lifeless as always.

It's fitting that Karl Bollers' final contribution to the book would revolve around Mina, by far his most enduring addition to the “Sonic” cast. I guess he wanted the final word on a character that clearly meant something to him. Karl's legacy on the book is a mixed one. He wrote some of my favorite stories and some of my most hated. At his best, he was probably the most ambitious, insightful writer “Sonic” ever had. At his worst, he wrote pointless plot twists and frustrating romantic melodrama. Either way, I am sad to see him go.

(Though the story has a happy ending. Unlike some former Sonic writers, Karl would go on to bigger and better things, eventually earning an Eisner Award nomination for “Watson & Holmes,” his modern update of Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detectives. He has also, thus far, not sued Archie for anything.) [5/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 152

 

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 152
Publication Date: August 2005

Ken Penders' decision to turn Sonic into a philandering Lothario, romancing every single girl in Knothole except his ex-girlfriend, was not well received by fans. Unsurprisingly, the die hard “Sonic” nerds did not enjoy seeing their hero portrayed as a double-dealing sleazeball. Despite the reveal that it was Sonic's mirror universe counterpart behind the seductions, fans were still pissed. So what did Archie do? Have Spaz draw up a cover seemingly celebrating Sonic's newfound status as a womanizer, encouraging “the playa” to play on. Readers were not amused. Most insultingly, the cover has little to do with the actual content of this issue. For one thing, Rouge is on the cover, despite being absent in the comic.

Issue 152 actually begins with the back story, “Engage!” Robotnik, growing increasingly frustrated that Sonic continues to foil his plans, inadvertently gives A.D.A.M.'s full reign to do whatever he sees fit. The computer virus decides to unleash a collection of nanites. The grey goo spreads across the countryside, encroaching on the Great Forest and endangering Lupe and the Wolf Pack.

I don't know why Ken decided to designate “Engage!” as its own story. The five pager plays out as nothing but a prologue to the issue's main story. All it really does is set up the Nanites as 152's main threat, explaining why they're in the book. (It doesn't explain why Robotnik had a collection of nanites lying around, though I've always theorized that roboticization involves nanite technology.) Ken throws Lupe and the Wolf Pack into the story in an attempt to add a human element. All it really does is remind us that Lupe is still around, organic once more, roaming the countryside but not contributing to the story.

With that out of the way, we move on to the main event, a story seriously entitled “Sonic's Angels.” Rotor and the rest of Knothole's brain trust immediately recognize the nanites as a seriously threat. A team composed of Sonic, Bunnie, Mina, Fiona, and Amy are sent to investigate. What they find is a massive nanite construct on the edge of the forest. After exploring the building, they discover the previously M.I.A. Snively is already there, looking for a solution. The situation turns grimmer when the nanites attempt to absorb Bunnie.

The very dumb gimmick behind “Sonic's Angels” is evident in the title. For whatever reason, this story features Sonic's collection of romantic conquests going on a mission with him. There's no in-universe reason for this. Mina has been retired from Freedom Fighting for quite some time, instead focusing on her musical career. Amy and Fiona at least have field experience, though I'm not sure why they were singled out over Tails or Antoine. Only Bunnie, as the resident bruiser, makes much sense. If Penders was trying to play up the romantic tension between the group, he must've forgotten that the real Sonic didn't screw around with all these women. For some reason, Sonic hasn't informed Sally or the others that he unwillingly traded places with his evil doppelganger recently. You'd think that conversation would've come up at some point.

That's all very dumb but it's not the most egregious thing about issue 152. Bunnie is captured by the nanites. Not understanding that half her body is organic, they attempt to adsorb the cyborg. The abduction is framed like a horror movie. Black, greasy arms grab Bunnie and drag her off. What happens next brings more unnerving connotations to mind. Bunnie is pinned to a table. Her cybernetic limbs are melted into goo. Robotic probes touch her body, including her swimsuit areas. Her left eye disappears mid-way through the book. Most disturbing are the silent tears streaming down her face, the obvious torment and anguish she's feeling. Does this remind you of anything? Introducing a metaphorical, practically literal rape into a kids' book is in questionable taste. Subjecting Bunnie, one of the series' most beloved characters to this, is especially awful.

Maybe if the story was actually about Bunnie's cybernetic assault, this would have been more excusable. But Ken's script brushes off what happens to Bunnie. Instead, he uses this as an opportunity to boost Sonic. Since the micro robots only understand organic and inorganic, Bunnie's status as both confuses the machines into inactivity. Bunnie could've accomplished this but the script robs her of agency. Bunnie's assault only happens so Sonic can play hero. That may genuinely be the most offensive thing Ken has ever written.

That the rescue is capped off with Bunnie smooching Sonic makes it feel sleazier. Apparently Sonic still hasn't told Bunnie that he's not the one she got cozy with recently. Yet he's all to willing to accept her romantic overture. The kiss is drawn as passionate, accepting, not confused and shocked. (Penders claim that's not how he wrote it, that artist Al Bigley misunderstood but that still doesn't excuse Sonic just going with it.) It's almost as if the hero has intentionally been withholding information because he enjoys the attention the women are giving him. This is, for lack of a better word, incredibly gross.

Does “Sonic's Angels” contribute anything pleasant to the comic's universe? While the nanites would become minor bits of the Archie Sonic lore, their presentation here is confusing. A grey goo scenario would threaten everything. The story runs with this at first before later shifting gears, saying that the nanites only consume mechanical stuff. However, the story does bring Snively back. He's been absent since the “Home” arc and has apparently been working against Eggman. The story ends with him tentatively teaming up with the Freedom Fighters. That's an interesting plot point but one sure to be underutilized. That's the way the book has gone recently.

Issue 154 also has some artwork problems. The usually reliable James Fry draws “Engage!,” after a long absence from the book. Maybe he lost a step or two during his time off. The story's not bad looking but the characters and shading do look slightly off. Jon Gray draws part of “Sonic's Angels.” Gray has improved slightly from the “Return to Angel Island” arc, as the characters are less exaggerated, but I”m still not a fan. Gray's most baffling decision is to draw an American flag in the background of one panel for no reason. Al Bigley, who draws the second half, also showed some improvement recently but his work goes back off the rails this time. His characters frequently appear as disconnected globs of limbs and squinting faces.

Conceptually, this is just another mediocre Ken Penders' joint from one of the comic's worst years. With dumb romantic melodrama, a plot that meanders without much point, and story turns seemingly throw out at random. What happens to Bunnie, and especially how the book handles it, forces me to be much harsher on this one. The biggest insult? The original print version included a five page advertisement for Lego Bionicle in the middle of the book. I know that isn't Ken's fault but it just seals the deal for me. “Sonic's Angels” has earned its title as a legendarily shitty issue. [2/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 149

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 149
Publication Date: May 2005

With issue 149, “The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown” finally concludes. When this story arc was originally published, to me, it felt like the plot went on for most of the year. In truth, it only lasted four months. However, this one was enough of a clunker – combined with a general decline in quality in the series – that I nearly quit reading the book over it. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Let's get this over with.

Deep in the mysterious Kintobor's underground complex, Sonic, Shadow, and Metal Sonic continue their hyper-macho throw down/pissing contest. Their fight has unearthed a giant nuclear missile, which is about to go off. Rotor and the others continue to mill around the upper levels, looking for help. Somehow – I can't remember specifics – Uncle Chuck and Jules become aware of this strife, piloting a plane to rescue everyone. Will they make it in time? Take a guess.

The Sonic/Shadow/Metal Sonic three-way showdown – the main reason, I suspect, this entire story arc was written – concludes here. And in the most underwhelming fashion possible. Sonic defeats Metal by bopping him on the head, Bunny Foo-Foo style, and embedding him in the ground. This happens within the first few pages, ending that story line prematurely and awkwardly. Afterwards, Shadow outright admits that he doesn't know why he's fighting Sonic. In the tradition of so many comic book fights, the two immediately team up afterwards, realizing the nuclear missile about to go off threatens them both. That's the conclusion to this epic fight. What a let down.

One of many problems with this story arc has been the role the Freedom Fighters play. Tails, Rotor, Bunnie, Tommy, and Fiona have been milling about the underground facility. The whole time they haven't accomplished much, besides stumbling into a series of traps. Ken more-or-less admits how useless the gang has been because he has Chuck and Jules, out of nowhere, rescue them. About the only notable thing about their sequence is a moment when Fiona picks up a big ass gun, posing with it. Because Ken is always subtle with his commentary, Rotor immediately tells her to put it down because Mobians never use guns. Yet this single panel hints at the villainous personality Fiona would develop under Ian Flynn's pen.

Maybe the biggest sucking black hole in this story has been the character of Isaac. Ambiguously villainous but mostly just boring, he continues to croak up some of Penders' most banal dialogue ever. In the final pages of 149, Isaac reveals that the man who built him, this giant base, and the huge nuke inside is still alive. Yep, Kintobor – who brought the wrath of the Xorda down on Earth and is Robotnik's ancestor, in some way – sleeps in a stasis tube, awaiting reawakening. Of course, the subsequent writers didn't pick up on this thread. And who can blame them? Isaac and Kintobor are left buried underground after their own nuke goes off. That's where they fucking belong.

As promised last month, the back-up story finally steers the plot point of Tails being “The Chosen One” towards its conclusion. A casual game of Hide and Seek between Sonic and Tails is interrupted when Zonic the Zone-Cop pokes his head in. Sonic assumes he's the one being summoned. Instead, Zonic is after Tails. Mammoth Mogul is up to his old tricks again and everyone is hoping Tails can stop him.

Are you curious how long Archie screwed around with this “Tails is the Chosen One” bullshit? Since the first issue of “Tails” mini-series. Which was in 1995. Ten years before this issue. One of the reason I suspect this plot point sat on the shelf for so long was general disinterest. It's not like this series had a shortage of prophecies and contrived mythology. But after so many false starts and hints, it is satisfying for the comic to promise a quick conclusion to that particular prophecy.

There are one or two clever elements in the first part of “The Chosen One.” Mammoth Mogul, never as impressive he boasted about, finally becomes a credible bad guy. In this story, he graduates to a cosmic level threat. After getting a super dose of Knuckles' Chaos Power, the immortal has been going around the multi-verse, destroying alternate realities. He's powerful enough to swat a whole legion of Zone Cops away, which is mildly impressive. Zonic's solution to this problem is mildly clever as well. He knows Mogul fears Tails. So he stacks the deck, by recruiting hundreds of Tails from across the multi-verse. (Including such delightful variations as Darth Maul Tails, Benjamin Franklin Tails, Clown Tails, Buff Tails, Pregnant Tails, Care Bear Tails, and Metrosexual Tails.) It's not a bad story, even if it still spends two pages recounting prior events.

Two of Archie's most reliable artists draw both of these stories. Steven Butler drew all of “The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown” and his artwork was usually the story's sole positive attribute. But he appears to be having a slightly off-day in 149. A couple of times, Sonic, Shadow, and Metal seem to be a little flat. The action doesn't pop like it usually does. Though it's still a decent looking story. Art Mawhinney draws “The Chosen One.” Mawhinney's doubles down on the cuteness, which works with fine with the room full of Tails or the opening scene, which details a “Spider-Man” themed Sonic reality. When showing Mogul destroying whole worlds, it's less suitable. But Mawhinney always does good work so I can't complain.

The back-up story isn't bad. It manages to push the whole issue's rating up one. Not that it would've taken a lot to improve over the cover story. What should've been a one issue showdown between the hedgehogs and a hedgehog-like robot was stretched out for four tedious issues. Along the way, Penders set up some bullshit that was never going to pay off, probably even if he hadn't left the book. Another upside to this finally ending: I'm really looking forward to not having to write out “The Good, the Bad and the Unknown” again. [5/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 148

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 148
Publication Date: April 2005

Dear readers, I feel like we can level with each other. When Archie first published the “Good/Bad/Unknown” story arc, I was barely reading the comic. At this point, I'd yank the issues out of my comic shop bag and skim them. So, in a way, this is the first time I've ever really read this story. What I remember of this one is a plot that went nowhere and got loaded down with exposition. I guess what I was really remembering was Issue 148, which certainly features both of those elements.

Last time, Sonic and the gang were left in precarious positions. Sonic, Shadow, Isaac, and Metal Sonic fell down a hole in the floor, accidentally activated by Tails. Rotor and the others, meanwhile, got caught in one of the complex's traps. The group was in the process of being electrocuted to death. Tommy immediately sets out to rescue the Freedom Fighters. Sonic, meanwhile, awakens in an underground tram way. There, his rivalry with Shadow continues while Metal gets a lecture from Isaac.

In my previous review, I characterized this four-parter as being an excuse for Sonic and Shadow, and to a lesser degree Metal, to fight. I still think that was a good summation of this arc. However, if that was Penders' goal, he screwed up on this one. Sonic and Shadow barely fight in issue 148. After running into each other on the underground tram way, Shadow briefly puts Sonic in a choke hold. By slamming on the bumper car's brakes, the darker hedgehog gets tossed into the dirt. And that's about it, as far as erinaceinae fisticuffs go. This really puts a damper on Steven Butler's awesome ability to draw fight scenes, which where the sole highlight of the last two issues.

Instead, most of the story is devoted to Isaac laying some heavy-handed exposition on us. For some reason, Metal Sonic is being civil to Shadow. He patiently listens, sitting in a roller coaster car with Isaac, as the shinier robot drones on. And on. And on. When Metal Sonic notices that Isaac's creator was named Kintobor, it causes the other robot to launched into an unending lecture about his origin. Ken even takes a page from the Christian Weston Chandler playbook, as Isaac's narration carries over panels depicting unrelated events. Instead of just saying “Yeah, Kintobor was the guy who dissected the Xorda ambassador. Afterwards, he built me and this underground lair to survive the apocalypse,” the robot delivers a monologue about Mobius' entire history. It's just the worst, you guys.

If that wasn't bad enough, Archie is still struggling with what to do with the other characters. I honestly don't why Ken had Tails and the Freedom Fighters join Sonic on this journey. All they've done is hang back while the hedgehogs fight. Maybe it was all a ruse, another attempt to make Tommy Turtle interesting. In this installment, Tommy saves Rotor and the gang by donning a rubber glove and smashing a circuit box. There's two problems with this. First off, considering how long they were being shocked, I'm pretty sure Fiona and the others are already dead. Secondly, drawing the pudgy, slow moving turtle in such a heroic light is unintentionally hilarious. This summarizes the Freedom Fighters' involvement in this story.

Archie continues to fill each issue with three stories. What's weird is the back-up tales are clearly set at a different period then the cover story. “Playing Around,” for example, is a total goof with no affect on anything. It shows Sonic and the others putting on a play for Sally and the orphans. Sonic clearly wrote the play himself, as its an ego-stroking account of a time he rescued Sally from Robotnik. That's pretty much it.

The humor in “Playing Around” mostly comes from the bizarre casting decisions Sonic made in his play. Only Sonic and Uncle Chuck play themselves. Only Big as Robotnik makes much sense. Rotor is Tails, Tails is Snively, Bunnie is St. John, Vector is a SWATBot, and – seemingly to throw a bone to the slash shippers – Knuckles is Sally. The cross dressing and fat jokes have limited appeal but “Playing Around” did make me laugh once. When somebody gets punched, Amy holds up cards with sound effects on them. Otherwise, there's little reason to check this one out.

Rounding out issue 148 is “Destiny's Child,” a story starring Tails. Sadly, the plot does not involve whether or not somebody is ready for this jelly. Instead, Tails is sitting in Knothole, wondering why everybody else has gotten their parents back but him. That's when a disembodied voice starts talking to him. Turns out the floating head of Athair has come calling again, informing Tails of his great destiny as the Chosen One. Before this conversation reaches any sort of point, Athair disappears again, leaving Tails and the reader greatly annoyed.

All “Destiny's Child” really accomplishes is to remind the reader about Tails' status as the Chosen One. Athair expounds on his first encounter with Tails in that Australian crater, that time he helped beat Mammoth Mogul, and that whole business about Tails being cloned. Throughout this, Athair mentions Tails' magician uncle Merlin, who the fox claims to have never met. This is either a plot hole or only the copycat Tails met Merlin. At this point, I can't be asked to keep this shit straight. “Destiny's Child” ends by promising that this Chosen One business will be resolved soon. God, I hope so.

How about that artwork? Steven Butler is still doing a pretty good job on the cover story, even if the script continues to disappoint. Nelson Ribeiro, who we haven't seen in a while, returns to draw “Playing Around.” Ribeiro's artwork has never been very good. His characters remain overly furry, soft, and squishy. The last one is drawn by a newcomer named Tim Smith 3. Smith's artwork strike me as what Dave Manak's drawings would look like if he was really into anime. It's okay but pretty angular and loose.

The title story continues to drag further and further into uselessness. The “Tails is the Chosen One” plot point returning hardly excites this particular reader. The middle story is cute but pretty dumb. Right now I'm counting down the days until we reach Ian Flynn coming onto the book in issue 160 because this period of Sonic is as dire as I remember. [4/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 147

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 147
Publication Date: March 2005

Recently, I theorized that Archie was putting such a heavy focus on Shadow the Hedgehog because Sega insisted the comic include more video game elements. Further proof comes along in the second part of the “The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown” tetralogy. The third corner of this fightin’ triangle is revealed as Metal Sonic. Though a consistent adversary to Sonic in the games, the original Metal Sonic hasn’t appeared in the comics since the “Knuckles’ Chaotix” one-shot, roughly a million years ago. So his sudden reappearance in the book is a bit of a surprise, one Archie hyped up nearly as much as Shadow’s.

The Freedom Fighters split up inside the mysterious underground lair they have found themselves in. Tails and Tommy enter a control room, helplessly pressing buttons. Fiona has been left in some obscure corner, which Sonic, Rotor, and Bunnie quickly speed to. Metal Sonic, sent by Eggman to check shit out, tracks down Shadow and Isaac. The robot quickly starts to wail on Shadow and his friend. Before long, Sonic enters the fray, apparently just looking for a good fight.

I don’t know why Ken threw together this collection of characters. Sonic and Tails go on adventures all the time while Rotor and Bunnie fill the smart guy and brawler roles, respectively. But what do Tommy and Fiona add to this team? Seems like both got slotted into additional scientific roles, even though Rotor’s already on this mission. I suppose the writer was trying to boost those two, still relative new additions to the team. What ends up happening instead is a story with too many characters, the writer awkwardly attempting to find a role for everyone. This results in an unfocused script that leaps around too much, confusing and irritating readers.

Sega faithfuls love Metal Sonic, considering him one of Sonic’s most dangerous adversaries. I’ve never quite gotten the hype. As a robot, he’s defined by a one-note drive to destroy Sonic. In “The Heart of the Hedgehog” arc, Dan Fingeroth merged this with a more personable psychosis and a sarcastic streak, actually making Metal Sonic interesting. Ken attempts something similar here. The writer shoves some trash talk into the robotic hedgehog’s voice synthesizer. He refers to Shadow as “Bio-Trash” and repeatedly declares himself his superior. While that worked with the more humanized Metal Sonic 2.5, it’s an odd fit for this version of Metal Sonic, who just came off the assembly line. Still, it is slightly more interesting then Shadow’s boring friend Isaac.

Then again, maybe I’m overestimating Ken’s intentions. Because “The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown” only really has one purpose: Getting Sonic, Shadow, and Metal Sonic into a big fight. Which the story gleefully leaps into. Metal Sonic floors Shadow with a telescoping extend-o punch. Shadow, in retaliation, swings him into a wall. There’s punches, leaps, tossed rocks, and rocket boosters to the face. Metal Sonic at least has a reason for fighting these guys. Sonic’s excuse for getting into the action – running off to join the fight just because he’s bored – reeks of lazy writing. It’s as if the Archie brass told the writer “We don’t care why they fight, just make them fight” and he delivered in as cynical a fashion possible.

Remember a while ago when Archie, for some stupid reason, gave the Off-Panel crew a five page story? Sure you do. Remember how I said they never did that again? I’m sorry, that was wrong. “The Edge of Parodies” is a self-indulgent bit of fourth wall breaking from Mike Gallagher and Dave Manak. Mike and Dave enter the Off-Panel universe, despite Sonic’s objection. Both quickly realize, as the writer and artist, they have control over the story as it happens. Dave and Mike immediately transform themselves into superheroes and spend the rest of the comic arguing about who has cooler powers. Sonic attempts to distract them with some old Badniks but it takes the editor stepping in, saying this bullshit is stupid and to stop it, to make the story end.

“This Side of Parodies” has one funny gag. Sonic recruits a bunch of Badniks from the original game – once regular cast members who haven’t been seen in years – to challenge Gallagher and Manak. Seeing Moto-Bug as a grouchy old man is mildly amusing. Otherwise, “This Side of Parodies” is another useless bit of ego masturbation for Manak and Gallagher. Without irony, both fictional stand-ins blame the other for the book’s sometimes shoddy quality. Manak says his art makes Gallagher’s rushed scripts awesome. Gallagher says his writing makes up for Manak’s sketchy artwork. Which doesn’t disguise the fact that this story is about the writers making themselves superheroes. Though I will say this much: Unlike “Better Read Than Dead,” at least Sonic has an extended role in this story. It’s not just about how awesome the comic’s creative staff is. Still, I can’t imagine excited kids, eager to read about Sonic the Hedgehog’s adventures, were much pleased by this.

Issue 147 wraps up with “Fox and the Hound.” Sonic is too busy adventuring to play with Muttski. Desperate for attention, the dog instead teams up with Tails for some playtime. The two proceed to play fetch, hopstocth, and go for a swim. During a game of hide and seek, Muttski starts to get aggressive towards Tails. Sonic intervenes and insists this is just a misunderstanding, as Muttski thought he was fox hunting.

“Fox and the Hound” has a promising idea. The story mentions Sonic’s ability to understand Muttski’s speech, a plot point the book has done nothing with since introducing it. Overall, seeing Tails and Muttski bond over their mutual status as Sonic’s ignored sidekicks is a cute idea. This could’ve built towards a “boy and his dog” scenario, Tails having a deeper bound with Sonic’s pet then the hedgehog ever did. Instead, “Fox and the Hound” is just build-up towards a really lame pun about fox hunting. It’s another Romy Chacon five pagers that wastes the potential inherit in its premise.

At least the art isn’t too bad. Steven Butler continues to do fine work on the cover story, even if his Metal Sonic looks a little weird. (And it’s disappointing that Isaac is drawn as a straight palette swipe of E-102 Gamma, right down to the number designation.) But Sonic, Shadow, Bunnie and the gang still look awesome, as does the action. Dave Manak’s artwork for “This Side of Parodies” is typical of Manak. However, his loose, angular style fits the story, misbegotten as it may be. Al Bigley continues to improve with “Fox and the Hound.” Tails and Sonic still look a little off at times but, for the most parts, Bigley is developing a style of his own: Jovial and cartoony without loosing track of the characters’ reality. A little more fine-tuning and he could’ve turn into a great “Sonic” artist. Disappointingly, he would only draw one more story for Archie before leaving the book.

Issue 147 is another collection of lame stories. “The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown” reveals itself as nothing more then a mindless fight fest. (And I generally like fight fest!) “Fox and the Hound” could’ve been interesting if the writer had a little more faith in it. And “This Side of Parodies” was a terrible idea that shouldn’t have been in the book in the first place. The Dork Age continues, uninterrupted. [4/10]