Sonic Universe: Issue 32

Sonic Universe: Issue 32
Publication Date: September 2011

I'm just going to step back and give myself a little perspective. Back when first conceived, Evil Sonic or Anti-Sonic – whatever you want to call the character that would become Scourge – was little more than a gimmick. Dressed like an out-dated perception of what a bad boy thug looked like, he was never taken very seriously as a character and was quickly dealt with every time he appeared. Who would've thought that, seventeen years later, we'd still be reading about that character? Moreover, that he would be compelling enough to carry an entire arc by himself! That's what I mean when I talk about how Ian Flynn completely saved this comic book.

The last part of “Scourge: Lockdown” begins with the Zone Police prison in turmoil. The prison riot that ends every prison movie is in full effect. In the chaos, the Destructix hope to make their escape. Scourge goes about getting revenge on those that wronged him while Fiona and the other Destructix searches for the plot device that will give them their freedom. In the chaos, reveals and betrayals go down.

As I mentioned in my review of “Sonic Universe: Issue 29,” “Inside Job” has been an arc partially about making Scourge sympathetic. By getting dunked on by everyone else in supervillain jail, Scourge gained a humility previously beyond the ego-tastic baddie. From a writing perspective, it makes sense. This also puts Scourge back at zero, giving him an identifiable character arc for this story: Trying to regain his confidence and evil zeal. Which finally comes to pass here. By the end, Scourge is re-proclaiming his superiority over everyone. And just so you know he isn't that sympathetic, that he's still a bad guy, Flynn also has him cruelly screw over Al and Cal.

All of that is well and good, from a narrative level. But it's not the reason I liked this issue so much. At the issue's beginning, Scourge goes on a rampage through the prison, his evil mojo thoroughly reclaimed. He spin-dashes the buff Knuckles that tormented him earlier right in the guy. He tosses the Anti-Lupe that hassled him earlier off a bridge. He kicks a zone cop – possibly based off of Monkey Khan – right in the face. There's an awesome page half-way through entirely devoted to him kicking ass and taking names, both guards and prisoners alike. I enjoy this for the same reason I like to watch “Friday the 13th” movies. Sometimes, it's just fun to watch the bad guy make mince-meat of everyone around him, regardless of whether or not they're decent people.

Flynn probably could've devoted a whole issue to Scourge taking revenge and generally being an amoral bad-ass. However, he does pay off on several lingering plot points set up here. Some nice tension is inserted into the last act, when the Warp Ring Fiona counted on getting the gang out of here is stolen by Jeffrey St. Croix. This allows the not-entirely-interesting subplot about the evil King Maxx trying to escape space-jail a decent conclusion. We also get a justification as to why Horzonti-Al and Verti-Cal had to be in this story. Scourge removes their inhibitor collars, unleashing the robo-death-god versions of the imps last seen in issue 59 of “Sonic.” Which actually makes the annoying duo kind of intimidating, in addition to being a decent pay-off.

After spending the last two issues finally giving the Destructix a back story, Flynn partially devotes this issue to seeing them act as a team. It's surprisingly effective. Lighting's highly effective hearing comes in handy. Fiona's brains helps the whole operation work. Predator Hawk's flight and predatory instinct prove useful. Even Scourge shows himself to be a good leader. At one point, he rushes into danger to insure the escape plan works. Yes, he's doing it so he can reek more havoc and because he really wants to escape. But this also shows that maybe there's a molecule of honor among these thieves as well.

It's a really fun issue that also, unintentionally, ends up being rather bittersweet. Flynn ends the story by setting up future confrontations. The Zone Cops, Zonic especially, are dismayed by the break-out and name-drop all the threats they are juggling right now. Scourge and his boys return to Mobius. Fiona wants to work with Dr. Finnitevus but Scourge is more interested in regaining some serious power. Sadly, none of these events would come to fruition. This is the last time Flynn would write about Scourge before the Pendering forced a hard reboot on Archie's "Sonic" books, wiping out the entire multi-verse and Scourge's existence. At the very least, Scourge's final appearance would be a good one.

By the way, Flynn and Yardley continue to sneak in those fun little in-jokes I enjoy. What appears to be a purple kraken sticks its tentacles out in the bitchin' two-age spread that opens the book. In addition to the possible Zone Cop version of Monkey Khan, we also briefly see possible Zone Cop versions of Duck Bill and Mighty. In the evidence locker, we see Dark Enerjak's brass knuckles, Rosy the Rascal's hammer, and Knuckles' infamous hat from the OVA. Most bizarrely, a mob scene features an appearance from what appears to be a red Angry Bird and the snail from “Spongebob.” Which certainly raises some interesting questions about the multi-verse here.

This story does what a good story is suppose to do: It makes me want to see more. Scourge and his bandits may not be long for this four-colored world but at least their final adventure was a lot of fun. The whole arc was very good, probably one of my favorite “Sonic Universe” plots. [7/10]

Sonic Universe: Issue 31

Sonic Universe: Issue 31
Publication Date: August 2011

Looking at this cover reminded me of a little anecdote concerning this particular issue of “Sonic Universe.” Usually, I keep my pile of to-read comic books on the corner of my coffee table. Back in 2011, when the issue was new, my sister was visiting with my then-six year old nephew in tow.  I recall the kid picked up my “Sonic” comics, this issue specifically, and started leafing through it. My sister then asked me if the comic's content was appropriate for him, to which I said it was probably fine. I had completely forgotten about this until I saw the cover image just now. Anyway, on with the review.

Part three of “Inside Job,” subtitled “Inside Job,” follows Scourge as he continues to put together a team, for is upcoming escape from space jail. In this issue, he re-connects with Lightning Lynx and Flying Frog, allowing Flynn to expand on both characters' non-existent back story. After successfully convincing both of them, the escape leaps into action.

If nothing else, “Inside Job” has been a fun story line just for all the silly in-jokes Flynn has thrown in. He has frequently filled the margins with interesting sights. Last issue, Void and Mephilies the Dark showed up briefly. This issue introduces the Zero Zone equivalent of Rouge, who works as the prison's behavioral psychologist. Which is cute. Her therapy class features a robotic Tails, a entity composed entirely of fire, seemingly the Moebius version of Ray the Squirrel, and a bulky version of Amy Rose. (Maybe she's from the same realm as Hulk Sonic.) And if that wasn't fucking nerdy enough for you, there's also a blink-and-miss-it cameo from Silver Snively and Robolactus, the villains from that ill-conceived “Guardians of the Galaxy” parody, last seen a thousand years ago in issue 104 of “Sonic the Hedgehog.” I like this goofy shit.

As I said last time, one of the driving forces behind “Inside Job” was to finally expand on the Destructix's origins. Part three focuses on Lighting Lynx and Flying Frog. However, Flynn has already developed Lightning's back story a little bit. We know he's affiliated with the Raiju Clan ninjas from Monkey Khan's corner of the globe, that he has some connection with the Bride of Conquering Storm. The issue expounds on that a little bit more. Confirming what was hinted at previously, we find out that the lynx had a crush on Conquering Storm. Like some weird Red Sonja shit, courting rituals in the Raiju Clan dictate that a suitor must defeat his potential mate in combat. Lightning failed to do that, being rejected from the ninja brood. In other words: Lightning got friend-zoned and freaked the fuck out, as too often happens. Sort of sad but makes him look like a big creep.

Next comes Flying Frog's origin story. Turns out he was a court jester in that quasi-Arthurian area of Mobius, where Rob O' the Hedge hangs out. He's also a totally deranged murderer, who killed several people back in Murcia. That kind of came out of nowhere, didn't it? Flynn writes Flying very similarly to Bean and Rosy the Rascal, showing that his unhinged characters more-or-less come in one variety. Turning Flying into a straight-up serial killer, when he's only previously been shown to be a little goofy, was a fairly extreme change. It's the only character expansion Flynn goes through here that really bugs me. It seems like he had no idea what to do with Flying and just threw some random shit at the wall.

Once all of that is out of the way, the plot can start to move forward. To paraphrase George Pappard, it is satisfying to watch a plan come together. Within the last few pages, the break-out begins. Watching Lighting and Flying scale the side of the building, seeing Fiona break out, is gratifying to see. As the issue reaches its conclusion, Scourge gets his revenge on Smalls the Cat. Instead of straight up killing the dude, like would happen in an actual prison movie, he simply spin-dashes him into a wall. But the intent is clear. Scourge is done being anyone's butt monkey.

Artwork wise, issue 31 of “Sonic Universe” continues to show good work from Tracy Yardley. How he depicts the flashback are probably my favorite thing about this issue. Lightning's flashback is ringed in purple and green, seemingly the colors most associated with the Raiju clan. A painting of a dragon watches as he gets the shit kicked out of him. Flying's flashback, meanwhile, is depicted in a slightly shakier, more expressionistic fashion. Which invokes his more unstable personality, I suppose. Both are neat touches.

While not quite as strong as the previous two issues, “Inside Job” continues to be a pretty good story arc. I like the setting. I like getting a little more info on these obscure supporting characters, even if some of it gives me pause. I like seeing Scourge transform into a bad ass, reminding all of us why we liked him in the first place. It's a pretty good issue. [7/10]

Sonic Universe: Issue 30

Sonic Universe: Issue 30
Publication Date: July 2011

When it comes to Best/Worst list, which I do whenever I wrap a year's worth of reviews up, I more-or-less make shit up at the last minute. However, I've got to say that issue 30 of “Sonic Universe” is definitely a front runner for my favorite cover art of 2011. It's such a fun image, isn't it? Seeing Scourge and the Destrutix in a police line-up, showing lots of personality and attitude, says so much about their characters. These guys stand as a team and you don't want to mess with them.

Part two of “Inside Job,” “Any Port in the Storm,” begins with Scourge in much the same place as before: Getting his ass beat. However, this time, the hedgehog villain has a purpose. After his encounter with the Destrutrix last time, he realizes he has a chance to finally get out of this hellhole. So he proceeds to win the loyalty of the different Destrutrix, biding his time until he can take revenge on those who have wronged him.

“Any Port in the Storm” is clearly the middle part of the story. Issue 30 is devoted to moving plot points into place, so that the rest of the adventure can happen. There's a long series of panels devoted to Warden Zobotnik meeting with Scourge, expressing concern about what the Destrutix have planned for him. It's an issue about Scourge meeting his teammates, winning them over to his side. There's other plot points sprinkled throughout, like Anti-St. John overhearing Fiona Fox's conversation, suggesting King Maxx's role in this arc isn't quite over yet. It's not super smooth but there is something satisfying about seeing a plan come together.

Yet these events serve another purpose as well. Yes, Scourge gets a beating at the beginning of the issue. However, the evil hedgehog is starting to get his mojo back. He's scheming more, plotting his eventual escape from the prison. He's not wallowing in his misery, taking beatings because he has nothing better to do. He's beginning to show why he was such a formidable villain in the first place. So our villain antagonist has got a character arc, which is nice.

However, even this isn't the primarily purpose of this issue. Instead, it's about one of Flynn's favorite things: Fixing bullshit previously writers introduced. He finally gives the Destrutrix a definitive origin. This issue is devoted to exploring the back stories of Fiona Fox, Sgt. Simian, and Predator Hawk. (Lighting Lynx and Flying Frog get their share next time.) Fiona was introduced in 1995 while the other two joined the comic in 1996. That's fifteen or sixteen years in-between introduction and actually learning about these characters. That just goes to show you how fast and loose this comic was with its cast in the early years!

For the most part, the origins are pretty satisfying too. We learn that Fiona is an orphan, abandoned by her parents and enslaved by Robotnik early in her life. Flynn has always been fond of connecting seemingly unrelated plot points – what TV Tropes calls Arc Wielding – and utilizes that here. Predator Hawk's back story is connected to both the Battle Bird Armada and the Babylon Rogues. Connecting such an old character to more recent introductions bugs me slightly. Sgt. Simian's back story is fucking great though. His origin is connected with the Gorilla Army, introduced way back in issue 45 of “Sonic,” which is a very natural tie-in. He's a self-made soldier, defying his society's pacifist ways to take the fight to Robotnik. (We also find out that he's literally a Sergeant, so it's not just a catchy name.) Moreover, we find out their motivations. Predator is motivated by a need to find worthy adversaries. Sgt. Simian is motivated by a need to prove his strength. Just like that, these guys go from thin sketches to fleshed out characters.

You know the most surprising part of this issue? Flynn actually makes me like Verti-Cal and Horizont-Al a little! I know, this is a shocking revelation. The obnoxious twins are basically the story's comic relief. Why Scourge is getting roughed up, the two little guys stand back and talk about how happy they are someone besides them are getting beaten up. They even get a really funny line about how the prison guards like to beat people up! Holy shit, up is down and down is up, you guys. I may be coming around to Cal and Al. It only took nearly two decades.

Tracy Yardley's pencils continue to be strong too, for those that were curious. Though generally not as good as the previous issue, I'm still having a good time with “Scourge: Lockdown.” This is very much an in-between point for the story. However, learning some things about long neglected cast members is perfect for me, a fucking nerd who has been reading this comic book for way too long. [7/10]

Sonic Universe: Issue 29

Sonic Universe: Issue 29
Publication Date: June 2011

“Genesis” was the first time in a while that Archie had set up a big event story arc for their “Sonic the Hedgehog” comic. This would become a more regular thing going forward. The next huge event would play out through both the primary “Sonic” book and “Sonic Universe.” During “Genesis,” however, “Sonic Universe” went about its normal thing, making no attempt to compete with the fan-favorite event happening simultaneously. It devoted a four issue arc to Scourge breaking out of space jail alternate reality jail. I almost feel like Flynn was trying to sneak this one out while nobody was looking. In a weird way, that worked in “Scourge: Lock Down's” favor.

Last time we saw Scourge the Hedgehog, he had been defeated by Sonic, left humiliated on his home planet. The Zone Cops have dragged him away to a prison in their reality. The former king of Moebius is not taking it well. He's bullied and belittled by his fellow in-mates, his only friends being the only bigger losers in the prison, Verti-Cal and Horizont-Al. Soon, a new shipment arrives. It's Fiona and the Destructix. They've devised a plan to bring Scourge out. But the hedgehog isn't so certain...

Scourge, as we've previously seen him, has been Sonic's cockiest enemy. He's all the negative attributes of the hedgehog hero crank up to ten, so naturally his ego is insufferable. With “Inside Job: Part 1,” Flynn brings the villain down to zero. Scourge is routinely humiliated, beaten up by other in-mates, his spines cut short, and intimidated at every turn. This process takes Scourge from lovably wicked bad guy to adorable loser. He's fucking pathetic and you can't help but feel bad for him. It's a clever writing trick on Flynn's behalf, a way to make reader emphasize with one of the comic's most amoral villains, but mostly it's just fun seeing Scourge be the punk for once.

Another purpose of this story is rearranging old characters into new roles. The Destructix, in one form or another, have been floating around the comic for over a decade. Recently, they've been mercenaries, showing up whenever Flynn needed a team of heavies for Sonic to wail on. “Inside Job” re-configures the team as Scourge's flunkies. These guys have worked with Scourge before but now they are exclusively the green hedgehog's henchmen. It's a pretty good idea. In the rest of the arc, Flynn would use this as a chance to explore the team's back stories, which where still mostly untouched on.

Another reason I'm fond of “Inside Job” might just be my love of prison movies. Though less well explored, the prison flick genre has just as stable a collection of rules and tropes as the slasher movie or rom-com. There's always a sadistic warden, various gangs in the prison, abuse among the inmates, and the whole thing usually concludes in a riot. Since this is a kid's book, Flynn can't directly quote this stuff. However, Scourge does have a physically larger cellmate that bosses him around, making him the G-rated equivalent of a prison bitch. The sadistic warden is accounted for, with an alternate version of Robotnik taking a little too much joy in punishing his inmates. There's no skinheads or white supremacist in this prison but gang lines are still apparent. I'm just saying, this is the best possible Sonic the Hedgehog-related version of "Death Warrant."

The alternate universe gimmick also allows Flynn to have some fanboy fun with the premise. The background of the space jail is filled with old and new faces. We get to briefly meet versions of various Sonic stalwarts from Scourge's zone. Scourge's bullies in the prison yard are alternate versions of Lupe, Sleuth Dawg, and Drago. Scourge's aforementioned cell mate is the Anti-Mobius version of Big the Cat, named “Smalls.” (I see what you did there, Flynn.) Evil versions of Geoffrey St. John and King Max put in plot relevant appearances. Seeing Al and Cal in jail is also fitting, considering that's where they belong. We get one-panel cameos from “Sonic '06's” Mephiles the Dark and “Sonic Shuffle's” Void – one of the rare times the comic has acknowledged those games – and Bebop and Rocksteady even show up. As someone who obsessively reads and re-reads Alan Moore's “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” and things like that, to catch all the little references in the background, I really appreciate that.

Tracy Yardley is pulling pencil duties this time and does a good job, like always. A setting this creative leads to some neat sights. The Zone Cops still occupy vertical space. Yardley depicts them interacting with the prisoners in various interesting ways, via platforms and magnetic boots. Yardley also delights in depicting Scourge's turmoil. The panels devoted to his abuse – his spines shaved, being dunked into like a basketball by a beefy Knuckles look-a-like – were clearly illustrated with a lot of glee. The colorists did a good job on this one too, as it's a moody looking book.

So Scourge's “Sonic Universe” arc is off to a good start. I'm not terribly invested in the plot yet but there are other joys here. Primarily, the amusing setting and high entertainment value of Scourge being in such a predicament. I remember this being an entertaining arc so let's hope my memories don't let me down this time. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 59

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 59
Publication Date: March 1998

With issue 57, Archie’s “Sonic” series promised to re-focus, since the heroes’ primary antagonist was newly dead. There was probably a handful of reasons for this. The publisher obviously wanted to keep the brand alive in the years after SatAM’s cancellation. The book would have to change in order to survive. There was another reason, I suspect. With the launch of the “Knuckles” spin-off, head-writer Ken Penders was pre-occupied with his pet series. Other people started to juggle the main “Sonic” series. A modified format would allow new writers to try new ideas. Or old writers to re-visit old ideas, as is the case with issue 59’s “Opposites Detract.”

While traveling across Mobius, Sonic and Tails spot a dimensional anomaly. A weird portal has cropped up in the middle of nowhere. While investigating, Sonic and Tails are drawn inside. The dimension belongs to Horizont-Al and Verti-Cal, the gravity-and-physics ignoring goofballs Sonic had encountered twice before. The effects of the Ultimate Annihilator have warped the formerly care-free demi-gods. Now war-like madmen, they battle for control of their pocket universe. After spotting Sonic and Tails, Al and Cal possess the heroes, forcing them to carry on their combat.

Issue 59 is probably the best example of how Archie’s “Sonic” series has changed since its inception. When last seen all the way back in issue 2, Verti-Cal and Horizont-Al were very silly guys. Goofy, bald, squat, and comically dressed, the duo used their unlimited power to play games with each other and play harmless pranks on anyone who stumbled into their zone. Now, Al and Cal have transformed into huge, armored entities that are covered in guns and cannons, locked in eternal combat with each other. It’s a startling change and shows how far the book has come from its cartoonish roots.

There’s one problem though. Previously voted the worst new characters of 1993 (by me), there’s a reason Verti-Cal and Horizont-Al have been rarely used since then. Though writer Mike Gallagher has written some good stories, even his best work tends to have a goofy edge. Turning his silliest creations into armored, war-crazed madmen seems like Gallagher is overcompensating. It doesn’t help that, even as weapon-wielding robots, Al and Cal are still awfully silly looking.

The book leans on the after effects of the Ultimate Annihilator once again, a plot device I was happy not to see for a while. Worst yet, the story ends without any definitive conclusion. Sonic and Tails escape the pocket dimension. Al and Cal are still all fucked-up but Sonic is just happy to be out of that pickle. Jeez.

It’s all a round-about way of getting to the story’s actual point. Sonic and Tails fight each other. The natural order of comic books dictates that fans like to see people fight. Despite being best pals, how many times have Superman and Batman fought? How often due the Avengers scuffle among themselves? Sonic and Tails, being hetero life partners, would never fight under normal circumstances. Yet fans were surely curious to see who would win between the two. Friends turning against each other is good drama too.

Of course, also under normal circumstances, Sonic would crush Tails in minutes. I don’t know if Gallagher could’ve thought up an easier way to get the heroes to both fight and fight as equal. When Al and Cal choose the fox and hedgehog as their combatants, both are transformed. Both wear metallic armor. Sonic gains a pointed head-piece. Tails gets a metallic headband and both get stabbing implements. If this was a comic book that had action figures, you’d almost think the story was a round-about way to introduce some new toys. Even with the help of Art Mawhinney’s excellent pencils, the designs are a bit odd looking. There’s a reason Sonic and Tails don’t hang out in battle armor very often. It doesn’t suit them.

The fight fares decently. Tails using his newly bladed tails as a saw is a clever inversion of Sonic’s usual shtick. I also like how easily the hedgehog defuses this maneuver. Sonic bending his spear into a boomerang is kind of neat too. Even when both wear extra-dimensional battle armor, Sonic still bests his sidekick with ease. The actual scuffle, not counting the pre-fight posing or the heroes’ coming to their senses, only lasts three pages.

That conclusion is another weak element of the issue. The power of Sonic and Tails’ friendship is what prevents them from destroying each other. There’s no logical reason for this to happen. It just does. It’s a cheesy moral and a weak conclusion to the tale.

Archie is smartly continuing with the Tales of the Freedom Fighters back-up series. This time, we see what Sally is up to while Sonic and Tails are traversing the globe. Story-wise, not too much happens in “The People’s Princess.” Sally, Rotor, Lupe, Hamlin, Hershey, and some new guy named Erik go sky-diving. Presumably, this is a training exercise. The team land in different locations, Sally befriends a possum family living on the outskirts of the forest, and later they return to Mobotropolis. That’s it.

However, a slow-paced tale like this allows for some much needed character development. While parachuting, Sally is actually seen having fun. That’s something she hasn’t done in a while. The meeting with the hillbilly family shows Sally that the people see her as a hero, even if she sometimes doesn’t. We also see how much of a natural leader Sally is, helping her team out of a minor jam. There’s not much to it but I like it anyway. Manny Galan, whose Freedom Fighters usually look off-model, does excellent work here. The facial expressions are great, the action is dynamic. He makes the cast his own without straying from their established looks.

A low-key but likable back-up story doesn’t quite make up for the lame cover story. Still, it counts for something and probably bounces this issue up from “skipable” to “worth owning.” [6/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 57

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 57
Publication Date: January 1998

For Archie fans old enough to remember, January of 1998 was an uncertain year for the comic series. Head-writers Ken Penders and Karl Bollers, post-“Endgame,” promised that the series focus would be changing a bit. He wanted to refocus on Sonic and Tails. Fans, such as Dan Drazen, worried this meant Princess Sally and the rest of the SatAM crew would be written out of the book. That didn’t happen, of course. Instead, Sonic and Tails went on an adventure around Mobius, expanding the series’ scope and showing what Sonic the Hedgehog could get up to in a world without Robotnik. This time of upheaval and change began in issue 57. It’s announced right in the cover story’s title, “Back to Basics.”

Over the last few issues, Sonic had been bemoaning his role in Mobotropolis without a mad dictator to fight. He decides to set out on an adventure, following Ixis Naugus’ trail and helping whoever he encounters along the way. Before leaving Knothole, Rotor finds a device among Robotnik’s lab that can reportedly predict the future. When Sonic places it on his head, it instead shows him the past. After a lengthy recap of the comic’s history, Sonic bids farewell to his parents, to Sally, and to the city he now calls home.

If you measure quality by how much a story advances the plot, issue 57 would rate very lowly. If this was a television show, this issue would be referred to as a “clip show.” Usually, when a comic resorts to an antic such as this, it simply reprints those old stories. For whatever reason, Archie didn’t want to just reprint moments from the comic’s first 56 issues. Instead, Art Mawhinney sat down to redraw many of these events. Quickly, “Back to Basics” devolves into Art drawing small version of Patrick Spazinate’s covers while Sonic, in a narration box, provides a capsule summery of the issue’s events. Mawhinney’s work is great, typically. However, Karl Bollers’ decision to have Sonic narrate everything shoves an awful lot of dialogue in the hedgehog’s mouth. It’s very unlike the character to expound at such length about things.

Putting out a glorified clip book had two purposes, I imagine. Considering “Endgame” concluded just seven issues ago and the book was heading in a new direction, Archie was probably expecting new readers to pick up the series. Who knows if it worked that way but, nevertheless, Issue 57 existed to catch everyone up. On the other hand, in this Brave New World, the extensive recap serves to show what still is and isn’t canon. This is likely because, way back in issue 2 of the original “Sonic” mini-series, there was a story about King Acorn’s Crown. Just recently, a totally different version of the Crown appeared. You’d think the writers would use to this oppretunity to declare many of the series’ earliest, goofiest stories as non-canon.

 
Instead, issue 57 maintains almost everything. The UniverSalamander, Verti-Cal and Horizon-Al, Thorny the Needle Bird, Spawnmower, the Nerbs, Sonic’s caveman ancestors, the Termite-Nator, RoboStorm, Car-Heem of Weeet, and plenty of other goofy shit is clarified as still existing. (Even though I only read these stories a few months ago, I’ve already forgotten half of this shit.) For that matter, “Back to Basics” recounts Sonic’s adventures on a nearly issue-by-issue basis. It doesn’t stop when it comes to the present either. It recounts shit that happened just a few issues ago. The book goes right up to Endgame, Monkey Khan, and “Return of the King.” I’m not exactly sure what the point of all that was.

In its last few pages, “Back to Basics” somehow provides a reason for why it exists. After the memory projector explodes, Sonic gets ready to leave. In two pages, he has heart-to-heart conversations with both his parents and Sally. His interaction with his parents is brief but gets to the point. Sonic admits that he’s intentionally been avoiding them, because he still doesn’t know how to react to their existence. However, he clarifies that he still needs them in his life. It’s a little too brief an interaction and undermined by Sonic leaving in just a few pages.

The conversation with Sally is a lot better. Sonic sheepishly admits how he feels about the Princess, in so many words. It’s fun that the book remembers that these are still teenagers, prone to shyness when frankly discussing romance. Mawhinney’s pencils go a long way towards selling that emotion, both of them walking with their hands behind their backs, reserved and uncertain. It’s pretty sweet stuff and continues to show that Bollers’ strength still lie in honest emotion.

Despite being a mostly useless book, as a kid I was still a fan of issue 57. As I previously mentioned, I hadn’t yet read many of those early issues at that time. Getting to see what happened in those stories was a nice treat for me. It reminds me of a time when not everything was available at our fingertips. Those final moments of emotion go a long way towards justifying the issue’s existence. Mawhinney’s artwork helps a lot too. Issue 57 is still mostly useless though. [5/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 4

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 4
Publication Date: August 1993

Something I’ve always loved about Archie’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” series is how it combined different aspects from all the varied Sonic canons into one. Back then, things were a lot less complicated. Aside from some manga and books not read by many people, the Sonic universe consisted only of a handful of games and two animated series. The comic had the tone of “Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog” but the characters of “Sonic the Hedgehog.” And, with issue 4, it began to incorporate more concepts from the video games. It would still take a while before the series really utilized them in an interesting way but it was definitely a start.

In the first story, Robotnik has invented a new Roboticizer, that can control the power and size of the machine it makes. An accident causes a lowly salamander to be transformed into UniverSalamander, a badnik so large and powerful Robotnik can’t even control him. Rampaging through the Great Forest, and quickly approaching Freedom HQ, Sonic is forced to transform into Super Sonic in order to defeat the bot. In a back-up strip, Tails learns a lesson about personal responsibility when he tries to take on Robotnik’s forces by himself.

Issue four shows a smidgen of stronger continuity sneaking into the comic. Though she’s not present in the main story, Bunnie Rabbot appears in one of the one-page gag comics. Her career goal of, sigh, becoming a hairdresser is further referenced. Horizont-Al and Verti-Cal also reappear in a one-page gag. The back-up story has Robotnik referencing UniverSalamander’s rampage in the first story. Even Scratch, Grounder, and Coconuts make a brief reappearance, in yet another one-page gag strip. It’s not a lot but it does show that the people making this comic were starting to care more. Slightly more.

The main story is no great stakes but I’ve always kind of liked it. The way UniverSalamander is created – a Buzz Bomber mistaking the machine’s control for the Air Conditioner – is goofy as hell. However, I like the idea of Robotnik creating a henchman too powerful for him to control. The character is also basically a giant robot dinosaur, the appeal of which I shouldn’t have to explain. Though he doesn’t come very close, it’s nice to see a villain in one of these story genuinely threaten our main heroes’ lives. The fight only last a few page before Sonic goes Super Saiyan and kicks his ass. But there is some novelty to devoting most of the issue to a battle between hero and villains. And if I’m being totally honest, I may just like UniverSalamander because of his awesome name. 

Issue 4 also leans heavily on meta-gags. When Sonic first appears on page four, he complains about not getting more screen time in his own comic. After the gang gets a peak at UniverSalamander on their monitor, Sonic mistakes it for the “Jurassic Park” video game. Before belching up the hedgehog, the robotic salamander asks the audience to look away. During their one-pager, Scratch, Grounder, and Coconuts have to compete at a supervillain audition with a bunch of barely disguised Marvel/DC characters. See if you can spot bootleg Dr. Doom, Lex Luthor, and Green Goblin. The weirdest moment comes before Sonic transforms into Super Sonic. Before leaping into the special zone with the seven Chaos Emeralds, a thus-far game exclusive concept never referenced before, Sonic instructs the reader to help him through the special zone with their Genesis controller. I guess this reveals the sad truth that this comic was originally designed to help sell video games. Sonic would also be screwed because I always sucked at those special levels.

Super Sonic is kind of an asshole. Like regular Sonic, he mocks and belittles his opponent constantly. Since he’s in God Mode, there’s no chance for Sonic to get knocked down to size either. He ruthlessly defeats the enemy before pranking Antoine with a woopie cushion. I know Antoine is still characterized as a bit of a weenie at this point but Sonic’s treatment of him nudges up against bullying. Still, it was sort of neat to see his super form during a time when those variations rarely appeared outside of the video games.

The one-page gags are totally disposable, especially the one featuring Antoine reciting poetry. The back-up story gives Tails’ some much-needed character development. He’s not just Sonic’s fanboy but also a precocious kid who can get in over his head. Dave Manaks’ artwork continues to be serviceable, even if UniverSalamander’s appearance seemingly changes from page to page. That character would never appear again until a “lost” story would resurface in 2006, which was published in the fifth Sonic Archives collected volume. That’s a shame, as he had potential. I would’ve loved to have seen the dark n’ gritty Ken Penders version of a wacky character called UniverSalamander. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 2

 

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 2
Publication Date: June 1993


Once again, I have to point out that Archie’s comic series, at this early point in its history, more closely resembled the comedic “Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog” syndicated series, instead of the more serious “Sonic the Hedgehog” series that aired on ABC. This has never been more apparent then in issue two of the on-going series. This comic is devoted to introducing the Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad, otherwise known as the trio of incompetent robot henchman Robotnik regularly made use of in “Adventures.” That’s right, kids, Scratch, Grounder, and even Coconuts were introduced into the comic book before Bunnie was.

These early issues also have an easily predicted formula. The first few pages are devoted to Robotnik describing his frustration with Sonic and the Freedom Fighters' continued insistence on not dying. He then introduces some new scheme, robot, or henchmen. Here, the villain begins by throwing darts at a picture of Sonic before sending Coconuts to hunt down our hero. After he’s easily defeated, Scratch and Grounder follow. They are also easily defeated. That’s basically the plot for the main story this time.

There’s very few laughs in this story. (Though Sonic sending Robotnik Coconut’s heads, like something out of “Seven,” made me laugh.) Scratch and Grounder talk in the same circular dialogue they used in the cartoons. Grounder describing the various things his drill bit hands can do is some of the worst dialogue I’ve ever read in a comic book. All three of the S.S.S.S.S. are fools. (I pronounce that as a long hiss, like the movie "Sssssss.") It only takes a little bit of effort on Sonic and Tails’ behalves in order to defeat them. By the end, Scratch and Grounder are fighting among themselves. There could’ve been some decent dramatic irony here. Just as the robots were beginning to best our hero, via wringing his neck with a goddamn noose, their bickering brings them down. Unfortunately, the comic doesn’t handle this very wall. Basically, the comic is devoted to watching the antics of the unfunny robots. Sonic is reduced to his most smug form. And smug Sonic is rarely fun to read.

The second story in the issue is relatively light on plot but far heavier on world-building. While out collecting rings, Sonic stumbles into an alternate universe. Don’t you hate it when that happens? Anyway, the pocket-dimension is controlled by Verti-Cal and Horizont-Al, two impish fellows with control over gravity and direction. They toy with Sonic for a while before dropping him back out into his own world. There’s a joke about Antoine’s toupee. The end.

Verti-Cal and Horizont-Al are two of the more obscure characters from the Archie Sonic canon. That’s probably because they aren’t very useful. Visually, they look similar. Their personality is limited, mostly telling silly jokes. They’re not even natives to the world where most of the series takes place, making it difficult to incorporate them into plots. The story ends with Al and Cal asking readers if they want to see more of them. Considering they’ve appeared a total of nine times throughout the comic’s history, I’m betting the demand was not especially high.

Before wrapping up there’s some more silly joke stripes. One makes fun of the comic industry’s then-obsession with foil covers. Shit, Archie was bitter in the nineties. Another is a silly speed-related gag set within Freedom Fighters HQ, which is the only time we see Sally in the whole issue. Probably the closest issue 2 comes to being amusing is the two-page stripe about fan speculation concerning the origin of Tails’ tails. Conor Mooney of Binghamton, New York believed that Tails was a genetic mutation, which is the theory I’ve always gone with. (This is, naturally, spun into an X-Men joke.) While another mentions Chronic the Hedgehog and teases the furry perverts in the audience with potential pin-ups of Sonic and Sally.

Dave Manak’s artwork is really stretched to its limit this time. The Verti-Cal and Horizont-Al story features some extremely wonky perspectives of Sonic’s body. At one point, Mike Gallagher can’t even be bothered to write the dialogue and presents the reader with a multiple choice answer. Oh boy. The series is going to get better at some point, right? [4/10]