Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 200

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 200
Publication Date: May 2009

Back when I reviewed issue 100 of “Sonic the Hedgehog,” I talked about my childhood belief that a comic series reaching a hundred issues was an indication that the book was really successful. That continued success was a big deal for “Sonic the Hedgehog,” a seemingly silly licensed book that has been commonly overlooked. And now, here we are, a hundred issues later. If “Sonic” hitting 100 issues validated the book, the series hitting 200 proved that Sega's blue hedgehog had truly, once and for all, earned his place in comic-dom..

And what a difference one hundred issues make. When issue 100 came out, the book was not doing very well, quality-wise. The darkest times were yet to come but 2001 was a very not-good year for Archie's “Sonic.” By 2009, Ian Flynn had reinvigorated the series. The fans were passionate about the Sonic comic again. The individual issues rose to a consistent level of quality. Flynn also knew to make the anniversary issues count. Issue 175 had Robotnik scoring a major victory over Sonic. Issue 200 has Sonic scoring a major victory over Robotnik.  It's certainly a big improvement over the mediocre story that appeared in issue 100.

“Turnabout is Fair Play” picks up right where issue 199 left off. Sonic and Robotnik are having themselves a showdown. Inside a secluded chamber, Robotnik attacks with a giant robotic spider. The hedgehog, without even breaking a sweat, defeats the doctor. As his latest plan falls to pieces, the Eggman cracks up. With their enemy reduced to a rambling madman, Sonic and the Freedom Fighters have won. As they race back to Mobotropolis, celebrating their massive victory, Snively and the Dark Legion have other ideas planned.

Over there's any problem with issue 200 – otherwise a very fine comic book – it continues a problem Flynn has been having with Sonic recently. Truthfully, it's a problem that has affected the whole “Sonic” franchise from time to time. As Sonic faces down Robotnik's latest vehicle of destruction, the hedgehog is quibbing the whole time. He makes jokes about the giant spider, probably entitled something lame like the Egg-Spider. When the doctor brings up his coup of the original Mobotropolis, Sonic derisively references how he was five at the time.  The hedgehog denigrates every one of his arch-enemy's accomplishments. Only once during the entire fight, when the spider's legs spin in a saw-like fashion, does Sonic even seem intimidated. It only takes a handful of spin dashes before the robot spider is reduced to scrap.

Then again, maybe the ease with which Sonic defeats Robotnik was on purpose. For a while, the comic has been referencing the doctor's worsening mental state. After his latest plan is smashed, Eggman completely falls apart. He removes his glasses, revealing the red-on-black eyes of his SatAM counterpart. He yanks out his mustache. His words degrade into half-formed syllables. He has a complete and utter nervous breakdown. If “Sonic” is a book partially characterized by formula, which isn't an unfair accusation, this represents a major break in tradition. When the bad guy is defeated, he's not suppose to totally loose his shit. It's an unexpected sight.

Even more unexpected is the guilt Sonic feels for totally breaking his greatest opponent. The scientist's mental collapse shocks Sonic even more than it does the reader. Both the hedgehog and Sally are repulsed by how ugly the villain's reaction is. Sonic seems dismayed when celebrating the victory with Amy and Tails. As a hero who rests comfortably in a moral white zone, completely shattering his enemy's mental state – even someone as wicked as Robotnik – weighs on him.

Despite these moments of discomfort, issue 200 is characterized by a sense of victory. As I mentioned last time, there's something to said about seeing our heroes win after fighting for so long. Sally tears up with glee. Tails and Amy jump into the air with excitement. There's dancing and celebration in the streets of New Mobotropolis. Yet Flynn even gifts this moment with some sweet, sweet ambiguity. In a private area, Sonic tells Sally that this wasn't how he pictured their victory. And wonders what they'll do, now that they've won. Sally assures him that more adventures await. Yet Sonic's doubt speaks volumes.

Robotnik's defeat also gives Snively cause for celebration. There's something powerful about the scene where he grimly informs the Freedom Fighters that they've won. While Snively shares very little affection for his uncle, it's obviously that his sudden deterioration affects him too. Yet Snively can only hold his glee back for so long. Just as the Freedom Fighters have been dreaming about defeating Robotnik for years, Snively has been dreaming about taking over the empire. And it's finally happened. He finally has the respect he craves. It's a far more insidious type of feeling but, again, there's something to be said for seeing Snively achieve his dream.

Because, of course, the Freedom Fighters' battle is far from over. This is comic books. The conflict can never end. In the final page, Ian Flynn reveals who Snively has been communicating with, the other superpower he sold Eggman out to. The last page shows the Iron Queen and her gathering of ninjas landing in Megaopolis. I'll admit that, when I first read this comic book, I had completely forgotten who the Iron Queen was. I'm sure I wasn't the only Archie Sonic fan who was baffled by the reveal. The Iron Queen had only appeared in one issue, number 60, which was eleven years before this one. And it's not like I ever paid much attention to the Monkey Khan-centric issues anyway. I guess I'll be talking about that corner of the Sonic-verse a lot more in the near future.

The emotional aspect of issue 200 really makes it worth reading. The action beats are cool and all. Seeing Sonic and his friends triumph over evil, no matter how briefly, is also satisfying. Tracy Yardley's artwork, naturally, is very good. He clearly has a good time illustrating Eggman's breakdown. I have some mixed feelings about the changes the book will be undergoing soon but it's clear to me that these last few issues have been very successful. [8/10]

Sonic Universe: Issue 3

Sonic Universe: Issue 3
Publication Date: April 2009

Ian Flynn seems to be using the opening story arc of “Sonic Universe” – the Shadow Saga, the cover calls it – to wrap up video game related plot points the comic has left dangling. Issue 1 followed up on the “Sonic Rush” adaptations. Issue 2 actually provided some context for the “Sonic Adventure 2” adaptation. Issue 3, meanwhile, revisits the character of E-102 Gamma. Gamma hasn't appeared in the comics since the “Sonic Adventure” adaptation. While the video game killed the robot off, the comic left his fate ambiguous... Until now!

“Old Soldiers” begins with two separate presentations. Abraham Tower, Shadow's boss, informs the hedgehog that Gamma has been waging a one-man robot war against Robotnik's empire. Tower wants Shadow to recruit the machine. Meanwhile, Robotnik is informing E-123 Omega – the latest in the same line – about Gamma' rebellion. The heavily armed robot is given the mission to track down his older “brother.” The two fighters meet up with Gamma on a snowy, forested hill.

E-102 Gamma has never been very popular with Sonic fans, which is probably why he hasn't made many appearances in the comic. That Sega gave his story a definitive ending probably contributed to that. Yet I've always considered him a underrated character. He's a robot who suddenly develops a soul. He doesn't rebel against his creator out of anger or pain. Instead, he comes to the conclusion that tyranny is wrong, naturally. That a machine seemingly without emotions realizes this nearly on his own is a potentially powerful plot point. That Sega dropped the character after one game probably says a lot about them. Flynn, however, continues that thread, by depicting Gamma as assisting various Freedom Fighter teams around the world from the sidelines. As a former slave, he wants to free other slaves. 

(In fact, I was so fond of Gamma as a kid that I even wrote some fanfiction about him. In these stories, he survived the end of “Sonic Adventure” and fought some more additions to Robotnik's Greek-lettered robots. Eventually, Gamma transferred his consciousness into an organic body. A black furred echidna, if I remember correctly, because I was super creative as a teenager. He then went on to pursues a romance with Amy Rose, which was my not-too-graceful way of settling the Sonic/Amy/Sally love triangle. Thankfully, none of this fan fiction ever made it on-line.)

The Shadow Saga has mostly been composed of stand alone stories, thus far. However, Flynn reveals a through-line with “Old Soldiers.” Shadow is still feeling guilt over failing to connect with Metal Sonic in issue 1. He hopes to rescue Gamma, seeing further kinship with another Robotnik-built living weapon that rebel against his master. It's hard to imagine the Shadow Ken Penders and Karl Bollers wrote ever feeling guilt for anything. Flynn has made some big strides with the character, is I guess what I'm saying. The little jokes Shadow cracks with his helicopter pilot are also fairly amusing.

“Old Soldiers” also introduces E-123 Omega into the comic's world, six years after his video game debut in “Sonic Heroes.” Omega would prove much more popular with “Sonic” fans, making regular appearances in the various games. It's easy to see why he would catch on. Flynn drives Omega as a robotic demolitionist. He's heavily armed, often bragging about his destructive abilities. He's also rather fond of explosions. Hearing such enthusiasm for massive blasts spoken by a deadpan robot is amusing. Omega is driven by this weird mixture of child-like glee and petty emotions. He wuvs blowing shit up the way a six year old boy loves dinosaurs. Yet he joins GUN so he can take revenge on Robotnik... Not because of the doctor's villainous actions but because Eggman kept Omega under wraps for a few years. (This does create a plot hole. If Eggman has been so low on firepower lately, why was he just sitting on Omega? But just go with it, guys.)

As much as I'd like to see more of Gamma, I understand that part of what makes his story powerful is that it ends with his death. Flynn realizes this too. He has Omega blow Gamma away. Yet he finds a solution that keeps the character alive... Sort of. Gamma attempts to rationalize with the machine, talking to him about their differences and similarities. It's just a cover, as Gamma is actually downloading his mind into Omega's body. This is the other reason Omega defects from Robotnik so quickly. (This results in a funny conclusion of Omega building a grave marker for Gamma and then threatening Shadow into never telling anyone about this.) So we get our cake and get to eat it too: Gamma makes a heroic sacrifice and gets to live on, through Omega.

The rest of Team Dark – Rouge and Hope – don't make much of an appearance in this issue. It's mostly about Shadow and his interaction with the two robots. Yet Flynn throws in a really cute moment near the end. Before Hope gives Shadow and Rouge their newest mission – going to the Special Zone and retrieving a Chaso Emerald, ostensibly Shadow's objective in the very first issue – the three are seen sitting on a couch. Rouge even plays with Shadow's hair, which irks him. It's a nice way to endear the entire team to the audience. Yes, even Shadow the Hedgehog has to relax and unwind at some point.

Tracey Yardley's artwork remains strong. There's an especially striking panel where Omega leaps through the trees, attacking both of them. It's something he does in the beginning of the issue that I especially like. Tower's presentation ot Shadow and Robotnik's presentation to Omega are going  on at the same time, seemingly. Yardley contrasts them directly, showing one meeting at the top of the page and the second meeting at the bottom. It continues the playful approach to the page construction that Yardley showed off in the last issue of “Sonic Universe.” I guess he's evolving as an artist.

“Sonic Universe” continues to roll along really well. Flynn is still finding small ways to flesh out Shadow's characters. He also continues to show the ability to successfully roll game and comic elements together in a way that makes sense for both. All along, he brings mixes action and humor well as well. This results in another good comic book. Why can't it always be like this? [8/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 199

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 199
Publication Date: April 2009

Pacing is something Ian Flynn struggled with on and off during his tenure as head “Sonic” writer.  Before issue 199 and many times afterwards, he would develop a bad habit of letting inventive or interesting plots go on for way to long. We experienced this recently with the Scourge saga and it'll be coming up again soon with the Iron Dominion arc. Yet when the guy got a hold of a story that really moved, that had a strong forward momentum, his reputation of the comic's best writer really held true. Issue 199's “Knocking on Eggman's Door” is one such example.

The Freedom Fighters, still in their make-shift camp outside New Megaopolis, wake up from a restless night of sleep. Rotor sets up a live stream to Knothole, informing the residents that, for better or worst, the war ends today. The combined forces of the Freedom Fighters and Chaotix march on Robotnik's city. What they encounter is not exactly what they expect. The Dark Egg Legion gives them so resistence. Yet they also retreat at times. This is a result of Snively and Dimitri's partnership, preparing to sell out Robotnik to an outside force. Robotnik doesn't know this. Instead, the mad doctor has prepared for a one-on-one showdown with his archenemy.

Midway through “Knocking on Eggman's Door,” characters begin to reminiscence about the last time Sonic had a fight to the death with Robotnik. Tails notes that most of the team were captive last time. Bunnie and Antoine recall that they had just escaped from a prison camp in Downunda. Sally, in a nice bit of gallows humor, points out that she was “dead.” Yes, they're all talking about “Endgame.” I'm not sure if Flynn is directly comparing his story to Penders' would-be epic. One is certainly a lot more upbeat and humorous than the fairly grim “Endgame.” It's also a lot more clearly plotted, with none of the half-assed plot twist. Knowing Flynn, he probably threw this references in as just a callback to the book's history. But it makes you wonder if “Knocking on Eggmans' Door” is meant as a direct assault on one of the book's most controversial story lines.

Of course, a big difference between issue 50 and issue 199 is that Sonic was facing Robotnik alone during “Endgame.” This one is decidedly a team effort. Every team member gets a panel or two to shine. Antoine is slicing laser blaster in half. Bunnie is backhanding baddies. Mighty gets to show off his super strength. Sally's skills as a field leader continue to be on display, as she formulates plans on the fly throughout the attack. Flynn really draws attention to the camaraderie among the team. Which makes the fight seem a little too easy for them but certainly draws attention to how important they are to each other.

Probably my favorite moment of the issue concerns Julie-Su. While running through the Egg Dome, combating Legionaries, she begins a dialogue with Vector. One of the crocodile's defining characteristics over the years has been his irrational hatred of Knuckles' girlfriend. Julie-Su outright informs him that now isn't the time for petty bickering. Before Vector can call her a “witch,” both characters help the other from being attacked. Which leads to a really funny panel, where the two look at each other and, confused, say “thanks?” This is a nice way for Flynn to give Vector some character development without discrediting the character's history. (Or my personal headcanon that he's got some serious hang-ups about women.)

I don't know if Ian felt himself slipping during the recent Scourge fight-a-thons. Yet his work here and in the first few “Sonic Universe” issues suggest he realized he was loosing sight of the characters among the constant fist fights. Issue 199 pauses for some character moments. The opening scene, where Rotor allows Sonic and the others to address friends back home, was an awfully nice inclusion. Mighty and Esipo get jumped by some attackers, only for Charmy, Saffron and Ray – hardly the most prominent characters – to swoop in and save them. The armadillo and the chameleon comment on how the younger Chaotix, the ones they're use to protecting, have protected them. Julie-Su asks Knuckles if he's okay with wailing on Dark Legion members. He says he is, because winning the war is more important right now. It's not a lot but small moments like this elevate an action-heavy story.

In particular, Flynn throws a bone to the shippers. While Amy Rose is wrecking enemies,  she talks about how happy she is to be fighting the final battle with her true love near-by. Later, before Sonic runs towards his fight with Robotnik, Sally gives him a great big hug. Flynn is clearly providing some grist for both Sally and Amy Rose shippers. Yet it's also clear to me which moment is more important. Sally showing her vulnerable side to Sonic is especially interesting, considering how the book has been hammering home her status as a brave leader recently.

The scenes concerning Snively's incoming plan are less emotional. It's mostly set up for the upcoming next arc. Still, there's something nice about seeing Snively act confident. A cute comedic bit has Robotnik's nephew putting on cologne. Lien-Da is grossed out by the smell, which greatly annoys him. Snively is usually nothing more than Eggman's toady. To see the guy happy, for one of his schemes to actually go according to plan, is a nice change of pace.

If there's any real criticism for “Knocking on Eggman's Door,” it's how relaxed everyone is. Flynn did a good job last time of showing how nervous everyone was. The Freedom Fighters realize they may die on this mission. There's some slight nods towards that point here but, otherwise, everyone seems to be having a good time. As Sonic walks into the villain's trap, ready to fight Robotnik one-on-one, he's still cracking jokes. I mean, I know that's part of Sonic's personality. But it does drain the dramatic tension a little. If “Knocking on Eggman's Door” is meant to rebuff “Endgame,” that's one thing Flynn could've learned from Penders: That your heroes probably shouldn't be so pleased with themselves, when marching towards their possible doom.

Still, this is a good comic book. There's plenty of action but we get a sense of who these characters are, what's important to them. Moreover, this satisfies as a near-conclusion to a long fight for everyone involved. Obviously the Freedom Fighters and the Eggman Empire would be warring again eventually but the script imposes on the reader that this is a pivotal battle. I liked the last issue a little more but this one still earns high marks from me. [8/10]

Sonic Universe: Issue 2

Sonic Universe: Issue 2
Publication Date: March 2009

The point has come up recently. The way Ian Flynn adapts Sega's “Sonic” games, more often than not, involves a quickly put-together prologue in the back of the book. Good or bad, at least it's a tidy technique. However, true Archie Sonic fans know Flynn didn't invent that habit. Karl Bollers' “Sonic Adventure 2” adaptation covered the opening scene of the game and then told readers to go out and buy the real deal. That approach works better for some forgettable handheld game but it was a frustrating approach for a major “Sonic” event. In the second issue of “Sonic Universe,” eight years after “Adventure 2” came out, Ian Flynn would introduce a far more satisfying but equally fast-paced version of that game's events into the comic's universe.

G.U.N. sends Shadow and Rouge on a mission that necessitates some help. Robotnik has converted a telescope into a giant doom laser and the agents have been assigned to destroy the weapon before the Eggman gets a chance to use it. Shadow tracks Sonic down to help, awaking the blue hedgehog from his sleep in the Freedom Fighters' camp, right outside Megaopolis. As the trio go about their mission, they recall how they first met and the initial adventure they had.

In one issue, Ian Flynn proves that he's a lot better at adapting a video game's plot into a comic book than Karl Bollers ever was. He doesn't needlessly drag out “Sonic Adventure 2's” plot over half a year, making all sorts of bizarre attempts to incorporate the game into the comic's continuity. He also resists lazily plopping the game's events into continuity, without any explanation other than “play it on your Dreamcast.” In “Time & Again,” Flynn successfully boils “Sonic Adventure 2” down to its most salient points. So we get Sonic and Shadow's jungle-set boss battle. There's a brief look at that pyramid Eggman was hanging out in for reasons I can't remember now. Then we're launched into space, aboard the ARK, and watching Super Sonic and Hyper Shadow fight the Biolizard. I guess if you didn't play the video game, this will be confusing. Yet, considering “Sonic Adventure 2's” plot was a swiss-cheesed mess, Flynn summing it up so succinctly should really be applauded.

Maybe this works so well because “Time & Again” isn't really about adapting “Sonic Adventure 2.” Instead, it's about showing how much Sonic and Shadow's relationship has changed since they first met. Their initial introduction immediately dissolves into name calling and fighting. Later, they reluctantly team up to rescue Rouge. By the time they're fighting the Biolizard together, they've developed a begrudging respect. In the present day, Shadow almost likes Sonic. He smiles when the other hedgehog challenges him to a race, for example. He'd never admit it but Shadow does have something like a friendship with his primary rival.

Compare this to how Shadow the Hedgehog was characterized by Ken Penders', during his final shitty year as head writer. Back then, the so-called Ultimate Lifeform was needlessly gruff, single-minded in his drive but seemingly without motivation, and eager to fight Sonic at every turn. In “Time & Again,” Shadow is willing to sacrifice himself to destroy Robotnik's latest doomsday device. This is linked with his similar self-sacrifice at the end of “Sonic Adventure 2.” (Which similarly shows how off-base Penders' characterization of Shadow always was.) After Sonic saves Shadow's life again, hefting him to safety, the black hedgehog even smiles. He's reminded of how he turned over a new leaf to honor Maria's dying wish. All of these moments show the shades of Shadow's personality.

Rouge hasn't been quite as badly abused by this comic as Shadow. Subplots about her dating Scourge or romancing Knuckles' dad were ill-conceived. Usually, her personality – someone whose alliance varies depending on how overpowering her love for jewels is at any given minute – was intact. “Time & Again” recalls Rouge's technical first appearance but maintains the flirtiness that firmly defines her. Such as her introduction to Sonic, outside the pyramid, which features the two trading some bedroom eyes. She gets a couple of cute moments, such as brushing aside Sonic and Shadow's debate about Robotnik's sanity. Or reassuring Sonic she can pilot a space shuttle during the flashback. At the end, she teases Shadow about his new found respect for Sonic. Honestly, my favorite Rouge moment in this issue doesn't feature her speaking. It's a panel of her hefting Sonic and Shadow towards the doomsday ray, Yardley drawing attention to her straining face.

Honestly, the character stuff is so paramount that the action scenes almost seem like an afterthought. But they're pretty cool too. The opening fight between Sonic and Shadow, a recollection of their encounter in the game, really emphasizes how much these guys annoy each other. The raid on Eggman's laser cannon is held back by some cheesy technobabble from Rouge.  However, the panels devoted to Sonic and Shadow leaping around lasers and destroying the cannons are solid enough. There's even a neat moment where the hedgehogs screw up, which shows the two are flawless.

Tracey Yardley's artwork remains strong, as always. His ability for expressive faces and cartoony action are obviously well utilized here. But ti's a little thing he does that really impressed me. Yardley draws most of his panels here in an angular style. The panels depicting the flashbacks to “Sonic Adventure 2” have a purple border, which the present-day scenes lack. Word balloons describing the time period are still included but eventually become unnecessary. The reader figures out very quickly that anything with a neon border is set in the past. It's a clever visual way to convey this information.

“Sonic Universe's” beginner's luck remains strong. The second issue does nearly as good of a job of balancing character development and action as the premiere issue does. It lacks the charm of Marine the Raccoon but this still functions as a solid Shadow story while also providing “Sonic Adventure 2” with a proper adaptation. [8/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 198

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 198
Publication Date: March 2009

Ever since Enerjak flew over Megaopolis and royally fucked up Robotnik's shit, Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog” has been hinting that the Freedom Fighters are closer to victory then ever before. Robotnik's forces are depleted and his sanity is slipping. Honestly, aside from showing the doctor getting a little nutty, Ian Flynn could've maybe done a better job of showing this change. Well, that element becomes the main point of issue 198. As the book neared its 200th issue, the Freedom Fighters neared the chance to defeat the Eggman Empire once and for all.

In “Egg Phoenix Down” – which I assumed to be a rather morbid “Black Hawk Down” reference but is apparently some sort of fucking Final Fantasy thing – the Freedom Fighters have dug out a trench for themselves on the outskirts of New Megaopolis. The group completely take apart the Dark Egg Legion soldiers guarding the city, much to Lien-Da's dismay. As a last ditch measure, Robotnik deploys his latest doomsday weapon: The fire-spewing Egg Phoenix. Yet even this device is defeated by the Freedom Fighters' quick thinking. Afterwards, the team set-up a camp outside the city, readying for a pivotal battle the next day.

By far the dumbest of Sega's dumb mandates on the comic was “Sonic can never loose.” “Egg Phoenix Down,” and the story it's the near climax of, would seem to fit into this. Yet, sometimes, it's just nice to see the hero win. How much Sonic and his supporting cast have actually aged in the book's timeline is ambiguous but they've been fighting this war on and off for over a decade. Their victory is far from easily earned. They've struggled, they've had losses, and they are finally coming out on top. This is well illustrated in the opening scene, when the Fighters' individual skills are employed to take down Lien-Da's Legion. Bunnie busts out a cool force field, the Chaotix bust in and wreck stuff, and Tails deploys some EMP mines. It's probably no coincidence on Flynn's behalf that the Freedom Fighters have been gaining ground since Sally became an active field leader again. Her clear-headed leadership and concise planning was clearly a factor in this victory.

Their victory seems secure until Robotnik busts out the Phoenix. I've always found Sega's habit of adding the “egg” suffix to the doctor's various inventions a good way to drain any threatening power they have. Eggs are not scary and comparing random objects to them does not make them scary. Having said that, the Egg-Phoenix is genuinely intimidating. It helps that its main weapon – shooting fire everywhere – is a very visceral threat. Setting everything on fire isn't just a way to eliminate your enemies, it's also a very frightening sight. Strapping two high-powered flamethrower to an aircraft with jet-like capabilities makes for a vehicle that actually seems like it could hurt Sonic and his friends. The panels of fire raining down on the area are quite effective.

The Egg-Phoenix makes an impressive entrance but its exit could've used some work. Sonic essentially tricks Robotnik into flying the jet up into the upper atmosphere, until the Phoenix stalls out. After the Chaotix slip some of Tails' EMP mines on the Phoenix, it's done for. Sonic even lampshades how the Doc should've seen that coming. Then again, Flynn does have the excuse that Eggman is in the process of cracking up right now – not apologizing for that one – and probably isn't making the best decision. It also helps that the series of panels devoted to Sonic leaping higher and higher into the air are incredibly dynamic. Vector provides the initial throw. Knuckles tosses him higher. Tails and Bunnie give him the final boosts that land him above the cloud line. Okay, you may be asking, “Why doesn't Sonic suffocate when the air is that thin?” But it's a baller comic book action sequence. Go with it, hypothetical person.

Providing the dynamic pencils is Renae de Liz. This story is de Liz' first contribution of “Sonic” and she didn't do much art for the book after this, as far as I remember. It took me a few pages to acclimate to de Liz' style. Snively and the echidnas look a little weird at first. The more of her art I saw, the more I liked it. By the end, I fully loved it. There's an anime-esque proportion to de Liz' work that recalls Spaziante. The way she sacrifices strict character model compliance for an incredible sense of motion also brings Sam Maxwell to mind. Renae is really good at action. The scenes of Lien-Da whipping at Sonic or that flight into the upper atmosphere look amazingly fluid. She also nails Sonic's attitude, Sally's sassiness, and Tails' youthful vulnerability. Her Snively needs a little work but, otherwise, everyone looks awesome. Visually, this is a really strong issue.

This isn't just another one Flynn's weaker fight-fests. After defeating Lien-Da and Robotnik, the Freedom Fighters set up camp for the night. What follows is a really touching scene. Sonic and Sally get some flirting in, which I greatly appreciate. After draping a force field over the camp, Sonic and Tails have a talk. The fox is nervous about tomorrow. Not just because it's a dangerous but because of the prospect that they might actually win. Tails is worried about dying but the thought of “what if we succeed?” is also haunting him. It's only a few panels but it's handled so well, emphasizing once again that these characters have feelings, fears, and thoughts.

Another effective moment has Dimitri confronting Snively. He informs the long-time lackey that he knows about his new relationship and his latest plan to usurp Robotnik. The way Dimitri creeps around Snively's chair, slinking like a spider with his weird dreadlock/tentacle things, makes you feel Snively's discomfort. That he's visibly sweating, and that the echidna is right in his face, also helps sells this aspect. The two making an alliance is strictly plot mechanics but it does draw attention to Dimitri's status as a schemer, also thinking of ways to better his people.

Add up some great artwork, some impressive action, and a script that is both really well paced and leaves room for emotions, and you've got probably my favorite issue in a while. I wish Flynn balanced all the above so fantastically all of the time. Time to bust out the rare [9/10.] This one earned it.

Sonic Universe: Issue 1

Sonic Universe: Issue 1
Publication Date: February 2009

Rumors persist that Archie's “Sonic X” ended not because sales were bad or because it sucked. Apparently, one of those legal snafus that trouble Archie so much was responsible. The blame is usually placed on some sort of conflict between Sega and the cartoon's producers. Yet Archie clearly liked having a second “Sonic” book on the shelves every month. So Ian Flynn pitched them a replacement series.

Remember in the nineties, when Archie would periodically crank out mini-series devoted to Sonic's supporting characters? “Sonic Universe” would, more or less, function on the same principal. The spin-off would let a non-blue-hedgehog character take the spotlight for each story arc. Continuing the connection to the old mini-series, each arc would run for a specific number of issues: Four. The result was a book that was more varied than Sonic's main title. Sometimes it was even superior, strictly because of its ability to do something different. The approach would be popular with readers. “Sonic Universe” would be published alongside Archie's main “Sonic” book up until the entire line's own abrupt cancellation.

The first “Sonic Universe” storyline would focus on that perennial fan fave, Shadow the Hedgehog. After grabbing Metal Sonic and Chaos Controlling out of the “Sonic X” zone, Shadow and the robotic double pop up in Blaze the Cat's world. Blaze has partnered with caffeinated raccoon/would-be pirate Marine, to continue her quest for the Sol Gems. This is interrupted when Metal Sonic continues to be a huge asshole, attacking the local village. The so-called Ultimate Lifeform has to team-up with the two female if they hope to stop the rampaging machine.

Flynn did a lot to fix Shadow the Hedgehog's characterization with 171's “I Am.” Yet the character's recent motivation has been a bit vague. Why has he been following Metal Sonic from dimension to dimension? Flynn answers that question with “Living Weapons.” Shadow relates to Metal Sonic, seeing parallels between their mutual origins as artificial beings created to be weapons. During their struggles, Shadow attempts to reach out to Metal Sonic, telling him he doesn't have to obey Robotnik. It doesn't work, as Metal Sonic's programming is absolute, leaving no room for free will. But it's nice to know the two aren't just fighting because the plot demands it. Shadow has changed his own life and he wants to see change in other lives as well.

Other characters get some development too. We only got a hint at Blaze's personality in the “Sonic Rush” two-parter that introduced her. In “Living Weapons,” we get to see much more of Blaze. She's even on her home turf. Blaze doesn't seem too complex. She's a hero who doesn't take kindly to evil robots wrecking her homeland. Yet Flynn expands past the cat's fire-starting abilities, her previous sole bit of personality. Instead, we see that she has doubts and regrets, feeling bad about fighting with Sonic last time. She shows a sense of humor, tolerating Marine's manic fits with a smile. It's not a lot but Blaze is still way more defined now than previously.

I've had mixed feelings about Archie's handling of the various video game adaptations. On one hand, just sticking a short prologue in the back of the book gets the game adaptions out of the way. On the other hand, it's about the laziest way to handle things and draws attention to the stories' status as extended advertisements. (It doesn't help that I don't play most “Sonic” games, leaving me missing out on the rest of the story.) As a nice middle point, Flynn essentially sticks a short adaptation of “Sonic Rush” and its sequel into the middle here. We learn about how Blaze and Marine met up. How they got Sonic and Tails back home. How they fought a robot-pirate Eggman. Dr. Nega also shows up but only in silhouette, since Sega still had a weird stick up their ass about that character. Anyway, it's nice to actually see that stuff covered, filling in some narrative blank spots.

This extended flashback is interrupted by crude illustration of the events, provided by Marine. The wild and crazy raccoon almost walks away with the entire story. She peppers her dialogue with slang like “crikey,” “oy,” 'g'day,” and the especially baffling “strewth.” Her energy is indomitable. Shadow tosses a towel in her face, ignores her declarations of being a ship captain but she remains undeterred. That tenacity later reappears after she jumps on Metal Sonic's back, attacking him despite being hopelessly unmatched. She even enjoys the rush of combat, forcing herself to suppress a “wheee!” Marine easily could've been annoying yet she stays on just the right side of endearing. The character adds a lot of color and humor. It's a bummer Flynn would pretty much never use her again.

The conflict between Shadow and Metal Sonic, and how the black hedgie is attempting to reach the robot, gives the inevitable fight scenes some weight. This is best emphasized at the end, when Shadow makes a last ditch effort to reach the machine. When that doesn't work, he has Blaze melt him with a fire ball and Marine blast him apart with a cannon. This is what's been missing from the fight-a-thons in the main book. Just a little emotion, a little purpose, to get us invested in who's punching who. The fights are well illustrated too. The spinning fireball kick Blaze performs on Metal Sonic is a neat trick.

Shadow manages to Chaos Control home after Blaze hands him a spare Chaos Emerald. At that point, we finally figure out what Shadow's been up to recently. Apparently, he's shacked up with G.U.N. And so has Hope Kintobor, who Flynn is now characterizing as a genius. (Because if there's anything this comic needed, it was another kid genius.) I honestly preferred Shadow as a morally ambiguous free agent, walking the Earth like Kaine in “Kung-Fu.” Yet there's no doubt that making him a G.U.N. agent would allow Flynn easy way to set up future stories. And I'm glad he found a place for Hope, who always had unrealized potential.

“Sonic Universe” is off to a pretty good start. This is a good example of what Flynn can accomplish when he's really on the ball: A good balance between character and action, concise and straight-forward storytelling, exciting pacing and a good handling of the comic's mythology. I know “Universe” wasn't always this good but it's a really solid beginning. [8/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 197

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 197
Publication Date: February 2009

In the past, I've noted Ian Flynn's strength for pacing out the big event storylines. The “Eggman Empire,” “Order from Chaos,” and “Enerjak: Reborn” stories were all followed up with slower paced issues. After finally putting Scourge away for a while, you'd think the author would do something similar. Issue 197 is a stopgap issue between the end of “Hedgehog Havoc” and the plot turns Flynn has planned for issue 200. But it's not a character based one.

Our cover story, “Consequences,” is essentially split in two. The first half is set on the Cosmic Interstate between zones. Sonic is escorting Scourge to the No Zone, the intermediate world policed by Zonic and the other Zone Cops. Naturally, Scourge escapes along the way. Upon arriving in the No Zone, Sonic is shocked to see it under fire by outside forces. Meanwhile, in Mobotropolis, Sally is on trial before the Council of Acorn. By allowing Sonic to drive Scourge back to Moebius, she broke a direct order from the Council, putting them at risk for treason.

In the No Zone sequences, Ian Flynn is essentially doing away with the Zone War concept Dan Slott introduced years ago. Sonic outright asks why Zonic never arrived to capture Scourge, considering both hedgehogs were leaping through zones all willy-nilly. Sonic also asks why Scourge has never tried to capture Eggman, since he's technically an escapee from another zone as well. Zonic answers the latter by explaining that Robo-Robotnik is basically the same as the old Robotnik and the universal balance something-or-other dictates that Sonic must fight a version of Robotnik. As for the first question, Zonic explains that the multiverse is under attack by some jack-ass named Dr. Nega, meaning the Zone Cops have been too busy to capture Scourge. These are technical plot holes I never even really thought about and I don't think Flynn really needed to waste page space addressing them.

You'd probably expect that business about Dr. Nega attacking the Zone Cops to be set-up for a future story line, right? Well, maybe Flynn planned it that way but Sega had other ideas. Dr. Nega is a more-evil alternate version of Robotnik, who first appeared in one of Sega's handheld Sonic games. For whatever reason, Sega's corporate stooges would forbade Flynn from using the character in the comic. In short, Dr. Nega is introduced in order to prevent Zonic and his Zone Cop friends from making future appearances in the book. It's an another attempt by Flynn to put a cap on a previous writer's overly ambitious plot lines. Considering I've also liked the multiverse idea, I'm a little annoyed that Flynn would throw this one in the trash can so wantonly.

The comic devoted half of 2008 to Sonic and Scourge beating each other up. You'd think that would be enough. Instead, “Consequences” sneaks in a little more hedgehog-on-hedgehog action. At the very least, Matt Herms and Tracy Yardley have some fun with this. The Cosmic Highway certainly makes a memorable background for a fight scene. Once in the No Zone, Sonic and Scourge are vertical due to the zones wacky gravity. The typical theatrics are provided as well. Your standard amount of kicking, dodging, and spin-dashing. The best part of this scene comes after Scourge is captured, when he continues to claim that he's Sonic at his full potential. Because some people never learn.

The political intrigue in Knothole is a little more interesting. If nothing else, I admire Ian for following through on Sonic and Sally going behind the Council's back. He could have just let that one past and I probably wouldn't have noticed. It's mostly a moment designed to show off Sally's strength once again. Only this time her argument is a little weak. It boils down to “Yeah, I broke the rules but I've spent my entire life saving everybody's ass, so trust my judgment.” Which probably wouldn't hold up in court.

When Ian brought most of Sally's Substitute Freedom Fighters back at Council members – except for Arlo who I guess fell down a fucking hole or something – I assumed it was mostly a callback to an obscure corner of the comic's lair. It might still be but Flynn at least maintains their original characterization. Hamlin the Pig is a still a prick for no reason. He's the guy on the Council interested in persecuting Sally. Sally asks the pig why he's such a prick, apparently having forgotten that he's always been this way. His response can be summed up as being bitter over being forgotten as a Freedom Fighter and wanting more influence in Knothole. You know, conflicts of interest like that usually got someone kicked out of politics once upon a time.

“Consequences” is a little too focused on narrative mechanics. However, Flynn does sneak in one or two of those little moments I like so much. Sometimes, it's all of a panel. Such as Sally looking hurt, hugging herself, as Hamlin walks away and Rotor touches her shoulder. After his adventure in the No Zone, Sonic returns home and bonds with his parents. This only occupies one page but it's a nice page. Bernie gives a big hug. Sonic reclines on the couch with both of them, admitting that he's still not used to coming home to a house with his mom and dad.

Speaking of emotional moments! Ian saves some space at the end of this story devoted to Snively's on-going e-romance with a mysterious character known as “Regina,” whose true identity would be revealed soon enough. In a nice touch, Herms/Yardley draws Snively bidding his girl adieu in a panel shaped like a heart. We get a few panels devoted to his interior monologue, bitching about how bad things are. Not only does this set up future storylines, including Robotnik's latest scheme, but it's just nice to see Snively in a better mood than usual. You know, the universe shits on the guy. Throw him a bone.

In the back pages, Flynn throws in another one of those contractually obligated Sega game adaptations. “Knight Time” adapts “Sonic and the Black Knight,” otherwise known as the “Sonic with a Sword” game. Some elf wizard or something summons Sonic out of the sky so he can fight some intimidating knight dude. When the villain wrecks Sonic's chili dog, he gets really annoyed. The bad guy then assembles a trio of warriors, which are obviously Knuckles, Shadow, and Blaze in some vaguely medieval looking armor. By that point, the story abruptly ends by informing the reader they should just buy the damn video game already.

By 2009, I wasn't following Sega's “Sonic” games very closely, having been burned too many times before. I was especially disinterested in the so-called “story book” series, which seemed to move the Sonic series even further away from the aspects that endeared it to me in the first place. So, no, I've never played “Sonic and the Black Knight.” This comic appears to be a fairly close adaptation of the game's inciting incident. Out of context, it comes off as incredibly bizarre. You have these random fantasy elements that are totally at odds with the Sonic universe we know. For some reason, Knuckles, Shadow, and Blaze are knights aligned with the bad guy. I suspect even Yardley was a bit baffled by this, as his artwork is slightly off-model. About the only thing that makes sense to me about “Knight Time” is Sonic's nonchalant response to getting summoned to some other world to help fight evil. He continues to munch on his chili dog and tells the wizard lady that this kind of shit happens to him all the time. That seems in character.

Flynn's scripts are still far from bad but the comic is still in a slight slump at the start of the new year. I seem to recall the next big event knocking the book back on its feet. Devoting an entire issue to wrapping up some plot holes and shifting the mythology around wasn't a terrible idea but it was not executed in the best manner. And just forget about that back-up story, which I can barely make heads or tails off. [6/10]