Sonic Universe: Issue 27

Sonic Universe: Issue 27
Publication Date: April 2011

In all his previous appearances, Enerjak has always been a slightly compromised character. When Dimitri was the villain, he had all the powers of a god. Sadly, he was also an idiot, rarely using his powers to their full potential and frequently being undone by his own hubris. When Knuckles was manipulated into being Enerjak, he still had some control over himself and wasn't a full-blown villain. The “Fractured Mirror” story arc allows us to see an Enerjak who is fully unleashed. And, as the really snazzy cover makes apparent, that's an intimidating idea.

“Fracutured Mirror: Part Three” gets the subtitle “Shattered.” Within its pages, Jani-Ca and her Freedom Fighters continue their battle against Enerjak and his Prelates. The heroes put up a valiant effort against the villain's shock troops but they are ultimately defeated. Soon, it's down to Jani-Ca and Silver to save the day. The echidna, however, has personal issues to work out with her dad. This ends up unlocking an anger in Silver that might save the day.

On the first page of issue 27, Enerjak punches Silver across the sky, establishing that this is a story focused on action. You turn the page and you're greeted to an awesome double spread of Jani-Ca's Freedom Fighters battling with Enerjak's Prelates. From there, we have the telekinetic lifting whole buildings into the air and tossing them at the villain. We know Silver is powerful but this is the first time we've really seen how limitless his abilities are. It also makes for some pretty awesome fisticuffs.

In the middle of the action, Silver gets a pretty neat moment of character development. After collecting all the cores of the Prelates, Dagger – that's the equivalent to Rotor – wonders if it's worthwhile bringing these people back into such a fucked-up world. He then launches into a tirade about not giving up hope, of maintaining a reason to fight even when the odds are against you. This is classical heroic shit and actually works really well. Sometimes, you just need a good guy to launch into a speech about why we fight. It's certainly another strong moment for Silver, a character Flynn has done wonders for.

And it leads up to a pretty cool moment. As strong as he is, Enerjak is still on a whole other power level than Silver. After toying with the hedgehog, he buries him up to his chin in the concrete. This leads to another moment that recalls countless fighting animes: Where the hero is on the ropes but summons up a greater strength inside him, finding the will to fight even harder. Flynn even sneaks in some humor, such as when Silver images what his two mentors – Edmund and Mogul – would say and not getting much out of either. It's certainly leads to a powerful cliffhanger to conclude on, when Silver summons up a massive fist to bash the bad guy with. Yardley's artwork, focusing on Silver's anguished face and swooping powers, really shines here as well.

The relationship between Jani-Ca and Enerjak, daughter and father, really emphasizes what an incredible villain this guy is. The extent of his sadism is shown, when he reveals that he's kept the Freedom Fighters alive simply because they amuse him. He could have killed them at any point but let's them fight, let's them have hope that they might succeed, simply to give himself something to do. In the middle of the fight, he similarly pauses to consider the situation, assured that they can do nothing to harm him. He brags and gloats and, unlike most villains, can actually back it up. He proves this by immediately dismantling the Freedom Fighters in seconds.

This builds towards the best moment in the comic. Enerjak scoops up Jani-Ca. He tells her that he hoped she would follow in his footsteps. That they could build an empire together and they she still has potential. In this moment, Enerjak becomes even scarier. Because he's human. (Okay, technically, he's an echidna but you know what I mean.) There's a heart and a soul behind his villainous actions. He's not merely a lunatic. He's a rational, thoughtful person who has chosen to become a demi-god of destruction and tyranny.

If I have any complaint about “Fractured Mirror” so far, it's that Jani-Ca's team of Freedom Fighters have yet to receive much development. Dagger's doubts about their mission is really the first time he has said anything. There's a brief bit where Payback Fox, this universe's version of Fiona, flirts a little with Silver. Other than that, the characters continue to be defined solely by their special abilities. Demo Duck likes to throw explosives. Cutlass has a sword. Scarlette Rabbot can fly, I guess. That's about it. If we knew more about these guys, we'd be a little more invested in the conflict.

So it's another good entry in a strong story arc and probably the best single issue of “Sonic Universe” we've had in quite a while! [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 224

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 224
Publication Date: April 2011

Some Sonic fans will only be satisfied if Sonic is out there, fighting Robotnik. Now, don't get me wrong. I like this too. However, I like to consider Robotnik simply one member of Sonic's rogue galleries. I like variety in my comic book hero/villain fights. I don't want to see Batman fight the Joker all the time either. Yet some readers consider any of Sonic's other enemies, like Naugus or Scourge or whoever, to be a distraction from the real big bad. So I'm sure this crowd was pretty happy to see the Eggman on the cover of issue 224, proclaiming his proper return to the book, since being benched back in issue 200.

“Chaos and the Crown: Part Two” begins in the middle of the action. Outside the Royal Palace, Sally and the other Freedom Fighters tangle with Geoffrey St. John, still trying to determine the exact nature of his treachery. Inside the Throne Room, Sonic and Naugus fight it out, trading speedy blows and magic powers. Ultimately, the conflict comes to a premature end when the Council decides to hear Naugus' claim to the Throne out. Meanwhile, Robotnik's plans are just about ready to come to fruition.

Issue 224's sole story is divided pretty evenly in two halves. The first half is focused primarily on action, while the second half is a little more dialogue heavy. And the action theatrics near the beginning are pretty great. Naugus shoots a plum of flame, which Sonic blocks with the new Sword of Acorn, which apparently used to be Sir Connery's sword. To counter this, Naugus uses his crystalline magic to form a matching sword. This leads to a super cool action beat, of Elias leaping into action and slashing through Naugus sword with his own. Outside, the fights remain neat. St. John is entwined by Bunnie's bionic arm, while just avoiding blows from Sally and Antoine.

However, the fleet-footed action ends up being short-lived. As I said, the Council of Acorn quickly decides to listen to Naugus' pleas. This strikes me as ridiculously unlikely. If a dangerous sorcerer, a known enemy of the crown, barged into the Royal Palace in a violent way, the primary concern should be detaining him. Even if Naugus had peacefully appeared, I still find it difficult to believe that Knothole's government would take him seriously. If anything, he should be a wanted criminal, considering his prior acts of terrorism against the Kingdom. About the only reason the Council allows Naugus to talk – aside from Flynn insisting on pushing this plot thread forward – is because the Prowers continue to resent Elias and want him off the Throne. It's bullshit, in other words.

At least the people of Mobotropolis being willing to trust Naugus makes a little more sense. Well, sort of. I'm sure at least some of these citizens were around during the wizard's previous attacks. That aside, they are awfully scared of Nicole and Flynn makes sure to show how the wizard can protect. This also leads to a somewhat poignant scene of Nicole, picking up a pile of crystallized nanites, which are dead forever. However, the plot twist of St. John turning traitor continues to be unjustifiable. Instead of writing a flashback to Hershey's death, Flynn continues to have the characters simply talk about it, drawing attention to how crass her death really is.

As the cover trumpets, in the background, Robotnik plots his latest return. As the issue nears its conclusion, we discover what the mad doctor has been up to all this time. He has converted the Egg Dome into a brand new Death Egg, which rises into the heavens at the very end. The last time the Death Egg appeared in the comic was all the way back in 1996, during the “Death Egg” mini-series. Considering the Death Egg is one of Eggman's most famous creations, it's surprising that the massive ship has only appeared briefly. “Sonic Quest” is not too terribly well regarded either, so this was a second chance for the vehicle, a chance for Flynn to give Eggman's flying super-fortress a bigger entrance. And it mostly succeeds at that, as the book ends on a hell of a cliffhanger.

Ben Bates continues to kick ass on penciling duties. The action scenes look great. Bates is really good at conveying a sense of movement and motion. The panels devoted to Elias leaping into action are highly dynamic and striking. He's good with character work too. The panel devoted to Nicole, in shock over the dead nanites, wouldn't be nearly as effective without Bates' skills. Art wise, I've got no complaints about this one.

So it's another mixed affair. The art is great and there are individual moments I like. However, I continue to really dislike the writing decisions Flynn has made recently. Luckily or not, depending on your perspective, we'll be taking a break from this storyline real soon with Archie's 2011 summer event. But that's another story for another day. I'm giving issue 224 a [6/10.]

Sonic Universe: Issue 26

Sonic Universe: Issue 26
Publication Date: March 2011

I've mentioned it before and I'll probably mention it again. One of my favorite things about Archie's “Sonic the Hedgehog” comic is how it mashed up divergent elements from across the multi-media franchise. Here in this “Sonic Universe” story arc, Ian Flynn is taking a character from Sega's modern series of game. He teams him up with a Ken Penders creation to fight an completely new version of an even older, more beloved character. It's the type of “Sonic” story that could only be told in this comic book and isn't really like anything else from the video games or cartoon shows.

The second part of the “Shattered Mirror” arc is subtitled “Warped Reflections.” Silver is about to be attacked by the mysterious, shiny enemies that resemble the Chaotix. He's rescued by a previously unseen group of Freedom Fighters. The team is led by Lara-Su... But not the Lara-Su Silver met when he visited the 30 Years Later setting a while back. This is the original Lara-Su, calling herself Jani-Ca, that traveled back in time during the “Reunification” story arc back in “Sonic” issues 106-108. Jani-Ca's Freedom Fighters are fighting a loosing battle against a new Enerjak, a tyrant who rules over the wasteland with an iron fist.

If you've completely forgotten about the original Lara-Su, I'd forgive you. She first appeared a long time ago and would be quickly eclipsed by the far more personable version of the character from the  “25 Years Later” setting. But here she is again, with her strappy boots and blue gloves. (Both versions wear the bitchin' bomber jackets and cute little glasses.) For those that might have missed this, Flynn helpfully has the character explain her origin. Considering the Lara-Su we know is an adventurous but ultimately inexperienced youth, it's interesting to see how hardened and violent “Jani-Ca” is. And yet there are hints of the same character, in her complicated relationship with her father and her deep love of her mother.

Perhaps more importantly, Flynn gives us a peak at Jani-Ca's world. And it's a grim one. The Freedom Fighters and Chaotix have been enslaved by a villain. That villain is so powerful that he can bend the very laws of physics to himself. Jani-Ca and her friends hide out in a crumbling city, their underground base hidden under a huge wall of garbage. It's pretty much a darker and grimmer version of the original “SatAM” set-up, which was already pretty dark and grim by Sonic standards. Really, this story makes it clear that this is how things always should've been. Jani-Ca's appearance in the main time probably would've been way more important if we knew what was at risk for her, if Ken Penders showed us how bad things were for her back home.

One element of this new world are the Dark Freedom Fighters. You know, back in the book's classic days, it seems like a new Freedom Fighter team was introduced every other month. But it's been a while since we've seen a new team. Granted, the Future Freedom Fighters don't get much character development. It seems like a few them – Cutlass Depardieu and Scarlette Rabbot – are alternate versions of Antoine and Bunnie's kids. Others are simply variations on Bark, Bean, Rotor, and Fiona Fox. The team is perhaps most interesting as in-jokes. In Ian Flynn's early fan comic, “Other M,” he would also feature versions of Bark and Bean not dissimilar to these. Either way, they're pretty cool visuals and add color to the setting.

More importantly, we get a much better look at Dark Enerjak in this issue. For a long time, the comic teased that Knuckles might some day become a villain. Aside from Jani-Ca's initial prophecy, there was that Chaos Knuckles business that went on and on. Even after Flynn actually had Knuckles become Enerjak, he was more morally compromised than outright villainous. Dark Enerjak, meanwhile, is Knuckles as a straight-up bad guy. And he's one of the book's most intimidating and effective villains. He's massively powerful and utterly cruel, happily enslaving his enemies. He also doesn't have the humor or goofiness that either version of Robotnik have. The result is an adversary that is as dangerous as he is cool looking.

The story arc continues to deliver on the pretty cool action scenes too. We continue to see how powerful Silver can be. In the first few pages, he blasts away several of Enerjak's Prelates with one powerful burst. (Amusingly, Flynn follows this up by having Silver trip over a flipped car, because we can never forget that this guy is a dork.) Later, he uses his abilities to lift all of the Freedom Fighters into the air. These displays make for decent contrast when Enerjak shows off the scope of his powers... Which includes lifting a fuckin' building into the air. The Freedom Fighters get some cool moments to themselves too.

It's another solid entry in the “Shattered Reflection” arc. The setting is fleshed-out in some really fascinating ways. We get to see way more of the awesome villain. The issue ends on a juicy hook, setting up the conflict between Jani-Ca and her own parents. Tracy Yardley's artwork continues to be strong. It's good stuff! [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 223

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 223
Publication Date: March 2011

You see that spiffy graphic on the cover of Archie's 223rd issue of “Sonic the Hedgehog?” “Countdown to Genesis?” That was the big “Sonic” event of 2011 and, obviously, it was coming up in a few months at this point. Though Ian Flynn has handled quite a few huge story arcs during his tenure on “Sonic,” “Genesis” received a level of hype that was bigger than any previous one. But I'm not here to really talk about that. Instead, this issue finally brings a plot point that Flynn has been building towards for a while now.

Part one of “Chaos and the Crown” begins with a peaceful day in New Mobotropolis. Mina and the Forget-Me-Knots are prepared to perform a free concert. Instead, a cloaked figure approaches the stage and grabs the microphone. He reveals himself as Geoffrey St. John and welcomes Ixis Naugus back into the city. A huge fight begins, the hedgehog and the wizard fighting their way towards the royal palace. However, Naugus' plans are not as straight-ahead as they appear.

Last time, I bitched that Flynn was taking too long to follow through on this new Ixis Naugus plot line. Well, I guess my concerns traveled backwards in time to 2011 because he finally got to the point in the next issue. This issue concerns Ixis Naugus making his grand return as a serious threat. Fan reaction to Naugus as a character has always been mixed. Even though that was the original plan with SatAM, Naugus' introduction in issue 53 as the heir to Robotnik's title as Sonic's archenemy was mixed. I, however, always thought Naugus had a lot of potential. Especially his use of magic, which made a nice contrast with the technologically inclined Robotnik. The wizard has been floating around the comic, back and forth, since then. But Flynn has the villain really being reestablished as a serious threat for the first time in a long time.

Maybe I only like Naugus because his elemental powers are cool for fight scenes. This fact is proudly displayed in “Chaos and the Crown: Part One.” As Sonic spin-dashes towards the sorcerer, he changes into vapor, the hedgehog passing right through him. He turns his body to flames or causes huge rocks to burst from the ground. He blocks doorways with his crystalline magic. This is certainly a very different type of challenge than what Sonic faced with Robotnik and that's why it's cool.

Of course, Naugus isn't just in New Mobotropolis to wreck shit and vex Sonic. And that's another problem I have with this entire premise. Naugus marches into the castle, before the council, and explains that he is technically the Acorn Kingdom's ruler. See, while they were trapped in the Zone of Silence, King Acorn pledged loyalty to Naugus, making him is superior. This is shaky logic but I guess not totally inexcusable. The problem is what this sets up. From here until the reboot derails absolutely everything, Naugus will pretend that he likes ruling Mobotropolis for reasons that aren't sinister, even though he's obviously, blatantly evil. There's really no reason for the heroes to put up with it. But they will and so will we.

Even that's not my big issue with this story turn. Once again, I wonder why Flynn has done this to poor Geoffrey St. John. He attempts to address some concerns. Via Sally, he attempts to address the problem of St. John never utilizing or showing any interest in magic ever before. (His response, “that I was busy being in a war,” hardly satisfies.) Sally inquires why a loyal soldier like St. John would turn traitor, only for him to claim that he's not a traitor, since Naugus is the true king. It's all a bunch of weak excuses to justify a lame plot twist. There's a pretty cool fight scene, of Geoffrey whipping most of the Freedom Fighters' asses, but that hardly warrants the weak writing.

The worst part comes when we discover that Hershey is dead. Geoffrey admits this bluntly in dialogue. We don't even see a body or a flashback. She's just dead. Yes, I know Hershey the Cat was hardly a beloved character. She was another Ken Penders cast-off, given little characterization and rarely contributing anything to a story. But murdering her off-screen and with zero explanation was a little mean, don't you think? Knowing the “Sonic” fandom like I do, I'm sure she was probably somebody's favorite character. I expect better from Flynn, who usually took a previous writer's ideas and explored them in a new way, instead of just lazily tossing them in the garbage bin.

One page in the cover story is devoted to Robotnik, who is still hiding in the Egg-Dome and plotting something villainous. The back-up story, “Special Zone House Call,” shines a little more light on that. Robotnik needs a Chaos Emerald for his next evil scheme and he comes to the same conclusion Sonic and St. John did a few issues back: Just go into the Special Zone and grab one. He hulls Snively along, both in Egg-Mobiles, play one of Feist's games, and grab an emerald. But not before Robotnik humiliates Snively a little.

Two characters competing for a Chaos Emerald in Feist's Zone is a story device Flynn has returned to a lot recently. Considering Feist never actually gets to keep any of his emeralds, you'd think he'd stop allowing people to compete. However, I can see why Flynn keeps returning to this one. It's a fun premise! Moreover, pitting Robotnik and Snively together allows their frequently one-sided rivalry to play out in a different way. Instead of simply scheming against his uncle behind his back, we actually get to see Snively actively fight against him. Of course, the Eggman comes out on top every time. He really makes it apparent here, when he nearly leaves Snively in Feist's zone after he looses the contest. There's not too much to this one but it's a fun read.

I have my problems with issue 223 but at least it looks fantastic. Ben Bates pens the cover story while Jamal Peppers handles the back-up. They both do a great job, full of energy and dynamic action as well as crisply drawn and expressive characters. It's a good thing, since I have some serious concerns about the cover story. While there's plenty of stuff here I like to, the flaws manage to eclipse most of the pros. [6/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW): Issue 6

Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW): Issue 6
Publication Date: June 27 2018

With the end of a month behind us, it’s time for another weekend bonus review of the new issue of IDW’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” comic. This was suppose to come out last week but got delayed a little because of IDW’s printers having problems. Sonic comic fans, recalling the long delays the Archie series faced, freaked out a little bit. But regular delays are typical in the comic world and, a week later, I’ve got the book in my hands. And it’s got a pretty nice cover from Jon Gray, whose artwork I normally am not a fan of.

“The Fate of Dr. Eggman, Part Two” picks up where we left off. Shadow and Rouge have arrived in the scenic alpine village, determined to bring Eggman in. Sonic defends his former enemy, believing him to be truly reformed. After fighting it out for a while, the two hedgehogs try discussing their problems instead. What “Mr. Tinker” meant when he said “Eggman Land” last time is revealed, along with the true identity of who is responsible for the organized badnik attacks.

It seems some things never change. Ian Flynn and Sonic might have jumped publishers but the writer’s old habits remain. When in doubt, fight it out. Most of this issue is devoted to Sonic and Shadow beating up on each other. Owing, perhaps, to this book being more rooted in the games, there’s less punching and more running and spin attacks. There aren’t too many exciting moments here, though Shadow casually smashing a tree and Sonic tripping on a root are interesting sights.

Then again, maybe the fight isn’t what Flynn is focused on this time anyway. During the fight/foot race, Sonic and Shadow discuss the nature of forgiveness. Shadow believes Eggman, regardless of whether he has his memories or not, is too dangerous to leave free. Sonic believes someone who has really turned over a new leaf deserves a second chance. After Sonic points out that he extended that courtesy to Shadow, the dark furred hedgehog relents. It’s a good way to illustrate the differences between the two hedgehogs and gives their conflict a little more depth. (It also further establishes some more of the comic’s continuity, by referencing events from “Sonic Adventure 2” and “Shadow the Hedgehog.”)

Aside from Shadow, this issue also reintroduces Rouge the Bat to comic readers. Rouge stays out of the fight but she does talk a little to the Chaotix. Throughout this interaction, it becomes clear that Rouge has secrets of her own and no qualms about manipulating people for whatever reason. I also can’t help but notice that Tracy Yardley draws Rouge with more bountiful cleavage than her Archie counterpart ever had. I seem recall Archie having some problems with Rouge’s fan service-y design, that IDW doesn’t seem to share. So I guess what I’m saying is Rouge is more of a femme fatale than ever before.

What exactly her goal is remains a little more elusive. Who is Rouge working for in this continuity? G.U.N.? If so, where were the Guardian Units of the Nation during the apocalyptic events of “Sonic Forces?” Rouge reveals to the Chaotix that she’s the one who tipped the detectives off to Eggman’s location. But to what ends? And why bring Shadow, if she surmised he would just want to fight Sonic? Her explanation is vague and confuses Charmy. I can relate.

The book rises new questions but does answer a few others. Mr. Tinker’s “Eggman Land” is a carnival he’s building for the local children. He claims the name just came to him one day, which makes Sonic worried that his evil personality may be returning. But never mind that, because the final page reveals the mysterious person controlling the armies of Badniks around the globe. It’s... Dr. Eggman. That’s a nice, baffling image to take the issue out on but, sadly, spoils Flynn’s plot for him. Considering “Sonic Forces” featured Infinite, a villain capable of creating life-like holograms of people, we can now presume that one of these Eggmen is an illusion. I guess the suspense lies in figuring out which one.

But I guess this is a more interesting twist than Metal Sonic or Captain Whiskers or some shit being behind things. And I will commend Flynn for not stretching that particular mystery out any longer. Hopefully he’s learned his lesson from the Shattered World Crisis. As for issue 6, it’s pretty decent, managing to bring something more to the table than repetitive action. I guess the book has got me hooked for the moment, as I am curious where this is going. [7/10] 

Sonic Universe: Issue 25

Sonic Universe: Issue 25
Publication Date: February 2011

When “Sonic Universe” was launched, it probably didn't seem like a sure thing. A reliable reader base obviously kept Archie's “Sonic” book running for years and years. But the book's attempt to support a spin-off series have been uneven, to say the least. “Knuckles the Echidna” is the only real example, among half a dozen mini-series that failed to create on-going series. And, least we forget, “Sonic Universe” was a somewhat hastily assembled replacement for “Sonic X.” As faithful as Sonic readers were, there was no guarantee they would stick around for a book essentially about the hedgehog's supporting cast. Of course, “Sonic Universe” ended up being another big success, becoming the longest running “Sonic” spin-off. Issue 25 was its first milestone issue and probably a good sign that the series would continue to be successful.

The latest story arc is focused on Silver. It's called “Fractured Mirror” and the first part is called “Through the Looking Glass,” because Ian Flynn loves subtitles. Anyway, Silver continues to chill in his post-apocalyptic future, as the future Mogul continues to teach him the ways of magic and discipline. Their time together is interrupted by an unexpected figure bursting into the city. The being, a seemingly robotic crocodile, fights Silver and takes a beating before being pacified. After stopping him with some help from Edmund, the elderly Guardian of the now downed Angel Island, the croc escapes through a portal. Silver reluctantly follows, entering into an entirely different dystopian reality.

Silver is really one of Ian Flynn's success stories. As he exists in the video games, Silver the Hedgehog was a total lame-o. Like Shadow, he was another boldly colored hedgehog that was a rival to Sonic. His psychic powers were the only thing to distinguish him and they were, let's face it, a cheap gimmick. Flynn, meanwhile, would take Silver and turn him into a lovable doofus. He stumbles into the past from the future, trying to unravel a mystery he doesn't have all the clues for. He makes plenty of mistakes but there's always based in sincerity. So, amazingly, he managed to make a Silver-focused story line actually seem like a good idea!

It helps that Flynn finally makes Silver's shitty future seem like an interesting location. He does this mostly by focusing on Edmund. We still don't know much about the echidna, though this issue seemingly confirms he's Lara-Su and Argyle's son. However, his personality proves endearing. He's a crotchety old man, eager to let anyone who will listen know how much better things were back in his day. This leads to an especially amusing bit of dialogue about lasers. Edmund makes a good foil for Silver, as the enthusiastic but uncertain young man and the overly certain old man make for a nice contrast.

“Through the Looking Glass” is a solid action story. The fight with the crocodile, which the reader immediately assumes is some alternate universe version of Vector (it is), is entertaining. Silver's psychic powers leads the battle some dynamic variety. Silver is shot out of the sky by lasers and has some debris drop on him. His telekinesis, meanwhile, allows him to manipulate said debris and toss it back at his opponent. He also generates a shield and throws a dumpster around, all of which are pretty cool images. It's good to know Silver can do more than just fly and lift stuff from far away.

What really makes “Through the Looking Glass” good is its final reveal. The reader puts it together before the characters do. Silver enters another broken down city. He sees a huge statue of someone who certainly looks like Enerjak. He's attacked by the rest of the Chaotix, also encased in mechanical shells. Lastly, we meet this new Enerjak... but we've met him before. This is Knuckles, from the alternate reality where he gave in to his dark side and became a tyrant. This is the future of Jani-Ca, the original Lara-Su. It's a plot point Ken Penders dropped years ago and never picked up again. So, once again, here comes Ian Flynn to utilize tiny details the previous writer did nothing with.

Tracy Yardley has been the regular “Sonic” artist for quite some time. To the point where you could say that he's falling into an established style. You know exactly what a Yardley illustrated story is going to look like. However, the artist really outdoes himself with this one. Silver's city is a moody place, full of foreboding buildings and dark alleyways. The Enerjak'd Chaotix, which we'll soon learn are called the Prelates, are really cute designs. It's immediately obvious who they are meant to represent but they still stand as individual designs. Dark Enerjak also has a pretty neat look, unique from previous Enerjaks but clearly in the same line. Yardley also keeps the action beats fresh and exciting. It's some of his best work in quite some time.

I remember “Fractured Mirror” being one of my favorite “Sonic Universe” arcs. Who knows if the whole thing will hold up but the story is certainly off to a strong start. Now that the set-up is out of the way, Flynn can really get down to exploring the world(s) he's showing off here. I'm looking forward to revisiting the rest of it. [7/10]

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 222

Sonic the Hedgehog: Issue 222
Publication Date: February 2011

Once again, Ian Flynn employs one of my favorite tactics of his. We're still technically between events. Iron Dominion is in the rear-view mirror. Genesis is a few issue off. Though Flynn is laying down heavy plot points here of late – such as St. John betraying the Freedom Fighters, Naugus' upcoming coup, Mina's generating civil unrest with her new music – we are technically in the calm between storms here. So the author throws in an issue that's mostly focused on smaller, more personal issues for the cast of lovable characters.

This is apparent in the cover story's title: “The World Can Wait.” Sally and Sonic have finally decided to go out on a real, with-a-capital-D date. Both teenagers are anxious, though they display their nerves in different ways. Once they finally meet for the evening, dining at New Mobotropolis' only super nice restaurant apparently, politics interrupt their nice evenings. The waiter and other customers begin to debate the Nicole issue.  However, Sonic and Sally still manage to have a nice, wholesome time, even with outside forces plotting just under their noses.

I should say that “The World Can Wait” is half a more character-orientated story and half a way for Flynn to further some of his recent plot points. Scenes of Sally and Sonic being adorable around each other are interrupted by the politics of the day. The reader is experiencing this almost the same way the characters are. Sonic and Sally want a peaceful evening together. The readers want to see this long-separated couple get back together. Both expectations are sidetracked by the petty bullshit happening around them. This is an effective tactic but does little to delude the frustration I feel.

Honestly, any complaints I have with “The World Can Wait” can totally be put aside thanks to several fantastic moments. There's a two page sequence where Sonic and Sally prepare for the date. On one side, we see Sally fret over what she should wear and how serious things are going to get. On the other side, we see Sonic's anxiety manifest in a less obvious but still jittery way. Contrasting the two approaches is really cute, showing the differences and similarities in the characters. Mostly, it's just super cute watching these characters, who have fought supervillains all over the world, get nervous over a little date. It's a reminder that Sonic and Sally – monarchs, Freedom Fighters, child soldiers, superheroes – are still teenagers, first and foremost. They're allowed to be uncertain about their romantic lives.

Of course, Sonic and Sally going on a date while their city is having a moral crisis is one of my problems with the way Flynn would handle this plot point. Ash and Mina being at the same restaurant as Sally smacks of overly easy writing. (Though it is nice to see Mina in that tight, Chinese style dress again.) There's also some less-than-elegant long-reaching plot mechanics here. Sally is visiting Monkey Khan at the beginning of the day. This is to confirm that the Iron Queen is going to be out of the picture for a while. It's also to bury the Sally/Khan ship once and for all, as Sal officially friend-zones the ape here. I figured Flynn had handled that already but I guess the extra assurance isn't bad either.

Naturally, the book ends by teasing Naugus again. The evil wizard is hanging out in the woods, on the edge of the current story line. For about four issues now, Flynn has been teasing Naugus' upcoming attempted coup of New Mobotropolis. I kind of wish he would shit or get off the pot on this one. Watching a villain scheme is only so threatening up to a point. After a while, it makes the bad guy seem ineffectual. Now, of course, we know what Ixis Naugus is capable of. But he really needs to get moving on this soon. Especially since he still hasn't really justified St. John's face-heel turn.

Again, don't think I disliked this one! There's actually a number of personable moments that I really like a lot here! The story opens with Sonic and Tails playing a game of Capture the Flag. It's always nice to see the two friends actually messing around and acting like friends. Reminds you why their camaraderie exist in the first place. One of the best moments in the issue entails Amy Rose leaping out of the sky, using her big-ass hammer to dissuade the people following Sonic and Sally. That's funny and also continues to show Amy Rose's character development. She values Sonic's overall happiness over everything else, even her own romantic interests. Lastly, once Sonic and Sally are left alone, the two begin to get closer again, healing the wounds their last break-up created.

In the back pages, the “Second Impressions” two-parter continues. Espio and Nicole nervously explain to Knuckles that Dimitri's disembodied head wants to meet with him. At first, Knuckles is horrified and extremely angry. After listening to Dimitri's very sincere apology, and his earnest promise to change for the better, the Guardian changes his mind.

The character-focused atmosphere continues in the back story. “Second Impressions: Part Two” shows Knuckles doing something very unusual: Talking things out, instead of punching stuff. He wants to punch stuff but eventually clears his head. The story represents Dimitri's final switch from villain to ally. It's been coming for a long time, as Flynn has long built towards making the once tyrannical madman into a more sympathetic character. Knuckles finally accepting his great uncle as a friend represents character development for the both of them. Dimitri is a hero now and Knuckles is chill with it. It's solid writing.

Tracy Yardley takes this entire issue off, allowing some other artist to shine. Steven Butler draws the cover story. Butler's gritty details have always been well-served by action stories. However, that same attention to detail also works for character-based stories like this. He really makes Sally and Sonic's feelings clear. He also makes the moody conclusion, of Sonic and Sally getting closer in the woods, look awfully nice. James Fry draws the back-up. Fry's character work is still looking a little looser than usual. However, there's a sense of expression here that serves the story nicely. It's a good looking issue.

Over all, I have my problems with this one but they are minor compared to what it gets right. As a life-long Sonic/Sally shipper, I especially appreciated Flynn finally getting these crazy kids back together. [7/10]