Archie Sonic the Hedgehog Comics (Hit Reset Button?)

[oldmanwinters]

Well, today I bought my first new Archie Sonic comics since November of 1997 when I decided to cut comic collecting out of my life with issue #52. Back in 1997, the epic End Game saga had just concluded, Robotnik was finally out of the way, Sonic & Sally had a prolonged kiss, and the good guys actually won the war for real! I figured that was a satisfying place for me to close the book on my Sonic fandom as I began to move into high school and leave those juvenile (and ever more expensive) hobbies behind. Up to that point, I had read every Sonic-related comic Archie published with the exceptions of issue #48 and "Sonic Quest: Death Egg Saga" #2.

Since then, I read on the internet that ol' "Robo-Robotnik" remade himself into "Dr. Eggman," Knuckles got his comic cancelled then turned temporarily green & evil (but who can blame him?), Tails became a force to be reckoned with, Amy Rose got an "age-advancement," Rotor got a bad back and retired into politics, Bunnie married Antoine, NICOLE looks like a real person, Geoffrey St. John (always hated that skunk) works for Ixis Naugus, Princess Sally's long-lost brother took over the kingdom, and Sonic has gone through about two handful of girlfriends (even fought Tails over one... huh?). Whew...

And now I open up issues 223, 224, and the 2011 Free Comic Book Day issue. And the Death Egg is back. And the editors are promising the world will never be the same after next month. Woah...

There are now so many characters I don't recognize and so many plot references that elude me. I'm so long out of the loop that issues #223 & 224 actually reference back issues through their "Archives" line as opposed to any issue earlier than #170. But this whole "Sonic: Genesis" concept (http://www.newsarama.com/games/sonic-attacks-continuity-genesis-110317.html) has me intrigued. Is it going to be a total in-universe reboot ala Spider-man: Brand New Day? Is a major character going to die (http://i.newsarama.com/images/sonic_van_4_02.jpg) (Personally, I figure Princess Sally is way past due (http://www.comicvine.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-endgame-part-1-of-4/37-97054/) ever since an editorial pardon magically brought her back to life (http://www.andrews.edu/~drazen/slsall.htm) in issue #50)?

So, if #225 is going to be "The Biggest, Most Shocking Issue Ever" as promised in the Sonic-Grams of #224, then perhaps it's time for some recollections of all the most memorable moments from the history of the most successful, longest-running video-game based comic book of all-time. Thoughts, anyone?

[Eiko]

Sonic my fav Comic of all time where can i start man so many good memories. The destruction of Knothole was amazing poor Sonic. Antione and Bunny getting married finally. Nicole now able to walk and be more active becuse of her new AI form which is very cool. Elias my fav charater as King. Robotnik going nuts losing it. The Iron Queen Returns Very cool Knuckles as the new Enerjak. Knuckles Dad dies to save him. Evil Sonic turns Green with the Master Emarald. Starts calling himself Scourge. Geoffrey yea kinda new there was somthing not right about him. the return of the Death Egg this is going to be good. I could go on and on but dont have the time. oldmanwinters if you need to know more on the charaters and what has been happing just let me know big fan of Sonic the hedgehog comics.

[ZariusTwo]

I have to admit, I was so skunnered with how Archie ended Sonic and Sally's relationship that I just accepted the "Twenty-Five Years Later" and "Thirty Years Later" storylines (where the two are married with kids) as the true canon and ignored everything since then....though I had to come back just to see Bunnie and Antwoine get married.

[oldmanwinters]

Well, Sonic #25 really stood out to me on account of its great cover, and Patrick Spaziante's dynamic art style. I don't think that type of art had really been seen in a Sonic comic before [EDIT: oops, loos like I forgot about 21-22, but Spaz's pencils were still a relatively new phenomenon in the book's run]. It quickly changed the tone from cartoony to artistically stylized. Also, it introduced Metal Sonic (referred to as "Mecha Sonic" on the cover), Amy Rose, and tied into the Sonic CD game, which at the time was the great untouchable game that I never had the chance to play.

[oldmanwinters]

I read the supposedly epic #225 today, and to quote the Joker, "It was sadly anticlimatic." I didn't expect the much-hyped "major character kill" to be executed [see what I did there?] off-screen, unceremoniously, and in a vague manner with only about a page or two left for Sonic's reaction.

I'm planning to go ahead and read the next 5 issues or so to see how they pull of the "Genesis" arc and how the epilogue is resolved. Maybe it'll be a fun ride.

Anybody else check this issue out?

[Jester]

Does anyone else think it's interesting that Sonic and the Turtles are rebooting at about the same time?
(I had too.)

[oldmanwinters]

Does anyone else think it's interesting that Sonic and the Turtles are rebooting at about the same time?
(I had too.)

lol, I see what you did there.

It's an especially appropriate coincidence since Archie published both titles in the early 90s.

They even had one joke cameo crossover between them (http://tmntentity.blogspot.com/2011/01/sonic-hedgehog-10.html) during that time.

Also, Sonic & the TMNT have a couple more links.

1. Archie's Sonic-verse crossed over with the Image Universe (http://archiesonic.wikia.com/wiki/Archie_Sonic_Super_Special_Issue_7) featuring Savage Dragon, Spawn, and all the other cronies. TMNT, of course, at one point existed in the Image Universe and crossed over with Savage Dragon (multiple times) and Spawn (unofficially).

2. Sonic once met Sabrina the Teenage Witch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8aDHEnR5Ac), who exists in the same universe as Archie Andrews & friends, who had an infamous dimensional crossover (http://tmntentity.blogspot.com/2011/01/tmnt-meet-archie-1.html) with the Archie TMNT thanks to Cudley the Cowlick!

[Eiko]

I read the epic #225 today, and to quote the Joker, "It was sadly anticlimatic." I didn't expect the much hyped major character kill to be "executed" [see what I did there?] off-screen, unceremoniously, and in a vague manner with only about a page or two left for Sonic's reaction.

I'm planning to go ahead and read the next 5 issues or so to see how they pull of the "Genesis" arc and how the epilogue is resolved. Maybe it'll be a fun ride.

Anybody else check this issue out?

I haven't recived my issue of 225 yet so dont tell me what happens should be here next week.

[oldmanwinters]

I haven't recived my issue of 225 yet so dont tell me what happens should be here next week.

No problemo, I tried to avoid spoilers as much as possible.

Also, the covers for the next three issues alone will probably be enough to convince me to purchase them. They be old-school SEGA Genesis cool!
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110228190211/archiesonic/images/thumb/1/1b/Sth226_650.jpg/279px-Sth226_650.jpg (http://archiesonic.wikia.com/index.php?title=Archie_Sonic_the_Hedgehog_Issue_22 6&image=Sth226_650-jpg)

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110318191406/archiesonic/images/thumb/8/83/149qr8o.jpg/279px-149qr8o.jpg (http://archiesonic.wikia.com/index.php?title=Archie_Sonic_the_Hedgehog_Issue_22 7&image=x149qr8o-jpg)

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110522105256/archiesonic/images/thumb/c/c9/Sth228.600.jpg/279px-Sth228.600.jpg (http://archiesonic.wikia.com/index.php?title=Archie_Sonic_the_Hedgehog_Issue_22 8&image=Sth228-600-jpg)

Now I wonder how they are going to revamp the Sonic & Knuckles box?

[Eiko]

Wow those are some really neat covers now in really looking forward to them even more. :):)

[Eiko]

Finally was able to read Sonic 225 last night awsome poor Sally though. But this has happend to her before in the End Game Saga. mmmm i wonder.

[oldmanwinters]

Finally was able to read Sonic 225 last night awsome poor Sally though. But this has happend to her before in the End Game Saga. mmmm i wonder.

Yeah, but in Endgame I thought it actually carried some dramatic weight, especially given the fact that Sonic was accused of her murder. That page when Dr. Quack (or whatever that duck's name was) came out of the medical center with a solemn face and every Freedom Fighter had a devastated expression on their faces was one of the most unexpected moments I've ever read in a children's comic book.:cry:

[ZariusTwo]

I find it a little cold Flynn finally brought Sonic and Sally back together again only to do this...then again, it's only implied she's been killed, not actually offically stated. I suspect she'll be fine once we conclude the Genesis arc.

[Logan]

Really like the Archie Sonic comics and I prefer the tone the later comics went for, especially in comparison to the games.

I've been collecting the Sonic Archives compilations. Thought End Game was awesome and a great conclusion to the story. You could stop reading after that arc and be satisfied.

[oldmanwinters]

Thought End Game was awesome and a great conclusion to the story. You could stop reading after that arc and be satisfied.

Heh, that's pretty much what I did. And now... over 175 issues later... I'm picking up a few new issues. I doubt I'll stick around for the long haul though.

[oldmanwinters]

While the cover to the final(I guess?) installment of Sonic: Genesis is undoubtedly cool, I have to admit I'm disappointed they didn't do some creative reimagining of the original Sonic & Knuckles game box:
http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110619233255/archiesonic/images/thumb/7/7b/Sth229.png/218px-Sth229.png (http://archiesonic.wikia.com/index.php?title=Archie_Sonic_the_Hedgehog_Issue_22 9&image=Sth229-png)

[Logan]

What are your thoughts, overall, on the Genesis series?

[Eiko]

Wow that cover is becoming my fav cover art second only to Sonic 50 cover. :)

[oldmanwinters]

What are your thoughts, overall, on the Genesis series?

lol, I'll need to read it first to give a judgement!:)

[Logan]

I just started reading Fleetway's Sonic the Comic again. In terms of early issues, Fleetway totally wipes the floor with Archie. Nevertheless, I absolutely love both continuities.

[oldmanwinters]

I finally got to read the first installment of Sonic: Genesis.

My conclusion? One word.

Delightful.

This was about the most fun I've had in reading a comic since... since... Archie's first issue of the newest Mega Man mini-series!

It dulls my disappointment over the uber-hyped #225. Hopefully, the next three issues will maintain the same level of charm and quality that #226 displays!

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/SonicGrams-226-OffPanel.jpg
Aww... so cute.

[Eiko]

I very much enjoyed Genesis part one took me back to the good old days. Looking forward to part 2.

[Sonic777]

Oh the genesis story is turning out great, extremely excited what will happen in 226.

I think the only bummer in all this is Ian flynn, writer of the comic says it won't cover Sonic 3 and Knuckles in the comics, which may mean Knuckles might not appear.

Would have liked to seen him appeared with the freedom fighters gang, but the story will be epic enough without him.

Oh people, I think you guys should pick up Sonic Universe 29 if you havn't, the cameo in that is kinda priceless to see :D

[ZariusTwo]

I just started reading Fleetway's Sonic the Comic again. In terms of early issues, Fleetway totally wipes the floor with Archie. Nevertheless, I absolutely love both continuities.

Try reading the fan continuation "STC Online"

[Eiko]

Oh people, I think you guys should pick up Sonic Universe 29 if you havn't, the cameo in that is kinda priceless to see :D

I read Sonic Universe as well. Is that the part where Scourge has his book taken off him by who appears to be Bebop and Rocksteady. :)

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg256/Eiko_photos/255084_167277126669466_100001615403873_438564_5948 238_n.jpg

[oldmanwinters]

I read Sonic Universe as well. Is that the part where Scourge has his book taken off him by who appears to be Bebop and Rocksteady. :)

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg256/Eiko_photos/255084_167277126669466_100001615403873_438564_5948 238_n.jpg

Now that is unexpected! What was the context?

[oldmanwinters]

I just read the 3rd part of the Genesis arc and it's my favorite so far! That's mostly because of the way they introduced Tails (not as a sheltered toddler that has to get special permission to go on dangerous missions) but as a eager and capable long-time partner and protege of Sonic. Also, we get to explore a reinterpretation of one of my all-time favorite Sonic Levels: Chemical Plant Zone!!!

Here's my favorite part:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic228p09.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic228p10.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic228p11.jpg

Followed by:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic228p13.jpg

Ah... the power of nostalgia!

The visuals of the video games, the characters of Satam, and Sonic&Tails as a formidable duo that can crack jokes in the face of immanent death. You can't ask for much more than that in a Sonic comic!

[Leo656]

Looking forward to picking up comics again starting in fall, really want to see what I've missed in the past year. Based on what I've heard I know I'm not gonna like some of it but some of this looks really good.

[Ninjinister]

Dammit now I have Chemical Plant music stuck in my head.

[oldmanwinters]

now I have Chemical Plant music stuck in my head.

Chemical Plant Zone was awesome in every way, music included. Not only was the stage music so memorable, but who could forget this sound (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68u77N6ghLA), as well?

Would you believe it made this list (http://www.dorkly.com/article/22121/the-dorklyst-8-terrible-levels-in-great-games)?

[oldmanwinters]

Well, the Genesis arc has come to an end with the release of #229 today. While the cliffhangers from issue #225 have yet to be resolved, I must say that this arc more than lived up to my expectations. One thing I've noticed about Archie Sonic comics in recent years is that they try to cram multiple side-stories into a single issue, but this mini-series really shined by devoting every page to adapting a number of great moments from the classic Sega games into the existing Archie continuity. It was a lot of fun, and it actually convinced me to buy Sonic comics for the first time since the late 90s. I suppose I'll stay on board the train for a few more issues just to see how they wrap up the Genesis Epilogue and how they decide to go with the "Fallen Sally" angle. I'll check out some future issues mostly out of curiosity, but I doubt they will live up to the sense of fun that these last four issues captured.

Here are a some of my favorite moments from #229:

Metropolis Zone!
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic229-MetropolisZone1.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic229-MetropolisZone2.jpg
I am calling Sonic out on his boast, because I NEVER was able to outrun the explosions of those floating Starfish (they're called "Asterons (http://sonic.wikia.com/wiki/Asteron)", who knew?)!

Memories of End Game!
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic229-SonicMemories.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic229-EndGame1.jpg

The touching Finale:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/SonicGenesisFinale.jpg

I was seriously sympathizing with Knuckles and Amy! I hope Archie decides to do something like this again, if for no other reason than how awesome it would be! They don't have to try and force it into continuity either:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic229-sonicgramsOffPanel.jpg

[sdp]

So I never understood what Sonic Genesis was since I kept reading conflicting reports, a reboot, a retcon or just takes place in continuity but not a story that was told already in Archie. I assumed it could be the last one since technically archie didn't adapt those however everyone kept calling this a reboot.

[ZariusTwo]

Back to normal now and

Sally's been roboticized, nice to see Flynn come up with a way of keeping Sonic and Sally apart a bit longer WITHOUT resorting to the the soapy angsty break-ups of the past, now there's a journey for Sonic

[oldmanwinters]

Back to normal now and

Sally's been roboticized, nice to see Flynn come up with a way of keeping Sonic and Sally apart a bit longer WITHOUT resorting to the the soapy angsty break-ups of the past, now there's a journey for Sonic

Should be interesting!

I always liked this cover from back in the day:
http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090329091923/archiesonic/images/5/51/STH29.jpg

But will she be a "good" robot or a "bad" robot? I really have no clue what the nature of roboticization entails in the Sonic comics these days.


EDIT: I wish they'd go ahead and reveal the full cover to issue #231:
http://archiesonic.wikia.com/wiki/Archie_Sonic_the_Hedgehog_Issue_231

Heck, they already removed the spoiler tag on issue #232's cover.

EDITx2: Sweet! It was finally revealed at the NYCC:
http://sonicstuff.livejournal.com/775272.html

[oldmanwinters]

The "Genesis Epilogue" hit shelves today. While I'm didn't entirely follow the logic of Eggman's plan (apparently the whole Genesis reboot project wasn't necessary to his final goal???), I absolutely LOVED this:

EPIC Spoilers Below:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic230-RoboSalreveal.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic230-RoboSal.jpg

A much more exciting "kill" than we got in the over-hyped #225.

And how hilarious is it that Robo Sally maintains her ridiculously long eyebrows?

[Shark_Blade]

That's it? The reboot only made Sally turned into a robot? Meh.

[Eiko]

That's it? The reboot only made Sally turned into a robot? Meh.

No it was going to make everything a robot and if you are already a robian or half aka Bunny and such You will be killed except that Sally told Nicole to turn it on her to save everything thats why she was only affected.

[oldmanwinters]

Somehow the "reboot" reset the rules on roboticization if I remember correctly. Apparently, some alien characters had made all Mobians immune to the effects of the roboticizer until the whole Genesis project nulified that rule. Weird logic.

EDIT: And just because I found this funny:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic230-OffPanel.jpg

[oldmanwinters]

Nabbed issue #231 today. I have to admit, the new plots do strike me as interesting. I didn't think the issue was particularly "good" from a writing or story perspective, but it does wet my appetite to keep reading. It looks like Archie is following through with their whole "Great new jumping on point for new readers!" promise.

And my favorite part:
Tails Doll [AKA: Project "Deadly Cuddles"] ! The horror! The horror!
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic231_tailsDoll_crop.jpg

[Zany Orange Dude]

Nabbed issue #231 today. I have to admit, the new plots do strike me as interesting. I didn't think the issue was particularly "good" from a writing or story perspective, but it does wet my appetite to keep reading. It looks like Archie is following through with their whole "Great new jumping on point for new readers!" promise.

And my favorite part:
Tails Doll [AKA: Project "Deadly Cuddles"] ! The horror! The horror!
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic231_tailsDoll_crop.jpg

That part had my laughing!:tlol:

[oldmanwinters]

And now I'll share my biggest disappointment with this issue: the much anticipated debut of "Titan Metal Sonic."
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic231-TitanMetalSonic_crop.jpg


As a proud Sega 32X owner, that little Knuckles Chaotix shout-out gave me a happy feeling!

After that fantastic debut panel, I was fulling expecting to see him in all his metallic glory in at least one double page spread. I figured he'd be the main threat of the issue. In fact, he would only appear on a couple more pages before being dispatched all too easily by Naugus' "crystal beam."

It seems like every time a Metal-Sonic variation appears in this series, they are quickly dispatched by the issue's end. It's like a running gag where the character is built up to be something awesome and then quickly discarded so the next plot point can be addressed.

[Logan]

Picked up Archives 15 and 16 as well as Knuckles vol. 1 last week. Having a blast reading them.

[Leo656]

Picked up a few issues recently, work and illness haven't let me get back into comics as much as I'd like but I almost always keep up wityh the Sonic books. Sally was always my favorite character in the books, it'll be interesting to see where the fallout from the last few issues takes things...

[oldmanwinters]

As a long-time fan of the Satam cartoon, Mecha-Sally's little quip gave me a nostalgia-induced smile:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Archie%20Comic%20Scans/ArchieSonic234_BrainsServedUp-crop.jpg

I've read on the internet that veteran readers of the comic are calling for Ian Flynn's head on a platter for this Genesis Fallout storyline, but I am really enjoying the juxtaposition of vintage 90s references with modern stylings.

Good to know that Sally's still got her "wits," if not her free-will.:razz:

[ZariusTwo]

I've read on the internet that veteran readers of the comic are calling for Ian Flynn's head on a platter for this Genesis Fallout storyline, but I am really enjoying the juxtaposition of vintage 90s references with modern stylings.

I swear that fanbase will only ever be happy if Archie publishes 20000 consistent issues of Sonic and Sally repeating their wedding vows panel after panel (to be honest, I'm STILL surprised Sega allowed the Future Mobius stories to even exist, "possible/alternate future" or otherwise, it's STILL showing Sonic in a more grown-up and advanced role than we'll ever see him in the regular books).

I'm enjoying these stories as well. Is Sal being a cyborg the most original thing this book has done? No, it's Uncle Chuck with tits, but it certaingly beats turning the comic into Coronation Street

If you think things are bad between Ian and the fans now, wait until the order comes down to adapt Sonic 4...

[oldmanwinters]

If you think things are bad between Ian and the fans now, wait until the order comes down to adapt Sonic 4...

Heh.

Isn't that coming in the Sonic Super Special Magazine #3?

[ZariusTwo]

Heh.

Isn't that coming in the Sonic Super Special Magazine #3?

(Looks it up...

...Clasps hands together)

....Oh sweet heaven I was joking...:-?

:P