82 replies to this topic

[Natorat]

When I first laid eyes on a Sonic the Hedgehog comic at the local grocery store, I was thrilled. I had already read a Knuckles comic and loved the Genesis games. From around issue 76 to issue 160, I was very into the Sonic comics. Checked every day for them and got them as soon as they came out. I was also very intrigued to find out there was a show related to them, which I incorrectly assumed was based on them. I know better now, that it was actually the opposite.

I loved the Shadow bots, the Freedom Fighters, Robotropolis, Knothole, Robotnik's super computer, and the Freedom Fighters. It was a vast new world of Sonic to explore. I also liked the integration of Station Square from Sonic Adventure later in the comics and the presentation of Metal Sonic. Fast forward to now, and there's some story arcs I wish I had never known existed:

1. Endgame

While the earliest in terms of release date of any in my list, this was the last I discovered, thanks to the internet. After all, it was before my time.

Endgame sadly is far from unique in comic books. There are loads of bizarre story arcs in comic book history that involve killing off main characters and then bringing them back with illogical explanations of how, sometimes even the main hero. The fact that people seem so shocked by it is hilarious to me. Superman, X-men, Batman, all of them have story arcs where main characters die. So it is certainly not unprecedented. Still, it is a very cheap plot device which I despise.

My reaction to learning that Sally died was to cry like a baby, then feel angry and confused as I read on. I don't think I've ever had as strong of an emotional reaction to a fictional event before.

My response now is to be a little pissed about it but accept that these things happen with comics. Personally, I think death needs to be all our nothing. It would have made me feel better if Sally either died or if the story was never written in the first place. I blame Sega for both her death and the ludicrous retcon. They forced the comic writers' doubly. Stupid shits. They sure as hell didn't have to limit taking Sally and Sonic's relationship further. Neither did they have to bring her back to put her in a game (something they have yet to do). She is alive and well in the tv show at the end of season 2.

2. The Xorda Invasion

This story is also nothing unsual. Weirdo aliens show up, ignorant Earthlings piss them off, mutations from weird weapons that create super heroes that can defeat them, blah blah blah. But there are far better incarnations of it in other comics. It just didn't work well with how they did it in Sonic.

So, these big weird floating head giant space octopus things come to Earth in their floating turd. They want to make a military alliance with a vastly technologically inferior race. With their overwhelming power they could easily just subjugate the natives instead but, no, they have to send unarmed diplomats. Of course the primitive savages think they will gain more from dissecting them than from technology sharing with the highly advanced race. So they take them to their glorified sacrificial pit and cut them up. Those weirdos don't even bother with the ship. They just want to make weird octopus things apparently. Probably as a gift to their capricious gods.

Naturally, since the brainless barbarians decide to kill the aliens instead of allying with them (cause that's what you do when you encounter a more advanced civilization right?) the civilized aliens come to destroy them. As odd as it is that warlike aliens left their ambassadorial group unprotected when dealing with savages, it is just as odd that these savages accepted their fate apparently without a fight. The Earthlings had a vast arsenal of land, sea, and air based anti-aircraft weaponry but in spite of their earlier aggressive posture they used nothing. Apparently they discovered somewhere along the line that the aliens actually the gods' chosen ones. Maybe they noticed something about their form while dissecting them or were fascinated by their ships. Of course the will to survive would tend to overrule that.

So, the chosen ones used their holy weapons to destroy the human heathens. After all, since they are so holy it is proportionate response for them to dispatch billions of the bipedal devils for a few of their elect slain. It might damage the holy relic of "mud speck" though to use conventional firebombing, which would arguably be more effective, so they use "gene bombs," whatever the hell those are. Probably some biological weapon. Strange, I thought NBC systems would protect our troops. Oh wait, we're not fighting back. It violates the will of the gods. Only heretics like the overlanders seek to survive.

And so, something meant to destroy human DNA somehow implants it into various other animals, instantaneously transforming them into humanoids. Magic works fast. They all become the same species and yet in spite of interracial marriage 99% of them still look like the animals they originally were. Then the holy crusaders come to destroy these abominations and are defeated by them teaming up with a member of the species they originally sought to destroy. Guess their deities have forsaken them. Even their holiest relic failed to burn out this affront to all that is right. Something which destroys technology by unknown means (EMP perhaps? Even that wouldn't cause machines to spontaneously fall apart though and it wouldn't make supersonic missiles stop moving forward in midair).

Then all is right in the universe. Except Sonic is dead. Wait, nope. Just like Sally, he will survive. Perhaps they are the chosen ones after all.

3. Mobius 25 Years Later

In the context of a series of explicit finite length, such as the Harry Potter books, an epilogue is entertaining. It shows what happens when the characters go on with their lives.

In the context of a series of virtually infinite length, it destroys all suspense. No longer do we have to worry about bad things happening to Sonic and Sally. No longer can we speculate about whether they end up ultimately getting married or what their kids will look like. It all works out for them in the end. And apparently they have chosen to reproduce through cloning. An odd choice given their passionate kissing, but how else can you explain the son being nearly identical to Sonic as a kid and the daughter being identical to a teenage Sally? Looks like Sonic waited longer to clone himself though. If they're kids find out, they might just go from sibling rivalry to getting it on. Then we will see what a Hedgesquirrelmunk looks like.

And seriously, can anyone imagine Sonic as a king? I picture it more like Queen Victoria and her husband. The queen isn't necessarily married to a king. Then again, I can't imagine Sonic as a politician either. Maybe Antoine.

I could add many more to the list, but these are the main ones. Oh yeah, and not to mention as happens with comic books, the stories get recycled over and over and over again. Too much monotony for my variation obsessed self.

[Bakuda]

I never read any of the comics so in my mind those things never even happened. If you think about it, take out the last minute of the series and the story actually had a decent ending. But the comics...yeah...I was never interested in reading them.

[randomizer]

And apparently they have chosen to reproduce through cloning. An odd choice given their passionate kissing, but how else can you explain the son being nearly identical to Sonic as a kid and the daughter being identical to a teenage Sally?

It's not just Sonic and Sally either. most, if not all of the kids are identical to one of their parents.

[Metallou]

And that's why I prefer reading the Wolverine comics than the Sonic ones (at least the recent ones)

[Natorat]

And apparently they have chosen to reproduce through cloning. An odd choice given their passionate kissing, but how else can you explain the son being nearly identical to Sonic as a kid and the daughter being identical to a teenage Sally?

It's not just Sonic and Sally either. most, if not all of the kids are identical to one of their parents.

Yeah I noticed. Forgot that though, since it's been years since that issue came out.

[LaserX5]

The main reason most Sonic fans shouldn't read the comics anymore is because Sega and the writers have basically tarnished the once epic Satam genre into a total joke.

[RedAuthar]

Since SEGA owned Sonic before there was a SatAM I don't think it is at fault for changing their genre.
Ultimately I think it's like the Star Wars Trilogy vs the Star Wars Prequels, or the original Star Trek to any of the others. One generation doesn't like the other generation's because it is not what they are used to.
My Dad is like that. He likes the original Star Trek and The Next Generation, but he thought all the others were just too different and didn't like them. Most SatAM fans end up turning to the comics because SatAM isn't going anywhere, but the comics never were intended to be SatAM in comic book forum. They were a comic created to sell the games. Sally and the Freedom Fighters were only thrown in at SEGA's request. SatAM is dark and gritty while Archie Sonic is more light hearted. If you read the earliest issues that is what the series was based upon.

Not to tarnish or try to change anyone's opinions just stating my own.

[henryiii]

Since SEGA owned Sonic before there was a SatAM I don't think it is at fault for changing their genre.
Ultimately I think it's like the Star Wars Trilogy vs the Star Wars Prequels, or the original Star Trek to any of the others. One generation doesn't like the other generation's because it is not what they are used to.
My Dad is like that. He likes the original Star Trek and The Next Generation, but he thought all the others were just too different and didn't like them. Most SatAM fans end up turning to the comics because SatAM isn't going anywhere, but the comics never were intended to be SatAM in comic book forum. They were a comic created to sell the games. Sally and the Freedom Fighters were only thrown in at SEGA's request. SatAM is dark and gritty while Archie Sonic is more light hearted. If you read the earliest issues that is what the series was based upon.

Not to tarnish or try to change anyone's opinions just stating my own.

Actually the comics were meant to advertise SATAM from the very beginning. the comic was being made to advertise the show and the reason why there was a tonal difference was because they were writing the comic before the show started and the only thing they had for reference was AOSTH.

they were using the SATAM bible for reference even

[LaserX5]

Most SatAM fans end up turning to the comics because SatAM isn't going anywhere, but the comics never were intended to be SatAM in comic book forum. They were a comic created to sell the games. Sally and the Freedom Fighters were only thrown in at Sega's request. SatAM is dark and gritty while Archie Sonic is more light hearted. If you read the earliest issues that is what the series was based upon.

Not to tarnish or try to change anyone's opinions just stating my own.

I know what you mean. The Archie Sonic comic never even came close to in terms of an epic and dark storyplot. It had too much of the goofy AOSTH flavor in it when it first started, and now it has the cheesiness of that horrid Sonic X TV show.

That's why Satam is a hit nostalgic cartoon and the Sonic comic is on the decline, because the cartoon had solid writers, while the comics had some of the worst.

[Robthe1st]

Question,

Do you guys feel like there should be some changes... in the new Sonic comic book or maybe Archie could make another Sonic mimi-issues, that could be aim at teens ages 13 and UP?

To me, I was hoping... if I work at Archie I would make the story of Sonic: Better, something to aim at teenages and make it right. Not too dark like the Frank Miller style (Well, an little), maybe make it sort of manga style, you know.

But think about it. And what about you guys? Ever got a better idea for Sonic if you guys work at Archie?

[Natorat]

Definitely start a new series. Perhaps include the SatAM characters like with the initial one, but the current comic universe is too bloated.

[LaserX5]

Question,

Do you guys feel like there should be some changes... in the new Sonic comic book or maybe Archie could make another Sonic mimi-issues, that could be aim at teens ages 13 and UP?

To me, I was hoping... if I work at Archie I would make the story of Sonic: Better, something to aim at teenagers and make it right. Not too dark like the Frank Miller style (Well, an little), maybe make it sort of manga style, you know.

But think about it. And what about you guys? Ever got a better idea for Sonic if you guys work at Archie?

If I worked at Archie, I'd completely redo the comic, having it pick up after the last cartoon episode of Sonic Satam and continue it from there. Archie has made a huge mess of the Sonic comic, from putting in way too many useless characters, writing stories that don't fit this genre at all, as well as changing Sally from a strong willed level headed leader into a drama queen.


What this comic really needs to do is go back to its roots. Go back to where Julian is the main villain, where the Freedom Fighters are in Knothole trying to overthrow his rule, and have talented writers scripting the stories to the audience level of teen and up. Make it a story that has the same dark and epic tone of Batman TAS that kids could enjoy if they so desired to watch it. Then, slowly bring in the characters that the fans grew to love, such as Knuckles, Amy, Shadow, Cream, Mina, Julie-Su, etc... into the fold as the series progresses. I would almost guarantee if this happened, the Sonic fans would really love to read the comic again.

Enough of this goofy kiddy garbage!

[RedAuthar]

Unfortunately Sonic Comics are more pressed to please the game fans more then SatAM fans. As the Sonic Games add useless characters (like Chip, Omochao, Babylon Rogues, Marine, FREAKING EGGMAN NEGA, etc) the comic is looking for ways to tie them in. On top of that they try to make sure fan favorites have their panel time. On top of that they developed many of their own characters when to keep the series from being just Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Robotnik back when they started. These characters have built up huge fan bases and once again, 'need' to recieve their panel time.

If Archie was to do a reboot, they would have to cut charcters starting with unpopular comic characters, then the comic and SatAM characters. SEGA's characters would be safe from being removed/lost in a reboot. Now that wouldn't be such a bad thing but it is more likely to lose more of it's SatAM roots then we would like.

But personally I agree. Archie doesn't have to cancel their current comics but they could add a new Sonic series (sorta like the Ultimate Marvel Universe and the Marvel Universe) and start from a clean slate. They could tie in the game characters a lot better and go back to the roots that sold the series in the first place.

[Robthe1st]

Question,

Do you guys feel like there should be some changes... in the new Sonic comic book or maybe Archie could make another Sonic mimi-issues, that could be aim at teens ages 13 and UP?

To me, I was hoping... if I work at Archie I would make the story of Sonic: Better, something to aim at teenagers and make it right. Not too dark like the Frank Miller style (Well, an little), maybe make it sort of manga style, you know.

But think about it. And what about you guys? Ever got a better idea for Sonic if you guys work at Archie?

If I worked at Archie, I'd completely redo the comic, having it pick up after the last cartoon episode of Sonic Satam and continue it from there. Archie has made a huge mess of the Sonic comic, from putting in way too many useless characters, writing stories that don't fit this genre at all, as well as changing Sally from a strong willed level headed leader into a drama queen.


What this comic really needs to do is go back to its roots. Go back to where Julian is the main villain, where the Freedom Fighters are in Knothole trying to overthrow his rule, and have talented writers scripting the stories to the audience level of teen and up. Make it a story that has the same dark and epic tone of Batman TAS that kids could enjoy if they so desired to watch it. Then, slowly bring in the characters that the fans grew to love, such as Knuckles, Amy, Shadow, Cream, Mina, Julie-Su, etc... into the fold as the series progresses. I would almost guarantee if this happened, the Sonic fans would really love to read the comic again.

Enough of this goofy kiddy garbage!

I really agree with you. But, if I work at Archie as a writer, I'd rather do my own Sonic Series as a Mimi-Issues, but I won't write the next Sonic Comic Book. I think LaserX5 would. But not me.

I always want to make my own Sonic mimi-issues, the same dark and epic tone of Batman (As LaserX5 wrote). And also make into something else like sort of a manga style, aim at teenagers (Significant rating), to put in bloody violence, swearing, or something that a story could be shocking and unbelievable. But, believe me I think Archie won't agree something like that. Besides, the Sonic character will always be aim at children for all ages.

My idea would be cool, right?

[LaserX5]

I really agree with you. But, if I work at Archie as a writer, I'd rather do my own Sonic Series as a Mimi-Issues, but I won't write the next Sonic Comic Book. I think LaserX5 would. But not me.

I always want to make my own Sonic mimi-issues, the same dark and epic tone of Batman (As LaserX5 wrote). And also make into something else like sort of a manga style, aim at teenagers (Significant rating), to put in bloody violence, swearing, or something that a story could be shocking and unbelievable. But, believe me I think Archie won't agree something like that. Besides, the Sonic character will always be aim at children for all ages.

My idea would be cool, right?

As long as the bloody violence isn't too gory and the swearing isn't too filthy for kids to hear, then yea, I'd be all for this.

Actually, a mini series would be better in a way since I don't want it to have any part of the current fiasco Archie and Ian are currently writing. That plotline is so tainted, its beyond saving.

[Massagraf]

4. The combination of Ian Flynn and Bunnie Rabbot.

That's why I quit reading. I have EndGame at home, and it's so epicly goofy it's just fun to read.

[Robthe1st]

As long as the bloody violence isn't too gory and the swearing isn't too filthy for kids to hear, then yea, I'd be all for this.

Actually, a mini series would be better in a way since I don't want it to have any part of the current fiasco Archie and Ian are currently writing. That plotline is so tainted, its beyond saving.

Well, I was hoping it be a teenagers / significant / PG-13 rating. Like the other rating 13 and up Manga books. And believe me it'll be hard to say this: It Could Work.

Because, this is the new generation, and we need something appearing and something unbelievable so the teens and adults would never take their eyes off. My story of the Sonic series... like everybody else: Too personal.

We'll see if it'll come true or not.

[DLTN]

A series aimed at older fans of the blue one?
It sounds fantastic, I would also use SatAM characters and reboot it with a darker tone, but make the story more about the horrors of the war they are involved in. Lets face it, fighting crazed dictators with robot armies, losing some of your friends, family dead or worse? And you are going to be alright? Really?

I also think maybe roboticization is only done to unruly subjects, rather than to everyone on sight. And Robotniks media portrays the FFs as a terrorist threat, to control a scared populace.

I would use some Archie characters too, some of them do have potential in the SatAM universe.

[Natorat]

That would rock DLTN. TV format would be nice, because I don't know of anywhere that sells comic books around here anymore. The grocery store down the street used to carry Archie Comics, DC, and Marvel but not anymore.

[Morgan]

Waldenbooks and Hastings should. Ours still does. Or as of the last time I checked they did. But the section is shrinking and the issues are at least 4 behind here now.