After 26 years, Sonic the Hedgehog finally resolved the sad lore of Knuckles

Warning: Spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2024

Sonic the Hedgehog Comics just gave Knuckles the closure he needed, and longtime fans can breathe a sigh of relief now that the character is at peace. While Sonic is known for his carefree attitude and nature, Knuckles has long resigned himself to a lonely existence of watching the Lord Emerald on Angel Island, fulfilling the role but never fully accepting it – until now.

The Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2024 A short story titled “For My Future” – written and colored by Yasmin Omar Ata, with art by Adam Bryce Thomas – in which Knuckles watches Lord Emerald as usual, but feels a pang of longing for more than the hand he’s holding. was taken care of.

The Lord Emerald then gives Knuckles a vision that allows him to find satisfaction in his purpose. See the faces of the friends he made, Knuckles thinks to himself, “I am grateful for the fate that led me here.”

Knuckles’ tragic ending from “Sonic Adventure” gets much-needed closure

sonic the hedgehog annual 2024, “For My Future” – written and colored by Yasmin Omar Atta, art by Adam Bryce Thomas

This heartwarming moment addresses one of the most tragic aspects of Knuckles’ loreWhich is that he must stay on Angel Island to guard the Master Emerald while his friends continue without him. Normally, as seen in 1998s Sonic adventureThere’s a sense of melancholy that comes with this realization. Decades later, Knuckles finally shows gratitude to his fate with a smile. Sonic adventure Features a number of different stories, each with its own ending, and Knuckles is one of the most devastating of the bunch.

In his story from the game, Knuckles leaves Angel Island to retrieve shards of the Lord Emerald, only to return at the end. The final cutscene of his story has him reflecting on the events that transpired when he uttered remarks, “I’ll probably be on this floating island forever.” Knuckles continues to muse about how he may never know the full story of what happened, but it may be for the best, showing his acceptance of his unclear destiny.

Here, a similar scene plays out as Knuckles contemplates his role as guardian of the Lord Emerald. Once again, he is resentful about being stuck on Angel Island while Sonic and the others go off on adventures without him. They all get to be together in the world, but Knuckles has to be alone. Knuckles experiences a familiar melancholy to his eternal role, but this time, it is much more optimistic. The moment comes after years of knuckle wrestling with his role Sonic stories, all because of his duty to the Master Emerald.

Knuckles and the Master Emerald plays a key role in Sonic lore

Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2024 – Available now from IDW Publishing

First published in 1994 video game Sonic & KnucklesThe Lord Emerald is a massive green emerald that has the ability to nullify the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds. The Lord Emerald went on to become a staple of Sonic lore, with many enemies trying to take possession of it. As the last of the Echidna species, Knuckles stands guard by the Lord Emerald – as well as the rest of the Echidna ruins of Angel Island – so the forces of evil cannot use it for their evil gains, as Eggman did in the Past.

in Sonic the Hedgehog #62, Knuckles gives more insight into why he chooses to watch the Lord Emerald alone rather than inviting others so he is less isolated. When Amy Rose visits him, he is able to navigate the ruins with ease since he grew up on Angel Island. Knuckles understands the island more than anyone else, and besides, he doesn’t trust others to look after the emerald; HHe would only be more worried if he had a company to keep an eye on, so he carries the burden alone. For Amy, it’s a lonely fate, but it’s not one in which Knuckles entirely lacks agency.

Knuckles’ role in “Sonic Forces” pulled him away (but not for long)

Sonic the Hedgehog #12 – Written by Ian Flynn; Art by Evan Stanley, Tracy Yardley, Matt Herms and Sean Lee

While Knuckles spent much of his history on Angel Island with the Lord Emerald, there were times when he stepped away To perform other duties alongside Sonic and friends. Linked to the events of the Sonic Forces video game, Knuckles spends early issues of IDW’s ongoing series as the leader of the resistance against Dr. Eggman’s army. Sonic the Hedgehog #9, Metal Sonic invades Angel Island and uses the Lord Emerald to nullify the Chaos Emeralds and become unstoppable. Knuckles works with Sonic and the others to take the Master Emerald back.

In the end, Knuckles decides that he cannot leave the Lord Emerald unattended anymore. He steps down from his role as leader of the Resistance, handing over his status to Amy, and opts to return to Angel Island. Although there is a sadness to the fact that Knuckles has to go back after tasting freedom, it is significant that he chooses that role this time rather than resigning himself to it without autonomy in this matter. Knuckles watches Lord Emerald on his own terms now, which may be part of why he’s more open about the role these days.

Knuckles’ friendship with Sonic redefines his purpose in franchise lore

The Echidna’s mission led him to Sonic and friends

Although Knuckles is largely absent from IDW Publishing Sonic the Hedgehog comics, his friendship with Sonic remains as prevalent as ever in his scattered appearances. The two first met in 1994’s Sonic the Hedgehog 3 game, when Knuckles mistakenly believes that Sonic is trying to steal the Master Emerald and fights him. Over time, they reconciled to form the friendly rivalry they share today. Through his friendship with Sonic, Knuckles has met a variety of characters and traveled further than ever beforeAnd they would not cross at all, if not for the duty of Knuckles to the master Emerald.

After Knuckles’ moment with Lord Emerald, he thanks him for giving him “everything”, only for Sonic to overhear and assume he’s the one talking. It’s portrayed in a comical light, but it’s true to Sonic’s significance to Knuckles. It is thanks to his friendship with Sonic that Knuckles has ventured beyond the confines of Angel Island. He may not have Sonic’s freedom, but the emerald gave him something more precious: purpose. Knuckles has officially gained a newfound appreciation for his goal now that he sees how it has led him. Sonic the Hedgehog.

Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2024 is available now from IDW Publishing.