Most of us who are at least familiar with the Sonic the Hedgehog The franchise has understandably always thought of it as an action-thriller story, focusing on the wreckage that inevitably occurs whenever the titular Blue Blur spin moves forward or simply runs through Dr. Badniks. But recent stories prove that the action can actually slow down. the story, and I don't think it's in a good way.
In IDW Publishing Sonic the Hedgehogthe latest installments of the more action-packed main title and the more introspective special releases are proving to me that the franchise works more effectively when there is less action and plays more like a psychological drama.
In other words, the less “happening” Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Special: Knuckles #1 by Ian Flynn, Aaron Hammerstrom, Rik Mack, Shawn Lee and Valentina Pinto and Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2024which includes three new short stories, featured more powerful stories than issues 70-74 of the action-heavy series Sonic the Hedgehog.
The best recent Sonic the Hedgehog stories feature very little action
Knuckles' introspection changes him forever
In Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Special: Knuckles #1, the only action is relegated to a few panels when Knuckles helps train new character Trip, who initially debuted in Sonic Superstars game. The vast majority of the special, however, focuses on what happens after Knuckles compares himself to Trip because they are both guardians, a path that soon takes Knuckles to a very dark place where he realizes that Trip has much more than him.
Knuckles resonates with me and other fans in part because he's a sad, angst-filled loner…
Knuckles' depressing introspection works so effectively because he struggles with the aspects of himself that define him as a character: He is the last of the Echidnas and spends most of his time guarding the Master Emerald alone. Knuckles resonates with me and other fans in part because he is a sad, angst-ridden loner with no family whose primary role in life requires him to avoid connections with other people. Dedicating an entire issue to this dynamic (with a new character to boot) was ingenious for that reason.
Other Sonic characters continue to prove that introspection makes for better storytelling
Mimic becomes obsessed with his power, reshaping his distorted view of the world
THE Knuckles 30th Anniversary Special it was not a random, isolated incident that never happened again. It was immediately preceded by three stories of Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2024 this put all the action on the back burner – and for the better. In fact, “For My Destiny” by Iasmin Omar Ata, Adam Bryce Thomas and Lee also explores Knuckles' concept of isolationbut the story takes this very literally, having him interact primarily with his Master Emerald. In a surprising revelation, Knuckles realizes that although the Master Emerald isolates him, it has simultaneously given him everything he values, including his friends.
Sonic suddenly interrupts Knuckles' reverie and interprets Echidna's words of thanks to the Master Emerald as being directed at him. Although comical, Sonic is not misinterpreting the situation, as Knuckles was thanking the Master Emerald for being partially responsible for bringing his friends to him. Having Sonic reveal Knuckles' truth recontextualizes what Knuckles learns about himself on his own. Knuckles' perception of the world has been shaped by his friends, and seeing Sonic do this in real time is very effective storytelling.
Even Sonic stories starring secondary characters are better without action
Surge and Kit become more entrenched in what makes them so twisted
Without a doubt, my favorite of the four stories is “Shattered Diamonds”, by Gigi Dutreix, Mauro Fronseca, Matt Froese, Leonardo Ito, Pinto and Lee. The story investigates the relationship between the secondary character Mimic and his powers, which allow him to transform on anyone. Your ability to “imitate” others actually serves as a brilliant metaphor for how he and others “imitate” what they find valuable. This perception becomes more distorted as Mimic recounts to readers his descent into villainy, where his powers eventually become the very embodiment of his distorted view of the world.
Interestingly, the yearbook's opening story, “Hero's Calling,” by Flynn, Thomas Rothlisberger, Mack, and Lee, may begin with action, but the action does not serve as the main driving force. After saving some civilians from a potential disaster, villains Surge and Kit, who have been flirting with heroism in the main series, begin to contemplate their place in the world and with Sonic Restoration. In a continuation of the 50th edition of IDW's Sonic began, 'Hero's Calling' pushes Surge and Kit's boundaries, further cementing them as very twisted individuals.
While Surge wants to enjoy the heroism, she feels that her heroism can only be achieved through distorted meanshow to destroy Sonic and Dr. Eggman herself. Meanwhile, Kit's fall from grace, which was also documented in the main continuity, becomes even more certain here. Kit's desire to give Surge what he wants, despite how she mistreats him, takes the form of him deciding that the best way to achieve this is to hurt others so that Surge can be the hero. It's truly masterful how conflicting these two characters appear at this moment.
The main Sonic continuity is lacking in good drama
Nothing substantial has happened in the last five months
As I mentioned earlier, the strength of the “Hero's Call” reveals where the main Sonic continuity has gone awry in recent months. While there were some standout moments, I believe IDW Sonic It has declined in quality since the aforementioned 50th issue, which centered on Surge and Kit, mainly because it hasn't focused enough on character, instead prioritizing pure action. Although this issue itself revolved around countless battles, they stood out because of how well the fighters complemented each other.
Each battle in the issue was fueled by the psychological drama that connected each fighter. Now, more recently, the last few issues have followed a random run and have had little time to explore each character's strengths.
Although Surge first shows signs of wanting to be a heroine in Sonic the Hedgehog #70 by Evan Stanley, Hammerstrom, Matt Froese, Reggie Graham, Mack, Jonathon Dobbs, and Lee, the action gave the character no context, making me feel as if Surge's inevitable journey to becoming one of the good guys had already happened . ended after just beginning. Stories that focus primarily on the psychological aspects of each character in Sonic the Hedgehog rather than pure action, it's what makes me love this series, and I hope the series returns to prioritizing this introspective drama.
Recent editions of Sonic the Hedgehog are now available from IDW Publishing.