Earlier this week Archie Comics released a statement regarding the lack of “Sonic the Hedgehog” titles since the unforeseen and immediate cancellation of the series in April of this year and the nixing of a Free Comic Book Day issue. Archie stated, “We are in communication with SEGA regarding Sonic and will provide an update when we have one to share. We thank fans for their patience.”
Well it seems that update has arrived as Sega of America tweeted a statement revealing that they are ending their publishing relationship with Archie Comics which began in 1992. You can read the full statement below:
“After 24 years of memorable storytelling, Sega of America will conclude their “Sonic the Hedgehog” publishing partnership program with Archie Comics. This does not mark the end of Sonic in comics, but signifies Sega of America’s decision to take a different direction for the series that will be announced at a later date. Sega would like to thank Sonic’s amazing fans for their loyalty and passion over all the years. Sega looks forward to providing more information soon.”
The “Sonic the Hedgehog” series at Archie Comics ran for 290 issues before it ended in April and earned a Guinness World Record for the longest running comic book title based on a video game. The series followed the adventures of Sonic and friends of his like Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose, as they took on the evil Doctor Eggman. As more characters were introduced into the video game universe such as Rogue the Bat and Shadow the Hedgehog, the comic series was able to incorporate these characters into their series and continue to help build the lore the world Sonic and co. inhabited.
What this statement makes clear is that while more Sonic comics are not going forward at Archie Comics, Sonic and Eggman’s continuous fight will continue to be told in comic book format. With SDCC beginning tomorrow, and a new video game in the franchise, Sonic Mania, out in the fall, perhaps new details will be here quicker than we know.
