The blue blur is back and in a new home at IDW, but is this a fresh start, or more of the same? Read on for our review, which contains minor spoilers.
Written by Ian Flynn
Pencilled by Tracy Yardley
Inked by Jim Amash & Bob Smith
Colored by Matt Herms
Lettered by Corey BreenSONIC’S RACING INTO A NEW ADVENTURE! After defeating the evil Dr. Eggman’s latest plot, Sonic is racing around the world to shut down the robotic Badnik forces that are still attacking villages. But it’s a big job for one hedgehog—even Sonic! Fortunately, he’ll have some help from his best friend: Tails!
Sonic the Hedgehog returns to comics, and it’s a book that’s almost more interesting behind the scenes than on the page. Archie decided not to continue with the license for Sega’s fastest mascot, which led to IDW picking up the mantle, nestling it nicely alongside other franchises such as “TMNT” and “Transformers.” It feels like a better fit for the character on the surface of things, and with long-time writer Ian Flynn on board too as well as artist Tracy Yardley, it seems like the book can just pick up where it left off.
Except this is a rebooted “Sonic the Hedgehog:” same writer, same characters, brand new start. This may not seem like a significant change to the unsuspecting, but it’s not an exaggeration to say that Flynn was dealing with years of continuity on Archie’s “Sonic” title (not to mention its various spin-offs), presenting a daunting wall for new readers, despite every attempt being made to make regular entry points.
With the same writer and largely the same cast of characters in the same world, it must be difficult to drop all of the plot threads, character relationships and world-building that’s taken nearly 25 years to build. It’s perhaps for this reason, then, that this first issue seems fairly safe, concerning Sonic and Tails running clean up on a gang of Badniks terrorising a small town. There’s the start of a plot, with Tails mentioning that these Badniks are strangely organised, implying there’s someone pulling the strings (the same someone that ominously appears at the end of the issue in shadows).
Aside from that though, it’s a fairly breezy introduction to the central characters involved. Sonic and Tails are the only characters that get any significant attention here, presumably their wider world is to be introduced over the coming weeks. Flynn’s handling of their personalities is understandably skilful, giving us a clear idea of who these two famous (both in-universe and in real life) animals are with an effortless ease. Sonic is confident (perhaps overly so) with a cocky swagger and a sharp tongue. Tails is the heart of the duo, a loyal and capable friend who’s not afraid to turn his back on adventure to deal with the fallout of their battles.
Yardley manages to juggle the now-numerous fanbase’s expectations when it comes to the overall look and feel of a “Sonic the Hedgehog” comic. There’s the lean, sharper look of Sonic that’s familiar to newer fans, but still enough of the more rounded features familiar to fans of the original Genesis games. Those of us moving across from the Archie universe will feel in familiar surroundings here too, with a colorful universe filled with background characters and threats that Yardley is used to bringing to life by now. The thick inking of Amash and Smith add an extra dimension to the page too, making those moments where Sonic leaps from the panel extra dynamic.
While this is a fresh start for the character, “Sonic the Hedgehog” #1 picks up at a time shortly after Sonic has defeated the machinations of Dr. Eggman, and his ovoid nemesis has retreated into the shadows, leaving a world filled with aimless gangs of Badniks looking for purpose. It’s a power vacuum begging to be filled, and as such it’s an interesting place to start the series. As such, it’s also not a brand-new universe for fans to dive into, as it appears to follow on from recent games like Sonic Forces and includes references to Sonic Heroes.
Continued belowIDW and Sega are aiming for new fans of the franchise with “Sonic the Hedgehog” #1. There’s plenty for players of recent games to explore, and it’s especially rewarding for younger fans looking to continue the adventures on the page. If you’ve not played any of the games that the issue alludes to, there’s an adequate catch-up splash page that shows Sonic defeating the various boss-fights of Dr. Eggman, before dropping us in media res.
“Sonic the Hedgehog” #1 may feel like a fairly safe start to a brand new series, and it’s a far cry from the continuity heavy world now left behind, but as a fast-paced introduction to Sonic and Tails is does its job in a bright and fun way. Flynn’s handling of the characters is a highlight, as is Yardley’s expressive linework. Appropriately enough for Sonic the Hedgehog, the series is kicking off in a speedy way, with issue 2 out next week (with a different artist) meaning that any pacing issues within this first chapter – not much world building, only two characters highlighted – should resolve themselves fairly quickly.
Final Verdict: 7.0 – A fun, if safe, start for Sonic’s new adventures.
