Sonic the Hedgehog (Comic Series)

[Danny Felixe 330]

SOMEONE'S quick to take notice of the release date being today ;)

Um... yeah. Checked the release date and I guess it's safe to assume there are some delays. But given this is only the first day, I don't think we should be worrying about it just yet

[HyperMetal50 17]

I think I read somewhere it'll be released on the 17th. Fingers cross it'll be on the site before then.

[SSJSilver 0]

I so can't wait for Sonic to transform. It's so close now!

[BlurryDawgo 26]

Spoiler alert: A LOT of fans dislike the issue's backup story. (Not written by Ian Flynn or any previous writers.)

[Crossharemega 0]

Epic news for the new year!

The Fighters Arc begins with the premeire of two female characters from their own respective Sonic media: The much anticipated Honey from Sonic the Fighters and Fighting Vipers, and [a redesigned] Breezie of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog fame (Whether she's real or robot is anyone's guess).

TEST YOUR MIGHT with the first chapter in an all-new 4-part SAGA! "Champions" Part One: Sonic is in for the fight of his life! Casino Park is holding an epic fighting tournament, and the grand prize is a much sought-after Chaos Emerald! How many fighters will answer the call? Which champions will make the roster? The knock-down, drag-out battle for the world starts right here! Featuring new cover art from Sonic rising star Evan Stanley, plus all-new variant art introducing Breezie the Hedgehog by Sonic artist Jonathan H. Gray!

More Sonic and other Archie-related solicitations found here: http://www.comicvine.com/articles/archie-comics-december-2014-solicitations/1100-149862/

Edited 17 Sep 2014 by Crossharemega

[Danny Felixe 330]

Well... first off, thank you for posting thrse up for us. Id just like to point out we have separate threads for Sonic Universe and Boom though. I'll move them to the other tgreads for you

Now. Reagarding the main comic... Sonoc Fighters comic yay!

And Breezie??? Uh... that's unexpected. Is she anything like the AOSTH Breezie? I guess we'll see

[Crossharemega 0]

Well... first off, thank you for posting thrse up for us. Id just like to point out we have separate threads for Sonic Universe and Boom though. I'll move them to the other tgreads for you

Sorry. Fixed so it's just the main comic solicit.

Edited 17 Sep 2014 by Crossharemega

[Danny Felixe 330]

Don't worry about it

But I can't access much more than SCANF right now so I'm afraid I can't do Boom. If someone else could do that for me...

[Skye Prower 386]

Well, everyone knew the Fighters arc was on the way... but we have Breezie as well. Didn't see that coming. I can't help but wonder, given her design, if she might end up being a rival/evil version or Rouge. Though I suspect she'd be more the 'send out minions' type than getting her own hands dirty.

[NegaMetallix 27]

The Fighters Arc begins with the premeire of two female characters from their own respective Sonic media: The much anticipated Honey from Sonic the Fighters and Fighting Vipers, and [a redesigned] Breezie of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog fame (Whether she's real or robot is anyone's guess).

H-hey! That's MY shtick! ...Anyway, it's interesting to see the Fighters storyline being tied into Unleashed, and it looks like this arc might be giving Sonic another short break from the Freedom Fighters (if the next Universe arc is anything to go by). It's also great to see Honey will be arriving at last, along with... Breezie? Huh, well that's something different at least. Sounds like this is gonna be a chance for more fun character interations too. Maybe we'll get another Werehog moment later on?

[Skye Prower 386]

Wait a second... Thunderbolt, Cassia and Clove, Breezie.... Sudden influx of female villains, or is it just me. Guess Ian is missing having Fiona around! :P

[HyperMetal50 17]

After reading #264, I'd never thought I'd say this, but I am happy the Werehog is here :P

I'll go through it systematically.

Cover: Once again an epic Spaz cover that literally rips the fourth wall. Don't think it's been done in this comic, and I think it should be done more often.

Artwork: Tyson Hesse's pretty good - a couple strange faces here and there, but overall a really cool effort. Sadly Cassata's colours and Austin's inks don't do anything to compliment them.

Story: An excellent return of Mighty and Ray and even more excellent that they're old buddies of Sonic. Moss seems a good addition - pretty much a Yoda type. However, I'm really excited to see more of Thunderbolt for A) we haven't seen what she looks like yet and B) she's Eggman's first minion that actually likes serving him. On the whole this was a pretty solid issue, but I'm 100% certain part 2 will be even better. One final note: nice touch to make Sonic go furry because of some electric trap as akin to the game ;)

Then there's the back up, which rally doesn't interest me at all. There's not real need for it, Fry's art maybe improved, but it's still awkward and angular and Bunnie was kind of overreacting at the end. Not much to say, except it was sorta boring.

[Skye Prower 386]

Been a while since I've done one of these. Okay, my thoughts.

The main story was a good build up. But it was just that, a build up. But now the werehog is here and Thunderbolt in prime striking distance, part two should be good. Interesting that Sonic's banter with the others seemed to be more.... not nasty, but certainly not as good natured as usual. Possibly the Dark Gaia stuff influencing him in 'normal' form. And as Hyper Metal said, the electric trap was a nice shout out.

I was a bit surprised by the lack of Tails however, because the last issues consequences seemed to almost imply Eggman was going to use Thunderbolt to focus taking revenge on Tails, given his was the VERY visible face on the screen.

As for the backup story, meh. Aside from showing 'this is where these two stand with each other', which could have easily been done during a main story, it just seemed a little... pointless.

[Danny Felixe 330]

My thoughts!

Werehog is here at last! Yay! Loved the build up to it and can't wait to see the continuation! Not much else I feel the need to say aout it Thunderbolt...she seems to be a good crazy villain. Already prefer her to any of the other Egg bosses I've seen. I'm pretty certain though the loss to the werehog will be keep her quiet for a while. Ah well. I guess we'll see

The side story, I agree with Skye on. It was kinda pointless in the end, nothing really special happened. Antoine and Bunnie are still together. Uh... I guess that's fine... but certainly not worth a whole side story just to figure that out

Oh. And this. This is just epicness

[NegaMetallix 27]

Time for my thoughts on Issue #264:

I personally think the main story was a wonderful build-up. It was interesting to see that not all of the main E-100 series are humaniod in stature, but seeing it disposed of pretty quickly was a little disappointing to me. However, that's easily made up for with Mighty and Ray's return to the comic (featuring some closer resemblances to their SegaSonic versions), and I liked how Sonic is already good friends with them. I think Moss is gonna be an interesting mentor character later on, but there's not much else I can add to that right now. And then there's Thunderbolt. First off, am I the only one who thinks her suit of armour has a resemblance to the Egg Fighters from Unleashed? (If it is supposed to look like that, then I think that's a neat little tie-in.) It surprised me that this is the first time I've seen a character who actually likes Eggman and his evil plans. It certainly adds something new to the Egg Bosses. And finally, seeing Sonic transform at last was both awesome, and surprisingly dark from my point of view. So I'd say I really enjoyed this part of the issue. I just wish there were some extra pages to flesh out the end a little more...

...Instead, those extra pages are used for what is quite possibly one of the dullest, most pointless and, dare I say, worst (backup) stories I've read in a long time! The premise: Bunnie and Antoine help out citizens of a flooded city, which coincidentely has a couple of newlyweds among them, while looking for an Emerald. They succeed, albeit with some 'near-death experiences', but don't get any Emeralds. The problem (aside from the art, which I'm not fond of) is that nothing important is accomplished. Sure, they helped all of those people escape the flood, but that could easily have happened off-panel. I mean, if they did get something worthwile out of it (maybe the newlyweds had an Emerald for something) then I guess it wouldn't have been as bad. But they don't, and neither do I. And Bunnie sobbing at the end I felt was too much, even in that situation. I understand that it was the first time these two writers have worked on the comic, but unless their storytelling improves later on, I'm not particularly looking forward to their next story, if/when they ever do come back. Hopefully Rotor won't have it as bad next issue.

Overall, a great (if a little short) main story, and a bad backup. It upsets me to have such mixed feelings. Oh well, we finally get some true Werehog action next issue!

[Crossharemega 0]

After reading 264, I noticed something that flew over my head the first time.

Much of the main story showed Thunderbolt hidden in a robo-suit. But looking back on the Who's Who column, there is in fact a [darkened] picture of her without it:

So now we have a good idea of what she actually looks like.

The main story itself definitely sets things up for the main event next month. I'm hoping for some slight distrust for Sonic after, since he's been hiding his... condition up until now.

The backup wasn't... bad, per se. But seeing Bunnie being too worryful over Antoine was definitely out of place, a main problem here, especially since the "old world" memories from the Countdown to Chaos story no longer exist/matter.

Edited 19 Sep 2014 by Crossharemega

[soniclover123 0]

I can't wait for the new werehog comic 265 I don't know what issue it is but yep I can't wait!! I wonder what everyone's reaction will be!!

[SSJSilver 0]

I was so happy to finally read 264, I've spent ages wanting to read it and now I can't wait for 265! EEKKK!

[BlurryDawgo 26]

I didn't like the backup any more than you guys did. The art was moderately tolerable, but the writing just flopped. Plus, do we even need any more Sonic soap opera stories? Flynn doesn't think so.

Edited 26 Sep 2014 by BlueBlur62391

[VoidNightfang35 0]

I am so happy to have finally been able to read 264

I was surprised to see that Thunderbolt was in one of Robotniks machines. It was a major surprise, and I can't remember the last time seeing one for a long time. I personally thought the comic was pretty good. I also personally liked the art style. I can't wait for issue 265 when we'll hopefully get to see the werehog in action.

[Skye Prower 386]

So, that's 265 out.

And...

Frankly, I'm disappointed. Thunderbolt was a JOKE after that build-up. Seriously, I don't mind a silly character, but after two issues of going 'SHE GONNA BE A BIG DEAL', yeah, that was bad.

While the Mighty verse were-hog fight was alright, and the way Sonic was mis-hearing/seeing things was creepy, but it still seemed.... lacking a bit. Or maybe I was still smarting after Thunderbolt proved to be nothing but an irritation, and the follow up fight not living to the hype either.

And the side story. Well, meh. Sure there were some amusing bits, and it holds up better than last issues side story*, but overall it was a bit... just bland. Though interesting to see the Sonic Power Cannon show up. And I found the artwork off putting in places as well.

Oh, and Robotnik, we've SEEN the Tails Doll before. It's not a new approach, and it certainly AIN'T subtle. Turning into a huge monster to level a city???

*A side note about last month's side-story. There is a way Bunnie's actions could have made sense IC, if she had mentioned the old memories of Antoine in a coma. But she didn't, so no points there.

[zackepic22 0]

So, that's 265 out.

And...

Frankly, I'm disappointed. Thunderbolt was a JOKE after that build-up. Seriously, I don't mind a silly character, but after two issues of going 'SHE GONNA BE A BIG DEAL', yeah, that was bad.

While the Mighty verse were-hog fight was alright, and the way Sonic was mis-hearing/seeing things was creepy, but it still seemed.... lacking a bit. Or maybe I was still smarting after Thunderbolt proved to be nothing but an irritation, and the follow up fight not living to the hype either.

And the side story. Well, meh. Sure there were some amusing bits, and it holds up better than last issues side story*, but overall it was a bit... just bland. Though interesting to see the Sonic Power Cannon show up. And I found the artwork off putting in places as well.

Oh, and Robotnik, we've SEEN the Tails Doll before. It's not a new approach, and it certainly AIN'T subtle. Turning into a huge monster to level a city???

*A side note about last month's side-story. There is a way Bunnie's actions could have made sense IC, if she had mentioned the old memories of Antoine in a coma. But she didn't, so no points there.

Well, it is Werehog Sonic she went up against. And, you honestly didn't imagine her as possibly being a little Mobian in a suit, after we saw her last issue? Really? And, it's not like she doesn't have personal defenses besides the suit: There's all that electricity she was using in Self-defense. Plus, she seemed kind of surprised that he turned into a Werehog, so, maybe her battlesuit wasn't quite up to par? Maybe she'll have given it some upgrades by next time.

Also, you guys realize how similar her body is to Classic Eggman?

[Skye Prower 386]

Well, it is Werehog Sonic she went up against. And, you honestly didn't imagine her as possibly being a little Mobian in a suit, after we saw her last issue? Really? And, it's not like she doesn't have personal defenses besides the suit: There's all that electricity she was using in Self-defense. Plus, she seemed kind of surprised that he turned into a Werehog, so, maybe her battlesuit wasn't quite up to par? Maybe she'll have given it some upgrades by next time.

Also, you guys realize how similar her body is to Classic Eggman?

I didn't mind that she was a little Mobian in a suit. I minded that she had a lot of build-up and didn't deliver. I thought she'd be able to at least hold out a bit against were-sonic. As opposed to getting kerb-stomped.

A way to put it better. If we had seen Thunderbolt go up against a Freedom Fighter and defeat them, and THEN got pounded by the were-hog, that would prove:

1) Thunderbolt is dangerous

2) WOW! The were-hog is terrifying.

Instead, I can't see any of the FF's having trouble with her now... long as they keep distance when she starts charging.

[Device 6]

So Thunderbolt is a pikachu? ;P

But seriously, I thought the issue was decent. I definitely thought there was going to be more of a fight with Thunderbolt, but I'm sure we'll see some more Werehog action soon enough!

[HyperMetal50 17]

Well then, with issue 265 uploaded.

I can safely say Control was one of the best stories in the reboot so far. A lot of people kept saying Mighty seems different and I can see that. However, I'd like to wait till we see more of him to pass full judgement on that. Ray... well, I can't say much except he hasn't got a stutter. Other then that there's not much really to say about him here.

On the topic of art, I'd say Tyson Hesse hit the ball out of the park with this one. There's some excellent moments and its so full of expression. Yet, once again we have the uncomplimentary inks of Austin. Not as bad as last issue, but I still wish Amash from SU would ink the main book as well.

Then we have Thunderbolt, and I have to be honest here was a real surprise. Not long ago, I thought it would be some fast, agile animal like a wild cat or something. Instead we get... a chinchilla. A tiny, electric, Pikachu parody chinchilla, and you know what? As someone whose childhood was filled with episodes of Pokémon, I'm okay with that. I know she seems a bit of a cliché villain, but it's one this comic has done before I don't think. Plus, she gave us that squeaky toy moment. That was gold right there.

Then there's the Werehog and I have to praise Ian for really making the concept cool. Page by page, he was epic and making his perception of things drastically change (much unlike the Unleashed version which boringly left his sanity completely intact). That brings me to the ending that was kind of touching in my opinion when Amy and Sally calm him down (including flashback young Sonic, hooray for loopholes!).

My only real complaint is the length. It's too. Darn. Short. This story could've been way better, could've felt far less rushed if the backups weren't there. Speaking of backups, the one here improves upon the last. It's kind of punny like comics of old and James Fry's art may have improved, it's still not pleasing. However, I liked how it delved deeper in detail over the Sky Patrol and the reintroduction of Tails Doll makes this a far more substantial backup than the last one.

Really, I'd say Control is a great story, but I'm sorry to say it could've been greater.