Archie Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 256


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 * This issue takes place between Sonic Universe #58 and #59

Archie Sonic the Hedgehog issue 256 is the two hundred and fifty-sixth issue of the Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comic series.

Official Solicitation
It's the dramatic conclusion to the epic 'Countdown to Chaos' saga! In Part Four, it's a race against time as the countdown reaches its thrilling end! Metal Sonic is out to kill Sally and the Death Egg II has launched-things are not going well for our true blue hero! Can he and Tails get to the Aquatic Ruins Zone in time to save the day? And what horrifying discovery awaits Dr. Eggman? You definitely won't want to miss this earth-shattering climax of the storyline that shook the Sonic comic books to the core! Featuring the final adjoining cover in the series from artist Ben Bates, and a special 'end of the world' variant cover from Tracy Yardley!

Quotes
(the group narrowly avoid being hit by a crashing escape pod)
 * Cream: "Oh, goodness! I bet mother is worried sick!"
 * Amy: "Don't worry, Cream. We're back, we're safe, and we'll tell her all about our adventures over tea like always."
 * Bean: " OOH! Will there be crumpets? Tea biscuits? Scones?!"
 * Bean: "Fine! No scones, then. Sheesh!"

(Sally gets her old memories back) (Bunnie runs to comfort her)
 * Sally: "...tried to start a war...things I said...things I did...almost murdered... *breaks into tears* ...but you stopped me...thank you...I'm so sorry..."
 * Sally: "...so, so sorry..."
 * Bunnie: "Shh...that wasn't you. You're safe now. It's over."

Key Events

 * Sally meets up with Amy and Cream after their adventure in the Sol Zone, and the three girls fight Metal Sonic while Bean and Bark bail on them.
 * Sonic arrives to help the girls and defeats Metal Sonic in a race.
 * Sally and Amy both get their old memories back by both touching Nicole at the same time.
 * It's revealed that the Super Genesis Wave effected the entire multiverse rather than just the Prime Zone.
 * The planet breaks apart under the pressure of the excess Genesis Wave energy.

Background Information

 * This issue marks Sally Acorn's first full appearance, as well as the the first time she meets Sonic, as her normal, non-roboticized self since Sonic #230.
 * The background of the variant cover was first seen in a three-page advertisement for the post-Worlds Collide storylines for the Sonic and Mega Man comics in Sonic #250.
 * The variant makes two references to the game Sonic Unleashed:
 * The tagline above the title, "The World Adventure Begins!", is in reference to the game's Japanese title, Sonic World Adventure, Sonic Unleashed's original name.
 * The "End of the World Variant" logo is based on the Japanese logo for said game.
 * The original solicit stated that the Aquatic Ruin Zone would be appearing in the story. Ian Flynn later stated that the solicit was outdated and the zone would not be appearing. However, it's still referenced in the Off-Panel comic.