Archie Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog is an ongoing series of comic books published by Archie Comics, featuring SEGA's mascot video game character Sonic the Hedgehog. As of April 2008, the series is currently 187 issues long. This series is the main basis of the Archieverse. The series features a mixture of characters, settings and storylines from the Sonic the Hedgehog SatAM cartoon show, the Sonic the Hedgehog video games by SEGA, and various other incarnations of Sonic. It also includes many elements unique to the comic universe.

Overview
The main focus of comic storyling is the title character, world-famous hero Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic is endowed with super speed and a hatred of oppression, which puts him at odds with the nefarious Dr. Eggman. Sonic is in many ways different from his game counterpart - in the comics, he is depicted as having important ties with his family and friends, a characteristic absent from other incarnations. He is also portrayed as having a deep sense of duty - in the games Sonic treats his ongoing conflict with Eggman as just an opportunity to have a fun time, whereas in the comic he holds a personal grudge against the Doctor and understands his ability to protect the world from this menace.

Although Sonic normally goes adventuring by himself in the video games (with the occasional company of other player characters), in the comic he is affiliated with the Knothole Freedom Fighters, a ragtag rebellion that was formed to counter the tyranny of Dr. Ivo Robotnik and his legion of unquestioning, warlike robots. The basis of the original issues were designed to closely mirror Sonic SatAM, as well as the names and likenesses of Sonic's allies in the Freedom Fighters. Since then, the series has integrated many elements from the video games, which has led to ongoing story arcs involving, Knuckles the Echidna and others.

Setting
At the beginning of the series, the year is 3235, though now it is 3238 (due to the relativity of Sonic's "year" in space). Sonic currently lives on Mobius in New Mobotropolis. It was eventually revealed that Mobius is actually a future Earth (in an alternative reality), the year being 14,016 CE by our calendar.
 * ''Originally, the date the Xorda attacked Earth was the year 0 by the Mobian calender (during the 21st century by our calendar), and that was known in Echidna theology as the first "Day of Fury". However, the date of the Xorda attack was retconned to have occurred roughly twelve thousand years ago from the current Mobian year. The reason for the Mobian date only being 3238 with the currect retcon is unknown.

At the onset of the series, Sonic's original home was Knothole Village, a secret woodland base hidden within the Great Forest. Other main areas of setting include Angel Island, Station Square, Downunda and New Megapolis.

Storyline
The original issues of the series and those soon to follow consisted mostly of isolated stories. That is, there was rarely any continuity between issues. However, there were the additions of new characters (such as Bunnie Rabbot, Knuckles, and Super Sonic) that would become familiar and lasting faces as the series continued. The early issues featured much of Sonic versus Robotnik, in which Sonic would constantly foil Robotnik’s plans whether it be to tear down a forest or find the hidden location of Knothole Village. Eventually though, the issues started to gain a sense of an ongoing story, most notably with the addition of the Mecha Sonic story line in issue 39, in which Sonic is transformed into a robotic form and does as Robotnik commands. This would later be concluded in a Sonic Special issue where Knuckles gives himself up to be transformed into a robot in order to defeat Mecha Sonic. From here, the story line would be further developed into what is now a fully continuous one. Following the defeat of Mecha Sonic, the Freedom Fighters come together in issue 46 to discuss ways to attack and defeat Robotnik once and for all. The loyalty of many of the Freedom Fighters comes into question, particularly notable in a feud between Sonic and Geoffrey St. John, member of the Acorn Secret Service. This continues into the renowned End Game saga which takes place over a four issue span, 47 through 50.

The saga begins with a mission by the Freedom Fighter and the Wolf Pack, led by Lupe, to attack Robotnik’s base. Princess Sally reveals thoughts of her father, King Acorn, telling her that it would soon become apparent that Sonic is a traitor. The mission proceeds and Sally is in need of help or she may fall to her death. The Freedom Fighters look on in despair when they think they see Sonic and assume that he will rescue the princess. Much to their surprise, Sonic aids Sally in falling to her death. The mission is called to retreat, and the Freedom Fighters move back to Knothole Village. Meanwhile, Sonic is seen battling Robotnik inside the base (when he apparently left Sally for dead). Robotnik escapes and Sonic leaves the base wondering where the rest of his companions have gone. Sonic returns to Knothole only to be arrested and spared the death penalty in light of all his services, so instead is sentenced to life in prison on the Devil’s Gulag, where other notorious traitors such as Sleuth Doggy Dog (Issue 42) will be imprisoned with him. While Sonic is being transported to the Gulag, Swatbots attack the vessel and it crash lands. Sonic remains conscience and takes the opportunity to escape. News bears word and King Acorn demands the recapture of Sonic by Saint John. Sonic on the run, takes refuge in a cavern. Meanwhile, Bunny and Antoine discover that Drago (a member of the Wolf Pack) has been working with Robotnik in order to frame Sonic. This is followed by King Acorn issuing Robotnik as his new Warlord. Sonic, in the meantime, continues his run from Saint John and the secret service with aid from Dulcy the Dragon. Robotnik reveals his duplicate of the king by making it self destruct and the true plan has become evident to all. All this would lead up to Sonic's return to Knothole in issue 50, where Sonic clears his name heads to a final showdown with Robotnik. As the issue notes, Sonic is uncharacteristically devoid of humor as he approaches Robotnik. In the battle, Robotnik’s ultimate annihilator crashes and the room is destined for destruction, but Robotnik and Sonic remain to fight. In the end, Sonic emerges victorious and Robotnik dies. Sonic later revives Sally with a kiss. Story lines continue to follow after the End Game saga. Ixis Nagaus makes his first appearance in issue 53. Although temporarily defeated, he would later return in issues 64 through 66, along with the appearance of Nate Morgan, former advisor of King Acorn, and Ixis would be defeated this time by Ultra Sonic, one of Sonic's transformations. Issue 75 reveals that a robotic version of Robotnik has been functioning since after the defeat of the original Robotnik in issue 50. His presence is revealed by flashbacks to certain issues between issues 50 and 75. Sonic and the Freedom Fighters head to space to battle this Robo Robotnik, and although they defeat him, there are many other Robo Robotniks standing in line. These Robotniks are what has now become Sonic's familiar enemy, Eggman. Sonic Adventure is readily adapted into the series with the appearance of Chaos, beginning in issue 79. The saga ends with Sonic successfully defeating Perfect Chaos, the final form of Chaos after absorbing all of the emeralds, by transforming into Super Sonic in issue 84. Sonic does not actually destroy Chaos, as Chaos returns to his ancient beginnings to live in peace. Issue 85 features Silver Sonic II, a scaled down version of the super robot seen in the Death Egg Saga. The next two issues (86 and 87) feature the return of Metal Sonic (first seen in Sonic the Hedgehog issue #25 and once again in the Knuckles Chaotix Special). Despite being able to defeat Sonic and Tails with ease, Metal Sonic realizes he can be more than his programming, and sacrifices himself to save Sonic and Tails from a lava flow.

Sonic Adventure Two comes into adaptation for one issue (#98) featuring Shadow the Hedgehog. The majority of the issue leads up to the events of the game, and brings back Silver Sonic II, only to have him destroyed by Shadow. In issue 125, Sonic's latest battle with the Xorda leaves him stranded in space after saving Knothole from the Quantum Dial, while everyone on Mobius assumed him to be dead. Sonic's journey through space leads up to many interesting story lines, such as the return of Super Sonic in issue 126, and Sonics discovery that Tails parents are still alive on a far off planet. Sonic returns in issue 130 where he reveals to everyone that he is indeed alive and well. He learns that Eggman has engaged in all-out war with the Kingdom of Acorn and the United Federation (Station Square's population). Issues 131 through 144 introduce a side story line in taking place 25 years in the future. In this future, Sonic is king of Knothole and married to Sally. Knuckles has attained the rank of Guardian and is (unofficially) married to Julie Su. However all is not well as the timeline is in danger of collapsing into destruction. Sonic and Knuckles try with the help of Rotor to prevent this catastrophe. Sonic ends up saving the universe, but it is unfortunatly reset with alterations, which are seen in issues #166 and 167. Issue 145 features the return of Shadow, who continues to be a player, fighting both Sonic and a newly created Metal Sonic, in issues 146 through 149. This arc heavily touched on the history of Mobius (from the original conflict with the Xorda on Earth to prehistoric Mobius). Shadow reappears again in issues 157 through 161, as well as later issues. The comic details not only Sonic's present, but also his past and future. Great attention has been given to his back story, including the lives of his relatives and friends during Robotnik's regime and the Great War that preceded it. As noted above, the comic ran a series of stories called "Mobius: 25 Years Later", Sonic's possible future as King of Mobius. In these stories, we learn that King Sonic has become a recluse and has severed ties with most of his former friends, except for his continuing, strained relationship with Knuckles. The story will soon be continued with a story detailing the events after King Sonic's time travel causes another possible future in which Shadow is king.

The comic's mythology surrounding the Chaos Emeralds and Master Emerald is quite different from what is seen in the games. According to the comic, the Chaos Emeralds are the result of alien radiation reacting with beryl deposits thousands of years ago. While in the games there are only seven of these emeralds, there are hundreds in the comic continuity, with seven "Super Emeralds." In addition, the Master Emerald was created by Tails, who used the chaos syphon on several emeralds to unify them. In the games, however, the Master Emerald is thousands of years older than Tails, or anyone else, for that matter. This has recently been retconned by the authors though through "The Gathering" in which Turbo Tails and Super Shadow send all the multi-colored Emeralds in the universe to the Zone of Silence. Once the Emeralds are sent there, Feist takes them and combines them into a single gem for each color. He also claims that to receive more Chaos Emeralds that he will judge them. Given the surrounding of the newly reformed Zone of Silence, this judgement will likely come in the form of tasks similar to the special stages of the video games.

Story Arcs

 * The bolded titles are major story arcs


 * Mecha Madness (#39-40 + Mecha Madness Special)
 * End Game (#46-50)
 * Tales of the Freedom Fighters (#58-65, #67-69)
 * Icon (#62-63)
 * The Naugus Trilogy (#64-66)
 * Tales of the Great War (#71-79)
 * Sonic Adventure (#79-84)
 * Heart of the Hedgehog (#86-87)
 * Freedom Fighters of the Galaxy (#103-104)
 * Myth Taken Identity (#103-105)
 * Crouching Hedgehog, Hidden Dragon (#106-107)
 * Heart Held Hostage (#122-123)
 * Sonic Adventure 2.5 (#124-125)
 * Tossed in Space (#126-129)
 * Home (#130-134)
 * Mobius: 25 Years Later (#131-144, #166-167)
 * The Tommy Trilogy (#135-137)
 * Return to Angel Island (#138-141)
 * The Original Freedom Fighters (142-143)
 * The Good, the Bad and the Unknown (#146-149)
 * The Chosen One (#149-150)
 * Songoose (#153-154)
 * Line of Succession (#155-156)
 * System Shutdown, Reconfiguration, and Reboot (#157-159)
 * Birthday Bash (#160-161)
 * The Darkest Storm (#162-164)
 * Order From Chaos (#168-169)
 * Eggman Empire (#175-177)
 * House of Cards (#178-179)
 * Enerjak Reborn (#180-184)
 * Mogul Rising (#185-186)
 * Mister Popular (#187-188)
 * A Bold New Mobius (#189-190)

Milestones

 * Sonic the Hedgehog #25: "Go Ahead, Mecha My Day"
 * Sonic the Hedgehog #50: "The Big Goodbye"
 * Sonic the Hedgehog #75: "I Am The Eggman"
 * Sonic the Hedgehog #100: "Reunion"
 * Sonic the Hedgehog #125: "Sonic Adventure 2.5: Omega"
 * Sonic the Hedgehog #150: "From Hero To Zero In No Time At All"
 * Sonic the Hedgehog #175: "Eggman Empire"
 * Sonic the Hedgehog #200: TBA

Specials, Miniseries, and Knuckles Series
Sonic the Hedgehog was originally published as a four issue mini-series, with the first issue labeled as "issue 0" and the second as "issue 1" (despite the note on issue 1 that it was the "first issue"). At the end of issue 3 (the fourth issue of the series), it was announced that Sonic would return in a regular series, and the next issue was published as "issue 1" of the regular series.

In addition to the main Sonic series, Archie Comics published various special issues. Longer than typical issues of the comic, these specials feature stories involving Sonic and other related characters. Several miniseries have also been published, featuring characters such as Sally, Tails and Knuckles.

Because of the popularity of the specials and Miniseries featuring Knuckles, in 1997 Knuckles the Echidna became an ongoing series. Knuckles's stories featured its own cast of Characters, including the Chaotix and Knuckles's romantic interest, Julie-Su. Like the Sonic comic, Knuckles's comic is filled with background information about Knuckles's family history. Knuckles's family has split into two factions: the Brotherhood of Guardians and the Dark Legion. Knuckles is a member of the former, and Julie-Su used to be a member of the latter. Much of the conflict of the comic surrounds the relations between these two warring factions.

In 1999, the series was cancelled, but the stories were continued in the pages of Sonic the Hedgehog. After Knuckles's cancellation and until issue 125, a typical issue of Sonic included a Sonic story and a Knuckles story, sometimes even including a third story. This led to each story getting considerably less space than it previously had. Recently, Knuckles's appearances have been infrequent but his story continues within Sonic's stories.

The creators also have a comic strip similar to those found in a newspaper at the end of some issues called Off-Panel. Off-Panel was in every issue for a long time and continues infrequently in the comic series. The strips parody the lives of the editor and the writers as they walk around the office and interact with characters from the comic in various ways.

Protagonists

 * Sonic the Hedgehog
 * Miles "Tails" Prower
 * Sally Acorn
 * Bunnie Rabbot
 * Antoine D'Coolette
 * Rotor the Walrus
 * NICOLE
 * Amy Rose
 * Mina Mongoose
 * Dulcy the Dragon
 * Knuckles the Echidna
 * Julie-Su
 * Brotherhood of Guardians
 * Espio the Chameleon
 * Mighty the Armadillo
 * Vector the Crocodile
 * Charmy Bee
 * Maximillian Acorn
 * Elias Acorn
 * Geoffrey St. John
 * Lupe
 * Other Freedom Fighter Groups

Other Characters

 * Athair (exists in spirit form)
 * Jules Hedgehog
 * Bernadette Hedgehog
 * Sir Charles Hedgehog
 * Amadeus Prower
 * Rosemary Prower
 * Merlin Prower
 * Feist
 * Ancient Walkers (deceased)
 * Nate Morgan (deceased)

Antagonists

 * Dr. Ivo Robotnik (deceased)
 * Dr. Eggman
 * Snively
 * Dimitri the Echidna
 * Lien-Da
 * Mammoth Mogul
 * Ixis Naugus
 * Nack the Weasel
 * Doctor Finitevus
 * Scourge the Hedgehog
 * Fiona Fox
 * The Destructix
 * Bark the Polar Bear
 * Bean the Dynamite
 * Dark Legion
 * Crocbot
 * A.D.A.M. (deceased)
 * Mecha (deceased)
 * The Arachne (deceased)
 * Kodos (deceased)

List of Writers
Karl Bollers, Paul Castiglia, Romy Chacon, Angelo DeCesare, Joe Edkin, Clayton Emery, Danny Fingeroth, Ian “Potto” Flynn, Mike Gallagher, Mike Kanterovich, Benny Lee, J. Oliveras, Ken Penders, Tania del Rio, Tom Rolston, Evan Skolnick, Frank Strom, Kent Taylor

List of Pencillers
Chris Allan, Jeff Axer,Gary Bedell, Dawn Best, Al Bigley, Steven Butler, Colleen Doran, James Fry, John Hebert, Michael Higgins, Kyle Hunter, David Hutchison, Manny Galan, Jon Gray, Sanford Greene, Ron Lim, Dave Manak, Art Mawhinney, Sam Maxwell, Harvey “Harvo” Mercadoocasio, Nelson Ortega, Ken Penders, Nelson Ribeiro, Tania del Rio, Scott Shaw!, Tom Smith III, Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante, Frank Strom, Brian Thomas, Jim Valentino, Todd Wahnish, Tracy Yardley

List of Inkers
Jim Amash, Saleem Crawford, Jon D'Agostino, Pam Eklund, Mike Higgins, Rich Koslowski, Harvey “Harvo” Mercadoocasio, Al Milgrom, Jay Oliveras, Ken Penders, Andrew Pepoy, Jeff Powell, Aimee Ray, Josh Ray, Nelson Ribeiro, Henry Scarpelli, Phil Sheehy, Brian Thomas, Conor Tomas, Bill White