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Krudzu were mechanical weeds that were known for their rapidly-growing vines and numerous fly-trap-like mouths.
History
Creation
Antoine, tangled in Krudzu
The Krudzu were a mechanical creation which Dr. Ivo Robotnik unleashed on a section of Mobotropolis called the Budding Circle. Due to the strain caused by the plants' weight, the site collapsed into the ground. (SSS: #1)
The Krudzu were later rediscovered by a SWATbot and presented to Dr. Robotnik, who immediately bashed in the robot's head for violating his "no plants" rule. But upon learning from the SWATbot the identity of the machines, which were now beginning to consume Crabmeat, and additionally that the specially-customized Burrobot could dig trenches and plant their seeds, Dr. Robotnik trashed the SWATbot and claimed credit for the plan. (StH: #1)
Dr. Robotnik sent Burrobot to roam the Great Forest, planting seeds everywhere, in order for the Krudzu to devour the Great Forest and smother the Knothole Freedom Fighters. Antoine D'Coolette was the first victim of the weeds, who was wrapped in Krudzu vines and was rescued by Sonic the Hedgehog and returned to Knothole. After Rotor removed the vines from Antoine with a chainsaw, Tails mistook the Krudzu for dried cuttings and watered them. Fearing the worst, everyone was surprised when the Krudzu burst into an electrical fire. Rotor examined the Krudzu and discovered a weakness to water. Sally and Tails then pointed out the day's weather forecast called for rain. As expected, all of the invading Krudzu short-circuited during the storm. (StH: #1)
Attempted Recovery
Searching through his father's belongings one day, Antoine found half of a map in the hilt of General Armand D'Coolette's sword. On one side of his half piece was a complete drawing of the Budding Circle, where Dr. Robotnik originally unleashed the Krudzu. At the same time, Snively, searching through his uncle's files, found the opposite half of the map—also with one complete drawing of the Budding Circle on one side. Each set out toward their destination on the South side of Robotropolis, where the Budding Circle once existed. (SSS: #1)
At the alleged site of the former Budding Circle, Snively sent a squadron of Eggbots to dig in search of any remaining Krudzu seedlings that he could use as a weapon against his uncle to take over Robotropolis. In the meantime, Antoine arrived on the scene and tripped over a pile of metal bars, causing a commotion. Snively sent the Eggbots to investigate and silence the intruder so as to keep his plot against Robotnik secret. Ultimately, the Freedom Fighters came and destroyed Snively's Eggbots, foiling his plan. At the end of the day, no remaining Krudzu seeds were discovered. (SSS: #1)
A Badnik Hybrid
- Main Article: Krudzu Hybrid Hydra
After the nuclear assault by Station Square on Robotropolis, a single Krudzu root managed to survive the blast. It had previously been part of a project by Robotnik Prime to improve upon his former creation. After having burrowed to safety, it re-grew and merged itself with parts from other scavenged Badniks, becoming the Krudzu Hybrid Hydra. (StH: #110, FCS: #4)
During Sonic's search for Dr. Eggman in the Eggdome, the Krudzu Hybrid Hydra followed Sonic and ambushed him. Though Sonic was able to defeat it once, it quickly revived itself to full strength and continued to engage Sonic. As it was about to finish Sonic off, Dr. Eggman, wanting to defeat Sonic himself, sent a robotic hummingbird to detonate the Krudzu Hybrid Hydra. A confused Sonic left behind the charred remains at the Eggdome. A sprig of the Hydra survived, and was later found by Cubot aboard the Death Egg Mark 2. Realizing its destructive potential, Eggman allowed it to merge with a model of Titan Metal Sonic and sent it to attack Team Fighters. However, the group of heroes tag-teamed the construct and knocked it into the ocean.(FCS: #4, StH: #241)
Krudzu Hybrid Hydra survived the Titan Metal Sonic's destruction and went on to possess the body of Metal Knuckles, who had been knocked out during the battle in Albion. After attacking Team Fighters and Knuckles the Echidna, it was eventually defeated by Sonic. It then proceeded to seemingly absorb various machinery laying around in order to take on a new form; however, it was quickly defeated by Shard the Metal Sonic, who was initially watching the fight in secret. StH: #244, #245)
Background information
- The Krudzu are based on the kudzu, a climbing vine native to Japan and southeast China that was introduced to the United States in order to prevent erosion and improve the soil. Inevitably, the kudzu grew out of hand due to the warm climate of the Southern United States, spreading like wildfire. They have been known to entangle cars, fences, and even small animals.
- The Krudzu is the first-ever character exclusively made for the Archie comics.
