Sonic Comics: Tangle the Lemur Takes Things Over for Sally Acorn.

Sally Acorn (left) and Tangle the Lemur (right)-art by me

Sally Acorn was the co-star of the Sonic the Hedgehog Archie Comic series. Now that Sonic's ditched Archie for IDW, a new girl character has been introduced: Tangle.

A ring-tailed lemur, she is somewhat inspired by early Sonic ideas--the stretchy rabbit ears that became Ristar's stretchy arms are now Tangle's stretchy tail, if that makes any sense. Designed to look cool in general and while fighting, she debuted in IDW's fourth issue.

When I first heard about Tangle and her creation, I could only think "why." We had plenty of female characters for Sonic to hang out with/take down Egghead with/casually flirt with. Amy takes the girly side, but if her hedgehog's in trouble she pulls out that hammer and teaches the good doctor a lesson. Rouge is a spy, thief, and treasure hunter--an odd combination of James Bond, Catwoman, and Indiana Jones. And there's the best option, Blaze the Cat, who has an interesting back story and awesome powers. I just figured Flynn (AKA the writer) wanted someone to fill in "the Sally role" of having someone willing to take charge and plan out attacks (and casually flirt with Sonic).

But then I thought about it a bit more. Rouge is too busy with Shadow and Omega to fill in as the "extra" for Sonic. Amy's always there, so it not anything new--plus in most cases Sonic is trying to get away from her. Blaze would defiantly make sense, but she's from another dimension, so she can't be there 24/7 like the rest of the group. And after I forced my self to read (ahem, skim) Flynn's interview on GameInformer*, I began to understand why a new character would be necessary. She can fight with Sonic and join up for few plots now-and-then, but can step aside for more important character when the situation demands it.

An IDW advertisement. 

I also figured that Sega or IDW wanted an original character to be a sort of mascot for the series. Like how Sticks the Badger represents Sonic Boom. Where as Sally represented Archie, Tangle now represents IDW.

Still, I have to wonder what kind of character Tangle will become. When first introduced, I was questioning who she might be like, but so far we've seen that Tangle is closer to Sonic than anybody. She loves to take on a foe, but she can be a bit reckless, too. I think that Tangle's her own character, and though she's sort of filling Sally's role as Sonic's FFF (female fighting friend), she'll prove to be an interesting part of the cast.
...But Blaze is better.

Yes she is.

Sidenote: When I was drawing the picture for this article I thought that Sally and Tangle where drawn kind of similar. So I experimented with photoshop to prove my point, and this is Sally the Lemur. 

SEE IT NOW?

Nothing like a good old re-skin to sharpen my photoshop skills.

*The reason I was hesitant to read up on new info was because GameInformer is on my hate list, along with IGN, Roger Craig Smith, and who ever is currently voicing Jet the Hawk (bring back Jason Griffith!).
                  

Sonic Comics: Explained

After my post about the different cartoons and "movies," I thought I'd explain the other huge chunk of Sonic media: the comics. I own a few--which were great--and I've kept up with some of the main events online, but I know that with all the changing companies and series it can get confusing, so this time I'm clarifying who's-who. 

There are 3 main Sonic comics...

HE WAS NUMBER ONE.

Archie

Sonic is cocky hero with a love of adventure. Joining the main cast is Sally Acorn, a tomboy princess and born leader who's Sonic's on-again-off-again girlfriend; Bunnie, a part-cyborg with a Texas accent--one tough cookie; Antoine, a scared-y-cat swordsman with a french accent who is usually paired up (romantically) with Bunnie; Rotor, a large walrus who is known for his mechanical work; and Nicole, a smart and purposeful AI. They form the freedom fighters, ready to save their world from Dr. Eggman.

Some Basic Concepts

• Super Genesis Wave--an event which reset the world (rebooting it in the real world).
• Freedom Fighters--those who take on Robotnik/Eggman and help Sonic out. 
• Julie-Su and other Echidnas--usually involved with Knuckles before the Super Genesis wave. 
• Scourge, Fiona, and Moebius--an alternate dimension where Sonic's bad (and a little nuts). Fiona dated Sonic but was really hooking up with his alternate (Scourge). 
• Nicole--originally only a handheld computer for Sally, she developed her own AI and started playing a role as a hologram ("holo-lynx").            
• Uncle Chuck and Sonic's family--Sonic was mostly raised by his Uncle. He was reunited with his parents but things weren't perfect.    
• Mega Man--Sonic frequently crossed over with Mega Man and other characters. Yes, at one point he did meet Sabrina the Teenage Witch. 

Forget Dark Sonic, this is THE TRUE evil Sonic.

Fleetway

The British Sonic comic, Sonic the Comic, was followed Sonic and the freedom fighters as they protected the world from Dr. Robotnik (it was a common plot back then). New to the series was Johnny Lightfoot, Porker Lewis, and Tekno the Canary. Amy was protrayed a bit differently--with a crossbow as her signature weapon. Sonic himself was more cocky and self-absorbed, but that lead to interesting interactions with his friends. The comic explored the different personalities and grew them. It was cancelled after their Sonic Adventure adaptation, but the fans continued it online.

Some Basic Concepts

• Sonic turned blue breaking the sound barrier (and was brown before). 
• Dr. Ivo Robotnik--he was Dr. Ovi Kintobor and a good man...before a tragic egg accident. 
• Super Sonic--the transformation was actually an evil alter ego, turning Sonic's bad traits worse. He destroyed whatever was in his way--but it was necessary at certain points.    

That Boom-Boom Pow. 

IDW

The new comics, which supposedly are "close to the game's canon." The main cast includes Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and a new girl/lemur character called Tangle. So far it's sort of been an afterward to Sonic Forces, but Blaze, Shadow, Rouge, and the Chaotix have all shown up; Silver is on his way.

Some Basic Concepts

• The series starts after Sonic Forces.
• Tangle the Lemur uses her stretchy tail to attack. 

Other appearances...

Detectives you want on your side.

Sonic Forces: Digital Comic

A small and short comic series exploring other points of view pre-Sonic Forces. It focuses on the avatar (or a avatar), the Chaotix, Knuckles and Silver, Team Dark, Eggman, and Infinite.

Some Basic Concepts

• The Phantom Ruby (magic, reality distorting gem) from Mania and Forces plays a role. 
• Wispons (weapons that use Wisp powers) from Forces are used.

Nice going, Chaos.

Sonic Comic

A short, mini-comic series on Sonic Channel revolving around different characters. Unfortunately, they were all in Japanese, so one has to read a translation.

Archie Spin-offs.

Knux, such a gentleman. 

Knuckles the Echidna

A series that followed Knuckles. And Echidnas. Yeah.

Some Basic Concepts

• Knuckles liked to hang out with the Chaotix.
• Julie-Su--Knuckle's love interest.
•  Knuckles discovers more about his past, like his parents. 
• The plots would continue in the main series once the spin-off ended. 

EL GRANNNN GORDO

Sonic X

An spin-off of both the main Archie comics and the TV itself, Sonic X was a comic set between the episodes during seasons 1 and 2. It included typical Eggman ploys, a group called S.O.N.I.C.X. that was after Sonic, and even some old-fashioned Genesis references. Strangely, Chris' world is shown as Earth in real life while it was not in the show.

Some Basic Concepts

• Most issues were set between episodes, never making it to the third season. 
• It finally met the real series at it's end which led to Sonic Universe. 

YOU JERK

Sonic Universe

Originally intended to explore other Sonic continuities (universes), it ended up following other characters so that the main series could focus on Sonic and his close friends. Early on stories included Scourge breaking out of prison and Blaze, Team Rose, and other teams fighting over the Sol Emeralds. Later it showed Silver's future, reintroduced the Black Arms, followed Knuckles and Amy tracking down emerald pieces, and centered on the Chaotix as they took a new case.

Some Basic Concepts

• Genesis Portals--some-what disastrous portals caused by the "Super Genesis Wave."
• The Shattered World Crisis--actually taking pace in the main series but often mentioned, it is the in-comic name for the world-wide events of Sonic Unleashed.
• Eclipse--the Black Arms left over after their defeat in Shadow the Hedgehog created him to take down Shadow. Eclipse can manipulate what Shadow sees and can match him easily, but he'd rather convince Shadow to take his side. It doesn't work.   
• Shivron. The sound it makes when Silver closes a Genesis Portal ;)

Cause Amy is nothing without her hammer, right? 

Sonic Boom

Another TV-show based comic, the short-lived series explored the "Boom" world: Scarf-Sonic, Confident-Tails, Beefy-Knuckles, Social-Amy, and Nutty-Sticks. Like the show, it had a comedic and easy-going tone.   

Manga

Yes, that's Charmy down there.

One early Japanese series (where Sonic was a boy named Nikki/Nicky who transformed into Sonic without even knowing it) inspired Amy and Charmy. Sonic had a normal but shy life with parents and friends, but doubled as a confident hero.

There have been a few others made to go along with games such as Sonic and the Black Knight and Sonic Colors.

So...

The Off-Panel, Archie Sonic's chance to discuss background thoughts--or jokes. 

The comics are a pretty important part of Sonic media. They've inspired characters and ideas that have shown up in the games (just look at Ray's shoes...), and like the cartoons, they are a great way of introducing others to the franchise. Seeing the different expressions and voices really shows how great the comics can be. 

Sonic Comics: What Happened to Archie?

Sonic's Archie comics are the longest lasting comic based on a video game character. Er, they were.
Archie's cancellation was a shock. This had been going on since 1993--it was never suppose to end! Now Sega is helping make a new comic with IDW. So WHY. Why did this happen?

Here's a few guesses, though I can't say for sure how true they are. 

THEORY 1

Sega wanted to avoid another Penders situation (another lawsuit). Sonic Forces has some concepts parallel to other Sonic-media, as well as Mania and Archie's Megadrive, so perhaps they wanted more freedom in the future to add-in some ideas that are a little "familiar" with out the risk of angering the wrong person. 

Ken Penders, the previous Archie Sonic big-wig felt that he was entitled to his characters and ideas (some believe this was due to the release of Sonic Chronicles: the Dark Brotherhood, which had similarities to what had happened earlier in the comics with a similar character). In any case, Ian Flynn (the new Archie big-wig) was no longer allowed to use characters Penders created (such as Scourge and Julie-Su), which resulted in the "Super Genesis Wave" AKA the reboot. 

Luckily most of the main characters came from the Sat Am cartoon, but Sega through in a few rules too (like that main game characters can't have family members). Flynn got around this (like claiming "Uncle" Chuck was a nickname), but it seems they are tightening the leash with the new series (where the terms "Mobius," "Mobian," and anything similar are banned). Which brings us to...

THEORY 2      

Sega wanted a comic to occasionally tie-into the games to better support them. With IDW, Sega is  having a sort of monitoring roll, throwing in their two cents to make it match the games. Archie had covered several events (Sonic Rush, Sonic Lost World, etc) and adapted main concepts into their story-arcs (Werehog, Black Arms). They were even being released with a game in a few cases, but it was never a big deal. Plus it was so associated with Sally & the freedom fighters that it likely wasn't reaching the new audiences Sega wanted. 

Many see starting from scratch with less original characters as a good idea because it doesn't take a lot of explaining. Although Archie had a long, interesting history, sharing it in a fast way was never easy. 

Anyway, this theory has some grounds because they recently announced a comic that will accompany Team Sonic Racing, the latest game announced. They had a short, online comic done to go with Sonic Forces which explained a few background questions. The first four issues in IDW's new comic deal with the "fallout of Sonic Forces." This could be helpful. Had Archie been on the same page as Sega back in 2006, maybe we'd know how Blaze got in Sonic's future (with Silver).         

THEORY 3
Sega wanted to reach larger audiences...farther audiences. Archie's Sonic was known for being "the American version," and maybe with IDW they're trying to appease to other countries (the UK for example, who used to rely on Fleetway for Sonic comics).

THEORY 4

The falling out. Either some one at Sega got pissed at Archie, or vise-versa. Maybe Sega was charging too much to use Sonic and his co-stars, or maybe Archie was asking too much to continue supplying comics. Maybe they argued over whether Sonic should be with Sally or Amy. Maybe... 

If this was the case, I think it would have to be pretty big for Archie Sonic to miss out on his next anniversary.  

THEORY 5

All or none of the above. 

For now, no one is sure why Archie's Sonic the Hedgehog, the way-past cool comic, came to an end, but it was quite a surprise. Issues were still planned and in-the-works. There was no real ending, no chance to say goodbye. But maybe there will be a chance someday since IDW is know for bringing back comics, and there are plenty of fans who'd like to see that happen--Ian Flynn included. At the moment, though, the focus has to be on the new series. 

IDW's Sonic the Hedgehog is trying to be as close to the games without being a complete bore. At the moment, it's just been re-introducing/introducing characters and recapping Sonic Forces, but where Sonic is concerned, nothing stays slow forever.

LIGHTS--CAMERA--ACTION

Over the years Sonic has had many cartoons, shorts, and even a few "movies" based off him. In honor of Sonic Mania Adventures' end, we're reviewing the shows that have come and gone. As a bonus, I linked the pictures to each show/video.

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog ("AoStH," 1993)

Comical, Sonic and his bud Tails take on Dr. Robotnik and his robots (Scratch, Grounder, and Coconuts) and constantly save the people of Mobius from harm. Despite it's lighthearted tone, Adventures was actually close to the games canon (at the time): Tail's being with Sonic "since a cub"(Sonic 2 manual)/being named Miles Prower, occasional rings, a few chaos emeralds, and even Madonna references (scrapped character, not the 80s singer). This show set the stage for all others with Sonic's way-cool attitude, a clumsy yet evil Robotnik, robot side-kicks, and most important-- chilidogs. A few years after the show ended a special, Sonic's Christmas Blast, was created with a couple changes but the same tone.

Sonic the Hedgehog ("SatAM," 1993)

Much like the Archie comics, Sonic is a freedom fighter with pals Tails, Antoine(?), Bunnie, Rotor, and implied girlfriend, Sally Acorn. In this version, Dr. Robotnik, aided by his unhappy nephew, Snively, had taken over the world when Sonic & Co. were just kids by "robotisizing"anyone who got in his way. It featured chilidogs, power rings, two timestones, and some seriously recognizable voice acting (In addition to Jaleel White reprising his role as Sonic, there are a few Rugrat cast members, and Pooh Bear's current voice as one of the darkest versions of Robotnik to date). Unfortunately, it was cancelled, leaving an open cliff-hanger.

Man of the Year ("SONIC/MoY/StA," 1997)

This short was released in Sonic Jam. It follows Dr. Robotnik/Eggman as he ruins Sonic's reputation. With no voice acting, it used (familiar!) music to set the tone. The character animation was cool but the CGI add-ins were trash. It was never concluded.

Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie ("OVA," 1996 JPN, 1999 USA)

Sonic, Tails, and a hat-wearing Knuckles take on Dr. Robotnik and an uncanny Metal Sonic. It featured some strange characters like Old Man Owl and a President. The President's annoying daughter, Sara, was taken captive, and even though she "likes Sonic," she "hangs out" with everyone but. The voice acting left much to be desired, but the animation is similar to Sonic CD. Metal Sonic's close connection to Sonic was one of the highlights, if not the best part.

Sonic Underground ("Underground," 1999)

While different from the games, Underground has plenty of plot-twists, humor, and action to hold attention. The background is similar to SatAm, with Robotnik taking over most of the world and a resistance forming to oppose him. This time, however, it's revealed that Sonic was a triplet and that his mother, Aleena, was a queen. She separated the three when the were babies so they'd escape robotsization. Years later, Sonic reunites with his siblings Manic, a "former" thief, and Sonia, a "high class" hedgehog, forming the Sonic Underground, a band with (sometimes cute, sometimes crap) music. Together the trio battle Robotnik, and his lousy bounty hunters, Sleet and Dingo, while searching for their Ma. This was the first cartoon to feature Knuckles, and the only one to exclude Tails. It also had a few chaos emeralds. Unfortunately this is another abandoned story, as it was cancelled before given a proper ending. It was the last to include voice work from Jaleel White.

Sonic X ("X," 2003)

The first cartoon in the "modern" era (transitional, technically, but...). This time Sonic and his friends Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Cream are find themselves in a strange world--full of humans. He makes fast friends with local (rich) boy, Chris, helps the crew get used to earth. They protect the world from Eggman and his crazy robots, including laugh-able lackeys Decoe, Bocoe, and Bokkun. It has rings, chaos emeralds, plenty of  "game" characters, and several events are adapted through out the second season. It's the only series not to feature chilidogs in a re-occurring role, showing only one through out 78 episodes. The third takes place in Sonic's dimension--but not for long, as everyone heads into space for an epic showdown with the universe's greatest threat: no, not Eggman. This is the first series with a "real" end, and although many criticize the extensive censorship by 4kids, is easily recognized with it's "Gotta go Fast" theme song. The show's voice actors started voicing in the games with Shadow the Hedgehog until everyone but Eggman Mike Pollock was replaced in 2010 ( :'( ). 

Sonic: Night of the Werehog ("Sonic Unleashed: Night of the Werehog/Night of the Werehog," 2008)

This mini-movie went alongside Sonic Unleashed. With little words spoken, it relied on sound effects and action to convey the situation. Sonic and Chip explore a haunted house, while two ghosts, fighting for the attention of a female ghost, try to scare the duo. Well. They scare Chip. The ghouls make it their mission to frighten the blue-blur, but they're in for a surprise when Sonic transforms into his Werehog form. This was a great and satisfying short, but it left us with one little, bothersome thought: "Uh...I thought he transformed at nightfall, not when the moon was full..."

Sonic Boom ("Boom," 2014)

A shock to the community, Sonic Boom resigns the main cast and adds in an oddball called Sticks. Taking a comedic approach, the first CGI cartoon references "memes" and Sonic inside-jokes. Scarf wearing Sonic is a fast hero aided by Tails, who, surprise-surprise, likes inventing and riding planes (he even did that stuff in AoStH once). Amy, unlike her obsessive game-counterpart, is calm and believes in a good metal-being. Beefed up Knuckles isn't the brightest, but he's always ready for a fight while paranoid conspiracy-lover Sticks is there to help. They protect the area they live in from Eggman (with Orbot and Cubot), Metal Sonic, and a weird "Just let me fight Sonic" version of Shadow. There are a few allusions to the past series (Dude-itude--Sonic Underground, MomBot--Mama Robotnik), and to the actual games (Eggman wants Eggmanland, Shadow is the second most popular character in the canon, Sonic talking about fans hating him/his scarf...once Sonic and Eggman watched a movie with Eggman's theme as the music). It's supposedly the longest running series, but their episodes are half the length compared to the others, so for now Sonic X is still ahead. Although it seemed disappointing and silly at first (not to mention the crap voice-acting cast--the same that took over in 2010), it's gotten better. Knuckles is less stupid, Amy sounds less Minnie Mouse, and they've made jokes that are actually funny. This is currently the only show still on.

Sonic Mania Adventures ("SMA," 2018)

Released on Youtube over a few months as a continuation of Sonic Mania/Sonic Mania Plus, this one has episodes only a few minutes long (being about 11 in total). It starts with Sonic after he returns from Sonic Forces, and picks up characters Tails, Knuckles, Ray, and Mighty along the way. The villain--Eggman again, with Metal Sonic on the lose, too. With adorable animation that perfectly matched Sonic Mania, awesome expressions and attitude, this mini-series left many fans begging for more.

SONIC (the movie) ("The Movie," 2019)

While most of this disaster is still a mystery, a few details have been revealed, including Jim Carry as Eggman (like I said, disaster). It will be a (disgusting?) CGI-live-action hybrid. Sonic will be a juvenile delinquent (whether this is due to Eggman controlling the world or to Sonic's sometimes extreme attitude is unknown) and he will go on some world-saving adventure with a cop. As if it's not obvious, Sega has little to do with this movie, and it will be another separate continuity. Hopin' for some Easter Eggs. Not sure if a game will be made along-side it's release, but it seems plausible.
  
Other

Sonic had some cameos in Wreck-It Ralph, so he might in it's sequel. He's been referenced in other shows, too, and apparently he was the star of some Russian quiz show in 1994...

Sometimes Sonic-media can get a little crazy, but they're all good shows. I personally favor AoStH, Sonic Underground, and Sonic X because I grew up with them, and I think it's great that others get to watch him, too. While each has their own pros and con, they're a great introduction to the games.

Quote of the Month

"Nothing starts until you take action."
--Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)