With the third issue of DC x Sonic the Hedgehog speeding toward release on May 21, writer Ian Flynn sat down for an interview with Nerdist to shed light on what it’s been like crafting the unexpected—but wildly entertaining—collision between SEGA’s Blue Blur and the DC Universe. The five-part comic miniseries pits Team Sonic and the Justice League against none other than Darkseid, with early issues already delivering fan-requested moments like Sonic racing the Flash and now, Shadow donning a batsuit to chase down the Joker.
Flynn, known for his longstanding work on Sonic comics, emphasized that both SEGA and DC helped shape the crossover from the start—especially when it came to deciding which versions of the characters would take center stage. Once the lineup was finalized, his focus was on handling both universes with care. “Treat both worlds and their characters with respect,” he explained. “If you do that, everything else falls into place.”
One of the series’ breakout elements has been the pairings between Sonic characters and Justice League heroes. According to Flynn, the Shadow and Batman dynamic was one of the first concepts he envisioned, describing it as a natural fit due to their brooding personalities and shared trauma. While he wouldn’t pick a favorite pairing, he admitted that he’d love to see each of them explored further in potential future stories.
When asked about the decision to have Sonic’s crew take on Justice League mantles themselves, Flynn confirmed that this was one of the project’s main creative goals from the beginning. “We didn’t want it to be just a fun dress-up,” he noted. “It needed meaning—something earned through the story.”
Flynn also praised longtime collaborator Adam Bryce Thomas, who brought the crossover to life with art that unifies both franchises. While the design direction came from DC, Flynn felt confident Thomas would make it all look cohesive, calling him the ideal artist to blend both styles.
As for choosing the villain, Flynn revealed that Darkseid was always a top contender, though characters like Mongul and Brainiac were also considered. “We needed someone who could challenge both teams without overwhelming the story with too many players,” he explained. That focus on narrative clarity helped keep the massive crossover from becoming too chaotic.
Looking ahead, Flynn is open to more DC x Sonic stories, noting that there are plenty of other character combinations he’d love to explore if the opportunity arises. “The Sonic universe has a rich cast, and DC’s roster is even bigger. There’s so much potential there,” he said.
For now, readers can look forward to Issue #3 tomorrow, which will continue the story of Sonic and friends stepping into the Justice League’s shoes—both literally and figuratively—as they work to save both worlds from collapse.
Stay tuned to Sonic City for more coverage on DC x Sonic the Hedgehog and all things Sonic comics.
