Dodon Pa

Dodon Pa’s inception stemmed from Sonic Team’s visionary approach toward the Sonic the Hedgehog series’ longevity and the integration of racing elements into its narrative fabric. Designed by Yuji Uekawa, Dodon Pa’s creation was notably centered on the concept of future-proofing and maintaining a coherent universe within the Sonic franchise.

Takashi Iizuka, the head of Sonic Team, highlighted the imperative need for a character that could seamlessly accommodate and anchor potential future Sonic-themed racing games within the overarching Sonic universe. This vision prompted the birth of Dodon Pa, envisioned to serve as a pivotal figure facilitating and intertwining these racing events into the broader storytelling framework of the Sonic world.

Iizuka emphasized Dodon Pa’s purpose as a recurring presence within the Sonic universe, ensuring his role as a consistent fixture whenever racing events were to take center stage. Describing Dodon Pa’s significance, Iizuka remarked, “He’s going to be the character we can use as the Master of Ceremonies,” underscoring his role as a central figure orchestrating and presiding over these racing spectacles.

This strategic creation of Dodon Pa was not just about introducing a new character but rather about establishing a dynamic and versatile personality capable of unifying various Sonic-themed racing games and seamlessly integrating them into the larger narrative tapestry of the Sonic universe.

Dodon Pa is depicted as a distinctive anthropomorphic Tanuki within the Sonic universe, characterized by his whimsical appearance. With vibrant orange fur and a notably round torso, he embodies a jovial demeanor. His physical features include slightly shorter arms, sharp-fingered hands, and a head that lacks a discernible neck, adorned with a black patch of fur across his face. He boasts a white muzzle, a petite black nose, and sports a long, rugged white mustache that adds to his charismatic look. His eyes are notably large, with surprisingly diminutive blue irises and pupils, giving him an endearing appeal.

Regarding his attire, Dodon Pa’s fashion sense showcases a distinct style. His signature ensemble includes a crown characterized by a large round velvet cap. This ornate crown features a golden lower head rim and a pointed top embellished with gold, bearing an emblem reminiscent of a black wheel. The emblem incorporates a pair of white wings along with a purple hub cap, adding a touch of regality to his appearance. He further accessorizes with orange coveralls boasting golden cuffs on the sleeves. Draped around his neck is a vibrant red scarf, complementing his ensemble. His waist is adorned with a brown belt featuring a golden buckle designed in the likeness of a car’s front, showcasing his affinity for automotive themes. Additionally, he wears a distinctive short leopard skin cape, accentuated by a fuzzy white hemline, a tall collar, and fasteners adorned with gold, enhancing his charismatic presence.

Past

The wealthy ruler of the Donpa Kingdom and the head of Donpa Motors, Dodon Pa, dedicated a significant portion of his life to the racing sector. His focus was on advancing new technologies and fostering global harmony.^[4]Sumo Digital (21 May 2019).Team Sonic Racing. PlayStation 4. Sega. Area/Level: Chapter 6: The Kidnapping. “Tails: So, your Ultimate Energy Engine will revolutionize transportation, fuel new industries, and reduce pollution using nothing but the inherent strength of teamwork? / Dodon Pa: Indeed. I’ve been devoting myself to the racing industry for the development of new technologies and universal peace for many, many years. This is the breakthrough moment.”

Team Sonic Racing

In Team Sonic Racing, Dodon Pa and Donpa Motors achieved a significant breakthrough by developing their top-secret project: the Ultimate Energy Engine^[5]Sumo Digital (21 May 2019). Team Sonic Racing. PlayStation 4. Sega. Area/Level: Chapter 6: The Kidnapping. “Rouge: Okay, so you’re the president of an automobile corporation, but why are you holding these races? And why did you invite us so secretly? / Dodon Pa: Very simple little girl bat. We are creating the fastest, most powerful engine in the universe. I’m calling it the ‘Ultimate Energy Engine’. Very secret. Very hush hush. / Rouge: Don’t you have facilities and people to do these races? / Dodon Pa: If you want the best, you need help from the best. Hence, you and your friends.”. This machine, fueled by teamwork, held the potential to transform transportation, ignite new industries, and mitigate pollution. Dodon Pa aspired to utilize this engine to inaugurate an era of prosperity and collaboration throughout Sonic’s universe^[6]Sumo Digital (21 May 2019). Team Sonic Racing. PlayStation 4. Sega. Area/Level: Chapter 7: The Final Showdown. “Dodon Pa: Hohohoho! Good news, person who kidnapped me! Sufficient energy has been accumulated! My Ultimate Energy Engine is complete! This invention will usher in a new era of prosperity and cooperation throughout the-“. However, to complete it, they required extensive data on accumulated Ultimate Team Energy^[7]Sumo Digital (21 May 2019). Team Sonic Racing. PlayStation 4. Sega. Area/Level: Chapter 6: The Kidnapping. “Omochao: The telemetrics I intercepted must be part of your research and development. / Dodon Pa: Of course. One cannot create something without information. And I have gathered much information from your races. / Omochao: Have you? / Dodon Pa: Indeed. The energies generated from your teamwork are astonishingly powerful, and key to the creation of my Ultimate Energy Engine.”^[8]Sumo Digital (21 May 2019). Team Sonic Racing. PlayStation 4. Sega. Area/Level: Chapter 7: The Final Showdown. “Eggman: Give me the engine, you doddering Tanuki! / Dodon Pa: The engine is worthless now. It is incomplete. / Eggman: Worthless? Incomplete? What are you rambling about? / Dodon Pa: The racers are no longer racing. Without racing we cannot get enough Ultimate Team Energy. Without that teamwork energy, the engine will never be.”. Striving for the finest engine possible, Dodon Pa orchestrated a Grand Prix where teamwork played a pivotal role, inviting the most skilled racers from various dimensions, times, and galaxies^[9]Team Sonic Racing (PC) English digital instruction booklet, pg. 2.. He believed these racers could generate more Ultimate Team Energy than his facilities and staff could alone. Dodon Pa planned to gather and transmit data gleaned from each race to aid his research and development efforts. Leveraging his vast resources and advanced technology, Dodon Pa cryptically summoned elite racers to the “Ultimate Test of Racing Skill” to maintain the secrecy surrounding the Ultimate Team Engine and its objectives^[10]Sumo Digital (21 May 2019). Team Sonic Racing. PlayStation 4. Sega. Area/Level: Chapter 2: Time To Race. “Sonic: Hey, Silver. Long time no see. You came here from the future? / Silver: Yeah. I received the invitation in my era, 200 years from now, and journeyed back in time to participate. / Tails: Whoa! Dodon Pa can send physical objects through space and time? That’s a whole ‘nother level of scary tech. / Big: Dodon Pa is really cool. / Knuckles: I don’t know how cool he is, Big, but he’s powerful. Dangerously powerful. And I still don’t trust his motives.”^[11]Sumo Digital (21 May 2019). Team Sonic Racing. PlayStation 4. Sega. Area/Level: Chapter 2: Time To Race. “Amy: Nice to see you, Blaze. Did Dodon Pa send you an invitation to his race? / Blaze: Yes. Apparently, our enigmatic host is able to send messages across dimensions. Impressive. / Amy: Distressingly impressive. He’s got a lot of power, and I’m not sure about his motives.”.

Eventually, Dodon Pa descended to Earth to meet the inaugural contestants of his Grand Prix: Team Sonic. Upon their encounter, he introduced himself to both Teams Sonic and Rose. Tails inquired about the race, but Dodon Pa remained cryptic, hinting at a challenging team-based race using the most advanced cars he could engineer. Sonic, despite sensing Dodon Pa’s mysterious aura, persuaded his team to participate in the Grand Prix. As Dodon Pa prepared Team Sonic for their initial race on Planet Wisp aboard his spaceship, Team Rose unexpectedly joined, eager to compete.

Upon arrival at Planet Wisp, Dodon Pa unveiled the Wisp Circuit to the teams, outlining the tournament’s unique prize: ownership of their racing vehicle.

Following the first race, Dodon Pa expressed admiration for the racers, subtly hinting at the perilous nature of the competition by suggesting that some might not endure the challenges. He later engaged with Big, encouraging him to embrace more trials. When the heroes inquired about Dodon Pa’s intentions, he maintained an air of secrecy about his plans, urging them to continue racing.

Dodon Pa escalated the stakes by introducing Survival Races. Amy questioned his motives for hosting such intense races, to which Dodon Pa ambiguously cited “technical” reasons. Upon the arrival of Blaze, Silver, and Vector, invited to compete, Dodon Pa attempted to sway them, offering the Grand Prix’s cash prize to entice their participation. Vector’s decision led to Blaze and Silver joining his team.

As the Grand Prix unfolded, Dodon Pa decided to intensify the competition, drawing disapproval from Amy, who feared potential harm. Dodon Pa, however, emphasized that this element of risk was intentional. Subsequently, he expanded the event by inviting Team Eggman and Team Dark to join the competition, further heightening the stakes.

During the race between Team Sonic and Team Dark, Dodon Pa observed Sonic and Shadow’s intense rivalry. He offered Tails subtle insights into the capabilities of the team cars through in-car video links when the fox sought to understand their functionalities. Dr. Eggman’s sudden appearance, claiming to be a special guest racer, amused Dodon Pa, who casually permitted Eggman to join. As Eggman pleaded for assistance during the race, Dodon Pa guided him on utilizing Wisp power-ups. His attention was so engrossed in the chaotic race that he overlooked the finish line, satisfied with the thrilling and hazardous spectacle. Despite Eggman’s defeat, Dodon Pa commended his resilience in the face of adversity, expressing eagerness for Eggman to return with a team. He then witnessed a rematch between Sonic and Shadow.

Between races, Dodon Pa discussed his Ultimate Energy Engine with Dr. Eggman. He faced resistance from Blaze, who refused to be manipulated, prompting Dodon Pa to challenge her in another race. Subsequently, Dodon Pa allowed Eggman to deploy his Eggpawns, viewing it as a test of the racers’ teamwork. Observing the races, he found satisfaction in the successful progress of his plan. When Knuckles confronted him for answers, Dodon Pa remained composed. As the racers uncovered his background through a report compiled by Vector’s allies, Dodon Pa decided to answer their questions about the Grand Prix, accepting apologies from those who suspected his collaboration with Eggman. He emphasized that the completion of the Ultimate Energy Engine was paramount.

However, Dodon Pa was abducted by Zavok and taken to the Final Fortress. There, Eggman demanded the incomplete Ultimate Energy Engine, but Dodon Pa clarified that it lacked sufficient Ultimate Team Energy for completion. Eggman’s actions halted the Grand Prix, impeding the generation of Ultimate Team Energy. To rectify this, Eggman orchestrated a series of team races among the competitors to produce the required energy while keeping Dodon Pa informed about the engine’s progress. Upon Dodon Pa’s declaration of the engine’s completion, Eggman stole it to power his Death Egg. Yet, the Death Egg malfunctioned, leading to chaos and the Final Fortress’s crash. Team Sonic rescued Dodon Pa, who, upon learning about the destruction of the race cars, pledged to provide new ones in gratitude for their rescue. With the Grand Prix reinstated, Dodon Pa anticipated witnessing the racers’ competitive spirits once more.

Sonic Racing

In Sonic Racing, Dodon Pa has cameo appearances. He serves as the shopkeeper for Prizes and can also be spotted in various advertisements placed along the tracks.

At first glance, Dodon Pa appears to be a friendly and talkative individual. However, beneath his eccentric facade lies a highly intelligent and somewhat arrogant persona. His intelligence can make him condescending, as he once hinted that Team Sonic’s intellectual capacity might limit their understanding of the intricacies of his Grand Prix. He also dismissed Amy’s concerns about his challenging trials, suggesting she needn’t worry herself over such matters.

Despite these flaws, Dodon Pa is a philanthropist at heart, using his corporation and resources to create products aimed at enhancing life universally and promoting teamwork across the cosmos. He’s demonstrated generosity by offering new cars to the teams after their vehicles were destroyed while saving his life.

Dodon Pa possesses remarkable planning skills and prides himself on the flawless execution of his arrangements. He remains flexible too, spontaneously inviting Team Rose to his Grand Prix based on their displayed racing potential, despite not initially intending to include them.

Interestingly, Dodon Pa’s speech patterns, employing terms akin to Dr. Eggman’s vocabulary such as “super-science” and “punishing track,” raise comparisons between the two. However, Dodon Pa’s patient approach contrasts sharply with Eggman’s impulsive tendencies, avoiding the repercussions of hasty actions.

He guards his corporation’s top-secret projects with great secrecy, maintaining an enigmatic and mysterious aura. Dodon Pa is skilled at keeping his affiliations, intentions, and statements vague, fostering an air of untrustworthiness. He uses his words as a manipulative tool, intriguing listeners without revealing crucial information, effectively leading them along for his own purposes.

Dodon Pa takes a deep interest in the races he sponsors, finding value in the excitement and thrill they generate. However, his focus lies more on the moments within the races rather than their outcomes. He seems less concerned about how races conclude and more intrigued by the thrilling instances they present, such as intense confrontations like the one between Dr. Eggman and the other racers. He perceives racing as a blend of beauty and danger, seemingly entertained by the latter, hinting at a curiosity about violent and perilous situations present in his Grand Prix events.

As the sponsor of his Grand Prix, Dodon Pa desires races to adhere to his rules, but he’s willing to disregard fair play when unexpectedly entertaining occurrences arise. For instance, he allowed Dr. Eggman’s unsanctioned participation and cheating in a race, finding amusement in the chaos. Despite occasionally offering advice to racers, Dodon Pa remains impartial regarding the moral alignment of those he aids, making it challenging to discern his personal preferences.

Safety concerns for his racers seem minimal to Dodon Pa, as he prioritizes pushing their skills with increasingly challenging trials of his design, occasionally acknowledging the risk to their lives during the Grand Prix. He treats everyone equally, disregarding titles; when Blaze declined to perform due to her status as a princess, Dodon Pa equated her role to that of a performer, showcasing his indifference.

He exhibits traits of a perfectionist, prioritizing flawless products from his company. He goes to extreme lengths, like organizing an elaborate Grand Prix involving elite racers across dimensions to acquire optimal data for his Ultimate Energy Engine. Dodon Pa asserts that he’ll align with everyone and no one if it means achieving perfection. Unconcerned with others’ perceptions, he prioritizes perfecting his company’s creations for universal betterment.

Dodon Pa possesses a unique quirk of never referring to individuals by their names but by descriptive titles. For instance, he labels Sonic as the “blue hedgehog,” Knuckles as the “angry echidna,” and Dr. Eggman as the “person who kidnapped me” or “angry man.” He has a distinctive laugh: “Hohohoho.”

Dodon Pa may not showcase specific skills or abilities personally, but his access to extensive resources and cutting-edge technology grants him substantial power. Knuckles acknowledged Dodon Pa as “dangerously powerful,” highlighting the influence he wields. His technology surpasses even Tails’, whose mechanical expertise rivals Dr. Eggman’s. Dodon Pa’s advanced tech enables extraordinary feats, including the ability to transport physical objects across both space and time.

As a super scientist, Dodon Pa boasts a genius-level intellect, showcasing profound knowledge and expertise in various scientific domains. Additionally, he demonstrates some piloting skills, capable of maneuvering his own hovercraft unaided.

Dr. Eggman

Dodon Pa initially welcomed Dr. Eggman’s participation in his Grand Prix, seeing it as a way to enhance the competition. However, this association eventually led other racers to suspect collusion between Dodon Pa and Eggman.

Despite Eggman’s deceitful actions, Dodon Pa found his antics during the Grand Prix intriguing. He allowed Eggman’s unannounced participation and even assisted him, regardless of Eggman’s villainous nature. Dodon Pa was amused by Eggman’s perseverance amid challenges.

Interestingly, Dodon Pa seemingly overlooked or disregarded Eggman’s ulterior motives, remaining comfortable discussing the capabilities of his Ultimate Energy Engine with him despite its secretive nature. Even after being kidnapped by Eggman, Dodon Pa cooperated impartially to complete the engine. However, genuine shock ensued only when Eggman stole the completed engine, displaying surprise at Eggman’s extreme actions.

• Amy Rose
• Big the Cat
• Blaze the Cat
• Chao
  • Dark Chao
  • Hero Chao
  • Neutral Chao
  • Omochao
• E-123 Omega
• Knuckles the Echidna
• Miles “Tails” Prower
• Rouge the Bat
• Shadow the Hedgehog
• Silver the Hedgehog
• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Vector the Crocodile
• Wisps

Enemies

• Eggman Empire
  • Badniks
    • Metal Sonic
  • Cubot
  • Dr. Eggman
  • Orbot
• Zavok

My expensive race, my rules! Hohohoho!

Dodon Pa talking through the video monitors, Team Sonic Racing One-shot

Events are unfolding beautifully. The race is heating up and I am getting everything I could have hoped for and more. My plans always go off without a hitch.

Dodon Pa reflecting on his Grand Prix’s progress, Team Sonic Racing

Sides? I am on no sides and on all sides. I only want perfection.

Dodon Pa explaining his way of seeking perfection, Team Sonic Racing

I look forward to seeing everyone’s competitive spirits in action again.

Dodon Pa after giving the teams new cars to race in, Team Sonic Racing

Dodon Pa’s name has its roots in “dodonpa” (ドドンパ?), a genre of Japanese music closely resembling rumba.

Artwork

Sprites

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