in: Corporate

IDW Publishing

Established in 1999, IDW Publishing is an American comic book enterprise recognized by its abbreviation “Idea and Design Works.” This company holds the publishing licenses for a range of licensed comic series, such as The Transformers (formerly) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Among its publications, IDW is responsible for producing the ongoing Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series.

History

Promotional artwork for Sonic the Hedgehog comic, with art by Tyson Hesse.

On July 21, 2017, a collaboration was announced between Sega and IDW Publishing to introduce a new Sonic the Hedgehog comic series in 2018. This move followed the discontinuation of Archie Comics’ longstanding Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series.[1]Sonic the Hedgehog on Twitter. Twitter (21 July 2017). Retrieved on 21 July 2017. “Sonic the Hedgehog: SEGA and IDW are thrilled to announce a partnership to bring Sonic Comics to fans new and old. The new series arrives 2018!” The initial official creative summit took place on August 3, 2017.[2]Chris Ryall on Tumblr. Tumblr (3 August 2017). Retrieved on 3 August 2017.

During New York Comic Con 2017, early insights into IDW’s Sonic comic publication were shared on promotional materials. These materials promised fresh narratives featuring both familiar and new characters, with the first issues slated for release in April 2018.[3]T-Bird (5 October 2017). IDW Sonic Comic Teaser Features Tyson Hesse Artwork. Sonic Stadium. Retrieved on 6 October 2017. “Thank you for joining us for the first ever IDW/Sonic Town Hall! IDW and SEGA are proud to bring you an all-new chapter of Sonic the Hedgehog comics! After more than 25 years, Sonic’s adventures have captured the imaginations of countless fans, and have inspired one of the most passionate fan bases in the world. We look forward to bringing you brand-new stories, featuring characters old and new, that continue this proud legacy of the fastest comics around! SPEEDING YOUR WAY APRIL 2018!” It was also disclosed that a month-long event was planned for April 2018, during which a new comic issue would be published each week. The announcement also confirmed that Ian Flynn, the former writer of Archie’s Sonic comics, would be involved in writing for the IDW Sonic comics.[4]IDW Publishing and SEGA® Welcome Veteran Sonic Writer Ian Flynn. IDW Publishing (8 October 2017). Retrieved on 8 October 2017. “A new era of Sonic comics will begin next April with a four-week event. IDW will be moving at Sonic-like speeds to publish the first four issues of the new series in the span of four weeks. Those issues will be written by Flynn with a team of artists joining him to be announced at a later date.” Additionally, on January 16, 2018, it was revealed that Tracy Yardley, a seasoned Sonic artist from Archie Comics, would also be joining the creative team for IDW’s Sonic series.[5]SSF1991 (16 January 2018). Tracy Yardley! Confirmed For IDW Sonic Team, One Of Multiple Covers For Issue #1 Released. TSSZ News. Retrieved on 17 January 2018.

List of Publications

Comic Series

One-Shots

  • Sonic the Hedgehog (one-shot)
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: #1 5th Anniversary Edition
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Endless Summer
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Halloween Special
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Winter Jam
  • Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Special
  • Sonic the Hedgehog Free Comic Book Day 2021
  • Sonic the Hedgehog Free Comic Book Day 2022
  • Sonic the Hedgehog Halloween ComicFest 2019
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Tails’ 30th Anniversary Special
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Amy’s 30th Anniversary Special
  • Sonic the Hedgehog’s 900th Adventure
  • Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-Quill
  • Team Sonic Racing One-shot
  • Team Sonic Racing Plus Deluxe Turbo Championship Edition one-shot

Paperback and Hardcover Collections

  • Sonic the Hedgehog
  • Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 1-4 Box Set
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Bad Guys
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Bonds of Friendship
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Knuckles’ Greatest Hits
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Seasons of Chaos
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Sonic & Tails: Best Buds Forever
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Scrapnik Island
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Tangle & Whisper
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: The IDW Collection
  • Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Celebration
  • Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Celebration: The Deluxe Edition

IDW Games

IDW Games, a branch of IDW Publishing, specializes in releasing licensed tabletop games. Following their acquisition of the Sonic comic license, they have developed and published various games inspired by the Sonic series:

  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Too Slow Premium Puzzle
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Crash Course
  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Dice Rush

References

  1. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog on Twitter. Twitter (21 July 2017). Retrieved on 21 July 2017. “Sonic the Hedgehog: SEGA and IDW are thrilled to announce a partnership to bring Sonic Comics to fans new and old. The new series arrives 2018!”
  2. ↑ Chris Ryall on Tumblr. Tumblr (3 August 2017). Retrieved on 3 August 2017.
  3. ↑ T-Bird (5 October 2017). IDW Sonic Comic Teaser Features Tyson Hesse Artwork. Sonic Stadium. Retrieved on 6 October 2017. “Thank you for joining us for the first ever IDW/Sonic Town Hall! IDW and SEGA are proud to bring you an all-new chapter of Sonic the Hedgehog comics! After more than 25 years, Sonic’s adventures have captured the imaginations of countless fans, and have inspired one of the most passionate fan bases in the world. We look forward to bringing you brand-new stories, featuring characters old and new, that continue this proud legacy of the fastest comics around! SPEEDING YOUR WAY APRIL 2018!”
  4. ↑ IDW Publishing and SEGA® Welcome Veteran Sonic Writer Ian Flynn. IDW Publishing (8 October 2017). Retrieved on 8 October 2017. “A new era of Sonic comics will begin next April with a four-week event. IDW will be moving at Sonic-like speeds to publish the first four issues of the new series in the span of four weeks. Those issues will be written by Flynn with a team of artists joining him to be announced at a later date.”
  5. ↑ SSF1991 (16 January 2018). Tracy Yardley! Confirmed For IDW Sonic Team, One Of Multiple Covers For Issue #1 Released. TSSZ News. Retrieved on 17 January 2018.

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