- For other uses, see Bark the Polar Bear (disambiguation).
Bark the Polar Bear (バーク・ザ・ポーラーベアー Bāku za Pōrā Beā?) is a character from the Sonic the Hedgehog series. He is an anthropomorphic polar bear who participated in a fighting tournament to win the Chaos Emeralds and gain the right to destroy the Death Egg II. Known for his immense strength, Bark specializes in punching and throwing.[4]
Although Bark has a quiet and gentle demeanor, he occasionally finds himself associating with the wrong crowd. Additionally, he is recognized as the best snowboarder on North Island.[1]
Appearance[edit | edit source]
Bark is an anthropomorphic polar bear with light yellow, almost beige, fur. He has a large, round, and chubby build, though he is not particularly tall. While his body features a slightly pronounced winter belly, his arms are somewhat slender yet muscular, and his legs are short and thin. Bark's appearance includes a triangular patch of white fur on his chest, a long peach-colored muzzle with a pointed black nose, and seemingly conjoined eyeballs with black pupils. He has round ears with peach-colored inner canals atop his head, three locks of hair on his forehead, shoulder-length fur around his neck, and a distinctive ponytail.
For his attire, Bark wears an orange and red toque with holes for his ears to poke through, a green scarf, brown mittens with yellow finger tips and red wrist straps, and a pair of brown-toed orange and black boots with gray soles, red straps, and yellow shoelaces.
History[edit | edit source]
Sonic the Fighters[edit | edit source]
In Sonic the Fighters, Bark was part of a group of Sonic's allies entrusted with safeguarding the Chaos Emeralds to prevent Dr. Robotnik from exploiting their power. However, Robotnik soon constructed the Death Egg II, deploying hordes of robots to wreak havoc on the world. To counter this, a fighting tournament was organized to determine which of the Chaos Emerald guardians was the strongest. Bark participated in the tournament, aiming to defeat all the contestants and earn the right to use the Chaos Emeralds.
The tournament's champion would secure the Chaos Emeralds and gain access to Tails' single-seat Lunar Fox spaceship to infiltrate the Death Egg II and destroy it. At the tournament's conclusion, the victor used the Chaos Emeralds to travel to the Death Egg II, ultimately causing it to self-destruct just moments after their escape.[5]
Other game appearances[edit | edit source]
Sonic Generations[edit | edit source]
In the console and PC versions of Sonic Generations, Bark makes a cameo appearance on wanted posters scattered throughout the City Escape stage, alongside Bean the Dynamite.
Sonic Mania[edit | edit source]
In Sonic Mania and its expansion, Sonic Mania Plus, Bark makes multiple cameo appearances in Mirage Saloon Zone. He appears on wanted posters throughout the Zone, and the Heavy Magician shapeshifts into Bark, as well as Fang the Sniper and Bean the Dynamite, during her encounters with the player.
At the end of Sonic and Tails' version of Mirage Saloon Zone Act 1, "Bark" may appear riding an Armadiloid, which fires a shot at the Tornado, causing it to crash. Additionally, during the boss fight at the end of Act 2, the Heavy Magician occasionally transforms into Bark as part of her attack patterns. In this form, "Bark" hops slowly around the arena and smashes his hands into the ground, causing rocks and other debris to fall from above. Striking the illusion dispels it, revealing the Heavy Magician.
Personality[edit | edit source]
In his Sonic the Fighters debut, Bark is depicted as serious during matches. He is described as having a gentle and loving heart, though his shy and blunt demeanor can make him seem unapproachable.[1]
In the IDW Comics, Bark's personality is portrayed as blunt and quiet, stemming from his shyness. While he associates with a troublesome crowd in Fang and Bean, Bark secretly retains his gentle nature.[2] He avoids unnecessary violence, preferring to subdue opponents using his immense strength. However, if provoked or pushed too far, he transforms into a fierce and aggressive adversary.[2]
Despite his reserved nature and questionable associations, Bark is not inherently a bad individual, as Amy discovers. His true character is overshadowed by the company he keeps.
Powers and abilities[edit | edit source]
Bark's greatest strength is his immense brute force, enabling him to contend with powerhouses like Sonic and Knuckles. His strength allows him to flatten opponents and deliver devastating attacks with minimal effort. Additionally, Bark can harness Chaos Emerald energy to enhance his natural abilities, enabling him to enter the powerful Hyper Mode state.
Bark excels as a close-range hand-to-hand combatant, rivaling renowned fighters such as Sonic and Knuckles. His fighting style emphasizes raw strength through grappling techniques, powerful punches, and occasional combo attacks. Bark's durability is equally impressive, as he can withstand blows from Amy's Piko Piko Hammer and remain conscious after taking a direct hit to the head from Knuckles. His mastery in combat allows him to match even Knuckles, a highly skilled fighter, blow for blow.[2]
Relationships[edit | edit source]
Fang the Hunter[edit | edit source]
Bark, despite being one of Fang's allies, harbors a clear dislike for him, often displaying annoyance or frustration when tasked with assignments by Fang.[2] While Bark does follow Fang's orders, indicating a level of respect, his patience with Fang's antics is limited. This is highlighted during a specific incident where both he and Bean were exploited by Fang without any personal gain. This experience ultimately led Bark to sever ties with Fang and quit working for him.
Bean the Dynamite[edit | edit source]
Bean the Dynamite is widely regarded as Bark's best friend.[6] The two frequently engage in conversations about their circumstances, displaying a mutual tolerance for each other that surpasses their patience for Fang. Their synchronized opinions and actions highlight their close bond, even if Bark's silence limits the depth of their relationship on the surface.
According to Bean, Bark plays a crucial role in keeping him grounded when he gets carried away. Despite Bark's stoic demeanor, he demonstrates genuine concern for Bean, further solidifying their dynamic as a supportive and balanced friendship.
Amy Rose[edit | edit source]
Amy Rose appears to be the only person who truly understands Bark's kind-hearted nature. She affectionately calls him a "big sweetie" after he lends her his scarf during their mission to stop Eggman and Heavy King. In response to Amy's kindness, Bark often blushes, confirming her observation.[2][7]
Notably, Amy is the only person outside of his gang to whom Bark shows consistent kindness. Her compassionate approach seems to resonate deeply with him, leading Bark to avoid opposing her whenever possible. When forced into situations that might upset her, he tends to hide his face out of guilt. This was evident when Fang's Gang attempted to steal Amy's pie, during which Bark looked away with a worried expression.[6]
Knuckles the Echidna[edit | edit source]
Following the events of Sonic the Fighters, Bark seems to regard Knuckles the Echidna as a true rival in combat. This is evident when, after being kicked in the face by Knuckles, Bark quickly escalates his efforts and begins fighting seriously. Even after being punched in the stomach, Bark retaliates with a flurry of rapid punches, showcasing his determination and willingness to stand his ground. This dynamic highlights the budding rivalry between the two.[2]
Heavy King[edit | edit source]
During Bark's battle with Heavy King, he manages to hold his ground for an extended period, utilizing all his strength. His impressive effort earns the respect of the robotic foe, with Heavy King acknowledging Bark's power and tenacity by comparing his fighting abilities to those of a robot. This moment highlights Bark's strength and determination, proving him to be a worthy opponent.[8]
Friends/allies[edit | edit source]
- Bean the Dynamite (best friend)
Neutral[edit | edit source]
Enemies[edit | edit source]
- Hard Boiled Heavies
- Espio the Chameleon
- Honey the Cat
- Jimmy
- Knuckles the Echidna (rival)
- Miles "Tails" Prower
- Mighty the Armadillo
- Ray the Flying Squirrel
- Sonic the Hedgehog
In other media[edit | edit source]
Books and comics[edit | edit source]
Archie Comics[edit | edit source]
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, Bark was the silent partner of Bean the Dynamite. Bark himself was a walking enigma as no one knew where he came from or what his motivations were. He used to be part of a mercenary group which included Fiona Fox, Bean, and Nicolette the Weasel. Later on, Bark and Bean were hired by Dr. Eggman to ambush Sonic on his birthday, but the duo was soon outnumbered and retreated. After being captured and escaping jail, Bark and Bean worked for Mammoth Mogul for some time before joining Nack the Weasel's Team Hooligan to secure a Sol Emerald, but failed.
After the Super Genesis Wave re-wrote history, Bark became virtually identical to his game counterpart, where he is now a member of the "Hooligans", a villainous team also consisting of Nack and Bean, which occasionally aids Dr. Eggman.
IDW Publishing[edit | edit source]
Seasons of Chaos[edit | edit source]
Hired by Dr. Eggman to find all the Chaos Emeralds in exchange for a hefty reward, Bark and his companions Fang and Bean set out on their treasure hunt. Eventually coming across Sonic, Tails and Knuckles in Summer Falls Zone, Bark would occupy Knuckles while Bean fought Sonic and Fang tried securing the local Chaos Emerald. However, the Chaos Emerald got lost down a waterfall when Bark engaged Knuckles in a fistfight (which ended with Bark and Knuckles knocking each other out) to keep Knuckles from getting the Chaos Emerald. Deciding to retrieve the Chaos Emerald later, Bark got picked up by his gang and taken to Autumn Forest Zone where the next Chaos Emerald was.
There, Bark and his gang found the local Chaos Emerald in the hands of Mighty, Ray and Amy. Taking on Amy, Bark easily overpowered her and hung her up on a tree before subduing Mighty. However, when Metal Knuckles appeared and escaped with the Chaos Emerald, Bark and the rest gave chase until they came across Eggman in the company of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles.
Eggman proceeded to explain that Heavy King had taken over his forces and was the one retrieving the Chaos Emeralds. Knowing Heavy King could not be allowed to have the Emeralds, Bark and the others joined forces with each other and went to Heavy King's base in Winter Caverns Zone. While there, Bark let Amy wear his scarf. The crew soon found Metal Sonic and Metal Knuckles, but Eggman managed to override the signal Heavy King used to control the Metals.
With the Metals on their side, Bark and Mighty prepared to force the base's doors up until Eggman opened it for them. Bark and his allies then confronted Heavy King, who was now possessing all seven Chaos Emeralds. Using their power, Heavy King overwhelmed Bark and his allies until Sonic managed to distract Heavy King, allowing Bark and the others to take the Chaos Emeralds back in secret. Escaping from the base afterward, Bark and took his leave with his gang, taking the purple Chaos Emerald with them as their reward, but not before bashfully taking back his scarf from Amy who suggested that Bark was secretly a "big sweetie".
Amy's New Hobby[edit | edit source]
Bark would later come to Amy's house to read some of Amy's self-made comic books. While there, he got shoved aside by Sonic when he came to see what this commotion was all about.
Amy's 30th Anniversary Special[edit | edit source]
Bark along with Bean and Fang was sent on a mission by Dr. Eggman but failed, Metal Sonic would put him in a Capsule in Market Harbor Zone. He would be released by a Flicky by dropping Amy's Piko Piko Hammer. Bark would be ambushed by Eggrobos but would be assisted by Amy and Ray. The three would confront Metal Sonic at Eggman Island Zone. Bark would distract Metal Sonic while Amy and Ray rescue those captured in the capsules. When Metal was defeated, Bark went with Fang and Bean and didn't join the others in their tea party.
Fang the Hunter miniseries[edit | edit source]
Bark along with Fang and Bean were watching Sonic from a bush until Fang orders them to attack. Bark grabs Sonic, but he is able to escape and fling Bark away. After failing to attack Sonic, Fang tries to explain that they are looking for the eighth Chaos Emerald, but Sonic says there is only 7, being no help to the gang. They then leave to go ask Knuckles on Angel Island. Once they arrive, they see that he isn't there, so Bark suggests stealing the Master Emerald while it's unguarded, but Fang denies the suggestion and tells them to focus on the eight emerald. This leads Bark and Bean to tell Fang that they are tired of his antics, however Fang is able to convince them to stick around. Shortly after, the gang ends up in Mushroom Hill but Bark and Bean end up getting captured by Knuckles, who knew the three were on the island, leaving Fang to rescue them. Fang then arrives in Sandopolis to save them by defeating Knuckles. Fang then asks Knuckles about the eighth Chaos Emerald, but he thinks Fang is referring to the Master Emerald, leaving the gang again with no help, even calling Fang delusional. After the three leave Angel Island, Bark and Bean tell Fang that he is wasting their time and say that they want to quit. Fang retaliates by threatening to tip over the Marvelous Queen and throw them off, which convinces them to keep helping him. The Gang then head over to an island Eggman had tried to conquer in the past, where it would start raining. Fang then talks about what he'd gain from finding the eight emerald, after which Bean would retaliate by asking what he and Bark would get out of it. Fang tries to reassure that they'd also benefit from it too. The lab then starts to flood while they are looking for clues, before Eggman rescues them and takes them away. The gang would be hired by Eggman to find the Heavy Wing which was in test flight by the Hard Boiled Heavies, which they agree to help with as Fang believes the battleship's teleportation abilities has to do with the eight Chaos Emerald. They would then take their leave and hunt it down on a nearby island, where Bark is seen knitting a scarf until the Marvelous Queen takes off after Fang finds the Heavy Wing's location and his yarn goes flying. Once on board, the trio destroy Eggrobos and flying Badniks which leads them to the power source of the ship, which Fang believes is the eighth emerald. Before they can take it, they are confronted by Heavy Rider and Jimmy, who the three are able to stop by threatening to blow up the Moto Bug. Fang then has Bark open the vault and release the power source, but it is shown that the gem inside is not the eighth Chaos Emerald. This then draws the attention of the other Hard Boiled Heavies, with Heavy King telling Fang that the gem is actually called the Warp Topaz and confirming that the eighth emerald is not real. Despite this, Fang decides to take the gem anyways and the gang runs for it. Heavy Rider catches up to the gang, but Bark manages to defeat her, leaving Heavy King to fight Bark while Fang and Bean keep running, as the Marvelous Queen isn't able to make it fast enough. Later on, Bark is on the break of defeat, but is then saved by Fang and Bean, who teleport in using the Warp Topaz's teleportation powers with the Marvelous Queen, which had arrived by that point. The trio then warp out of the battleship, but after they escape, Bean and Bark get mad at Fang for putting them through everything they just went through and quit working for him, leaving him to go do something else without him.
Merchandise[edit | edit source]
A plush toy of Bark was made as part of a line of plush toys for Sonic the Fighters in Japan. The toys could only be won from claw cranes.
Trivia[edit | edit source]
- One of the concepts for Bark's species was an orangutan.[9]
- In issue #174 of Computer and Video Games, the section on Sonic the Fighters refers to a character known as "Bug" in place of Bark. Whether "Bug" was an early name for Bark, an entirely different scrapped character or a mistranslation is unknown.[10]
- Bark's blood type is unknown.[1]
- In Sonic the Fighters, Bark's species is misspelled as "Bark the Polerbear" in his Vs. Card.
- Bark made a cameo on the front cover of Sonic X #15 in the form of a stuffed toy, along with Storm the Albatross and Amigo.
- His home stage theme, "Fairy of A.I.F", was remixed and can be heard as unlockable song in Sonic Gems Collection.
- According to an interview on Sonic Central from 2004, Sonic did not know the whereabouts of Bark, Ray, Bean, Fang, Chaos or Tikal.[11]
- Like Bean and Honey, Bark was most likely designed by Masahiro Sugiyama, the character designer of Sonic the Fighters.[12]
- In Sonic Mania and its expansion, Bark lacks some hair on his head.
Notes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Bark's height is taken from the official Japanese guide for Fighters Megamix, in which it was comparable to the human characters in the game. This appears to be inconsistent with his height in Sonic the Fighters, which was relative to the rest of the playable characters (for reference, Sonic stands at 100 cm).
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Bark" (in Japanese). ファイターズメガミックス オフィシャルガイド. SoftBank. February 24, 1997. p. 202. ISBN 978-4797302127.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Special, "Seasons of Chaos"
- ↑ Flynn, Ian; Sega (December 8, 2021). "Sonic the Fighters". Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia. Dark Horse Books. p. 21. ISBN 978-1506719276.
- ↑ ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ【公式】 (May 9, 2023). ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ【公式】 on Twitter (Japanese). Twitter. Retrieved on July 13, 2023.
- ↑ "Sonic the Fighters" (in Japanese). Gamest. June 1996. Archived from the original. Retrieved on July 15, 2018.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Sonic the Hedgehog: Fang the Hunter Issue 1
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog: Amy's 30th Anniversary Special
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog: Fang the Hunter Issue 4
- ↑ Media:BarkTheOrangutan.jpg
- ↑ "Sonic Fighters - The Sonic Fighting Line-Up!". Computer and Video Games (174): 29. May 1996. Archived from the original. "AM2 were specifically requested by the Sonic Team to create two all-new characters for the game. Enter Bean and Bug. What these fighters look like and what they do has yet to be revealed to us!"
- ↑ Sega of America . Sonic Q and A. Sega. Archived from the original on June 13, 2004. "Stephen F. (a.k.a Sonic's number 1 fan.): Will Ray the Flying Squirrel, Bean the Duck, Chaos, Nack, Tikal, and Bark reappear? P.S: COOL SITE!!! / Sonic: Actually, I don't know exactly where they are... but we do have some old faces from the past that will be with me in Sonic Heroes... make sure to check 'em out!"
- ↑ Staff team of Sonic the Fighters. The Green Hill Zone.
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de:Bark the Polar Bear es:Bark the Polar Bear fr:Bark the Polar Bear nl:Bark the Polar Bear pl:Bark the Polar Bear pt-br:Bark o Urso Polar ru:Полярный медведь Барк