Jet the Hawk

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Jet the Hawk (ジェット・ザ・ホーク, Jetto za Hōku) is a character in the Sonic the Hedgehog series and the leader of the current generation of the Babylon Rogues. An anthropomorphic hawk and a skilled Extreme Gear rider, he is widely known as the “Legendary Wind Master“ for his mastery of the air and his command of his personal gear, the Type-J.[6]Sonic Riders. (Nintendo GameCube). United States instruction booklet. p. 7[7]Sonic Channel. Characters: Jet. accessed April 4, 2026. archived July 8, 2008. Archived version

Introduced in Sonic Riders, Jet was created as a rival to Sonic the Hedgehog and has remained one of the franchise’s recurring speed-focused challengers ever since. Proud, sharp-tongued, and obsessed with both treasure and reputation, he carries himself with supreme confidence and rarely tolerates humiliation or second place. Despite his selfish streak and life as a thief, Jet values skill and fair competition, and his long-running rivalry with Sonic has become one of the defining parts of his role in the series.[8]Sonic Riders official website. Characters: Jet. accessed April 4, 2026. archived May 16, 2008. dead link. Archived version[5]Sonic Free Riders. (Xbox 360). United States instruction booklet. p. 11

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Concept and creation[edit]

Concept art of Jet the Hawk, first revealed at a Sonic 25th anniversary event at Tokyo Joypolis.

Jet was created for Sonic Riders as a rival to Sonic the Hedgehog in the field of high-speed Extreme Gear racing. According to game designer Takashi Yuda, Jet and the rest of the Babylon Rogues were conceived by Sonic Team as “air pirates” who would serve as Sonic’s new rivals.[9]Sega Talks Sonic Riders. GameSpy. 20 January 2006. accessed 04 April 2026. archived 21 February 2006. Archived version

Within the broader series, Jet is notable for being the second green bird character with red shoes to be introduced, following Bean the Dynamite from Sonic the Fighters. His role, design, and competitive attitude were built around contrasting Sonic’s reputation as the fastest on foot with Jet’s confidence as a master of speed in the air.

Appearance[edit]

Jet is an anthropomorphic hawk with green feathers covering most of his body and white feathers on the front of his torso. His beak is golden, and his eyes are bright blue with red and black markings at the sides. He has a mohawk-like crest with dark green tips, matching the dark green tips on his long three-feathered tail. His wrists and upper arms are marked with dark green, flame-like patterns.

Jet the Hawk, from Sonic Riders.

For clothing, Jet wears white gloves with visible lining, red and black cuffs, and dark gray wristbands. He also wears red, black, and white boots with matching cuffs and gray soles. His most recognizable accessory is a pair of goggles with yellow lenses, silver frames, and dark gray straps, which he typically wears on his forehead but can pull over his eyes while riding.

Across later appearances, Jet’s overall design has remained consistent, though he has also been depicted in several alternate outfits, including seasonal and racing-themed costumes in spin-off titles such as Sonic Forces: Speed Battle and Sonic Speed Simulator. In the April 2026 Sonic Channel wallpaper, he was shown wearing half-rim glasses instead of his usual goggles while holding a bag of gold coins and a gold bar, emphasizing both his sharp, self-assured image and his fondness for treasure.[10]Here’s the April Wallpaper from Sonic Channel! ♪. Sonic City. April 7, 2026. accessed April 7, 2026

Personality and traits[edit]

Jet is extremely arrogant, confident, and prideful, with a massive ego built around his speed, skill, and reputation. He tends to look down on others, boasts openly about his own abilities, and has little patience for anyone he considers slow, incompetent, or beneath him. He is also highly sensitive about losing and hates being pitied, seeing it as an insult rather than sympathy. At the same time, he is capable of acknowledging talent when someone genuinely impresses him, although even his praise often comes with a sharp edge.[7]Sonic Channel. Characters: Jet. accessed April 4, 2026. archived July 8, 2008. Archived version[5]Sonic Free Riders. (Xbox 360). United States instruction booklet. p. 11

His attitude is usually rude, snide, and openly disrespectful. Jet enjoys mocking other people, rubbing in victories, and insulting both rivals and allies when they annoy him. This extends even to his own teammates, Storm and Wave, whom he frequently talks down to or brushes aside. He is especially dismissive when Wave gives lengthy explanations, often demanding that she simplify things or tuning her out entirely. Despite this abrasive behavior, his arrogance is balanced by a strong concern for image, and he rarely wants others to see any insecurity, weakness, or vulnerability in him.[5]Sonic Free Riders. (Xbox 360). United States instruction booklet. p. 11[7]Sonic Channel. Characters: Jet. accessed April 4, 2026. archived July 8, 2008. Archived version

Jet’s character profile, from the Sonic Free Riders manual.

Although Jet often comes across as lazy or nonchalant, he is not oblivious to his position. As leader of the Babylon Rogues, he does understand his responsibilities, even if he does not always take them seriously. This frustrates Wave, but Jet still knows how to assert his authority when needed. He is strict when it comes to failure, expects competence from his team, and dislikes anything that makes the Rogues look foolish or brutish. Over time, he has shown some maturity as a leader, becoming more dependable and ultimately loyal to his teammates despite his selfish tendencies.[5]Sonic Free Riders. (Xbox 360). United States instruction booklet. p. 11[11]Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2019, “Bonds of Friendship”[12]IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 25, “A Sudden Shift” Official character material has also highlighted the charisma he carries as a rival and team leader, presenting him as someone whose confidence naturally pulls others along even when his ego is impossible to ignore.[10]Here’s the April Wallpaper from Sonic Channel! ♪. Sonic City. April 7, 2026. accessed April 7, 2026

Jet is also deeply greedy and highly motivated by treasure, money, and anything else that can enrich him and the Babylon Rogues. Aside from himself, treasure is one of the things he values most.[7]Sonic Channel. Characters: Jet. accessed April 4, 2026. archived July 8, 2008. Archived version He takes pride in being a professional thief and is most interested in targets that promise real profit or legendary value. Even when striking a cool or composed pose, his greed tends to show through, making it one of his most consistent and recognizable traits. This gives him an anti-heroic edge throughout the series, as he is usually more concerned with securing treasure than with heroism or world-saving. If there is nothing worthwhile to gain, he can quickly lose interest, especially if the objective feels more complicated than profitable.[10]Here’s the April Wallpaper from Sonic Channel! ♪. Sonic City. April 7, 2026. accessed April 7, 2026

In spite of his selfishness, Jet is not without standards. He is fiercely competitive and loves any challenge that demands skill, stamina, and precision, especially Extreme Gear racing. More importantly, he despises cheating when it undermines the value of victory. Even when he wants badly to surpass Sonic the Hedgehog, Jet wants that win to come from his own ability rather than dishonest tactics. Because of this, he is willing to accept a loss, seek a rematch, and keep pushing himself until he can prove his worth properly. Recent official material has likewise emphasized that Jet turns his pride into discipline, continuing to sharpen his skills and improve his gear in pursuit of victory.[10]Here’s the April Wallpaper from Sonic Channel! ♪. Sonic City. April 7, 2026. accessed April 7, 2026 This sense of pride, while often unpleasant, also gives him a certain degree of honor as a rival and racer.[8]Sonic Riders official website. Characters: Jet. accessed April 4, 2026. archived May 16, 2008. dead link. Archived version

History[edit]

Origin of Jet

A portrait of Jet’s father, from Sonic Riders.

Jet became the next leader of the Babylon Rogues after succeeding his father, continuing the legacy of a band of legendary thieves whose lineage traces back to the ancient Babylonians. As revealed in Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, Jet and the other Rogues are descendants of aliens who arrived on Earth by traveling through a black hole generated by the Arks of the Cosmos.[13]Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity Over time, the ship that brought their ancestors to the planet became known as Babylon Garden. Unable to return home, Jet’s forebears developed Extreme Gear technology and built a reputation as master riders and treasure hunters, a legacy that Jet, Wave, and Storm continue in the present day.[13]Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity

Jet made his debut in Sonic Riders, where he led the Babylon Rogues into the EX World Grand Prix after Dr. Eggman hired them to challenge Sonic and his friends while collecting the Chaos Emeralds for him. In truth, Eggman intended to use the competition and the Rogues to uncover the secrets of Babylon Garden and claim its treasure for himself.[14]Sonic Riders As leader, Jet carried the ancient control box that had been passed down through generations of Babylon Rogue leaders, tying him directly to that inheritance.[15]Sonic Riders. (PC). UK instruction booklet. p. 7

During the tournament, Jet quickly established himself as Sonic’s new rival in speed. Confident in his superiority on Extreme Gear, he looked down on Sonic’s running ability and treated the race as proof that he, not Sonic, was the true master of speed in the air.[14]Sonic Riders Although the Rogues were initially acting in their own self-interest, the conflict ultimately led them to Babylon Garden itself, where the long-lost treasure of the Babylonians was revealed to be the Magic Carpet, a prototype for Extreme Gear technology rather than a conventional pile of riches.[14]Sonic Riders

After those events, Jet’s rivalry with Sonic endured. He remained determined to prove himself the faster of the two whenever the chance arose, especially in aerial racing, and continued to define himself through that competition.[14]Sonic Riders His heritage, leadership of the Babylon Rogues, and status as the self-proclaimed fastest rider in the air have remained central to his role in the series ever since.

Powers and abilities[edit]

Jet the Hawk. Leader of the Babylon Rogues. Navigates extreme speeds with precision. Treat as A-Rank threat.

E-123 Omega, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Jet kicks away his desk in a fit of anger, from Sonic Riders.

Jet is highly athletic even without his Extreme Gear. Like many figures in the series, he can move at considerable speed on foot, and his lower-body strength is especially notable, enough for him to kick away a heavy desk in a burst of anger.[16]Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Ice Factory He is also extremely agile and acrobatic, capable of leaping to impressive heights,[17]Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Green Cave moving through treetops with ease,[18]Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: White Cave and performing advanced aerial tricks and maneuvers. Jet is likewise a capable fighter, having taken down multiple MeteorTech security robots in midair with kicks and swift movements.[19]Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; CRI Middleware. Sega. 22 February 2008. Area: Snowy Kingdom He is especially proficient with warfans, which complement both his speed and his control over wind-based attacks.[3]Sonic Channel. Characters: Jet. accessed 07 April 2026. archived 26 May 2019. Japanese. Archived version

Jet’s greatest talent, however, is Extreme Gear riding. He is best known for his mastery of his personal board, the Type-J,[4]Devra Newberger Speregen. Sonic: The Ultimate Character Guide. Scholastic. 2016. p. 53. ISBN 978-1338033243 and is regarded as one of the most gifted riders in history.[3]Sonic Channel. Characters: Jet. accessed 07 April 2026. archived 26 May 2019. Japanese. Archived version[5]Sonic Free Riders. (Xbox 360). United States instruction booklet. p. 11 His skill is so renowned that it earned him the title of “Legendary Wind Master“ ,[20]Sonic Riders official website. Characters: Jet the Hawk. accessed 12 June 2006. archived 12 June 2006. Archived version. “Has Sonic finally met his match? This mysterious new character is widely known as the "Legendary Wind Master" due to his impressive Extreme Gear skills. He leads a talented group of thieves known as the Babylon Rogues and he carries a mysterious control box said to have been passed down from the Ancient Babylonians.”[6]Sonic Riders. (Nintendo GameCube). United States instruction booklet. p. 7 a reputation tied not only to his technical mastery but also to his ability to accurately read wind streams and ride in harmony with them.[5]Sonic Free Riders. (Xbox 360). United States instruction booklet. p. 11[21]Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Green Cave. "Jet: You know, I've checked you out actually. Not bad; I admit you're pretty fast on your feet. But here, it's a whole different story when riding with Extreme Gear! You see, to be the fastest on a Gear, you have to become one with the wind! Without wings, well, you might as well kiss the ground and go home!"

Jet laughing as he declares himself to be faster than Sonic with his Extreme Gear, from Sonic Riders.

On an Extreme Gear, Jet considers himself superior even to Sonic the Hedgehog, at least in the air.[22]Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Opening sequence (Babylon storyline). "Jet: Hmph. He may be the fastest creature on the ground, but in the air, with me and my Extreme Gear, he's just a joke. Ah ha ha ha ha!" He can perform complex tricks at high speed, maintain perfect balance on Grind Rails, and even fight other riders without losing control of his board. He can also generate powerful currents capable of blowing opponents away,[23]Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Opening sequence (Heroes' storyline) showing that his title is more than mere self-promotion. His knowledge of how to ride at peak performance is also extensive, making him not just a natural rider but an expert in the discipline itself.[21]Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Green Cave. "Jet: You know, I've checked you out actually. Not bad; I admit you're pretty fast on your feet. But here, it's a whole different story when riding with Extreme Gear! You see, to be the fastest on a Gear, you have to become one with the wind! Without wings, well, you might as well kiss the ground and go home!" Outside of racing, Jet is a highly capable thief and an experienced professional in the Babylon Rogues’ trade.[6]Sonic Riders. (Nintendo GameCube). United States instruction booklet. p. 7 He has participated in successful thefts, slipped away from authorities, and demonstrated sharp sleight-of-hand skills when handling stolen goods and valuables.[23]Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Opening sequence (Heroes' storyline)[24]Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; CRI Middleware. Sega. 22 February 2008. Area: Opening sequence (Babylon storyline) He is also a capable pilot, able to control the Babylon Rogues’ ship on his own when necessary.[25]Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Babylon Garden Oddly enough, he is even said to have a talent for sneezing, which he can use to throw off opponents at the right moment.[3]Sonic Channel. Characters: Jet. accessed 07 April 2026. archived 26 May 2019. Japanese. Archived version

Taken together, Jet’s speed, aerial finesse, combat ability, piloting skill, and experience as a thief make him a formidable all-around talent. While his pride often defines how he presents himself, his reputation is backed by real ability, and his leadership of the Babylon Rogues depends as much on his competence as it does on his ego.[11]Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2019, “Bonds of Friendship”

Equipment and weapons

The Type-J, from Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.

Jet’s signature equipment is the Type-J, a Board-type Extreme Gear built specifically for him by Wave. It is designed for high-speed performance and tuned to suit Jet’s exact riding style. Over time, the Type-J has been modified into an especially temperamental machine with a highly specialized setup, to the point that virtually nobody but Jet can handle it properly.[26]Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; CRI Middleware. Sega. 22 February 2008. "Type-J's profile: Jet's gear, redesigned by Wave. Full of quirks, nobody but Jet could master this peaky ride."[27]Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; CRI Middleware. Sega. 22 February 2008. "Type-J's profile: Wave rebuilt this gear for Jet from the ground up. It uses a peaky tuning only Jet can properly control."

In battle, Jet also wields a pair of large fans known as the Bashōsen. He uses them with great skill, both to produce strong gusts that throw enemies off balance and to engage in close combat. With one fan, he can send opponents off course or disorient them with wind pressure, while with both he can strike directly or spin into nearby foes to knock them back.[11]Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2019, “Bonds of Friendship”

Color Powers

Main article: Color Power

By drawing on different forms of Hyper-go-on supplied by Wisps, Jet can access specific Color Powers that transform him into alternate forms with specialized abilities. Among the forms he has been shown to use are the Cyan Laser, Yellow Drill, and Indigo Asteroid. Like other users of these powers, however, Jet can only maintain such transformations as long as he has a steady source of Hyper-go-on.

Relationships[edit]

His father

Jet’s relationship with his father is mostly unknown. However, it appears that the two remain in contact, as Jet’s father once wrote to him on his birthday. Jet in turn seems to respect and care for him, referring to him as a “wise old man.”

Storm the Albatross

Anyway, rounding out my squad is Storm the Albatross! He’s my right-hand man and as strong as they come. He’s 100% loyal and outclasses that bumpkin Knuckles any day of the week.

Jet the Hawk, “TailsTube #13 (Pit Crew)“

As the leader of the Babylon Rogues, Jet occupies a commanding position over Storm the Albatross, who typically addresses him as “boss” rather than by name and tries his best to carry out his orders. Jet usually treats Storm more like a subordinate than an equal, often giving him assignments and expecting him to follow through without question.

Storm’s loyalty to Jet is one of the clearest dynamics within the Babylon Rogues. He consistently backs Jet’s decisions, even when doing so makes both of them seem foolish or overly stubborn. Jet, for his part, values Storm’s support and commitment, though he is easily irritated when Storm’s eagerness causes the group to look clumsy or incompetent. Storm also has a tendency to take Jet’s words too literally, which can create problems, but Jet still relies on him as his right-hand man. Despite Jet’s frequent frustration and bossy attitude, the two do care about one another. Their bond is especially evident when they continue to ride and fight side by side even in dangerous situations, showing that their partnership goes beyond simple command and obedience.[28]Sonic the Hedgehog #26, “All or Nothing, Part 1”[29]Sonic the Hedgehog #27, “All or Nothing, Part 2”[30]Sonic the Hedgehog #28, “All or Nothing, Part 3”

Wave the Swallow

Our mechanic is Wave the Swallow! She’s got the slickest tricks, the smoothest moves, and she’s an unmatched genius when it comes to machines. Really makes Tails look like an amateur.

Jet the Hawk, “TailsTube #13 (Pit Crew)“
Jet gets annoyed by Wave’s nagging, from Sonic Riders.

Jet is also the leader of Wave the Swallow, though their relationship differs noticeably from his relationship with Storm. Unlike Storm, Wave addresses Jet by name rather than calling him “boss.” In the Japanese versions of the games, however, she uses the honorific “-sama,” suggesting a degree of formal respect. Wave is the engineer behind Jet’s Type-J, and her intelligence and technical skill make her one of his most valuable teammates. Jet knows that Wave is dependable and capable, but he is often impatient with her tendency to explain things at length. He regularly dismisses her lectures as long-winded or boring, preferring quick, simple answers over detail. Wave, in turn, frequently acts as the voice of reason when Jet gets carried away by pride, greed, or impulse. This often puts them at odds, as Jet does not like being corrected or slowed down, even when he understands that she is making sense.

Their arguments can be frequent and distracting, but beneath the bickering there is clear mutual trust. Jet relies on Wave’s inventions, intelligence, and support, while Wave continues to stand by him as part of the Babylon Rogues. In dangerous situations, the two remain willing to ride and fight together through to the end, showing that their bond is stronger than their constant verbal clashes.[28]Sonic the Hedgehog #26, “All or Nothing, Part 1”[30]Sonic the Hedgehog #28, “All or Nothing, Part 3”

Sonic the Hedgehog

Finally! It’s time for our epic rematch! Don’t disappoint me, Sonic the Hedgehog!

Jet the Hawk, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Jet racing Sonic, from Sonic Free Riders.

Jet and Sonic the Hedgehog have been rivals ever since their first meeting. Their relationship began in Sonic Riders, where Jet initially believed himself superior in Extreme Gear racing and openly mocked Sonic for being slower in the air. During the final course of the World Grand Prix, Jet was shocked to find himself losing to Sonic. Although he won that race, the victory was tainted by Wave‘s sabotage of Sonic’s gear, something Jet had not knowingly agreed to. When he later learned the truth, he rejected the idea of winning through unfair means and made it clear that he wanted to defeat Sonic through his own skill rather than cheating. By the end of Sonic Riders, the rivalry had already started to take on a more mutual and even friendly quality. The two parted with the understanding that they would race each other again. In Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, their competition continued, with another race ending in a draw. Even after the main conflict was over, Jet immediately sought one more challenge against Sonic, reinforcing how central that rivalry had become to his identity.

Their relationship is rooted above all in their shared love of speed. Sonic tends to treat Jet as an entertaining, talented rival and often teases him without taking his ego too seriously. Jet, by contrast, sees Sonic as the one racer who truly matters and constantly tries to prove himself superior, often mocking him by using his full name. Even so, there is genuine respect underneath the bragging and taunting. Sonic recognizes Jet’s ability despite knowing he is a thief, and Jet respects Sonic enough to trust him when the stakes rise beyond a race.

That trust has shown itself more than once. Although Jet often dismisses Sonic as a self-righteous “goodie-goodie,” he can still be persuaded to work with him when a greater danger threatens everyone. His ego also means that Sonic’s praise or challenges can easily motivate him. In turn, Jet’s respect for Sonic runs deep enough that he is willing to believe Sonic will come through when it truly matters.[31]Sonic the Hedgehog #25, “A Sudden Shift”

Master Zik

Hey, gramps! Time for you to retire!

Jet the Hawk, Sonic the Hedgehog #26

Jet first encountered Master Zik during a conflict in Winterburg. During their clash, Zik criticized Jet’s leadership after Jet had accidentally left Wave and Storm behind. Zik also tried to provoke him directly, challenging both his pride and his ability as a leader.

Jet, unwilling to admit defeat or show weakness, refused to beg for mercy even when pressed. Instead, he left the matter of dealing with Zik to his allies. Afterward, he did not pursue Zik further, apparently deciding that the old master was no longer worth his attention once he had ceased being an immediate obstacle to the Babylon Rogues.[32]Sonic the Hedgehog #30, “Cured”[28]Sonic the Hedgehog #26, “All or Nothing, Part 1”[30]Sonic the Hedgehog #28, “All or Nothing, Part 3”

Whisper the Wolf

Wow! With proper training, you would make a great Babylon Rogue. Are your afternoons free?

Jet the Hawk, Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2022

Jet’s relationship with Whisper the Wolf is relatively neutral, but he appears to hold a surprisingly favorable opinion of her. After seeing what she could do, he was impressed enough to suggest that she would make a good member of the Babylon Rogues and even tried to recruit her. Whisper declined the offer, but Jet did not seem especially bothered by the rejection, suggesting that his interest in her was more a matter of admiration for her skill than any deeper personal attachment.[33]Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2022, “Another Grand Adventure for Jet the Hawk”

Surge the Tenrec

Jet gets irritated by Surge the Tenrec for drawing the crowd’s attention, from Sonic the Hedgehog #71.

Jet first met Surge the Tenrec during the Clean Sweepstakes. During the second race, he became annoyed when the Phantom Rider appeared and Surge intervened. Although Jet ultimately won the race, the crowd’s attention went to Surge instead of him, which left him irritated and resentful. His frustration only grew during the following race in Misty Spire, where Surge’s constant showboating and loud attitude grated on him. Jet openly snapped at her and told her to be quiet, making it clear that the two had little respect for each other. Even when Wave tried to calm him down and help him ignore Surge’s behavior, Jet remained agitated and suspicious of her. Their interactions suggest a rivalry built less on mutual admiration, as with Sonic, and more on clashing egos and irritation.[34]Sonic the Hedgehog #70, “Story two”[35]Sonic the Hedgehog #71, “Story three”

Other appearances

Sir Lamorak from Sonic and the Black Knight is Jet’s counterpart in the Grand Kingdom.

Outside the main Sonic Riders titles, Jet has appeared in several crossover and spin-off games. In the Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games series, he debuted as a rival character in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, where he was associated with the snowboard cross event and used a board resembling the Type-J. He later became playable in Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as a guest character exclusive to Football. He had also originally been planned as a playable character in the first Mario & Sonic game.

Jet was added as a playable character to Sonic Forces: Speed Battle in the version 2.1.0 update released on July 10, 2018. He is also playable in Sonic Dash and Sonic Rumble. In Sonic Speed Simulator, Jet appears as a playable character and also received alternate costumes including Summer, Winter, and Racesuit variations. The game also features a Chao based on his likeness.

Jet is also referenced in Sonic Frontiers, where Sonic mentions him after noting that the architecture of the Ancients resembles Babylon Garden.

Other media[edit]

Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie comics)

Main article: Jet the Hawk (Archie)
Jet’s first appearance in the Sonic the Hedgehog Archie comics, from Archie Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 163.

In the Archie comic continuity, Jet is depicted as a green Mobian hawk, an expert Extreme Gear rider, and the leader of the Babylon Rogues. His role in this setting expands on his history beyond the games, particularly through his connections to the Battle Bird Armada and his rivalry with Sonic the Hedgehog.[36]Sonic Channel - Jet the Hawk. Sega.

History

Battle Bird Armada

Before founding the Babylon Rogues, Jet had been a member of the Battle Bird Armada, having joined while still young in pursuit of glory and recognition. As an exceptionally skilled flier, he impressed many within the organization and in particular earned the admiration of the sixteenth Battle Kukku, Speedy. However, Jet’s arrogance and refusal to follow orders created a reputation for insubordination. Although the Battle Lord believed Jet could help fulfill the Armada’s destiny by locating the Babylon Garden, Jet had no interest in conquest and rejected the Battle Lord’s attempts to sway him. For his defiance, he was imprisoned.[37]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 18[38]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 33[39]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 34

While in the brig, Jet met Wave the Swallow and Storm the Albatross, who had likewise been imprisoned for their own offenses. He soon broke them all out, and the three chose to band together to find the Babylon Garden before the Armada could claim it. When Speedy confronted them in the hangar and pleaded to come with them, Jet refused, telling him that the newly formed Babylon Rogues would follow a destiny of their own and that Speedy would have to find his. Lacking any available Extreme Gear, the group fled in a stolen zeppelin and thereafter became one of the Armada’s primary targets.[40]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 20[38]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 33

Life after leaving the Armada proved difficult, especially when it came to maintaining their equipment and finding supplies. At one point, Wave infiltrated the Battle Fortress and returned with Predator Hawk, another disobedient Armada soldier she had freed from confinement. Predator joined the team, though he resented Jet’s leadership and considered him unworthy of it. After the Rogues stole a golden bird idol from some ruins, Jet and Predator attempted to sell it to Mammoth Mogul for an inflated price. Mogul agreed, provided that Predator accompany him, and Predator left the group soon afterward.[41]Archie Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 163[42]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 30

Employed by Eggman
Jet challenges Sonic and threatens to trash Knothole, from Archie Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 164.

Jet’s temporary association with Dr. Eggman began after he used his Extreme Gear to steal a vapor accelerator meant to enhance his board. He was captured by Egg Pawns after being struck by an Egg Hammer, but Eggman, intrigued by Jet’s speed, offered him a chance to live if he could defeat Sonic the Hedgehog. Jet accepted on the condition that Wave and Storm could join him. The Rogues then entered Knothole and triggered the settlement’s security system in order to lure Sonic out, with Jet immediately claiming superiority over him. After each of the Rogues landed a hit on Sonic, they formally introduced themselves.[41]Archie Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 163

The following day, the Rogues returned to Knothole expecting Sonic to still be reeling from the encounter, only to find Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles the Echidna arriving on Extreme Gear (Archie) of their own, built by Tails. Outraged, Jet declared that he would trash Knothole on principle, and a showdown followed between the two trios. [43]Archie Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 164

Pursuing the Armada and Sol stealing

Sometime later, Jet and the Babylon Rogues appeared near Cocoa Island, seemingly planning an assault on the Battle Bird Armada. When Wave noted the damaged state of the Battle Fortress, Jet dismissed the matter and insisted that only the Rogues had the right to reclaim the relics of their ancestors.[40]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 20

Soon after, the Rogues traced an unusual energy signal to Northamer‘s Great Forest, where Team Hooligan was fleeing a conflict between Teams Dark and Rose. Descending from their blimp, Jet and his allies stole the source of the signal, a Sol Emerald. The situation became more chaotic when Team Hooligan member Bean the Dynamite, another former Armada bird, latched onto Jet in excitement, much to Jet’s annoyance. Even so, the Rogues escaped temporarily after dodging Nack the Weasel‘s attacks.[44]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 22[45]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 23

Team Hooligan pursued them aboard the Marvellous Queen. Before the Rogues could regroup with their blimp, one of Nack’s shots struck the Sol Emerald, triggering a fiery blast that sent them crashing down. When Nack recovered the gem, Jet ordered the blimp’s autopilot to drop its full payload of bombs, but the plan failed when Bean caused the bombs to detonate early. Matters escalated further when Team Dark and Team Rose arrived, creating a four-way struggle over the Emerald. [45]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 23

Jet later stole the Emerald back from Nack and attempted a quick escape, but Shadow the Hedgehog used Chaos Control to appear on Jet’s board and knock him to the ground, costing him the gem again. In the ensuing melee, Jet was struck first by Amy Rose‘s Piko-Piko Hammer and then sent into Bark the Polar Bear‘s fist. As Team Dark and Team Rose began coordinating against the others, Shadow hounded Jet with repeated teleportation attacks, forcing him into evasive maneuvers before driving him into a collision with his own teammates and Team Hooligan. After another explosion ended the conflict, Wave overruled Jet’s orders to continue and dragged the protesting hawk from the battlefield, furious over the damage done to their Extreme Gear. [46]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 24

Babylon Rising

While following Storm on an unreliable treasure lead at Soleanna‘s library, Jet’s fortunes changed when Wave discovered a book written in ancient Babylonian. From her translation, the Rogues learned the location of a key that could lead them to the Babylon Garden. Following the book’s instructions, they reached underground ruins in the Gigan Mountains and located the Key to Babylon Garden, though Jet’s impatience repeatedly irritated Wave during the search. [38]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 33

Ignoring Wave’s warning to watch for traps, Jet removed the key and activated a defense mechanism that sealed the room and unleashed its guardian, Angelus. Though initially dismissive of the being as a mere hologram, Jet was forced onto the defensive when he discovered it could attack through force fields. Working with Wave and Storm, he helped destroy the projectors sustaining it and personally smashed the last one, defeating the guardian. With the ruins collapsing around them, Jet reminded his teammates that claiming the key had always been the reason they became Rogues in the first place. [38]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 33

After learning about the Babylon Rogues’ origins, Jet sets out to prove himself the fastest thing in the universe, from Sonic Universe Issue 36.

The trio barely escaped to the surface before being cornered by Speedy and the Battle Bird Armada. After a brief standoff, the Rogues fled, with Jet easily outmaneuvering the Armada’s attacks. During the pursuit, however, Speedy managed to wound Jet’s arm and repeatedly strike him until he crashed. Wave and Storm came to his aid, only for the Battle Lord to enter the fight, incapacitate them, and capture Jet using a compressed gravity field generated by his ancestral ring. Forced to surrender, Jet handed over the key when threatened with death. The Battle Lord then revealed that his family knew how to activate it, producing a holographic map that exposed Babylon Garden’s location.[38]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 33[39]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 34

Later, after being briefed on New Mobotropolis‘ defenses, Jet was given back the key and the Battle Lord’s ring and ordered to keep Sonic occupied while the Armada attacked the city. Once Sonic had been lured far enough away, Jet used the ring to imprison him in a gravity field while the Battle Fortress opened a massive hole beneath Castle Acorn. Believing the difficult part already done, Jet abandoned his forced loyalty to the Armada and descended to claim Babylon Garden for himself.[47]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 35[48]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 36

Sonic caught up during the descent and attacked the Rogues, enraged by Jet’s willingness to endanger his home and loved ones. Inside the Garden’s control center, Jet combined the key and ring, expecting to claim the ultimate prize, only for a robot to seize the key and identify it as its ignition matrix. Sonic soon burst in again and demanded answers, and Jet then learned that Babylon Garden was not simply an ancient treasure site but a spacecraft built by aliens from whom he and the Rogues were descended. The revelation became more dire when they discovered that the vessel’s attempt to return home would generate a black hole capable of destroying Mobius. Jet tried to stop the robot by invoking his Babylonian ancestry, but he lacked the clearance to do so.[48]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 36

The situation deteriorated further when Speedy entered and, amid the confusion, Sonic seized the key and destroyed it, sending Babylon Garden into free fall. Although Jet hesitated because he wanted to learn more about his ancestry, he ultimately escaped with the others. After the Garden crashed in the mountains, Jet briefly reflected on the wreckage and the fate of the Battle Lord before setting off again with the Rogues. In the aftermath, he resolved to prove himself the fastest thing in the universe.[48]Archie Sonic Universe Issue 36

Personality

In the Archie comics, Jet is portrayed as brash, cocky, and eager to make a legend of himself. He is highly ambitious, greedy, and driven by the desire for glory, and while he enjoys a challenge, he also hates to lose. This version of the character is willing to cheat if it helps secure victory, highlighting a harsher and more opportunistic edge to his pride.

Abilities

As in other continuities, Jet is an exceptionally skilled Extreme Gear rider and is also extremely fast even off his board. He possesses some combat ability, but he is at his most dangerous while riding, where his speed, control, and aerial maneuverability give him a clear edge over most opponents.

Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW comics)

The Babylon Rogues, from Sonic the Hedgehog #26.

Following the events of the Sonic Riders series, Jet continued leading the Babylon Rogues on treasure-hunting jobs and thefts. In one story, the Rogues accidentally kidnapped Jewel the Beetle while attempting to steal jewels, prompting Tangle the Lemur and Whisper the Wolf to pursue them.[49]Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2019

Jet later joined the broader struggle against the Metal Virus outbreak, helping fight the Zombots alongside other characters.[50]Sonic the Hedgehog 026 (IDW) In another appearance, he crossed paths with Whisper again while she was tracking one of Eggman‘s robots, after one of her Wisps stole his food.[51]Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2022

The Babylon Rogues later accepted a job from Clutch the Opossum to steal an artifact from Angel Island.[52]Sonic the Hedgehog 065 (IDW)[53]Sonic the Hedgehog 066 (IDW) Jet also took part in the Clean Sweepstakes, where he competed against Sonic and other racers.[54]Sonic the Hedgehog 069 (IDW) During the destruction of the Restoration HQ, he also played a role in helping save the people trapped inside.[55]Sonic the Hedgehog 075 (IDW)

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – CrossTalk

In Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – CrossTalk, Jet appears as one of the central hosts of the web series alongside Wave the Swallow. Framing the program as his own “Jet Stream,” he reviews rival racers ahead of the CrossWorld Grand Prix while boasting about his own chances of winning and trading barbs with Wave, who takes the analysis far more seriously.

Across the series, Jet is shown dismissing or underestimating several competitors before Wave forces him to acknowledge their strengths. When discussing Amy Rose, Cream the Rabbit, and Big the Cat, he initially assumes none of them will be a real problem, only for Wave to remind him of Amy’s persistence, Cream’s strong connections to the wider cast, and Big’s surprising power and patience. Jet eventually admits they are all legitimate threats, even if he immediately reframes that as making his eventual victory look even better.

Jet reacts in shock as Wave browses jewelry posts on her phone, from Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – Crosstalk No. 4 – Tails, Knuckles & Rouge.

A similar pattern appears in the episode centered on Tails, Knuckles the Echidna, and Rouge the Bat. Jet brushes off Tails and insists that Knuckles is no match for Storm the Albatross, while Wave counters by pointing out Tails’ racing skill and the danger posed by the track’s resources and hazards. Jet takes the discussion of Rouge more personally after Wave notes that Rouge has beaten the Rogues to several valuable treasures, including the Ocean’s Tear from Adabat, the Royal Soleanna Diamond, and the Guiding Star of Babylon. This leaves him especially determined to settle the matter with her on the track.

When covering Dr. Eggman, Zazz, and Zavok, Jet shows a mix of irritation and excitement. He openly admits that he does not like Eggman, even while acknowledging that Eggman is a competent pilot and dangerous opponent once properly equipped. He reacts to Zazz as an unpredictable menace and to Zavok as a far more serious rival, though rather than being intimidated, he treats both as the kind of challenge he wants to overcome.

In the final episode, Jet and Wave assess Blaze the Cat and Silver the Hedgehog. Jet is puzzled by Blaze’s status as royalty and quickly shifts to the possibility of stealing the Sol Emeralds she protects, something Wave is perfectly willing to entertain as part of the Rogues’ nature. He is also suspicious of Silver, assuming that a racer from the future or one with psychokinesis must have some unfair advantage, though Wave notes that Silver appears to be racing fairly. Even here, Jet’s focus remains on proving that the Babylon Rogues can outclass anyone once they are on the track.

Overall, Jet’s portrayal in CrossTalk emphasizes his familiar mix of swagger, competitiveness, greed, and genuine racing confidence. The series also highlights his dynamic with Wave, with Jet providing the bravado and rivalry while Wave supplies the sharper strategic insight that keeps his overconfidence in check.

Voice actors[edit]

  • Jason Griffith (English game voice, 2006-2009)[1]Jason Griffith. amtcworld.com. accessed April 07, 2026. archived March 24, 2016. dead link. Archived version
  • Michael Yurchak (English game voice, 2010-present)[2]Michael Yurchak - voiceover. accessed April 07, 2026. archived January 28, 2023. Archived version
  • Daisuke Kishio (Japanese game voice, 2006-present)
  • Benjamin Bollen (French game voice, 2014-present)
  • Roland Wolf (German game voice, 2014-present)
  • Andrea De Nisco (Italian game voice, 2014-present)
  • Sergio Mesa (Spanish game voice, 2014-present)

Notes[edit]

  1. ↑ Could use this move in Sonic Dash.
  2. ↑ a b Could use this move in Sonic Forces: Speed Battle via Ice Slicer Jet.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ a b Jason Griffith. amtcworld.com. accessed April 07, 2026. archived March 24, 2016. dead link. Archived version
  2. ↑ a b Michael Yurchak - voiceover. accessed April 07, 2026. archived January 28, 2023. Archived version
  3. ↑ a b c d e f g Sonic Channel. Characters: Jet. accessed 07 April 2026. archived 26 May 2019. Japanese. Archived version
  4. ↑ a b c d e f g h Devra Newberger Speregen. Sonic: The Ultimate Character Guide. Scholastic. 2016. p. 53. ISBN 978-1338033243
  5. ↑ a b c d e f g Sonic Free Riders. (Xbox 360). United States instruction booklet. p. 11
  6. ↑ a b c Sonic Riders. (Nintendo GameCube). United States instruction booklet. p. 7
  7. ↑ a b c d Sonic Channel. Characters: Jet. accessed April 4, 2026. archived July 8, 2008. Archived version
  8. ↑ a b Sonic Riders official website. Characters: Jet. accessed April 4, 2026. archived May 16, 2008. dead link. Archived version
  9. ↑ Sega Talks Sonic Riders. GameSpy. 20 January 2006. accessed 04 April 2026. archived 21 February 2006. Archived version
  10. ↑ a b c d Here’s the April Wallpaper from Sonic Channel! ♪. Sonic City. April 7, 2026. accessed April 7, 2026
  11. ↑ a b c Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2019, “Bonds of Friendship”
  12. ↑ IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 25, “A Sudden Shift”
  13. ↑ a b Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity
  14. ↑ a b c d Sonic Riders
  15. ↑ Sonic Riders. (PC). UK instruction booklet. p. 7
  16. ↑ Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Ice Factory
  17. ↑ Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Green Cave
  18. ↑ Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: White Cave
  19. ↑ Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; CRI Middleware. Sega. 22 February 2008. Area: Snowy Kingdom
  20. ↑ Sonic Riders official website. Characters: Jet the Hawk. accessed 12 June 2006. archived 12 June 2006. Archived version. “Has Sonic finally met his match? This mysterious new character is widely known as the "Legendary Wind Master" due to his impressive Extreme Gear skills. He leads a talented group of thieves known as the Babylon Rogues and he carries a mysterious control box said to have been passed down from the Ancient Babylonians.”
  21. ↑ a b Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Green Cave. "Jet: You know, I've checked you out actually. Not bad; I admit you're pretty fast on your feet. But here, it's a whole different story when riding with Extreme Gear! You see, to be the fastest on a Gear, you have to become one with the wind! Without wings, well, you might as well kiss the ground and go home!"
  22. ↑ Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Opening sequence (Babylon storyline). "Jet: Hmph. He may be the fastest creature on the ground, but in the air, with me and my Extreme Gear, he's just a joke. Ah ha ha ha ha!"
  23. ↑ a b Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Opening sequence (Heroes' storyline)
  24. ↑ Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; CRI Middleware. Sega. 22 February 2008. Area: Opening sequence (Babylon storyline)
  25. ↑ Sonic Riders. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; Sonic Team USA. Sega. 17 March 2006. Area: Babylon Garden
  26. ↑ Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; CRI Middleware. Sega. 22 February 2008. "Type-J's profile: Jet's gear, redesigned by Wave. Full of quirks, nobody but Jet could master this peaky ride."
  27. ↑ Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. PlayStation 2. Developer: Sonic Team; CRI Middleware. Sega. 22 February 2008. "Type-J's profile: Wave rebuilt this gear for Jet from the ground up. It uses a peaky tuning only Jet can properly control."
  28. ↑ a b c Sonic the Hedgehog #26, “All or Nothing, Part 1”
  29. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #27, “All or Nothing, Part 2”
  30. ↑ a b c Sonic the Hedgehog #28, “All or Nothing, Part 3”
  31. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #25, “A Sudden Shift”
  32. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #30, “Cured”
  33. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2022, “Another Grand Adventure for Jet the Hawk”
  34. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #70, “Story two”
  35. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #71, “Story three”
  36. ↑ Sonic Channel - Jet the Hawk. Sega
  37. ↑ Archie Sonic Universe Issue 18
  38. ↑ a b c d e Archie Sonic Universe Issue 33
  39. ↑ a b Archie Sonic Universe Issue 34
  40. ↑ a b Archie Sonic Universe Issue 20
  41. ↑ a b Archie Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 163
  42. ↑ Archie Sonic Universe Issue 30
  43. ↑ Archie Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 164
  44. ↑ Archie Sonic Universe Issue 22
  45. ↑ a b Archie Sonic Universe Issue 23
  46. ↑ Archie Sonic Universe Issue 24
  47. ↑ Archie Sonic Universe Issue 35
  48. ↑ a b c Archie Sonic Universe Issue 36
  49. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2019
  50. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 026 (IDW)
  51. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2022
  52. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 065 (IDW)
  53. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 066 (IDW)
  54. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 069 (IDW)
  55. ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 075 (IDW)