in: Comics

Sonic X (Archie comics)

The cover of the Archie Sonic X Issue 1.

Sonic X, an American comic book series published by Archie Comics, is based on the corresponding anime series. Much like Archie’s Sonic the Hedgehog, it showcases Sega’s iconic video game character, Sonic the Hedgehog. Commencing in November 2005, it was initially planned as a four-part series. However, due to the enthusiastic response following the series’ announcement, it was elevated to an ongoing status prior to the release of the first issue. As an American-produced comic, it aligns more closely with the English-dubbed version of Sonic X. Joe Edkin and Ian Flynn authored most issues, while artists like Tim Smith III, Tracy Yardley, and David Hutchison contributed their talents to the illustrations. The comic’s world exists as a distinct fictional universe separate from the primary Sonic the Hedgehog comics, residing among the multiple parallel universes within that narrative. It serves as a complementary extension to the Sonic X anime, introducing fresh escapades that unfold between the televised episodes. According to Ian Flynn, the series is set towards the conclusion of the second season, prior to Sonic and his companions returning to their original dimension.[1]Ian Flynn (25 April 2011). Sonic Universe: Fan Letters Archives. Archived from the original on 1 July 2011. The comic draws inspiration from the anime’s initial two seasons, incorporating elements such as Eggman’s stronghold, which was initially destroyed in Season 1 of the anime but later depicted as rebuilt. Additionally, it embraces characters from the adapted Sonic Adventure narrative. While the series generally adheres to the characters and plotlines featured in the animated series, there are occasional exceptions. Notably, it recreates the original Sonic the Hedgehog video game as a virtual reality in the storyline titled “No Thanks for the Memories.” The series concluded with its fortieth issue, unveiling that the Sonic X universe occupies yet another dimension within the broader series universe. The final issue also included a statement from Ian Flynn, hinting at the return of the Sonic X cast. However, this promise remained unrealized.

Cast of Characters

Game Characters

Anime Characters

  • Christopher Thorndyke
  • Helen
  • Chuck Thorndyke
  • Ella
  • Decoe
  • Bocoe
  • Bokkun
  • Mr. Stewart
  • Scarlet Garcia
  • Lindsey Thorndyke
  • Nelson Thorndyke
  • Mr. Tanaka
  • Topaz
  • Speed Team
    • Sam Speed
    • Hector Dragg
  • Officer Albright
  • Card Passer
  • Howard Watcher
  • Li Yan
  • Jerome Wise
  • Dr. Kai Narasu

Comic Original Characters

  • Seamus MacGuffin
  • Captain Westwood (later known as the “Organizer”)
  • Cheung
  • Devine
  • Alexander Pell
  • Milan Ramada

Comic Summary

Issues #1-11

In the initial four issues, Dr. Eggman deploys a series of single-minded robots solely programmed to annihilate Sonic and his companions. Occasionally, Eggman manipulates Sonic’s human acquaintances to aid these robots, but with the combined efforts of Sonic’s team, they thwart the robots, liberate their human captives or power sources, and once again thwart Eggman’s plans.

Exploiting a wing cell from Cheese, Eggman maliciously engineers an army of Chao and markets them as pets to the public. Unfortunately, these Chao undergo a transformation into Dark Chao upon Eggman’s activation of a unique signal. Subsequently, they embark on a rampage through Station Square, causing widespread destruction. The timely intervention of Tikal and Chaos from the past assists Sonic and his allies in defeating Eggman and restoring the Dark Chao to their original state. In the conclusion, Tikal and Chaos return the Chao to their past, ensuring a peaceful existence.

As Sonic delves into an enigmatic desert machine, little does he suspect that the investigation could escalate beyond its initial scope. Simultaneously, Rouge and Topaz stumble upon a mysterious robot named Emerl.

Invited to the World Fair in Paris by Chris’s parents, Sonic and his companions become embroiled in a conflict as Dr. Eggman endeavors to pilfer a new space shuttle designed by Chris’s father, Nelson Thorndyke. Working alongside Amy, Tails, Big, Rouge, and Chris, Sonic prevails over Eggman’s robot, devised with the intention of laying waste to Paris. Regrettably, Eggman escapes with the shuttle, leaving Sonic’s team perplexed about his intentions.

Subsequently, a series of inexplicable occurrences transpire. Cream is instantly spirited away when Vector, Espio, and Charmy locate and inform her mother of her whereabouts. Sonic awakens in a peculiar realm conjured by Eggman, resembling the world of the original Sonic the Hedgehog game. Together with his companions, they navigate this world, seeking an escape route. Eggman’s scheme involves manipulating Sonic and his allies to complete the Final Zone, which would amplify the power of the Master Emerald. This amplified energy would banish Sonic and his team to the moon, imprisoning them indefinitely. Fortunately, Chris and Chuck Thorndyke intervene, rescuing them moments before the moon-bound launch.

Issues #12-22

Sonic and his companions find themselves facing escalating challenges. A mysterious extraterrestrial apparatus unearthed by Sonic and Captain Westwood in the desert ends up at G.U.N.’s headquarters. Captain Westwood appeals to Tails for assistance in activating the machine. Unfortunately, the device malfunctions, leading to chaos and the destruction of Station Square. After a fierce struggle, Sonic defeats the machine with the aid of Sam Speed. However, the situation takes a grim turn when people begin to suspect that Sonic and his friends are actually collaborators with Dr. Eggman.

With Halloween approaching, Sonic and Tails find themselves imprisoned alongside Dr. Eggman in a maximum-security facility. Concurrently, the ghostly pedestal responsible for containing the ghost, as seen in Sonic X episode #19, is discovered missing from the spooky castle. It surfaces as part of Lindsey Fay’s private collection. Chaos ensues when King Boom Boo and his spectral minions are inadvertently released, leading to a spree of possessions across the island, including Lindsey, Vanilla, Chris, and Cream. Sonic and Tails secure their release, thanks to Chris’s father, Nelson Thorndyke. Sonic and Tails rush to the Thorndyke’s Island to rescue Chris and Cream, who strike a deal with King Boom Boo: if they return the missing pedestal to its rightful place, the spirits will cease their disturbances. Harnessing Sonic’s speed, they avert disaster and restore harmony.

As Christmas approaches, Chris, Cream, and their companions eagerly anticipate the holiday season. However, Sonic harbors skepticism about Santa’s existence, perplexed by how Santa can traverse the globe so swiftly. Sonic embarks on a quest to locate Santa’s workshop at the North Pole but returns empty-handed. Just before Sonic shares his findings, Chuck Thorndyke interjects and dispels Sonic’s doubts about Santa’s existence, explaining that Santa only appears on December 25. Eggman capitalizes on the festive spirit, manipulating a Christmas tree lighting event to demand Sonic’s capture in exchange for delivering presents. While seeking refuge on Angel Island, Sonic realizes that getting captured by “Santa” would unveil Eggman’s deception. Ultimately, Sonic is freed, and Eggman escapes, prompting Sonic to postpone pursuit until after the holidays. On Christmas morning, the cast awakens to discover gifts from Santa.

Valentine’s Day arrives, and Sonic, compelled by a bet with Knuckles, agrees to take Amy on a date. With no idea how to proceed, he solicits the Chaotix team’s assistance in orchestrating an unforgettable date. Meanwhile, Eggman schemes to disrupt the happiness of the two hedgehogs.

Cheese’s prolonged exposure to Run-Type attributes transforms him green, causing concern. Tails postulates that the change is temporary. Meanwhile, the occasion of St. Patrick’s Day prompts the cast to wear green. Eggman’s misunderstanding of the holiday leads him to pursue a leprechaun, inadvertently targeting Bokkun. A series of events culminate in a St. Patrick’s Day parade, where Sonic’s friends celebrate the holiday. Eggman’s pursuit of a “leprechaun” inadvertently precipitates chaos.

Rouge becomes a prime suspect in the theft of the Moon Emerald and Master Emerald. Reflecting on the incident when Sonic was falsely accused, he and Topaz suspect a similar plot targeting Rouge.

The unveiling of Nelson Thorndyke’s new casino in Las Vegas is marred by Eggman’s latest robotic assault. Sonic intervenes to thwart Eggman’s destructive scheme.

Sam Speed’s car crash, attributed to his disregard for warnings, triggers frustration among Sonic’s team members due to his lack of teamwork. Seeking a swifter vehicle, Sam encounters a stranger named Robbie Nick, who turns out to be Eggman in disguise. Sam ultimately steps up to extinguish a fire.

Sonic and his friends learn of a scientist, a friend of Chuck, who developed a method for teleporting between worlds. They venture to investigate further.

Eggman dismisses Decoe and Bocoe after their latest blunder, prompting the introduction of his new henchbots, Dukow and Bukow. In the aftermath of a soccer game, Sonic, Chris, and Tails encounter the former henchbots now working at an ice cream shop, still displaying their trademark incompetence. A tussle ensues when Eggman seeks to reclaim his discarded robot’s limbs, leading to a clash between Sonic, G.U.N. forces, and Eggman’s new bots.

Issues #23-33

Sonic becomes the target of the Society for Observing and Neutralizing Inter-dimensional Creatures and Xenomorphs (S.O.N.I.C.X), a group of humans harboring grudges against him for various reasons. Despite their introduction and elaborate plan, Sonic effortlessly escapes their clutches, prompting their leader to recognize his strength and plot for their next encounter.

Sonic, along with Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Chris, and Chuck, participates in the TV show “Station Square Today” hosted by Scarlet Garcia. A challenge to complete an obstacle course ensues, but Eggman covertly records the event to enhance his robot’s abilities for an upcoming confrontation with the heroes.

Dr. Narasu, part of S.O.N.I.C.X, devises a colorful scheme involving creating multiple Sonics of varying colors to tarnish Sonic’s reputation. These multicolored duplicates attempt to ruin Sonic’s image.

The wrestling scene introduces a new competitor, “El Gran Gordo” (EGG), who is none other than Dr. Eggman in disguise. Eggman embraces wrestling as both a revenue source and a means of experiencing victory. However, chaos ensues when Bokkun’s sugar-induced hyperactivity leads him to declare himself the “emperor of the world.”

The environmentally-friendly “Green Energy” introduced by Chuck and Nelson Thorndyke is a major advancement. But when Dr. Eggman unveils his “Green-Bots” powered by eco-friendly sources, Sonic’s team struggles to thwart Eggman’s attempt to obtain the Chaos Emeralds and unleash Chaos to destroy the city.

Sonic and his friends unexpectedly become featured attractions in Ringmaster Eggman’s Robo Bros. circus. With Chris and his family as the captive audience, the heroes must muster their skills to outshine Eggman’s sinister circus act and rescue themselves.

Dr. Eggman dons a masked persona as the wrestling sensation “El Gran Gordo.” However, this leads to confusion when he’s simultaneously committing crimes in Station Square. Sonic must unravel this enigmatic situation.

A leisurely picnic transforms into a frenetic mission when a meteor containing a Chaos Emerald approaches Earth. The heroes divide into teams, competing against each other and Eggman in a race spanning different locations. In the end, Cream, Charmy, and Chris’s team emerges victorious, demonstrating the potential of young heroes.

Issues #34-40

When the Thorndykes organize a contest for a day of relaxation by their lavish pool, it’s no surprise that someone (hint: Eggman) seizes the opportunity to make a colossal splash, causing more of a tidal wave.

A bizarre spree of robberies is plaguing the city, executed by figures resembling cowboys, astronauts, pirates, ninjas, and knights – all with an uncanny resemblance to Eggman. Sonic questions whether these acts are truly orchestrated by his arch-nemesis or if someone else is attempting to frame him. Can Sonic and his team quell this surge of costumed crime before the town is stripped bare?

Sonic’s encounter with Eggman is familiar territory, but when Chris’ rival, Milan Ramada, enters the scene, things take a different turn. Milan, determined to secure the title of the town’s richest kid, exhibits a brash attitude and a souped-up limo created with unique components. Eggman appropriates these components for building a new robot, and a Chaos Emerald is the missing piece. Coincidentally, the pet show’s grand prize is a collar adorned with Chaos Emeralds. Can Bokkun, in cat attire, win any category other than “worst in show?!”

Following Dr. Eggman’s assault on the President, Sonic intervenes to save the day. However, Sonic’s thoughts veer towards world domination, while Eggman seems to be racing to rescue the world. When S.O.N.I.C.X., the Sonic-opposing organization, enters the picture, the storyline escalates into a wild and unpredictable adventure.

S.O.N.I.C.X. is back with a new plot: they possess a serum that could transform Sonic into the monster they perceive him to be. The challenge now is capturing the fastest entity alive. A high-speed pursuit unfolds through the city, featuring the Chaotix and a conclusion of monumental proportions.

Beware of Vectorzilla’s rampage, or is it? When a super-sized Bokkun intervenes, the situation deteriorates further. Sonic and Espio must find a solution before G.U.N. intervenes. This episode blends action, humor, and the familiar essence of SONIC X.

An ostensibly peaceful gathering of Sonic and his comrades quickly escalates when Shadow the Hedgehog and Metal Sonic crash the scene, both literally and metaphorically. Despite Dr. Eggman’s dismay over the advanced Metal Sonic, he unites with the aim of attacking Sonic. Meanwhile, Shadow’s connection with Metal forges a path towards discovering his true place in the universe. The narrative weaves together friends, foes, and shifting alliances, thrusting Sonic and his companions into a tumultuous situation.

Continuity

Although the Sonic X comic does not introduce any exclusive elements or plotlines that are referenced in the Sonic X anime, it does incorporate several events from the show. This allows for the establishment of a chronological order for some of the issues in relation to the episodes:

  • Issues #1-#9 are set between the episodes “Flood Fight” and “Project Shadow.”
  • Issues #10-#11 occur between the episodes “Showdown in Space” and “Defective Detectives.”
  • Issues #12-#14 take place in the gap between the episodes “Eggman for President” and “Mean Machines.”
  • Issues #15-#22 are situated between the episodes “A Wild Win” and “Map of Mayhem.”
  • However, the placement of the remaining eighteen issues contradicts the established continuity of the show.

Continuity Error

In Issue #23 of the Sonic X comic, a character named Card Passer is introduced as a member of S.O.N.I.C.X. He shares his backstory with Sonic, recounting events from the episode “Running Out of Time.” This confirms that the events in the comic take place after the corresponding episode. However, this creates a significant continuity error within the series.

In “Running Out of Time,” Dr. Eggman returns to Sonic’s world through a portal, marking a critical moment in the show’s storyline. This event is inconsistent with the subsequent issues of the comic series, where Eggman continues to appear on Earth. Moreover, the episode leads into “Friends ‘Til the End,” which then leads to “A New Start,” serving as the conclusion of the second season. These episodes mark the point where Sonic and his friends return to their home world, effectively ending their time on Earth.

The Homebound saga, which encompasses “Running Out of Time” and other related episodes, centers around the concept of Sonic and his friends needing to return to their world to prevent time from being frozen on both Earth and Sonic’s world. Strangely, this essential plot point is not acknowledged in the issues following #23, and there’s a contradiction with Sonic and his friends remaining on Earth during those comics.

This inconsistency highlights a lapse in continuity between the Sonic X TV series and its comic adaptation, leading to a complex and disjointed narrative.

Sonic Grams

Starting from Sonic X #31, each issue of the comic features a section called “Sonic Grams” at the end. In this section, fans have the opportunity to express their opinions, share their questions, and discuss various aspects of the comics published by Archie Comics. This interactive segment provides a platform for fans to engage with the creators and publishers of the Sonic X series. Additionally, some fan-submitted artwork is showcased, allowing readers to share their creative talents with the Sonic community.

Trivia

Several panels throughout the series are just copied screenshots from the show.
  • A notable feature of the series is the inclusion of copied screenshots from the Sonic X animated show in several panels. This artistic approach uses still images from the show to visually represent certain scenes in the comic.
  • While platforms like the Archie Comics App and Comixology provided a means to purchase and access various Sonic comic issues, including Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Universe, it appeared that these platforms did not offer the Sonic X comic issues. According to a statement by Ian Flynn, who was involved in the creation of the comics, this exclusion might have been due to Sega’s specific instructions prohibiting Archie Comics from republishing or making available the Sonic X brand in comic form. This could explain why the Sonic X comics were not made available on these digital platforms despite the availability of other Sonic comic series.
The original advertisement for the miniseries.
  • Originally, the Sonic X comic was intended to be a limited 4-issue miniseries, as evidenced by the structure and content of the first four issues. However, the overwhelming positive response from fans following the announcement of the series led to a change in plans. The popularity of the series prompted its extension from a miniseries to an ongoing comic series before the release of the first issue.
  • The comic’s sudden and incomplete conclusion is likely attributable to legal complexities surrounding the rights to Sonic X. Unlike the video games and American cartoons, the anime’s rights are divided among different entities:
    • Sega holds the rights to the video game characters.
    • TMS Entertainment holds the rights to the original characters and the anime series itself.
    • The American rights were initially managed by 4Kids Entertainment, though these rights have since transitioned to Discotek Media.
  • This division of rights among multiple holders could have resulted in legal challenges and limitations, ultimately affecting the ability of the comic to continue or conclude in a satisfactory manner. These complexities likely contributed to the comic’s abrupt ending and the lack of further continuation or resolution.

References

  1. ↑ Ian Flynn (25 April 2011). Sonic Universe: Fan Letters Archives. Archived from the original on 1 July 2011.