Edited by Justin F. Gabrie, Managing Editor Victor Gorelick, and Editor-in-Chief Richard Goldwater.
Whoo-hoo! A new era of the Archie Sonic Comic begins here! (Hmm… If 0-50 were one era, 50-75 another, 75-125 a third, with 126-129 being an interlude, that would make this the beginning of the fourth ASC era.)
Penciled by Patrick Spaziante, inked by Nelson Ribeiro, and colored by Josh D. and Aimee R. Ray.
"Sonic the Hedgehog is back from Outer Space!" …Reminds me of a song…
Sally kneels by Sonic’s "grave", and Sonic approaches her from behind, an uncertain look on his face.
In the tradition of JG’s beloved Star Wars… Don’t get me wrong, I like SW too, but really, this is a bit much…
Written by Karl Bollers, penciled by J. Axer and Steven Butler, inked by Michael Higgins and Jim Amash, colored by Jason Jensen, and lettered by Michael Higgins.
Sonic crash lands on Mobius just in time to see Geoffrey and Hershey getting married at gun point—apparently it was their last request before Robotnik was to have them executed. Sonic, however, decides to give the happy couple time to enjoy their honeymoon. With a few dramatic blue bolts of light, he dismantles the offending Swatbots.
This scene also introduces us to "A.D.A.M." (EVE’s brother?), apparently a sentient computer that controls all of Robotnik’s Swatbots.
Hershey and Geoffrey fill Sonic in on the basics of the current situation—Robotnik’s playing for keeps, and he’s got the nuclear warheads to prove it.
Sonic races to Knothole to warn everybody, but he’s in for a bit of a shock—the village in and amongst the trees has gone hi-tech, becoming a city in and amongst the trees…
Meanwhile in New Megalopolis, capital of the Eggman Empire, Robotnik looses it when he discovers Sonic to still be alive. His sexy "daughter" and new chief lackey, M, knows nothing of the Hedgehog, so ‘Butnik has to fill her in…
Back in Knothole City, Sonic assaults a kid in search of the date, and learns that it’s Wednesday, one year after the defeat of the Xorda. This comes as quite a shock to Sonic, who only experienced a week’s worth of time. This could either be due to the theory of Relativity; or it could be because of the funky time on the planet of the Azurites…
Sonic makes his way to the castle throne room, where he finds Knuckles and the Chaotix debating their next course of action. Apparently, Angel Island has been conquered, and Knuckles is now taking orders from King Acorn—who, incidentally, can once again walk.
Sonic warns everybody about Robotnik’s latest plan, then head over to his memorial to say hello to Sally.
They don’t even say a word before they kiss… a moment captured for posterity by the Paparazzi. (Guess the tabloids seen in early issues are still in business!)
Sally says she knew Sonic would come back… a strange statement I can only attribute to denial.
Back in the castle, Sonic meets up with the Freedom Fighters again. Tails and Amy haven’t changed much, but Bunnie’s wearing a jacket and a wide brimmed hat, Rotor has his own jacket, and reading glasses, and Antoine’s sporting a wicked scar and a new attitude…
Before proper reunions can be had, though, Robotnik calls to welcome Sonic home with a diabolical new plot. Robo will release the radiation from Robotropolis, at the same time as he fires his two nuclear missiles - one at Knothole, the other at Station Square.
To be continued…
Whew! What a ride! Half a year after I pretty much gave up hope for this series, they take it to a whole new level! Figures… J
I also loved the art. Axer’s work is wonderful, as always, and as in the past few issues with multiple artists, they managed a fluid transition. The new looks were a nice touch, as well. My favorite was perhaps the most subtle—Sally’s long hair. Very good look for her. (Although she might want to tie it back the next time she goes on a mission…)
"This Just In" by JG.
JG hints at his plans for Sonic X, then leaves most of the page for a preview of 131.
Letters by Penny L. Kenny, Greg, and John Stetz.
John Stetz mentions Benny Lee’s mistake of having Sonic say he used Six emeralds to transform into Super Sonic. Freddy jokes that he should have Benny play Sonic Adventure over and over so it doesn’t happen again. I have a better idea—I care a lot more about continuity within the series than with the games, so my suggestion would be have him read the comics over and over again… in fact, maybe if the whole team did that, there wouldn’t be so many coninuity glitches, and they’d have a better idea what they’re doing right and what they’re doing wrong…
Pics by Michael Pagan, Shandelle Williams, Mariah Renaud, and Garret Levitz.
I think Sonic summed it up the best: Way Past Cool.