Knuckles the Echidna #20 Corner Box: No. 20 Jan. $1.75 (no picture) Cover: Locke and Sabre watch Knuckles on a monitor

"Once Upon A Time In Mobotropolis"
Ken Penders: Writer
Manny Galan: Penciler
Andrew Pepoy: Inker
Barry Grossman: Colorist
Vickie Williams: Letterer
Justin Gabrie: Editor
Victor Gorelick: Managing Editor
Richard Goldwater: Editor-in-Chief

(Introduction page)
As a snowstorm plagues the Floating Island, destiny will be revealed.

Years ago, Lara-Le packed her bags, upset that Locke never listens to her. She plans on leaving with Knuckles, but Locke says that Knuckles must stay. In the present day, Lara-Le remarks that Locke always wants things his way. Locke says that Lara-Le is wrong and he thinks that she never knew him. Locke then grabs Lara-Le and gives her a kiss.

Geoffrey demands to know who the stranger is. The stranger says that his name is Elias and then asks if everything is okay. Geoffrey observes that Elias looks like King Acorn. Shocked, Elias asks if his father is still alive. Geoffrey explains that King Acorn never mentioned that he had a son and that he is only here to find the queen. Colonel explains that Elias truly is the king's son, but Geoffrey will not believe him without proof. Elias says that Geoffrey must stay the night due to the weather and that the next day he would take him to Haven.

As the hovercraft approaches Lara-Le's crash site, Remington says he wishes to send a team to secure the area. Knuckles disapproves, and as soon as the craft lands, he rushes to the crash site. To his surprise, his mother is gone.

Lara-Le is still upset with Locke, and in a flashback, it is revealed how Locke left their home for the Floating Island. Locke explained that Knuckles must return to the restored island while he accepts his call to Haven. Lara-Le is confused and shocked that Locke has never told her this before. The flashback ends, and Locke is surprised that although they are near the Forbidden Zone, the guiding beacon is blocked.

Elias places a jewel onto a rod, and Geoffrey appears behind him. Elias explains that it is a homing rod, which was given by the king to the queen. Geoffrey inspects the rod and verifies that it belongs to the royal family. When asked where he received it, Elias responds that an echidna named Sabre gave it to him. Geoffrey smells some tea, and both he and Elias head off to ask the Colonel about the homing rod. The Colonel says he had hoped to block the memory, but then Geoffrey came.

The Colonel recalls how Geoffrey's father told him that their aircraft was a target, even though the existence of both the prince and princess were kept secret. Soon, after King Acorn ordered for Queen Alicia to escape, the aircraft headed toward the Floating Island. As the aircraft neared the Floating Island, Overlander ships appeared and attacked the ship. The aircraft crash-landed on the island, and when the Colonel regained consciousness, he found nothing but the wreckage. Years later, he happened to find Elias outside of the royal compound. He knew he had found Elias because of the star-mark on his left arm. Geoffrey demands to know how Elias survived. Elias explains that he promised never to reveal the secret, but he would take Geoffrey to see the Brotherhood, and they will decide if they want to tell Geoffrey the truth.

The hovercraft launches from the crash site, and Knuckles is confused. He suggests that Remington is hiding information from him - such as the fact that his mother went to the Forbidden Zone. All of the sudden, lightning strikes the hovercraft, sending it to the ground.

Locke is surprised by the weather, and Lara-Le says it is because he has not studied the Tomes. The weather is a sign of the Day of Fury, when nature cleanses itself. Lara-Le adds that Locke's lacking faith is only one thing she wanted to talk to him about; the other is their son. Before the two can begin their discussion, Locke notices a group (Geoffrey and his team) hanging on to trees to avoid being swept away by the river. Elias says that he knew they would be rescued because he held onto the homing rod.

Knuckles stands to his feet and realizes that everyone else is still unconscious. He steps outside and realizes that he is in the exact location where his father left him and walked into the distance. Knuckles begins walking forward, and soon he falls down in front of his ancestors.

Knuckles Fan Art - 1 page

Pro Art - 1 page

Fistful of Letters highlight:
~ Next issue features Knuckles in Haven and a revelation