#Jouska Tag Rambles

[jouska-the-deer]

(Spoilers for the Sonic Frontiers Update 3 Trailer)

You know it's been a while since the trailer dropped, and I haven't seen anyone notice the fact the Sonic's eyes turn cyan when he gets the max ring bonus, which makes Super Sonic's eyes going cyan interesting, implying that he's at max rings despite the form usually consuming them.

Now, since I highly doubt Sonic's just gonna be all "woohoo infinite super form", especially with the eerie red aura stuff that happened when he transformed the second time, I have a little bit of speculation to share: Sonic will be at max rings through the fight because cyber corruption will take max life instead of rings, forcing him to beat the boss before his max life depletes and the corruption consumes him completely.

Now I might be completely off base. I'll admit, I haven't played much of the second update nor Frontiers in a good while, but IDK. That sounds like a cool fight idea if it's the case.

[jouska-the-deer]

Looking at how Sonic Prime has everyone (except Sonic and main Knuckles with Devon Mack and Adam Nurada) voiced by MLP Friendship is Magic veterans so far, ever get the feeling that if Cream the Rabbit ever shows up in the show or at least a show by the same team as Prime, she'd likely be voiced by Andrea Libman (Fluttershy/Pinkie Pie). Andrea sure would fit her like a glove.

I would honestly love for that to happen. Fluttershy was my favorite of the G4 ponies and Andrea Libman would really be able to do Cream justice.

Though, I have to admit, I don't have high hopes for Cream appearing in anything these days. What was even the last game she was in? Generations? She wasn't even in Team Sonic Racing, a cart racer. Yeah the characters/cars were grouped into Speed, Technique, and Power instead of Speed, Flight, and Power like in Heroes, but honestly, whatever. I'd've had an easier time accepting Cream as a technique racer than I had accepting Zavok... being in the game at all. But no, instead Cream's spot on Team Rose was taken by 4 random chao, one of whom being a robot who's currently a wanted criminal.

I guess to be fair to Sonic Team, TSR already had a billion characters to juggle and it looked hard enough to justify the appearance of a large chunk of them, so even if Cream was there, her role wouldn't have been any greater than the 4 chao in a trench coat anyway. And to be fair to Omochao, they served as a hint guide for plenty of games and also managed to become a medical professional before eventually going on the run for committing medical malpractice.

[jouska-the-deer]

Hey guys, check out my totally normal YouTube homepage. Nothing strange going on here.

[jouska-the-deer]

People still suck at writing Sonic the Hedgehog

Interpretations of Sonic outside of media made by Sonic Team often seem either unable or unwilling to reconcile the fact that Sonic is both kind-hearted and intelligent, but I think I've noticed a recent shift in the way writers try to reconcile it.

In general, there seems to be this belief that smart people are inherently more pessimistic toward the world and that kind people are inherently more naive towards it. So, when writing for a character who's both smart and kind, less knowledgeable writers end up flanderizing them in one of two ways:

The first way, which is how Sonic was interpreted in Sonic Boom and prior, is making the character act like a jerk who knows best. At worst, they'll be outright rude towards their closest friends, but any criticism they get for it will be ignored because their opinions are always correct in the eyes of the narrative. At best, they'll sometimes make mistakes and learn lessons about being nicer to other people, which is something their non-flandarized self wouldn't have struggled with.

The second way, which is how Sonic is interpreted now, is making the character a saint who solves everything with friendship. At worst, they'll give absolute tyrants a million chances, but any criticism they get for it will be ignored because their opinions are always correct in the eyes of the narrative. At best, they'll sometimes make mistakes and learn lessons about certain people being unwilling to change, which is something their non-flandarized self wouldn't have struggled with.

You may have noticed I straight up copy/pasted a couple bits of those last two paragraphs. Well, that's because those bits reveal a bit of truth in how Sonic is portrayed by Sonic Team. Sonic's opinions are always correct in the eyes of the narrative, because of the lessons he no longer struggles with. Sonic already learned to balance his desire to give people a second chance with the fact that some people just have to be stopped. When? Since the very beginning. Sonic has always been trying to defeat Eggman for good while also giving second chances to people who he thinks deserve it.

But how do you deal with people who are causing so much harm when you still think they deserve a second chance? Guess what? Sonic answered that straight up in Sonic Adventure 1.

Do me a quick favor and if you can listen to Open Your Heart, specifically the Sonic Adventure 1 version (Click here). You may notice that there're two distinct sets of vocals; One clean and high pitched, and one distorted and low pitched. (And if you're wearing headphones the audio will even pan during the chorus.) For context, this is the song that plays while Sonic is fighting Chaos.

You can figure it out yourself from there, but if you want me to really dig into the topic, feel free to keep reading.

So like, I shouldn't have to say this, but the dark negative voice is Chaos' view and the light positive voice is Sonic's. But notably, they sing together during key points, specifically those related to the anger, sadness, and hopelessness that Chaos has been feeling for ages. Sonic has recognized that 1. imprisoning Chaos as suggested by Tikal wouldn't solve anything because, 2. Chaos is only acting this way due to being blinded by hatred for those he perceives as selfish monsters, and 3. he's still very much currently destroying the world and won't change his mind because he's lost hope that there's anything worth holding on to.

What does Sonic do then? Sonic may be an unstoppable force but Chaos is a seemingly immovable object. Well, he literally uses the positive energy from his friends and within himself to stop Chaos' rampage and prove that there are still good people in the world that want to maintain peace. After he loses the fight, Chaos is able to calm down and see that the cute defenseless chao he'd been protecting ages ago had survived, living among the very people he had assumed could only be power hungry monsters. He's able to let go of his hatred and live a peaceful life understanding that good people still exist and the world is still worth protecting.

And that's where the question is answered. How do you deal with people who are causing so much harm when you still think they deserve a second chance? You do everything you can to stop them, and if they're still around afterward, show them that they didn't need to fight in the first place. But that only works if they had a good reason behind why they were fighting, and would have chosen peace otherwise.

Sonic wanted to give Chaos a second chance because he knew that violence was not truly in his nature. Had he not been forced into those specific circumstances, Chaos would have chosen peace.

And that's what separates characters who have done a lot of harm but Sonic still gave a second chance to like Chaos and Merlina, from those who have done a lot of harm but Sonic wouldn't give a second chance to, like Eggman and Erazor Djinn. The former wanted peace but became convinced that it was impossible, and the latter only wanted power and were willing to hurt others to obtain it. The characters who Sonic won't give another chance to have proven that when dealt a better hand, they'll still chose to hurt others solely for their own gain, because that's what they want. To stop them peacefully, Sonic would have to convince them to give up their true dreams.

And that, is why Sonic's opinions get to always be treated as right in the games, because they are right. He has an absolutely kind heart, a nuanced understanding of morality, and the integrity to never give in to selfish desires.

None of this means Sonic is always right, though. Most people already know of his impulsiveness, which is his greatest weakest, but also one of his greatest strengths. Sonic never waits to act, which is great when innocent people are seconds from mortal danger... but not so great when a situation looks to be one way but is actually another. He teases Eggman for pleading for a second chance in Unleashed and he kicks the Cacophonous Conch from Eggman's hand in Lost World, and both of those were massive mistakes.

But, despite making those mistakes, his mindset wasn't the problem. How was he supposed to know Eggman was a shockingly good actor leading him into a trap? How was he supposed to know the people Eggman was controlling with the conch were equally as evil? (Yes Tails tried to warn him but literally if he didn't Sonic wouldn't have looked stupid and it just shows how poorly written Lost World was overall.) Had Eggman actually been pleading and the Zeti good people, Sonic's actions would've been justified.

Still, those were mistakes, and Sonic always wants to do what's right, so he does what he can to fix his own messes. He restores the planet Eggman broke apart. He stops the Zeti from sucking the life out of the planet. Sonic always makes things right in the end, and so he has the right to be so confidant in his beliefs. So confidant in fact that he doesn't care about looking like the bad guy if it means doing the right thing. Oh look, there's a song about that too. From Sonic's fight with Merlina in Sonic and the Black Knight. (Click Here.) Don't be fooled by the feminine vocals, if you paid attention to the themes of the game, the song is clearly from Sonic's perspective.

So yeah, Sonic is kind but he's also smart. He won't let anyone change his mind on anything, but he doesn't need to change his mind because he follows his kind heart and compassionate soul. He doesn't worry about looking like the bad guy because he and his friends know his true nature. When he gets angry he lets his rage fuel his desire to save the day. He'll never shed tears of despair because he knows that if he keeps fighting he'll make things right in the end. Sometimes his impulsiveness gets him into trouble, but it also helps get him back out. No matter what happens to him, he'll always make it out in the end either through sheer determination or the help of his friends.

Sonic is absolutely silly; He makes dumb jokes about his enemies and talks to himself when there's nobody around. Sonic is completely serious; He's willing to kill someone if it means saving the world and has felt multiple friends die before his eyes and in his arms.

Sonic is literally just some blue hedgehog who can run really fast.

Sonic is a god, and could kill god, and there is not a difference!

But most importantly, Sonic is all of those things at once. He is a wonderfully balanced character who's been right from the very beginning and has spent all his games sharing his wisdom with others simply by being himself. He isn't perfect, but that's not due to some personality flaw he needs to correct, but because nobody can always have all the answers and know how to avoid all potential mistakes.

The problem is, writing a character like this is hard. Writing conflicts for a character like this is hard. Most writers rely on making their protagonists work through relatable flaws to create an emotionally compelling story... but you don't need to do that. Sonic's conflicts are mostly external, but we care about him succeeding anyway because he's a good person who's just trying to live his life.

So really, if you wanna write Sonic well, you have to just let him speak for himself.

...By the way I mean that literally. Dude listen to his character theme it's all right there! (Click here.) Even when his theme was altered in Sonic Adventure 2 the only thing that changed was how confidently the same ideas were delivered. (Click here.) But seriously listen to literally any of the game themes, final boss themes, and ending themes. (I'm not linking all that.) No matter the quality of the games, if Sonic wanted to teach you something he was gonna teach it... through the power of having a music department detached from the nightmare that is game development time crunch.

And that's why Sonic Lost World is the worst Sonic game. Because it was so pointless that Sonic didn't have anything to sing about!

Wait... what was the point of this post again?

[jouska-the-deer]

It's been a while since I posted a Sonic OC, so here's Blare the White Bellbird.

He's 27 years old, enjoys walks through nature, and has a scream louder than a rock concert.

[jouska-the-deer]

Every time I see the word "Mobian" in relation to the game cast I violently twitch the same way I do when I feel a hair down my throat.

The games aren't the Archie comics. There is no "Mobius" that the "Mobians" are from. The "two worlds" are a metaphor for the visual difference between the animal people and human societies on Earth. This has always and obviously been the case. Please stop saying "Mobians" I'm begging you.

[jouska-the-deer]

One of the funniest aspects of Sonic games is that if the plot involves more than 3 of Sonic's friends, there's an extremely high likelihood that he's going to end up in an argument some of them that's resolved by racing and/or beating the crap out of each other.

[jouska-the-deer]

Live and Learn: *Blasts over the Final Hazard boss fight*

Shadow the Hedgehog: *Dies and forgets anyway*

[jouska-the-deer]

Jouska the Deer's Fanficton Masterpost

Here's a handy list of every Sonic fanfic I've ever posted. Please note that I've been posting fanfics here since 2016, so many of them may not reflect my current writing abilities. Still, people seemed to enjoy them so here they are; Sorted by ship for your convenience.

General Fics:

Denial (Ao3 Link)

Summary: After the recent defeat of Eggman following Sonic's escape from imprisonment on the Death Egg, GUN has tasked Shadow with informing Sonic that they have therapists available should he feel the need to see them. As much as Sonic thinks he's perfectly fine, Shadow has good reason to believe otherwise.

Rating: General Audiences | CW: Mild Violence | Word Count: 3,181 | Completed: 23 Nov 2017

Sonamyshad (Amy/Sonic/Shadow):

A Bit Much (Ao3 Link)

Summary: Amy sees that Shadow doesn’t have much planned for Valentine’s Day and offers to help him set up romantic decorations to surprise Sonic. Despite personal experience telling him that Sonic isn't into deeply romantic things, Amy seems positive the opposite is true, and Shadow accepts the help. On Valentine’s Day, Sonic spends the afternoon with Amy and the evening with Shadow.

Rating: General Audiences | Word Count: 7,491 | Chapters: 3 | Completed: 14 Feb 2018

Sonadow (Sonic/Shadow):

Deep Purple (Ao3 Link)

Summary: After a battle with Eggman, Sonic takes a moment to stretch while Shadow heads home to prepare a relaxing night for him. However, Sonic is left confused when he seemingly comes back, acting differently than he had just minutes before.

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences | CW: Mild Swearing, Heavy Angst, Discussions of Death, Mentioned Character Death, Bittersweet Ending | Word Count: 4162 | Completed: 27 Nov 2023

Pink Asters (Ao3 Link)

Summary: Sonic shares his passion for flowers with Shadow, bringing him everywhere and teaching him about the symbolism behind each flower they see.

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences | CW: Mild Swearing | Word Count: 5,299 | Completed: 21 Nov 2016

Pink Asters 2 (Ao3 Link)

Summary: Shadow seems to be feeling down, so Sonic decides to make him some wonderful bouquets to cheer him up. His attempts seem to have the opposite effect, though, and Sonic can't figure out why.

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences | CW: Mild Swearing, Mild Injuries, Mild Violence | Word Count: 9,233 | Completed: 30 Jun 2017

Careful

Summary: During an evening jog, Sonic comes across Shadow and they spend a few moments together as well as share a little nervous affection.

Rating: General Audiences | Word Count: 1,654 | Completed: 16 Mar 2017

First Christmas Together

Summary: Sonic and Shadow spend share their first Christmas together as a couple. However, as the night continues Sonic notices Shadow is acting a little strange, and he wants to figure out why.

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences | CW: Mild Swearing | Word Count: 6,326 | Completed: 31 Dec 2016

Sonamy (Sonic/Amy):

The Red Thread of Fate (Ao3 Link)

Summary: Amy goes on an adventure with Sonic to find an old man in Chun-nan who can see people's destinies, though, who he is and why she wants to find him are things she's too nervous to say. Little does she know, Sonic has something he's too nervous to say to her as well.

Rating: General Audiences | CW: Brief Implied Anorexia | Word Count: 6889 | Completed: 17 Aug 2024

A Short Quiz

Summary: To her dismay, Amy finds out that she doesn't know as much about Sonic as she first thought. However, as she makes an effort to learn more, she discovers that Sonic is not as much of an open book as he comes across, and may have been keeping an important secret from his friends for years.

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences | CW: Violence, Injuries, Blood | Word Count: 79,350 | Chapters: 25 | Completed: 10 Sep 2018

Terrible Advice

Summary: Seeing Tails's adorable little relationship with Zooey, Sonic starts to think going out with Amy might be pretty great. Plus, since he happened to be the guy who helped Tails end up with Zooey, catching Amy's attention should be a piece of cake! Right?

Rating: General Audiences | Word Count: 5,194 | Completed: 1 Dec 2016

Sonamy Short Fic

Summary: Sonic reflects on the romance he formed with Amy. Based on a writing prompt I got from school: "Being in love should make you feel..."

Rating: General Audiences | Word Count: 976 | Completed: 11 Nov 2016

Roommates

Summary: Amy has to find a place to stay after her apartment building caught fire, and thankfully, Tails is willing to let her stay at his house until she can find a more permanent home. Though, as Amy settles in, she notices that Tails may not be the only one who lives there.

Rating: General Audiences | Word Count: 4,107 | Completed: 21 Oct 2016

Blazamy (Blaze/Amy):

Quiet Moments (Ao3 Link)

Summary: Amy and Blaze enjoy a quiet moment together; That is until the silence is disrupted.

Rating: General Audiences | Word Count: 397 | Completed: 23 Nov 2017

[jouska-the-deer]

Me: *Goes multiple years without posting art and comes back as another species of deer.*

Anyway hi! I've posted a thing and I'm still breathing so in my opinion I'm absolutely winning. I hope to keep posting things in the future so be on the lookout for that. Have a nice whatever-time-it-is-where-you-are; I'm gonna enjoy some noodles and possibly go to bed before 4 AM tonight.

[jouska-the-deer]

There's no freaking way...

[jouska-the-deer]

Still totally normal. Just a completely ordinary list of video recommendations here.

Hey guys, check out my totally normal YouTube homepage. Nothing strange going on here.