#onto reboot archie

[silverequation]

i am finally through preboot Archie. i like this version of Silver but he’s very different from games Silver. he’s really polite and not blunt, rude or feral aggro like Silver is in the games. he’s a kid trying to do right by his two dads instead of a punk ass probably orphan fighter from hell world powered by hope and fighting for peace but he’s still really cool and i really like his lore with the Time Stones and the adventures and friends/supporting characters he has

[diltonsstrangescience]

@ghoststudios against your advice, I did in fact read the comic where Danni was made a trans woman. And you were not kidding about Dilton. Yikes.

I mean, I figured he had to be pretty awful for you to warn me, so I was bracing myself. But in the time between learning about this comic and reading it, I developed a completely incorrect assumption of what the problem would be. Because I knew that A: this comic established Danni as trans, and B: Dilton was terrible, I figured that Dilton would be transphobic about Danni. I thought that was the problem. I was literally calling this version of him “Transphobic Dilton” in my head.

But having actually read it, he’s… not transphobic? I don’t think? Like, he calls Danni and Jinx “ladies,” plural, and he only dislikes the new “Danielle” because her transition coincided with her abandonment of the sciences, which he took as a personal insult. I could be missing something, but I think, just maybe, he’s actually accepting of transness, and understands that Danni is a girl.

I mean, he’s still also an asshole. And I am not normally someone who swears, ever, so you know this one is well-earned. This particular version of Dilton is a HUGE ASSHOLE. Oh my GOD, every single thing he says is so cruel for no reason!!! I mean, every version of him is pretentious and egotistical, but this one takes every opportunity not only to lift himself up but also to put others down, constantly insulting Danni’s intelligence—might I add, completely irrationally!!! He’s the one that screwed up and made his time machine work incorrectly! Every bit of this is his fault! Even OG Dilton could admit that, if begrudgingly!

The thing is, this comic’s characterization of Dilton isn’t actually that far off-base. I can see OG Dilt being this self-centered—expecting people to know what he wanted even if his instructions weren’t clear, taking someone’s personal decisions (such as leaving science) and making them about himself, smugly science-splaining to someone who’s probably actually smarter than him, blaming others for his mistakes so he can still feel superior, and absolutely refusing to admit that he failed to make a time machine correctly, to the point where he’s so convinced of his right-ness that he accidentally creates an entire fake world that makes it seem like he was successful. I could definitely imagine OG Dilton doing all of this, and it would be fairly in-character.

I canNOT, however, imagine OG Dilton being quite this much of a JERK about things. I’ve seen the OG get rude and annoying and condescending before, but it is literally every other sentence with this new guy, and it shoots straight past ego into plain cruelty for its own sake. It’s so hard to read.

If you don’t mind, I’ll just go back to playing with the OG duo like dolls, putting them on fun little adventures and making their dynamic increasingly more Morticia-and-Gomez-Addams-esque to restore balance to the universe. If Dilton isn’t gazing up dreamily at his amazing girlfriend like she’s the brightest star in the galaxy, then I’m doing something wrong.

[sorenlionheart]

the more i think about it the more i realize that archie sonic wouldn't be nearly as infamous if it happened in the context of a superhero book rather than sonic the hedgehog lol

[pixelrushiguess]

Personally, I don’t think the Freedom Fighters really fit the Sonic series. Having Sonic be part of a freedom-fighting organization defeats the point of the series being about adventure. Sonic shouldn’t have to answer to any organization, he goes his own way, wherever he wants to, following his own instincts. He’s not a superhero or an agent of anything. He’s, as he himself puts, just a guy who loves adventure. Not to mention, the Freedom Fighters themselves—Sally, Bunnie, Antoine, Rotor/Boomer and Dulcey—don’t FEEL like Sonic characters

Sally herself is a perfect example. I don’t get why SatAM/Archie felt the need to center their Sonic story around royalty. Like, of all things to make a Sonic cartoon/comic about, that's what they chose? It doesn’t fit Sonic as a series. Not to mention, besides having a rather bland personality, she’s an incompatible love interest for Sonic; it’s very telling SatAM and Archie had to warp Sonic’s character for their relationship to even work (and don’t even get me started on the godawful drama Archie caused with them!). Even in terms of design, she doesn’t fit the Sonic series. Before post-reboot Archie gave her a MUCH needed redesign, they had her prancing around naked hoping seduce men and brainwash them into simps in a cartoon/comic supposedly aimed at children…

While I do admit, Bunnie and Antoine’s relationship (especially in the post-reboot Archie) is kinda cute, they feel more like characters from a superhero cartoon than a Sonic cartoon (Bunnie is literally just a rabbit version of Rogue from X-Men). Meanwhile, Rotor/Boomer feels like a pointless replacement for Tails. Like, what is the point of his existence besides taking over Tails’ role as the gadgeteer genius?

All in all, SatAM and Archie irrevocably tainted America’s perception of what Sonic is supposed to be, and their legacy (IDW) only continues to harm Sonic. Really, it’s for the best we all just forget SatAM and Archie ever existed. I feel like those who continue to hopelessly cling onto them (like Ian Flynn) only cause more harm than good to Sonic…

I totally agree. I love the Freedom Fighters but they only really work as their own thing. I think even Ian said that if they were to come back, they'd need to be completely overhauled. Still, I'd like some acknowledgement since they are a big part of Sonic's history. I don't want any references in the games or anything, just sell merch of them or something. I don't think they should just be lost to time.

[crusherthedoctor]

At this point, it wouldn't surprise me if one of the IDW characters gets a super form/equivalent. (Like Nicole did in reboot Archie)

The question is who'd be the lucky character to get the "prestigious" honor? /s (Placing my bets on Surge or Whisper)

I'm surprised it hasn't happened already. Even if SEGA forbid them from doing so, you know they'd clutch onto any loophole they could think of. Because they have no respect for who effectively gave them their jobs.

Must have wounded their ego when Trip showed up and got one immediately.

[sonicroyalrumble]

Round 1, Wave 2, Match 8

Nigel Acorn (Post-SGW Archie) vs. Regina Ferrum/Iron Queen (Pre-SGW Archie)

Why should Nigel win?

Royal status: King of the Kingdom of Acorn

"Max but cool"

"Because, as opposed to his pre-reboot counterpart, Maximillian acorn, Nigel is actually a good dad. And he's pretty fuckin dope too, he took on the hooligans by himself and got a few good hits in."

"But like, the post reboot Archie where he wasn't a crusty old crystal man designed to force pender drama onto Sally and was just a nice dad with a sword"

Why should Iron Queen win?

Royal status: Ruler of the Iron Dominion and later the Eggman Empire until the Iron Dominion fell

"I can't remember if she's actually a queen or just called herself that, but I like that energy"

[laughdamnyou]

I understand not liking something or that it is not to your taste. But I am tired of things that I like being shit on constantly. If you don't like it or prefer something else, don't keep bringing it up or getting rude at someone else for liking it. Of course, this post is about the whole IDW vs Archie, but I believe it can be applied to many things.

I grew up with Archie somewhat, but only a Readers Digest every 4-6 months because we rarely went out. I grew up with disjointed comics and honestly? bad art. I have some of Tracy Yardley's back before he really got into a groove and colourers didn't really seem to care so there were lots of off-model colouring. When we finally got internet at my age of 14/15, I was immediately drawn in by the UK's Sonic the Comic. It was odd, it was trippy, and overall very memorable and fun for me (even if unintentionally). Amy was my favorite character and I would draw and write her like STC's scrappy tomboy Amy (doesn't help that I was doing archery at the time so I latched onto a cool female archer character). However, there wasn't very much recognition for my favorite comic, so I made do with Archie.

When Archie Sonic was canceled, I was upset a bit, but I saw it coming (fuck Ken Penders). When IDW picked it up, the consistent art and bright colours lured me in as well as building off of what Forces should've been (which is to say "good"). I loved Tangle and Whisper and for a bit Whisper was my new fixation (Rouge will forever be my absolute favorite Sonic female). But I noticed a massive amount of hate. I knew this would happen because fandoms rarely let a cancellation slide, let alone a fandom like Sonic. Especially to be replaced by another series with no returning original cast.

However, I was hoping it would disappear over time and Archie Sonic is remembered as "fun, dramatic, and mostly well written." especially as it was the longest running video game based comic ever (that I know of). But it hasn't. IDW isn't perfect, Ian Flynn isn't perfect, Sega isn't perfect, nor is Sonic Team. The writing can be off, Flynn does have the odd urge to put random music lyrics into dialogue awkwardly, Shadow is...off putting for any fan to say the least, the pacing could be better, and the constant delays are incredibly annoying.

Criticism is one thing, but constant hate and shit stirring is another. Please stop and be kind to your fellow fans. There are plenty of Sonic media for anyone. Whether it be games; Classic era, Adventure era, "modern" era, etc. Shows; SATAM, AOSTH, Prime, Boom, Underground. Movies; Sonic Cinematic Universe, OVA. Or Comics; Archie, IDW, STC, manga, etc.

So please calm down and either enjoy or at least appreciate what we have or go back and reread what you already love. Or make your own. That is always an option. I do sometimes, I even created a "Reboot" universe of sorts with my sister (though i am too scared to share it)

[phantomoftheorpheum]

The PLL Reboot Needs to Kill More Important Characters

I've had fun watching the PLL reboot, but I can't stop thinking about how limited they are by the plot armor on the main cast and basically everyone they care about. The reboot really wants to be a slasher, something the original show was not, but none of the main Liars have died, only one has lost a family member, and none have lost love interests, unless that love interest turns out to be an antagonist (Chip). There are a reasonable number of deaths when you start adding them up, but most of them pack no emotional punch whatsoever, and don't really create a sense of danger.

In 1x01, we're introduced to our main characters- Imogen, Tabby, Noa, Faran, and Mouse. And by the end of season 2, the only deeply personal deaths they have suffered are Davie (Imogen's mother in 1x01), and arguably Chip (though he is a villain), maybe Karen because they feel responsible for setting Archie on her and she and Imogen were friends once, but none of them ever seem to actually miss her or anything. They've dated a collective 8 characters, and only 1 has been killed (again, Chip, who is a villain).

By contrast, if you look at another high school teen slasher show, MTV's Scream, you'll see a large difference in the importance of the deaths. In 1x01, we're introduced to our main characters- Emma, Audrey, Riley, Brooke, Noah, Will, Jake, and Kieran. By the end of season 2 (including the holiday special), literally half of them are dead. All of the survivors have had at least 1 love interest murdered, and most of them have had 2. Some have lost antagonistic love interests, but all of them have lost at least 1 genuine protagonist love interest. More than one have lost a parent. And that's not even counting the 2 members of the group who were killed as the opener to the show (because they aren't really main characters, but they are friends/members from the main group, making their deaths personal to our core protagonists in a way Angela's opening death is not).

PLL doesn't even kill the main villains (all 4 have survived the first two seasons, even Wes who got pitchforked in the chest??), whereas Scream killed their main villains either immediately or shortly after their reveals (only 2, but they still killed both of them). While PLL has been willing to take out secondary antagonists and random characters, Scream took out main characters, main love interests, secondary protagonists, main villains, secondary antagonists, and random characters, making the deaths feel less predictable and the killers more dangerous, even though I don't think there's a huge body count difference between the two properties.

Now, I'm not arguing that MTV'S Scream is by any means a masterpiece, but I do really appreciate that they didn't wrap everyone up in plot armor. Emma is obviously your final girl who the mystery centers on, so I didn't ever feel she was in danger of dying, but everyone else felt reasonably fair game, and that really helped hold onto the tension. I really thought season 2 of the PLL reboot might have the guts to take out one of the main girls (or at least a main love interest and/or family member) to make things feel actually dangerous, but they just never did.

If there's a season 3, I think they really need to be gutsier about who they're willing to take out. At this point, the plot armor is so thick, I almost think the only way to regain your tension is to kill a Liar.

Anyway, idk how everyone else feels, but this was one of my biggest issues with season 2. Bloody Rose doesn't feel scary because we already know all the girls will pass their final girl tests.

[ganymedesclock]

If you're still accepting questions for the Sonic ask thingy, how about 🧡 and 🕹️?

🧡 Favorite Archie character?

There's a lot of good archie exclusives both pre- and post-reboot, though of them I'd say Nicole is one of my enduring faves. This is admittedly mostly luck; considering archie's checkered history, Nicole just sort of dodged a lot of the more concerning plot points.

Also, I mean, she's just plain a great character. I like the color and flavor she brings to the robot character crew.

🕹️ Favorite Non-Sonic SEGA Franchise?

I had a pretty intense fascination with NiGHTS for a good while! It's still very warm in my memory, although I think it doesn't quite hang onto me the way Sonic does mostly because its lore is relatively weak and underexplored in favor of its gorgeous vibes.

[ramblrthebloghog]

Total Eclipse ‘Review’

Just like with Shadow Fall, I will be going through Reboot Archie’s ‘Total Eclipse’ arc to see if Ian is in the right regarding Shadow or if maybe he just isn’t great with him. While I’m primarily looking at Shadow, I’ll also be looking at other things that stood out that I found incompatible with game lore or with game characterizations. Not posting a page means I didn’t really find something worth bringing up or praising. I did read through The Great Chaos Caper since that arc comes between Shadow Fall and this one, and I can safely say it was pretty good aside from the quirks of handling Tikal and Chaos, and having to sit through Ian’s Deadpool Bean. But I’m not really interested in talking about that one critically.

I addressed Team Brand and GUN last time, but in short, my stance is that there’s no problem with them working for GUN as a team here, but it’s also not bad or wrong for Sega to reject it today. Shadow is off to a good start. Omega isn’t. I can see and understand the easy comedy, but like, scroll for a minute through something like Colors DS’ script. Omega does nothing there but speak factually in his robotic way, yet the situations and scenarios are still funny, like Orbot and Cubot panicking. The comedy is placed on them in that instance. Him muttering the way he does in this page could be argued as humanizing, but it’s anti-Omega in my book. What’s interesting is that a comedic panel later with Fixit describing his function achieved this pretty well. As I’ve gone through Shadow Fall and now this story, I realize I probably should’ve gone back and added from the start that this was going to be a criticism of Ian’s Omega as well. Sorry if this gets redundant. As for Snively… I don’t particularly care for Reboot Snively, because Preboot Snively was more interesting, and I know that Reboot Snively had to be different from previous incarnations, so it would be kinda silly to judge him for “not matching up to SatAM Snively” or something. So I guess we can mostly ignore him unless it’s in regards to another character that matters. 

Which comes up in the page after as he tries to order Shadow around. I appreciate Shadow’s response both to Snively and to the implication of needing Knuckles’ cooperation. Rouge is done pretty good. I can appreciate the meta humor of Omega destroying the Barrel of Doom, or the cool factor of seeing Shadow’s legs spin like Sonic’s running or Shadow zooming across water. The next few pages are all pretty good so far, actually. Knuckles is done well. Relic is one of my favorite Archie OCs, she’s a cute and lowkey addition and gives Knux someone to bounce off of.

The Omega and Fixit panels I was referring to earlier. This is good comedic Omega.

This page could go either way. Shadow would usually not have anyone sway him in his goal (as seen earlier in this very issue), but Rouge IS one of the few people who can wrangle him, I suppose. Even IDW works off of this logic during Chao Races and Badnik Bases. So it’s not bad per say, but walking a fine line on interpretation. Eclipse is also great in the next few pages. I enjoy how much he cares about the Dark Arms, and I chuckle at him calling Rouge and Omega “Shadow’s minions.” Great little imp. He once again is able to play some mind games on Shadow, but it’s excusable as part of his anti-Shadow repertoire, I suppose. 

Onto Issue 2, and there it is. The page starts off strong with a heartfelt plea from Eclipse, and then just goes down the drain as Shadow recites yet again that his reason for fighting is Gerald and Maria. That extra reference box down there really throws salt in the wound by adding “Shadow the Hedgehog”. Adding it in there is almost thoughtless, like either the writer/editor did not understand Shad05’s ending if they knew of it, or simply didn’t care because their perception of Shadow is strictly “Maria”.

Rouge and Knuckles begin to have a conversation about Knuckles’ being shackled to Angel Island and the Master Emerald, a hot topic amongst the fandom for years that persists even today. In our present 2023, Sonic Frontiers has come out, and the English script pushes the notion that Knuckles will be more open to taking breaks from his duty (the Japanese script doesn’t align with it, but that’s irrelevant to my larger point). This itself is in-line with the idea that Knuckles is envious of Sonic’s free adventurous lifestyle despite his commitment to his duty.

I’ve always considered Ian someone that understands Knuckles and does him well. And I’m not expecting this 2014 comic to be in line with the ideas from a game that came out 8 years later. But the arc right before this one referenced that Knuckles is a treasure hunter, although rather jokingly. Knuckles does want more for himself, but he answers to a higher calling. And this page isn’t treated as him coping, either. He’s portrayed as content. And don’t get me wrong, Knuckles doesn’t dislike his job or staying on his island. But to say he doesn’t want more is wrong.

I like Monster Form and all, but it’s just dumb to have Shadow try to use Chaos Control when he knows he can’t in Eclipse’s presence. And then they go out of their way to have Eclipse explain that “it wasn’t the new Black Comet”, but that was literally not in question.

This page from the second issue of Shadow Fall shows us everything we need to know. Shadow is made aware that it’s Eclipse’s doing and asks how, and Eclipse gives him an explanation. If this was about portraying this power to a potentially unfamiliar audience, which I doubt it was but whatever, then you could’ve simply had either one of them say a line about Shadow not being able to rely on his Chaos abilities when fighting Eclipse as he usually would, as opposed to him trying, failing, and getting punished for it. To be clear, I’m not mad about the optics of Shadow jobbing to Eclipse. I’m mad that this is the manner they chose to execute it, where Shadow is stupid instead of just overpowered, which I would’ve had no problem with because I liked their clash in Shadow Fall.

This page is mixed. On the one hand, the Master Emerald isn’t for just anyone to use. It’s not just a giant Chaos Emerald, contrary to popular belief. That’s why Sonic can’t actually go Super off of it. Sonic can’t use the Master Emerald, and Knuckles can’t use the Chaos Emeralds. That being said, this *kinda* feels like it’s in the realm of possibility, since it’s using Chaos Control. And there’s no denying the pure cool factor. So I wouldn’t be opposed to giving this idea another shot with modern, hands-on Sega. Though, Shadow’s Chaos Blast doesn’t line up with what it’s actually supposed to be like, but I guess we can say they were working off Chronicles or something and didn’t know better. This also establishes that Eclipse’s block can be overpowered if Shadow has a big source like that, which is neat confirmation to have.

Onto Issue 3. I don’t love the cocktease of this cover, because Eclipse doesn’t end up using the Master Emerald. I know it’s comic’s industry, but still, that would’ve been cool to see.

Shadow decides the Master Emerald needs to be moved. I enjoy that callous pragmatism from him and it’ll of course lead us to Shadow vs. Knuckles. I also enjoy that Shadow initially tries not to waste time fighting before he’s forced back into it. Beyond the earlier speed bumps, Shadow and Knuckles have mostly been pretty good. And Rouge as well, seen now.

Rouge has been great the whole time. And she’s not bad in IDW either, so it’s funny how that works out. Omega on the other hand… yeah. And while Knuckles and Shadow’s fight is nothing short of awesome, with Knuckles’ determination, sensing Shadow’s Chaos Snaps, and setting him off with a Sonic comment, Omega continues to be… yeah.

First Monster Form, now Dark Arms, and that’s on top of Chaos Control and anti-Shadow power. Eclipse is stacked and I’m here for it.

Anyway, Omega here is powered by a Chaos Drive. In the games, his power source isn’t revealed, which is pretty common for character robots like Metal Sonic or Gemerl. I would’ve preferred they kept it vague and just had Eclipse tear him up, because either way, Fixit was going to fix him. Omega debuted in Heroes, so having a Power Core might not have been out of place, but I assume he was given a Chaos Drive to match GUN’s other robots, which are all powered by Chaos Drives.

Onto Issue 4. This page is an ambitious one. Knuckles delves into his purpose, and Shadow says he can find a new one. And it’s ironic because Shadow isn’t consciously written like that in this take on Sonic. He’s written like his purpose is still Muhria’s wish and keeping her promise, as seen in this very arc, which means that this otherwise decent effort comes out hollow.

I think it’s safe to say this is just inaccurate fanfic, though I’m sure this was part of some bigger plan or something.

There was no need to use Tikal’s Prayer here. I get it was just trying to be cool or focus his energy or whatever but when Knuckles punched the Master Emerald in SA2, it didn’t need all that. I see the appeal of Shadow questioning if it was Chaos Control, but it’s ultimately kinda forced. That being said, the statement and apology he tells the Emerald itself is sweet.

A minor nitpick, but it’s annoying to see them reference ‘Sonic 3&K - the game’ as if Snively was a part of it. I get he was part of that adventure in this verse, but it’s just kinda disingenuous and tacked on. Otherwise, I’m glad Rouge comforted Knuckles here. 

Last thing I wanted to say, but I think the decision to shatter the Master Emerald was incredibly smart on Ian’s part. Nowadays he complains on the podcast about “getting him off the island” (because Knuckles palling around with Sonic is just top priority for his character and the story), but this was an excellent compromise that allowed him to travel and adventure around while maintaining his duty and purpose. A lot of times, when people say that Knuckles should ditch the Master Emerald and Angel Island, or he should just get someone to watch it for him, it makes me feel that these supposed fans don’t truly value Knuckles and just want him as a toy in the box. If that’s the case, so be it, but don’t pretend it’s a matter of critical discussion at that rate.

In regards to Shadow, this arc was slightly a step up, but as a whole, I think I enjoyed it a lot more and it overall had less “problems”, or at least, what I considered to be problems as listed here. I guess that’s obvious from the difference in lengths between this review and Shadow Fall’s.

[normaltothemax]

Send “ ❗❗❗ ” for your muse to suddenly and unexpectedly kiss mine. ❗❗❗ brucie for archie

Something not many people know about Archie is that he’s dyslexic. Most days, he feels as though he has a pretty solid handle on it. He does all his own casework and is an avid reader in his downtime. Sure, he has his bad days, but the good ones are far more frequent. However, since moving in with Bruce, he’s been struggling. Archie is well aware that disruptions to daily routines or unexpected changes can create additional stress, leading to more pronounced challenges with dyslexia.

He’s fairly sure that suddenly finding himself engaged to a man he knows next to nothing about, moving in with said man, and turning his entire future into one big uncertainty counts as an unexpected change.

It’s especially bad today. He’s been staring at the same page of his file for the past forty-five minutes, now. Watching the letters flip and dance around, showing a complete disregard for his need to actually read them. More papers and files are spread out around him, a few decorated with sticky-noted annotations, but far less work done than he’d have liked, considering he’s been at it all morning. His elbows are braced on the table as he glares down at the page, hands fisted in his hair. Sharp pinpricks of pain light up his scalp, but he doesn’t let up. He needs to get this done. If he just tries hard enough, he can will the letters to fall in line. He can.

He can.

Distantly, he’s aware of someone entering the room. Of his name being called. But he’s too busy glaring and squinting at the page and muttering under his breath, to really notice. He takes a second to rub at his eyes, hard enough to see stars, before he’s back to pulling at his hair. Is so lost in his own frustration that he barely registers the fact that whoever else is in there with him has moved next to him.

It isn’t until a pair of hands are on his, gently untangling his fingers from his hair, that he really cottons on to the fact that he’s no longer alone. Blinking rapidly, he forces his gaze away from his work. Turns to look and see who—oh, it’s Bruce.

Bruce, who uses his thumb to smooth out the crease between Archie’s brows, his other hand still holding onto Archie’s. He opens his mouth to say something, to ask what Bruce is doing there, if he needs something, but the words die in his throat.

Because Bruce is tipping his chin up and leaning down and then his lips are on Archie’s and Archie’s mind goes blank. He goes a little cross-eyed for a second, still staring wide-eyed at the other man in shock, before his brain seemingly reboots and he realizes that oh, he should maybe be kissing him back. That he wants to kiss him back.

Huh. That’s a new development.

His eyes close as he leans into the kiss, the hand that Bruce isn’t holding coming up to cup the side of his neck. It’s soft and slow and thoroughly distracting. Leaves him out of breath, his lips tingling, mind full of static, when Bruce finally pulls back enough to let him breathe. Archie’s cheeks are flushed. He can’t seem to look away from the somewhat amused glint in Bruce’s eyes. Can’t really recall why he was so frustrated just moments ago, not that he’s thinking too hard on that, right this second.

“What…you…what was that for?”

@gothamsworn (x)

[speedbooster]

Journey through Archie Sonic - Introduction

I promised this over on webbedphantom, and I'm sticking to my word. I'm going to be reading the entirety of Archie Sonic, from the main book, the original mini-series, and the numerous spin offs (minus Knuckles, I'll be saving him for later), tackling one issue every day I can.

To preface this, I've barely read any of this comic. I checked out a few issues after the reboot, I read the Sonic Adventure adaptation, and I actually bought both issues of Mega Drive when they came out. But it's been so long that I don't remember much. All I do know is what I've learned from lowart's retrospective on the series, which is what got me interested in checking it out again.

I've also barely seen the cartoons it was originally based on. I did see a few episodes of SatAM when it was on Netflix, but I never got very far because of two reasons; I didn't like Sonic's voice and the mohawk was weird. That's it.

I will eventually watch it, especially with the fan-made season 3 around the corner, but for now, I'm just gonna stick to the comic.

With that out of the way, let's get started.

Sonic the Hedgehog Mini-Series #0 - Feb. 1993

To start off, I'm not going to spend too much time summarizing, because that's kinda boring. Mainly, I just wanna give my thoughts as I read through it, make a few jokes here and there, and give my overall opinion at the end.

First, the cover. It's honestly kinda charming. The colors are nice, the idea of them running out of the tv is creative, and I like seeing the designs from the games... even if it's only for this cover.

Now for the plot. Basically, Robotnik chases Sonic for a bit, he gets away and goes back to base, and that's... honestly it for part one.

Because yeah, it's split into four different parts, telling two different stories, with some little gag pages thrown in here and there. I assume this was done to keep the ads from interrupting the action (I can't say for sure, because the scans I have don't have any ads), which if that's the case I can respect that. As a kid, it was always a little annoying to have the story be put on hold for two pages so I could be shown a photoshopped image of Mr. Fantastic holding a glass a milk.

As for the actual comic, well it's definitely interesting.

It's weird that he can talk, but at least Caterkiller is introducing himself politely before he tries to commit murder.

I said up top that I wasn't a fan of the mohawk Sonic was rocking in these days, but... honestly, the art here kinda makes it work for me. Still not my favorite, but it's consistent, it's cutesy but not overly so, and it works well for what they're going for; A comedic book for kids that's combining the premise of SatAm with the humor of... Adventures. Albeit, not as unhinged as that could be-

Here Sonic has gotten back to Knothole, the hidden base of the Freedom Fighters, and we're introduced to the whole gang, including Sally who is... this.

I have no idea why she's like this. I think it's because her design hadn't been finalized by this point, or the team was only given early production material from SatAM, but either way it's weird seeing this bizarre palette swap of her, and without her jacket. Though I'm aware that wasn't apart of her design for a good while, even in the cartoon.

Sonic, I don't think that's how that works-

Oh man, he really ate it there. Though, I gotta admit, it's cute seeing this version of Tails, before he was the kid genius with some confidence issues. He's the little brother of the whole team, who looks up to them all, but especially Sonic, and wants to be like them. It's really endearing.

... I can't decide if "Trickle Down Technology" is stupid or not. I mean, it sounds stupid but... it's decent wordplay? I think?

Now onto part 2, where the team deals with the leak and stuff. Though we start off checking in on Robotnik and-

I shocking love his desk. Like... oh my lord, everything about this desk is gold. It's so cartoonishly evil, and the "Rights Violated While U Wait" sign definitely got a chuckle out of me.

And this is the source of the leak. Weeping Willow Trees... I have no words, I think the concept speaks for itself-

So Robotnik finds them at the edge of the forest and Sonic taunts him to get him to focus on chasing him, which works but... I don't think this art was meant to be seen up close...

I hate this. He's a conehead with no eyes and a moustache that looks like little wings. I hate that I zoomed in on this why did I do this

... you ever just tell a joke and no one laughs, so you just keep repeating it until someone reacts?

Yeah, I feel this.

So Sonic books it to the well to grab a power ring he hid there, which he then uses to do-

... I don't even-

Like... why? How? Huh??

This might just be the stupidest thing I've ever seen. And I kinda love it??

I still hate that the badniks can talk, but like... That buzzbomber is gonna die for that joke. Like there is no way he lets him live after that, right?

... anyway Robotnik gets away, so Sonic and the gang plant new trees to make the willows stop crying. And I will admit-

This makes me smile. I'm a sucker for puns.

But that's the end of the first half. Now it's time for a few gags before we move onto the next one.

Here Sonic shows off how fast he can go, and... first of all, nice pun.

But secondly, is he supposed to be winking?? Because it kinda just looks like he got something in his eye, or they forgot to draw a pupil, or color the other eyelid blue or something, because this just looks... wrong.

Next a page entirely dedicated to this pun. And honestly... it was good until I read Sonic's last line. "OAK-Kay" is pushing it even for me-

Lastly, we have a page showing off the various badniks, but I couldn't help but notice this;

This is cursed. Why does he have normal eyes?? And look at that face, and his flesh colored bolt-ear thing??? I hate it???

Now onto story 2, where they show how Robotnik took over the world... kinda?

Oh he's coming.

Also there's something powerful about this image without context. It haunts me.

Anyway, Sonic is heading over to his uncle's chili dog stand, who just got an order for 200 chili dogs that Sonic is going to deliver.

Meanwhile, this is being hung on the wall outside;

Another Cursed-Botnik, but again I love how cartoonishly evil this sign is. "Have Fun, Go To Jail." If this man even sees you smiling, he's having you arrested. It's so over the top, and I love it.

Speaking of which, that's exactly what happens while Sonic is away. Uncle Chuck gets arrested for smiling, and has... the dumbest revelation.

If you know him, and you know his voice, then you really should've seen this coming. Heck, the address Sonic is delivering the Chili Dogs to is a Robotnik Inc Factory!! You only have yourself to blame, Chuck-

So Sonic delivers the dogs, and the chicken robot tries to kill him as payment, so he decides to rush back to check on his uncle. And-

This editor's note got an audible chuckle out of me. That is so clever!

This... is an expression. I'm tempted to make this a reaction image for the heck of it.

This is the end of this chapter, but again I gotta point out the signs. Man just decided to dump toxic waste here just because he could, and-

LOOK AT HIM GO

I wish I could enjoy something as much as this guy enjoys dancing in the flames over here. He is having the time of his life rn

Anyway, Sonic immediately takes them out, including the chill one which... what the heck man??

And decides to rush back to the factory to confront Robotnik, while making a little reference to another speedster.

Cheap, but it made me smile. Sue me.

Sonic runs into Sally, who introduces herself as a princess and tells him how her father was taken too. And Sonic-

Doesn't give a damn, wow. That is harsh-

"Sorry Girlie, but I don't believe you, nor would I care if I did, because my problems come first."

Honestly... I'm okay with this. It was jarring at first, but this is the closest we get to an origin story as far as I know. He's not really "the hero" yet, so it's interesting to see him be a bit more selfish.

So Sally convinces him to help out, and we get this little exchange;

... I can't decide if this is funny or stupid. And yeah, I did kinda reference this on Sonic's bio, but I didn't know THIS is where that came from. Or more specifically, how they introduced that.

... I mean, it's kinda funny out of context, but in context its... I honestly don't know-

Here we see Robotnik's army of supposedly roboticized townspeople, but I guess the artist didn't get the memo?? Like they're clearly not robots??

... okay, nevermind. Robotnik actually likes being called fat. Props for the body positivity, I guess.

... y'know, I think this is the first time I've ever seen a speedster make a tornado... and run on top of it. Like how does that even work??

Anyways, that's it for Issue #0. Overall, it was more enjoyable than I thought it'd be, and actually got a chuckle or two out of me which I did not expect.

Definitely not going to be going THIS in-depth for the rest of these, this was way more work than I thought. I'll just give my brief thoughts, and maybe rank each issue as I go? Idk I'm kinda making this up as I go along.

If you have any suggestions, leave 'em in the replies I guess-

[diltonsstrangescience]

Okay, so Jug’s nickname in Explorers of the Unknown is “Squint.” So…

Is that why his eyes are always closed? Is he actually just squinting 24/7? Is that what he’s been doing for the past 80-odd years straight?

Has he needed glasses this entire time? And just refused to admit it???

[sonicshipbattles]

A lot of folks came out to support the reboot Archie version of SonKnux, but the Master Emerald still won this round. It goes onto Round 3 to fight against Knuckless hat and see which inanimate object ship reigns supreme

Round 2

This poll is for the version of Knuckles/Sonic specifically from the post-reboot Archie Comics vs the general concept of Knuckles/the Master Emerald All ships included were submitted to us. This tournament does not accept insults towards either ship - use propaganda to uplift your fave, not put down the opponent

[fernsnailz]

Hey! Recently stumbled upon your stuff after one of my friends shared it with me and it's super cool!

I've never been terribly into Archie but seeing someone try to make sense of the lore is always fun. I'm wondering though, if the IDW characters and plotlines were introduced in Archie first and Archie just kept going, how would you incorporate them into Archie's world?

Would Tangle become a leading member of the Freedom Fighters? Would Whisper join the Secret Freedom Fighters? How would the Metal Virus play out in Archie's world? That kinda stuff! Would love to see your perspective of how it could be done

oh man um. i wrote a lot for this one LMAO SORRY

i think one big takeaway i have is that incorporating the idw plotlines and characters into post-reboot archie sonic probably wouldn’t be super difficult, especially considering some of the idw plotlines were ideas the archie writers had before the series was cancelled. the metal virus saga is the most notable of these ideas, and would probably play out in a similar way to how it did in idw if it were put in post-reboot archie (just with more characters available). there could be minor differences to the idw plots like how the freedom fighters interact with the idw cast, how silver and gold’s future shenanigans affect everything, breezie the hedgehog hosting the chao race arc, some small stuff like that.

i think the main post-reboot/idw character dynamic i would me most excited to see is between eclipse and surge (and by extension kit). they have commonality in being cruel reflections of other characters, but i doubt they would bond over it. eclipse is hellbent on destroying shadow to get revenge for his lost alien race - his destructive purpose is for reasons and people beyond him, not just for himself. surge and kit’s destruction is personal and internal, driven by grudges they were never in control of. surge wants sonic dead because she’s convinced he ruined HER life, not anyone else’s. i think eclipse would find them selfish, and surge would think eclipse is a moron. they could be at odds, which would be CRAZY ironic given their mirrors (sonic and shadow) are also usually at odds. ugh the irony of it all

however, the big challenge here is figuring out how the idw story and cast could fit into pre-reboot archie. if i tried to fit all of idw into pre-reboot i might go crazy, so i’ll just go over some concepts that interest me the most. pre-reboot ideas are below the cut because i have a lot to say <3

1. whisper is an ex-secret freedom fighter

this one feels obvious (especially since you suggested it lol), it would make sense for whisper to be a secret freedom fighter since that’s literally what she does in idw. however, i think whisper would actually stay AWAY from the freedom fighters because she lost everyone on her old team. this is an important part of her character in idw, and it would still be important here.

i think this could fit into archie if there were multiple secret freedom fighters (similar to how there are multiple freedom fighter groups, like the downunda freedom fighters). it could be interesting if whisper was a part of an older secret FF group in another location, but left the freedom fighters after everyone on it was killed. and it would be REALLY interesting if whisper’s group was ALSO formed by harvey who, and she fears the same fate might fall onto the new secret freedom fighters. idk that might be a bit of a stretch, but it could be interesting

i would want to keep the tangle and whisper dynamic, so i think both of them would reject the secret freedom fighters if they were invited and do work on their own or with jewel. it would be hilarious to see tangle talk to larry lynx tho

2. the metal virus is not robotnik's creation

the metal virus saga would be very strange to fit into pre-reboot archie because… it kinda already happened? the very long war between the mobians and robotnik was initiated by the roboticizer. archie robotnik has created touch-based roboticization before, and even brought back the roboticizer for operation clean sweep (which roboticized sally right before the reboot). so why go back to it again?

i think there are reasons to be found for robotnik returning to the roboticizer plot (especially since the metal virus is very unique in how it works). however, i think the metal virus saga could have an interesting archie take if someone other than robotnik created the virus. like what if it was created by the dark legion? maybe they wanted to come up with a way to create more robotic enhancements, but then somehow it got out of hand and broke containment. it would still be robotnik's problem since the dark legion works under him, but he would see it as an issue much faster than he would in the idw version.

or maybe it was created by doctor finitevus in a plot to take out the dark legion in the most ironic way possible? i dunno finitevus's motives are mostly just "i like being evil" so maaaybe it could work?

regardless of who created it, i think it would follow a similar format to idw where the severity of the situation would cause the entire cast to unite - ESPECIALLY if the virus reached across the multiverse. let's get zonic in here babey i miss him

3. SCOURGE AND SURGE BABEY!

this would be wild given that surge is kinda the spiritual successor to scourge. i think surge and kit should still be from mobius prime and created by dr starline (i could MAYBE argue that dr finitevus could make them, but i honestly don't know why he would). once surge and kit are on their own, it could be interesting to see them join the destructix - and then it would be great to watch them completely tear it apart.

surge and scourge Would Not Get Along. they're both green and hate sonic, but why the hell does sonic get TWO green reflections? which one is the BETTER reflection? which one is gonna be the one to finally end that little blue freak's miserable life? you can get a reflection from a mirror, but if you place two mirrors in front of each other you'll only get existential dread and a desire to beat the shit out of the other mirror.

4. idw shadow accidentally destroys the mobius 30 years later timeline (OOPS!!)

ok this one’s personal becuase the 25/30 year later future (aka light mobius) is something i Do Not Like, even after ian flynn took it over. it is a bad ending for the cast. even so, i really want the prime versions of these characters to see this fucked up future - especially shadow. and it would REALLY suck for shadow to see the light mobius future after all of his fuck-ups in the idw plot (failing to beat neo metal sonic, falling victim to the metal virus, you get the idea). time travel is an easy thing to work around writing wise, maybe my boy zonic could help them get there.

but yeah, main reason i want this is to send prime shadow through a moral crisis. a future with statues of a false deity maria and a tyrannical version of him hellbent on destroying everything would terrify prime shadow - but it wouldn't surprise him. he knows very well what previous versions of him were capable of. and given that idw shadow has some plot beats and character moments that are Not Very Good, i think it would be interesting for that version of him to get a wake up call from the horror of this awful future.

i would definitely want shadow to see light mobius, but i think it would be good to have prime sonic and possibly amy join him (sonic because he would also be horrified by light mobius, and amy because she's NOT EVEN IN THE 25/30 YEARS LATER TIMELINE??? where did she go???? did she fucking DIE??? sorry i hate light mobius lol)

this is something i've thought about even before getting this ask because i love making shadow sad. i'd love to make a comic about it some day but it's definitely too large of an idea for me to do within reason lol

-----------------------

there are some smaller places where i think the extensive lore of archie would benefit the idw characters, like if dr starline was from downunda and worked as one of eggman's dozen. but otherwise that's about all i have! i am so sorry i did not expect to write this much but i kept getting ideas.

thank you for your ask it was really fun to try and tie some of these wack ass plots together lmao

[kvetchs]

Monkees -> Riverdale????

How???

it’s very direct actually! to put it very simply: monkees music producer and the monkees don't get along > producer gets booted from working on the monkees > he makes the archies band/series in direct response > archies series gets rebooted as riverdale. but i can elaborate quite a bit (under the cut)...

> monkees show exists! they're also a fictional band! they make albums! to sell! they sell very well (back to back #1 albums on the billboard charts!)

> uh oh the monkees want creative input into the music they make, but their (music) producer, don kirschner, doesn’t like that idea.

> uh oh kirschner goes behind everyone’s back to make the song “a little bit me, a little bit you” !! he’s not allowed to make songs like that without the monkee’s knowledge...

> music producer don kirschner is let go! he’s upset! he just wants to produce music! why do the monkees care about what they’re making!

> don kirschner galaxy brain moment: do the monkees again, but animated (animated character can’t threaten you/won’t get mad about having no input in their music).........

> the archies! they’re a fictional (animated) band! they have comics and shows that come out to promote the music and music that comes out to promote the comics and shows! and they’re popular! who doesn’t love hits songs like. “sugar, sugar”

> show only runs from 1968-1969, the music continues until 1971, but the comics (which had been around since the 40s) are still pretty popular ....

> well okay they’re not *that* popular anymore :( but you know who still likes archie comics? roberto aguirre-sacasa! he likes archie a lot too! so much so that he makes a play about archie -- “archie’s weird fantasy”

> the play is about archie coming out and being gay and it’s 2003 so aguirre-sacasa get ceased-and-desisited by archie comics the day before his play was set to premiere :(

> he starts writing for marvel comics instead, and he gets involved tv (first glee and then supergirl)

> as a comic book writer, lover of archie comics, and Guy Who Writes/Produces for Glee, he finally gets to contribute to archie comics Proper! released august 2013: Archie Meets Glee!

> okay that was cool. he should do it again! (he does) released October 2013: Afterlife with Archie (archie meets zombies, it’s not even for kids, it has that teen+ rating, *so* un-archie comics of him)

> wow! it’s popular though! so popular in fact that aguirre-sacasa is made the Chief Creative Officer of archie comics!

> (i’m unaware of the logistics. but ...) Archie Comics seeing success of a teen+ rated comic and aguirre-sacasa getting a high-up position (probably) led Archie Comics to think that audiences wanted Gritty Edgy Cw-esque teen drama about archie comics... and who has teen drama tv experience! aguirre-sacasa does! ... in fact, with his tv career what else was he to do but boot this idea onto network tv as Dark/Messed Up Glee but about Archie Comics characters………

and so...

> The CW’s Riverdale

... in essence: