#sonic idw 76

[oldfaneworld]

After seeing the second cover for the upcoming issue 76 and reading the description for it, I have several thoughts running through my head for the future for the Diamond Cutter's. The first thing I thought of I can admit is complete copium. More than likely I'm wrong but that's ok. I'm hoping the second cover is a massive fake out for the Neo Diamond Cutters. This is not likely but hey i hope they don't actually split the team and the description is just talking about Belle(i love her i promise!) leaving. Now for the real ideas and why I was writing this, ideas and wishes for a future Miniseries starring Lanolin and a few characters I thought would be fun to have her interact with. The first one being the big red Menace himself Knuckles. Don't ask why in this scenario he might be off Angel island or why she might be on it, but these two meeting and talking have been in my head since the start of the Urban Warfare arc. The reason for this is simple: Knuckles has gone through everything she has. He's been tricked by Eggman himself multiple times(if i remember correctly) and when he was running the Resistance he did have a major failure(many more can be assumed, seeing as they were on the back foot for six months) during the forces game and a pyrrhic victory that took many lives in idw (menchanced at the start of the zombot arc). I would love to see him be more of a mentor or an ear for Lanolin (also talking shit about sonic in good jest.) as she goes through recovery and figuring herself out. The next two I would love to see would be Silver and Blaze separate or together I can take either honestly. As much as most the fans want both of them to destroy Lanolin. I honestly think Blaze would give Lanolin the same disappointed energy back (that Lanolin gave Silver) at her at the start but be more than willing to help Lanolin build her confidence back up and show her different methods of leadership that would help her. when it comes to Silver i can see it being a flip flop of either pointing out that he was right and then immediately regretting it seeing the state Lanolin is in and trying to cheer her up or even though 06 is (soft) cannon (and deleted itself) and he cant remember it, he might get an inkling of a time he was tricked and because he's a good bean he might just want to help seeing how down she is, wither Lanolin likes it or not.

[multbasa]

Oooh, I have a college class today and studying to do for next week, but I just HAVE to get this thought off my chest!

Mimic cannot mimic abilities such as Sonic's super speed, Silver/Blaze's abilities or even Tangle's stretchy tail as confirmed in the Tangle and Whisper series.

This idea that was tossing around in my head was Mimic pretending to be Silver but he can't use psychokinesis at all, so someone like Blaze susses him out because Silver ALWAYS uses his abilities even for simple things like floating around.

So Blaze doesn't immediately attack Mimic but tells him, "Hey, Silver, earlier you said you wanted to spar, well, I have some free time now!" Fire ignites in her hand.

Mimic is nervous because he thinks she'll figure him out but doesn't realize that she already has, so he says "oh—oh no, actually I'm not feeling well."

Blaze leans in close, "that's such a shame. You've always been one of the few who aren't afraid of fire enough to challenge me and I've never had to worry about accidentally hurting you since you can protect yourself so well." Her word punctuated by the fire in her hand closer and hotter to not-Silver's face.

Ooh, I would write a one shot on this if I had time. Blaze being badass and intimidating—I absolutely love it. I don't think this will happen in the IDW because I feel like Mimic would have to be a moron to mimic someone like Silver, but he did mimic Sonic and just walked everywhere—so I guess there is a chance.

I am SUPER excited to see Silver and Blaze on the covers of this issue because I was worried that Silver wouldn't get involved with the Mimic situation after the issue where he and Whisper tried to expose Duo as Mimic. I really loved that Mimic found Silver intimidating and didn't want to be around him so he tried to literally end his life to no avail, ha! Also I can't wait to see Lanolin finally realize that she was wrong about Duo whom she sees like herself as someone who isn't special or powerful like Sonic or Silver etc. Her world is going to absolutely shatter, I think—which is great because she's building up to some big character arc and I want to see what she's like on the other side (probably a nicer, humble character, but maybe they have the guts to make her into a villain because she becomes even more controlling? I don't think that would happen, but I would find it really interesting).

I would love to see my favourite characters (Silver and Blaze) be badass powerhouses, so I hope they get good action in the upcoming comics!

(Trying to ignore my pessimistic side over seeing Blaze on the cover but remembering that she was on the cover of Spring Broken but wasn't in the story...no, no, she is front and centre—she HAS to be in the story or I RIOT)

[thecoolertails]

oh my GOD the way james fry draws eggman!!!!

[multiisketch]

So a while back (around the release of IDW #57, I believe) there was a theory suggesting that Lanolin would betray Sonic and co. by going too far with trying to stop Eggman. Here it is if you're curious: https://www.tumblr.com/thebwarch/709247548839395328/i-still-think-lanolin-in-the-sonic-idw-comics-is?source=share

And with what we've gotten since then, it's looking more and more likely to be the case. (though Lanolin probably might quit the Restoration first before deciding to take care of him on her own).

Like, maybe it could even be a Civil War situation where Lanolin goes and rounds up some allies who are also tired of how Sonic handles Eggman, forcing the rest of Team Sonic to protect the Doctor while he's in their custody and try to reason with the former side.

I've always wanted to see something like that happen (i even tried to write a fic for it but I ended up scrapping it a while after chapter 1. Didn't know where to take it and wasn't really satisfied with it at the time), but under SoA and SoJ's current limitations, I wouldn't hold my breath.

With the synopsis of Issue #76 released, I don't think it's unfair to say that Lanolin is directly headed down that path given everything that's happening in the Riders Arc. Especially if it is revealed to the others that Eggman provided Sonic his Phantom Rider gear. Lanolin will likely be the first to criticize him for that cooperation (you saw what she was doing to that punching bag after the "Phantom Rider" hurt """Duo"""). I doubt she'll be mad at Sonic and the others for attempting to take down Clutch given what he is doing is clearly underhanded and hurting people, but we already know from issue #57--as you mentioned--that Lanolin doesn't approve of how reckless Sonic is. I mean... if you look at Issue #75's synopsis, too, it's clear that the Riders Arc isn't going to end smoothly. The destruction that is caused by Sonic going behind the Restorations backs is what is going to royally piss Lanolin off. We're definitely not leaving this arc without some shake up of the stasis quo.

I think your assessment of a Civil War occurring in some fashion is accurate. I could even see it being of the same argument Tony Stark and Captain America have in Marvel. Sonic parallels Steve Rogers' desire for freedom of choice and action and Lanolin is like Stark in wanting that stronger government control to keep people like Sonic from taking the law into their own hands. Lanolin won't be the one leaving the restoration in my mind because, after the public sees their hero play the villain (the Phantom Rider), it makes sense that Sonic would be the one outcast from the "group". I can see him having to go it alone for a while, separated from a majority of his friends who he tells to stay as part of the Restoration so they can still try to make good of everything while he plays vigilante. Maybe he and Silver could team up and work out the whole issue with the Mimic since both of them would have now been separated from the Restoration due, in part, to the Mimic's shenanigans. That would allow them to eventually reveal to the Restoration that Mimic was behind most of their internal conflict as Duo, the Faux Phantom Rider, etc. which I'm sure would focus a lot of Lanolin's frustration off Sonic as Mimic has been key to that, too.

It's... not exactly how I would want Lanolin and Sonic's tension to play out, though? I'm sort of tired of the "public hates the hero; now he's an outcast" trope but it seems like the most logical direction to take the story. At least from the limited information we have right now. On the other hand... imagine how much more frustrated Lanolin would be if the public actually took Sonic's side? If that were the case then, yeah, she probably would probably be the one to leave the Restoration. At her core, Lanolin is a greatly traumatized person so her being the one ostracized/ostracizing herself based on her own principles would lead to more interesting conflict and room for character growth between multiple parties. She has to break at some point. This could be it.

As for how Eggman is involved, he's sort of a third party right now, I feel. Clutch will likely stay the primary antagonist until he's taken care of so anything Lanolin plans to do will likely target him and his operations. Although, I can see Eggman playing them all for fools and manipulating things further in the end. I mean, Eggman's not one to be generous for no reason. If there's nothing screwy with the Phantom Rider suit I would be surprised (I'm begging).

Lanolin is not inherently evil in any sense. Her moral code is just a lot more strict than Sonic's due to her trauma. Any lines drawn in the sand soon will likely be focused on fostering compromise between the lawful and chaotic natures of goodness.

[kingmaxstatic]

So I just noticed something about Sonic IDW 76's B cover.

Belle seems to be packing her stuff.

But to where?

Judging by the snow either she's going to White Park or this is mid travel and she's going back to windmill village. I've also seen people speculate on her moving to scrapnik island. Which honestly? I think would be the best place for her considering her profession.

I've seen a lot of people in general speculating that Issue 76 is gonna have the gang split up to do their own things and that does honestly seem to be what's happening.

No idea where this is going but honestly i'm excited.

[roughandtumble-r]

Issue 73! It's here! YEAH!

Jewel isn't too happy about Clutch having his guards all over the Restoration's ship and how they're handling the Phantom Rider situation and wants him and them out, but Clutch now has so much control over it that there isn't really a whole lot Jewel can about it, so she goes to Tangle and Whisper, who she tells about Clutch and also reveal to her that Sonic is the Phantom Rider.

Shortly after, the final race of the Clean Sweepstakes begins, and Sonic arrives to cause a commotion as he's been doing, and a fight breaks out that ultimately leads to Surge removing Sonic's disguise, revealing his identity as the Phantom Rider to everyone.

While all of this is going on, Tails, Amy, and Belle are still aboard the ship and are trying to sneak away from Rough and Tumble when they suddenly run into Don, who's there to find the Chaotix. Belle has an idea of where they could be, so she leads them to where they are in fact being kept and have info that can be used against Clean Sweep, only for Clutch to arrive just when they're free...

That's it for Issue 73, but we also got covers and the solicit for Issue 76, which is set to come out in February...

“Scattered Pieces” Part One! Sonic and his friends are forced to deal with the aftermath of Clutch's grand scheme! While some set out to seek justice, some stay behind to pick up the pieces. What unlikely pairs will join forces? Which bonds will be broken? Who can be trusted? A new chapter in the IDW Sonic the Hedgehog series begins here!

Also, to close this off, here's a piece of fanart that was included at the end of Issue 73 that I thought was funny and also think would make a great off-panel :3

[mike-the-hedgehog]

IDW Sonic Issue #76 Covers & Release Date:

Writer

Ian Flynn

Cover artist

Thomas Rothlisberger (cover A)

Adam Bryce Thomas (cover B)

Nathalie Fourdraine (cover RI)

Lineart

Aaron Hammerstrom

Date

5 February 2025

Solicitation

“Scattered Pieces” Part One!

Sonic and his friends are forced to deal with the aftermath of Clutch's grand scheme! While some set out to seek justice, some stay behind to pick up the pieces. What unlikely pairs will join forces? Which bonds will be broken? Who can be trusted?

A new chapter in the IDW Sonic the Hedgehog series begins here!

[thatguywiththetumb1er]

I've been mildly worried lately that IDW Sonic Issue #75 might not follow the other 25 issue milestones with massive shakeups that, if nothing else, introduce tons of drama.

I mean this is the end of an arc, maybe they're just going to do a double sized resolution.

Anyways the description for Sonic Issue #76 "Everything FUCKED thanks to the stupid billionaire possum" dropped today and I can finally breathe easy.

[sonicroyalrumble]

Round One has Concluded!

Congratulations to our Round One winners! I'm hoping to up the ante a bit with the next round.

For fun, here are some stats I've been keeping track of throughout the polls!

Out of four personal submissions from me, three remain (Saffron Bee, Fleetway King Sonic and Fiona Fox).

Out of five iterations of Sonic (including two iterations where he's grouped with his siblings), all five remain.

The biggest gap in votes was between Queen Sauna and IDW Blaze (3.6% vs. 96.4%).

The smallest gap in votes was between Princess Alucion and Sally's Mother, who tied in their first match.

The poll with the most notes was SATBK Sonic vs. Elise with 76 notes, largely due to efforts at a tiesweep (which sadly didn't happen).

The poll with the most votes was also SATBK Sonic vs. Elise, with 437 votes.

[komakomacora]

I posted 686 times in 2022

That's 686 more posts than 2021!

253 posts created (37%)

433 posts reblogged (63%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@autizzysonic

@nerdylilpeebee

@neurotypical-sonic

@harriyanna

@sh1nypumpkaboo

I tagged 318 of my posts in 2022

#ko posting - 215 posts

#sonic - 113 posts

#sonic the hedgehog - 76 posts

#sonic frontiers - 39 posts

#sth - 27 posts

#ko reposting - 20 posts

#sonic angst - 18 posts

#sonic fanart - 17 posts

#not ko art - 15 posts

#sonic frontiers spoilers - 15 posts

Longest Tag: 94 characters

#she came back later and watched a bit more and i commented that the character has her hair too

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Some edits from this week

See the full post

51 notes - Posted November 13, 2022

#4

‼️MINOR FRONTIERS SPOLIERS IN THIS POST!!!‼️

Nothing lore related, nothing story related but this is huge! It's just one line of dialogue. If you do however wish to not be spoiled and wait, please scroll!

This is the first time a sonic game has mentioned a character OUTSIDE the mainline games!

Tangle the Lemur from the IDW comics was mentioned in a one off line said by Sonic as he says 'I bet Tangle would love climbing around these ruins.'

Video source is @Nikku_ZS on Twitter.com!

Like can you recall a SINGLE TIME they had said something mentioning an outside character?? Not even Sally gets a mention dude! I'm fucking loving this. This implies that the IDW comics are indeed canon to the games

63 notes - Posted November 7, 2022

#3

This is how the end of Sonic Prime will be

95 notes - Posted December 6, 2022

#2

Sonic artstyle red flags:

-Thick thighs and slimmer torso yet larger chest area, especially in masc characters

-really really thin characters

-they only draw JUST sonadow with the above artstyle as a cishet woman. We all know who I'm talking about

-Less cartoonish more anime centric style

-They give them necks

-heavily humanistic looking bodies (emphasis on correct anatomy and muscles)

-they draw 'adult SonAmy' in every other piece (DEPENDS THO. SOMETIMES ITS REALLY SWEET LIKE OMG)

-suggestive posing on any character, ever

-draws the child coded characters in a 'mature,' way

-makes them human but makes sonic, knuckles, shadow, and blaze all white.

That's all, but like 9/10 chance most of these people are prosh*ppers aka proshitters, or yaoi/MLM/wlw fetishists and it's really annoying.

144 notes - Posted October 27, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Okay so /ij

@donovansdoodles

Edit: I do not like or support boyfriends

100 likes and I voice dub the entire boyfriends comic

Edit 2: we hit 100, I will upload the video when I can thank you all, I'm such a micro celebrity now

149 notes - Posted November 12, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[thatguywiththetumb1er]

YOUUUUU! YOU GET IT! And also like... it's about pushing Sonic into more morally gray areas. Sonic's approach to morality is very... Steven Universe-y (the character not necessarily the show). This idea that like, "Hey, I want a situation where nobody has to get irreparably hurt because I've seen enough to believe that everyone has good in them that they'll do the right thing push comes to shove." And in a weird way... I'm just now realizing that's probably at least in part BECAUSE of Eggman. Eggman is a megalomaniac and a jerk, but how many times has he joined the "good guys" when the world is in danger? If Ivo Robotnik can recognize that shit has hit the fan enough to make good choices then anyone can.

IDW isn't PERFECT, I agree it has pacing problems and can get hung up on action sometimes and I wish it leaned even MORE into drama because it's SO GOOD when it does.

But it has a REALLY interesting central conflict which is, "What happens when your world's conflict kind of starts and ends with two dudes who, at the very least, have a kind of mutual respect for each other?" What's going to happen on the fringes? In the cracks? What's going to happen when people cotton onto that and don't like it?

If there is one moment that I hope comes back, it's at the end of issue... I want to say 53. When Surge and Kit exit the narrative briefly for the first time. Up to this point, characters have criticized Sonic for not killing Eggman or the Zeti or what have you and it feels like kind of a moot point because Sonic the Hedgehog isn't going to KILL anyone. Not in an official Sega product at least. He might think about it from time to time, but I don't think Sonic has lost a wink of sleep over that question.

But at the end of that issue Sonic is asked, "Are you really making these choices because you think they're what's best for the world? Or are you just trying to prove a point? And how much avoidable bad shit are you willing to let happen JUST so you can prove your point?"

And you know what? THAT feels like it would keep him up at night.

Because everyone all know Sonic isn't going to change (himself included). But is that because you believe this is the right thing or are you just stubborn?

Did the metal virus almost kill everyone because you're just stubborn?

Are Surge and Kit living with trauma because you're just stubborn?

Does Belle have to live with her father being an insult to his own memory because you're just stubborn?

And most recently (going by the description of issue 76)...

Did the restoration fall because you're just stubborn?

The fans: Ugh Sonic was just so preachy. I mean obviously he's supposed to be the good guy, so any uncomfortableness I feel here and any way I feel like Sonic's choices are framed as being why some other people have shitty lives is just bad writing because he is obviously supposed to be right always, but this characterization makes no sense. Isn't he right for the things he did?

Ian Flynn, using Kitsunami to say the (barely even at this point) quiet part even louder: Hey it's almost like ever since the Mr. Tinker event we've been purposely running with the critique of Sonic as being more selfish than he appears. Sonic is upholding a system of Eggman v Sonic that currently benefits him and shuts down talk of how to improve the current system because he likes his own personal enjoyment and he's attached enough to Eggman that he'd rather Eggman pretend to be a good person than be stuck in prison for life. He doesn't even quite practice what he preaches. We are trying to show that the current hero v villain system and Sonic's recklessness currently affects some people poorly and that Sonic isn't a perfect hero.

[multbasa]

Hold on, I didn't notice this because I was too busy thinking about Blaze kicking Mimic's octo-butt, but it looks like Lanolin is splitting from the Diamond Cutters, Belle is leaving but happy for some reason, and Silver is on that side of the cover with them??

Ooooooooh, is Silver breaking off from the Restoration to hunt down Mimic or others that caused the recent incidents?? He is super driven for his idea of justice and the greater good.

Go get 'em, Silver! Throw something! Get mad!!

Maybe Silver and Lanolin team up?? 👀

Mimic should be quivering in his boots 😏

[molinaskies]

On Sonic and Amy's Relationship

An aspect of Sonic and Amy’s relationship that I’ve actually always really liked is whenever Sonic’s entirely caught off guard by Amy’s genuine affection.

I don’t mean whenever she’s physically affectionate, or whenever she exasperates him with her cheeky teasing because Sonic is more than well-adjusted and accepting of these behaviours. Rather, I mean whenever Amy slows down and does something to indicate or just tells him outright how much she loves him for him. The rarity of these moments, coupled with Sonic’s emotional privacy, tends to bring out rawer emotions like shock, bashfulness, and admiration. Moments like these are definitely more Sonic’s speed (ironically), and I feel this is why he’s more likely to show his reciprocation and “come around” (because he definitely is reciprocating, albeit not in the same way that Amy does). Sonic’s guard is struck down in these interactions, and his surprise and awe tend to speak for themselves.

I like to think that, in these moments, Sonic’s reminded that whatever he has with Amy is very real and very much not going anywhere, and I also enjoy how consistent of a trait/sequence this has been throughout the series.

Sonic X:

Episode 9, where Amy makes Sonic a good-luck charm to calm his phobia of water

Episode 52, where Amy absolutely spills her heart out to Sonic (a first in the show and in the entire series, at this point)

Episode 76, where Amy falls into the water sphere to be with him, no matter what happens

Sonic Unleashed, where Amy's perception of Sonic really matters to him

quick shoutout to @latin-dr-robotnik for archiving all of Amy's dialogue in the game

Read more about Amy's impact on Sonic in Unleashed in my meta-analysis about Sonic's Ego Journey!

I know we don’t see Sonic’s reaction to Amy’s dialogue, but a lot of his reactions are implied.

After beating Rooftop Run, day, Act 1

I suppose it’s rather subjective, but I like to read this scene as Sonic checking out of the conversation (looking away, not responding) since Amy's flustered him. I say this because 1) it happens all the time in canon, honestly, and 2) this exact exchange happens twice throughout the game:

After beating Arid Sands Day, Act 1, though this time only available at night:

I like to think that Amy’s support and softer flirting throughout the game encourages Sonic to take their relationship more seriously, because of course, the player is eventually allowed to do so:

A cute lil bonus:

IDW Sonic:

Issue 2, where Amy nonchalantly tells Sonic that she loves him, and he seems more phased by it than she does:

In the previous issue, we establish that Sonic is open to company, period, when he asks if Tails wants to come, but it's more so out of a brotherly-looking-out kind of way.

With Amy, however, it's a lot harder for him to ask that same question. He knows the true weight of it and exactly why he's asking. It's nerve-wracking and difficult, but Amy’s genuine love and acceptance of all of him makes him feel safe.

I think Sonic and Amy can have genuine moments of mutual attraction and bonding without it taking over the series and fundamentally changing Sonic’s current character.

I think about being in middle school or early high school (ages 12-15) and having mutual feelings with someone but knowing that you’re not ready for a relationship. Feelings are on the table and both parties know and understand the situation, but instead of being a couple, they’re just friends who love each other and (in a way) remain devoted to each other because they know that one day, they might be ready.

It’s subtle, pure, and sweet (alluding here and there to there being more private moments between them that the players don’t usually get to see) without being a canonical relationship.

These moments are genuinely few and far between in the franchise (which I think is by design), but I appreciate that they've been handled the same way every time. Consistency like this is what keeps me invested in the series and these hedgehogs. Wholesome.

New Update - My SonAmy thesis: I Love You - Come With Me

[beevean]

what the hell? Archie Sonic had a crossover with Megaman too? How could people keep track of these comics between reboots and stuff like this? The more I learn about Archie, the more it seems to me like a FanFiction that you had to pay to read. Holy shit

Two, actually!

Worlds Collide:

Prologue

Worlds Collide Part 0- Sonic/Mega Man FCBD 2013 (partial reprints of StH#247 and MM#23)

Act 1: Kindred Spirits

Worlds Collide Part 1- Mega Man #24

Worlds Collide Part 2- Sonic Universe #51

Worlds Collide Part 3- Sonic the Hedgehog #248

Worlds Collide Part 4- Mega Man #25

Act 2: Into the Warzone

Worlds Collide Part 5- Sonic Universe #52

Worlds Collide Part 6- Sonic the Hedgehog #249

Worlds Collide Part 7- Mega Man #26

Worlds Collide Part 8- Sonic Universe #53

Act 3: Chaos Clash

Worlds Collide Part 9- Sonic the Hedgehog #250

Worlds Collide Part 10- Mega Man #27

Worlds Collide Part 11- Sonic Universe #54

Worlds Collide Part 12- Sonic the Hedgehog #251

Worlds Unite:

Act I: Deadly Fusion

Worlds Unite Part 1- Sonic Universe #76

Worlds Unite Part 2- Sonic Boom #8

Worlds Unite Part 3- Sonic the Hedgehog #273

Worlds Unite Part 4- Mega Man #50

Act II: Broken Bonds

Worlds Unite Part 5- Sonic Universe #77

Worlds Unite Part 6- Sonic Boom #9

Worlds Unite Part 7- Sonic The Hedgehog #274

Worlds Unite Part 8- Mega Man #51

Act III: Allied Forces

Worlds Unite Part 9- Sonic Universe #78

Worlds Unite Part 10- Sonic Boom #10

Worlds Unite Part 11- Sonic the Hedgehog #275

Worlds Unite Part 12- Mega Man #52

Archie Sonic, Sonic Universe (which I still don't understand the purpose of), Mega Man, and even Sonic Boom. What a nice way to force you to follow different continuities, huh :^)

Archie Sonic sure sounds like the writers going completely apeshit for 24 years. No wonder fans like it and find the games constricting. IDW at least pretends to follow the games, Archie just didn't give a shit.

[sonicku]

I was originally typing this in tags but realised it was quickly becoming an essay, so I’m putting it as plain text now, haha.

I’m another shipper of both Sonadow and Sonknux, and I totally agree. With what you put in the original tags too, I should add. I first went into the fandom for the movies, forming my special interest when I watched the second one in 2022. Of course, this meant that for a while I was way more familiar with Knuckles than I was with Shadow. This meant I looked at more fandom content that played into his and Sonic’s dynamic, with it becoming my first Sonic ship.

I find it genuinely baffling that, while not a rarepair or anything, Sonknux is completely dwarfed by Sonadow. Using fics as a metric, Sonadow has 3,067 on AO3, Sonknux has 339. Sonadow has 242 on FFN, Sonknux has 47. That’s 3,309 for Sonadow in total, and 386 for Sonknux. I found it equally baffling when I first joined the fandom, because it seemed so obvious.

For one, they have so many parallels. The moon and the sun. Binding duty and limitless freedom. Stationary and ever-shifting. Red and blue. Punching and kicking.

They’ve got nicknames for each other that change through media, but all have that fond air. In early Archie, they’re Rad Red and True Blue, matching nicknames for each other. In the original version of Sonic X, Sonic teasingly calls Knuckles his aibou right before they fight. And of course, the nicknames Knux and Knucklehead.

So many moments, especially in recent media, could so easily be read as Sonknux, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s at the point with the Frontiers cutscenes where every review of the game I’ve seen from creators who otherwise never mention ships always throw in at least one joke about those looks they gave each other. In Sonic Prime, you’ve got Sonic saying he loves captains with a heart hand sign, right before the captain is Dread. Catching Dread in his arms multiple times, keeping him safe.

Slightly further back, in IDW, we had Knuckles looking at the moon, waiting for Sonic’s return. Something that feels strongly like a callback to Knuckles in X. Watching the moon with a blush, insisting he isn’t thinking about him or anything! Totally not!

These are all the kinds of scenes fandom scenes usually jump to pick apart, but I don’t see any of these nearly as much as I see Sonic in Shadow’s arms. Great image, love it, don’t get me wrong, but I can’t help but wonder.

So many people want Shadow to have a secret softer and protective side, and that’s Knuckles! They want him to have playful banter rather than rude comments, and that’s Knuckles! They want him to be kind to the world and people around him despite his ruggedness, and that’s Knuckles! It’s so… odd to me.

It’s not even like Sonadow has the advantage of being the first through the door that could explain this. Sonic 3 released 7 years before Sonic Adventure 2, and yet Shadow and Sonadow became the fandom staple. It just doesn’t add up for me.

Again, Sonadow is a great ship. I literally spent $76 dollars on a Sonadow fan zine bundle months back, not including the inevitable GB shipping costs. I think about the Biolizard fight at least once daily. I’m not talking out of my ass when I say it’s one of my OTPs. But Sonknux is my other OTP, and I can’t shake the feeling that it should be so much more popular than it is. He was introduced years earlier, with character aspects that many Sonadow shippers seem to like more anyway. He’s a main character who’s often written by Sonic’s side, far more often than Shadow, at any rate. So why is Sonknux so much smaller?

im so sorry for having opinions on sonic shipping and im not trying to like. pit the two pairings against eachother or start a ship war or whatever but based on whats actually there in the source material it really feels like sonic and knuckles were destined to be the big popular "default" gay pairing for sonic (the character) but then the timeline somehow got messed up and sonic and shadow were placed in that role instead

[graphicpolicy]

Save with the IDW Best Of Sale!

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Dive into popular franchises like Dungeons & Dragons, My Little Pony, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Sonic the Hedgehog, and more with the Save with the IDW Best Of Sale! First volumes are just $0.99 a savings up to 90%. Other volumes are just $1.99 a savings up to 83%! There’s 76 collections to choose from! The sale ends on Monday, November 29! This site contains affiliate links, which means that if…