Comic Review: Sonic the Hedgehog #268
Image source: Archie Comics.
Before Sonic the Hedgehog was pummeling his fellow video game mascots in Super Smash Bros, he was beating up his furry friends in Sonic the Fighters. While it wasn’t exactly the most iconic fighting game, nor was it the best Sonic the Hedgehog spin-off Sega had to offer, it was a fun little diversion for the fandom. So it’s not surprising to see writer Ian Flynn and artist Diana Skelly draw inspiration from this little-know fighter and turn it into a storyline for Archie Comics’ long-running Sonic the Hedgehog comic. Sonic the Hedgehog #268–part one in the “Grand Champions” story arc–is a promising start to what looks like will be a fun, rambunctious brawl.
While I’ve been a fan of the Sonic the Hedgehog games from Sega Genesis to Xbox 360, I’ve never followed the comics as religiously as other fans have. I’m aware of the general idea of Sonic and his “Freedom Fighter” comrades working together to thwart Dr. Eggman’s evil schemes, but that’s about it. So I was surprised when I read Sonic the Hedgehog #268 and found myself not missing a beat, in regards to the current story and its relevance towards previous events. Sure, the summary provided at page one was a big help, but the little info boxes positioned next to a certain character, along with the issue written like it was a stand-alone contributed to it being friendly to new readers. These traits aren’t rare to Sonic the Hedgehog #268, but when mainstream comics like Marvel and DC have to keep renumbering their series to give off the illusion of being easy to pick up, it’s comforting to see Sonic the Hedgehog actually live up to that claim in its three-digit issue.
As an introduction, Sonic the Hedgehog #268 stays entertaining, while saving the best for part two. The homage to Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog at the beginning was amusing, but seeing the cartoon-exclusive characters make their print debut was intriguing. Breezie being rewritten from a typical double-agent for Eggman into a greedy business woman putting on the world’s biggest fighting event was far from original, but it’s a personality that works for her. There were plenty of funny moments in this issue, such as Sally begging her dad for funds, or Amy meeting her fashion designer idol. Plus, lots of exciting cameos for fans.
Regarding the art, Sonic the Hedgehog #268 is lovely. The opening pages where Sonic fights Coconuts and the Egg Antlion was laid out dynamically and in the spirit of the character. The facial expressions is where this issues shines, with its great array of hysterical emotions. There are times where the facial expression can look a little off, but it’s a rare occurrence. Perhaps the best achievement this issues makes is successfully shifting from goofy atmosphere to a more serious tone, with the appearance of Metal Sonic, without feeling disjointed.
The fault with Sonic the Hedgehog #268 is that it’s a set-up, but it’s a set-up that’s done really well. It’s a drag not seeing an actual fight in the built-up fighting match, but this issues makes up for it by delivering an entertaining story. Easy recommendation for anyone interested in what the blue hedgehog is up to in the comic book world.
Sonic the Hedgehog #268 is now available in stores.