What's your favorite portrayal of Dr. Eggman?

[Dr. Mechano]

There have been many continuities of Sonic the Hedgehog, and a different version of Robotnik in each! What's your favorite? More importantly, why?

I'm going above and beyond and listing my top five. While I did a similar topic years ago (Entitled "Eggmen"), that was more of a neutral and analytical list of all versions. This is my personal list of favorites, so it's definitely more opinionated.

5. AoStH - Dr. Ivo Robotnik

I love AoStH Robotnik. AoStH was actually my first exposure to Sonic, and while it's silly and ridiculous, I think it still holds up. The Robotnik of this cartoon totally steals the show with his flamboyant personality and hilarious quotes.

AoStH Robotnik is a bombastic mixture of egotism and self pity. To quote Milton Knight, "[Robotnik] is very excited about the fact that he exists. He's jealous of the hedgehog. Why should Sonic get the praise? Give it to Robotnik!"

And that really sums up his character- AoStH Ivo wants attention, praise, and recognition- Perhaps moreso than he even wants power. I find that fantastic, and I always enjoy watching this character because of what an entertaining fellow he is.

4. Sonic OVA - Dr. Eggman

OVA Eggman is great because he explores an aspect of the character not really touched upon in the games- Romance. His crush on Sera is a great part of the OVA, and a major factor in his evil scheme as well. I always thought the two of them made a cute couple.

There isn't too much I can say about this version of Eggman since the OVA is only about an hour long, but I thought it did justice to the Eggman character, making him simultaneously hilarious and yet really threatening as an antagonist.

3. SEGA - Dr. Eggman

The main man himself, this is the original Eggman, the one that started it all! He takes a comfortable third place on my list, as he has all the basic traits I love about the character. He's both a menacing foe and an endearing character at the same time, and has contributed loads of cool stuff to the series since his debut in 1991.

What I like about Sega Eggman (and moreso in the following two versions) is that, despite his evil nature, there's the faintest hint that maybe beneath it all he has some sort of human side; Some innate goodness beneath his evil exterior. SA2 and a few other games hint at this, though at the same time, many of his actions are still unambiguously evil. This makes the Doc a complex character, and one who's really morally ambiguous.

His personality is wonderfully bombastic as well. This has reached a new high in Colors and Generations. I absolutely love hearing Eggman make grandiose announcements over his amusement park's intercom; It only goes to show just what a quotable character Eggman is.

2. Sonic X (Anime) - Dr. Eggman

Both versions of Sonic X portray a much more sympathetic Eggman, so the anime and the comic are very close on my list. With that said, the anime version of Eggman feels similar to the Sega portrayal, albeit with a little more creative freedom to let the character do some really wacky things, such trying to take over the anime itself, turning it into Dr. Eggman X. One of the best ideas ever? I thought so too.

What separates X Eggman from Sega Eggman is his morality- Sega Eggman's good side is vague, and relies more on subtle implication. X Eggman's redeeming qualities are overtly stated outright- He has serious qualms with harming defenseless hostages and mindless destruction, and calls out the Metarax for their crass methods. He also has a friendship with his robots that goes beyond what we typically see in the games. X Eggman comes across, to me, as a deeper character because of this.

Essentially, he's game Eggman- Except funnier and more human, so naturally I'm all over that. But as awesome as this portrayal was, it doesn't hold a candle to the next one.

1. Sonic X (Comic) - Dr. Eggman

The Sonic X comic Eggman is my ideal version of the character. He's always up to incredibly over-the-top wacky schemes, but shows a very deep human side all along. He feels like an actual person, not just a grinning antagonist for Sonic to foil.

His motives are love and adoration- He just wants to be appreciated and held in high regard by his public. This actually leads to some great character development where the doctor is almost willing to totally reform in order to embrace the life of a public hero, finally getting the praise he's always wanted. In a twist, Sonic actually intentionally pushes him back into villainy so he can have his old nemesis back.

Like OVA Eggman, he also develops a romantic interest, this time in Ella. The comic was cancelled before they had much time to expand on it, but it was pretty cute seeing him try to win her affections.

Moreso than even the anime, X Eggman displays a strong friendship with his robots, and arguably even with Sonic himself. The two feel more like old pals who happen to fight for the fate of the world than hated arch-enemies, and there's just something really charming about that take on their relationship.

Oh, also, El Gran Gordo. El Gran Gordo is basically the single most awesome thing in the entire Sonic franchise, bar none. Seeing Eggman beat up a giant professional wrestler with his bare hands, to the cheers of the adoring masses, is simply the best thing.

I love this version of Eggman to death, and while the comic was short (at only 40 issues), it was definitely sweet.

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So those are my favorite versions of Dr. Eggman! What are yours? Tell us in this topic!

[NiGHTS]

Don't forget the evil sounding Sonic Underground and such like that. I always got creeped out listening to that version.

[Soniman]

Unleashed/Colors/Generations Eggman

They finally nailed what he's supposed to be, an eccentric evil scientist who can blow the planet to pieces one minute, and then be eating a subway sandwich the next. A man who has FUN in being evil and tormenting millions of innocent people/animals/aliens. That's the ideal Eggman in my book

[Kuzu]

So how long before this delves into "Robotnik is bettar than Eggman, cuz he' moar evil and Eggman sux" argument?

Sure, I'll bite:

I'll go with a top three:

Sonic X(Comic) Eggman: This guy is fucking amazing. By far the most comedic and flamboyant portrayal of the doctor yet. Like Mechano said he feels more humane here than anywhere else and really just seems like a guy who just wants to mess with Sonic than outright despising him. He also shows a deep hidden side by wanting to be appreciated as a hero like Sonic for a change, and for a good while he does a good job, hell there are times when Sonic looks like the bad guy the way he antagonizes the guy. El Gran Gordo is epic as all hell and shows the Doctor can throw down without any machines backing him up, and he has most of the woman crushing on him(Sexy fatman indeed). If anything my only gripe is that he comes off as less of a villain because of his humane nature.

Archie Eggman: By far the most ruthless version of the doc yet. He's basically Game Eggman taken up to eleven. He bombs entire cities, guns down innocent people, and drains their life force, and the creepy part of it all is how jovial he is when he's doing it. He shows little to none of the human qualities of Sonic X, but still stays interesting for just how utterly depraved he is, there are time when I'm genuinely afraid of him, and those red eyes, dear god those eyes.

Sega Eggman: By far my favorite interpretation of the doctor, particularly recently. He clearly is having fun with what's he doing whether its blowing up the planet, draining aliens of their life force, or ripping holes in time. He's egotistical and loves ordering people around, and makes sure to have a good time when he's trying to take out Sonic. He seems to respect Sonic, but not enough to want him alive, he wants that Hedgehog dead and will go through extreme lengths to do so, but he still has that little kid side to him that doesn't make him completely evil, he's a nice in between of Sonic X Eggman, and Archie Eggman.

[Cola]

Just take game Eggman and give him X's (Comic) Eggman's human side

If El Gran Gordo becomes canon I will be the happiest man alive. Just imagine a boss fight against El Gran Gordo as El Rapido Azule.

IMAGINE IT

[awesomebelossom]

SEGA Eggman, specifically the one from the Unleashed trilogy. He's a bit over the top, trying to break open the planet, control it, or even destroy it, yet at the same time he also has a more human side, going about his plans with a little bit more flair, as opposed to just being evil. The writing for those games and the backup he got

(Orbot, Cubot, and

Classic Eggman)

helped out a lot as well.

Of course, I also quite enjoy SATAM's portrayal of him, if only for the sheer sadisticness he emitted.

Edited November 6, 2011 by awesomebelossom

[Johnny Boy]

Game Eggman pretty much blows all the others out of the water.

[McGroose]

My favorite version of Eggman So far.

[batson]

So how long before this delves into "Robotnik is bettar than Eggman, cuz he' moar evil and Eggman sux" argument?

[Vertekins]

SA2! The man is a true badass from start to finish. He doesn't screw around, his competence is amazing and his actions gloriously villainous. Let me list off why SA2 contains my favourite portrayal of the evil doctor.

- He's shaking up his family tree for inspiration, snooping around in confidential military files and happening to stumble across his grandfather's diary. He makes use of information within.

- He infiltrates Prison Island in order to wake up the fruit of grandpappy's research, annihilating any security door or GUN robot that stands in his way. He shows foresight by carrying a Chaos Emerald with him, which he uses to reawaken Shadow as well as having knowledge of the password used to secure Shadow in stasis.

- When he's asked to bring Chaos Emeralds in order to allow Shadow to fulfill the one wish he has of him, he sets out for the Master Emerald. Whilst he was unsuccessful at nabbing the ME, this ultimately got Knuckles involved.

- He makes it back to his pyramid base despite there being GUN robots crawling everywhere. When he gets back to the base, he breaks the mold that seemingly every other being in SA2 can't and identifies Shadow without mistaking him for Sonic.

- He manages to teleport himself to the ARK and navigate it.....In the pitch black. Not to mention how it's crawling with GUN robots too.

- He goes after the Chaos Emeralds at once, desperate to make use of the Eclipse Cannon. Clearly, he has his priorities straight.

- He gets 3 emeralds from Prison Island in one fell swoop and annihilates the island for good measure. Makes you wonder if any people were on that island doesn't it?

- He demolishes half of the moon, instantly cementing him as an extremely grave threat to the world. He even strikes fear into the heart of the president by giving him an ultimatum - Do not resist the Eggman Empire or I'll blast you and your planet to kingdom come and whatsmore, you only have 24 hours to give the answer.

- He confronts the trespassers personally within the pyramid and sics the Egg Golem on them. Then he takes it upon himself to take it out himself when it goes unruly.

- He deduces that Tails is carrying a fake presumably using machinery that is finely tuned enough to detect fakes, goes off to confront Sonic, Tails and Amy, formulates a pretty clever plan by holding Amy and Tails at gunpoint.

- HE was the one holding all of the aces NOT Sonic and Tails and he even rubs it in their faces by lying about how he knew as well as tricking Sonic into the capsule by making out as if he thinks the fake is real when he really knows that it's fake. That is so diabolical. I bet Sonic and Tails felt like idiots when they realized that they were out-gambitted

- And then he attempts to murder Sonic by launching him out of the Colony. If it wasn't for that fake as well as Sonic being shows Chaos Control, Sonic would have been dead.

- He steals the real emerald once Tails has defeated him after Sonic's "murder" and places it inside the cannon. This clearly indicates that he was fully willing to fire the cannon at Earth. Only Sonic got there first and ruined the cannon, causing it to explode upon being fired again. The real emerald activates Gerald's program.

- He plays a vital part in the mission to prevent Gerald's revenge from beyond the grave and ultimately averts disaster with the others.

- Then in the credits, he elaborates on his childhood when he'd look up to Gerald and then sounds obviously pained when he recounts that Gerald really meant to destroy them.

Eggman in SA2 is truly made of win.

[Mangoaxe5]

Satam Robotnik is my favorite version. He brings out Sonic's love for freedom better then the other versions since he actually takes over the planet. I also love his scenes with Snively. They have a really interesting family relationship. Plus he's voice by Jim Cummings.

My least favorite version is Sonic X Robotnik. He's too goofy for my taste and sadly it seems like Sega Sonic Robotnik is starting to become more like his Sonic X counterpart.

[Tori Himemiya]

Don't forget the evil sounding Sonic Underground and such like that. I always got creeped out listening to that version.

Who is voiced by Gary Chalk, the voice of Grounder for irony.

My favorite portrayal of Eggman is in fact Dr. Robotnik from AoStH mostly because how funny he was. I always rooted for him to win even though he always loses. Not to mention it was AoStH really got me into Sonic because of all its humor.

[Dr. Mechano]

On 11/6/2011 at 4:04 PM, Darkfox said:

My least favorite version is Sonic X Robotnik. He's too goofy for my taste and sadly it seems like Sega Sonic Robotnik is starting to become more like his Sonic X counterpart.

While I'm certainly not going to argue against opinions or preferences- since that's what this topic is about and you're totally fine preferring SatAM Robotnik- I do have to question your assertion that Sega Eggman's goofiness is a recent invention, considering that even in the 90s the guy was using mustached Death Stars, giant mallets, robots that looked like Fisher-Price toys, and other totally cartoonish villain tactics. Even the amusement park in Colors is nothing new- Knuckles Chaotix took place entirely within Eggman's amusement park-themed Newtrogic High Zone, which was a similarly festive base.

Again, not arguing against your disdain for goofy Eggman, since that's your opinion and you're entitled to it. I'm simply saying that the Sega version of the character has always been kinda silly.

[Scott]

SatAM Robotnik, probably the first Robotnik I was exposed to as a child (not including the Robotnik in the classics) but that's not why, it's his voice <3

It's so dark and spine chilling, giving him this dark, somewhat darth vader appeal, he's cold, cruel, surrounded by evil and pretty much everything he touches turns t ruins, he gives a feeling of threat at all times and comes close to stopping Sonic quite a few times

[batson]

My favorite version is the game version, but i prefer it when he and his villany isn't played for laughs to an extreme degree. Practically any game up to and including SA2 showed of what i think Eggman should be like.

I also kinda like SatAM Robotnik, even if he does feel like a very different character than game-Eggman. He is one of those villains designed to be loathed, and he sure is easy to loathe, so props to Jim Cummings and the Dic-people (lol, i got to say "cum" and "dic" in the same sentence lololololol).

[Dr. Mechano]

While we're on the subject, I'm actually going to surprise a lot of you by saying I don't dislike SatAM Robotnik at all. I actually think he's alright (Even if not particularly interesting to me), and serves as a decent villain for the show he was used in. Honestly, I think my only point of contention with him is that he's called "Robotnik" despite having almost nothing in common with his game counterpart.

In other words, if not for the fact that I'm supposed to view him as SatAM's version of Dr. Eggman, I can actually really respect Julian as his own unique entity for what he is. I still don't like him as much as the original Doc, but I see merit to the character, and some of the things he says and does are genuinely pretty cool. I think I just get hung up on how unlike Eggman he is, and it distracts me from appreciating him on his own merits, I guess?

Basically, in order to enjoy SatAM Robotnik as a character, I have to make myself forget that he's this universe's version of Eggman. Once I disassociate him from the Eggman I know and love, Julian's a decently-written bad guy, and I certainly don't hate him. I just like him way less than Eggman.

Edited November 6, 2011 by Dr. Mechano

[Dark Qiviut]

My favorite versions are by far the OVA and game versions of Dr. Eggman.

In the OVA, plenty of the characters portray the way the games want them. Eggman is no exception. He's so evil yet has a really goofy side. The overexaggerated way he reacts to situations is absolutely brilliant, especially when he yelled at Sonic to "SHUT UP!" and his anger after everyone, including his robots, slept through his synopsis. His lust, and maybe it's the Eggman/Sera fanboy in me: CARE, for Sara is awe-spiring. His impeccable intelligence is nothing to take for granted, even though Sonic did initially.

For, for the game version, there's no real words to describe how GREAT he's been since he arrived. The Classics from the Japanese point of view described him as an evil genius with the maturity of a little child. He's impulsive, impatient, sinister, narcissistic, and oh so adorable. There was a cartoon clip from Sonic Jam showing his vain, goofy personality while simultaneously being evil. It's a laugh riot and basically showed me for the first time what Eggman was supposed to be.

Of all the characters written from Sonic Adventure on, Eggman is the most well-rounded and best-written, even during games where the plots are garbage. There has been so much great character development of him since Adventure, especially Sonic Adventure 2, where he was the star. Verte explained to us what makes Eggman from SA2 so great, and the great Mechano has constantly explained to us how developed he was in this game. He was my most favorite portrayal due to all the layers of character he had, from his narcissism to his evilness to his pain when he talked about his grandfather.

If Sega ever plans to develop a short CGI flick about Eggman's memories and admiration of his grandfather before and after Adventure 2, I would be jumping for joy!

But I've been mostly talking about his seriousness here. It's his goofiness that molds him into an even greater badass villain! Sonic Unleashed was tremendous in showing that, especially in his talks with Orbot. His conversation with the robot while eating his Subway sub is a really nice touch on his eager tendencies while being menacing simultaneously. His childlike frustration at the end of the story is also magnificently funny.

But in Colors…well, I can only show you.

Goofy, hilarious, yet so evil!

These two versionsare just made of absolute WIN, and I wouldn't want them any other way!

[NiGHTS]

My favorite would be the Eggman Unleashed Trilogy one. He can tear apart a world, but have laughs with his two dopey little robots that appeared in both Unleashed and Colors (and a second in Generations, im guessing they died in space by now XD)

I can laugh at him, and also take him seriously. Hell he also brought back the original Robitnik to team up with! Everything we been asking for. .

[Mangoaxe5]

While I'm certainly not going to argue against opinions or preferences- since that's what this topic is about and you're totally fine preferring SatAM Robotnik- I do have to question your assertion that Sega Eggman's goofiness is a recent invention, considering that even in the 90s the guy was using mustached Death Stars, giant mallets, robots that looked like Fisher-Price toys, and other totally cartoonish villain tactics. Even the amusement park in Colors is nothing new- Knuckles Chaotix took place entirely within Eggman's amusement park-themed Newtrogic High Zone, which was a similarly festive base.

Again, not arguing against your disdain for goofy Eggman, since that's your opinion and you're entitled to it. I'm simply saying that the Sega version of the character has always been kinda silly.

Well the first Sonic game I played was Sonic Adventure 2, and I never got the feeling that Robotnik was meant to be a goofy villain in that game. When I played the "Genesis" games which have no voice acting I saw Robotnik as a pretty evil character especially in Sonic 3&Knuckles in which he sets a whole forest on fire and he shocks Knuckles in the Hidden Place. Plus he doesn't care that Angel Island falling could kill alot of people.

After the "Genesis" games I then played Sonic Adventure DX and in that game he tries to blow up a whole city.

When I saw Sonic X for the first time I found their verison of Robotnik to be jarring with his goofness and robot sidekicks after I had played the games and read the Archie Sonic comics.

Edited November 6, 2011 by Darkfox

[FlameStream]

So far, I like the X anime Eggman by far. There is something about his multi-dimensionality portrayed in the show that I really like, as opposed to the one-dimensional evil character of most media. My exposure to Sonic media is not very complete though.

Game-wise, I only know up to Unleashed. I haven't played Colors yet but should get around it soon. I suspect that he's written the same as always. Of course, I didn't play Generations yet.

Comic-wise, I have a rough idea of how Eggman was written until his dissapearance. I have no idea how different of similar Comic Sonic X Eggman is.

[Kuzu]

I don't hate SATAM Robotnik either, I respect him as an individual and the fact that he was indeed able to take over the planet and is treated as a much more serious and personal threat because of how much impact he's had on the main character's lives; I just find him incredibly dull and boring as a both a villain and a character.

Well the first Sonic game I played was Sonic Adventure 2, and I never got the feeling that Robotnik was meant to be a goofy villain in that game. When I played the "Genesis" games which have no voice acting I saw Robotnik as a pretty evil character especially in Sonic 3&Knuckles in which he sets a whole forest on fire and he shocks Knuckles in the Hidden Place. Plus he doesn't care that Angel Island falling could kill alot of people.

After the "Genesis" games I then played Sonic Adventure DX and in that game he tries to blow up a whole city.

When I saw Sonic X for the first time I found their verison of Robotnik to be jarring with his goofness and robot sidekicks after I had played the games and read the Archie Sonic comics.

This actually is a good point, up until X, there was real indication that Eggman was that silly of a character other than the subtle hints, and unless you watched the OVA, it was kind of an unconfirmed thing. So if someone was growing up watching SATAM, and played SA2 then Eggman would look like a much more intimidating villain.

[Dr. Mechano]

Well the first Sonic game I played was Sonic Adventure 2, and I never got the feeling that Robotnik was meant to be a goofy villain in that game. When I played the "Genesis" games which have no voice acting I saw Robotnik as a pretty evil character especially in Sonic 3&Knuckles in which he sets a whole forest on fire and he shocks Knuckles in the Hidden Place. Plus he doesn't care that Angel Island falling could kill alot of people.

After the "Genesis" games I then played Sonic Adventure DX and in that game he tries to blow up a whole city.

When I saw Sonic X for the first time I found their verison of Robotnik to be jarring with his goofness and robot sidekicks after I had played the games and read the Archie Sonic comics.

[Kuzu]

Ah, we don't disagree that Sega Eggman is an evil man who's done some really destructive things. We're totally on the same page there.

But we're not talking about morality- We're talking about presentation! Goofiness and evilness are not mutually exclusive. What I'm saying is this.

SatAM Robotnik commits acts of planetary evil with a stoic serious scowl and an all-business approach.

Sega Eggman also commits some truly vile deeds, but does so with all the bounding glee of a giddy schoolboy. He has fun while committing his evil, and themes his inventions and weapons after jovial, cartoonish themes. Again, I point you to the Badniks, the Death Egg, most of his Eggmobile weapons, his myriads of amusement parks, etc.

I wasn't arguing with you about Eggman's morality. I was arguing about his goofiness, which you seem to think is a recent addition to his character. Regardless of how evil you perceive game Eggman, I think his silly personality has always been part of his character, even at his most sinister moments.

[Mangoaxe5]

What I was trying to say is that before Sonic X I never really saw Robotnik as a goofy villain. Maybe it was Deem Bristow's voice acting but he just felt like and sounded like more of a threat in the early games before Sonic X.

[Dr. Mechano]

The only forms of media that gave him any character we're SATAM and AOSTH.

Edited November 6, 2011 by Dr. Mechano