Megathread Archie Sonic Main Discussion

[DabigRG]

Yeah, unfortunately all of the mandates and copyrights are making people a bit paranoid.

[Zaysho]

Even so, we have to remember that Penders 1) did not create the term "Echidna" in relation to the Sonic series, 2) the characters he created were based directly off of Knuckles's appearance, 3) Penders altered the species name for LSC if only to protect himself from SEGA coming after him (since they still look like SEGA characters, but if he says they're something unrelated, I imagine it's OK because he hasn't been slapped with a C&D yet when he probably deserves to be).

The mandates probably are strict on introducing Echidna characters outside of Knuckles, Tikal, and maybe showing the Knuckles clan in the past, and if one is introduced or shown, Ian has to have a good reason for one to show up (Nixus being one of those special cases since it's clear even in the story without reading the solicits what his true identity is). The Nocturnus, as characters, are off-limits because they're in murky copyright territory already (though I honestly believe the control hubs on Angel Island are actually Nocturnus tech due to the coloring), but it works out since in this continuity, Knuckles is the last of his kind and it wouldn't make sense to bring in more unless it's in the past or Tikal. Ian justifying that they wouldn't show up because they appear later in the timeline keeps the possibility open even though we know why he'd never use them.

[Mauro Fonseca]

Someone can do the research to prove things if they want, but I'm pretty sure Ian's hinted more than once, if not stated outright, that Chronicles is not at all a problem due to SEGA, but because Penders would immediately jump on Archie's throat. People probably pointed this out already, just re-stating it. Means references to Chronicles' lore should be feasible so long as they don't outright use the echidnas/Twilight Cage.

[therealfalconpawnch77]

Anybody else get Issue 88 today? If not than I can post spoilers.

[DabigRG]

I just got it and STH 285.

 

Also, is there anyone here named Robert Kovarna?

 

EDIT: SU 88 Spoilers

The issue starts with Amy and Rouge trapped betweeen crystal stalamites and stalatites. Rouge can't reach her ear comm, so Amy decides to smash them free just as they hear something big coming.

Meanwhile, Knuckles and Nixus are amazed to see another Echidna and begin trading notes between and Shadow. Nixus is Reverse!Knuckles: he's been constantly traveling the world when he came across his Emerald shards and figured they'd help him find Angel Island. Shadow suspiciously calls Nixus out on his convenience but decides to drop the issue when Knuckles angrily points out his relation to Eclipse.

He contacts Amy and Rouge who are dodging and breaking free from the Crystals. Rouge tells Shadow about Crystal Omega, prompting Shadow to tell her to stand by. Knuckles invites Nixus to come help, but the Stranger points out that the Master Emerald shouldn't be risked now that the pieces are all collected and that he knows a hidden place where they can reassemble it before joining the rescue. Knuckles, sensing that Nixus has a point, tells Shadow to go ahead, prompting the latter to tell them to make it quick.

Nixus explains that he spent a lot of time in the mines treasure hunting and researching the relics of the Trolls of the Second Great Civilization. The culture of Pancardina was felt all over the world, as the Trolls used their many mines's crystals to increased their maginal powers and their unique crystalline technology brought a new age of prosperity and order. But this all ended with a great catastrophe that blasted Pancardina into a series of islands and wiped out the Trolls overnight. Earning a quip that history has a way of repeating itself from Nixus, Knuckles points out the similarities to Perfect Chaos and then questions the Chaos Emeralds' part in this. Nixus notes that while this is most likely, the Trolls wouldn't do it as they were the only ones to recognize their terror. Instead they used a far greater, purer power of Ixis, the primordial force from the beginning of time that could unmake and reshape the world and all things in it that was sealed away by less, chaotic forces that shape the current universe. Knuckles tells him to take it easy with his "appreciation for history", as he sounds like a fan and notes that the Master Emerald is the only thing that can match the emeralds' power. Nixus uncovers the room he was talking about with a pipe organ while conceding that Knuckles may be right. Knuckles asks for Nixus' shards to reassemble the Master Emerald but Nixus states that he'll take it from here: using the shard's power on himself, he captures Knuckles in a bed of crystal before transforming into...Walter Naugus, Troll Wizard!

Amy and Rouge are failing to deal with the crystals on Crystal Omega because they're stronger than the previous ones before Shadow makes perfect dramatic timing by knocking it down as Rouge mentions backup. Amy questions Knuckles' whereabouts before realizing that Knuckles is in danger upon receiving her answers. Shadow stuns Crystal Omega with a Chaos Spear as he starts to get up before getting his explaination from Amy: Walter Naugus can do all sorts of crazy crystal stuff and loves shapeshifting to get what he wants, which definitiely applies to the Master Emerald.

Naugus explains to his gullible fool that he overheard the bat-woman and used both his appreciation for history and a little clever wordplay to trick Knuckles. He admits that he was worried about a convincing transformation but he couldn't risk damaging the shards. He gloats that his newest minion will kill Shadow even if Amy and Rouge are still alive and announces that he'll rekindle his magic and let Knuckles live long enough to see his victory as thanks. However, as Knuckles takes humor in, Walter might know a lot about the emeralds but doesn't have much experience. Naugus admits that he was overeager but plans on making Knuckles to spill his secrets since he can't control him, causing Knuckles to break free! Naugus creates a rising pillar and unsuccessful tries to convince Knuckles that he should value his friends' lives more than revenge and only gets rid of him when Knuckles thinks of Amy at the last second, stomach punching him out of the room using crystal, seals the doorway, and hastily begins reassembling the Master Emerald....

Realizing that he can't get back into the room without Team Dark, Knuckles runs off reassuring himself that he can do this, emerging from the stairway just as Team Dark and Amy approach the area. Amy asks if Knuckles is okay, but he interrupts her by pointing out that he got played like a chump--again. Ignoring Rouge's backhanded complement that he's a reliable chump, Knuckles asks Shadow for Omega's help, prompting the latter to explain that he's been enchanted by the Wizard and instruct everyone to brace themselves as Crystal Omega shows up blasting at them with Naugus' aura radiating for him.

 

The Letter from the Editor dramatically acts shocked before admiting that a LOT of clever readers saw the Nixus twist coming before hyping up the conclusion and then briefly acknowledging the Ancient troll designs and height comparisons.

 

The offpanel has Amy and Rouge breaking through Crystal before Amy notes that its much less durable than expected and Rouge goes sparkle-eyed at a bunch. As Amy chomps into one, Rouge realizes that its rock sugar candy before calling Naugus a cheapskate; slinking away in a cave with a grin on his face, Naugus responds that such is his evil...

[spoiler/]

[Heckboy]

I got 88 and Sonic 285 as well.

[QuantumEdge]

2 minutes ago, Mister X said:

I got 88 and Sonic 285 as well.

I don't know if #285's got an official release date, but it surely must be soon, considering how many people are getting their hands on it at this point.  I take it they're good reads?

[Heckboy]

Just now, QuantumEdge said:

I don't know if #285's got an official release date, but it surely must be soon, considering how many people are getting their hands on it at this point.  I take it they're good reads?

Just checked -- it seems 285 is out on August 17th. 

And yeah, they're pretty good issues. 

Spoiler

We get to see some ancient trolls and Ixis in Universe.

 

[QuantumEdge]

2 minutes ago, Mister X said:

Just checked -- it seems 285 is out on August 17th. 

And yeah, they're pretty good issues. 

  Hide contents

We get to see some ancient trolls and Ixis in Universe.

 

So little over a week then, makes sense I guess.

Does it somewhat explain what Ixis is perchance?  I'm guessing that and the trolls are shown through flashback?

[Heckboy]

Just now, QuantumEdge said:

So little over a week then, makes sense I guess.

 

  Hide contents

Does it somewhat explain what Ixis is perchance?  I'm guessing that and the trolls are shown through flashback?

 

 

Spoiler

It's shown in flashback. Nixus/Wally explains that it was some primordial life form that existed at the beginning of time, and it was sealed away by "lesser, chaotic forces that shaped the universe as we know it!"

Apparently the trolls (who lived in a place called Pancardina) used the energy of Ixis (which, if I'm not mistaken, appears to be the mysterious orb thing that Metal Sonic absorbs in Sonic 4) for themselves.

 

[QuantumEdge]

Just now, Mister X said:

 

  Hide contents

It's shown in flashback. Nixus/Wally explains that it was some primordial life form that existed at the beginning of time, and it was sealed away by "lesser, chaotic forces that shaped the universe as we know it!"

Apparently the trolls (who lived in a place called Pancardina) used the energy of Ixis (which, if I'm not mistaken, appears to be the mysterious orb thing that Metal Sonic absorbs in Sonic 4) for themselves.

 

Getting some vibes that the Time Eater has some involvement here.  Maybe even Chaos, or the Gaias, but I like how they're starting to look at the larger scope of the world now.  I'm also guessing Pancardina is the same location as the Acorn Archipelago?

[Heckboy]

Just now, QuantumEdge said:

 

  Hide contents

Getting some vibes that the Time Eater has some involvement here.  Maybe even Chaos, or the Gaias, but I like how they're starting to look at the larger scope of the world now.  I'm also guessing Pancardina is the same location as the Acorn Archipelago?

 

 

Spoiler

Dunno about Chaos, since it's supposed to be a mutated Chao. Maybe Dark Gaia, since it supposedly was around since the beginning of time. Ixis does look kind of Time Eater-esque, though. Maybe they're all connected.

It's mentioned that the catastrophe that wiped out the trolls also blasted Pancardina into a series of islands, so I guess they are the same. Maybe that's why Naugus wanted to take over Mobotropolis?

 

[DabigRG]

EDIT:StH 285 Spoilers

Part Two immediately has Sonic trying to run on air to save Chip while Bunnie and Antoine flying up to catch him, with the Sky Patrol falling and the Battle Fortress turning away. Speedy asks his dad if they close in for the kill as Chip screams and bangs in the item capsule; Batttle Kukku xv says Eggman has them on a strict time table. Sonic, Bunnie, and Antoine are still falling but clunk onto the Sky Patrol, which just got thruster flying. Sonic decides to check on everyone before they go after the Birds. He finds Sally dragging one of Speedy's Escort into the brig, lamenting that she couldn't beat them fast enough. As Bunnie and Antoine come to take her place and support her, respectively, Sonic tells her not to sweat it before she suggests going down to engineering.

They find Rotor, Tpup, and Omochao angrily starting damage control before drawing their attention to Nicole: Tails and Sally cry over her overheated handheld with a Red Star Ring mark on the wall as Tails states he didn't know this would happen. However, the grieving is stopped when Nicole texts the Miles Electric stating she is got the thrusters online and needs to concentrate on cleaning up the systems. Bunnie tells Rotor that she saw the Armada blow up the Engines, Tails says he'll help Nicole and asks for recommendations from Sally, who states she wants the Long-range Communications up to warn her father asap if it isn't already too late.

In Mobotropolis, Gemerl is trying to punch off Bearenger and Bark, who have him pinned; Bean points out his toughness before Nack reestablishes that they were only stalling him and says he'll blast one of his joints so the Badniks can finish him off. Suddenly Cheese goes powerpuff on Bean and Nack, Big swats Carrotia and Falke Wulf with his fishing rod, and Cream stomps on Barks head while ordering him to let go of Gemerl, earning the latter's thanks. Nack, who is not dealing with the Freedom Fighters today, starts shooting at them while ordering the Hooligans and Witchcarters to get out of there and the Badnik Horde to attack the city and cover them. Gemerl halts Cream as she starts to give chase, relunctantly stating that protecting the citizens from the hundred Badniks comes first. He then contacts the Sky Patrol about their location, letting them know that he, Cream, and Big will secure the city and check on the king, promising to call them after this calm down. 

Back on Sky Patrol, Rotor and Bunnie head outside to check the engines while Sonic runs blueprints back and forth to keep them supplied. Sally asks Antoine to get her an aspirin and then help Tails, telling the latter that Eggman will be heading for Apotos and needs time to get Chip, the Emerald, and the Gaia keys that they can use: Rotor's team will hopefully get them moving so they can intercept Eggman at the Gaia Gate, meanwhile she'll use one of Tails' tablets to find out exactly what the tied up Tails Doll knows.

Hours later in Apotos, Eggman and a Gregorios-holding Egg Swat watch as Speedy and Metal arrive on schedule to present him with the Light Gaia. For their next assignment, Eggman offers the Armada a chance to show their aerial superiority twice in one day by distracting an inbound GUN Flying Carrier. He and Metal Sonic walk Chip into what's left of Gregorios' place, explaining that he eventually 'found' the Gaia Gate's entrance when the old man was less than forthcoming. After calling the Gaia Gate handy, Eggman correct's Chip's angry assumption that he could have let Sonic stop Dark Gaia by stating he wants to use him to fuel the Death Egg for all time; he can't do that if Chip seals it away, so he'll just take command of the temples and control all of the variables thanks to Chip. We then get two montages of different Egg Swats opening the temples, walking in, and then placing the Chaos Emerald's into the altar, as well as various characters around the world watch the temples rise into the air before converging at Eggman's location. Eggman humorously admits that he didn't think the temples themselves would become the Gaia Colossus based on the Manuscripts, as Chip tells him to stay away. Rebuffing the little flying CHihuahua's request, he orders Metal to keep the Gaia Gate secure while he appreciates the Colossus's craftsmanship, stating that he almost wants Sonic to come for him so he can punch him with a temple. At Chip's weak complaint that its supposed to stop Dark Gaia, Eggman gloats that that the world's fate rests solely in his hands and the Gaias both serve the Eggman Empire!

Later aboard the Sky Patrol, Sally checks in on Amy, who is a little busy fighting something shoot and zapping at her, and tells her that if their counterattack succeeds, the world will be restored earlier than planned. The exhausted Sally tells the Werehog that she hopes Amy and Knux are okay, relays the word she got Gemerl, and asks for some good news. Rotor states that they were able to salvage enough material to get one fast trip using the primary engine and then that's it. Sally absentmindedly states to ask Nicole for assistance before going over the situation and the plan: data-mining the Tails Doll found that Eggman has been gathering the Dark Gaia energy at Eggman Land, where he plans to recharge the Death Egg and make it unstoppable;GUN  informed them about the Gaia Colossus, which is also heading to Eggman Land. They have three objectives: Stop the Death Egg from reaching its new powersource, break Eggman's control over the Dark Gaia energy, and rescue Chip to take control of the Temples; fail any of these and Eggman will win control of the world, keep the countries divided, use the energy to power his armies, and poison the people. Since GUN's closest flying carrier is tangled up with the Battle Bird Armada(to which Tails objectively sticks out his tongue at), she has to ask something she never wanted to: that everyone give everything by risking it all to Save the World:

Mission 1. Rotor and the Sky Patrol will delay the Death Egg by throwing everything he's got. Noting that always wanted an excuse to manually pilot it, he then sadly tells Nicole that he'd like to know that he's not alone. After receiving a text filled with bulletpointed updates(2nd Red Star Ring in Reactor; All Weapons Online; Shield:125%; Aux. Power to Engine; Let's Get Him ), he bravely begins his dogfight on the Death Egg.

Mission 2. Antoine, Bunnie, Tails, and Sally will try to release the Dark Gaia Energy, which they don't want to do again, but they cannot let Eggman Control it. The older three begin fighting the Dark Gaia Energy Powered Badnik Horde and head for the tower. Tails is in the Tornado noticing familiar energy signatures: e-108 Iota is attacking him, E-106 Theta is attacking Sally, and the Radar shows that the other three are heading their way. Sally states that they need to break through Theta--NOW!

Mission 3. Sonic, who took the Type S, is running up the Gaia Colossus to go after Chip and strike hard, strike fast. Eggman announces that he somehow knew the BBA wouldn't finish him off, to which Sonic says good luck trying to swat him with the Colossus. Eggman states that he toyed with the idea but it was too cumbersome, but since he can't let Sonic reach its head, he had Orbot send over something more suitable: The Egg Dragoon approaches from behind with a shout of "GET A LOAD OF THIS!"

 

 

 

The Offpanel has Eggman and the Item Capsule'd Chip near the Windmill of Apotos watching the glowing temples converge Dragonball style...and then ker-SMASH! With Chip in a state of shock, Eggman sheepishly asks if they should exchange insurance.

[spoiler/]

[QuantumEdge]

23 minutes ago, Mister X said:

 

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Dunno about Chaos, since it's supposed to be a mutated Chao. Maybe Dark Gaia, since it supposedly was around since the beginning of time. Ixis does look kind of Time Eater-esque, though. Maybe they're all connected.

It's mentioned that the catastrophe that wiped out the trolls also blasted Pancardina into a series of islands, so I guess they are the same. Maybe that's why Naugus wanted to take over Mobotropolis?

 

I just remembered Solaris, which I'm almost certain had some influence on the planetary scale of things.  Maybe that had something to do with the disaster.

It's logical to think so.  It's actually some good motivation than just claiming "Your King promised me the crown, so gimme".  Instead he wants the land because he thinks it's his species birth right, not the Acorns.  It's really would give Naugus the development I always thought he was just lacking in a little.

[Kuzu]

Got both issue 285 and Universe 88.

[DabigRG]

Okay, spoilers for both issues are up in my previous comments. Sorry to keep you waiting!

[CrownSlayers Shadow]

I really like the stakes presented here compared to a he source. 

The team has to succeed 100%, and failing one or two still leaves Eggman powerful enough to win regardless. Something tells me that Sky Patrol is gonna be completely destroyed after this,but man will it make an epic climax.

All in all, this is really making up for all the previous issues they rushed.

[Echidna Adventurer CC14]

Who's up for a 285 peek or six?

Cream fans should enjoy this.

Hm. Now THERE'S a person who won't be important ever again.

I LOVE the twist of Eggy gaining control of the Gaia Colossus. Really cool spin on the Unleashed climax.

HE'S GONNA SHOW YOUUUUUUUUU WHAT TRUE SPEED ISSSSSSSSSSSSSS

The obligatory. XD

Aaaaaaaaaaaand Off-Panel:

Enjoy! :)

[QuantumEdge]

That final page is an absolute beast of a gem.  Diana is just making this story artistic perfection.  I mean hell, even Austin's inks and Cassata's colours seem to improve whenever she's drawing.  Suddenly, all those lack lustre months feel worth it to get this as the end result.

[Soniman]

Spoiler

And that's another swerve from Unleashed, Chip being afraid/rejecting the Gaia Colossus instead of being one and the same

 

[Ellipsis-Ultima]

OH FUDGE Egg Dragoon's design from Generations?!

[CrownSlayers Shadow]

Shit's about to go down everyone. Loving Eggy's eerie smile at the end.

[Dantemustdie00]

I'm Loving these Twist

[Big Panda]

5 hours ago, Fusion Fomantis said:

 

  Hide contents

OH FUDGE Egg Dragoon's design from Generations?!

 

 

 

I didn't know there was a difference

[Tenko]

Quick question, does anyone have the sales figures, shipped numbers or whatnot for Sonic : Mega Drive. I'm interested if it sold out due to a lower print run than usual or if the demand was really as high as it's been made out to be.

I don't doubt it myself as it is a stunning piece of work and I am personally looking forward to Next Level, but I would love to see the sales figures to back up all the positivity around the mini series.