Sonic X #22
Archie Comics (September, 2007)
“Decoe and Bocoe’s Not-So-Excellent Misadventure”
WRITER: Joe Edkin
PENCILER: James Fry, assisted by Ian Thompson
INKER: Terry Austin
COLORIST: Josh Ray
COVER ART: Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante
LETTERER: John Workman
EDITOR: Mike Pellerito
Decoe and Bocoe bungle another mission because Eggman can’t label his machines, so he fires them and builds new robot replacements, Dukow and Bukow. The former henchrobots try to find an honest job but that proves to be a failure as well. Meanwhile, Dukow and Bukow are smart enough to realize Eggman’s just as much a liability to his own plan and take over. Surprisingly it’s Decoe and Bocoe’s bungling that rescues Eggman while Sonic stops the replacements’ plan.
What they got right: The plot isn’t too bad. The idea that Bocoe and Decoe are kicked out by Eggman has potential…in this rendition anyway. Even as an episode it might have worked. I do like Dukow and Bukow’s designs.
What they got wrong: There wasn’t a whole lot done with the idea though. Sonic helps Bocoe and Decoe not lose their ice cream shop jobs but they still screw up. That’s pretty much it. Also, more Westwood, who I keep wanting to call Westlake for some reason.
What I think overall: I’m just not a fan of Joe Edkin’s stories in this series. There are good ideas but the execution never works for me.