Sonic X #23
Archie Comics (October, 2007)
“Hedgehogging Their Bets”
WRITER: Ian Flynn
PENCILER: Tracy Yardley!
INKER: Terry Austin
COLORIST: Josh Ray
COVER ART: Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante
LETTERER: John Workman
EDITOR: Mike Pellerito
Sonic is captured by a group of people with a minor beef against Sonic, except for one guy who is actually mad at Knuckles. Brought together by a mysterious “Organizer”, they see Sonic as much of a threat as Eggman. However, while the Society for Observing and Neutralizing Interdimensional Creatures and Xenomorphs (which Sonic points out makes the acronym S.O.N.I.C.X.) may have captured Sonic, they can’t hold him. The Organizer isn’t too mad. They proved that can capture him. That’s half the job they can do.
What they got right: There are admittedly a few gags in here for anime fans, while guest-writer Ian Flynn is using lesser-known minor threats from the show and previous issues or at least something tied to them. (Granted I don’t remember most of them but it’s been years since I’ve seen the show.) Flynn was doing the regular comic at the time so he understands the character and his grasp on the show’s humor isn’t too bad.
What they got wrong: I’m not sure the comic needed another threat. We already have Eggman, Westwood (which I still can’t get right and I’m convinced is the “Organizer”), and the occasional ghost. You’re also fighting to add that “X” just because it’s the name of the show. (Since they aren’t breaking the fourth wall Sonic finds the addition confusing.)
What I think overall: It’s not a terrible idea and the story is told well enough from a critics perspective. Personally though, it just didn’t hold my interest as a reader.