“Ugh! How many chili dogs did you eat today?”
Sonic The Hedgehog #49
Archie Comics Publications (August, 1997)
“Endgame” part 3: “Escape From The Floating Island”
WRITERS: Mike Gallagher & Ken Penders
PENCILER: Sam Maxwell
INKER: Pam Eklund
COLORIST: Karl Bollers
LETTERER: Jeff Powell
EDITOR: J. Freddy Gabrie
Robotnik is still pushing the narrative that Sally is dead and Sonic was responsible, but Drago shows Hershey how she was tricked into cutting the rope wearing a Sonic costume with gimmicked eye lenses. Also, Dr. Quack’s family is being held hostage to fake a death certificate and Snively is about to tell him what to do with the still half-crystal king, as Robotnik reveals his was an android. Meanwhile, Antoine and Bunnie are taken to Robotnik’s new prison in the Downunda crater that used to be the Floating Island, which has been taken over by a rebuilt Crocbot. (Basically he inspired what Darth Maul did to himself in Clone Wars. Except he used a tank for legs.) He’s also captured the Downunda Freedom Fighters and is hoping for another shot at Tails. Unaware of all this St. John continues to pursue Sonic but Dulcy believes in our hero because dragons have a gift for that. She takes him to the Floating Island but Knuckles immediately attacks Dulcy, leading to another Sonic and Knuckles fight that’s interrupted by the arriving St. John.
What they got right: At least someone isn’t buying Robotnik’s lie about Sonic turning evil. Nice to see the Downunda Freedom Fighters again, and referencing Tails’ adventure there. Our boy’s earned an arch nemesis. We finally get some answers to how Robotnik pulled off his scam and in the right part of the story.
What they got wrong: There’s one panel where a Bunnie line appears to be given to Antoine. Not much else to comment on.
What I think overall: For part three of a milestone story this works very well. It’s still not a favored plot for me but at least it’s being done well.
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