“Yesterday’s” Comic> Knuckles The Echidna #24

“We’ve got to find a new gym.”

Knuckles The Echidna #24

Archie Comic Publications (May, 1999)

“Dark Alliance” finale: “Primary”

WRITER: Ken Penders

PENCILER: Jim Valentio

INKER: Harvey Mercaddocasio

COLORIST: Frank Gagliardo

LETTERER: Vickie Williams

EDITOR: JF Gabrie

As Locke, Archimedes, and Spectre retake Haven, Dimitri tries to find the source of Knuckle’s power. The Dark Legion’s stooge tries to blackmail Remington to join his side, but it fails and the would-be leader has to go on the run. With Harry’s help, Remington finds Julie-Su and the General as Dimitri’s testing unleashes a surge of Knuckles’ power, frying the circuitry of any remaining Legionnaires and revealing the corrupt official to be a robot. Pravda’s implants also burn out, putting him in a coma and the Echidnas without a leader. However, Dimitri thinks he can use Knuckles’ power for his own ends.

What they got right: Some good action, a few more revelations, and Dimitri is still a serious threat.

What they got wrong:  I’m starting to get confused as to what qualifies as “technology” for echidnas. The Guardians aside, since they have to monitor what they’re protecting, we have flying cars, TVs, and other bits of tech around Echidnopolis, and it didn’t all come from the dingos.

What I think overall: Every now and then I’m reminded of the end result of all of this. Hindsight still ruins things. Knowing how much of this will be tossed out thanks to Penders’ hissy fit make it feel meaningless in the long run, and it still goes against the game lore. There’s some good storytelling here, but I’m still not getting into it like I did before whatever the reason.