Summary
Warning: Spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog #69It was a risk when IDW Publishing promotedSonic the Hedgehog#69 as an issue about a random race when such events have not performed well in the overall comic franchise. But against all odds, the race itself, while unremarkable itself, actually turned out to be quite relevant because it led to Sonic teaming up withDr. Eggman.
It turns out that the company, known as Clean Sweep Inc., is part of a massive conspiracy to take out Sonic’s Restoration from within using Sonic and Tails' cyborg replacements, Surge and Ki,t respectively.
Past Races In Sonic Have Been Terrible
Issue #69 marks the return of the series after being on hiatus for a few months. During that time, theFang: The Hunterminiseries took center stage.It might have made more sense for the return issue ofSonicto capitalize on the compelling alliance between Sonic and Dr. Eggman, rather than the race. After all, the two enemies have only temporarily aligned in extreme situations, likethe incredible battle royalein the wake ofSonic#50 and at the end of the epic Metal Virus saga.
Based on previous race issues being mostly used as filler stories, it’s surprising how relevant the race inSonic#69 actually is.One major race from IDW’s mainSoniccontinuity proves how lackluster they’ve been in the past. In that first race many issues ago, Clutch coerces Sonic and his friends to participate in a Chao racing circuit in exchange for parts to rebuild their Badnik friend, Omega. Although the eventhelps set up Clutch as a major villain, the payout is too little and much too late. The other big race from IDW takes place in a one-shot issue that has no bearing on the actual continuity, inSonic Team Racing.
Races also have a bad track record in Archie’sSonicseries. The most notorious one was filler, since it served as a standalone story that interrupted the main events of the comic, and it even took up the entire issue in question (Sonic#242). The first page of issue #242 even begins with the following statement, “Welcome to this exclusive Sonic and Olympic event! We take a break from the regular adventures of the world’s fastest hedgehog to find him and his friends preparing for the Olympics!” Worst of all,Sonic#241 had just dropped the massive bombshell that longtime Sonic ally Geoffrey St. John becomes a major villain, and this race just unnecessarily puts that revelation on hold.
Sonic’s Ego Wasn’t Even At Risk
It might be surprising that a comic centering on a hedgehog who’s known for racing around at high speeds would not have actual races that are compelling in his own comic. The one saving grace is thatthe issue before revolved around Extreme Gear, since that technology would eventually serve as the main mode of transportation for the race in the next and latest issue,Sonic#69, effectively serving as foreshadowing. Unfortunately, whatSonic#68 would eventually foreshadow wouldn’t be that exciting.
The problem for those critical of the race is thatthere are no real stakes, since it is just a charity event with no major repercussions. Moreover, Sonic’s ego isn’t even on the line, since his speed is completely contingent on technology, not his own quickness. And as all fans are aware of,Sonic is all about speed. At least, the events of the race play a massive consequential role in bringing together two of the two most ironic enemies in all of pop culture -Sonic the HedgehogandDr. Eggman.
Sonic the Hedgehog#69is available now from IDW Publishing.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog is a multimedia franchise that began with Sonic the Hedgehog’s release for the Sega Genesis in 1991. The franchise follows the adventures of the titular Blue Blur, Sonic, as he fights the nefarious Dr. Eggman to protect his friends, family, and the world. The series has expanded into several video games, multiple comic book series, television shows, and a Hollywood feature film series.
