By Garrett Hanneken

Sonic The Hedgehog finds a new home at IDW publishing with an all-new #1. However, you shouldn’t expect any major changes to the character with this issue. Which beckons the question if a change would have been beneficial to this brand new start?

The issue kicks off with some background information about Sonic beating Dr. Eggman time and time again, but this time Eggman is MIA leaving his robots to wander and destroy aimlessly. Sonic finds that he is needed throughout various cities in order to take care of these vagrant robots. Joined by Tails, the two seem to defeat any Badniks or Super Badniks with ease, but Tails has a suspicion that Dr. Eggman is back since the robots appeared to be in unison this time around.

What works well in this premise is that you get to see Sonic sprint and bounce around his enemies for most of the issue and you can’t help but enjoy yourself just as much as the hedgehog himself. The art captures the fight scenes beautifully and Sonic’s spin attack reminds me of playing the games, both old and new, as his moves are traditional and versatile. The artwork is able to showcase the fast-paced action and the script’s characterization is handled well hroughout this conflict.

As Sonic knocks over and dismembers each robot he is accompanied by his signature quick banter. Cracking jokes while saving the city is no big deal for Sonic, but Tails comes in to reassure him that he shouldn’t be as boastful when real danger is afoot. Which lets us know why Tails is such a crucial role in this duo. Sonic may not listen to him at first, but you can tell that he is bound to learn his lesson later in the series.

With that being said, the issue feels a little too simple with no real twist or refreshing ideas (yet) to be witnessed. Sonic and Tails go through their normal routine of saving the city and although it may be enjoyable, there is nothing that truly stands out or makes the issue unique. Sure, Dr. Eggman is missing, but the last page tells us that he is most likely behind the attacks. Unless there is someone else pulling the strings and if so then maybe revealing who they are might have made this issue more substantial.

This first issue is an enjoyable welcoming for Sonic to IDW and although it doesn’t do much it still delivers on the classic Sonic that most of us grew up with. However, I would’ve still liked to see something fresh in this comic, something that could’ve hooked me better to pick up the second issue.

SCORE: 3/5

Sonic The Hedgehog #1
IDW Publishing