Sonic the Hedgehog, Vol. 2: The Fate of Dr. Eggman

Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW)

by Ian Flynn, Tracy Yardley (Illustrator), Adam Bryce Thomas (Illustrator)

Following their last battle, Dr. Eggman's been mysteriously absent from Sonic's life. What shocking secret will Sonic discover when he learns the bad doctor's whereabouts?

Plus, Sonic isn't the only one looking for Eggman--so's his old frenemy Shadow the Hedgehog! There are twists and turns in the course of this high-speed, action-packed mystery-adventure! But with a little help from his friends--including a new ally--Sonic's fast enough to overcome any obstacle!

Collects issues #5-8 of the ongoing series.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Fantasy, Video Games, Comic Book

96 pages, Paperback

Published February 19, 2019

Reviews

[Des Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goddamn I love Sonic the Hedgehog. There's just nothing to really complain about here. The artists are all so fantastic, and the action scenes maintain the frenetic speed signature to the franchise. It's not over-written, careful to cut to the bone with meaningful spots of characterization never bogging down the simple, video-game-level plot. Then all our favorite Sonic pals are here, including fan-favorites The Chaotix, and even ol' Silver, who never got a fair shake in the games. The new characters are wonderful and help to break up the energy here, keeping it from repeating the games' narratives completely. This is just a good time. No huge suprises, and it won't win any awards, but it's nice to read a beautiful video-game tie in that knows exactly what it is.

[Dandy ˙ᵕ˙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

silver is my boyfailure girlfriend lowkey

[D.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this even with the added addition of a new character, Whisper (her design is super sleek and futuristic). Also, Shadow has actual personality here beyond "I eat edge for breakfast."

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

[This review covers the first year of Sonic The Hedgehog - volumes 1-3]

IDW's Sonic ongoing launches right off the back of the end of Sonic Forces; Eggman has been defeated, and the world is slowly being put to rights again by the Restoration. But of course, all is not as it appears as a new foe makes themselves known who looks mysteriously like Eggman himself.

It's been a long time since I've read Sonic's comic adventures. I used to read the UK Sonic The Comic for a while when I was younger, but this is my first foray into the US stuff, and it's...really good? It manages to straddle the line of being an all-ages book without pandering to younger readers, and it deals with some pretty heavy ideas at times. The second volume especially has some pretty dark moral quandries for Sonic and friends to navigate, but that's all balanced out nicely by Sonic's carefree attitude and the sheer fun of seeing him beat the crap out of bad guys.

All your favourite characters show up here eventually too; it feels a bit like an old Marvel comic where each issue has a new guest star, but they all bring something new to the story and feel relevant rather than just forced - the Chaotix help Sonic investigate Eggman, while Silver and Blaze have input from the future/alternate dimensions to add, for example, while Sonic and Shadow fighting each other never gets old. It all culminates in a big throwdown featuring everyone versus the true villain of the story with the fate of Angel Island and the Master Emerald in the balance, and I just love typing sentences like that.

The new additions to Sonic lore are great too - Tangle and Whisper fit nicely into the group without feeling derivative of any other hero, while Rough & Tumble and Doctor Starline flesh out the villain camp quite nicely. Starline especially is one to watch, I think.

The art goes through a few changes, but I'm pretty sure most of these artist are familiar with Sonic's world, as is writer Ian Flynn who I believe follows Sonic across from his previous rights owners, Archie Comics. The art is always bright and colourful, but the subtle differences between artists gives each issue its own unique feeling without being too tonally dissonant.

I'm glad I dove into Sonic's world once again; there's something comforting about this series, and yet it doesn't shy away from building and building as it goes. Now all I need is to get City Escape out of my head and we'll be good.

[m ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a great book! it was more entertaining than the first one in the series. it was action packed, fast paced, and featured so many interesting characters. it set up the plot very well and i’m excited to read the next book in the series

3.5/5 stars

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a second volume in a series I appreciate the continuity and rising stakes! I wasn't expecting much but the plot twists and character reveals are actually well emoted through the art. Thankfully there was plotting with the panels and motion, espeeeeecially with the dynamic nature of Sonic's characters which made directing my eyes through the artwork so much easier.

Not knowing much backstory beyond the comics and the history of this particular sonic, I think the artists and storytellers did a really good job of conveying that without feeling like I was being dragged through exposition.

Art is great as I was expecting from the first novel and doesn't disappoint.

[Ondra Král · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stejná kvalita jako u jedničky. Příběh se začíná víc hýbat, navíc se pomocí menších retconů opravují nelogičnosti z her. Klaďáci jsou pořád strašně přešílení, tož uvidím dál. I když je to dětské, zatím baví.
3,5*

[Wolverinefactor · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not good at all

[B!!! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can metal sonic just die please thank you

[Emvee ⚔ Woman Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

SILVER THE HEDGEHOG MY LOVE

[Edgar Seeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this so much, the pages are starting to fall out. This is one of my rereads that I love.

[Philip Iaconetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

(SPOILERS) After the 1st volume, this had alot to live up to. And for the most part, it did! The Chaotix were handled well, they have their writing from Sonic Heroes while also having the relationship they did in Sonic X. Charmy, Vector, and Espio are all handled well and mean something to the plot of this volume. And their writing will only get better in future Volumes. Rouge is handled quite well too, she loves jewels, but she won't sacrifice people for them. Despite her still wanting the Jewels. And now we get to Shadow... oh boy Shadow. Probably the most controversial in the IDW book. Sega put mandates so that Shadow cannot be Friends with Rouge or Omega, and that he can't show emotion. While these traits are very much out of character, it doesn't really show up until Issue 19. Even then that is one issue, and shadow is written pretty well in this comic. He knows that even though Eggman has lost his memory, he is still dangerous. Espio also had a point too. However he knows that people deserve a second chance as he was given one. Whisper is also a great new character. She is much more creative then the avatar in Sonic Forces. And as we'll see in a future miniseries with her and Tangle that she has a lot of stuff in her Past that we won't get to Today. Anyway.. Mr. Tinker, he is Eggman but he has lost his memory, and He is a kind Fellow. While I personally would lock him up Since he has done horrible things, That can't happen in this book, so they show us he is the new man to have us grow attached with me. However.. Sonic's decision to let Tinker stay in Windmill Village, Despite being in character, Presents a problem that will grow in Later Volumes. Sonic feels too kind, while this is attested in later Volumes, the final payoff for it in Issue 44 is disappointing, but that can wait for another day. Anyway Sonic is too kind, it is a problem that goes out with a wimper. Now for the Villian.. NEO METAL SONIC YESSSS. I was so hyped to see the REAL metal Sonic in This Comic, Since the one in forces is an illusion. They handle him so well. He is smart, calculated, and an amazing Villian. Silver also comes back in this and they explain why he is in the pasttt, also it sets up a future arc later down the road. However I wish they explain why he can go to the future.. It wouldn't be hard, just say he uses a time stone. Oh well. In conclusion, this is a pretty great Volume, however it sets up problems in the future specifcally for Sonic and Shadow. Still an amazing Volume with good writting, action, art, etc.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga of Sonic the Hedgehog and his nemesis, Dr. Eggman, is a captivating narrative that blends adventure, rivalry, and rich character development. What strikes me most is how this longstanding conflict encapsulates the eternal struggle between good and evil, a theme that resonates deeply with audiences. With his ambitious schemes and impressive technological prowess, Dr. Eggman serves as a formidable antagonist whose persistence is almost admirable. However, his continual failures evoke frustration and sympathy, it's hard not to feel a bit sorry for a villain who can't catch a break despite his intellect and resources. The evolution of Eggman's character throughout the series adds layers to his relationship with Sonic. Initially painted simply as a megalomaniac bent on world domination, Eggman's complexity grows as the stories unfold, revealing moments of vulnerability and even temporary alliances with Sonic against larger threats. This development challenges the binary view of hero versus villain and made me reconsider my perceptions of both characters. As I navigated through various storylines, I appreciated how the writers maintained the tension in their rivalry while allowing glimpses of more profound themes, such as redemption and the potential for change.
Yet, while the narrative remains engaging, Eggman's reliance on technology and gadgets sometimes borders on repetition. His elaborate schemes become predictable, diluting the suspense of his confrontations with Sonic. This repetitiveness raises questions about the creativity in storytelling; there’s a yearning for more innovative portrayals that could elevate the stakes further. Overall, the Sonic franchise expertly balances adventure and character development, although it could benefit from examining how to keep Dr. Eggman's schemes fresh and captivating. ​Sonic's destiny may be tied to his eternal battle with Eggman, but introducing new dynamics could revitalize their story, ensuring it remains as thrilling as ever.

[Димитър Йосифов · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ура и втори том прочетен! Ей, голям кеф е да четеш комикси за детските си герои! Несравним кеф. А този комикс е изпипан отвсякъде. Комиксът е детски, това е от ясно, по-ясно. Но една думичка, на едно място доста ме смути, коя е тя няма да казвам.
Тук Соник и компания са изправени пред един доста сериозен и интересен казус. Безстрашнинте приятели срещат на най-неочакваното място Д-р Роботник но една негова верися, което меко казано ги шокира. Д-р Роботник се е "преобразил" в добряк, който само на външен вид прилича на злодея който познаваме. загубил е паметта си и сега помага на другите, чрез знанията и уменията, които притежава. След кратки разговори и "изпити", Соник разбира, че злият доктор наистина не помни нищо и сега е един мекошав добряк. Да, но тук идва и една трудност за Соник, смелият таралеж трябва да докаже на своя не по-малко смел събра Шадоу, че Роботник, вече не е чак толкова зъл. В крайна сметка и с тази трудност се справя.
Приятелите поемат напред, към нови приключитения, Соник се среща със злата си версия "робо Соник", който се оказва доста корав(не помня този персонаж от филмчетата). Двамата имат някои много красиви битки, динамика и екшън на макс.
Това което най-много ми допадна е, че комиксът е с отворен край, тоест, очакваме добрите хора от ПроБук да ни зарадват с трети том(поне таква ми е логиката).
Всичко друго в книжелето е едно към едно с първи том. Графично оформление е същото, корицата е оформена по същия начин. Диалогичните прозорчета са "лесни"(знам, че не се използва тази дума, не се сещам за друга), искам да кажа, че е перфектно за всеки малък комикс читател.
Желая ви приятно четене!

[Shadow Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Dr Eggman was mysteriously absent from the last battle. But would Sonic make a discovery about Eggman's whereabouts?

It's no surprise that Sonic Mania became the best Sonic game of 2017 and the best modern Sonic game of all time since Sonic Colours and Sonic Generations the other 2017 game Sonic Forces didn't go quite so well due to its mixed reviews involving tech problems avatar gameplay and Infinite not being a great antagonist for Forces. IDW Publishing gets to work on various Sonic comic books or graphic novels - whichever you prefer to call it - that sets after the events of Sonic Forces. I just hope Sonic Frontiers would turn out better than Forces

I read the the 1st volume on Sonic's 31st birthday so here's what I think about volume 2 The Fate of Dr Eggman

Action - great
Character illustration - looks good
Story - it's alright

With the return of the classic (& supposed to be forgotten Chaotix characters plus 1 character from 2006) characters from Forces it's actually good

I'm looking forward to read volume 3 Battle For Angel Island

[Kelly Coons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell yes. Ian Flynn continues to show his grasp of even long-neglected characters that would eventually earn him a head writer role in the flagship games. It seems that his approach to the canon reset that was handed to him is to focus on Sonic and one member of his larger resistance (or Freedom Fighter, to use a term used by the precedessor series) at a time. Last volume was Tails. This volume is Amy.

Up until this point, Amy was depicted as either a young damsel in distress (e.g: Sonic CD) or one-nite obsessed with Sonic (e.g: Sonic Adventure 2). But Flynn's Amy, while certainly liking Sonic, is more strongly characterized as a leader with a special talent for organizing others. It's this blueprint for Amy that carries on in Sonic Frontiers and, more recently, Netflix's animated series Sonic Prime.

After his encounter with Amy, Sonic seems to be running into a trap laid by the man behind the chair! (So excited for his return!)

[Will Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last time I looked at IDW Sonic I was definitely more of an apologist for the book than actual critic so I'll try to be better about that here: The titular story for the book isn't terribly interesting, but everything else after that is worth a read, especially if you've got nostalgia for Sonic games released in the early 2000s.

We get the big reveal of who's been guiding Eggman's forces in his absence (won't spoil it here, it's a great surprise), and we're introduced to another new character specifically made for this series named Whisper the Wolf. We don't learn much about her beyond the basics of her personality and powerset, but she easily sets herself apart from Sonic's louder teammates. I'm very interested to see her interact with the rest of the cast.

As always Ian does a great job capturing the voices of all the different characters a d I'm excited for the next volume.

[Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the cutest Silver has ever been, and I love Whisper’s design! Flynn is really making sure all these characters feel distinct and lovable in their own ways and I appreciate it with a cast this big.

The discussion between Sonic and Shadow in this volume was really well done. Forcing Shadow to go deeper beyond his initial reactions is something I hope we see him learn more of in future volumes. I want him to experience some growth!

I love how everyone in these teams do seem to like each other. No one feels left out, everyone has a role, and they seem happy yet dedicated. I’m excited to keep reading this series because it’s got me incredibly re-invested in Sonic and his friends!

[Tomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good follow-up to the first volume which adds some excellent twists and some world building. It still feels a bit light, but then again it's Sonic the Hedgehog so maybe I shouldn't be expecting too much.

Very much enjoyed this volume, and the hook was enough to make me really look forward to the next few volumes and hopeful that they'll do something really fun with this concept.

Sidenote, the art is spot on. They've absolutely nailed the look of Sonic. I miss some of the classic style art from the Archie comics, but I cannot complain with the quality of art in this series, it is top notch!

[Timothy Pitkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cool and interesting twist with what happened to Dr. Eggman but it is one of those twists that I am not sure it is going to stick I hope it does since it is really different and does change the status quo a lot. I also like the reveal of who the main villain really is and I do like Metal Sonic's design and update. I also like they gave a good reason for why he is back and why he is acting this way.

[Gunnar Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, big improvement for volume 1. It still has the general fight of the issue structure but with even stronger character work. Sonic and Shadows interactions in issue 6 is honestly my favorite scene the two have had.

It’s just a solid read, although I really don’t see why this needed to be two separate collections. Just have one slighter bigger book called “fallout” because this did just feel like one bigger arc.

I get it’s for kids but it felt a little needless to split it.

[Rayhan dinkleberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm liking the storyline. A bold choice to pick up directly from where Sonic Forces left off especially with how crappy that game's story was, but Ian Flynn makes it work. I wish Sonic himself had more flaws rather than just being a static character. But I guess thats the price you pay for making the comics canon to the games, you can't make any big changes as to not contridict with the video games. I do hope we see Infinite again as his character had a lot of potential.

[Danielle Robertson Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We got to meet Silver! Having watched the Sonic movies and Sonic Prime on Netflix, we wanted more Sonic. We haven't played the video games (yet) but we knew of Silver thanks YouTube videos of gameplay. What a treat to meet Silver in this volume. He has such a shining personality, he's instantly likeable. Also loved the edgy, emo Shadow we met in this volume. He also lived up to expectations and I'm definitely looking forward to more!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

short series review: The 2017 IGN reboot reunites the Archie Comics team of artists and writers, breathing much-needed new life into the Sonic franchise after the events of the Sonic Forces video game. Some new elements and characters were hit or miss, but overall, it's a joy to see the gang back together. Series review to come!

★★★★ ½ | 4.25 stars | SRTC

[Toad Soup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this one is pretty scandalous. Egg man is back but he’s not egg man and then there’s another egg man who is not egg man currently but was egg man before and still could possibly become egg man later, so it’s all very tantalizing stuff. There’s more knuckles in this one, but maybe not enough.

[Jordan Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This comic was absolutely amazing. The conflict in issues 5 and 6 with Mr. Tinker was awesome and really well executed, the fight between Sonic and Shadow was fun to see, Neo Metal Sonic is back and better than ever, I love Whisper's character and design, and Silver is actually done good in Issue 8. I love this collection and I can't wait to read about Whisper's origin story in Tangle & Whisper.

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The action scenes and art were great. I especially loved how the Sonic vs. Shadow fight scene was resolved. The beginning was a little confusing since introduced Espio out of the blue (who I did NOT know was supposed to be a chameleon). I only have basic knowledge of the games and have never played them yet I still enjoy these comics.

[I Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admire how these writers turn simple conflicts into big adventures! All the characters are lovable and I love how they all work together to solve difficulties. Most of all, I love how each character is given deep, human emotions and flaws that make them feel so real. The entire series is wonderful, plot and illustrations! Highly recommend 👌

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember this as being good, but feeling slow. It felt like the author had the plan to do all this worldbuilding rather than tell stories because there was a story being held in reserve.

Whole thing feels like the Archie comics stripped down to Sonic Forces.

[Matisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing to love this series. It's everything tweenage me would have wanted.

I'm also coming to understand why so much of cartoonist twitter loves Sonic as a franchise: the character designs, and their ability to communicate so much feeling and motion, are unparalleled.