Sonic the Hedgehog has been making a bit of a comeback in recent years. He has gained attention in both blockbuster movies and video games. So does his supporting cast, including his frenemy, Knuckles the Echidna. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, where Knuckles first appeared, and IDW has done its part with Sonic the Hedgehog: Knuckles 30th Anniversary #1.
In Sonic the Hedgehog: Knuckles 30th Anniversary #1, Knuckles returns to his hometown of Angel Island, where he protects the Master Emerald. He then decides to visit the neighboring North Star Islands to teach Trip the sungazer lizard how to be a proper island guardian. However, Knuckles’ aggressive attitude combined with Trip’s shy nature doesn’t necessarily make for the best combination.
If you’re creating an anniversary special, you need someone who understands the character. Sonic the Hedgehog: Knuckles 30th Anniversary #1 is in collaboration with longtime Sonic writer Ian Flynn. Flynn succeeds in explaining things in an easy-to-understand way. Whether you’re a long-time Sonic fan or new to the series, you don’t need to have played Sonic Superstars to get the gist of this story. Flynn even manages to condense Knuckles’ history into two pages, which is a pretty incredible feat of writing.
IDW Publishing
Flynn is also happy to highlight the differences between Knuckles and Trip. Knuckles is confident in making mistakes, but Trip is not. However, out of all the friends Trip has to rely on, Knuckles is the last one. Flynn is both humorous (Knuckles wondering why Trip isn’t attending training, paralleled by flashbacks of Amy Rose and Tails clashing) and heartwarming (finally Knuckles and Trip towards the end of the special) go back and forth between the two (to communicate with each other).
If the text isn’t enough, the art team brings some classic Sonic flair to the page. Aaron Hammerstrom and Rick Mack, whose names you’d expect from someone who draws Knuckles comics, have managed to recreate many moments from Knuckles’ history. Whether it’s the first meeting between Sonic and Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 or the showdown between Knuckles and Metal Sonic in the IDW Comics series, Hammerstrom and Mack have a solid visual flair for the Sonic Universe. So does colorist Valentina Pinto, who gives Knuckles his signature bright red flair.
The standout scene is in the middle of the story, when Knuckles gives Trip “Guardian Training.” Hammerstrom has a perfect grasp on how Sonic games work. Knuckles and Trip run through obstacles, their legs turning into swirls of crimson and tan. Knuckles’ fists leave impact every time he slams into the ground or starts climbing walls.
Sonic the Hedgehog: Knuckles 30th Anniversary is a fun one-shot that captures the best parts of the Sonic games, especially when it comes to the echidna of the title. Knuckles is one of my favorite Sonic characters, so it’s great to have a comic that does justice to him.
Sonic the Hedgehog: Knuckles 30th Anniversary #1 is a fun, fist-filled romp
Sonic the Hedgehog: Knuckles 30th Anniversary #1
Sonic the Hedgehog: Knuckles 30th Anniversary is a fun one-shot that captures the best parts of the Sonic games, especially when it comes to the echidna of the title. Knuckles is one of my favorite Sonic characters, so it’s great to have a comic that does justice to him.
Ian Flynn knows the Sonic world inside and out, and he especially knows how to present it in a way that appeals to fans old and new.
Aaron Hammerstrom knows how to depict the world of Sonic right down to the action sequences.
A fun story about the connection between Knuckles and Sonic Superstars Trip.
You’ll want to check out the rest of Sonic’s IDW comics.
