‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ #42 is fun in all the right ways

Flynn and Yardley almost never disappoint, and this issue is no exception.

Crooker

July 21, 2021

We’re back with another issue of IDW’s Sonic the Hedgehog comic series, written and illustrated by the long time (and fan favorite) Sonic comic creative team of Ian Flynn and Tracey Yardley. With a dynamic duo like that, it’s no question that the issue would be at the very least a fun time, and they more than deliver on that.

The plot of this issue continues on from the last, of course. The Deadly Six’s plan falls perfectly into place, separating the heroes across the globe while they attack the Restoration headquarters. Meanwhile, we get a look at Dr. Starline sneaking in during the attack to kidnap Belle, a character we came to realize was a Dr. Eggman creation during our last major story arc. The plots mesh well pretty naturally, and Flynn’s weaving of Starline and the Six’s narratives together in his Bad Guys miniseries is certainly a large part in why it works.

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Thankfully, Flynn knows to not make the good guys look foolish just because they got a fast one (ha) pulled on them. Even in being misled, they’re still ready to go at a moment’s notice and have already developed countermeasures to the Six. It helps when your main character can quite literally cross the globe in seconds, so we can immediately set up for a confrontation between Zavok and Sonic next issue. I hope this doesn’t mean this arc is ending next issue, because I’m really enjoying the ride so far. With how Starline factors into it, however, I think this plot has a few more twists and turns left before Flynn takes his leave once more.

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On that note, Ian Flynn is really always in his element when it comes to the characterization. The Deadly Six continue to be very fun and vibrant under his pen, something I’m sure other long-time Sonic fans can appreciate. The way he gives all of them a distinctly defined (and fun!) personality, each with a unique role in their group dynamic remains something I’m grateful for.

Of course, we also have a very conniving and sneaky character to chew on with Dr. Starline, somebody Flynn has obviously been having a ton of fun working with in his recent stories with how well executed and charismatic he is in his own distinct way. Every other usual cast member is similarly perfectly done, further showcasing just how experienced the man is at writing within this universe.

IDW Publishing

It’s always great to have Yardley on art, and he clearly flexes his experience with the material in every single panel he crafts. His years of working with the character continue to benefit him here, with his usual dynamic and expressive work that feels distinctly his style.

The way he handles Sonic’s speed visually always felt very natural and authentic (as much as you can get with a cartoon blue speedster hedgehog), with a great sense of momentum to his running. There’s something so very him to the way the characters move and compose themselves that is just instantly recognizable, and who doesn’t love how he draws Sonic’s trademark cocky smirk?

Overall, I really liked this issue. It’s nothing totally Earth-shattering, mind you, but it doesn’t have to be to be fun, which is what’s most vital about telling a story with Sonic the Hedgehog. Flynn and Yardley are almost never a disappointment, separate or together, and it was a blast seeing them paired up in the main book again.

The characters continue to be well written and feel true to themselves and the world that’s been crafted in this comic so far, reinventing and expanding on aspects like the Deadly Six to make things fresh without sacrificing what worked before. Needless to say, these guys know what they’re doing, so if you’re a Sonic fan… well, what are you waiting for? Pick up your copy already!