Comics / Back Issues

Sonic X #s 20-26 & 28, 29

By Michael Vance
June 8, 2008 - 03:51

Since 1989, the mission of Suspended Animation has been to find and review comic books, comic strips, and graphic novels that adults will enjoy.  Sonic X is not one of those titles; its target audience is young readers. Consider the supporting evidence.

The simple plot is the same in every issue: Sonic the Hedgehog or one of his supporting cast stops Eggman (aided by his robots) from becoming the Emperor of the World.  There isn’t much dialog in each panel.  The simple art, anime-influenced, relies on color and choreography instead of artistic detail to catch a reader’s eye. The stories are almost always visually linear. The principal characters are talking animals; ever-present robots aren’t frightening in appearance. Even Eggman looks more silly (like an aging Hippie) than threatening.  There is no blood and guts shown. No living character is graphically hurt; only robots are destroyed.

However, in the 28th and 29th issues, there is a hint at more complexity, both in plot and art, than in previous issues. In fact, the “green-eyed monster” introduced as the latest threat to Earth is almost frightening.

Almost.

So, why is Sonic X being reviewed in a column intended to find comics for adults? Ocassionally, we recommended titles that wont interest older readers to save them wasting their hard-earned bucks.

Let it be clear that none of the above implies that Sonic X is poorly written or drawn.  It is indeed well written and drawn, and Sonic X is recommended for pre-teen and teenaged readers.

But not for you, grandpa. You’ll have to read future Suspended Animation reviews to find your cup of tea.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12