For over 15 years Archie has been as important a part of Sonic’s mythology as the various video games and animated series that bear his name. In fact, in many of the various spin-off comic series, from the mini-series to the 48-page specials to the ongoing monthly series, Archie both adapted famous characters and storylines from the video games and animated shows as well as added a unique spin to each. Furthermore, Archie Comics also added new characters and situations to the canon. For many Sonic fans, the Archie Sonic comics are considered the glue that holds the various interpretations of their hero together.

This February, Archie Comics’ role as definitive guardian of the canon will be truer than ever, as everything comes together in a new series called SONIC UNIVERSE. This series will unify the various Sonic continuities as never before, tying up loose ends and making connections for a cohesive, unified continuity. Along the way, we’ll deliver some of the popular supporting cast from the many Sonic video games, including many who have never appeared in the comics before!

To underscore Archie’s importance to Sonic continuity, there is a major tie-in between the first issue of SONIC UNIVERSE and the latest installment of the SONIC ARCHIVES reprint series, also shipping in February. SONIC UNIVERSE #1 starts with a bang. In the story “Living Weapons,” Shadow and Metal Sonic continue their series-spanning fight and wind up in a whole new dimension! As we continue to re-envision Sonic’s future, fans can also look to the past by picking up SONIC ARCHIVES #10 to revisit classic Sonic stories, or read them for the very first time. It truly brings things full circle for fans!

Meanwhile, things are as chaotic as ever over in the regular monthly SONIC THE HEDGHOG series, as issue #197 finds Sonic with his hands full dealing with Scourge the Hedgehog, Sally being accused of treason, a lockdown of zones and a new threat that looms on the horizon. These events will have an impact upon the events that transpire in SONIC UNIVERSE, providing a unified and ongoing continuity as the storylines and cast of characters expand. If ever there was a time to jump on board and become a Sonic reader, that time is now! Be sure to order these February-shipping issues:

SONIC UNIVERSE #1

BECAUSE YOU DEMANDED IT: A THRILLING NEW SONIC SERIES THAT RAISES THE STAKES & EXPANDS THE COMIC BOOK WORLD OF SONIC!

"Living Weapons": This is the comic the fans have waited for – an ever-expanding, all-encompassing series revolving around Sonic’s many friends and foes whose continuity aligns with the regular monthly Sonic comic. Along the way, we’ll deliver some of the popular supporting cast from the many Sonic video games, including many who have never appeared in the comics before! The first issue of “Sonic Universe” debuts with a story that’s out of this world – literally – as Shadow and Metal Sonic continue their series-spanning fight and wind up in a whole new dimension! And things are bound to heat up when Blaze the Cat and a Chaos Emerald enter the mix! Don’t miss the explosive beginning of this universe-spanning series!

SCRIPT: Ian Flynn.
ART: Tracy Yardley!
Dimension-defying cover by Patrick “Spaz!” Spaziante
Shipping Date: February 18th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: February 25th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: March 10th, 2009
32-page, full color comic
$2.50 US.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ARCHIVES #10

The thrilling new series that lets fans relive classic Sonic stories continues! Volume 10 presents issues #37 through #40 of Sonic’s ongoing comic book series in a special 5 x 7 & ½ inch edition. These stories continue the artistic change to a more “dramatic” tone, better aligning the series to the hit Saturday morning animated series then on the air. The emphasis is on the chaos that ensues in the wake of a cataclysmic earthquake, with Robotnik trying to cope with the compromised security of Robotropolis and continue his reign of terror. An even greater threat looms with the rise of Mecha Sonic during the epic “Mecha Madness” story arc, which leads to court martial proceedings for wrongfully accused Sonic! Each story is meticulously restored and printed on high-grade paper, so you can feel like you're zipping right alongside the cobalt champion as he saves Knothole Village! Stories include: “The Day Robotropolis Fell” and “Bunnie’s Worst Nightmare” (issue #37), “The Rise of Robotropolis…The Fall of Sonic” and “Bedtime Tails” (issue #38), “Rage Against the Machine” (issue #39), and “Court Martial” (issue #40).

SCRIPTS: Angelo DeCesare, Rich Koslowski, Kent Taylor, Mike Gallagher, Ken Penders & Mike Kanterovich.
ART: Brian Thomas, Rich Koslowski, Manny Galán, Patrick “Spaz!” Spaziante, Ken Penders & Dave Manak.
Colossal cover by Patrick “Spaz!” Spaziante
Shipping Date: February 25th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: March 4th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: March 17th, 2009
112-page, full color paperback
ISBN #: 978-1-879794-39-9
$7.95 US.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #197

“Consequences”: Sonic is traversing the Cosmic Highway to the Multiverse with Scourge the Hedgehog in custody, but he doesn’t get far before he learns that all the zones are in lockdown. What threat has caused such drastic measures, and can Sonic defeat it? Meanwhile, a hearing is underway to determine whether Princess Sally is guilty of treason. All this, plus a development of cataclysmic proportions that could well mark the beginning of the end as the countdown to issue #200 continues!

SCRIPT: Ian Flynn.
ART: Tracy Yardley! and Matt Herms.
Cosmically cool cover by Tracy Yardley!
Shipping Date: February 4th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: February 11th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 24th, 2009
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.