warning! spoilers ahead Sonic Hedgehog #50!
IDW Publishing could have serious implications for Dr. Starline’s death Sonic Hedgehog Reflects the most disturbing failure of the cyborg Dr. Nick in the original Archie Comics series. It’s a perfect development, as it shows writer Ian Flynn finished writing both stories more than a decade later.
Undoubtedly one of the darkest moments in Archie’s entire series, Sonic finally thwarts Nick the Robot’s latest plan after one of the evil scientist’s most successful triumphs. But in the 2009 movie, instead of collapsing in defeat as usual, Robot Nick suffers a complete mental breakdown that shocks Sonic. Sonic Hedgehog #200 was created by author Ian Flynn, pencil artist Tracy Yardley, ink artist Terry Austin, colorist Matt Herms and lettering artist John Workman. Although the villain’s sanity was eventually restored, the robot Nick was unable to function due to a number of problems.
Now, after “Dr. Eggman” completely defeated his wayward, rebellious fan, Dr. Starling, Ian Flynn has allowed an equally gruesome performance to play out in IDW’s series. Sonic Hedgehog #50 is also the work of artist Adam Bryce Thomas, colorist Matt Herms, Heather Breckel, Reggie Graham and letter Shawn Lee. When Eggman stepped out of his failed student, Dr. Starling broke down. As he struggles to cope with his utter defeat, he holds his head roughly, almost like an infant, and to further emphasize his anguish, the artist for this issue draws vivid lines around the struggling villain. He was so traumatized that doctors missed an emergency call asking him to leave the neighborhood in time, and he got lost amid the collapsing rubble.
While both depict a decline in the villain’s mental state, the original scene in the Archie comics has more depth, as Nick the Robot’s outburst plays out over multiple pages. This melee is exacerbated by Sonic’s expression as he watches his foe injure himself. However, Flynn brought new life to the “Interstellar” episodes. In Archie, let’s say cyborg Nick loses it because he just had a huge victory over Sonic by destroying his house, and he is quickly defeated by Sonic, which is just too much for him. In IDW, however, Starline’s loss is absolute. On many issues, Dr. Starling convinces himself and the reader that Dr. Eggman’s flaws are insurmountable. Dr. Potatoman always loses, and to make up for that, Starline essentially did the opposite of Dr. Potatoman – however, Dr. Potatoman still won. While Staline’s downfall is shorter by comparison, it’s equally powerful, as readers are just as shocked as Staline, especially since his traumatic state prevented Staline from trying to save himself.
Flynn’s Story in IDW Sonic Hedgehog If Dr. Starling survives, it could go further than the original depiction of his mental decline in the Archie comics. The reason Eggman’s madness works so well with Archie is because his madness lasts so long. While locked in his padded cell, his rebellious grandson Sneely helped the Iron Queen Regina Ferum easily organize a coup against the Robot Empire, and she reigned as the Empress in 10 eras. In addition, Dr. Robot’s absence has profoundly affected Sonic, causing him to question his purpose. Sonic is the only freedom fighter who can’t celebrate victory. While it’s powerful to know that IDW’s Dr. Starling may have suffered so much to the point of death, his survival and continued trauma will exacerbate his emotional pain. Anyway those two moments are really well written, it just adds suspense to future problems with IDW Sonic Hedgehog.
Sonic Hedgehog #50 Now available from IDW!