TheMobian
New Boomer
Professional Crazy Talker
Posts: 48
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Post by TheMobian on Jun 13, 2013 18:26:28 GMT
Okay, I said I’d write a bit about the story I came up with for the anniversary issue. Arch described it as “a time travel jolly involving little more than a fight between two Sonics”. Which surprised me a little as that was pretty much the opposite to what I had in mind when I wrote it. Always gives you a bit of a start when you read something like that – makes you really question your competence. But anyway Rich Elson told me he liked it and said it was ‘touching’ which actually was what I had I mind. I can’t quite remember how the elements of the plot came together but I do remember that having Johnny realise that he was going to die (probably) was quite a late idea. Originally I was going to have it turn out different but it’s now hard to see how the thing would have actually worked without Johnny’s realisation. I actually think this might have affected Johnny and his designs on Amy. Maybe he never made his move because he didn’t want Amy to be more upset than necessary when he kicked the bucket. Actually I would have been pleased if I could have found a way for the reader to be uncertain whether Johnny had realised his fate or not but I couldn’t figure a way of writing that. Also there was one criticism that I was expecting to pick up along the lines of “how come present-day Sonic doesn’t remember this all happening?” Well I think he did remember but it was just some insignificant few minutes of his life that he kind of gave no importance to – like an embarrassing night out at the pub where you’ve had a little too much to drink. Not a memory you choose to revisit – something you simply put out of your mind. And of course I had the ticklish problem of fitting this into the current continuity. As much fun as this wasn’t I really wanted this story to be canon. So this kind of meant all I could do was time travel really, I wanted this story to be significant so I figured I could tie it to a piece of my own continuity. That was an early idea for the story. I then needed somewhere that I could pluck only Johnny and Sonic out of a story and it took me ages to find where I could do this efficiently. The other thing I really wanted to address was the idea that Sonic has changed – he’s a little older and wiser and has been really marked by the death of Johnny. I also wanted to kind of say that Sonic isn’t the arse he was in the old days. He really is a better person now. Of course the chance to have fun with this was very appealing and I knew at some point Sonic would (without any irony) say to his old self just what some people always thought about him at the time. Then there is the question of Sonic being able to forgive himself for Johnny’s death. And who better to give him permission to do this than Johnny himself? Then we have the bit of drama regarding whether or not Tails and Sonic will be able to prevent Johnny reading the plaque on the statue. “a time travel jolly involving little more than a fight between two Sonics” Oh yes, then we have the two Sonic’s getting into a fight. But now Sonic shows signs of self-doubt – something he would not have been likely to do in the past. So I think this holds up pretty well compared to my self-contained stories from the past – I always found them tough to write and even tougher if I was trying to ‘say’ something. And wasn’t the art by Michael great? Thanks Mike, I love what you did with my script. Of course Nigel Dobbyn did his usual spectacular job (and, I’m sure, spent far too long on this job when he could have been making money doing something else). Of course I don’t really know if what I hoped worked actually does. But I can say that this was the story I wanted to write and dealt with issues that interested me. For a while I’ve been thinking about how I used to write Sonic and how I made him hard to like. I’m quite please I did that at the time but I always had in mind that the death of Johnny would be the thing that made Sonic grow up. Of course as things turned out I never got the chance to explore that – until now that is. ^I couldn't agree with this more^ This is exactly how I felt about the story featuring Johnny and the two Sonics, so I'm really glad to hea that what I got out of it was also what you intended people to get out of it I do have to consider that story to be one of y favorites published on StCO since its launch. No real life-changing events, not exactly an epic tale, but just a wonderful touching story that helps to tie up a couple loose ends that came along with the death of Johnny Lightfoot. It really makes his life story in the comics seem more complete =) Thanks for telling such a great story Nigel, it was a wonderful read
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Tom
Ex-Hume
Hume-who-used-to-think-he-was-in-charge
Posts: 3,786
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Post by Tom on Jun 13, 2013 22:47:35 GMT
It did come across Nigel, the nuance of Sonic's maturity. I like your perspective on Johnny's relationship with Amy, I never even considered that. I love that sort of immutable causation in time travel, similar to what they used to do on "Lost", and I suppose on Doctor Who as well. But yeah, it says something, without being preachy about it. And I'm glad you've finally found a way to say it.
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Post by Charles on Jun 13, 2013 22:55:51 GMT
The other thing I really wanted to address was the idea that Sonic has changed – he’s a little older and wiser and has been really marked by the death of Johnny. I also wanted to kind of say that Sonic isn’t the arse he was in the old days. He really is a better person now. Of course the chance to have fun with this was very appealing and I knew at some point Sonic would (without any irony) say to his old self just what some people always thought about him at the time. I loved that. Sonic would probably annoy himself anyway, but "Johnny was more of a hero than you'll ever be!" says a lot about Sonic and Johnny's death in just the one sentence.
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Post by Mambo's Here! Look Busy! on Jun 14, 2013 6:23:46 GMT
Oh yeah, that's a great line! Really shows how Sonic feels about a painful loss, which is very rare. But it's good because it's a rare glimpse. Johnny's line referring to Amy did make me wonder if he was thinking about her in general or if it was because they were on their way to rescue her. The idea that he never makes a move to keep her from being devastated by his death shows how much of a nice guy Johnny is! Aww.
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Pinchetel
Big Time Boomer
...And together in failure.
Posts: 212
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Post by Pinchetel on Jun 16, 2013 21:40:50 GMT
The Archives and Fan Memories have updated! I've been waiting for the Archive to update. Just a question, who is the lizard science guy on the left of this pic (from the first batch) supposed to be?
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Post by Mambo's Here! Look Busy! on Jun 16, 2013 21:51:15 GMT
Just a question, who is the lizard science guy on the left of this pic (from the first batch) supposed to be? That's one of the Equinox scientists I believe. From New Tek City? They're the ones who discovered Super Sonic was building up energy to destroy the asteroid holding him an Omni prisoner.
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Post by Michael on Jun 17, 2013 0:03:20 GMT
So I think this holds up pretty well compared to my self-contained stories from the past – I always found them tough to write and even tougher if I was trying to ‘say’ something. And wasn’t the art by Michael great? Thanks Mike, I love what you did with my script. Of course Nigel Dobbyn did his usual spectacular job (and, I’m sure, spent far too long on this job when he could have been making money doing something else). Of course I don’t really know if what I hoped worked actually does. But I can say that this was the story I wanted to write and dealt with issues that interested me. For a while I’ve been thinking about how I used to write Sonic and how I made him hard to like. I’m quite please I did that at the time but I always had in mind that the death of Johnny would be the thing that made Sonic grow up. Of course as things turned out I never got the chance to explore that – until now that is. Thanks Nigel, it was an honour to draw it! It really is a touching story, and knowing Johnny knew his number was up at some point in the near future was heart-breaking, took a lot of attempts before I was happy with his expression when he realises.
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Post by L. T. Dangerous on Jun 17, 2013 12:01:12 GMT
Brilliant- just seen the site's updated issue 224 and brought it in line with the current layout- AND the wallpaper from the issue is resized for modern screens! Excellent stuff, guys. Can't wait for the rest of this.
If I may make a suggestion, though, now may be the time to integrate The Complete Vichama into the issues it was supposed to go, as with any other straggling items.
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Post by Michael on Jun 17, 2013 12:02:06 GMT
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Post by Mambo's Here! Look Busy! on Jun 17, 2013 12:18:59 GMT
Hmmmm I wonder who Matthew Bramble could be?! Nice stuff, I like Robotnik gloating over Metropolis Zone, although it has yet to beat Gray's Super!
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Post by Charles on Jun 17, 2013 14:50:29 GMT
Nice stuff, I like Robotnik gloating over Metropolis Zone Robotnik likes it too!
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Smithy
Artist Hume
(A Small Borneo Mammal)
Queen of Pig Torture
Posts: 3,387
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Post by Smithy on Jun 19, 2013 9:31:22 GMT
Hmmmm I wonder who Matthew Bramble could be?! Who indeed...
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Post by Mambo's Here! Look Busy! on Jun 19, 2013 10:52:44 GMT
Bweeee. :B I guess I should've used sarcasm font there, but yeeey Smithy posted! Haven't seen you round ere for ages!
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Smithy
Artist Hume
(A Small Borneo Mammal)
Queen of Pig Torture
Posts: 3,387
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Post by Smithy on Jun 19, 2013 11:21:33 GMT
Just thought I'd pop in to say hello.
Hello.
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Post by Charles on Jun 22, 2013 13:31:10 GMT
The summary just had an update with three - three! - old school STC humes coming back! Do you like the original David Windett version of Trogg? Then you'll like panel 11!
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Post by Arch on Jun 23, 2013 11:02:38 GMT
Windett and Flint look like they've never been away. I know there are people that aren't sure about Flint's art but I still think it has its own charm, especially certain individuals like Robotnik. And I've always loved Windett's Tails!
Ferran Rodriguez's piece though...eh. I like his artwork, but what's with the Floating Island ripped straight out of the game? Sonic and Knuckles are meant to be fighting on the island itself, too...
Since I missed the last update, the Citadel scene is gorgeous!
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Post by neoamon on Jun 26, 2013 12:59:42 GMT
I was wondering what would happpen if the past versions of the freedom fighters met the currert versions.
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Post by The Shad on Jun 26, 2013 14:29:43 GMT
I was wondering what would happpen if the past versions of the freedom fighters met the currert versions. Ends in sex.
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Tom
Ex-Hume
Hume-who-used-to-think-he-was-in-charge
Posts: 3,786
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Post by Tom on Jun 26, 2013 17:36:58 GMT
I was wondering what would happpen if the past versions of the freedom fighters met the currert versions. Older Tails would reassure his young self that everything's going to be okay Porker would tell himself not to bother The two Amys would conspire to inform Sonic that he's going to marry her and have lots of children And Johnny can't because Johnny's dead
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Post by Chigs! on Jun 26, 2013 17:46:23 GMT
Tekno tells her young self "for ****'s sake dont build Shortfuse any armour no matter how much he whines!" Shorty's all "OMG you were imprisoned in Robotnik's indestructable armour too THAT'S SO WEIRD!"
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Post by Charles on Jun 26, 2013 19:07:27 GMT
Young Shortfuse: "I never get out of my armour? " Old Shortfuse: "Oh, I got out of it. I had Tekno make new armour so I could still have some!" Young Shortfuse: "You're sick, man. SICK."
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Post by neoamon on Jun 29, 2013 0:06:01 GMT
I was wondering what would happpen if the past versions of the freedom fighters met the currert versions. The two Amys would conspire to inform Sonic that he's going to marry her and have lots of children I can understand the past Amy conspire to inform Sonic that he's going to marry her and have lots of children, but doesn't the present Amy hate Sonic after she belives he betrayied the freedom fighters (it really was the Neo Metallix), I mean the last they met they fought.
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Post by patches on Jul 12, 2013 23:05:39 GMT
I can understand the past Amy conspire to inform Sonic that he's going to marry her and have lots of children, but doesn't the present Amy hate Sonic after she belives he betrsyied the freedom fighters (it really was the Neo Metallix), I mean the last they met they fought. No no no... Amy still loves Sonic- she just can't admit it to herself. That's why she gets so... um... upset everytime she sees him! She's grown up too remember: I like the fact she's grown from mindless Sonic-groupie to a valued member of the freedom fighters. I would also bet she loves Sonic more now than she did when she was desperate to marry him- and this makes his apparant betrayal all the more bitter for her. But this isn't ever going to be an Archie melodrama- Sonic and Amy can never get together in STC because that will end the series. It's part of the appeal I think, it creates a lot of tension between the two characters. Anyhoo, to get back to the issue (and I know I'm hopelessly late in posting this... is anyone actually going to read this/care what I write here?) I have to say this was one of the most satisfying issues I've read in a long time. I really liked all three stories, and I'm not sure I have a favourite- although perhaps the Sonic strip if I had to chose. I completely disagree with the idea it's a mere 'time-ravel romp'- it isn't! I thought it was a very touching and moving strip and said a lot about what bravery and heroism actually is. It's interesting to see that the young Sonic thinks being a hero is winning big battles against his enemies, but the older Sonic has started to realise that true bravery is staring defeat in the face but carrying on regardless for the benefit of those you care about. It puts me in mind of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Quite a Story Nigel- I really enjoyed reading it! The Sonic's World strip was lovely- I really liked the ending! I was worried the box was going to contain something Very Important For Future Story Arcs, and was really happy it ended up as a present for Sonic. It was a nice way to show just what Tails is willing to do for Sonic, and also shows how much Sonic needs Tails too- he's his only friend in the whole world now (which is quite a role reversal when you come to think of it!). Knuckles' strip was great too- in a way I'm quite glad Knuckles got a bit of a wake up call to what burrowing in the past can do. He's sliding dangerously towards living in the past and forgetting about the present so it was nice to see him gain a little perspective. It's late so I think I'll stop here, but I want to say congratulations on a fabulous celebratory issue! Happy Birthday STC!
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Post by Nigel Kitching on Jul 13, 2013 16:39:20 GMT
Well, I read your post patches and I appeciate your comments.
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Post by neoamon on Jul 13, 2013 19:26:17 GMT
I can understand the past Amy conspire to inform Sonic that he's going to marry her and have lots of children, but doesn't the present Amy hate Sonic after she belives he betrsyied the freedom fighters (it really was the Neo Metallix), I mean the last they met they fought. No no no... Amy still loves Sonic- she just can't admit it to herself. That's why she gets so... um... upset everytime she sees him! She's grown up too remember: I like the fact she's grown from mindless Sonic-groupie to a valued member of the freedom fighters. I would also bet she loves Sonic more now than she did when she was desperate to marry him- and this makes his apparant betrayal all the more bitter for her. But this isn't ever going to be an Archie melodrama- Sonic and Amy can never get together in STC because that will end the series. It's part of the appeal I think, it creates a lot of tension between the two characters. Anyhoo, to get back to the issue (and I know I'm hopelessly late in posting this... is anyone actually going to read this/care what I write here?) I have to say this was one of the most satisfying issues I've read in a long time. I really liked all three stories, and I'm not sure I have a favourite- although perhaps the Sonic strip if I had to chose. I completely disagree with the idea it's a mere 'time-ravel romp'- it isn't! I thought it was a very touching and moving strip and said a lot about what bravery and heroism actually is. It's interesting to see that the young Sonic thinks being a hero is winning big battles against his enemies, but the older Sonic has started to realise that true bravery is staring defeat in the face but carrying on regardless for the benefit of those you care about. It puts me in mind of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Quite a Story Nigel- I really enjoyed reading it! The Sonic's World strip was lovely- I really liked the ending! I was worried the box was going to contain something Very Important For Future Story Arcs, and was really happy it ended up as a present for Sonic. It was a nice way to show just what Tails is willing to do for Sonic, and also shows how much Sonic needs Tails too- he's his only friend in the whole world now (which is quite a role reversal when you come to think of it!). Knuckles' strip was great too- in a way I'm quite glad Knuckles got a bit of a wake up call to what burrowing in the past can do. He's sliding dangerously towards living in the past and forgetting about the present so it was nice to see him gain a little perspective. It's late so I think I'll stop here, but I want to say congratulations on a fabulous celebratory issue! Happy Birthday STC! Thank you patches for clearing that up. And heres to the next 20 years of Sonic the COMIC
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