Happy 20th Anniversary, Sonic the Comic!

[Michael]

Sonic the Comic is 20 today! Wow!

I really don't know where the time has gone, it doesn't seem that long ago I picked issue one up on the way home from school one Wednesday. Though it also doesn't seem that long ago since we launched our first online issue ten years ago too...

So, uh, yeah, wow!

We've got a whole host of celebrations planned, and they all start today so get yourself over to www.stconline.co.uk and take a look! ;D

We've got the anniversary issue, #261 featuring some very special guests helping me out on the lead strip.

www.stconline.co.uk/261/controlzone.html

We've also just launched our 'New to STC?' section that will be a great starting point for new readers, and a fantastic reference points for STC veterans. You won't believe some of the people we've managed to get involved!

www.stconline.co.uk/summary/index.html

And last, but definitely not least, we have our Anniversary Zone!
This will be updated weekly for the foreseeable future, and regularly throughout the year with all sorts of bits and bobs celebrating 20 years of STC.

www.stconline.co.uk/anniversaryzone/index.html

If you'd like to contribute, head over to Speedlines (stconline.co.uk/speedlines.html) and send us a message! We'd love to showcase your memories of STC, favourite characters, stories... your artwork, just drop us a line and we'll sort something out!


Have a great anniversary day, folks!

~Michael

[Hevs]

Thoroughly enjoyed the issue, I really applaud everyone on the team for having made this the success it's been for so long! You all deserve a massive pat on the back! ^_^

First off, I LOVE the Green Sonic Cover! It looks absolutely fantastic! The other cover is really nice too
Sonic: Pretty darn entertaining, with a good balance of action and story, with not too much establishing information but not too little either, which I imagine is tricky when establishing Johnny for people who might not know who he is. A pretty nice story too, I was initially worried it was gonna be too Sonic Generations but it wasn't, the Sonic-Sonic interaction was great and the art extremely polished and pretty. Great job

Sonic's World: Plenty of laughs in this ^_^, especially liked the inclusion of the Sonic 4 Episode 2 Badniks, and the "Hearing you upside down" gag. Was the building with the giant R and a poster for Plasma on the side a nod to Pokémon by any chance? XD Nice simple story. Neat job

Knuckles: Knuckles stories are usually my favourite, and this was good too. I always like reading more about the ancient echidna civilisation and hopefully we get more in the future. Story could have been more but it did a grand job for 5 pages worth, and it's probably me just pining for more Knuckles stuff. Nice to see Chaos again too.

All in all a great work, just reading through the extra stuff now! ^_^ Can't believe it's been so long since all this began, the team has done a good job and it kinda inspires me to want to get involved. Long live STC! What's in the future? I'd personally like to see more of Robotnik, along with more Robotnik-centric story arcs, but the Drakons are always welcome as well!

[Pinchetel]

Tails' story summed up; UP AND DOWN AND ALL AROUND.

And don't think I didn't see Ray and Kimba the Anthro Lion cameos, as well as that one chick from that one trio of STCO exclusive heroes that I've forgotten the name of.

[Arch]

Happy days, I've been looking forward to this issue for some time and it's delivered in plenty of ways!

Stories first, they're always the most important:

Sonic - Good writing, but I suppose I imagined more from the return of Kitching/Dobbyn than a time travel jolly involving little more than a fight between two Sonics. Still, the frantic actions of Tails to keep Johnny from learning his fate was very well-written and it's added quite a tragic tone to Johnny's later adventures... whichever ones they were (EDIT: It's meant to be 'Girl Trouble'. Ha! Fantastic!). Good overall.

Tails - Very good, although I wasn't sure on first read-through. Lots and lots of characters, plenty of Badnik/monster action and a funny ending. It had it all and I know I'm going to enjoy reading it again.

Knuckles - Eh. A nice twist to a good story for Knuckles, but I feel there was an awful lot of exposition in this final part. I do really like the revelation behind "Here Lies the Gizoid" - makes plenty of sense when you just look at it, so well done. I couldn't see past 'all' the typos, though - "detemined", "recalbiration".

Everything else - !!! I wasn't expecting returns of all these artists and I'm in love with Jon Haward's Shinobi/Eternal Champions wallpaper. Fantastic work. Adamis has put in a huge shift as usual, kudos. A Review Zone with scores! Thank goodness, please keep it that way.

I'm definitely intrigued by the Anniversary Zone, as long as we know when it's being updated (like every issue, or whatever). I don't think too many people would check back habitually, although the Facebook page and this forum would probably put that right.

Happy anniversary, STC/STC-O. It's amazing how it's still been going this long and to have such a mix of creators old and new, it's been a pleasure to read. Keep on going.

EDIT: Just realised all the stuff I actually missed in the Anniversary Zone. Amazing job, people.

EDIT EDIT: The Sonic's World story says it was lettered by Chris at the bottom but Charles in the art. It looks like the font Charles uses, but...

[ShayMay]

May 29, 2013 12:31:20 GMT Arch said:

I couldn't see past 'all' the typos, though - "detemined", "recalbiration".

Aargh! I'm kicking myself about this one; I clocked these about a month or so back and fixed them, and then must have forgotten to upload them.
Mike's been gracious enough to fix them. Thanks for pointing that out.

[Mambo's Here! Look Busy!]

I've had a quick look but will read properly later. Looking nice though, and it fits well on my tablet too!

Re typos, normally I proofread it but this time unfortunately I couldn't due to science commitment. If the guys will have me back I'll do so again in future. Its just a shame the special birthday issue coincided with an important conference. Sorry guys, hope it doesn't detract from your enjoyment!

[Fools in Miru]

I liked how Rouge showed up again.

[Charles]

This is a visual feast for the eyes! Do you like a artist? Then you're in luck today!

The new summary also means, once it's done, nobody can ever say they can't get into STC-O because they don't know the comic. Hedgehogs for everyone!

EDIT: Also, Johnny knew since Girl Trouble that he was one day going to be killed in battle and still kept doing it, which makes him the baddest one of them all.

This also puts a grimmer spin on why he's saying "oh no" before Chaos thumps him.

[Deleted]

Happy 20th anniversary, Sonic the Comic.

I always have such great memories about this series. I'm also grateful that it's still continuing via STC Online.

[Tom]

It's been a real excitement knowing that Nigel Kitching was working on a new STC adventure, and given it has the weight of thirteen years' worth of anticipation resting on it, I was prepared to be disappointed.

But I wasn't. Not one bit.

It passes every test of a great STC story: a clever hook, engaging characterisation (can't imagine why it never occurred to me that Sonic wouldn't get along with himself), sharp imagery, action in all the right places, moments of humour, moments of true pathos, an appreciation for what's gone before, genuine lasting consequences and an appropriate sense of reverence for the occasion. It builds into a beautiful crescendo, gets right to the heart of these two-decade-old characters, and makes you care about the fate of a "dull rabbit".

It's splendid enough to see what he did within the constraints of this story, I'd love to see what he could do if he really let rip.

It was all brilliantly realised by Mike, who has been working on STC Online longer and harder than anyone else, in fact at thirteen years it's longer than anyone worked on the original STC, so I can't think of anyone more deserving to take part in this special collaboration.

And special it was, with the brilliant Nigel Dobbyn providing inks and gorgeous colours. I was a big fan of Nigel's artwork during the original run, and I'd never have thought of pairing him with Mike - but their styles are a really good match, they mesh beautifully. I hope that isn't the last we've seen of that collaboration!

What a cover too, by Kev Hopgood. Really impressed by the star talent this issue has attracted overall, actually. That guy designed War Machine!!

Of course it wouldn't be much of an issue of STC Online without a lot of artwork by Adamis; I count 12 pieces he's done for this issue (including what has to be my personal favourite of the Robotnikat strips we've done together). I also really like what Matt Dittmer has done with his art in the Tails strip, it's obvious a lot of painstaking work has gone into that. Frustrating though that the 'go large' thing is so fiddly - doesn't work very well at all on the iPad retina display. It would be better if the higher quality images were the ones that loaded by default, to be honest.

And hey, the Review Zone is actually reviewing something I've played for a change! Very agreeable review, although from my experience I haven't encountered any slowdown at all - but then again I'm on the spruced-up iPad 4. It might just be something that varies between platforms. Anyway I've managed to 'earn' enough red rings to buy all the characters and Tails is the only interesting one visually, unless you like looking up Amy's skirt all the time that is.

Happy 20th birthday STC, and happy 10th birthday STC Online - thanks for so many fond memories.

Oh yeah and not forgetting, happy fifth birthday Cedric.

[Jamie J]

Happy 20th STC! It's been an absolute pleasure to be a part of it. Great issue too, I loved these strips.

[RedDevilDazzy]

Happy Birthday Sonic The Comic, 20 years!!

[Beeth]

All in all, a a very fitting series of festivities. A trio of corking stories befitting of the anniversary, including one brought to life exquisitely by the Nigels (great to see you back, fellas!), a smorgasboard of retrospectives from old & new staff and fans alike which brought back a wave of nostalgia, an unprecedented and gorgeous cover by the first ever STC cover artist, and an awesome series of posters and artwork.

It's a hell of a tribute which the whole community has passionately backed and contributed to. Congratulations to all who have made this special day possible, thorughout its history. Here's looking forward to whatever the future brings!

[Mambo's Here! Look Busy!]

I'll read this again when I'm back but wow.... I got a bit teary from the Sonic story. Awww maaan, that Johnny knew his fate all along. Awww.... maybe that's why he was always so nice!

Many thanks to the STCO guys and to the very special guests! This was a treat. I'll post in more detail later on for the rest of the issue.

Ok, I'm back... now my thoughts;

Sonic

HUMMUNAHUMMUNAHUMMUNAHUMMUNA.... a strip by the Two Nigels?! *unleashes a squeal only dogs can hear* I knew that there was something Nigel Dobbyn was doing for STCO (I saw him post it on DA a while ago) but this is something else! It looks great and reads great!

I like how older Sonic even looks slightly older, he seems to have slight lines under his eyes in some panels which make him look a lot more world-weary that younger Sonic, and I think this fits with his current predicament. I'm not sure if the STCO team told the Two Nigels about the current story arc in great detail, so I'm not sure if these little things are deliberate... but it works!

I love the reference to Girl Trouble, but a slight niggle is that Sonic declares Kintobor has messed up and sent them into the future. I'm pretty sure Kintobor had nothing to do with Sonic and Johnny's transport to the Special Zone in the original story but eh, it's something I'm not that fussed about. I mean, it's Nigel Kitching!!! :B

Young Sonic and Young Johnny look great. (EHMEHGERD Christmas tree Sonic! ) I like the slight touch of blue iris to them both, and that it gives off a Generations-eque feel but doesn't go over the top. Young Sonic is also the massive git that I remember, and although STCO Sonic is a little less belligerent, he still has his fair share of sass to dole out! The fight is also pretty funny, I loved Sonic socking his younger self in the face!! Also, they should be evenly matched, but I do wonder if an older Sonic would be as fast. His aged clone was just as fast back in the day...

Young Johnny discovering his fate is a right tearjerker, and I wonder what rules are being played here. Is this a second, alternative timeline or is it the original one? In which case, Johnny has known all along that something will happen to him which costs him his life. How he knows to reassure Sonic rather than ask a load of questions shows how much Johnny knows Sonic, and that he would totally take it badly if something happened to any of his buddies. The fact that Sonic is completely speechless after Johnny speaks to him is marvellous as well. I don't think we see Sonic lost for words very often!

Sonic's World

Also really great stuff. I laughed at Tails peering over the bar, reminded me of that Garfield pic! Nice to see different characters in this story as well. I was thinking that a smack in the face from Mighty would be enough to knock someone out, if not cause massive damage(!) but I guess Rouge is made of harder stuff! haha! I'm a little confused as to why Chaotix, Knuckles and Porker are in Metropolis Zone conducting some bizarre experiment (negative space? Are they trying to recreate the Special Zone? :B) but it's a minor worry. Charmy's formation comment made me laugh. I do like all the little details in the background like Rue Robotnik (Why would they dedicate a street to Robotnik anyway?! XD) and random cameos. The end I felt was a little... abrupt... but I suppose if it happened on the same day as In Memory I can imagine Sonic is a little shaken and is putting on a macho act! Part of me wonders as well if he is still trying to hide as best he can from the authorities and the public! The picture of him atop the loop reminded me of his rather scary pose in Smokey and The Badnik. I don't know if this is deliberate, but it's a nice reminder of how scary the spikey hog can look in the shadows!

Knuckles

Like last issue, this was bloody great, a fantastic and no doubt massive effort from Shay. I only wish it was longer! hehe! Interesting to see another glimpse into Knuckles' past, his former role and his abilities. I listened to Shay's comments in Speedreading first and I have to say I can see why Chaos was given the role he had in this!

The fight was great. I do like how Knuckles is still the badass strong guy in STCO and not the gullible comic relief he has become elsewhere. He's also shown to really think about his approach in this situation, and not just smash stuff up (as Sonic accused him of in an earlier issue...). Great job on writing Knuckles this way!

Again I felt the ending was a little abrupt but I get there are page restrictions. I suppose Porker won't give up, and although Knuckles is content with this closure, I'm sure deep down he is anxious to find out what he can from whatever source he gets his massive hands on!

Summary Zone

As an old crusty fan of the original STC I already know these events quite well.. but I guess that means I enjoy them all the more! Great work and a fantastic idea!

Review Zone

This is probably the only largely positive review I have seen of Sonic Dash! Every other review I've read has been a complaint about its in game-purchase system, the red rings, its resemblance to Temple Run and Subway Surfers and its lack of Android availability! Nice to see this, LT! (I also read this in your voice!! XD)

Wallpapers

Wow, some real treats in here!! Also... tablet wallpapers?! EEEEEEEE!!! Thankyou, although I will have a hard time deciding which to use, and although I've cropped it down for my tablet I am rather attached to the Sky Chase wallpaper Shay and Pete did. Ooh, decisions decisions! XD

Looking forward to the new additions as and when they come. And thankyou so much to everyone who made this great issue happen! Here's to many more in the future!

[modochi]

This is a rather good issue, and while I haven't had the chance to read the actual STC, I feel this anniversary issue did a fantastic job celebrating it.

[L. T. Dangerous]

Bloody brilliant issue. I'm not going to go too in-depth this time. Basically everything is really, really lovely and I'm proud to be part of this fandom.

Lead strip was really nice, it's excellent to have one of the original writers finally contribute a script to STCO. After ten years it's about time! Also, it puts a nice twist on Johnny's character. I suppose you'd learn to live life to the fullest, wouldn't you?

My favourite story was the Sonic's World one, it was a nice little tribute to the various characters of STC while also pushing forward a few storylines (Special Zone and Rouge, that is). Shay once again proves he's excellent at writing Big as even this minor cameo was great. Charmy "hearing Vector upside down" made me laugh very hard.

I gave an audible gasp at the twist in the Knuckles story. Absolutely fantastic conclusion (and I KNEW that skeleton was going to be significant!!!).

Be very proud, guys.

Also, the Next Time page is hinting to more than it would suggest, isn't it?

[Mambo's Here! Look Busy!]

I spotted something that looked like

SPOILER: Click to show

The Time Eater's gateway

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......

[snowthefox]

happy 20th anniversary sonic the comic!

[Charles]

May 30, 2013 7:22:20 GMT Mambo's Here! Look Busy! said:

Rue Robotnik (Why would they dedicate a street to Robotnik anyway?! XD)

It's the street where all the scumbags live, so the Zone Council voted to change the name as a total diss.

[Mambo's Here! Look Busy!]

Ah. I was thinking maybe it was the street Grimer drove down to rescue Robotnik back in issue 100, but your reasoning is much funnier!

[Beeth]

Bit much to associate the scratters with Robotnik, isn't it? It's an insult to the scratters, for a start.

[Charles]

insert Conservative Party joke here

[The KKM]

Quick mention- is the monster the Chaotix face really meant to be the macabre implication I took it for (some sort of chaos-abomination-mashup of the minds and bodies of the people who lived in the Special Zone), or am I reading too much into it?

[Matt]

May 30, 2013 23:11:38 GMT The KKM said:

Quick mention- is the monster the Chaotix face really meant to be the macabre implication I took it for (some sort of chaos-abomination-mashup of the minds and bodies of the people who lived in the Special Zone), or am I reading too much into it?

nah it was our little homage to Tikaos

seriously though, that never really corssed my mind when I was colouring it, and it's not in Shay script, but you never know whats going on in his head.
Or the Chaotix heads really.

I think when you mix the chaotix, negative space, and one nervous Porker Lewis.... a raging purple jam monster that may or may not be former inhabitants of the special zone is actually the most normal outcome you can hope for.

[ShayMay]

May 30, 2013 7:22:20 GMT Mambo's Here! Look Busy! said:

I was thinking that a smack in the face from Mighty would be enough to knock someone out, if not cause massive damage(!) but I guess Rouge is made of harder stuff! haha! I'm a little confused as to why Chaotix, Knuckles and Porker are in Metropolis Zone conducting some bizarre experiment (negative space? Are they trying to recreate the Special Zone? :B) but it's a minor worry.

Ahh, I'm glad someone asked this, actually.
Originally, it was just going to be the Chaotix Crew there, and since I couldn't think of a good way to incorporate Knuckles and Porker I was just going to leave them out. However, when the time came to drawing it, I decided we couldn't have a celebration without those two, so I asked Adamis to put them in. He kindly obliged, and it was only much later, once the inks were done, that I realised that Knuckles and Porker would be in the anniversary anyway in Skellies part 3!
I was considering adding a line where they explained what they were doing but I decided it distracted too much from the flow. The Chaotix enlisted Porker's help with a teleportation device, and since Knuckles was the designated driver of the Floating Island he went along too.

As for Mighty, he pulled his punch, otherwise she'd be
(wait for it)
Rouge the Flat!

May 30, 2013 23:53:05 GMT Matt said:

I think when you mix the chaotix, negative space, and one nervous Porker Lewis.... a raging purple jam monster that may or may not be former inhabitants of the special zone is actually the most normal outcome you can hope for.

Considering the top-right set of eyes, I choose to believe it's the Chaotix' attempt to rid the world of Ponies.