written by Ian Flynn
illustrated by Patrick Spaziante

I will admit: I was hesitant about Sonic Select, Archie Comics’ reissue of their 1990s Sonic Super Special and Sonic Blast comics. I am not well-versed in the Sonic universe, and I was nervous that this would inhibit my enjoyment of the volume. And at first, it seemed I was correct. It did take me a bit of time to get used to characters that I’m sure any Sonic the Hedgehog fan grew up with. It would be like reading a Mario Bros. comic and not understanding why Mario was so hung up on Princess Peach, or why Mario and Luigi were always together.

As I read on, however, I slowly began to engage in the fight against Dr. Robotnik and to sympathize with Sonic’s friend in this comic world, the Freedom Fighters. I also started to enjoy the comic for what it was: an action adventure comic geared to older elementary kids that just happened to live in the Sonic the Hedgehog universe. The action is constant, appearing on every page. (Now is the time to advise that if you are a parent adverse to violence, even in the comic book world, you may want to flip through this title before handing it to your child).

The great thing about this reissue of the Sonic comics is that it could appeal to a variety of people. Obviously, if a child is a Sonic the Hedgehog fan, they will love this title. I would also imagine that adults today would enjoy it for nostalgia purposes alone: seeing their beloved Sonic characters in action-packed scenarios will bring them back (mentally at least) to their childhood Sonic-playing experiences. Even those kids looking for a bit of romance and jealousy will find it between Sonic and his comic-book love interest.

Interestingly, for a comic based on a video game, this volume’s themes are surprisingly anti-technology. Technology has made the inhabitants of their world clone-like in motive and personality, and only Sonic and his friends are standing against these conformist, robotic impulses. It would be fascinating to see how children today, growing up in a society so infused with technology, would respond to this theme.

The style of the art is reminiscent of both superhero comics and, surprisingly, medieval comics like Prince Valiant. Therefore this comic might also appeal to kids who enjoy this subgenre of comics and stories—stories where action and chivalry rule the day.

I would recommend Sonic Select Book Three to older elementary aged children and to adults looking for a bit of 1990s nostalgia.

-- Kyla Hunt

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