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Fans of Archie Comics’ Sonic the Hedgehog have spent the past four months with no clue as to where the Blue Blur’s monthly series went. Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Universe, and Sonic Boom! were solicited in January for their usual monthly releases, but publisher Archie suddenly pulled the plug on all three books this past April. Comic book website Newsarama inquired as to why the solicited comics never hit stands, to which Archie said the following:
“We are in communication with SEGA regarding Sonic and will provide an update when we have one to share,” said an Archie Comics spokesperson. “We thank the fans for their patience.”
That quote was from a few days ago. At the time, Sega had nothing to say on the topic. Now, the video game developer has come forward and revealed that it has indeed ended the licensing deal for Sonic the Hedgehog between itself and Archie. Sega released the following statement via its Twitter page:
“After 24 years of memorable storytelling, SEGA of America will conclude their Sonic the Hedgehog publishing partnership program with Archie Comics. This does not mark the end of Sonic in comics, but signifies SEGA of America’s decision to take a different direction for the series that will be announced at a later date. SEGA would like to thank Sonic’s amazing fans for their loyalty and passion over all the years. SEGA looks forward to providing more information soon.”
Sonic the Hedgehog made history as the longest-running comic book based on a video game character, hitting 293 issues before Sega’s abrupt halt of publication. Sonic Universe was at 97 issues, while Sonic Boom!, the “baby” of the trio, was at 11.
This is heartbreaking news for fans who have been with the book for its 24 year history. Though Sega assures that Sonic as a comic will “take a different direction”, it’s going to take quite a book to live up to the legacy of Archie’s efforts with the character and his universe.
Source: Sega
