Hey everyone. I've browsed SonicHq frequently over the years, but this is my first time reading the forums. After about an hour of reading a few topics, you all seem to know your stuff when it comes to the Archie comics. Because of that knowledge, I need this communities advice.
I'm your standard Sonic mega fan. Fell in love with the franchise when I was a kid gaming on my Genesis. I bought my first Sonic Archie comic way back when, it was issue #18. I fell in love with the comic, and bought every single issue from 18 all the way up to somewhere around issue 75-80. It was about then when I discovered PC gaming, and PC gaming / PC hardware magazines became my reading of choice. I don't know if I felt too "mature" for comics at that point, or if puberty pushed me away, but I just stopped reading the Sonic comics. It wasn't because of loss of interest, I still loved Sonic. I just didn't feel like I should be reading comics anymore, I guess. I still bought issues intermittantly, probably 15 issues within the range of 80 and 170. Still, I just didn't feel like it was something I needed to be reading on a regular basis.
Fast forward 10 years. I'm a senior in college, and I'm studying computer animation. I've re-discovered the kid within me, and I love watching cartoons, buying action figures, drawing, and playing video games. I love all that stuff too much to just drop it, I realized that it was who I am. I recently bought a Nintendo Wii, and last week they released the web browser. I've been utilizing that function to sit in the comfort of my couch and watch YouTube. While bumming one night, I stumbled across some episodes of SatAM on YouTube. I got so excited, I hadn't seen those in years. I watched an episode, then another, and then another. It's completely rekindled the enthusiasm I had for Sonic as a kid. I've been re-reading all the classic comics. Man, how great the story is! The characters are all great, the art styles, I love it all.
I want back in. I know the comics saw some rough time around the 100's, so maybe I haven't missed that much. But I am WAY out of storyline. I don't know how to catch up. What do you as a community recommend I do? I searched Ebay yesterday for comics, and listed are many random numbered comics, but no good sets of issues in order. Does anyone know of any places where I can back order bulk issues, or do you recommend any certain issues specifically that I should back order? Are there good online resources that'll catch me up on story (legally, of course) or should I just buy the issues? I really wouldn't mind owning a lot of these issues, but there are a LOT to pick up, and as a college student, I'm afraid I don't have that much money to work with. Any insight on helping out a old fan long since lost would be greatly appreciated!
If you just want to understand the storyline now, getting #129-141 and then skipping ahead to #160 is what I'd recommend. The status quo was changed a bit with #130, but I add #129 because it explains why everyone is no longer roboticized (except basically Bunnie & Jules) and the background for Tails' parents. If you happen to enjoy the Mobius: 25 Years Later backstory in #131-141, then add #142-144 which finishes it. There are a few issues between #141 and #160 that might be worth adding, such as #150-151 and #155-56 just for important revelations/changes. I'm probably forgetting a couple, but I'm purposely skipping the Shadow stuff as that I didn't feel was that good. Someone else may feel differently--or you may like him. I also skipped the Mina/Ash/Sonic love triangle storyline, which I didn't think was that big a deal (though I did like the story, just not the art much).
While you will sometimes get more opinions than summary (it depends on the reviewer--b/c sometimes you get both or more summary than opinions), the reviews section can get you an idea of what's was going on up to #162 for most issues--not all. If you want a Knuckles-centered summary (in other words, just stuff dealing with Knuckles), this may help. As for buying, the store lists places to try. Archie has them all in yearly sets and I know Lone Star Comics is pretty good about having many of the back issues--but not all of them. The only other place I know well that's listed is Mile High Comics and it's hit or miss. It'll still cost a bit. But with a little explanation, jumping on now won't be too big a hurdle.
Thanks a lot for the info. I have a few issues in the range you noted, 123-125 and 150 specifically. I'm not sure about my feelings on Shadow, I never saw much of him in the comics from what I read, and I haven't played much of his games. I'll get looking into those suggested comics immediately. The sites you suggested are great, and prices are MUCH more reasonable than Ebay. I'm excited to get back into the swing of things.
I would like to read some issues from the Mina/Sally love triangle. Any good recommendations on those?
Ah, yes, that lovely triangle--and actually I enjoyed it. ^_^
The main issues that drove it would be #88-90 (to see the first Sonic/Sally misunderstanding), #93 (had the most of "all" the incremental developments throughout the 90s outside of #90 & #99), #99-100 (for the second), #109 (for the clear-up), #111 (if you're interested in Sonic's view--though negated in #123), and #120-123 ended it. Until, #130-134. After, #144 and #153-54 the whole thing has been put to rest.
Awesome! Thanks again, True Red. I think that sums up everything! As soon as my next paycheck rolls in, I'm hitting the websites to do some much needed catching up.
One thing you should know about snively... he is REALLY possessive about those last 6 hairs of his.
