Sonic X #30: Big Top Terror!!

Written by: Ian "The Ringmaster" Flynn

Art by: James "The Human Cannon" Fry

Cover by: Patrick "The Clown" Spazniete

Review (SOME MINOR SPOILERS): Despite some fun moments, this is Ian's weakest issue yet. What you are getting is essentially the last 2/3'rds of an issue. Barely any explanation is given to Eggman's brilliant capture of EVERYONE other than they got "tricked". Somewhere, some scene needed to be cut to add this. I know Ian only gets 22 pages to work with, but it's important. Either that, or make the story a two-parter.

The other problem I have is that just like the Valentines issue. Instead of the Hero using his speed and cunning, and coming up with a solution to get out of the tight jam, he merely gets lucky when the henchmen trip on thier own two feet, and screw it up for the villan. I know the robots are bumbling and clumsy, but it's going too far when all three have to screw up this badly in order for Sonic to escape. A more preferable solution would be for Sonic to taunt Eggman into screwing up, or for some outside help to save the day. Such as the Chaotix. Heck, even Vanilla sneaking in and rescuing everyone one person at a time would have made for a better story than the usual "Villan trips on his own feet, heroes win." story we have here.

Also, when will Egman realize that the Thorndyke's are billionare's and that kidnapping Chris would net him a TON of ransom money. He cannot be that dumb to not know how famous and rich they are. He has been shown watching the news.

That said, there is some good stuff to find. Fry does a great job as always. He gives alot of great expression to the characters. Just look at the four panel page of Bokkun locked in the cage. There are three great expressions of him on that page alone. He's becoming my personal fave artist on this book. (Don't worry Tracy. You're still my fave on STH) My one problem with him on this issue, is that Cream never flaps her ears when she's flying.

There are a few great moments too, like Sonic hitting Knux with a pie after rescuing him. "Sorry Knuckles, I couldn't help myself!" Bokkun's great as always "You try to take over the world one time, and they never let you forget it." I also like that Chris acted more like a kid for a change. "..And then those spike things were like, "Clang" and Amy was all "Help me!" and Knuckles looked so funny! And, And, And....."

OVERALL: 5/10 - While it did have some fun moments, 2/3rds of a story, and villans defeating themselves make this issue Ian's weakest yet. Worst issue since #21.