One of the most satisfying issues in quite some time, in my opinion. To summarize:
"I AM," by Flynn/Yardley
Shadow's abrupt interest in Gerald's diary causes him to seize Robotnik and Snively to demand the diary. Robotnik won't give, forcing Sniv to surrender its location... and his last six hairs. Shadow gets the diary, but he needs a safe place to investigate it...
...speaking of Freedom HQ, Knux and Tails are working on the airboards when Sonic barges in looking for Fiona. Tails makes a not-so-subtly distressed exit, and Knux and Sonic discuss the state of affairs between Sonic and Tails, and the fact that Fiona's gone missing.
Suddenly, Shadow shows up, chased by Sonic Heroes-esque baddies. He and Sonic trade trash talk (we see some classic Sonic sarcasm here) and Sonic agrees to help. Tails and Nicole work together to allow Sonic and Shadow to enter the digital world of the diary, accompanied by furry Nicole.
Meanwhile, Knux and Tails have a crisis to deal with. Snively has shown up in the "Egg Lobster," a new mech. He's after his hairs, which had tracers on them. Knux tries to hold him off, but he struggles.
Meanwhile, Shadow reunites with Maria and Gerald. He asks Gerald the burning question about what he is. Long story short, Shadow was originally to have been the source of a cure for NIDS, which Maria has, but Gerald had difficulty creating him so he asked Black Doom for help, which led to Shadow being a weapon of sorts. Black Doom and the Black Arms are due to return to Mobius any time now (although Sonic is confident that the Black Arms/Xorda conflict will keep both aliens at bay for some time). To summarize, Gerald says that in his opinion, that Shadow is the protector and savior of Mobius.
The digital world starts to collapse around them, and Shadow says a tearful goodbye to Maria. When Sonic and Shadow return to Freedom HQ, they learn of Knuckles' fight with Sniv, and Shadow makes quick work of the Egg Lobster. He throws the hairs in Sniv's face, giving a speech about his newfound identity and how Robotnik can just deal with it.
Knuckles says, "Hmph. Show-off," to which Sonic replies "Don't worry. I'm sure he'll be as moody and brooding as ever."
Next, four Sega Data files. One for the Master Emerald, one for the Rings and Chaos Emeralds, one for Chao, and one for Flickies.
Then, the real gem of the issue:
"Enforcers," by Flynn/Yardley
On Angel Island, an echidna settlement is being harassed by dingo troops, when all of a sudden, to the rescue comes... the Destructix? Locke finds it hard to believe as well. Enter Dr. Fin, who explains that he's allied with the Destructix and has taught them to do good deeds. After all, Angel Island is his home as well. Locke is skeptical. But, Dr. Fin says, why take it from him, when you can take it from...
Dimitri! Who is already sporting his M25yl design. Dimitri and Fin basically assure Locke that they've got things under control on Angel Island, so Locke can go searching for the Brotherhood. Dr. Fin even gives Locke a warp ring to help him out.
Locke is reluctant to leave the island in the hands of two veterans of the now defunct original Dark Legion, but when Dr. Fin mentions that they could always call on Knuckles for help, Locke changes his mind and runs off, promising to check in frequently.
With Locke gone, Dr. Fin grins and says "all too easy." Dimitri resents having to lie to Locke, but Dr. Fin leads him to the Master Emerald and promises that soon,
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the dingo regime will be crushed, the Legion will be unified... and the world will know the glory of your old identity.
The power and name of Enerjak will be known once more.
pause.
GASP! SQUEAL!
End of story.
Wow. Just wow. I think I see exactly where Ian is headed with Dr. Fin's plan now. And I like it. I like it a lot.
you know what? i really do too.
honestly, i've wanted Enerjak back for a LOOONG friggin' time.
so was Dmitri in the bubble? or was he in his full body?
Another question, was dmitri sad about lying to locke?
Dimitri was in his bubble, essentially identical to his M25yl design. It was stated that Finitevus did this to save his life, but after Locke leaves, Dimitri mentioned that Finitevus "took [him] apart bit by bit."
Dimitri also says "There, I lied to him, you monster. Now fulfill your end of the bargain." This led me to believe that Dmitri doesn't approve of lying to Locke, although this puzzles me because the two obviously are working together on something evil.
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Meanwhile, Shadow reunites with Maria and Gerald. He asks Gerald the burning question about what he is. Long story short, Shadow was originally to have been the source of a cure for NIDS, which Maria has, but Gerald had difficulty creating him so he asked Black Doom for help, which led to Shadow being a weapon of sorts. Black Doom and the Black Arms are due to return to Mobius any time now (although Sonic is confident that the Black Arms/Xorda conflict will keep both aliens at bay for some time). To summarize, Gerald says that in his opinion, that Shadow is the protector and savior of Mobius.
I know he is not the real Gerald but shouldn't Digital Gerald sound insane like real deal? I mean this is the same diary from SA2(the one where he angry at the world and want to destroy it) right? And why is there a Digital Maria there too?
First of all, the comic has never established Gerald's insanity. Secondly, from the data in the diary, Nicole completely reconstructed the ARK as it was, Maria and all.
I'm liking where the second story seems to be heading. Can't wait to pick this up.
I can't see Lien-da just letting Dimitri get his power back or not getting revenge on Finitevus for abandoning the Dark Legion like that. After all, she "worked too hard"
to lead the Legion and have the power before it fell apart simply to have some relic of a relative and an abdicator take it away and rob her of any chance to get it all again. I fear this may push her over the edge to do something drastic and sabatoge their plans so she can get ahead. I can think of only one thing that she may try (assuming she gets involved in this plot development at all) and what it is just may be to horrific and awesome for me to say here. I only hope that others may figure out where I'm heading.
In other news... ENERJAK SHALL RISE AGAIN!!! REPENT MORTALS, FOR A DAY OF RECKONING IS SOON TO BE UPON US!!!!
My gosh. It's been what, 9 or 10 years since we saw Mammoth Mogul steal his powers with the Sword of Acorns? Come to think of it, hasn't it also been that long since the last official appearance of Hyper(not Super) Knuckles?
Oh yes. The crap has been taken out, and Ian is in control. I'd almost be more interested in Archie than Sega right now due to the suckitude of STH360, but Secret Rings is looking like it might be decent.
But if Dmitri hates Dr. Fintevus, why does Dr. Finitevus want to turn him into Enerjak? That seems rather suicidal, unless he has some way of controlling Enerjak. M25YL Dmitri called it a huge mistake to team with him, and since that was written by Ian, it sounds like foreshadowing, or postshadowing, even if M25YL is only a possible future.
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But if Dmitri hates Dr. Fintevus, why does Dr. Finitevus want to turn him into Enerjak?
Notice how vague Finitevus was in the bit I quoted. It doesn't say anything about turning Dimitri into Enerjak...
that's what i got from it too. it's definately an interesting plot.
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Notice how vague Finitevus was in the bit I quoted. It doesn't say anything about turning Dimitri into Enerjak...
Dmitri falling for such wordplay would be very disappointing. He's supposed to be a dark legion mastermind, not Amy or Big. Simply having Dr. Finitevus lie or use some trick would be vastly preferable to Dmitri being an idiot and having Dr. Finitevus reveal that he was telling the truth in an Obi-Wan Kenobi way. If he doesn't trust Dr. Finitevus, he should be careful of the wording of any deals he makes.
Ooh, me likes.
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First of all, the comic has never established Gerald's insanity. Secondly, from the data in the diary, Nicole completely reconstructed the ARK as it was, Maria and all.
Actually Dirk you wrong about Gerald insanity.In issue 98 back up story (As the Shadow awakes!) the last two pages show that Gerald want revenge and has gone insane after he find out that Maria has been killed. Also in issue 124 first story, Shadow mentions sacrificing himself to save Mobius in his Super form which would indicate that Gerald plan to crash the Ark must have happened. In the other words Gerald was insane in the comic just like in the games.
That's true, but remember, Maria is alive in the diary, so the Gerald in the diary is not insane yet.
I just got this issue yesterday. According what Gerald said in the first story, Shadow is a savior. Forget Jesus, We should all praise shadow!
Yes this was a great issue overall. Can't wait to see what Finitevus has up his sleave.
That wouldn't be the first time someone has been called that in the comic. 😉
The word Savior AGAIN. UH OH! Watch Shadow get to fight with 100,000 replicas of himself against the Black Arms -.- And then well forget all about his savior ship like Tails.
Anyway, I need to pick up this comic. Gonna hafta really catch up on this series. Enerjak back and taking out the dingoes. We need a Dimirti versus Chaos Knuckles now. I have been cheated of that twice...
<< Mogul come back plz btw 
Ian's trying to revive Enerjak? Good. It's good to see that the remnants of the defunct Knuckles series aren't being phased out as I had feared. And it's good to see that there may finally be a villain who can challenge Eggman at the top of the food chain.
I'm very happy folks are really digging this month's installment! I was afraid I'd get some flak for the main plot being an abridged version of Shadow's origin, but I guess I did something right.
That, and the little teaser at the very end 
I'm just surprised nobody's commented yet on the brief glimpse of StH#175 . . .
Dude, are you saying we might be seeing Enerjak again THAT soon?!!
I think Ian was more referring to the "preview cover" of Sonic 175. I didn't mention it in the review because almost nothing could bee seen. I don't have a scanner now, but someone else can probably get a pic.
The cover is mostly obscured. All I could really make out was that the cover has a black background with black and white line art of what appears to be Sonic. I think he may be scratchign his head.
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I'm very happy folks are really digging this month's installment! I was afraid I'd get some flak for the main plot being an abridged version of Shadow's origin, but I guess I did something right
you got rid of a plotline that everyone was getting tired of. you should be THANKED not Flakked.
you should also be thanked for bringing back one of the most badass villains this comic has ever seen.
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you should also be thanked for bringing back one of the most badass villains this comic has ever seen.
IF that's what your doing. If not, then, well... your flak is in the mail.
(Ingore this post)
Yes this was a very good story, True it was an abridged version of Shadow's Orgins's (very short adapation of the Shadow game), still it was very good.
And this is what a story should be like, combing the humor of the old issiues (Snivley losing his last six hairs 
) with the drama and action of the new issiues (Shadow be reuntied with Maria) I also like Sonic's reaction to Nicole's lynx form (Sonic: "Sweet I like the look.") (I hope they don't make a protental Sonic Love isntest, I don't think everybody can take anymore of that).
But overall very good issiue 8.5/10
So, I may just be shootin' in the breeze here (especially with my sudden appearance; I've been lurking on this board for quite a while now, and just recently remembered I had an old EZBoard account I could use to post), but I'm hoping to make a quick request.
Since I have to wait usually a good month after everybody else to get my issues (I'm off in Hawaii at college, currently without a subscription, so I have to get it off the stands, and it takes a while here), I was hoping someone could post a scan or two for me, besides what Ian already put up (I know Miss Puar usually does a few pages as well).
I would love it if someone could get a scan of: a good shot of Nicole (I just love her new fursona'd design, and we really haven't gotten a good look at it since her initial introduction. I'd love to see how she looks in Tracey's art), and, as a lot of people are asking, a scan of the preview cover for #175, no matter how little we may actually be able to see. I'd really appreciate it, as it would help me bide the time while I wait. ^^;
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IF that's what your doing. If not, then, well... your flak is in the mail.
Enerjak coming back in some way or another is good enough for me.
I have to say I really like Tracy Yardleys art, the design, poses and expressions gives so much life to the characters. now speaking of this Issue the way Shadow finally discover who he is was very cool. the other story about the plan of Finitevus Im almost expecting a big triple Dark legion battle with three armys if Lien-da and the other misterius Dark legioner commander (I also think its maybe Remmington) dont want to give up their leaders position to the great Enerjak.
i got it today. i don't mind tracy's art, it's not that good. but it's not bad either. it's conistent, and that's what i like about it.
i liked most of the coloring except what was up with shadow being gray?
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I think Ian was more referring to the "preview cover" of Sonic 175. I didn't mention it in the review because almost nothing could bee seen. I don't have a scanner now, but someone else can probably get a pic.
That's my cue. Scans are a hop, skip, and click away.
BTW, Shad's always been a dark gray on the GBA/DS. So coloring's not THAT out there. Beats the gold chest fur anyways.
Ooh, many thanks, Misspuar. Don't know what to make of 175, but I like the looks of Archives #3.
*Looks at scans* Hmmm. Nicole's kinda awsome.
Got a crush on her Crimson?
Thank you, Miss Puar.
Now that I have gotten a chance to look at it (interestingly enough, #171 actually just showed up at my local supplier today, so I have the issue now), I believe I've discovered something, and would like to discuss the cover of #175.
Obviously, as covered as it is, we can't tell too much. The only obvious fact: the figure we see is Sonic. There are two other things that we can make out not covered by the big "Top Secret", the hand on his head and his feet. Surprisingly, I noticed something from these two very facts.
Most of the people say they believe he's scratching his head. But look further at the other piece we have: his foot. Or should I say, 'feet'? Notice that right beside his foot, you can barely make out his other foot just behind it. Both of them are pointing down, as if he is in mid-air, and not on the ground. He could be floating, but you'll notice his head is facing downward--it gives him an appearance that he is...limp. Then it hit me--the hand. Perhaps that isn't HIS hand, but someone else's...?
From all that I've gathered, what I believe we're seeing is someone holding up Sonic's limp body. Someone that is blocked by the cover of #174. So, my belief is this dramatic, dynamic cover shows a very bold, emotional shot of someone holding up Sonic's limp body, likely in a 'victory' fashion. Which makes me wonder, from all that we've heard, just WHAT is going to happen in #175? ._.
Hmm... it's possible. It wouldn't be the first "dead Sonic" cover we've seen.
*hopes that the hand belongs to Finitevus/enerjak*
Finitevus/enerjak is much too long to write out.
i now dub this possible character....... Finitejak!
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I also like Sonic's reaction to Nicole's lynx form (Sonic: "Sweet I like the look."
Actually, I thought just that. Remember, when Nicole and Sally switched bodies, Nicole felt "weak at the knees" when she saw Sonic; she even said, "Sonic, has anyone told you that you are quite a handsome hedgehog?" (or something to that effect) when she was back in her computer body. Even in this issue, when Sonic said he like her look, Nicole even seemed embarrassed (is that the word I'm looking for) almost like a blush or something.
As matter of fact, when I read the issue, I thought Nicole might be able to fix it where she could stay in her physical form permanently and that maybe she and Sonic might hit it off. Think about, I have a feeling that Ian's about to show that Fiona's past ain't they only thing that shady and that she turn out bad. Now, if Ian ain't gonna return it to Sonic and Sally, Nicole could be Sonic's new love interest after Fiona is taken down.
Sonic x Nicole.
Also, that cover for #175 - I can only go by the scan, but, I don't think it's a 'dead Sonic'. To me, the positioning doesn't look right for it to be that.
By revealing restricted insider access, I can safely say that is NOT a dead Sonic, and he has NOT been clubbed from behind and chained up in my freezer so that he cannot interfere in my quest for Nicole.
I Am was short, sweet, and to the point. It brought Shadows reason to be without dragging it into a full adaptation. I did feel a little sorry for Snively getting the last few hairs. Right until we realize hes got trackers in his hair. I like hair and all, but not enough to go that far if it leaves my head.
Im exticed just hearing that Enerjak may be on a return. I felt his run was cut short earlier in the series. I started reading again at 165, and this news just makes me glad I did.
Im amazed at what you people are speculating at the cover of `175. I can just see a had, part of Sonics head, and his feet; that isnt enough for me to formulate anything.
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i now dub this possible character....... Finitejak!
Would he be like a sleek white version of Enerjak with the black lines and whatnot? It's funny, I was thinking of that kind of combined design back when Finitevus was first introduced.
Got the issue today. Absolutely loved both stories. Yay for Nicole in furry form, although digitally. Only real problem was Shadow being gray.
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Would he be like a sleek white version of Enerjak with the black lines and whatnot? It's funny, I was thinking of that kind of combined design back when Finitevus was first introduced.
maybe.... i never really thought of finitevus wearing the Enerjak outfit. but i imagine he looks tottally BA (badass)
Remember that Nicole is destined to die in battle one day (and later be recreated by Rotor in the future, and sent back into the past to the time Sally first found Nicole in an orb).
Only if the In Your Face! future is canon, and we already know it's not, on account of Bunnie's de-roboticization.
In which case, shouldn't someone fix what's otherwise going to be a paradox by giving Nicole a separate origin for this timeline?
But as far as I knew, none of the writers'd ever ruled out an advance in technology that'd derobotocise Bunnie in the future anyway - it was all just more "loose continuity".
If M25YL had become canon, Ken offer a possible solution for Bun-- #134 hate Rote mention "clone limb replacement" as alternative to bionics. I would assume that technology wasn't limited to echidna eyeballs.
I have no clue whether Nicole has to die or not. It might be possible to work around the time apradox by having the computer teleported very soon after she was built (as long as the two Nicole's never see each other things are OK right?)
Honestly tho it might not be worth the headache to think about their (distant) future and just concentrate on the present for now. At the rate Sonic's "aging" I'll be worm chow by the time we get a definite in-house answer.
Here's another possible solution to Bunnie's situation: Have her get bionics which appear organic on the surface, but are robotic on the inside.
Or simply have the Bem do it. They've proven that their "derobotization" can take care of such thins (See Robotnik, Snively, and the Biotexans).
If the Bem could've deroboticized Bunnie, they would have taken her along with the other Robians and deroboticized her in #123.
No, that's not unnecessarily true. Ceneca-9009's goal was to derobotize the Robians. It's entirely possible that Bunnie would have slipped under her radar.
