Sally's story kind of reminds me of that of Princess Leia in the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Out of loyalty to her people, she rules over them for a time during the various crises, but ultimately grows tired of it and wants to leave. Unfortunately, something just keeps pulling her back in. Too bad Sally can't leave because she needs to get trained as a Jedi (although, given that it took Leia until she was in her fifties or so to do that, maybe it's a good thing).
As for Max, I agree that he's obsessed with the House of Acorn's traditional role. Sadly, the old king is rather prejudiced: he doesn't like change, and refuses to go along with it until he finds himself with no other choice. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he tried to find some way to either break up this new government system or else to increase the role of the king in it until they end up with what the Kingdom used to be: a monarchy led by a king with several close advisors. Fortunately, part of the council's role is to keep the House of Acorn's power in check, and since Max has already abdicated and is unlikely to take the throne again unless Elias steps down and Sally refuses to be crowned, he's pretty much just a grumpy-and rather impotent-bystander.
Now THIS is more like it: an engaging Sonic/Tails battle that ultimnately ended in happiness and give the egotistical Sonic (WAY too prideful last issue to the point where he's OOC in jerk mode) a much sincerity and sensitivity, Elias proving to stand his ground and not questioning himself, a new take on monarch society, and Sally back to her old self. When Ian wrote Sally's change back in #177, he really met it, so kudos. I missed ya, Sally.
if you order your comics by post, it may be that they ran out of stock, there was some mix up or it got lost in the post. i've missed out on a comic in the past when it simply didn't turn up.
I hear you, ChibiBecca; that once happened to me back when I had a subscription to Bionicle comics that I got mailed.
To get back on topic, I just read through the comic, and it looks even more awesome than I pictured! It was a truly excellent piece of comic book literature: tense and action packed without overdoing it, a perfect balance of friendly banter and angst, and an ending that leaves your jaw hanging for the next issue!
Whenever i've missed an issue from Archie, i've just written a letter to them saying i didn't get the comic i'd paid for. Each and every time they've sent me a new copy promptly, no questions asked. Great service if you ask me.
I give Ian major props for mentioning mobiums in this issue. In fact, I don't think in the 15+ year history of the comic, mobiums have ever been mentioned. Awesome throwback to fans of the old Sonic shows.
"Fifty mobiums says propeller butt beats speedy cheese!" might be the best line ever said in the comic. Ever.
And Elias ready to throwdown? Sally ready to tell Amadeus and Elias what's what? Awesome artwork by Tracy. Even over the last ten or so issues, the man continues to improve.
i just got my comic today. ^^ the fights played out well and bean didn't say any words that were offensive in england.
elias V general prower, battle of the bushy eyebrows! oo
page 5, panel three. is that a typo in what elias is saying there? 'peace' seems to be the wrong word, shouldn't it be 'piece'?
I realized if Rosemary gets elected to the counsel she will become one of the most powerful woman in the kingdom, along with Sally, Meg, and maybe Alica. She has come a long way since she was first introduced as a young mother in "Eve of Destruction(I think)."
Yay compromise in government! (Ha ha suck it Max)
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Tails finally drops the bombshell...and you probably guessed it...Fiona.
At this point Tails is crying and swinging wildly as he chews out Sonic, caring not that he lost her, but that Sonic, knowing Tails loved her, went out with her.
Tails, mate... you suck.
Don't be dissing Tails! Sure he's not as strong as Sonic or Knuckles most of the time, sure he sounds like a girl in most of the media where someone's provided his voice, but he's still cool! It wasn't his fault that he fell in love with Fiona's robot double-love isn't something that you can predict, though it is something that can be brought to an end. How was Tails supposed to know that the android he fell in love with would have a biological counterpart who would turn out to be an evil ninja-she-witch? Or at least that's what she looks like. (By the way, I don't think this counts as talking about couples-I'm just saying that Tails had feelings for her.)
Anyway, I do agree that the new Council of Acorn deal sounds promising, and it's about time Max got down of his "holier-than-thou" throne and accepted that just because something is tradition doesn't mean it's the best way to do things.
Okay. I just got my copy today and all I have to say is this: NICOLE ROCKS! Yes Elias ordered her not to wake his father. Then she shows up in the doorway with Sally, saying: "I did not wake your parents. You said nothing about waking your sister, however" and there she is with the anime eyes ^_^ and that smug "innocent" grinning smirk and you can tell that she's enjoying this WAY too much heh. You can practically see her saying "somebodies busted" in a sing-song voice.
As to the matter of the fight/negotiations of Elias and Amadeus I couldnt think of a better way for it to end. Especially given the fact that when Sonic and Tails burst into the room the two are sitting down to tea, the two wives are cooing over the baby in the background and everything looks all happy and peaceful. Go team! Poor embarrased Sonic!
And now my final favorite part, the Sonic/Tails battle fest. Yes I agree that it was over too soon, and I do think they need to talk more, but despite all that they ended it in a nice way. Tails dropped his facade, started acting his age for once as he just let loose the true reason for this. On Sonics side I just liked the look of sudden realization. I like the fact that he actually stopped and THOUGHT IT OVER FOR ONCE before actually speaking. And in the end he admitted to what he did and looked genuinely guilty about it. The being on one knee with his hand on Tails shoulder was nice, because in my opinion he treated Tails like an adult.
He didn't hug tails, didn't try to baby him, didn't wipe his tears away like a parent and yes he did reassure him but he did it in a way where he was treating tails not like a little kid anymore but as an equal, a BROTHER. Of course then they go and ruin it by doing the noogie thing. At least its better then going to the bar and getting drunk in the ritual of male bonding right? 
(yes I know its because they're underage, hm, I wonder if New Mobotropolis has bars...Hey NICOLE! You forgot something! J/K)
In closing I have to say that I have a new favorite quote from this issue. From Sonic to Tails:
"But next time, you need to say something to me! Stop angsting it up like Shadow!"
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an evil ninja-she-witch
Are you quoting Spud, Spectre?
Why, yes; yes I am. Arthur Spudinski may be a weirdo, but he's a weirdo who knows what he's talking about sometimes. Of course, I don't think that I'm going to end up being wrong about Fiona like he was about Rose; that Fox is EVIL.
Anyway, I've got to say that my favorite parts of this issue were the villains betting on Sonic and Tails' fight and Tails revealing that he did so well against Sonic because Knuckles taught him a couple of tricks.
I thought so, that means you like ol' Jakaroo too!! Awesome show eh, too bad their only going to have it on for 2 seasons; I thought it deserved at least 3 but oh well.
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NICOLE ROCKS!
ok, i might be just nitpicking this, but does anyone else think that she is getting a little too much pagetime? maybe i'm just hallucinating it but whatever.
Not really, she has a newly acquired physical form that she can maintain quite efficiently now, has a built them a beautiful new city from nanites she controls, and is now like the guardian of New Mobotropolis so I think she's getting the pagetime she deserves now.
As I recall, once her physical form was revealed in that Del Rio story people were clamoring for more of her.
So really, none of this should be a surprise.
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Okay. I just got my copy today and all I have to say is this: NICOLE ROCKS! Yes Elias ordered her not to wake his father. Then she shows up in the doorway with Sally, saying: "I did not wake your parents. You said nothing about waking your sister, however" and there she is with the anime eyes ^_^ and that smug "innocent" grinning smirk and you can tell that she's enjoying this WAY too much heh. You can practically see her saying "somebodies busted" in a sing-song voice.
I loved it too. I also loved the stern look on Sally's face. 
NICOLE is definitely an impressive character, and one of the great things about New Mobotropolis is that her role as helpful handheld computer has been eclipsed by her new abilities and responsibilities. On top of that, her holographic form has given her the opportunity to grow as an individual; it's the classic story of an artificial intelligence striving to become more like a living being. I'm quite happy to see her demonstrate a lack of social skills and rebelliousness in her new role.
Just hope she doesn't start crushing on Sonic-that experience of her sharing Sally's feelings for him temporarily was funny, but he's had enough girls on his tail and she could do better.
I still think her feelings for Sonic was genuine and not a hand-me-down of Sal's personality; it was just the first time her personality was in a body that could really feel and express emotions.
That seems to be what she says the first time that we see her holographic body.
Wasn't she always a little bit flirty with Sonic anyway before any of that?
I'm not entirely sure if any attraction that NICOLE feels towards Sonic is a result of her switch with Sally or not, but come on-Bunnie flirted with him a bit too, but she ended up with Antoine. Besides, what with Amy, Mina, and for a brief time Fiona, don't you think Sonic's had enough girls crushing on him?
EDIT: By the way, just out of curiosity, does anyone remember the part when Elias mentions the "Neo Walkers?" I think I know who they are, but just to clarify, who are they?
Ah, that is something that really pleased me when I saw it and I meant to post something about it but never did. I'm glad the finally game a group name to them; though they haven't directly said, I fairly certain that it is the trio of Aurora, Athair, and Merlin as the new "Ancient Walkers," and I think Neo Walkers is a very cool title.
Yeah, it does sound like a cool title, although the whole use of a chronological adjective kind of makes you wonder about things. I mean, how long is it going to be before those guys stop being called the "Neo (or New) Walkers"? How many centuries or so does it take to go from Neo to Ancient (or anything in between)? Besides, when Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails achieve their "divine status", what are the people of Mobius supposed to call them to acknowledge their high status?
Neo is just a relative term (as opposed to "old" or "ancient"). Do you think New York or New Hampshire or anything else named in that way is going to drop the word after enough time has passed? It's just a way to differentiate from the original.
And I doubt that we're ever going to see the triple threat become actual gods or anything in the way you seem to be thinking. Look at the S3&K mural - a prophecy depicting Super Sonic. That's probably the level we're looking at here.
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Besides, when Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails achieve their "divine status"
source plz
It has been known for quite awhile (since Sonic # 56) that Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are destined to be the greatest heroes of their generation. Divine status may not be the right term but they do have a divine calling as I believe Mogul put it for their powers. As you know, Tails is the Chosen One, Sonic is the one true Sonic of all the multiverse and apparently destine to be the protector of it (hence why Zonic has sent Sonic on so many zone hoping adventures), and Knuckles of course, was engineered to save AI, or was it the world, from a horrible power such as was shown to Locke in a dream induced by the Ancient Walkers.
Yup, but all that does is make them heroes. Greater than average heroes perhaps, but still heroes. "Divine status" means god-like level, and that's not gonna happen.
To be fair Tails DID get the moniker and the abilities as the Chosen One from the Ancient Walkers long ago, They're Gods, so some COULD possibly argue that that would fall under "Divine Status" some.
Knuckles has his own divine nickname and purpose: he's the Avatar, destined to return from death and rescue the world from it's suffering. And excuse me if I'm not all that literate in the comics yet, but all I've heard gave me the impression that the Ancient Walkers' prophecy indicated that Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails were supposed to take their places. Sure, they chose Aurora and co. just before they died, but I thought that would just be a temporary measure, until Sonic and friends managed to achieve their "divine status". If that's not the case, well, I must admit that I am once again guilty of ignorance.
Yeah, as far as I can remember, there has never been a indication of the Triple Threat ever replacing the AW, but still I don't think "god-like power levels are not gonna happen" is completely outta the question. I don't think, however, that they shall reach the levels of AW power, with the exception of Knux who someday may wind up being one with the Chaos Force again.
Yeah, I don't think the Ancient Walkers were really all that powerful. I mean, Mogul was on his last legs when he attacked all three with the blow that led to their eventual deaths. Besides, I don't think they were ever really deities-they were just so powerful that the primitive people of ancient Mobius came to see them as such.
All three of the members of Team Sonic have a chance of achieving "divine power"-there are other powers in the universe besides the Chaos Force. Tails tapped into cosmic energy as Titan Tails, and I'm sure Sonic could find something. But you're right in that it doesn't seem likely to happen at present-especially since we've only had M25YL as any sign that Knuckles may one day regain the virtually matchless power of his Chaos form.
I just read 179. I really liked that, but I was just thinking that it sounds little bit weird, that Enerjak returned(is this second time?)Yay, this is my first post!
Technically you're right; this is the second time Enerjak has returned. However, the first time it was still Dimitri behind the mask: this time it's somebody else, obviously. Plus, Enerjak is one of the more powerful villains ever to grace the Archie-verse with his presence; Master Mogul and the powered up Ixis Naugus are probably the only beings who have surpassed him. Robotnik obviously doesn't count except for at a handful of occasions-like when he had the Ultimate Annihilator-because if he had the power to defeat Enerjak, he wouldn't need to team up with Sonic in #180. Then again, he could just know that this is going to take a lot out of his forces, and doesn't want New Mobotropolis to be all set to attack him should he win but lose most of his forces (of course, I prefer to think that Enerjak is just stronger than him).
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(of course, I prefer to think that Enerjak is just stronger than him).
actually i'm pretty sure he is, i think it was mogul who said that he'd defeat Robo, but that's only after he had enerjak's power, so i don't think there was much power difference between enerjak and mogul at the time
I think what Mogul was getting at was that he didn't have enough power at the time, and he needed Enerjak's power. Enerjak is clearly stronger than Mogul: he's powered by 12 Chaos Emeralds, Mogul by 1. Sure, Mogul may have 8000 years of experience using his 1 (I got that based on the fact that the whole Order of Ixis origin story showed us the 8000 year old cave bear Mobie), but Enerjak is still more powerful.
Wow...this issues was such a let down. After months of build up, Sonic and Tails talk it out!
Stupid me for thinking I'd get something along the lines of Naruto vs Sasuke. They could have at least had a good fight before they talked. And the whole rebellion being settled over tea?!
Good Lord! I know the comic's aimed toward children but really, they shove that garbage at us?! I pray the Return of Enerjak story is done much, much, much better than that load of crap, or else I'm going to have to call it quits on the series. I've been looking forward to this since I started reading again, please don't let me down Ian Flynn!
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And the whole rebellion being settled over tea?!
Well, Sally can be very convincing.
Despite your objections, Exodus, I think the whole thing was resolved quite well. Sonic and Tails are lifelong friends, and all they needed was a little talking to reconcile their differences. Now if only Sonic could do that with Sally.
As for settling disputes over tea, what did you expect? Did you think that they'd hold a televised debate? Talking about the new system of government over some refreshment is a fine method of diplomacy: things go so much better when those talking are at ease and willing to talk without shedding blood.
Still, I do agree that I hope that the Enerjak arc is better than this: Enerjak is my favorite villain, and I'll be ticked if his return doesn't turn out well.
Spectre the Hechidnat Said:
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I think the whole thing was resolved quite well. Sonic and Tails are lifelong friends
Still i dought that two teenage boys fighting over a girl plus a boat load of other stuff would simply come to their senses and talk.
Spectre the Hechidnat Said:
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As for settling disputes over tea, what did you expect? Did you think that they'd hold a televised debate? Talking about the new system of government over some refreshment is a fine method of diplomacy: things go so much better when those talking are at ease and willing to talk without shedding blood.
Well historicly most revollutions are bloody ones. Plus Tails' dad attacked the prince and started a small riot, I think the time for talking had past. Also most kings wouldn't semply agree to give up the power they've held for centuries. Only in Archie...
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Also most kings wouldn't semply agree to give up the power they've held for centuries.
If I'm remembering right, Elias wasn't really that fond of being king in the first place.
Right Sailor Unicron, the only reason Elias agreed to take the crown was the spare the kingdom from being ruled by Patch, as well as sparing Sally from having to stay married to him. As for the tea, I see it as them celebrating their agreement. I hope, and like to think, that Sonic and Sally will be able to talk things out like Sonic and Tails did. For now, at least they are on pretty good terms.
If they knew anything about revolutions, they'd dump that tea in the nearest river. /sarcasm
The Prowers never meant to be violent, Exodus. Rosemary objected to the term riot, insisting over and over that they had merely held a rally and the people were only expressing disatisfication w/ the government. Amadeus even tells Sal regarding the duel that he "never wanted it to come to this", so it stands to reason that they wanted as peaceful a governmental REFORM as possible, not a bloody revolution. Maybe it is a little idealistic, and the stories have been moving more quickly with Ian at the helm, but the fact is that Archie was never a company interested in long continuity-changing epics. By the very nature of the series, problems will be solved sooner rather than later. (I'd also like to point out that the few times they do longer plots, like Sonic Adventure, M25YL, and even as far back as Endgame they get slammed the most on forums and sometimes meet with time strains-- Sonic #50 possibly the biggest and best known series example of plot changing midstory, hasty deadlines, and copious edits)
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Also most kings wouldn't semply agree to give up the power they've held for centuries.
Elias wasn't ready to "simply" step down (despite that he didn't want to be king in the first place and hadn't been in power all that long); the only real problem he had with Amadeus's proposition was that it seemed it would completely discard everything Max had ever fought for and everything the royal family had done, which seemed unfair. He didn't just decide to give up his power, he fought back. Circumstance and overreaction let the situation spiral out of control until Sally stepped in - even Amadeus said this wasn't what he intended. Hence they reached a compromise; the king still has some power, and the people do as well.
*pictures sonic, knux and tails as three mystical floating heads, giving advise to future heros* ..that would either be slightly freaky, or very hillarious. ^^;
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The Prowers never meant to be violent, Exodus. Rosemary objected to the term riot, insisting over and over that they had merely held a rally and the people were only expressing disatisfication w/ the government. Amadeus even tells Sal regarding the duel that he "never wanted it to come to this", so it stands to reason that they wanted as peaceful a governmental REFORM as possible, not a bloody revolution.
Allowing real world history to intrude for a moment, what does anyone else reading this know about the the Peterloo Massacre, the campaign for the 1832 Reform Act or the Chartists - and how the UK government handled all of them?
Again, I think that Ian's writing things fairly accurately. 🙂
Personally I feel the comic missed a great opportunity to take a more "realistic" path and went for the traditional (every dispute can be solved by civil discussion) ending. And yes I know I'm talking about a comic who's lead is a talking hedgehog, but I could go for a little more reality in the book.
If we could get some Mobians to go to the Middle East, they'd solve all the stuff going on over there in under an hour.
If only they could, Exodus.
As has been said, nobody wanted the whole situation to turn bloody. The only reason it got violent at all was because Amadeus and Elias were both stubborn hotheads who needed a splash of cold water in the face-aka Sally-to make them realize that they weren't going about things the right way. If Elias had tried diplomacy right off instead of throwing Amadeus in jail, the whole thing might have been avoided.
As for Sonic and Tails' fight, I'll admit that it was solved a little too quickly to be realistic. But then again, I think that both of them had gotten over Fiona-Tails just hadn't gotten over his feelings of betrayal that Sonic stirred in him. Once they admitted that they'd been wrong, they cleared the whole thing up; lifelong friendship isn't an easy bond to break.
I haven't seen blood in this comic in over 6 years :o. When I see blood, its always in a past reference. Amewikans wont let children see blood on Sonic pages. 😮
-Note, no need to disprove this statement, I'm sure it can. But usually comics geared towards a young demographic follow that.
