CHARACTER INFORMATION


Name: Sonic
(On a few sites, Sonic is given the name "Olgilvie Maurice." In the Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comics, Olgilvie Maurice is Sonic's true first and last name. However, the name Olgilvie Maurice is by no means canon concerning the video game storyline — his name is just Sonic in the games.)

Nicknames: SegaSonic, The Fastest Thing Alive
(On many sites, Sonic is given nicknames that run the gamut from "The Blue Blur," "True Blue," and "The Fastest Thing Alive." Although they are official material, these nicknames are derived from the Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comics, and have never once been mentioned in the video games. Although known primarily as The Fastest Thing Alive in the SatAM TV series, watch the Sonic Riders intro - Jet calls Sonic 'The Fastest Thing Alive.')

Race: Hedgehog
(Speculation: If you choose to get technical, Sonic is most likely an African Pygmy Hedgehog, since that is the most common, well-known species of hedgehog, not to mention is the species of hedgehog shown in the US Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle commercials.)

Gender: Male

Age: 15
(Sonic is commonly given the age of 16 on many site profiles. This is because back then, the only official source that revealed Sonic's age was the Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comics, and of course Sonic Jam, which gave an estimation between 15-16. Sonic Heroes officially confirmed Sonic's new-gen age as 15, along with his profile at the Sega of Japan Sonic Channel website.)

Date of birth: Unknown
(Sonic's DOB is generally confirmed as June 23rd, since that was the release of his first video game. However, it is not canon to the video game storyline, as his true DOB is unknown. If you find it necessary to add his DOB nonetheless, June 23rd would be the most ideal choice.)

Birthplace: ~ Christmas Island (it's not indisputably confirmed that this is Sonic's birthplace, but is most likely canonical since this did afterall come from a very old, videogame-based storyline arc — if this is not true, good speculation would tell you that his birthplace is most likely South Island)
(Sonic's birthplace is commonly confirmed as South Island. As convincing as that may be, it's probably false. The original game storyline prior to Sonic the Hedgehog 1's release says Sonic's birthplace is the small Christmas Island, but Sonic usually hung out at South Island, which is what could have possibly sparked that misinterpretation. His birthplace is also commonly referred to as Mobotropolis. This is canonical if they are making profiles for the Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comic's portrayal of Sonic. But in the games, there is no Mobotropolis.)

Height: 100 centimeters (3 feet and 3 inches)

Weight: 35 kilograms (77 pounds)

Physical techniques:
(1). Spin Attack
Description: While in locomotion, Sonic can curl down and take on a fetal position, rolling along the ground at a very high speed and rate of torque, meant primarily for breaking through barriers, or destroying enemies.
In-game debut: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, 1991

(2). Spin Jump
Description: Also referred to as the "spinball jump," Sonic is able to leap into the air and curl into a spinning, tightly compacted ball of destruction which can destroy enemies and break barriers.
In-game debut: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, 1991

(3). Spin Dash
Description: Originally named the "Super Spin Dash," Sonic is able to curl down and begin revving up, taking on a diagonally pivoted, ovular shape. Once unleashed, Sonic blasts forward in an acceleration roll of high speeds with limited airborne capability, meant to break barriers or mow down enemies.
In-game debut: Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, 1992

(4). Insta-Shield
Description: While in spinball form in midair, Sonic can momentarily encompass his spherical physique with a shield of blue energy, protecting him from harm for a split second.
In-game debut: Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, 1994

(5). Super Peel Out
Description: An acceleration technique where, while standing in place, Sonic can rev his legs up at a blinding speed to the point where the blending colors of his shoes and legs causes a figure 8 to flicker about under him, and once unleashed, Sonic speeds forward at supersonic speeds.
In-game debut: Sonic the Hedgehog CD, Sega Mega CD, 1993

(6). Jump Dash/Homing Attack
Description: While airborne in spinball form, Sonic can burst forward in a sudden jolt of speed in a linear path, and when an enemy or object is near, the jump can be used to home right into the nearby enemy or object with extreme impact power.
In-game debut: Sonic Adventure, Sega Dreamcast, 1999 (was also used in Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island, however, was not named as such, and can only be used if a certain powerup is retrieved)

(7). Light Dash
Description: When a trail or pattern of rings is in close proximity, Sonic is able to zoom across the trajectory of the ring path at lightspeed, collecting all of them in a flash.
In-game debut: Sonic Adventure, Sega Dreamcast, 1999

(8). Sonic Wind
Description: When enough rings are obtained, Sonic can conjure up a powerful whirlwind of blue energy, harming any opponents caught in it.
In-game debut: Sonic Adventure 2, Sega Dreamcast, 2001

(9). Chaos Control
Description: With the use of a single Chaos Emerald, Sonic is able to warp time and space and teleport to a desired destination, freeze time, speed it up, or slow it down.
In-game debut: Sonic Adventure 2, Sega Dreamcast, 2001

(10). Blue Tornado
Description: When in mid-air, Sonic can assume spinball form and repeatedly follow the trajectory of a perfect circle, stirring up a substantially powerful vortex of blue colored winds, sending anything caught in it flying up into the air and ultimately helpless.
In-game debut: Sonic Heroes, Nintendo GameCube, Sony PlayStation 2, and Microsoft Xbox, 2003

(11). Super Boost
Description: Quite possibly Sonic's greatest acceleration move: at will, Sonic is able to burst forward and instantly achieve supersonic speeds upon lifting his feet off the ground without virtually any acceleration delay. However, it greatly depletes his tension and stamina.
In-game debut: Sonic Rush, Nintendo DS, 2005

(12). Bound Jump
Description: Sonic jumps and slams down on the enemy, gaining a bit more altitude with each bounce.
In-game debut: Sonic the Hedgehog aka Sonic Next, Microsoft Xbox 360/Sony PlayStation 3, 2006 (was also used in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic Adventure 2, however, was not named as such, and can only be used if a certain powerup is retrieved)

Abilities and aptitude:
(1). Sonic the Hedgehog really IS the fastest thing alive! Sonic can run at supersonic speeds in high excess of 760 miles an hour.
(2). His extraordinary speed statistic promotes exceptional acrobatic skills, agility, and adroitness.
(3). Sonic's resiliance in his legs and heart is off the map. He can run for days and days at top speed without ever showing a hint of fatigue.
(4). Has the ability to use the power of the Chaos Emeralds and transform into Super Sonic, where Sonic's fur turns to a glossy golden yellow, his eyes turn ruby red, four of his six cranial quills stand up on end (sometimes all of them, depending on wind), he is impervious to damage, and he is many times as fast and powerful along with the ability to fly.

Hobbies and talents:
(1). Has a secret hobby as a Disc Jockey.
(2). Talented vocalist.
(3). Satisfactory skills in piloting and driving.
(4). Experienced in a variation of sports such as boarding and other recreational activities like grinding.
(5). Highly adept with all types of Extreme Gear. For that matter, he's also a quick learner, considering how fast he caught on.

Weaknesses:
(1). Highly impatient.
(2). Cannot swim.

Physical Appearance:
- Blue fur
- Peach skin muzzle, inner ears, tummy/chest, and arms/hands
- Vibrant green eyes
- 6 elongated, contoured quills coming out of the back of his head, and two arching quills on his back
- Triangular, perked ears
- Long, shiny black nose
- Small, slightly arched tail

Attire:
- A pair of white gloves with large, sock-like cuffs
- A pair of red sneakers with a white strap, golden buckles, and gray, special resin soles with an impossibly high friction tolerance
- White socks

Items & weapons:
 (1). Lightspeed Shoes
Description: They look like Sonic's regular kicks, but adorned with a special attachment. At first, these shoes were required to perform the Lightspeed Dash. Nowadays, Sonic has learned to perform the maneuver regardless.
Appearance: Sonic Adventure, Sega Dreamcast, 1999

(2). Crystal Ring
Description: A green bracelet that shortened the time needed to gather Lightspeed power.
Appearance: Sonic Adventure, Sega Dreamcast, 1999

(3). Ancient Light
Description: A very mysterious ball of light. This lets Sonic perform the Lightspeed Attack.
Appearance: Sonic Adventure, Sega Dreamcast, 1999

(4). Bounce Bracelet
Description: A metal bracelet with a green light. This lets Sonic bounce and bound on stuff as if he had the Water Shield from Sonic 3. He doesn’t really need it anymore.
Appearance: Sonic Adventure 2, Sega Dreamcast, 2001

(4). Flame Ring
Description: A gold bracelet with a ruby red gem embedded into it. This let Sonic perform the Fire Somersault, allowing him to bust open metal containers.
Appearance: Sonic Adventure 2, Sega Dreamcast, 2001

(5). Magic Gloves
Description: A blue and yellow attachment. This lets Sonic play Pokémon by trapping a robot in a ball. Then he can kill two bots with one stone by throwing the robot at another.
Appearance: Sonic Adventure 2, Sega Dreamcast, 2001

Vehicle(s):
(1). The Tornado
Description: A red, vintage-style biplane. It is rarely used by Sonic anymore, since his best friend Tails has assumed self-proclaimed ownership of it. It was crashed and assumed destroyed in the Sega Dreamcast title: Sonic Adventure. However, it's possible the Tornado may have been repaired since then.

(2). The Cyclone
Description: A red sports car, though it is very rarely used since he doesn't need it. It was only used in the Chaos Grand Prix racing circuit.

(3). Blue Star II
Description: A blue and yellow Extreme Gear air board with two boosters in the back. Sonic’s first Blue Star board was destroyed by Wave before he could finish the last race of the EX World Grand Prix, so Tails built him this one.

Personality details: Sonic the Hedgehog is like the wind: unpredictable and is always at some other place and never congregates in one location for too long. Sonic is a carefree, easy going, and laidback hedgehog who likes nothing more than to just venture across the endless boundaries of the world and enjoy his prized freedom. This is probably why he isn't too interested in dating. With an attitude just as fickle as his urge for adventure, as well as an ego as big as South Island, Sonic is a sassy, quick-witted hedgehog with a passion for just enjoying life, leaving the past behind, and to always move forward without regrets. He's smooth, cool and popular, and tends to let this get to his head from time to time. He lives and dies by his own rules rather than the standards of those around him or even for the sake of heroism. However, when Sonic gets riled up over injustice, oppression, or the despair and sadness of another, his vague sense of heroism kicks into overtime and the results could be devastating since his temper can at times be just as short as his patience. This is most noticeable when he is up against another one of his arch nemesis', Dr. Robotnik's nefarious schemes for global conquest.

Historical biography:

           Like his personality suggests, Sonic the Hedgehog is a guy who never focuses on the past. He always moves forward; physically, and mentally. So it doesn't take an IQ of 300 to figure out that Sonic's history is a mystery to everyone. Very little is known, but what is known will be told here at Concept: Mobius.

           Although Sonic was born at Christmas Island, Sonic's favorite place to go was South Island. It was one of the few regions that contained ring portals that gave access to the different dimensions that held very special and omnipotent gems known as the Chaos Emeralds. Although he more than likely was never concerned with any of that.

           Sonic liked nothing more than to just lay back on the beach of South Island and listen to music. Sonic loved rock music the most and was even singer in his own rock band as a vocalist. He loved hanging out with his friends, but he enjoyed just as much to be alone and wander the lands aimlessly, in endless search for adventure.

           Sonic would be enjoying himself were it not for the endless amount of wicked plots to take over the world that his arch nemesis, Dr. Robotnik (or as he is more commonly addressed, Dr. Eggman) had up his sleeve. But in the end, Sonic always managed to outsmart Dr. Robotnik, earning celebrity status across the entire world, revered as a hero and loved by all. All was well until Eggman came up with his best plan yet upon hearing the stories of the Chaos Emeralds…

           Dr. Robotnik vowed to get the Chaos Emeralds and soon built a giant metal fortress, and constructed an army of various types of robots to go out and search for the Chaos Emeralds. He knew those emeralds could be used to make devastating nuclear weapons or things of the like. They'd be perfect for taking over the world. But Sonic, ever the hero, stood up against Dr. Robotnik and eventually managed to defeat the robots and Eggman; cornering them in the fortress they came from, and told them never to come back out. Eggman sulked in defeat, but still vowed that he would get the Chaos Emeralds and exact his revenge on Sonic.

           Since then, Sonic has always ended up having to save the world or somebody from Dr. Robotnik's clutches. And along the way, Sonic has made many, many friends and nearly as many enemies. But saving the world is a mere distraction, since right after that, Sonic is off to his next adventure! It's the only way to live life without regrets!

Personal information:

Greatest friend(s): Miles "Tails" Prower, Amy Rose, Knuckles the Echidna, Cream the Rabbit & Cheese and Blaze the Cat.

Other friend(s): Big the Cat, Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, Charmy Bee, Mighty the Armadillo, Ray the Flying Squirrel and Silver the Hedgehog.

Rival(s): Shadow the Hedgehog, Knuckles the Echidna (however, they're usually on good terms), Metal Sonic and Jet the Hawk (as far as Extreme Gear is concerned).

Enemy(s): Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik, Shadow the Hedgehog (when the situation calls for it), Fang the Sniper, and Metal Sonic.

Likes: Freedom, venturing across the globe to random regions, sitting back and chilling anywhere whether it be at a beach or on a tree branch, but most of all: running or anything to do with speed. For a clue on Sonic's environmental tastes, he seems to like tropical areas or highly industrialized cities -- anything with movement, basically.

Dislikes: The word 'slow,' oppression, injustice, sadness, theme parks, seeing others cry, anything that involves water (a bath is as far as he'll go), being subjected to immobility or being cooped up somewhere for prolonged periods (DON'T put him on a cruise ship), losing, or waiting on anyone or anything. Suprisingly, he isn't very fond of racing, either. As far as he's concerned, he's the fastest, so why bother?

Favorite food(s): Chili dogs. (Sonic's fondness for Chili Dogs became canon upon the introduction of the official Sonic Advance 3 Strategy Guide [the Japanese one] when it mentioned Sonic's love for Chili Dogs.)

Favorite color(s): It might be red since his shoes are red, along with the Cyclone car he drove in the Sonic Drift games, and of course, the Tornado was red. Though, it could be blue as well, considering his ego.

Occupation: Unemployed.

Place of residence: The world is Sonic's home.


GAME INFORMATION

Franchise name: Sonic the Hedgehog

Original purpose: Mascot of SEGA (Service Games) enterprises to stand up against their rival Nintendo's mascot, Mario, and to be a pop culture video game character.

Current purpose: Hasn't changed. Although, Sega has now gone third-party, is devoted to software, and merged with the Sammy corporation. Not only that, but Sonic games are released mostly on Nintendo consoles, ending the rivalry between the two companies.

Date of first promotion/presence in the industry: The first promotions of Sonic the Hedgehog began in late 1990, where an image of Sonic was depicted on the side of the tour bus of the Japanese band, Dreams Come True. His first official promotion was at the United States of America in his first video game, Sonic the Hedgehog, released on June 23rd, 1991 on the Sega Genesis (called the Sega Mega Drive in other nations).

Years in service: 15 proud years and still going…

Original Designer: Naoto Ohshima

Design process: SEGA's Sonic the Hedgehog was designed for the games by one Naoto Ohshima of Sonic Team. Sonic was the very first character of the franchise to be declared an actual Sonic character. The design process took several months and after many designs, the choices were eventually narrowed down to an armadillo and a hedgehog. Yuji Naka suggested a hedgehog in the first place, while the armadillo can be assumed suggested because it was another animal that could roll up into a ball, which is what they were looking for regarding the gameplay premise. Eventually, the hedgehog was chosen and was designed as Sonic by Naoto Ohshima.

Possible design inspirations: It's possible Sonic was not originally created by Sonic Team. Although his appearance and design was made by them, the name and concept of a blue, speedy hedgehog named Sonic dates back to the 40's. Mary Garnet was a popular writer of children's books at the time and her husband was a test pilot for the United States Air Force. Her husband had an operation going on, which he named Project "Blue Gale." The purpose? To build the first plane that could break the sound barrier.

Mary always called her husband "hedgehog," since when he took his flight helmet off, his hair appeared to be all spiky, resembling the quills on a hedgehog's back. This name stuck and it inspired Mary to decorate his flight jacket with a blue hedgehog mascot. Since he was so busy with the military, it was up to Mary to raise their daughter Sherry, to whom Mary would always tell stories. Oddly enough, the hero of the stories was always a blue hedgehog named Sonic. They'd tell about how Sonic would always save the world and protect innocent people and small animals from evil men. These stories were used as the basis for the video game story of Sonic the Hedgehog.

On October 14th, 1947, General Charles Elwood Yeager (AKA Chuck Yeager) became the first man to break the sound barrier with the rocket-powered X-1 fighter plane, earning the dub The Fastest Man Alive. But, a very little known event occurred earlier that same day. It has been lost in record books as far as anyone knows, but it involved how another pilot, named Hedgehog, had set out to break the record himself. He came close, but his plane began to vibrate and eventually exploded into a fireball. A tragedy that was shadowed by the historic event that took place afterwards. Nobody remembers the name of the brave pilot, but veterans of the airbase still remember the emblem of Sonic the blue hedgehog.

Whether or not the Mary Garnet story is true remains to be seen. But shades of it are visible allover the Sonic franchise, most aptly in the old SatAM Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon. The lyrics of the opening theme referred to Sonic as The Fastest Thing Alive, similar to Chuck Yeager's dub, The Fastest Man Alive. Plus, Sonic's uncle in the series is named Chuck. That name was also given to Chris' Uncle in the recent series, Sonic X. But most importantly, the story is told in a pamphlet that accompanied the Sonic Adventure 2 Special 10th anniversary gift pack. Many believe that the Mary Garnet story is a fake, made only to further the imaginations of the fans, making Sonic Team completely responsible for Sonic's creation. But it is possible that the blue hedgehog we know and love was based off of a very tragic story dating back to World War II.

Prestigious design variations: 2
+ - current design
— - original design

- 1, Sonic the Hedgehog, 1991 — (image)
- 2, Sonic Adventure, 1998 + (pictured to the left)
- 3, Sonic Riders, 2006 (image - this design is exclusive only to Sonic Riders and is not his official design)

Known Game Voice Actors:
SegaSonic the Hedgehog (JP): Takeshi Kusao
Sonic CD (JP): ???
Sonic CD (US): ???
Sonic Adventure (JP): Junichi Kanemaru
Sonic Adventure (US): Ryan Drummond
Sonic Shuffle (US): Ryan Drummond
Sonic Shuffle (JP): Junichi Kanemaru
Sonic Adventure 2 (US): Ryan Drummond
Sonic Adventure 2 (JP): Junichi Kanemaru
Sonic Battle (JP): Junichi Kanemaru
Sonic Battle (US): Ryan Drummond
Sonic Heroes (JP): Junichi Kanemaru
Sonic Heroes (US): Ryan Drummond
Sonic Advance 3 (JP): Junichi Kanemaru
Sonic Advance 3 (US): Ryan Drummond
Shadow the Hedgehog (JP): Junichi Kanemaru
Shadow the Hedgehog (US): Jason Anthony Griffith
Sonic Rush (JP): Junichi Kanemaru
Sonic Rush (US): Jason Anthony Griffith
Sonic Riders (US): Jason Anthony Griffith
Sonic Riders (JP): Junichi Kanemaru
Sonic the Hedgehog aka Sonic Next (JP): Junichi Kanemaru
Sonic the Hedgehog aka Sonic Next (US): Jason Anthony Griffith
Sonic Rivals (JP): Junichi Kanemaru
Sonic Rivals (US): Jason Anthony Griffith
Sonic and the Secret Rings (JP): Junichi Kanemaru
Sonic and the Secret Rings (US): Jason Anthony Griffith

Sonic Games he has been playable in:

(1). Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis/Mega Drive)
       - Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis (Game Boy Advance)
(2). Sonic the Hedgehog (Master System)
       - Sonic the Hedgehog (Game Gear)
       - Sonic the Hedgehog (Mobile Phone)
(3). Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Master System)
       - Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Game Gear)
(4). Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis/Mega Drive)
(5). SegaSonic the Hedgehog (Arcade)
(6). Sonic the Hedgehog CD (Sega Mega CD)
       - Sonic the Hedgehog CD (PC)
(7). Sonic The Hedgehog Chaos/Sonic & Tails (Game Gear)
(8). Sonic Spinball (Genesis/Mega Drive)
       - Sonic Spinball (Game Gear)
       - Sonic Spinball (Master System)
(9). SegaSonic Cosmo Fighter (Arcade)
(10). Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Genesis/Mega Drive)
       - Sonic & Knuckles Collection (PC)
(11). Sonic Drift (Game Gear)
(12). Sonic the Hedgehog Gameworld (Pico)
(13). Sonic & Knuckles (Genesis/Mega Drive)
       - Sonic & Knuckles Collection (PC)
(14). Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble/Sonic & Tails 2 (Game Gear)
(15). Waku Waku Sonic Patrol (Arcade)
(16). Sonic Drift 2 (Game Gear)
(17). Sonic Labyrinth (Game Gear)
(18). Sonic The Fighters/Sonic Championship (Arcade)
(19). Sonic 3D Blast/Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island (Genesis/Mega Drive)
       - Sonic 3D Blast/Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island (Saturn)
       - Sonic 3D Blast/Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island (PC)
(20). Sonic Blast/G Sonic (Game Gear)
       - Sonic Blast/G Sonic (Master System)
(21). Sonic's Schoolhouse (PC)
(22). Sonic Jam (Saturn)
       - Sonic Jam (Game.com)
(23). Sonic R (Saturn)
       - Sonic R (PC)
(24). Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast)
       - Sonic Adventure International (Dreamcast)
(25). Sonic Pocket Adventure (Neo Geo Pocket Color)
(26). Sonic Shuffle (Dreamcast)
(27). Sonic Adventure 2 (Dreamcast)
(28). Sonic Adventure 2: Battle (GameCube)
(29). Sonic Advance (Game Boy Advance)
(30). Sonic Mega Collection (GameCube)
(31). Sonic Advance 2 (Game Boy Advance)
(32). Sonic Pinball Party (Game Boy Advance)
(33). Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut (GameCube)
       - Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut (PC)
(34). Sonic N (Nokia N-Gage)
(35). Sonic Battle (Game Boy Advance)
(36). Sonic Heroes (GameCube/PlayStation 2/Xbox)
       - Sonic Heroes (PC)
(37). Sonic Advance 3 (Game Boy Advance)
(38). Sonic Mega Collection PLUS (PlayStation 2/Xbox)
(39). Sonic Café Series (Mobile Phone)
(40). Sonic Gems Collection (GameCube)
(41). Sonic Rush (Nintendo DS)
(42). Sonic Riders (GameCube/PlayStation 2/Xbox)
(43). Sonic the Hedgehog aka Sonic Next (Xbox 360/PlayStation 3) (44). Sonic Rivals (PlayStation Portable)
(45). Sonic and the Secret Rings (Nintendo Wii)

Sonic Games he has made an appearance in:

(1). Sonic Eraser (Genesis/Mega Drive)
(2). Knuckles' Chaotix (Mega 32X)
(3). Shadow the Hedgehog (GameCube/PlayStation 2/Xbox)

Non-video game portrayals:

(1). Sonic the Hedgehog, SOJ-licensed by Shogaku Yonensei (Manga series)
(2). Sonic the Hedgehog, SOA-licensed by Archie comics (Comic series)
(3). Sonic the Comic, SOE-licensed by Egmont Fleetway (Comic series)
(4). Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, SOA-licensed (TV Series)
(5). Sonic the Hedgehog, SOA-licensed (TV Series; also known as Sonic SatAM)
(6). Sonic the Hedgehog, SOE-licensed by Penguin Books (Interactive Children's books)
(7). Sonic the Hedgehog, SOE-licensed by Virgin Books (Children's books)
(8). Sonic the Hedgehog, SOA-licensed by Troll Associates (Children's books)
(9). Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie, made in Japan, then later dubbed for US release (Two-part Anime Movie; also known as Sonic OVA)
(10). Sonic Underground, SOA-licensed (TV Series)
(11). Sonic the Hedgehog, SOJ-licensed by Corocoro Magazine (Manga series)
(12). Sonic X, made in Japan, then later dubbed for US release (Anime TV Series)
(13). Sonic X, SOA-licensed by Archie Comics, based on the previously mentioned anime (Comic series)

Personal character analysis/commentary (by Nuclear Envoy):

          When you think of Sonic games, you obviously think of none other than Sonic the Hedgehog! The main star of the cast! Whether or not Sonic was made in the 40's or in the early 90's doesn't change the fact that he's got quite a career under his belt. With promotion by means of games, comics, TV series, children's books, toys, apparel, accessories, and even food products, he is definitely an icon that has come, gone, and since late 2003, seems to have come again!

          Right when Sonic's first video game was released to the world in June of 1991, the hedgehog was an instant hit. His promotional means weren't as big at the time, but that was all changed come the faithful year of 1993. He was looked upon as the coolest character there was. A hedgehog with an attitude.

          At the pinnacle of Sonic's career in '93, SEGA indeed achieved their original goal of making a mascot that could stand up to their rival, Nintendo. Sonic had Mario eating the dust right from his burnt rubber shoe soles. Just one year later, Sonic finally exhausted his popularity and began to sink down into the woodwork of pop culture. This is when the fanbase began to migrate to an online life. But major online Sonic fandom did not begin until 1998.

          But what makes this blue hedgehog so cool? Is it his attitude? His awesome hairstyle and blue fur? Or is it his carefree personality? Sonic, although more known for his speed, does have a personality worth admiring. He is carefree. He doesn't look back on regrets. He has his eyes fixed solely on the horizon ahead. This has undoubtedly taken its toll on many fans. As they squabble on with their small problems, some think: what would the hedgehog I am such a fan of do? What WOULD Sonic do? He'd roll his eyes, grin his pearly whites, and just run away into the future. THAT is what makes Sonic's personality so admirable. As of late, though, with so many cataclysmic happenings, Sonic being practically unfazed really annoyed some people, but meh. They need to get over themselves.

          However, when comparing Sonic to some of the other characters he is subjected to congregating with, many think of the blue blur is a cool dude, but just not as cool as their favorite. Needless to say, when Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was released, many fans took an automatic liking to Sonic's friendly rival of an echidna. I won't deny that I liked Knuckles more. The same happened with a few fans when Tails was made, along with Amy, Metal Sonic, Shadow, Rouge, etc., etc. But you'd be surprised how popular Sonic really is.

          Most fans believe Shadow has stolen his thunder. Most fans who believe that only look for fans that do like Shadow more, though. In actuality, many polls, and heck, many people I ask, seem to show that Sonic is actually more popular than Shadow! Why? Because no one can stand up to the true blue deal that started it all. However, that last sentence is kind of degrading since most people like Sonic these days only because of his seniority instead of for a good reason such as his personality and appearance.

           Sonic the Hedgehog is a force beyond comprehension in the video game world. Many video game characters have come and gone. But ever since his first video game, Sonic has maintained a steady pace and of course has a dedicated fanbase in his namesake. And now that his brewing rivalry with Mario is over, what path is Sonic going to take next in the industry? It's a subject to think on if you're a fan. A lot of fans think that Sonic's best years will always be the early through mid 90's no matter how popular he gets in today's generation. Whether or not that is true never changes the fact that Sonic is one of the most popular, if not that, then at least WELL KNOWN video game characters in existence. Hey, 15 years don't lie.