IDW Publishing will celebrate the 30th anniversary of video game icon Sonic the Hedgehog with Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Special, a super-sized 80-page comic book featuring stories by Gale Galligan (The Babysitters Club) and the McElroy Brothers (The Adventure Zone), along with longtime Sonic contributors Ian Flynn, Mauro Fonseca, Reggie Graham and more. The also plan to release a deluxe edition with additional content.
“We’re celebrating a major milestone for the world’s coolest hedgehog, so we needed creators who could capture the vibrant comedy and action of Sonic in style,” said IDW editor David Mariotte. “The 30th Anniversary Special features possibly the greatest creative lineup ever assembled on a single issue of Sonic!”
Here’s the line-up of stories:
- “Seasons of Chaos” is by Flynn, Aaron Hammerstrom and Graham, and sends Sonic on a mission from pleasant spring valleys to winter wonderlands in search of Chaos Emeralds alongside his friends Miles “Tails” Prower, Knuckles the Echidna, Amy Rose, Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel.
- Dr. Eggman stars in the second story, “Dr. Eggman’s Birthday,” by Galligan and Thomas Rothlisberger.
- The third story, “Sonic Learns to Drive,” is by the McElroy Brothers and Fonseca.
“Sonic has been central to my creative career for 15 years,” said Flynn. “I’ve had the pleasure of writing the little blue hedgehog in a variety of media, and he in turn has introduced me to an army of artists and editors who have helped me grow as a professional (and made me look good). I’ve had a long run with Sonic, and I hope that continues for years to come!”
IDW will also produce the Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Celebration: The Deluxe Edition, a hardcover version with extra content and “a level of added prestige” for $19.99. Hitting stores on Oct. 5, the Deluxe Edition features an additional story by Galligan, a cover gallery, a “From Script to Comic” feature and more.
“When my sister and I were little, we borrowed the Sonic the Hedgehog OVA from our local video library and proceeded to watch it about a billion times,” said Galligan. “I still remember quoting it back and forth with her for weeks after that! Sonic has held a special place in my heart ever since. I’m thrilled to be able to contribute to the 30th Anniversary Special, and I can’t wait to send my sister a copy!”
They also announced plans to release oversized hardcover editions of their Sonic stories, starting with Sonic the Hedgehog: The IDW Collection, Vol. 1 on June 22. The $59.99 hardcover editions will encompass the ongoing series, annuals and mini-series in the recommended reading order. The first volume collects issues #1-12 of IDW’s Sonic the Hedgehog comics, comprising the complete “Fallout,” “The Fate of Dr. Eggman” and “Battle for Angel Island” story arcs.
