Sonic The Hedgehog Comic Introduces New Characters, Location This Fall

The Sonic the Hedgehog comic from IDW is introducing a new story arc this fall, positioning it as a jumping-on point for new readers. The story revolves around familiar characters and elements like Shadow and the Chaos Emeralds, while introducing a new locale for the gang to explore. The story arc, called "The Stage Is Set," starts in September.

The three-issue arc will start with Sonic the Hedgehog #81. After six of the seven Chaos Emeralds go missing, Sonic and Tails go on a frantic search for the seventh. That hunt leads them to Sequin, a luxurious city that happens to be in the midst of a massive carnival. They quickly discover they're not alone, however, as Shadow and Rouge are searching for the final emerald as well.

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The announcement from IDW promises fan favorites along with a "new, adorable, acrobatic, totally not suspicious character." Both the main and alternate covers for issue #81 each show different looks at a character dressed like a harlequin jester--which makes enough sense for a citywide carnival. While this character is currently only in the comics, the IDW series has bled into the world of video games before--the Sonic Forces mobile game borrowed two of the comic series' original characters, Tangle and Whisper, in 2020.

"We have partnered with IDW over the years to bring the world of Sonic to the comic page and we are always working hard to keep it exciting and enjoyable for both new and longtime readers," Sega of America's Michael Cisneros said in the announcement. "While 81 may seem like a big number, Issue 81 is a fantastic spot for new readers to jump into the series! This issue kicks off an all-new arc that is packed with fun and surprises for Sonic and friends."

"The Stage Is Set" will be written by Evan Stanley and feature art from Min Ho Kim. The first issue will release on September 3.