The narrative function that this issue has is to remove the safe base of operations for the Resistance. With the previous issue creating a setback for Tails in developing a cure, and for the stronghold and next best place to work on said cure gone, it moves things back to focus on Sonic to help resolve the problem – yet he still has the virus affecting him. The long game has been good with this arc.
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There’s some great development work on often overlooked characters here, too. Cream’s optimism is pushed to its limit, even if she is now very similar in viewpoint to Tangle. But the inclusion of a very emotionally strong Vector clashing with the emotionless Germerl provides some quite entertaining back and forth. There’s Chekov’s Charmy Bee in play as Vector brings him into the HQ; but writer Flynn does at least has an outbreak kick off in another way, so as not make Vector’s decision feel too silly.
We get a very good look at Amy as a character in this one, too. Often side-lined apart from the odd appearance, she gets to do some serious leaderin’, diving into Zombot infested rooms and dragging Cream away from her infected mother. Vector’s gone, too – and his strength purposely noted as a potential issue the characters would have to face.
Strong, functional and working well – business as usual for IDW and Sonic.
Sonic the Hedgehog #22 is available digitally and from comic shops.
