Sonic HQ25 Years & Counting!

A preview cover for Sonic #126 was released today. Apparently Archie has returned to the old action style covers and has ditched the newer magazine style. Also released was a larger preview cover of the "Sonic Begginings" trade paperback.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #126 "Tossed in Space, Part 1": After last issue's pulse-pounding events, Sonic finds himself on a strange planet on the other side of the universe. While seeking a way home is his initial priority, his heroic instincts soon take over as he helps defend an alien race from their aggressors. By issue's end, Sonic will be forced to fight the last person he ever expected to face! You'll have to read it to believe it! SCRIPT: Benny Lee. ART: Steven Butler (pencils), Jim Amash (inks). ALSO!: the Off-Panel strip graduates from the letters page to become its own five-page story in "Better Read Than Dead": Read in awe as Sonic and The Editor face the evil of... Deadline! Can they get the issue done on time before Sonic is erased from existence? SCRIPT: Mike Gallagher. ART: Dave Manak (pencils) and Josh and Aimee Ray (inks).

Sources: *Westfield Comics* & Silver Bullet Comics

Today, Sonique posted the following e-mail from DiC at Ken Pender's message board.

Yes, we are currently working on releasing a number of DiC titles this year. Unfortunately, we were unable to release Sonic the Hedgehog because of third party rights, but we will be releasing Sonic Underground in its place. This will be part of our Games releases along with Super Mario Bros III and Legend of Zelda.

The message seems to indicate that the SatAM DVD's may not have been cancelled by SEGA as previously thought, and that there are now Sonic Underground DVD's on the way.

Source: *Sonique*

Here is the art:

This from Gamespot, is follow-up to this earlier report:

Sega has announced that it will be releasing a series of interactive toys that will be packed in with McDonald's Happy Meals. These games will be based on the Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Monkey Ball franchises. One of them, Sonic Speedway, will put players in a simple race to the finish line, while the other, AiAi Banana Catch, will have players catching bananas that fall from the sky.

"The characters of the Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Monkey Ball franchises are some of the most recognizable icons in video games today," said Mike Fischer, vice president of marketing, Sega of America. "This relationship with McDonald's allows Sega to further reinforce those character brands with the younger gamer through a never-before-seen premium vehicle."

Look for the toys this summer.

Source: Gamespot

Gamespot has released two Sonic Battle screens with guess who.... Shadow!!! Apparantly the game will use Sonic Advance sprites...

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG: THE BEGINNING

In 1993, Sonic the Hedgehog sped his way from video games to comic books. Hundreds of issues later, "the blue blur" can lay claim to having the most successful comic book career of all video game heroes! Now you can enjoy his earliest comic book adventures with this special edition that reprints his first, difficult-to-find mini-series, Sonic #0 through #3. Collected together for the first time are the first appearance of Tails, Princess Sally, Antoine, Rotor, Uncle Chuck and Muttski. Put on your favorite pair of sneakers, grab a chilidog and see where the legend began!
SCRIPTS: Michael Gallagher. ART: Scott Shaw! and Dave Manak.

Sources: Diamond Comics & Silver Bullet Comics

Sega Revealed their E3 lineup today. The press release contained the first information on the next generation of Sonic games, "Sonic Battle" and "Sonic Heroes". In addition to this, "Sonic Adventure DX" and "Sonic Pinball Party" will be there as well. The press release revealed that there will be new content in Sonic Adventure DX.

Source: *Planet Gamecube*

Just wanted to let you know that on Sega.com, they list release dates for Sonic Spinball PC (May 1) and Sonic Pinball Party GBA (May 27).