Highlights
- Sonic The Hedgehog 3 introduced Knuckles as a serious rival to Sonic, with a complex backstory and fierce strength.
- Different mediums have portrayed Knuckles in various ways, from being silly in Sonic Mania Adventures , to more serious in Sonic Forces.
- Knuckles shines as a character whether as a solo guardian in Sonic X or a vital team member in Sonic Boom , each showcasing his unique traits and roles.
Knuckles the Echidna is one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Many different versions of Knuckles exist across different mediums, from video games and comics to cartoons and films. He is a red echidna with super strength and a fierce sense of duty, who guards the Master Emerald on his home island.
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Knuckles has appeared in various forms and roles, each with their own take on his personality, backstory, and abilities. Some of them are similar to the original serious Knuckles, introduced in Sonic The Hedgehog 3, while others are radically different. Being such a popular and versatile character, this article will compare and contrast the various characteristics, achievements, and relationships that Knuckles has had over the years and rank how each incarnation stands out among the rest.
10 Sonic Mania Adventures
Silly, Protective, and Clumsy
- Creator: Tyson Hesse
- Release Date: March 30, 2018
- Cast: Azelin Pasktis
This version of Knuckles is from a web series where he is characterized by his frequent lack of coordination and tendency to be sidetracked or distracted, especially when safeguarding the Master Emerald. Despite these challenges, he remains a steadfast guardian, albeit sometimes trapped by Eggman’s cunning schemes.
A standout trait of this version of Knuckles is his fondness for wildlife, exemplified by his adoption of a young chick, which reveals a nurturing aspect of his personality that is not often seen in other versions of his character.
9 Sonic Boom
Known For His Stupidity
Knuckles is portrayed with a much bigger physique, reflecting his physical prowess, in this show. His role within Team Sonic in Sonic Boom often leads to humorous situations, highlighting his less complex thought processes compared to his friends. Despite this, his dedication to his companions, like Sonic and Tails, is unwavering.
He is occasionally outwitted by villains, being tricked due to his trusting nature. A notable aspect of his character is the competitive tension he has with Shadow the Hedgehog, who thinks Knuckles is stupid. This iteration of Knuckles provides a distinct blend of strength and simplicity, being a 'necessary' part of a larger team.
8 Sonic The Hedgehog: The Movie
A Brave Adventurer
- Director(s): Kazunori Ikegami, Gary Lipkowitz
- Release Date: January 26, 1996
- Cast: Martin Burke, Lainie Fraiser, Bill Wise
Similar to Indiana Jones or Nathan Drake, Knuckles takes on the role of a treasure hunter in this film. His distinctive clothing includes a cowboy hat and neckerchief, setting him apart visually from other versions of the character.
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He joins forces with Sonic and Tails to thwart Doctor Robotnik and Metal Robotnik’s plans to devastate the Land of the Sky and the Land of Darkness. Showcasing his adventurous spirit and his commitment to safeguarding his world against threats, this version of Knuckles is very different from others that audiences might encounter.
7 Sonic Forces
A Leader And Mentor
Sonic Forces
- Released
- November 7, 2017
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Genre(s)
- Platformer , Shooter , Fighting , Adventure
Characterized by his strategic role and his ability to inspire and direct a diverse group of individuals united against a common adversary, Knuckles, in the video game Sonic Forces from 2017, is shown as the commander of the Resistance, a group formed to challenge the Eggman Empire’s global domination.
His leadership extends to guiding the Rookie, a new recruit with customizable features that players control, and coordinating with friends like Silver the Hedgehog, Amy Rose, and the detective team Chaotix.
6 Sonic Underground
A Quiet Member Of Sonic's Family
- Director(s): Tom Smith, Marc Boreal, Francois Hemmen, Daniel Sarriet
- Release Date: April 4, 1999
- Cast: Garry Chalk, Sam Vincent, Brian Drummond
Introduced as an Echidna hailing from a family that once thrived before succumbing to Robotnik’s conquest, Knuckles is entrusted with the Chaos Emerald of Immortality, and he stands up against Robotnik’s oppressive rule. His character is also marked by a quiet admiration for Sonia, one of Sonic’s siblings, although she remains oblivious to his feelings throughout much of the show.
This iteration of Knuckles continues to hold up the theme of his role as a guardian and the silent challenges he faces in his personal life, while providing some extra depth to his character through his infatuation with Sonia.
5 Sonic X
A Solitary Protector
- Director(s): Hajime Kamegaki
- Release Date: April 6, 2003
- Cast: Jason Griffith, Dan Green, Lisa Ortiz
A solitary guardian of the Master Emerald, Knuckles is often found on his island. His primary focus is the protection of this gem, like in video games, and although he tends to avoid venturing out, he provides assistance to Sonic and the team when the situation demands it.
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His interactions with Rouge the Bat are marked by her attempts to seize the Emerald, adding a layer of conflict and complexity to his character. This portrayal of Knuckles emphasizes his dedication to his role as a protector.
4 Sonic The Hedgehog 3
The Original Rival Of Sonic
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- Platform(s)
- Genesis , PC
- Released
- February 2, 1994
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Introduced as a villain for Sonic in his third adventure, Knuckles was protecting the Master Emerald from Sonic, and had been tricked by Doctor Robotnik. The color red provides a stark contrast to Sonic's blue, as he otherwise bears very similar features to the lovable hedgehog.
After his appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Knuckles became a fan favorite and continued to appear in Sonic Games, TV, Film, and Comics - eventually becoming a playable character and a friend to the beloved hero.
3 Sonic The Hedgehog 2
An Updated Version Of The Arcade Character
- Director(s): Jeff Fowler
- Release Date: April 8, 2022
- Cast: Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey, Idris Elba
In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Knuckles the Echidna is first seen as a warrior of super strength and obvious integrity. As the only Echidna left, he initially aligns with Dr. Robotnik under the false impression that it will lead him to the Master Emerald.
Over time, Knuckles transitions from a foe to an ally of Sonic, reflecting his shift from isolation to becoming an integral part of the team. This character arc defines a lot of the iterations of Knuckles. First a grumpy, lone warrior. he gradually becomes a solid teammate and mentor to Sonic.
2 Sonic The Hedgehog Comic (IDW Publishing)
Defender Of The Emerald But Friend To Sonic
- Written By: Ian Flynn
- Illustrator: Tyson Hesse
- Release Date: April 4, 2018
This comic series started in 2018 and presents a twist on the classic character of Knuckles. While he shares traits with the original Knuckles, such as protecting the Emerald and coming from the Chaos Islands, this version is easygoing and playful.
He frequently ventures from his island to join in with Sonic’s escapades. His interactions with Shadow are also infused with a lighthearted competitiveness, often referring to him playfully as “Edgy the Hedgy.”
1 Archie Comics' Knuckles
Last Of The Echidnas
- Written By: Ken Penders, Kent Taylor
- Illustrator: Patrick Spaziante
- Release Date: April 3, 1997
In the Archie Comics’ Sonic the Hedgehog series, Knuckles emerges as the last of his kind, the Echidnas. As the sole survivor of a warrior race, he carries the weight of his family and the complexities of a saga, notably a missing sibling and a burden of rich heritage.
His narrative is further built upon in these comics by a possible romantic connection with Julie-Su, previously aligned with the Dark Legion, who were the main villains to his people. This role defines this iteration of Knuckles as the protector of his culture’s history and the intricate web of ancestral ties that shape his journey. He is intense, very stoic, and clearly isolated. all of which makes him more compelling.
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