Sonic the Hedgehog exists in many forms beyond the bounds of his video game franchise. The two blockbuster film adaptations endured widespread expectations of failure to land among the best entries in the genre. Though their live-action appearance has become iconic, Sonic has lived in several animated series over the last three decades. The film continuity will soon introduce Sonic's favorite rival, Shadow the Hedgehog, but shows like Sonic X beat them to it.
Sonic may have a stronger presence in video games, but his animated shows and movies have a much higher rate of success. Ask anyone to name video game characters, and Sonic will come up quickly. However, most Sonic games are disastrous messes that bring shame to the blue blur's questionable history. The cartoons tend to be a bit more harmless entertainment and a bit less bizarre chaos.
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What was Sonic X about?
Director | Hajime Kamegaki |
|---|---|
Writers | Hiro Masaki (Episodes 1–52), Kiyoko Yoshimura (Episodes 53–78) |
Number of Episodes | 78 |
Original Run | April 6, 2003 – April 18, 2005 |
Sonic X is the fourth animated series inspired by the Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise. It's the first series produced in Japan, not counting the two-part OVA from 1996. Sonic X dropped after the four-year gap that followed the hilariously 90s Sonic Underground. While that show aired after Sonic Adventure introduced the blue blur to 3D gameplay, Sonic X was the first to address the new details. Sonic X follows Sonic, Tails, Amy, and the rest of their woodland palls after they inadvertently land on Earth. Dr. Eggman's illicit experiments teleport him and the heroes away from their unnamed dimension and into human civilization. Sonic and his pals find sanctuary in the home of a rich, neglected boy named Chris. It's a charming action series with a kid-friendly sense of humor and a solid theme song.
The first season of Sonic X primarily depicts Sonic, Amy, Tails, Knuckles, Rouge, Big, the Chaotix, Cream, and Cheese fighting Eggman for control over the Chaos Emeralds. Sonic's favorite MacGuffin contains the energy necessary to send the heroes home. This leads to a "monster of the week" format in which Sonic and his friends battle various robotic foes to gain ground against the evil scientist. Their eventual goal is to return to their dimension, but succeeding in that mission would end the show. The first season ends after the unspecified nation's president notices the massive conflicts. Sonic and his friends are hailed as heroes after months of hiding in plain sight. The series went on for two additional seasons with wildly different tones.
How did Sonic X handle Shadow?
Episodes seven through twelve of Sonic X's second season are a direct adaptation of Sonic Adventure 2. The first six episodes depict the plot of Sonic Adventure, concluding with Sonic's transition into Super Sonic and fight against Perfect Chaos. They appear like arcs in shōnen anime. Shadow's first appearance in Sonic X aired on October 30, 2004, in the United States. As the series adapts Sonic Adventure 2, it uses Shadow much as he is in his debut. The character has grown and changed substantially since 2004. Sonic X portrays Shadow as a vengeful, cocky villain who develops a personal grudge against Sonic amid his wider grudge against humanity. Young Chris fills the role of reminding Shadow of the only person he ever cared for. Shadow returns in the third season as an anti-hero, missing his memory, another familiar position for the ultimate life form. This older take on the character will likely have some impact on Sonic 3, but his presentation has evolved since then.
How can Sonic the Hedgehog 3 grow from Sonic X?
Sonic X sparked several articles about shared elements between the show and the movies. Sonic X was an early adopter of the concept of Sonic leaving his vaguely defined home to live on Earth. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 developed this idea beyond its initial display. They could similarly update Shadow by incorporating elements from the decades since Sonic X came out. Shadow is a more complicated character in modern iterations. Sonic Prime and recent game releases depict him with a more fascinating relationship to the larger plot. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will likely borrow from Sonic Adventure 2 while adapting the character to better fit a modern story.
Sonic X is outdated in many ways, but it remains a fun outing for Sonic and his friends. It was Shadow's small-screen debut, making it the perfect appetizer for his upcoming break on the big one. Shadow might not be as complex or engaging as he is in modern incarnations, but Sonic Xgave him a wonderful spotlight. The third season of Sonic X particularly highlights the character in a way that only anime can. Fans can find Sonic X on several streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Tubi. Shadow can't come to theaters fast enough, but his TV debut might make the wait quicker.
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