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Sonic & Mega Man: Worlds Collide Comic Book Review
I remember stumbling upon the very first issue of Archie’s Sonic the Hedgehog comic during a family vacation over 20 years ago. I read that series for years, following the exploits of Sonic, Princess Sally, and the other Freedom Fighters in their fight against Dr. Robotnik. I eventually fell off with them, but my interest with Archie comics picked up again when I discovered the publisher’s excellent Mega Man series. The relatively new series boasts fantastic art and an engaging story that perfectly balances nods to the classic games while weaving in new plot points. I was excited when I learned about Archie’s Mega Man and Sonic the Hedgehog crossover, but the seven-year-old in me was ecstatic. The first issue of Sonic & Mega Man: Worlds Collide released today, and I’ve organized my thoughts on the ground-breaking crossover’s premiere issue.
I’ve read all the Mega Man comics and a healthy chunk of the Sonic the Hedgehog comics following the series’ Genesis reboot. Even without that knowledge, this crossover is accessible for fans whose only experience is with the games. This first issue follows some standard crossover tropes, including the two blue heroes facing off in battle and Dr. Wily and Dr. Robotnik teaming up for some dastardly plans. As a life-long fan of both series, seeing these video game legends interacting is a joy.
The opening battle between Sonic and Mega Man is merely a tease for the two heroes’ upcoming drama in the 12-issue crossover. The core of the issue follows Dr. Wily and Dr. Robotnik as they outline their plans for (gasp!) world domination. I love seeing the mad geniuses toast their own corrupt intellect and argue over whether their fortress should be skull- or egg-themed. The artists do a great job blending the two universes’ aesthetics into one gorgeous and vibrant package. Writer Ian Flynn, who pens all the Mega Man and Sonic comics, covers all the crossover clichés while setting the foundation for a fun story hinged on inter-dimensional shenanigans. Without giving any of the juicy bits away, one conversation between Wily and Robotnik reminds me of a major theme running throughout BioShock Infinite, and that’s a good thing.
This may just be the first issue of the crossover, but it’s already showing great promise. On the surface, Worlds Collide will be an engaging mash-up of two iconic video game franchises that should satisfy fans of both. For existing fans of the Mega Man, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Sonic Universe comics, Worlds Collide suggests that it could have a lasting impact on those series. Whether your fandom lies with Mega Man, Sonic, the comics, the games, or all of the above, be sure to check out this unprecedented video game union.
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