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Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW)
Sonic the Hedgehog, Vol. 4: Infection
After all the excitement of his recent adventures, Sonic’s ready for a break—NOT! The thuggish twosome, Rough and Tumble, are back and they’re looking for vengeance against Sonic and his friends. And they’re not the only ones… some of Sonic’s greatest foes have returned and, with the help of some new evil allies, have created a threat that’s guaranteed to take over the world. Even Sonic can’t outrun a Virus for too long. Collects issues #13-16.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2019
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304 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 16, 2022
i had a lot of fun reading this novel. the art style was great as always and the character dynamics were very entertaining. i’m looking forward to reading the next novel in this series
3.5/5 stars
3.5/5 stars
September 15, 2019
With Neo Metal Sonic far behind him, Sonic's due for some rest and relaxation, right? Wrong! With Doctor Eggman restored to his original self by Doctor Starline, there's a new threat facing the planet - an awful Metal Virus that infects everyone and everything and warps their mind into terrible Zombots - including Sonic himself!
Infection's a pretty bold storyline, especially after the first year built up to that epic conclusion. This one starts off a little slow, with two confrontations with Rough and Tumble before things really get moving, but there's definitely a sense of creeping dread in the earlier issues as Doctors Eggman and Starline begin testing the Metal Virus as a subplot before it becomes more of a problem in the final issue of the trade, ending on a cliffhanger that's going to lead right into volume 5.
The art is the continually rotating team that we've come to expect, with issues pencilled by Adam Bryce Thomas, Tracey Yardley, and Jack Lawrence. Sonic may not have a consistent art team, but the styles between the artists on rotation are pretty similar, so it's never too jarring. I think Sonic's world is pretty 'simple' in essence, which makes it easier to keep up the consistency.
Infection's the calm before the storm, most definitely, but it lays sufficient groundwork for what's likely going to a huge problem for Sonic and friends.
Infection's a pretty bold storyline, especially after the first year built up to that epic conclusion. This one starts off a little slow, with two confrontations with Rough and Tumble before things really get moving, but there's definitely a sense of creeping dread in the earlier issues as Doctors Eggman and Starline begin testing the Metal Virus as a subplot before it becomes more of a problem in the final issue of the trade, ending on a cliffhanger that's going to lead right into volume 5.
The art is the continually rotating team that we've come to expect, with issues pencilled by Adam Bryce Thomas, Tracey Yardley, and Jack Lawrence. Sonic may not have a consistent art team, but the styles between the artists on rotation are pretty similar, so it's never too jarring. I think Sonic's world is pretty 'simple' in essence, which makes it easier to keep up the consistency.
Infection's the calm before the storm, most definitely, but it lays sufficient groundwork for what's likely going to a huge problem for Sonic and friends.
June 5, 2022
I'm getting tired of Rough and Tumble. 🙄 They were interesting baddies at first, but got old really fast!
January 23, 2025
who in black dooms name edited the first 40 pages??? after a page the next couple are just full of the panels U JUST SAW it gave me a headache skipping past them dude. I was so happy it stopped.
dude I'm so happy silver is back he's less cutesy in this one and actually does a lot of helpful stuff. but the style of this comic is just sonic being the MC in every scene just talking to other characters like why can't we let silver or tails have the stage?
it's like just from the perspective of sonic and robotnik which is dumb
shadow just vanishes and they do him so dirty like why did he just fuck off? he's always so proactive and helpful I figured he would've predicted the plot by now lmao but naw he just dipped. Rouge is so relatable tho they ask her where he is and is like "idk" i think she's pretty cool idk.
the metal virus is freaking scary and the end panels where they elude to sonic unleashed just threw me.
I'm enjoying this thank you very much thank you kindle unlimited.
dude I'm so happy silver is back he's less cutesy in this one and actually does a lot of helpful stuff. but the style of this comic is just sonic being the MC in every scene just talking to other characters like why can't we let silver or tails have the stage?
it's like just from the perspective of sonic and robotnik which is dumb
shadow just vanishes and they do him so dirty like why did he just fuck off? he's always so proactive and helpful I figured he would've predicted the plot by now lmao but naw he just dipped. Rouge is so relatable tho they ask her where he is and is like "idk" i think she's pretty cool idk.
the metal virus is freaking scary and the end panels where they elude to sonic unleashed just threw me.
I'm enjoying this thank you very much thank you kindle unlimited.
April 12, 2021
I know this was arc was written in 2019 and was meant to be a zombie story, but the whole "metal virus epidemic spreading rapidly through any contact" sure hits different when read in 2021.
May 17, 2021
Infectious robotics is not new, but it’s definitely interesting as Sonic becomes more of a liability!
“Do you ever shut up?!”
“Nah. It’s part of my charm.”
One side note that I’ve noticed not just in this volume but it was super apparent here for some reason: I’m so glad the relationship between Amy and Sonic has progressed to where it is. I really disliked how her crush on him was used as a reason for him to put her down or avoid her in the past. Now they’re more friends who genuinely care for each other, and Sonic isn’t weird about the fact that she likes him. Idk. It’s just very nice! His respect and admiration for her taking on so much is lovely to see.
In terms of the plot, as usual Eggman is never up to any good and now he’s created a virus to make living things into robots. Aka robotizing, but it’s still a neat idea and it’s being implemented in an interesting way!
I’m intrigued by what will happen with Doctor Starline… I have a sneaking suspicion his idolization of Eggman will backfire at some point. I’m really loving this IDW run!
“Do you ever shut up?!”
“Nah. It’s part of my charm.”
One side note that I’ve noticed not just in this volume but it was super apparent here for some reason: I’m so glad the relationship between Amy and Sonic has progressed to where it is. I really disliked how her crush on him was used as a reason for him to put her down or avoid her in the past. Now they’re more friends who genuinely care for each other, and Sonic isn’t weird about the fact that she likes him. Idk. It’s just very nice! His respect and admiration for her taking on so much is lovely to see.
In terms of the plot, as usual Eggman is never up to any good and now he’s created a virus to make living things into robots. Aka robotizing, but it’s still a neat idea and it’s being implemented in an interesting way!
I’m intrigued by what will happen with Doctor Starline… I have a sneaking suspicion his idolization of Eggman will backfire at some point. I’m really loving this IDW run!
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April 1, 2022The Beginning of the Darkest Sonic comic storyline ever! (I haven't read archie)
This comic has a eerie sense of Dread, as things don't start getting serious until the end of Issue 15, and Issue 16 is setting the groundwork for Vol 5.
The Writing is great, the fights with rough and tumble feel like stuff you'd see in a game, and Dr Starline's fight is good as well. The art is fantastic, and for once, sonic is in a position we've never seen him in before. He's a liabillity, sure he can run off the virus, but that takes account into the question, will the virus adapt to his speed, and can sonic, run forever without taking a nap?
The Metal Virus is what robotization SHOULD'VE been. Something that can't be controlled, something that can take you over in seconds if you not careful, and something that has now been unleashed, into Sonic's world.
8/10, a great prolouge to the Metal viris
This comic has a eerie sense of Dread, as things don't start getting serious until the end of Issue 15, and Issue 16 is setting the groundwork for Vol 5.
The Writing is great, the fights with rough and tumble feel like stuff you'd see in a game, and Dr Starline's fight is good as well. The art is fantastic, and for once, sonic is in a position we've never seen him in before. He's a liabillity, sure he can run off the virus, but that takes account into the question, will the virus adapt to his speed, and can sonic, run forever without taking a nap?
The Metal Virus is what robotization SHOULD'VE been. Something that can't be controlled, something that can take you over in seconds if you not careful, and something that has now been unleashed, into Sonic's world.
8/10, a great prolouge to the Metal viris
December 30, 2022
Continuing my run through the IDW comics has been an absolute blast for me! These four issues are really just setup for the Metal Virus Saga, especially #13 and #14, but it was great to see the character development that we got for the villains like Tumble's need for a new tail and loathing Tails for it, and Dr. Starline nearly killing Sonic(in a very clever way, might I add) and having to suffer because of it was interesting. #15 and #16 are where the real setup starts though. Sonic gets infected with the Metal Virus and is forced to run to keep it at bay. It was interesting in #16 when he seemed to have beat it, and it came back suddenly. I am enjoying the new direction the series is going in with the Metal Virus and cannot wait to read Crisis City.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2021
Metal Zombies. First of all, I like the post final battle depicitons of the world. You see the seeds of future character development and a new and interesting plot device. Yes, the main villain from before has been defeated, but with the return of Robotnik and his new metalizing zombifying virus, Sonic actually has something of a new threat. Not just something that can potentially spread to the whole world, but also an ideological concept of robotniks world view. He doesn't just want control, he thinks that his rulership would make the world perfect. Yikes. Anyway good follow up and new story arc.
July 10, 2025
The book hits a pretty consistent vibe here. Luke still loves it. Dr. Eggman is getting pretty threatening and creepy, which is cool. Jack Lawrence really blows the roof off. Still not loving it, being officially sanctioned by SEGA and trying to tie-in to the games too much means that Ian Flynn just can't really do anything to give these characters any real development or dimension which just holds it back from ever being more than light entertainment for kids. Which is fine, it works for that.
December 27, 2019
This volume starts what's being called "The Metal Virus Saga". The saga has a slow start, but there's fun banter with Rough & Tumble and we get to see more of Dr. Starline's personality on display with him interacting with a revived Eggman and taking his own stab at beating Sonic. It's fun to see Starline's logical, strategy driven mind clash with Eggman's zany, egotistical genius. This volume is ok by itself, but more enjoyable when paired with the next volume.
February 28, 2020
You know, I really like how the comics reboot tied itself to the games' continuity.
I'm sure they'll diverge when the next game comes out! I just remember being a kid, playing Sonic Adventure 1 & 2, then going to the Archie comics and not knowing what in the heck was going on. (And not having enough allowance to buy back issues.)
Today's kids don't have that issue at all. Did you like Sonic Forces? Did you want to read some comics? Pick up volume 1 and it's smooth sailing from there.
I'm sure they'll diverge when the next game comes out! I just remember being a kid, playing Sonic Adventure 1 & 2, then going to the Archie comics and not knowing what in the heck was going on. (And not having enough allowance to buy back issues.)
Today's kids don't have that issue at all. Did you like Sonic Forces? Did you want to read some comics? Pick up volume 1 and it's smooth sailing from there.
April 24, 2021
short series review: The 2017 IGN reboot reunites the Archie Comics team of artists and writers, breathing much-needed new life into the Sonic franchise after the events of the Sonic Forces video game. Some new elements and characters were hit or miss, but overall, it's a joy to see the gang back together. Series review to come!
★★★★ ½ | 4.25 stars | SRTC
★★★★ ½ | 4.25 stars | SRTC
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February 27, 2024"Dr. Eggman uses chemical weapons to turn adorable forest creatures into zombots."
How I described it to my husband when the children mentioned how dark that one got. Can't wait to see how Sonic gets them out of this one!
How I described it to my husband when the children mentioned how dark that one got. Can't wait to see how Sonic gets them out of this one!
September 11, 2024
Rough and Tumble are kinda getting old… but this was a very fun volume! I loved the art here and it’s so nice to see Eggman back in action again. I really enjoyed the use of Silver and Metal especially. Plus, this metal virus seems like it can be used interestingly for a while! Fun stuff!
September 1, 2025
Eggman actively experimenting on animals, Tumble having unexpected trauma, his and Rough’s fate, Sonic getting infected and doubting his ability to get through it. This is starting to take a darker turn that I’m really into.
October 9, 2019
I didn’t want it to end tbh!
December 9, 2020
You know what? This is one of few Sonic the Hedgehog books that seems like a real story rather than a kid's cartoon. There's a genuine spreading horror here. Props to the team.
May 17, 2021
Not as delicious as the last volume, but still quite delectable
February 10, 2022
Mwtla arc starting gg I like how they're treating Amy in thsi series
February 27, 2022
Promising start to the arc
April 15, 2022
I am sad
April 23, 2022
Dr. Eggman creates an infection that easily spreads.
May 20, 2022
I like the illustrations in the book and the storyline.
June 20, 2022
I felt like this had a good balance of real stakes for the heroes while still retaining its kid-friendly tone. IDW seems to be making its stride with these Sonic comics.
July 23, 2022
Somewhat sickening. Things are getting interesting, though.
February 25, 2024
Very good. 10000000/10
October 15, 2024
AWESOME
January 14, 2025
Excelente forma de empezar una saga.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews