Warning: Spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2024

Sonic the Hedgehog comics just gave Knuckles the closure he's needed, and longtime fans can breathe a sigh of relief now that the character is at peace. While Sonic is known for his carefree attitude and behavior, Knuckles has long resigned himself to a lonesome existence of watching over the Master Emerald on Angel Island, fulfilling the role but never completely accepting it – until now.

The Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2024 features a short story entitled "For My Destiny" – written and colored by Iasmin Omar Ata, with art by Adam Bryce Thomas – in which Knuckles is guarding the Master Emerald as usual, but he feels a pang of longing for more than the hand he's been dealt.

Then, the Master Emerald gives Knuckles a vision that allows him to find contentment in his purpose. Seeing the faces of the friends he's made, Knuckles thinks to himself, "I'm thankful for the destiny that's led me here."

Knuckles' Tragic Ending From "Sonic Adventure" Gets Much-Needed Closure

Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2024, "For My Destiny" – Written & Colored By Iasmin Omar Ata, Art By Adam Bryce Thomas

This heartwarming moment addresses one of the most tragic aspects of Knuckles' lore, which is that he must remain on Angel Island to guard the Master Emerald while his friends carry on without him. Normally, as seen in 1998's Sonic Adventure, there's a sense of melancholy that comes with this realization. Decades later, Knuckles finally shows gratitude to his fate with a smile. Sonic Adventure features a number of different stories, each with its own ending, and Knuckles' is one of the most devastating of the bunch.

In his story from the game, Knuckles leaves Angel Island to recover shards of the Master Emerald, only to return by the end. The final cutscene of his story has him reflect on the events that transpired as he dejectedly remarks, "I'll probably be on this floating island forever." Knuckles goes on to muse about how he may never know the full story of what took place, but that may be for the best, showing his acceptance of his dismal destiny.

Sonic Adventure was first released on December 23, 1998 for the Sega Dreamcast.

Here, a similar scene plays out as Knuckles contemplates his role as Guardian of the Master Emerald. Once again, he's resentful about being stuck on Angel Island while Sonic and the others go off on adventures without him. They all get to be together out in the world, yet Knuckles has to be on his own. Knuckles experiences a familiar melancholy towards his eternal role, but this time, it's much more optimistic. This moment comes after years of Knuckles wrestling with his role in Sonic stories, all because of his obligation to the Master Emerald.

Knuckles And The Master Emerald Plays A Key Role In Sonic Lore

Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2024 – Available Now From IDW Publishing

First appearing in 1994 video game Sonic & Knuckles, The Master Emerald is a massive green emerald that has the ability to nullify the power of the Eggman has in the past.

In Sonic the Hedgehog #62, Knuckles provides more insight into why he chooses to guard the Master Emerald alone rather than inviting others so he's less isolated. When Amy Rose visits him, he's able to navigate the ruins with ease since he grew up on Angel Island. Knuckles understands the island more than anyone else, and moreover, he doesn’t trust others to look after the Emerald; he’d only be more worried if he had company to keep an eye on, so he bears the burden alone. To Amy, this is a lonely fate, but it's not one Knuckles entirely lacks agency in.

Knuckles' Role In "Sonic Forces" Pulled Him Away (But Not For Long)

Sonic the Hedgehog #12 – Written By Ian Flynn; Art By Evan Stanley, Tracy Yardley, Matt Herms, & Shawn Lee

While Knuckles has spent much of his history on Angel Island with the Master Emerald, there have been times when he's stepped away to carry out other duties alongside Sonic and friends. Tying into the events of the Sonic Forces video game, Knuckles spends early issues of IDW's ongoing series as the leader of the Resistance against Dr. Eggman's army. Then, in Sonic the Hedgehog #9, Metal Sonic invades Angel Island and seizes the Master Emerald to nullify the Chaos Emeralds and become unstoppable. Knuckles works with Sonic and the others to take the Master Emerald back.

Check out the entire "Battle for Angel Island" storyline in Sonic the Hedgehog #9-12 - written by Ian Flynn with art by Evan Stanley and Tracy Yardley - available digitally and in collected editions from IDW Publishing!

In the end, Knuckles decides that he can’t leave the Master Emerald unattended anymore. He steps down from his role as leader of the Resistance, handing his status to Amy, and opts to return to Angel Island. While there’s a sadness to the fact that Knuckles has to go back after tasting freedom, it’s significant that he’s choosing that role this time rather than reg himself to it with no autonomy in the matter. Knuckles is guarding the Master Emerald on his own now, which may be part of why he’s more open-minded about the role these days.

Knuckles Friendship With Sonic Redefines His Purpose In Franchise Lore

Knuckles The Echidna's Mission Led Him To Sonic & Friends

Though Knuckles has been largely absent in IDW Publishing's Sonic the Hedgehog comics, his friendship with Sonic remains as prevalent as ever in his scattered appearances. The two first met in 1994's Sonic the Hedgehog 3 game, when Knuckles mistakenly believes Sonic is trying to steal the Master Emerald and fights him. Over time, they've reconciled to form the friendly rivalry they share today. Through his friendship with Sonic, Knuckles has met a variety of characters and traveled farther than ever before, and they wouldn't have crossed paths at all if not for Knuckles' duty to the Master Emerald.

After Knuckles' moment with the Master Emerald, he thanks it for giving him "everything", only for Sonic to overhear and assume he's the one being addressed. This is portrayed in a comedic light, but it does ring true for Sonic's significance to Knuckles. It's thanks to his friendship with Sonic that Knuckles has ventured beyond the confines of Angel Island. He may not have Sonic's freedom, but the Emerald has given him something more precious: purpose. Knuckles has officially gained a newfound appreciation for his purpose now that he sees how it led him to Sonic the Hedgehog.

Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2024 is available now from IDW Publishing.