WARNING! Spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3Everyone knows that Sonic the Hedgehog's main villain is Dr. Eggman, but there's another character who makes a better opponent for the Blue Blur. As beloved as Eggman is by fans, Metal Sonic should be acknowledged as Sonic's true arch-nemesis in the franchise. He may not be as popular, yet the portrayals he's received in the comics demonstrate just how effective he is against Sonic.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has made waves among fans with its groundbreaking post-credit scene, which features an appearance from none other than Metal Sonic. With this reveal, some who aren't familiar with him may wonder if he has what it takes to live up to Dr. Eggman.

Thankfully, IDW Publishing's Sonic the Hedgehog comics prove that Metal Sonic isn't merely an equal to Eggman; he's an even better villain. Robotnik is iconic, but Metal Sonic can keep his hedgehog counterpart on his toes in a way that his creator cannot.

Sorry, Eggman: Metal Sonic Is The True Arch-Nemesis of Sonic the Hedgehog

Metal Sonic Represents Everything Sonic Fights Against

Sonic CD video game, Metal has become a recurring antagonist throughout the franchise. His loyalty to Robotnik often causes him to fight on the doctor's behalf, but he isn't always a mere lackey to him. As seen in various Sonic stories, spanning both the games and the comics, he possesses autonomy that lets him stand out among the rest of Eggman's robots. Therefore, Metal Sonic is not an extension of Eggman's villainy, and is instead an individual with his own grudge against Sonic.

One of the key reasons that Metal Sonic is Sonic's best villain can be found in his basic premise. In his initial outings, Sonic's main goal was to free animals from Dr. Eggman's clutches, laying the groundwork for the "nature versus machine" conflict at the series' core. Metal Sonic serves as a perfect narrative foil to Sonic in that regard, as he is the embodiment of the inorganic conquering the organic. Sonic represents nature, whereas Metal Sonic represents machines. Eggman fulfills a similar position due to his part in kidnapping the animals to fuel his Badniks, yet he doesn't fit the bill as well as his creation.

Metal Sonic's Transformations Put Sonic and His Allies to the Ultimate Test

Eggman May Have Robots, But He Can't Fight On His Own Like Metal Sonic Can

In addition to his thematic positioning as a dark opposite to Sonic, Metal Sonic has another advantage over Eggman: his powers. Eggman often builds robots that do the fighting for him against Sonic, whereas Metal Sonic doesn't need to deploy others to handle his dirty work on his behalf. Metal Sonic fights his own battles against Sonic, granting him an advantage over Eggman since he possesses the power to compete with his living counterpart and his allies. Moreover, not only can Metal Sonic match the real Sonic's astounding speed, but he can also unlock transformations that elevate his strength to insurmountable heights.

Not only can Metal Sonic match the real Sonic's astounding speed, but he can also unlock transformations that elevate his strength to insurmountable heights.

One of Metal Sonic's most notable forms is his Neo Metal Sonic transformation, which made its original appearance in 2003's Sonic Heroes and made an epic comeback in IDW's Sonic the Hedgehog #7 by Ian Flynn and Adam Bryce Thomas. In this issue, Neo Metal Sonic has successfully taken over the Eggman Empire in his creator's absence, showing that he can replace his leader when he taps into his latent power. Additionally, he can become Super Neo Metal Sonic by tapping into the Super Sonic form via the Master Emerald, as well as the dangerous Metal Overlord. Eggman, for all his strengths, can't compete with Metal Sonic.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Should Follow the Comics For Its Metal Sonic Portrayal

Metal Sonic's Comic Depiction Is the Perfect Blueprint For His Movie Debut

With Metal Sonic confirmed to play a key role in Sonic the Hedgehog 4, there's plenty of room to speculate about whether he will be a villain at Eggman's level. The army of Metal Sonics suggests that they could be serving a bigger threat, which would be a disservice to his potential. IDW's comics make sure to portray Metal Sonic as a genuine threat in his own right, formulating strategies to take Sonic down without Eggman's help. His loyalty to Eggman is a constant in his characterization, but that doesn't mean he's limited to obeying commands, as he can separate himself from his master when necessary.

Beyond his contrasts to Eggman, Metal Sonic mirrors Sonic as a twisted reflection of his ideals. One staple of Sonic's character is his easygoing attitude and willingness to let bygones be bygones with his opponents. This demeanor explains why he's befriended so many past foes, from Shadow the Hedgehog. However, Metal Sonic rejects Sonic's offer of friendship in Sonic the Hedgehog #12, interfering with his peaceful goal. The films - and the franchise as a whole - would benefit from following the comics' blueprint to give Metal Sonic the recognition he deserves as Sonic the Hedgehog's greatest enemy.