Warning: Spoilers for DC x Sonic The Hedgehog #1 ahead!
DC's crazy crossover between the Sonic the Hedgehog is finally here! Fans have been speculating on how the two worlds may collide for a while now, and we now know Darkseid himself to be directly responsible. Not only that, but Darkseid's invasion of Sonic's universe is a particularly clever homage to an iconic game in the Blue Blur's history.
DC x Sonic The Hedgehog #1, by Ian Flynn, Adam Bryce Thomas, and Matt Herms, opens in true Sonic fashion when Darkseid's "Ragna Rock" planetoid abruptly emerges in Sonic's world and begins spewing out Parademons, interrupting Sonic, Amy, and Tails' picnic. While Sonic, Amy, and Tails regroup, Darkseid's focus shifts to Knuckles, who is raggedly defending the Master Emerald from the invading Parademons.
In a particularly cheeky callback, Amy remarks that the Ragna Rock "certainly isn't Little Planet," referring to when a planetoid was weaponized against Sonic and his friends in the 1993 game Sonic CD.
The DC x Sonic Crossover Kicks Off With A Bang
Fans Have Been Eager To See How DC and Sonic Translate To Each Other's Worlds
On September 21, 2024, the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel posted a video in honor of "Batman Day," depicting Shadow The Hedgehog dressed as Batman and responding to the Batsignal. Three days later, DC's official announcement of the DC x Sonic crossover proved that this was not a one-off gag, revealing the plans for the five-issue crossover series alongside art depicting various Sonic the Hedgehog characters dressed as of the Justice League. This isn't just fanservice, either; previews for future issues reveal that Team Sonic will take over for the Justice League around the series' midpoint.
While this may be Sonic's debut outing as a DC superhero, the World's Fastest Hedgehog is no stranger to comics. Sonic's comic adventures were originally published by Archie Comics from 1992 until 2017, lasting for 290 issues. The series was then picked up by publisher IDW, and has seen consistent publication through them since 2018. Writer Ian Flynn, lauded for his run on the Archie Comics version of Sonic, was brought on by IDW to continue his role; Flynn is also the writer for DC x Sonic The Hedgehog, ensuring that the story remains in good hands.
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With the Justice League gone, Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends are replacing them as the DC Universe's heroes, complete with epic redesigns.
Darkseid's Invasion Of Sonic's World Copies An Iconic Sonic Moment
How Will Team Sonic Fare Against The Justice League's Biggest Threat?
The Ragna Rock's resemblance to Little Planet refers to the plot of 1993's Sonic CD, when Dr. Eggman turned the planetoid, which only appears for one month a year, into his personal battle station. Little Planet has a surprisingly poignant role in Sonic's comic history as well: Sonic The Hedgehog (1992) #290 retells the story of Sonic CD and Little Planet, meaning that it was featured in the series' final issue before Archie Comics canceled the publication. As such, a reference to Little Planet is an excellent way to honor the ending of one story while starting a brand-new series.
If you can't find a copy of Sonic CD to play, then Sonic The Hedgehog #290, by the creative team of Ian Flynn, Eric Esquivel, Tracy Yardley, Ryan Jampole, Terry Austin, and Patrick Woodruff is an excellent way to catch up on the action!
In true Sonic fashion, DC x Sonic The Hedgehog #1 hits the ground running and shows no signs of slowing. Team Sonic may be well-versed against the machinations of Dr. Eggman, but how will they fare against the almighty power of Apokolips? How will the Justice League adapt to this strange, new world? Time will tell, but with the series already kicking off with a nod to some of SEGA's most iconic moments, fans of Sonic the Hedgehog and the Justice League are undountedly in for a wild ride.
DC x Sonic The Hedgehog #1 is available March 19, 2025, from DC Comics!
