Warning: SPOILERS for Sonic the Hedgehog #54IDW Publishing just gave Sonic the Hedgehog a new type of transformation that shares many correlations with his iconic Super Sonic form. But there's one major difference between them that is likely to having shocking consequences.
Although a product of the legendary Sonic 2 video game from Sega, the Super Sonic form has been incorporated into every Sonic continuity since then, including IDW's comics. Bestowing the hedgehog with enhanced abilities including near invincibility, becoming a super version of himself has allowed Sonic to accomplish otherwise impossible feats such as his win against Zavok, the leader of the demonic Deadly Six.
Now, Sonic had undergone a new type of transformation in Sonic the Hedgehog #54, by Evan Stanley, Natalie Haines, Reggie Graham and Shawn Lee. While battling against his evil cyborg replacement Surge the Tenrec, Sonic finds himself overpowered. His ally Whisper the Wolf, who has been watching from the sidelines ever since he took over the fight, helps him by throwing her last Wisp at him. This allows Sonic to absorb the alien's powers, transforming Sonic into a cyan-colored energy being with gold eyes and pupils.
"Wisp Sonic" Is a New Twist on Super Sonic
Interestingly what sets this new transformation apart from Super Sonic is also what makes them similar. Sonic can only ascend into his Super form once he's absorbed all seven Chaos Emeralds. And now the hedgehog has only been able to unlock this new energy-based form by absorbing a Wisp with help from Whisper. Interestingly, both appear to have the same healing properties. When going Super Sonic against the Deadly Six much earlier in the series, Sonic was infected by the Metal Virus that was turning him into a metallic zombie. Transforming into Super Sonic suppressed the disease. Similarly, in the present day, Sonic had sustained a serious injury that only heals when he possesses the energy from Whisper's Wisp Cyan. Once Surge is able to steal Cyan's powers, Sonic not only reverts to normal but his injury returns.
One difference between the two is their potential duration. While the IDW series hasn't officially set a limit on Sonic's Super Sonic form, most continuities dictate that he can only remain at full power for a short time, since the Chaos energy isn't sustainable. Meanwhile, Sonic's Wisp-powered form could feasibly last forever, given he's drawing from a less chaotic power source. Sadly, he isn't able to test that theory due to Surge's actions, but that just makes it a question for another time. Sonic fans are always enthused whenever a franchise sees fit to give him a new form, and in this new wisp transformation, it seems that his Super Sonic abilities have a fresh contender.
