The children? None other than Sonic (voiced by Jaleel White for the final time) and his new brother and sister, Manic and Sonia the Hedgehog. Years later, these three siblings discover their true destiny – to defeat Robotnik and return their mother to her rightful throne. Once again set on Mobius, Dr Robotnik has overthrown Queen Aleena, who sent her three children into hiding to save them from Robotnik’s forces. And it’s safe to say that this isn’t Sonic as you remember him. It would be three years until Sonic hit TV screens again, this time courtesy of a French animation studio. Animated in the same style as the Sonic CD introduction, there’s certainly a lot to enjoy about this unique moment of Sonic history. Along the way they enlist the help of a Stetson wearing Knuckles, and face off against Metal Sonic, which should go some way to explaining why this is such a cult hit. The plot once again sees Sonic and Tails thwarting Dr Robotnik’s evil plans, this time to save the President’s daughter. With no voice actors from the other series either, it stands out from the rest, yet despite its odd nature, it has a devoted following. Produced in Japan, it features none of the hallmarks of the previous series, instead introducing its own take on the Sonic universe. Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie (1996)Īn hour-long “movie”, Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie is something of a black sheep among the Sonic cartoons. 18 years after the show’s cancellation, the story of the Freedom Fighters is still alive and well in the comics, and that is a legacy no show can match. The show had a big influence on the trajectory of Sonic the Comic (and vice versa), with Freedom Fighters Princess Sally, Bunnie Rabbot, Rotor and Antoine all playing key roles in both series, along with Snively and the concept of Roboticizing. But the legacy left behind is one that no other series has even come close to matching. It’s a far darker tone than the random insanity of Adventures, and ultimately it was cancelled prior to its third season. Working with the Freedom Fighters, Sonic (voiced again by Jaleel White) and Tails fight to free Mobotroplis from the SWATbots and thwart Robotnik’s evil schemes. Set again on Mobius, Sonic SatAM is based in the city of Mobotropolis, which has been taken over by Dr Robotnik and his nephew Snively. Running for just 26 episodes, Sonic SatAM is almost the polar opposite of Adventures, with a much darker and serious tone pervading throughout the show. Perhaps the best example of SEGA trying to dominate the market, Sonic the Hedgehog (dubbed Sonic SatAM by fans due to its Saturday morning time slot) appeared on TV screens a mere two weeks after Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog launched in 1993. The show also saw Jaleel White providing the voice for Sonic for the first time, a role for which he would soon become iconic. A brilliant supporting cast, including salesman Wes Weasley, kept things fresh, and with Sonic fooling Robotnik using various disguises (even going so far as pretending to be his long-lost girlfriend), laughs were always just around the corner. With its off-beat humour, memorable catchphrases (“I’m waaaaiiiiting” springs instantly to mind) and zany storylines, Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog proved to be a big hit with the fans. Alongside the main trio of characters were Robotnik’s own “Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad”, made up of badniks Scratch, Grounder and Coconuts, characters who have since gone on to become cult favourites. Set on the vibrant Planet Mobius, each episode would see Sonic and Tails defeat yet another of Dr Robotnik’s mad-cap schemes – plans such as a Slo-Mo Ray to slow down Sonic or using a Gravity Stopper to lift Sonic off the ground were standard fare for the series. And that basically sums up the show – it’s mad, it’s completely bizarre, but you’ll be hard pressed to find another licensed cartoon that is as funny as this. What some consider to be the ultimate Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon, Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog ran between 19, airing 65 episodes over its three year run, along with a final Christmas special where Sonic takes on the role of being Santa. Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (1993-1996) While we wait for details on this new project, let’s take a look back at Sonic’s TV history. While Nintendo would ultimately step out of the television battle, SEGA has continued to use animation as a key selling point for the Sonic franchise, and next year we’ll be seeing the blue blur returning to our screens for the first time since 2005, in the aptly named Sonic Boom. But not one to be discouraged, SEGA soon hit back, and in 1993 Sonic the Hedgehog made his first appearance on TV.
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