In 1991, "Sonic the Hedgehog" was released on the Sega Genesis to massive commercial and critical acclaim. Sega of America CEO Tom Kalinske knew that they had to capitalize on the success with merchandising and cartoon tie-ins. Thus began a long series of animated shows starring the aforementioned hedgehog. This speedster has probably had more adaptions than any other video game franchise.
However, one problem that this series faced that also made its way into the adaptions was a lack of a singular vision. Both Sega of Japan and Sega of America had conflicting backstories and ideas as to what the series should be like. With the recent announcement of the upcoming "Sonic Prime" and "Sonic Colors" animated series, I thought I'd take a look back at the many, many adaptions of "Sonic" and see how they've held up.
'The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog' provokes more groans than guffaws
The first of the three animated adaptions of the speedy hedgehog to be produced by DIC, "The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog" does not stand the test of time. The show tries to go for a "Looney Tunes" vibe with an emphasis on visual gags, but it lacks the discipline to pull it off. Both the supporting cast and villains grate on the nerves with obnoxious voices and the PSA segments at the end of every episode are particularly cringe-worthy. Recommended only as a punishment to your kids.
'Sonic the Hedgehog' is generic Saturday morning slop
While a certain internet critic with heavy nostalgia goggles might have told you that this show was a hidden gem, what I saw was generic Saturday morning drek with the usual empty platitudes of the power of friendship. The environmentalist subtext from the Genesis games is pushed to the forefront and is much less effective as a result. With a dull color palette, cookie cutter characters, and clichéd storytelling, this revolution is a lost cause.
'Sonic the Hedgehog the Movie' is only for anime fans
The first Japanese animated adaption of the blue blur consisted of a two part pilot for a series that never got picked up. These episodes were latter stitched together, dubbed into English, and released in America as "Sonic the Hedgehog the Movie." While the animation is nice, the jokes are embarrassingly crass and juvenile. The English dub is particularly bad with Sonic's voice actor sounding like he performed his lines with his nose plugged up. Recommended only for anime enthusiasts.
'Sonic Underground' is better left that way
Notable for its hilariously bad theme song and its bizarre choice to give Sonic a brother and sister -- both of which are voiced by Jaleel White --, "Sonic Underground" was the final animated adaption of the blue blur to be handled by DIC. No surprise considering its embarrassing musical numbers, shoddy animation, and uneven tone. Too complex for kids and too corny for adults, this show is better left underground.
'Sonic X' is just for the fans
Sonic X was graced with animation by TMS- the same studio that worked on "Lupin III" and "Batman the Animated Series." It adapted the absurd plotlines of the "Sonic Adventure" titles with one major exception- the addition of a grating audience surrogate named Chris. The English dub is infamous for its mistranslations and dubious vocal performances with Sonic's voice in particular sounding like nails on a chalkboard. Fans will love it, but everyone else should steer clear.
'Sonic Boom' is fast paced and fun
With genuinely funny dialogue and fast paced visual gags, "Sonic Boom" is probably the only television adaption of the series that I feel comfortable recommending. While not every joke works, the show is smart enough to keep its humor so fast-paced that when gag one falls flat, another will immediately make up for it. Mike Pollock reprises his role of Dr. Eggman from "Sonic X" while Roger Craig Smith provides a more deadpan take on the eponymous hedgehog to great comic effect.
'Sonic Mania Adventures' (2018) is short but
"Sonic Mania Adventures" was a series on online shorts directed by the lead animator of "Sonic Mania", Tyson Heese. The show eschews voiced dialogue for a more minimalist approach that prioritizes visual humor and fluid animation. The shorts are cute, funny, and don't overstay their welcome.
