The Definitive History of Sonic the Comic

Fleetway's Legendary UK Publication

What Was Sonic the Comic?

Sonic the Comic (often abbreviated as STC) was a British children's comic book series published by Fleetway Editions under Egmont Publishing, which launched in May 1993 and ran until January 2002. Based on SEGA's smash-hit Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise, the comic became a standout part of 1990s UK pop culture. Known for its darker tone, serialized storytelling, and unique British identity, Sonic the Comic set itself apart from other international Sonic media—especially the more comedic Archie Comics series in the United States.

Origins and Launch (1993)

Fleetway acquired the Sonic license during the height of the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) era. The first issue, released on 29 May 1993, was priced at 95p and branded as "The UK's Official SEGA Comic." Published fortnightly, it capitalised on the enormous popularity of games like Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and the booming SEGA fanbase in Britain.

Format and Features of Early Issues

  • Full-colour comic strips starring Sonic and supporting characters.
  • Backup stories based on other SEGA franchises (Streets of Rage, Shinobi, Golden Axe, Decap Attack, etc.).
  • Video game tips, cheat codes, and news.
  • A reader's letters page called Speedlines.
  • Posters, competitions, and artwork submissions.

Key Creative Talent

  • Nigel Kitching – One of STC's most prolific and beloved writers, responsible for some of its most complex and compelling stories.
  • Lew Stringer – Longtime contributor known for both humour and action, writing for both Sonic and backup strips.
  • Richard Elson – The defining artist of Sonic the Comic, known for his dynamic and cinematic style.
  • Nigel Dobbyn, Carl Flint, Steve White, and Rob Corona – Key artists and colourists who helped give STC its distinctive visual identity.

The Sonic Canon: Storytelling That Grew With Its Readers

While early issues leaned toward short, self-contained adventures, the comic soon evolved into a deep, serialized narrative. In STC, Sonic was far more than just a platforming mascot—he was the leader of the Freedom Fighters, a rebel force resisting the rule of Dr Robotnik, who had taken over the planet Mobius.

The comic introduced complex character arcs, political resistance themes, and high-stakes worldbuilding rarely seen in children's media of the time.

Major Arcs and Milestones

  • The Origin of Sonic (Issue #8): The iconic backstory where readers learn how Sonic and Dr Robotnik were transformed after a lab accident involving Professor Kintobor's Chaos Emerald experiment.
  • The Sonic Terminator (Issues #21–26): One of the comic's most cinematic arcs, introducing Metal Sonic, a robotic assassin deployed to eliminate Sonic.
  • The Brotherhood of Metallix: A vast storyline involving a cult of robot overlords bent on reshaping the timeline and seizing total control of Mobius.
  • The Rise of Robotnik: Robotnik successfully conquers Mobius by Issue #8, with later stories depicting the ongoing resistance and fallout. His rule transforms the world into a dystopian nightmare.
  • The Return of Super Sonic: A multi-issue exploration of Sonic's dangerous alter ego, Super Sonic, a separate, unstable personality that emerges under extreme stress—a terrifying wildcard even among allies.
  • The Final Victory (Issue #100): A milestone double-length issue where Robotnik is finally overthrown. The story marked the end of an era while opening the door to new enemies and story arcs.

STC's Unique Characters and Creative Freedom

Fleetway's Sonic the Comic was not restricted by the official SEGA continuity, giving its creators the freedom to develop new stories, character dynamics, and entirely original characters.

STC-Exclusive Characters

  • Tekno the Canary – A tech-savvy inventor and partner to Amy Rose in her own adventures.
  • Shortfuse the Cybernik – A squirrel trapped inside a powerful battlesuit, fighting for justice while seeking to reclaim his body.
  • Grimer – Robotnik's oily and cowardly assistant, often responsible for building his most dangerous machines.
  • Captain Plunder – A space-faring ghost pirate who frequently crossed over between comedic and dramatic plots.
  • Zonerunners – A grungy, cyberpunk crew of rebels featured in side stories about the outer zones of Mobius.

Legacy and Where to Read Today

More than just a game tie-in, Sonic the Comic was a bold and innovative piece of children's media. It treated its audience with respect, told long-form stories full of emotion and danger, and introduced characters and concepts that left a lasting impression.

For many UK fans, this comic is the ultimate Sonic canon. It captured the rebellious spirit of the 1990s, the thrill of video games, and the power of storytelling—all wrapped in 36 pages every fortnight.