Well, now that Sonic & Tails are out on their own, it seems that a giant Void of sorts has now revealed itself. The remainder of the Freedom Fighters are still in Mobotropolis making the best of their reclaimed life. In Sonic#58, we see the first story of what some of the former team is up to, starting with King Maximillian Acorn & Dr. Horatio Quack, M.D.

First, I want to make a quick comment about the first names of these two, since this is the 1st time we've heard them. For the King, Maximillian is understandable. Such a name only befits a king. However, when I read him speaking the first lines of this story, saying Dr. Quack's first name, Horatio, in the process, I must admit I was worried that our King was breaking into a Hamlet soliloquy or something. The duck's name really came out of left field, in my opinion.

But in regards to the story itself, I have just one question: This is what we should expect to see for the next several months?

I made it clear in my review of Sonic#57 that I felt that SEGA had won the war, getting Sonic and Tails, the franchise players, to be the sole characters in the comic. Despite the fact that the Freedom Fighters are NOT being ignored as I previous thought, I still feel that what I said previously is still true. Two reasons. First, the adventures star ONLY Sonic & Tails, not the rest of the gang. Second, this first "Tales of the Freedom Fighters" shows two of the Freedom Fighters who receive the LEAST attention! Therefore, while we may still see the rest of the Knothole crew in the comics, their presence is ignored and overshadowed by Sonic & Tails.

Fortunately, however, there is a ray of light. Today (and I mean Saturday for any smart alecks reading this), I looked at the Archie Comics Web Site and read an interesting commentary from editor Justin Freddy Garbie and the infamous writer Ken Penders. They said that they want to know our opinions for the future of the comic. They want to know if we like this new direction of the comics OR do we want to see things back to the way they were. What villains do we want to see return, if any? Should Sonic & Knuckles tag up more often? They want us to tell them.

Well, I'll tell you this much, they're getting a mail from me VERY SOON saying what I think. And by now, you know what I think. If you agree with me (and I know a LOT of you do), I suggest you send a friendly mail to Garbie & Penders and help bring the Freedom Fighters together again; and furthermore, to bring Sonic & Sally together in a strong, heartfelt reunion that would be so powerful that SEGA could not do a thing about it. Let's make it happen.

Thank you for your time. I am

Brian Sapinski
The Sonic Whammy

Agree/Disagree? Shout out on the message board for yourself.