The Sonic the Hedgehog comic from IDW is introducing a new story arc this fall, positioning it as a jumping-on point for new readers. The story revolves around familiar characters and elements like Shadow and the Chaos Emeralds, while introducing a new locale for the gang to explore. The story arc, called “The Stage Is Set,” starts in September.
The three-issue arc will start with Sonic the Hedgehog #81. After six of the seven Chaos Emeralds go missing, Sonic and Tails go on a frantic search for the seventh. That hunt leads them to Sequin, a luxurious city that happens to be in the midst of a massive carnival. They quickly discover they’re not alone, however, as Shadow and Rouge are searching for the final emerald as well.
Sonic the Hedgehog issue 81 from IDW
The announcement from IDW promises fan favorites along with a “new, adorable, acrobatic, totally not suspicious character.” Both the main and alternate covers for issue #81 each show different looks at a character dressed like a harlequin jester–which makes enough sense for a citywide carnival. While this character is currently only in the comics, the IDW series has bled into the world of video games before–the Sonic Forces mobile game borrowed two of the comic series’ original characters, Tangle and Whisper, in 2020.
