Sonic the Hedgehog Finds New Comic Book Publisher

Say it ain't so, Sonic.

By Jesse Schedeen

Update: That didn't take long. IDW Publishing revealed today at SDCC that they've acquired the rights to the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.

“We’ve been speaking with beloved Sonic fan-favorite creators and new creators alike, and are excited to be able to spread specifics about our plans for the comic in the near future,” said Chief Creative Officer Chris Ryall in IDW's press release.

As of right now it's unknown what books will be a part of this new arrangement. Nor is it clear whether IDW plans on rebooting Sonic's comic book continuity or picking up where Archie left off. All we know for now is that fans can expect Sonic and the gang to make their big return to comics next year.

The original story is below: 

After 24 years, Sonic the Hedgehog will be leaving his home at Archie Comics and moving elsewhere. That news broke last night as Sega of America revealed (via the official Sonic the Hedgehog Twitter account) that they're terminating their partnership with the publisher.

Sega's full statement reads:

After 24 years of memorable storytelling, SEGA of America will conclude their Sonic the Hedgehog publishing partnership program with Archie Comics. This does not mark the end of Sonic in comics, but signifies SEGA of America's decision to take a different direction for the series that will be announced at a later date. SEGA would like to thank Sonic's amazing fans for their loyalty and passion over all the years. SEGA looks forward to providing more information soon.

The exact reason for this decision is unclear, though there have been signs for months that the relationship between Archie and Sega was winding down. The ongoing Sonic the Hedgehog series ended with December's issue #290, while issues #291 through 293 were solicited and canceled. Sonic was also notably absent from Archie's Free Comic Book Day fare this year.

This split also leaves the unpublished Sonic Mega Drive: Overdrive #1 in limbo. That book was intended to be the third and final entry in a trilogy of one-shots that build on the events of the Sonic & Knuckles video game.

The good news is that Sega is hinting Sonic and friends will find a new home at a different publisher. And with SDCC now underway, it's possible we'll hear more as early as this week. We'll keep you updated as we learn more about the future of the Sonic the Hedgehog comics.

Jesse is a mild-mannered writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter, or Kicksplode on MyIGN.

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