Wow nick, didn’t think you read my comment, but im glad you did. I’m the guy who made the comment about metal being “eggman’s sonic” and I audibly squealed when you mentioned it

"Hey Big Guy" 'Hey, little guy.' Okay that's adorable and I love it.

Big the cat: I am everywhere, anywhere, at any time. I WAS THERE

I love how Big just exists, he is somehow everywhere you go, yet he never actually does anything, he's just there, its my favorite gag in this franchise

When I saw Metal try to infect himself with the virus and fail, I didn't actually see that as another way he's "inferior" to Sonic. I read it as him finally having something _over_ Sonic. Unlike Sonic, who's fighting for his life to fend off the virus, Metal seems to be immune, incapable of being hindered by something that's slowing Sonic down, making Metal "stronger". I think this goes to show how great silent art can be in general, so many ways to interpret them.

"Big's Big Adventure" Dear god, it's real and I didn't know

I just like to imagine Metal Sonic betraying Eggman and help the Resistance find a cure, not out of the goodness of his machine heart but just so Sonic doesn't become a Zombot and surpassing him even further.

"Reflections" is my favorite story from the IDW comics thus far. Metal Sonic not speaking has always been one of his best characteristics, meaning his actions have to speak for him, and this story shows that in spades.

For Metal Sonic not talking, IDW could take him the Transformers Prime Soundwave route. Being mute from now on and making a big moment for when he decides to break the silence.

I love that eggman has a man cave. This shows that even though he is a villain he is still a person. Plus metal sonic story after hearing that comment actually almost made me cry for him.

Bigs story genuinely had me tearing up towards the end of it all

The Nite the Owl and Don the Rooster seem to have a great "Odd Couple" relationship. They're like... night and day. I really hope these two come back later as a cameo.

Metal Sonic's hesitation in touching the Metal Virus is so humanizing, but also consistent with his character. Remember in Sonic Heroes; Metal Sonic is constantly living in fear.

In the midst of all of this chaos and tragedy, Robotnik is in his lair playing with his dolls like Dark Helmet. That is truly a special kind of evil.

yes feed my game apologist addiction.

Let's check back on the Zombot Apocalypse. Is everything still horrible? ...................Yep.

Big: oh yeah that battle on angle island was rough Everyone: *confused stares*

Metal: "What is my purpose?" Eggman: "You fight Sonic." Metal: *Looks at hands, and then down* "Oh my god..." Eggman: "Yeah, well welcome to the club, pal."

"KTBR". That's such a subtle joke, I love it. Kintobor. That's a really fun annual. I really did love the Eggman's day off story. It's a lot lighter-hearted but I think it's a nice glimpse into Eggman's personality and a little bit of the Mr Tinker side coming through again. The clearly "metal" designs are also really neat, too.

Metal Virus was uh…something…..something depressing.

Metal Sonic’s Story in the Annual is my favorite and things like that is something I’ve always wanted to see in the games(Details that show him that he’s aware that he’s a Clone of Sonic)

"Are your sensors malfunctioning?! I said GET OUT!" Easily my favorite sentence so far in this series.

Omg, just realized, the radio stations letters “K-TBR” is a short hand Easter egg for Kintobor. Robotnik’s real name before he became the evil world conquering scientist we know today. And the stations numbers “199.2” is a reference to the year when the original Archie Sonic comics had its start. A four part mini series that was published in 1992!!! That is a deep cut reference!

I think the Eggcave was less a "this needs to be told" story, and more of a "comic relief interlude" after the radio station gut-punch. The last two I think were just filler because they needed to pad out the annual. Also, am I the only one who read the voice of Night the Owl as sounding like Old Man Owl from the old Sonic OVA?

Big the Cat side story was mix of heart warming and creepy too. The art really sells the devastation of the metal virus and that finale panel of big and frogy was super creepy. It was a surprisingly great read.

Yep. Metal still has depression. Someone give him a hug...

17:20 that kind makes me think about Shard from Archie. Eggman did not know about what makes sonic so powerful. However, when Uncle Chuck ( someone who was close to to sonic ) fixed him up, Shard was better than he was before. Shard represents what will happen if metal gets out of Sonic’s shadow and makes his own destiny. Not as clone but someone who is his own person.

I never thought of Metal Sonic like that. The way you described him just makes so much sense in hindsight.

It looks like Eggman’s sonic toys are based off the discontinued Jazzwares Sonic figures!

I've never been a big Metal Sonic fan, but his part of the Annual might be one of the most thought-provoking story moments in the Sonic franchise. Made me feel sympathetic for him for once.

this metal sonic plot is almost as good as Kameo: Elements of Power

The adrenaline dub's metal sonic one hits different

Big is a character with such potential. And we’ve seen in both this and Archie that Flynn recognizes that potential. So it’s a shame so far this annual is still his only major appearance in IDW which is about to release its 41st issue.

I believe the Red/Super Metal Sonic at 19:18 is a reference to Metallix, who was a major villain in the Fleetway comics.

19:40 we used to have that but the figures has been discontinued for a long time.

I cried at that last panel with Big covered in the Metal Virus telling Froggy that he's finally home. I love Big the Cat so much! 😭😭😭

The radio birds story in particular is a great idea

the lil urban rescue ranch clip is much appreciated

You wanna talk about good characterization? Why Sonic Heroes Matters

Honestly, going forward I do hope we get some Resident Evil style call backs to the Metal Virus. Like a side story of what happened to the police or a HUNK like character. I’d love to see that

I subscribe to the theory that metal is the roboticized original sonic from a failed timeline in CD. So when reading the metal sonic short story, I interpreted it as metal truly believes that he is the real sonic because his failed timeline occurred before the successful one. So dipping his finger into the virus was the final confirmation that he wasn't the real sonic anymore and was finally forced to come to terms with that fact.

17:00 if Sonic never had 90s attitude and took after Mario, he would just be a fleshy version of Metal Sonic fighting for nature instead of your least favorite eggy boi.

I kinda personally like how little they do with metal sonic since it makes it more fun to think about potential stuff they could do :p

I genuinely wish. They made Sonic animation, games. Just like the Sonic Metal Virus story

"Metal Sonic is just Sonic without a soul" Sonic Rivals 2 Metal Sonic disagrees with you sir.

...I kinda wonder what the Metal Virus goop feels like, though? Like...It looks incredibly satisfying to squish...

Y'know, there were dark moments in the Archie comics, alongside compelling characters, well developed arcs, and storytelling with depth. They showed us Sonic could give adult (not that kind) storytelling. But this...oooooffff. Your delivery is making this across as DREADFUL. There is this foreboding sense of nononoNONONO creeping inexorably onward. I absolutely loved the IDW Transformers (Lost Light in particular!) and this is another solid entry. Kudos to you, good sir, and kudos to the IDW staff!

FINALLY I waited for this!!! Edit: I think that little eggcave bit is just to lighten things up a bit. You see poor innocent Big get infected with the metal virus after finally finding his lost friend, the dark tones of the story with the radio cast and the inevitable infection. I think the reader could use a laugh now and then

Toys like that do exist but they are rare. One of my old friends had a Sonic toy just like that.

I think I just like how Metal only speaks whenever he's NEO Metal Sonic, since now he's out of Eggman's control, he develops his own goals and takes on a literal new persona to be the "real sonic," to become what he couldn't and can't anymore. If Metal Sonic is Sonic without the soul, then NEO is Metal Sonic WITH the soul.

In regards to the metal sonic short, it is the epitome of the phrase: "A picture is worth a thousand words!"

Poor Big, becoming infected because saving his friend. And Metal´s story said a lot, even tough there was only a couple of dialogues

19:38 ayo i actually own some figures that look dead accurate to the sonic one here i got sonic, tails and knuckles, rotating torsos and all knowing they referenced those in the idw comics among other things puts a smile on my face

Zombot Charmy in the rain looked so cool, I’d love a sonic horror manual spoof

THE URBAN RESCUE RANCH REFERENCE WAS KIIING

I honestly really like ALL of these stories equally. The Metal one stood out to me though, because it really shows his personality well. I really like how he’s portrayed in the comics.

Looking forward to you getting to Belle, particularly with the heart wrenching interaction with Eggman in this last issue.

That little Metal Sonic story is probably my favorite story with him. An excellent showcase of show dont tell. He has so much to tell without actually saying anything

The IDW comics are some of the best written sonic stuff ever. With the games it's mostly mediocre with good moments here or there but, with the IDW comics this is just genuinely good stuff in general not just "good for sonic standards" it's straight up good as in I would unironically share this with people who aren't sonic fans.

Man I've really enjoyed these speed readings. Great work man!

I definitely remember the chat between you and pup on the topic of metal, and Reflections still makes me sure that even a silent metal can give us a bunch of character depth if utilized well. Hopefully the comic gives us more of him.

Can we talk about the "Hey, big guy! Hey, little guy!" reference?

Fun Fact: Andes, the font used in the Sonic 3 Zone title cards, is also used in ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ both for some of its varying logo and for a few of the show’s episode title cards, thus strengthening the Batman reference with the Egg Cave.

You know this zombot thing reminds me of Roboticization in am way. Except, more extreme.

Love these speed readings even better at bedtime.

did you make a "I DONT HAVE A MOUTH AND I MUST SCREAM" reference? nice xD

I remember getting this annual not too long ago, and boyyyy this comic was an absolute treat to read for the first time. The panels and art were absolutely amazing.

Not sure if its Night or Knight and Dawn or Don, but I can totally see these two becoming a duo where Night is like the navigator to Don as he goes out to save people. That would make for a good spinoff.

Thank God I'm happy with a new video from one of my favorites 💗

I Understand Why people like the Silent Version of Metal Sonic. But if to me if he has a Super Big Role in the Arc i wouldn't mind him talking. I still love his Lines from Sonic Heroes as it was the First indication of how Metal Was Really feeling that still stick with me to this day. Metal Sonic: I was created for the sole purpose of destroying you, but I can never seem to defeat you. That is why I rebuilt my own body with my own hands. See me as I am, no longer afraid of anything. Metal Sonic use to be Afraid? I felt That. While Kicking his Butt in Super Sonic mode

We do actually have this kind of figures I had a lot as a kid with the rotating torso and everything

i was expecting ridge when he started talking about wallet

This is the only channel that I watch as soon as they upload. Keep up the great work Nick!

Didn’t expect to see an urban rescue ranch clip here lol

I love that they got around the whole no romance mandate by having Don and Nite be a couple from the start.

i see what you're doing trying to avoid talking about the Deadly Six

*God* I love Metal Sonic as a character. It's sad that almost every time he gets personality, he gets destroyed in the same day. #MetalSonicHasAHeart

See's Notification Me: Well ... screw sleep lol

I thought Metal took the Virus slipping off him like this: "Sonic is weak to this, I am not. I am therefore, the superior sonic."

My metal boi is feeling left out of mortality

The more I read IDW stuff the more I want a 2D animated series of it with Ian Flynn in charge of writing or him writing for games for the love of god I don't care what mandates he has to go through the end result would still be waay better.

when you got to that one with Starline, Eggman, and the Eggcave, it made me think. I can't be the only person who voices Starline like a James Bond villain, can I? Like, there's got to be other people out there, who saw the suit, the gloves, and the glasses, and just somehow defaulted to voicing him like a Bond Villain

If a normal zombbot is a pain to deal with image a raging zombot big the cat. That would be a terrifying surprise powerhouse.

I listen to these while I'm doing delivery work. I've already read the mainline series, but your little comments and input really adds a lot to it. Keep up the good work!

16:32 I know this reference. Very cool.

I'm not gonna lie, the way you're able to describe how Sonic is proven to be stronger than Metal Sonic is surprisingly deep.

16:31 was beautifully delivered. Describes Metal perfectly.

My man got a sponsor. Well done. You deserve it man.

Really great video! I love these deep dives of the story!

These stories are absolutely great. Fantastic. Always enjoy hearing you commentate in them.

Omg... I never cared much for Big, but that story kinda got me feeling some things. And the one with metal sonic- silence is beautiful. Then my boi Starline ruined it. But nonetheless, most of these are absolutely amazing! Even the Chaotx one

I found the channel like yesterday and I´m enjoy the reading of the comics so much. I love the energy and how excited you sound in funny moments of the comics, I can´t help but laugh

Just found your channel and I'm so glad I did. It's been fun going through your videos and the nostalgia.

I think there might be another aspect to Metal seeing the Metal Virus slip off of him. I definitely agree with what you say, but there might be a positive thought about the situation that occurred to Metal in the moment. That being: HE can't get infected, but Sonic CAN, meaning even though he's lost to Sonic and Co so many times, he still has some advantages over his loathsome copy. He can do things that regular flesh and blood Sonic could never dream of. So, you could look at it as a bittersweet kind of moment for our Metalic Menace.

16:31 "I have no mouth and I must go fast"

My interpretation of the Eggcave comic, because I think it is way more potent than you gave it credit for: Starline, a character who looks up to Eggman as an equal, and as an idol. But of course, he has his doubts. He should. He’s proven that the doctor isn’t exactly the best at execution of plans. He’s not aware of it, but the seeds of doubt have been planted in his mind about his one idol. Eggman shows Starline his collection of figurines. I think this is representative of the way he views his enemies and peers. He knows that he has power over others, and can easily take over the entire world if he really gave it his all. Sonic, and every one of his friends are just toys to him. Little pastime playthings that he can break and play with however he wants. Now take this metaphor into consideration when Starline turns his head to find... A Starline figurine Even though the hopeful younger doctor wished to fight along side his idol, wishing tirelessly for his respect and admiration, his heart slightly sinks when he realizes the simple fact. Eggman thinks of the entire world as his play set. And despite Starline wanting to be his one true pupil, he is no different from every other toy on his collection. Just another person to be played with, and tossed out when the doctor gets bored. On its own, it’s a little silly. But for the characterization of Eggman and the development of Starline’s rebellious actions, I think it’s something special.

"Waves off Donnie, about to start his show, he's done this a hundred times before, you can tell this dude is ready for any kind of problem thrown his way!" "Except for this one."

I agree with your sentiment about Metal Sonic not speaking. It really gives him a menacing presence and represents Sonic only in physical ability. However once he gets his Neo form, he should start talking cause that's what Metal himself wants. He made that body himself. Sonic isnt the type of guy to sit there, take orders, and say nothing. He has the agency to talk when he wants and not talk when he needs to. That's what Metal wants to be and then some. His silence wasn't his own, it was forced upon him by somebody else (Eggman) simply out of convenience. His body is "modernized" and upgraded cause Sonic ever since CD has grown in appearance, personality, and power. Meanwhile Metal looks essentially the same, stuck in the past not fulfilling his only priority and Sonics growth only makes his purpose harder to realize. Metal is one of my fav characters and has alot of untapped potential. (can be said with alot of these characters lol)

I am so happy I found you. As a sculptor I need lots of fun stuff to listen to and since I used to read the Sonic comics this is great to catch up on what's out there now

I saw the metal story as him wanting to be real. Organic. Which ties in with how he steals DNA and stuff. Honestly I want something like that to happen. He somehow figures out how to make an organic body and put his consciousness in it, like some bizarro version of sonic.