Shadow fans should pay attention, because theSonic the Hedgehogfranchise is hinting at the long-awaited return of a major villain from the antihero’s past. 2024 was a great year for Shadow, featuring him prominently in both the video game and film mediums, but he didn’t make as strong of an impression in IDW Publishing’s comics. Luckily, Shadow’s upcoming series intends to fix that by spotlighting him and - by the looks of it - his greatest enemy.
Sonic the Hedgehog: Chasing Shadows#1 by Kiel Phegley and Jonathan Gray will follow Shadow the Hedgehog as he embarks on a solo adventure. The official cover art has been unveiled, drawn by Nathalie Fourdraine, and it includes a clever clue about what Shadow’s journey holds.
Shadow is pictured alongside a bed of flowers, but these flowers aren’t as unassuming as they seem. They bear a striking resemblance to Doom’s Eye, an entity formed from the villainous Black Doom that behaves as his “eyes” when he isn’t present.Black Doom may be returning to comics at last, marking his highly anticipated debut in IDW Publishing’sSoniccontinuity.
Sonic the Hedgehog Teases Black Doom’s Comeback in New Shadow Series
Shadow’s Darkest Foe Might Return to Comics After a Long Absence
Black Doom was introduced in 2006’sShadow the Hedgehogvideo game, wherein it was revealed that his blood aided in the creation of the Ultimate Lifeform.Although the game was a critically lauded failure, Black Doom went on to make a handful of appearances in Archie Comics’Sonic the Hedgehogseries as part of Shadow’s story. This role didn’t last long, however, and writerIan Flynnclaimed that Sega banned the character from being incorporated into the comics. Black Doom thus faded into obscurity, and Shadow lost one of the few enemies he doesn’t explicitly share with Sonic.
Shadow the Hedgehog’s Latest Feat Proves He’s Finally Surpassed Sonic
After a decades-long rivalry, Shadow has unlocked an impressive power-up that even Sonic can’t pull off, proving he’s the strongest Hedgehog around.
In 2024, Sonic’s fanbase received a surprise when Black Doom played a key role in theSonic x Shadow Generationsgame, facing off against Shadow for the first time in years.Now that Black Doom is officially back in action within the games, it stands to reason that he will make his comeback in the comics as well.He has yet to show up inIDW Publishing’s Sonic universe, and a story led by Shadow serves as an ideal opportunity to integrate him. Shadow’s best antagonist potentially crossing in the comics couldn’t have come at a better time for the series - or for the Ultimate Lifeform himself.
Despite His Success Elsewhere, Shadow Is Neglected in the Comics - Until Now
Shadow the Hedgehogis regarded as one of the most popular characters in theSonicfranchise, but despite his widespread fame, the comics haven’t done a stellar job at portraying him as well as he deserves. He hardly shows up in the story, and when he does,his arrogancetends to get the better of him and culminate in embarrassing defeats. Shadow is in desperate need of a satisfying victory to win back readers who have grown to doubt him, and a new battle with Black Doom upon his return toSonic the Hedgehoglore could grant him exactly that.
Sonic the Hedgehog: Chasing Shadows#1will be available on March 26th, 2025 from IDW Publishing.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog is a multimedia franchise that began with Sonic the Hedgehog’s release for the Sega Genesis in 1991. The franchise follows the adventures of the titular Blue Blur, Sonic, as he fights the nefarious Dr. Eggman to protect his friends, family, and the world. The series has expanded into several video games, multiple comic book series, television shows, and a Hollywood feature film series.
