MIKE PELLERITO, was recently named the new Managing Editor of Archie Comics. In addition to looking over the Archie universe he also editÃs some of Archie Comics most popular titles,
This column came about after having very few avenues to promote and find out about All Ages and Younger Reader Comics and Graphic Novels. Most knowledge seems to be passed along by word of mouth, so this is in the sprit the column is written. Now, sit back and join in the conversation!
To learn more about any of the above-mentioned projects please visit Archie Comics.com
Lightning You Say?
By Ian Flynn
Lightning you say??
So just the other day I called up the boss-man, Mr. Mike Pellerito, to go over the penultimate chapter in our next big Sonic the Hedgehog story arc and check up on things in Mamaroneck. The prognosis was good: busy, steady-as-she-goes - except for one thing. Seems a wayward lightning bolt lobotomized his home computer and took this week’s column with it. A steady ship with a full sail is still a busy place to be, so Captain Pellerito asked me to come on deck.
I don’t know what that makes me though. First mate? Swabie? Life guard? My nautical analogy is sinking fast, so I better bail.
Since you’re here you obviously have some interest in all-ages comics, so let me put you in the know about a couple titles that are near and dear to my heart. First and foremost is Sonic the Hedgehog. You may have heard of some civil warring going on in another set of books. Well we’ve got some of that too! Sonic is currently going through something more compact but no less profound. With the city of New Mobotropolis happily tucked away behind the safety of a force-field, the natives are growing restless. Half want democracy as preached by a former army commander. The other half are loyal to the monarchy that’s being led by a young and fairly inexperienced king.
That’s enough drama right there, but here’s the real twist: the revolutionaries are Tails’s parents, and Sonic seems to have sided with the rule-of-law, and thus the monarchy. This has pit one of the most recognizable buddy pairings and dynamic duos out there at each others’ throats. You should still be able to find Sonic the Hedgehog #178 now and hop on board before the story finishes in Sonic the Hedgehog #179.
Then things really start going nuts! We’re dusting off an old villain that hasn’t been seen since the early issues of the old Knuckles the Echidna spin-off. Enerjak, a nigh-omnipotent Egyptian-themed conqueror, is set to return and wreak major havoc on the heroes, the villains, and Knuckles’s home turf on Angel Island. From the end of our current story line and all the way through the end of the year, our heroes are going to be facing what amounts to a god. Folks who have been keeping up with the hints in-book also have picked up on the idea of Enerjak’s true identity might not be the same as before. One part intrigue, one part unbridled super-powered action; what’s not to love?
I’ll grant you that’s some heavy stuff, which is why Sonic X is around to provide something a little lighter for your palette. My long-time compatriot in Sonic matters, Tracy Yardley, is pulling double-duty on Sonic X #24 by both writing and drawing the issue. Then I get the pleasure of taking over with the monumental milestone issue of Sonic X #25. Ever wonder how Sonic would fare if he was a different color? Wonder no more! A whole rainbow of hedgehogs will be running and spinning – while being fun to read of course. And after that we get completely zany as Dr. Eggman turns luchador and starts calling himself “El Gran Gordo” in Sonic X #26. The story arc it introduces is perhaps the most fun I’ve had writing!
It’s about time again for Mike’s usual sagely recommendations for the keen-eyed all-ages buyer. Thanks for letting me onto your screen once again and ramble on about my favorite two titles. I assure you, it’s merely a coincidence that I happen to be writing them both. Purely coincidence. And if you believe that, I’ve got a bridge in Brooklyn if you’re interested in buying.
Until the next lightning strike, this is Ian Flynn shipping out!
If you have a great All Ages project, let us know!
Get in touch: mikep(at)silverbulletcomicbooks(dot)com
Check out some new All Ages and Younger Reader comic reads on sale this week:
MAY070226 GOOD AS LILY $9.99
JUN070227 LEGION OF SUPER HEROES IN THE 31ST CENTURY #5 $2.25
JUN072165 MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #2 $2.99
JUN072170 MARVEL ADVENTURES TWO-IN-ONE #2 $4.99
JUN072124 MARVEL ILLUSTRATED TREASURE ISLAND #3 (OF 6) $2.99
JUN073332 SIMPSONS COMICS #133 $2.99
Also, check out some great All Ages comic reviews here at Silver Bullet Comic Books. Thanks especially to Penny Kenny and Ray Tate!
Amazing Spider-Girl #11
CLICK HERE
Sonic the Hedgehog #178
CLICK HERE
Entertainment for Every Age is © Mike Pellerito 2006-
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