The Antoine and Bunnie Retrospective - 132

The 25 Recap - 6th Era

So this might be the most decisive of eras yet…

The 6th era includes….

• Sonic the Hedgehog 126-150

“Two steps forward one step back” is the phrase that comes to mind when discussing this era. A lot of effort went in to reexamining what went wrong in previous eras and improving upon those problems, while also setting up a whole host of new bullshit to work through. And then there are many instances where the writers prove they didn’t learn a damn thing. 

Major events of the era are….

• Sonic figures out the Bem cured Robians and meets Tails’s parents while traveling through space - StH 129 
• Sonic returns home and finds he’s been gone for a year - StH 130 
• Mecha and Adam are introduced - StH 130
• Mobuis Years Later series begins - StH 131
• Bunnie’s and “Antoine’s” breakup is revealed - StH 133
• Sally breaks up with Sonic in the infamous slap moment - StH 134
• “Antoine” becomes King Max’s personal bodyguard - StH 134 
• Tommy Turtle joins the FFs - StH 137 
•  Finitevus and Knuckle’s baby brother Mace is introduced - StH 139
• Angel Island is rescued from Eggman - StH 141
• The Egg Grapes are first seen - StH 141
• Amy officially becomes a Freedom Fighter - StH 142
• M25YL ends - StH 144
• Shadow meets Hope - StH 145
• Nicole and Sally swap bodies temporally - StH 146 
• The Chosen One Arc finally comes to an end - StH 149 & 150 
• Scourge replaces Sonic and reveals that “Antoine” was Patch all along and the real Twan is held captured on anti-mobius - StH 150

Favorite thing about the era: Consequences 

My biggest complaint about the previous era is that nothing felt like it mattered. Individual stories had little impact with those around them and even important ones were handled with little gravitas. Here though, there’s more of an effort to have interconnected stories and a fully fleshed out world. Actual story arcs return, Knuckles and the Chaotix are part of the main cast and not off doing their own thing, events that were previously seen as insignificant or were ignored for a long time come back to bite the characters in the ass, and most importantly events during this era set up important developments for later on.

Least favorite thing about the era: Character Assassination

Or should I say attempted character assassination. Fortunately other writers would come in and fix or better yet build off of the OOC writing that was rampant during this era. Creating arguably stronger stories and better character development out of the mistakes of this era. That is perhaps why I don’t hate the 6th era as much as most. I knew before going into it that most of the out of place character moments would right themselves out. (Well that and there are some genuinely damn good arcs here)   

However, I don’t blame a single person for despising the writers for what happened during this era. Characters like Rotor becoming cheap mouth pieces for the creators’ political beliefs despite not fitting the character’s previous seen actions. Sally being deliberately written as unlikable just to jump start yet another forced love triangle. Antoine being written as a villain, undoing years of character growth, all for sake of contrived drama. Ugh!   

Favorite Antoine Story: “Hero to Zero In No Time At All” Sink or Spin I - StH 150 by Ken Penders    

I would include the whole arc here, but half of it is in the next era, so… meh. This story technically wins by default as this is the only story to feature the real Antoine in the era. Outside of the pointless flash back in “One Part Ooh-La-La and Two Parts Treachery!” it’s really Patch on screen. That said this is still a major, major development for Twan. One that will come to shape his character from now on. 

Favorite Bunnie Story: “Finale” Home IV - StH 133 by Karl Bollers    

Bunnie has more of a presence during this era than her significant other, but she still winds up taking the back seat a lot to the other power players of the book. (ie. the game characters) Home is the only story where she gets to physically take part in the proceedings and one of the few times she’s saved the day since the 2nd era. It also has the added bonus of furthering her development by introducing the break up. And regardless of how poorly that plot point would develop later; it’s effective and well handled here. 

Favorite Buntwan Story or Moment: Bunnie missing Antoine in “Love and Loss” - StH 144 by Romy Chacon and Jon Gray (uncredited) 

So the only time we see Bunnie and the real Ant together is during the flashback in StH 137. Unfortunately that story A. shit and B. completely redundant as it tells us nothing new about the characters or their relationship.  

However “Love and Loss” makes the absence of their romance the focus. Reaffirming why they’re such a great couple while also revealing new insights into their flaws as characters and how that effects their romance together. 

If the comic took more time for introspective stuff like this instead of the “oh he loves me; he loves me not” bullshit, I would probably be a bit more favorable towards it’s romantic drama. It of course becomes all the more frustrating when you realize that Romy Chacon wrote both this and “One Part Ooh-La-La and Two Parts Treachery!”. Which means the writers are capable of doing more, they’re just too fucking lazy or too self adsorbed do so. 

Favorite Single Story: “Circuit Me" - StH 146 by Romy Cahcon 

While I’ll praise some of the arcs during this era, the one off stories were a mite on the weaker side of things.  "Circuit Me” stands out because it happens to have some emotional heart to it. Nicole finally learns about human emotion as she and Sally switch places. This also becomes a starting point for both Nicole’s character development and some major plot points in the future. 

Favorite Story Arc: Return to Angel Island - StH 138 - 141 by Karl Bollers 

While Home is still one of my favorite arcs its held down somewhat by Bollers more annoying excesses *cough* the slap *cough* . However,  Return to Angel Island, is near perfect. Showcasing just how good Penders’ concepts and ideas could be in the hands of other writers. And while the relationship drama is still present it’s handled much more maturely and shown to have real consequences on the characters’ behaviors and outlooks outside of just will they/won’t they triangle BS. 

Favorite Artist: Jon Gray 

I was a fan of Jonathan Gray’s work long before I started reading Sonic. He’s done a lot of work for various Disney comics and I find his unique style very appealing. There’s a lot of flow, energy, and movement to his action. Even in more subtle scenes, like the one above, he has a clear way of presenting emotion through a character’s body language. He’s also fantastic at large group scenes, giving everybody, no matter how minor, a story of their own in the background. His world just feels alive. 

I know that he’s not everyone’s tastes, but I often point to his work when I’m trying to describe the difference between personal style and actual bad art. Like Spaz or Sam Maxwell, Gray’s art can be off model and exaggerated but there’s an intended purpose behind that. These artists have control and can reel in the excesses when needed and unleash their zany action upon the page to give the illusion of movement. Unlike say, Ron Lim or Jerry Gaylord who also frequently go off model due to personal style, but lack energy or focus. Making their subtle scenes stiff and their action scenes poorly laid out and confusing.  

Yeah, I still maintain that this isn’t the absolute worse era, but it’s still pretty damn close. Fortunately there’s a light at the end of the tunnel folks. So tune in next week when we start on the 7th era and the end of the Bollers/Penders run. 

The Antoine and Bunnie Retrospective - 131

“Hero to Zero In No Time At All” Sink or Spin I - Sonic the Hedgehog #150

Great, now I got that song from Hercules stuck in my head. 

Today’s story involves Sonic taking a sudden interest in the ladies. Only it’s not really Sonic, it’s Scourge the Anti-Sonic. He hits on a bunch of the women of Knothole, including Bunnie. 

I see Bunnie’s self esteem issues popping up again.

Also, why do you care Tails? What does “Sonic” and Bunnie dating have to do with you? Do you secretly have a crush on Sonic as well? Or are you just a hard core Buntoine shipper? 

Now, logically you would think Bunnie would call things off here insisting “Sonic” go talk with Tails. But nope. 

Now there’s a pretty popular interpretation of this scene, suggesting Bunnie and Scourge had sex during the time skip. It’s an interpretation that I fully reject for several reasons and here’s why. 

1. I don’t give two shits what Penders’ original intent was, what he said after the fact, and/or weather or not he failed to deny this headcannon. At the end of the day I’m the one reading this. At the end of the day it’s my head cannon that counts when I’m reading. Not the one someone else came up with. And at some point you have to separate the author/artist from the work itself. 
2. If sex was the original intent it’s very poorly presented. Like, I was a full grown adult when I first read this scene and it didn’t occur to me that that was what the writer was trying to convey, and I highly doubt any little kids reading at the time would have considered it as well. 
3. I mean Bunnie’s not an idiot. Sure she makes knee-jerk decisions at times but sex on the first date seems pretty off. Especially when she was just berating “Sonic” for trying to make out after Tails got upset. What kind of sense does that make? Also, I’m no expert, but I don’t see any articles of clothing removed or mussed up hair or any of that messy stuff that comes with sex. It just seems like a leap in logic to me to automatically assume they did it, is what I’m saying. 
4. We’re not even sure if Bunnie can have sex. Like we do find out later she is physically intimate with her husband, but in what way or to what extant is still left in the air. This is in part due to comic’s target audience being children and also because Bunnie’s robotics have never been clearly defined in how they work. And granted there is an interesting discussion to be had about her cybernetics and how they effect her love life but I’m saving that for a future review when its more appropriate.  
5. This is still a kid’s comic! If Scourge did have sex with Bunnie it would qualify as rape because of false pretenses. Rape has no place in children’s media. Now I fully realize that Penders is oblivious to that fact and can’t tell his ass from his elbow, but the rest us know better. Why make yourselves more miserable then you have too by insisting this a thing that happened? The comic by no means shoves this interpretation down you’re throat, nor does it make any claims to be edgier than it is. If you see something that isn’t actually there than that’s all on you. 

Now a head cannon is still a head cannon, and you’re allowed to keep which ever ones you want. Even if it flummoxes me personally as to why you would keep this particular one. However for myself, personally, I just see it as Bunnie and Scourge making out and nothing more. Sure it’s still sleazy on Scourge’s part and it’s still a stupid decision on Bunnie’s end, but at least it’s something everyone can walk away from with some amount of dignity.  

Anyways now that that’s out of way, let’s get down to the real reason why we’re here. No doubt, if you haven’t figured it out yet, Ken Penders is today’s author and we finally get the reveal that “Antione” has been Patch all along. 

Also pretty convenient that you shaved off his goatee with that sonic spin as well.

Now this is where I was getting at when I said you have to separate the creator from the work sometimes. I’ve noticed a growing trend where people let what an artist did or say in real life retroactively ruin a piece of art that they once enjoyed. Does that mean we should give creators a free pass when they do awful shit? Of course not! By all means continue calling Penders out on his bullshit, don’t let anyone forget that Woody Allen is a pedophile and a rapist, and always let the Chris Brown apologists know they are in the wrong. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop watching Annie Hall if you like it, or that you can no longer sing loudly to “No Air”. (Note: I hate Annie Hall and I enjoy “No Air” but I don’t really listen to Chris Brown regularly. I’m just providing examples) 

Nor does it mean you have to rip to shred every single thing Penders writes. I don’t care if Penders made a sexiest comment about Lupe once, I still think  “Lupe: Family” is a decent story. I don’t give a damn if he claimed Rotor is gay, I’m still going to headcannon him as ace anyways. And I will always defend Ken’s decision to retcon Evil-Antoine into Anti-Antoine. Even if the way he went about it was extremely douchey. 

Ya see, Penders didn’t “win out” because he had the best idea, he won because he went behind Bollers’ back and published this story before Bollers could even start on his original plans. Like, is that not the epitome of dickbaggery you’ve ever heard of? Hell yeah! Does that mean I wish Bollers got fair chance to tell his story? Hell no! 

I’ve discussed in length back in issue 137 why Bollers plans for Antoine were crap, but the long and short of it is; if Bollers had his way Antoine’s character would have been assassinated beyond repair. Years of character development down the drain all for the sake of cheap, forced drama. But with Penders idea, not only does it keep Antoine’s development intact but actually builds upon it; adding new backstory to potentially explore and new hardships for Twan to overcome and grow from. 

There’s also the added bonus of creating a new and very effective villain in Patch, while simultaneously giving Ant an arch nemesis. The fact that this all can be traced back to Scourge seeking revenge on Antoine for his embarrassment in #122 is just icing on the cake. 

Now that doesn’t mean this story is without flaws. I’ve already talked about Tails’ weird freak out and that poorly laid out scene involving Bunnie and Scourge, but there’s also an icky romance between Rouge and Locke (eww) made even worse by later writers trying to pair her with Knuckles, and a confusing lack of continuity. Like with Sally suddenly having short hair or this scene…..

Umm…Antoine was trapped in Anti-Mobuis for at least 6 months or more and Scrouge only just now got the idea to come over to Mobius and take Sonic’s place. It also took Patch several months to earn King Max’s favor. Why would Twan just randomly be in Scourge’s room spying on Patch? Shouldn’t the scene with Patch receiving the promotion from King Max be after the whole threatening Ant scene? Doesn’t that flow better? Or is Scourge just torturing poor Antoine by forcing him to helplessly watch Patch ruin his life. Yeah you know, I wouldn’t put it past him to do that. 

Oh man, does this mean Scourge has been forcing Twan to keep the disguise on this whole time? Like I just thought he did it as a way to keep the Suppression Squad from killing him out right, but nope apparently Scourge has been threatening him all for his own personal amusement. I guess that explains why he didn’t just run away or try to receive help from the good Doctor. That’s kind of horrifying, especially considering that he would have been forced to join in on the Suppression Squad’s escapades. And considering that they’re villains, well you can imagine that their idea of fun involves lots of violence.  

That’s sadly why we’ll never see Antoine’s time in Anti-Mobius fully explored. To do so would get very dark and disturbing very quickly. But still, my poor baby! 

Originally posted by jamesbuckananrogers

The second story this issue is the second half of “The Chosen One” arc. The whole Tails is the Chosen One thing started way back in the Tails mini-series. Penders and company thought it would be a good idea to wrap up the sixth milestone by concluding this dangling plot thread and tying up the loose ends of the Zone Wars series. Not a bad idea in of itself, but it falls apart when the whole thing turns into a retread of “Night of a Thousand Sonics”. 

I can fully understand why someone would hate this story, but for me it’s one of those “so bad it’s entertaining” type tales.   

I mean just look at this! That is a thing of beauty right there! You couldn’t ask for a more shitposting meme worthy image even if you tried! 

Next week will do the usual 25 recap and then continue on with the Sink or Swim arc after that.  

The Antoine and Bunnie Retrospective - 130

“Love and Loss” - Sonic the Hedgehog #144

So first off a real life update. I’ve taken on extra shifts at one of my jobs and business is picking up on my art/graphics side. Therefore reviewing will have to take a backseat for a while. This series will still be getting priority, but reviews will come out once a week rather than the three or four a week. So be on the look out on Fridays/Saturdays for the latest update. As for my other review series I’ll get to them whenever the time permits me to. 

Now on to the review…. Where we take a break from all of the Antoine drama and look at Bunnie’s feelings during all of this mess.

This story follows five women in the comic and their romantic entanglements thus far. See, the Knothole newspaper has a “Dear Abby” type column called “Dear Ally” and this week’s theme is relationship drama. Theses people are as follows, Bunnie, Mina, Amy, Sally, and Rosie at the very tail end. (Apparently she has a crush on Uncle Chuck, which we’ll sadly never see come to fruition)   

Of course we’ll be focusing on Bunnie for this review, but I’ll give a brief overview of the others at the end. 

Regardless of who wins out concerning Antoine’s character development, Bollers or Penders; this breakup really effects Bunnie deeply. Weather it’s Evil- Antoine or Anti-Antoine she broke up with, she’s still lost the real Antoine. The man whose been the emotional rock she’s leaned on for years. 

But hey, don’t take my word for it. Read this letter in her own words. 

“I miss…knowing who loved me regardless of my appearance. I feel like my whole world has fallen apart”.

That line pretty much sums things up. There’s a level of co-dependency in the Bunnie and Antoine relationship that is both immensely endearing and arguably unhealthy. And make no mistake it can be found on both sides of the relationship; as Antoine needs Bunnie to reassure him of his worthiness, and Bunnie needs Antoine to constantly help her through her identity issues. 

It is precisely this idea, that two people so broken can fix each other through love and understanding, that makes the audience so invested in their relationship. That when something inevitably goes wrong, we are concerned for their well being. We know that one can not live without the other, and so we want to see them together always. That’s good story telling. That is good drama born of natural character development. 

Unfortunately its not sustainable. Eventually either life and/or death will separate us all. And since Archie Sonic is an ongoing series without a definitive ending, there’s no way they can remain together forevers and evers. Even if the separation is only temporary, it’s still an inevitability at some point. If only for the sake of story progression and preventing the comic from stagnation.   

That means at some point one or both characters will need to learn to function without the other. In order to progress as people, they’ll need to break away from the band-aid solution of constantly having someone else reassure them and learn to be confident for themselves.  That point is not today however as we see Bunnie’s reaction to Ally’s response letter. 

We see her preparing to leave, either to find Twan and confront him or to run away as she usually does. (I’m betting it’s the latter) Only to break down into an emotional wreak unable to do anything because she is just that lost without him. That’s how dependent upon Antoine she really is. That’s not healthy. But it is understandable, given what we know of her and her former relationship. 

I know we all like to joke about how Buntoine is the perfect couple and yes they are near perfectly written imo, but relationships aren’t perfect and their’s is no exception. Co-dependency is a problem, but it’s a flaw that makes them interesting. 

As for Ally’s advice for dealing with this problem, it is fairly sound. (except for that whole “males can’t communicate their feelings” thing. We all know Ant is better at doing precisely that than Bunnie ever was) But we all know it doesn’t apply to this situation because outside forces are manufacturing this particular breakup. Weather Evil or Anti, simply talking to him wouldn’t have done anything productive, so I guess it’s for the best she never tried. 

PS: I translated Antoine’s note at the bottom of this picture. It means; 
“I will always love you my beautiful flower forever - Antoine”

  

Antoine calls Bunnie his beautiful flower!

Originally posted by smokingbomber

Originally posted by insanitynvanity

Originally posted by plumkat

This is an accurate representation of my reaction to this particular news.

As for the other girls; Mina decides to give up on Sonic for good and pursue a more serious relationship with Ash, Amy rejects Ally’s advice to keep herself open to other possibilities as oppose to single mindedly chasing after someone who is currently uninterested in her, (remind me why Bollers wanted to push for SonAmy again?) and Sally is told to go talk about her feelings to Sonic in a more mature manner instead of blowing up in his face constantly. Good advice she promptly ignores. Which is all the more stupid when you realize who “Ally” was meant to be all along. 

no. No. NO. NO! NO! NOOOOOOO!

Originally posted by n-wordbelike

Originally posted by realitytvgifs

This is BULLSHIT! and let me explain why;

1. Sally is the last person who needs to be giving relationship advice to anyone. Even before Daddy Dearest went and fucked with her head, Sally was terrible at communicating her feelings and had a continuing “will they, won’t they” relationship with Sonic for years. To hear her go on about “honesty” and “you need to talk” is hypocrisy of the highest order. 
2. Sally apparently took up this hobby to deal with her grief over Sonic’s “death”. She wanted to help others rather then focus on her own loss, which is fair enough. That’s a very Sally thing to do. But she’s already a princess in a war torn country! She already helps people every fucking day! And she no doubt has more important things to do then write letters to random strangers about love! Especially now that her dad is gone and left her in charge as acting ruler.
3. This smacks of a last ditch attempt to rescue Sally’s character after “the slap” by acknowledging that she was wrong and showing how she is still a helpful, wise, and likable character but it backfires horribly. Mainly because she never acts upon this sound advice she gives herself, making her come across as a self-righteous jackass as oppose to the selfless heroine she’s meant to be. 

The only way I can accept this ending is that it’s really Nicole who is writing all of this advice. That “Ally” just transcribes it all down for her cause she doesn’t have hands to do it herself. 

PSS: Can we call Anti-Sally Ally now? It’s short for both Sally and Alicia and separates her further from the Queen. So you can talk about both without contusion. Also we can spell it like Ali.

Anyways the other story this issue is the finale chapter for the M25YL arc. Hurray! 

Next time on the Retrospective we finally reveal who won the custody battle over Antoine’s character development, Bollers or Penders.  

The Antoine and Bunnie Retrospective - 129

“The Message” Return to Angel Island I - Sonic the Hedgehog #138 

Not much to cover here, I just wanted to point out a few interesting tidbits. 

“You heard what daddy said, I gotta be the perfect princess and do things his way or he’ll yell at me again”  

This is a woman who’s been completely brainwashed by her abuser. Someone please, please get this poor girl some help.  

Antoine’s new official title is Lieutenant. I guess previously he was a Sergeant or a Chief Warrent Officer of some kind? I’m not entirely sure how military ranks work; especially considering this is a fictional kingdom and Antoine is part of both the army, the air-force, and a special-ops group. 

Look! Look! Amy’s cheering on Vector and Bunnie’s chatting with Mighty! My shipper heart is so happy right now! 

Originally posted by shawnasgonnagif

The point of this story arc is that Sonic helps the Chaotix liberate Angle Island, and Bunnie’s not happy that she has to stay behind. 

But she does get to fly the plane there. This just confirms my theory that Antoine taught her how to pilot. Though it is curious why they couldn’t get Tails or Rotor do it. They both know how to fly too. In fact most of the FFs know how to by now.  

Originally posted by yourreactiongifs

That’s it. Sadly we won’t be looking at the rest of this story. Which is a shame because Return to Angel Island is right up there with Home as one of my favorite arcs this era. 

The other story this issue is yet another foray into the M25YL arc. 

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“One Part Ooh-La-La and Two Parts Treachery!” - Sonic the Hedgehog #137

This is often regarded as the worst Buntoine story ever written, and for good reason. First it introduces a completely pointless character for a redundant purpose. And second, it’s just plain confusing. 

The story is told through flashback, with yet another flashback within the first flashback; making it difficult to time place events. And if that wasn’t bad enough we have three “narrators” whose view point we see, yet the comic doesn’t bother to clearly define who is who. 

We open up with present day Antoine writing an acceptance speech for his new promotion that he got back in issue 134. Where he then stumbles upon an old love letter Bunnie gave him, hidden in his notes. 

This starts the first flashback as told through Bunnie’s perspective. 

You’ll notice there’s already a big fuck up right out of the gate. Present Antoine says this happened after they defeated Robotnik and the editor confirms that this is meant to take place right after Endgame. But Bunnie is already in her upgraded form in the flashback, so no, that can be right. 

This clearly has to take place after the return of Robotnik somewhere around issues 76-78. And not just because of Bunnie’s design here either. I’ll be making a case as to why this flashback should take place at that particular point in time as we go along.    

So, Past Antoine is nervous around Bunnie because an old flame of his is returning to Knothole. (and no it’s not Sally) This prompts flashback number two, as told by Past Antoine. 

So we have…. 

• Present Day Antoine reading an old love letter from Past Bunnie
• Said Bunnie is retelling an event that has already happened to both them in the letter
• This event features a Past Antoine recounting his childhood

You got it? You with me so far? Cause believe me it’s easy to get lost. 

Antoine talks about a girl name Tatiana who was his first crush, but she preferred Sonic. Sound familiar? Tatiana’s story with Antoine is nothing more than a retread of the Sally/Antoine relationship, but without any of the nuance, depth, or development of the latter. 

So if this Tatiana was so important to Ant’s past how come we’ve never seen her until now? Well shitty writing for one thing and she apparently moved away before the start of the series for another. Though where she would have moved to during a world war is beyond me. 

However Antoine has brought her up before, way back during the Image crossover. Which is the only reason why I reviewed that story. And its existence further proves that this had to take place long after Endgame. His first mention of Tatiana happened well after those events and when they were living in Robotropolis. This story clearly has both Ant and Bunnie living in Knothole, which they moved back to after Eggman’s return. 

Anyways, we transition from the Sonic Kids era back into the first flashback and back to Bunnie’s point of view; as Tatiana returns to meet up with Antoine. 

Now that’s rather rude of you Twan. (and you too Bunnie ) You said yourself that Tatiana never considered you anything more than a friend. It’s not her fault you had an unrequited crush on her. She comes home after years of being away and wants to catch up with all her old friends, and then you just blow her off, after agreeing to meet with her mind, just to hang out with your girlfriend. All because of some perceived slight to your honor back when you were literal children.  

Of course the writer tries to weave this awful behavior as “romantic” because he “chooses” Bunnie over her, but Tatiana never wanted him to begin with so no choice was ever really made. We do get one cute scene out of this mess, as Antoine reaffirms his love for Bunnie and reassures her its more than just a crush. 

It’s sadly redundant though, as we had this revelation twice already. Once to himself during “A Day In the Life” and to Bunnie during “Upgrade”. More proof that this flashback takes place after #77. 

We end this merry-go-round with Past Bunnie admitting her own love for Twan within the letter as we transition back to present day. Only to have Present Antoine rip the letter to shreds as Present Bunnie walks past. Reminding us that this once beautiful romance has turned sour. 

But why has it turned sour? Well hold on to your socks: Present Day Antoine isn’t Antoine; it’s Patch. Confused yet? 

We discussed Bollers’ plans to turn the real Antoine into a villain during the last part. Well Penders thought it would be better to replace the real Antoine altogether with his evil counterpart from the Anti-Mobius.  

And to be honest, I think this is the better plan. After all if the real Antoine’s primary motivation for turning evil is to get back with Bunnie, then why would he rip up the love letter? Patch however wouldn’t give a damn. Though if this is Anti-Antoine then how would he remember these events like he claims to? Then again he clearly got the date wrong so maybe he doesn’t actually remember. 

Either way it’s an idea that has potential but it’s being sloppily executed, unlike Bollers’ plan which is fundamentally flawed but has more effort put into it. 

But who will win out? Who will decide the fate of our beloved coyote? Bollers or Penders? Find out on the Antoine and Bunnie Retrospective!  

PS: The third story in this issue is another chapter in the M25YL arc.

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“Robo-Dyne Systems” The Tommy Trilogy III - Sonic the Hedgehog #137

This story arc was meant to bring back Tommy Turtle; a character who is universally despised by nearly everyone. And to be honest, I’m not sure why.

Oh don’t get me wrong, he’s not a good character in any way. He’s more of plot device than anything else, has no real personality, was shoehorned into the comics continuity, and his tech skills are redundant. But so was Nate Morgan, and the Brotherhood, and Tail’s parents…. Basically what I’m getting at is I don’t understand why everyone gains up on this particular character when there are several more intrusive ones out there.

However this particular story isn’t really about Tommy. Like I said he’s more of a plot device really. No this story is about bringing the old FFs back together and exploring their new dynamic.

Gee, it’s almost like she’s trapped under her father’s thumb and would rather be here with you fighting instead of playing the perfect princess, and that she took her frustrations out on you instead of just communicating her feelings,and you would realize that if you just took the time to talk to her like actual thinking beings.  

Originally posted by rahlovesit

Anyways, the writers decide to drop some more hints towards Antoine’s change in personality.

Uh… I am. Twan’s bravely volunteered to go on lots of dangerous missions before.

You see Bollers’ plan is to have Antoine become darker and more serious due to “character development”. But actual character development involves acknowledging what came before. Antoine can’t “suddenly become brave” during Sonic’s absence if he was already brave to begin with.

Now due to his insecurities, I can understand Antoine wanting to become “stronger and braver” after Sonic’s supposed “death”; in order to protect those he loves and not lose anybody else. But then why would he push the person he loves most away?

None of Bollers’ “character development” makes any sense on any fundamental basis. And nowhere is that more clear when you find out his plans for the Source of All.

Yeah, remember that stupid Mcguffin? Well it’s been hinted at that the Source of All is secretly evil and corrupts the people it bonds with. This arc was meant to finally reveal that overtly. (not like you couldn’t figure that out on your on). But while it may explain Max’s abusive asshole behavior it does not explain Antoine.

Here’s a quote from the Sonic wiki about the plan.

Antoine’s darker demeanor and loss of innocence is revealed to be the result of him subcoming to the Source’s will to, one day, marry Princess Sally without any given reason; which would result in the Source bonding with Sally permanently. In hopes of winning Bunnie back, Antoine allows himself to be possessed by a corrupted Source, turning him into a villain. 

Originally posted by nitratediva

Oh let me count the ways in which this stupid.

1. If Antoine’s base motivation is to get back together with Bunnie than why is he still an asshole to her now? In fact why was he ever an asshole to begin with, since that was her reason for breaking up with him in the first place? If he hasn’t bonded with the source yet, or if the source is responsible for his dickish behavior now, than what was his reasoning before?  Basically the Source of All can’t explain his sudden change of character, if his sudden change in character is what led him to the Source. 
2. Why would Antoine ever agree to marry Sally if getting back with Bunnie is his main goal? How would the Source ever convince him this is a good idea? Cause, remember the Source has to willingly bond with it’s host first before it can fully control it. Other wise it would have taken over Sally’s mind already.
3. Seeing as the host has to agree to being a host, then how does Sally marrying Antoine cause her to become possessed? Why would the Source even still care about Sally if it can control Antoine who would then be in a position to rule after marrying her?   

Of course, setting aside all of the plot holes that I just mentioned, there still one basic overall problem to this…..

THIS ISN’T CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!!!!!

This is forced drama that treats the characters like puppets for the sake of the over all plot. Having Antoine become mind controlled strips him of any agency and makes any previous motivations irreverent. And since we don’t know when he was first possessed it places all of his previous actions into question. 

This is “the slap” all over again. Having Ant go full on evil after so much real character development is character assassination. For pretty much the same reasons as to why Bollers tried to assassinate Sally’s character; for cheap drama. 

Look, yell at Penders all you want, he deserves it. But lets not forget that Bollers was equally responsible for the comic’s “dark days”. And while I can’t speak for any of his works outside of Sonic, he clearly has a problem with both continuity and characterization here. 

But that of course it just Bollers plan for Antoine. What of Penders? Tune in next time when we discuss the other ideas for Antoine’s changed behavior along with the worst Buntawn story ever written.