History YMMV / SonicTheHedgehogIDW

** ''IDW''[='s=] characterization of Doctor Eggman and his FatalFlaw with the ComplexityAddiction. The Eggman from the games is [[DependingOnTheWriter quite inconsistent in his appearances]] (although it can be argued that {{Flanderization}} and the tone of each game had something to do with it), but some readers feel that the idea that Eggman never plans ahead is untrue to the character (especially after his [[VideoGame/SonicForces last appearance]], where he "learned from his mistakes"). Other readers don't mind, because the comic establishes a FatalFlaw for the writers to work with for a more consistent characterization.

*** Another recent point of contention is how Sonic's eyes are drawn: instead of using his eye shapes to emote as in the games, he's given a small brow akin to what the other characters have. Some feel this does not make sense anatomically because of how his eyes are conjoined.
*** The way Silver's eyes are drawn is another issue that tends to come up frequently. They're often drawn rounder than they are in canon to better convey his friendliness and innocence, but at the expense of faithfulness towards his actual design, which is supposed to paint him as a more serious character.

** The ''Misadventures'' arc has been subject to debate. Fans like the more "slice of life" pace and being a nice breather after ''Urban Warfare'', pointing to stories like Knuckles' and Cream's as high points. Detractors think that the pacing starts to slow to a crawl, and dislike the Restoration subplot for making everyone dumber trying to catch Mimic.[[note]]Silver and Whisper not doing proper planning to apprehend "Duo" and using the evidence or methods to expose the octopus on-hand, Lanolin taking the side of a complete newcomer and stranger over comrades with much more trustability and experience that has saved the world multiple times with no reason to lie, etc.[[/note]]

** In ''Scrapnik Island'' Issue #4, Mecha Sonic screams out "'''I'LL CRUSH YOU!!!'''" to the Scrapniks who stopped his plan from being completed. Fans of the comic and the fan animated web series ''WebAnimation/SuperMarioBrosZ'' will likely only hear the line being delivered by Creator/AndrewChandler's performance as [[Characters/DragonBallCooler Cooler]] from ''Manga/DragonBallZ'', as this line for Mecha Sonic in ''SMBZ'' was taken from one of Cooler's voice clips from the ''VideoGame/DragonBallZBudokaiTenkaichi'' series.

** The other members of [[BadassCrew the Diamond Cutters]], despite being long dead by the events of the comic, are popular primarily due to their association with Whisper and her [[DarkAndTroubledPast backstory]], and being a homage to the Foxhound group of ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid''. Some fan works even have them [[SparedByTheAdaptation surviving or even flat out avoiding]] their canon deaths.

* EveryoneIsJesusInPurgatory: Some readers interpret Dr. Starline as [[StrawFan a jab at the toxic segments of the Sonic fanbase]]. Introduced as a {{Fanboy}} of Dr. Eggman, Starline quickly becomes disillusioned when the doctor doesn't live up to his lofty expectations, and believes he "understands" the Sonic vs Eggman conflict so well that he can do it better himself (even referring to it as [[FandomNod "The Sonic Cycle"]]). He creates essentially his own {{Original Character}}s, Surge and Kit, who turn out to be [[InNameOnly one-note knockoffs based on THE most superficial understanding of Sonic and Tails possible]], and even ''they'' come to dislike him. Finally, [[spoiler: his attempt at hijacking the plot results in a CurbStompBattle from Eggman himself, who reminds him of just ''why'' he has JokerImmunity, proving that ultimately, Starline never had a clue about the conflict (i.e franchise) he claimed to be a fan of.]]

** The glitch trio of Dr. Starline, Surge, and Kit are all this. More can be seen detailed under DracoInLeatherPants, but all three have memorable scenes with each of the characters, with Surge and Kit also being compelling {{Evil Counterpart}}s to the main duo of Sonic and Tails. Surge's popularity would help in her being added to both ''WesternAnimation/SonicPrime Dash'' and ''VideoGame/SonicDash'' in November 2023, making her one of the first IDW comic book villains to appear in a spin-off game.

** Issue #50 then shows that Dr. Eggman is very capable of planning ahead when he sees the need, [[spoiler: as Dr. Starline had to learn the hard way.]]

** Mimic's entire shtick is being able to turn into other characters. Real-life Mimic Octopus get their name due to mimicking the movements, actions, and general outline of [[https://i.redd.it/xgeb7sqciq881.png other animals]], as to avoid predators.

** After the news that Classic Sonic and any characters that didn't make the jump to 3D (well prior to ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure'') wouldn't be allowed to be used for the comic, many guessed that they would likely show up in another book ala ''Sonic Universe''. Lo and behold, [[https://tailschannel.com/idw-sonic/classic-sonic-miniseries-2021/ it was announced Classic Sonic would get his own celebratory one-shot]]. Tails, Amy, and Knuckles would follow suit, getting their own specials focused on their classic counterparts.

* LoveToHate: Mimic the Octopus has gained some fans for being a truly menacing {{sociopath}}ic TentacledTerror whose powerful VoluntaryShapeshifting power and skill as a ManipulativeBastard are impressive yet genuinely threatening.

** Amy's proactive role in the series as leader of the restoration has been critized by fans as Flynn's using Amy as a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute of Sally Acorn from the ''Archie'' series. While there is some truth to it (WriteWhatYouKnow is in full effect here), Amy's role is a side effect of her characterization in ''VideoGame/SonicForces'', where she was one of the leaders of the resistance.

* {{Moe}}: Due to just about every character having their fair share of {{Adorkable}} moments, along with the way they are occasionally [[RidiculouslyCuteCritter drawn]], there are more than a few instances where EVERYONE can be seen as this. Comic-exclusive characters such as [[{{Adorkable}} Tangle]], [[TheQuietOne Whisper]], and [[CloserToEarth Jewel]] tend to get these reactions the most from fans.

* CharacterPerceptionEvolution: During the early days of the comic, Lanolin was an EnsembleDarkHorse due to her SweetSheep design and {{Moe}} nature, and fans were excited every time she was able to make background appearances through Adam Bryce Thomas' requests. After becoming an AscendedExtra and being made into the leader of the Neo Diamond Cutters, she still retained a strong fanbase, with many praising her by-the-book leadership as being the second coming of [[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics Sally Acorn]]. However, after the events of the ''[[Recap/SonicTheHedgehogIDWMisadventuresArc Misadventures]]'' arc, Lanolin swiftly ended up becoming a BaseBreakingCharacter, as while her fans still appreciate her design and her newfound confidence, detractors of her started coming out of the woodworks accusing her of being [[KnowNothingKnowItAll a poor excuse for a leader]] who should ''really'' know better than to [[HorribleJudgeOfCharacter implicitly trust sketchy characters]] such as [[ObviousJudas Duo]][[note]]who is really [[TentacledTerror Mimic]] in disguise[[/note]] over veterans such as Silver and Whisper.

* CharacterPerceptionEvolution: During the early days of the comic, Lanolin was an EnsembleDarkHorse due to her SweetSheep design and {{Moe}} nature, and fans were excited every time she was able to make background appearances through Adam Bryce Thomas' requests. After becoming an AscendedExtra and being made into the leader of the Neo Diamond Cutters, she still retained a strong fanbase, with many praising her by-the-book leadership as being the second coming of [[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics Sally Acorn]]. However, after the events of the ''[[Recap/SonicTheHedgehogIDWMisadventuresArc Misadventures]]'' arc, Lanolin swiftly ended up becoming a BaseBreakingCharacter, as while her fans still appreciate her design and her newfound confidence, detractors of her started coming out of the woodworks accusing her of being [[KnowNothingKnowItAll a poor excuse for a leader]] who should ''really'' know better than to [[HorribleJudgeOfCharacter implicitly trust sketchy characters]] such as Duo[[note]]really [[TentacledTerror Mimic]] in disguise[[/note]] over veterans such as Silver and Whisper.

* ShipToShipCombat: Whisper/Tangle shippers are known to feud with anyone who ships either character with a male character. While their defensiveness is understandable, it eventually reached a point where it prompted [[https://twitter.com/IanFlynnBKC/status/1677309379656265731 Ian Flynn]] [[note]]Who's made it clear he supports the pairing and that only [[ExecutiveMeddling SEGA mandates]] prevent it from becoming official[[/note]] to tell fans to knock it off.

* FanartAtFirstSight: Pretty much any new characters previewed usually gets some new fanarts on social media of them before their debuts. Tangle was first, followed by Whisper. Then Belle and of course Kit and Surge. Starline and Clutch are the only exceptions so far as they debuted within in the pages of the comic rather then be showcased early.

* CharacterPerceptionEvolution: During the early days of the comic, Lanolin was an EnsembleDarkHorse due to her SweetSheep design and {{Moe}} nature, and fans were excited every time she was able to make background appearances through Adam Bryce Thomas' requests. After becoming an AscendedExtra and being made into the leader of the Neo Diamond Cutters, she still retained a strong fanbase, with many praising her by-the-book leadership as being the second coming of [[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics Sally Acorn]]. However, after the events of the ''[[Recap/SonicTheHedgehogIDWMisadventuresArc Misadventures]]'' arc, Lanolin swiftly ended up becoming a BaseBreakingCharacter, as while her fans still appreciate her design and her newfound confidence, detractors of her started coming out of the woodworks accusing her of being a poor leader who should know better to trust veterans such as Silver and Whisper over [[HorribleJudgeOfCharacter sketchy characters such as Duo]].

* EveryoneIsJesusInPurgatory: Some readers interpret Dr. Starline as [[StrawFan a jab at the toxic segments of the Sonic fanbase]]. Introduced as a {{Fanboy}} of Dr. Eggman, Starline quickly becomes disillusioned when the doctor doesn't live up to his lofty expectations, and believes he "understands" the Sonic vs Eggman conflict so well that he can do it better himself. (even referring to it as [[FandomNod "The Sonic Cycle"]]) He creates essentially his own {{Original Character}}s, Surge and Kit, who turn out to be [[InNameOnly one-note knockoffs based on THE most superficial understanding of Sonic and Tails possible]], and even ''they'' come to dislike him. Finally, [[spoiler: his attempt at hijacking the plot results in a CurbStompBattle from Eggman himself, who reminds him of just ''why'' he has JokerImmunity, proving that ultimately, Starline never had a clue about the conflict (i.e franchise) he claimed to be a fan of.]]

* FandomSpecificPlot: Fans of the comic ''love'' using the Metal Virus as HurtComfortFic fuel, especially involving Cream, Amy or Sonic. (With Metal Virus shipping fics practically being their own genre) This sometimes extends to [[AdaptationalAngstUpgrade characters developing PTSD over it.]]

* ToughActToFollow: Some fans hold the opinion that the comic peaks really early with the Metal Virus Saga, which presents ridiculously high stakes from the get-go through a worldwide epidemic that leaves nearly all the heroes fully corrupted. The subsequent Eggman's Legacy Saga is way more unfocused and scaled down on that aspect, with multiple small character-driven arcs (some of which are divisive or simply forgettable) that lead to a more action-y climax, although with a FinalBoss ([[spoiler:Surge]]) that's nowhere as impressive as an entire army of zombie robots. Note that this really doesn't apply to the miniseries (which are more standalone and focused), with ''Imposter Syndrome'' and ''Scrapnik Island'' being generally well-received, the latter in particular being some of the most praised comics in the series' run. The sudden and incredibly high-stakes presented by the Metal Virus Saga can be attributed to how Ian Flynn used what was likely supposed to be a potential finale and climactic storyline that would take place after the 300th issue of the Archie series and [[RefittedForSequel refitted the plot for IDW]] after the Archie comics were canceled.

* ToughActToFollow: Some fans hold the opinion that the comic peaks really early with the Metal Virus Saga, which presents ridiculously high stakes from the get-go through a worldwide epidemic that leaves nearly all the heroes fully corrupted. The subsequent Eggman's Legacy Saga is way more unfocused and scaled down on that aspect, with multiple small character-driven arcs (some of which are divisive or simply forgettable) that lead to a more action-y climax, although with a FinalBoss ([[spoiler:Surge]]) that's nowhere as impressive as an entire army of zombie robots. Note that this really doesn't apply to the miniseries (which are more standalone and focused), with ''Imposter Syndrome'' and ''Scrapnik Island'' being generally well-received, the latter in particular being some of the most praised comics in the series' run.

* FandomSpecificPlot: Fans of the comic ''love'' using the Metal Virus as HurtComfortFic fuel, especially involving Cream, Amy or Sonic. (With Sonamy-shipping Metal Virus fics practically being their own genre) This sometimes extends to [[AdaptationalAngstUpgrade characters developing PTSD over it.]]

* ToughActToFollow: Some fans hold the opinion that the comic peaks really early with the Metal Virus Saga, which presents ridiculously high stakes from the get-go through a worldwide epidemic that leaves nearly all the heroes fully corrupted. The subsequent Eggman's Legacy Saga is way more unfocused and scaled down on that aspect, with multiple small character-driven arcs (some of which are divisive or simply forgettable) that lead to a more action-y, generally well-received climax, although with a FinalBoss ([[spoiler:Surge]]) that's nowhere as impressive as an entire army of zombie robots. Note that this really doesn't apply to the miniseries, with ''Imposter Syndrome'' and ''Scrapnik Island'' being generally well-received, the latter in particular being some of the most praised comics in the series' run.

* ToughActToFollow: Some fans hold the opinion that the comic peaks really early with the Metal Virus Saga, which presents ridiculously high stakes from the get-go through a worldwide epidemic that leaves nearly all the heroes fully corrupted. The subsequent Eggman's Legacy Saga is way more unfocused and scaled down on that aspect, with multiple small character-driven arcs (some of which are divisive or simply forgettable) that lead to a more action-y, generally well-received climax, although with a FinalBoss ([[spoiler:Surge]]) that's nowhere as impressive as an entire army of zombie robots. Note that this really doesn't apply to the miniseries, with ''Imposter Symdrone'' and ''Scrapnik Island'' being generally well-received, the latter in particular being some of the most praised comics in the series' run.

* ToughActToFollow: Some fans hold the opinion that the comic peaks really early with the Metal Virus Saga, which presents ridiculously high stakes from the get-go through a worldwide epidemic that leaves nearly all the heroes fully corrupted. The subsequent Eggman's Legacy Saga is way more unfocused and scaled down on that aspect, with multiple small character-driven arcs (some of which are divisive or simply forgettable) that lead to a more action-y, generally well-received climax, although with a FinalBoss ([[spoiler:Surge]]) that's nowhere as impressive as an entire army of zombie robots. Note that this really doesn't apply to the miniseries, with ''Imposter Symdrone'' and ''Scrapnik Island'' being generally well-received, with the latter in particular being some of the most praised comics in the series' run.

* ToughActToFollow: Some fans hold the opinion that the comic peaks really early with the Metal Virus Saga, which presents ridiculously high stakes from the get-go through a worldwide epidemic that leaves nearly all the heroes fully corrupted. The subsequent Eggman's Legacy Saga is way more unfocused and scaled down on that aspect, with multiple small character-driven arcs (some of which are divisive or simply forgettable) that lead to a more action-y, generally well-received climax, although with a FinalBoss ([[spoiler:Surge]]) that's nowhere as impressive as an entire army of zombie robots.

* ToughActToFollow: Some fans hold the opinion that the comic peaks really early with the Metal Virus Saga, which presents ridiculously high stakes from the get-go through a worldwide epidemic that leaves nearly all the heroes fully corrupted. The subsequent Eggman's Legacy Saga is way more unfocused and scaled down on that aspect, with multiple small character-driven arcs (some of which are divisive or simply forgettable) that lead to a more action-y, generally well-received climax, although with a FinalBoss ([[spoiler:Surge]]) that's nowhere as impressive as an entire army of {{Robot Zombie}}s.

* ToughActToFollow: Some fans hold the opinion that the comic peaks really early with the Metal Virus Saga, which presents ridiculously high stakes from the get-go through a worldwide epidemic that leaves nearly all the heroes fully corrupted. The subsequent Eggman's Legacy Saga is way more unfocused and scaled down on that aspect, with multiple small character-driven arcs (some of which are divisive or simply forgettable) that lead to a more action-y, generally well-received climax, although with a FinalBoss ([[spoiler:Surge]]) that's nowhere as impressive as an entire army of [[Robot Zombie]]s.

** Silver suffers a particularly bad case of this in the comics, particularly in the issues written by Evan Stanley. He is portrayed as ''much'' less skilled and in control of his powers when compared to his video game appearances, where he is among the most powerful of Sonic's recurring allies. Seemingly, this was done to paint him as inexperienced and emphasize his innocence, despite, again, this not being an issue for him in the ''Rivals'' series or ''Generations'', the latter even being agreed to be his most impressive display of power and fighting capability yet.

** Silver suffers a particularly bad case of this in the comics, particularly in the issues written by Evan Stanley. He is portrayed as ''much'' less skilled and in control of his powers when compared to his video game appearances, where he is among the most powerful of Sonic's recurring allies. Seemingly, this was done to emphasize his innocence, despite, again, this not being an issue for him in the ''Rivals'' series or ''Generations'', the latter even being agreed to be his most impressive display of power and fighting capability yet.

** Silver suffers a particularly bad case of this in the comics, particularly in the issues written by Evan Stanley. He is portrayed as ''much'' less skilled and in control of his powers when compared to his video game appearances, where he is among the most powerful of Sonic's recurring allies. Seemingly, this was done to emphasize his innocence, despite, again, this not being an issue for him in the ''Rivals'' series or 'even 'Generations'', the latter being one of his most impressive displays of power yet.

* NeverLiveItDown: Lanolin will probably not let fans forget the [[JerkassBall poor treatment]] she gave Silver in Issues #63-64, which ultimately led to him geeting booted out of the Diamond Cutters. Now granted, she is not the only character who grabs the IdiotBall in that story, but many consider it extremely odd how Lanolin, a highly inexperienced soldier, completely dismisses Silver, an extremely powerful psychic who confronted [[RealityWarper Infinite]] by himself and is a renowned hero of his own, as if he were just an incompetent klutz.

* NeverLiveItDown: Lanolin will probably not let fans forget the [[JerkassBall poor treatment]] she gave Silver in Issues #63-64, which ultimately led to him geeting booted out of the Diamond Cutters. Now granted, she is not the only character who grabs the IdiotBall in that story, but many consider it extremely odd how Lanolin, a highly inexperienced soldier, completely dismisses Silver, an extremely powerful psychic and renowned hero of his own, as if he were just an incompetent klutz.

* CharacterPerceptionEvolution: During the early days of the comic, Lanolin was an EnsembleDarkHorse due to her SweetSheep design and {{Moe}} nature, and fans were excited every time she was able to make background appearances through Adam Bryce Thomas' requests. After becoming an AscendedExtra and being made into the leader of the Neo Diamond Cutters, she still retained a strong fanbase, with many praising her by-the-book leadership as being the second coming of [[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics Sally Acorn]]. However, after the events of the ''[[Recap/SonicTheHedgehogIDWMisadventuresArc Misadventures]]'' arc, Lanolin swiftly ended up becoming a BaseBreakingCharacter, as while her fans still appreciate her design and her newfound confidence, detractors of her started coming out of the woodworks accusing her of being a poor leader who should know better to trust veterans such as Silver and Whisper over [[HorribleJudgeOfCharacter sketchy characters such as Duo, Surge, and Kit]].

** Following the establishment of the new Diamond Cutters, some people have felt this towards Lanolin, as she ends up having to take a more strict, leader-like attitude as the group's commander. One half thinks this makes sense and that it's merely natural progression for a strategist character that [[{{Workaholic}} takes their work very seriously]] (while also needing to round up the excitable Tangle and bashful Whisper somehow), but others also think that it's weird to have this much authority granted to a rookie with only one mission of note and who happens to be surrounded by characters that are far more experienced and powerful than she is, especially when her treatment of them can come off as rather harsh and disrespectful despite having little cred herself. Still, there are people who think a middle ground is ideal, believing that she brings a [[TheComicallySerious unique vibe to the team due to her seriousness]], but that her bossiness should be eventually toned down, or at least elaborated upon down the line to make her more likable and less of a killjoy.

** The ''Misadventures'' arc has been subject to debate. Fans like the more "slice of life" pace and being a nice breather after ''Urban Warfare'', pointing to stories like Knuckles' and Cream's as high points. Detractors think that the pacing starts to slow to a crawl, and dislike the Restoration subplot for making everyone dumber trying to catch Mimic [[note]]Silver and Whisper not doing proper planning to apprehend "Duo" and using the evidence or methods to expose the octopus on-hand, Lanolin taking the side of a complete newcomer and stranger over comrades with much more trustability and experience that has saved the world multiple times with no reason to lie, etc.[[/note]].

** The comic's portrayal of ''Sonic himself'' has become this as of late, due to his insistence on being [[ThouShaltNotKill more merciful to his adversaries despite the consequences that result]]. While some fans consider his merciful behavior to be in-character with his game self and have expressed that they'd prefer it to Sonic killing the villains of the comic, detractors of the comic have noted that not only does this lead to [[NiceJobBreakingItHero things getting worse for everyone]] involved [[KarmaHoudini when the villains are free to hurt people]] -- a fact that Sonic ''acknowledges'' but [[IgnoredEpiphany never puts into practice]] -- but that Sonic himself is a {{hypocrite}} in that he often shoves the differing views of his friends ''and enemies'' aside (and even bitterly chastises [[TheAtoner Shadow]] and [[ShellShockedVeteran Espio]] over such), all while [[HonorBeforeReason acting especially righteous about his choices and asserting that he wants to give everyone the freedom to enjoy the world]]. The degree of whether Sonic's beliefs and his resulting actions are justified does depend on the reader, however, and his portrayal in ''Scrapnik Island'' has been viewed by detractors as more in-line with his game counterpart, along with the story being viewed as a better-written case of him trying to redeem an antagonist. To a much lesser degree, this version of Sonic also tends to be far more verbose when discussing topics such as his beliefs or morals, compared to how his game counterpart -- while also very prone to being talkative -- tends to be quick and to-the-point when expressing his perspective on things. Some feel that this makes Sonic come across as more overbearing and patronizing when combined with the other controversial aspects of his portrayal in this comic, though others have argued that his greater quantity of dialogue may simply be a result of working within the limitations of the comic medium. Worth noting is that ''Scrapnik'' writer Daniel Barnes [[https://twitter.com/Danny8bit/status/1674164168008830978?s=20 has taken note of the former argument]].

** Sonic's ThouShaltNotKill characterization has caused serious disagreement among readers. Those opposed to this portrayal argue that Sonic's leniency towards the villains allows them to continue their rampages [[KarmaHoudini without any real comeuppance]], and despite being [[WhatTheHellHero called out on it]] both in and out-of-universe, Sonic [[ItsAllMyFault muses on his mistakes]] but [[IgnoredEpiphany never actually changes]]. Those that are fine with it argue that Sonic killing his enemies would be OutOfCharacter and take the comic down a needlessly dark turn. Then, there are some who TakeAThirdOption and agree that while Sonic shouldn't kill, the fact he doesn't ''imprison'' his enemies makes him seem very negligent.