Sonic Underground. Just the name might trigger a wave of 90s cartoon nostalgia for many. For me, tuning in before school, it was a crucial piece of my early Sonic fandom, right up there with Sonic Heroes and digging through my dad’s old Genesis games. Alongside Sonic X, it propelled me into the deeper lore of the blue blur and his world. Sonic Underground holds a special, almost untouchable nostalgic place in my heart, but revisiting it as an adult? Let’s just say it’s a mixed bag of feelings.
Don’t get me wrong, I have a soft spot the size of Mobius for Underground. But even with my rose-tinted glasses on, it’s clear it wasn’t animation gold. Before we get to the good stuff that keeps fans coming back, let’s address some of the, shall we say, less polished aspects.
- Animation Quality? Oof. Outside of the banger opening theme (more on that later), the animation could be rough. Like, genuinely questionably rough at times.
Sonic Underground animation fail showcasing inconsistent character design and off-model drawing
Another example of poor animation quality from Sonic Underground with distorted character features
Seriously, what is even happening in some of these frames?
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Jaleel White Overload. While I appreciate Jaleel White’s energy voicing Sonic and Manic, why Sonia too? It’s a voice acting choice that still puzzles me.
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Questionable Character Designs. Background and secondary characters sometimes… missed the mark.
A strangely designed and unappealing background character from Sonic Underground
Another example of an oddly designed character that clashes with the Sonic universe aesthetic
In a Sonic universe, these designs just felt… off. The main hedgehog trio often looked like they belonged in a different show entirely.
- Villains That Snooze. Sleet and Dingo? Meh. They just didn’t click as compelling antagonists for me.
Sleet and Dingo, the forgettable villain duo from Sonic Underground, looking menacing but ultimately bland
Sleet’s voice actor being Maurice La Marche is a fun fact, but even that couldn’t elevate them.
BUT, and this is a big but, Sonic Underground is one of those shows where the core concepts are genuinely brilliant, even if the execution stumbled. It’s those sparks of genius that keep fans engaged, and where online communities, particularly a Sonic Discord Server, become invaluable.
- That Theme Song, Though. Seriously, the opening theme is iconic. Dare I say, I might even prefer it slightly to the SatAM theme? It’s that good.
The opening animation itself is also surprisingly well-done, especially compared to some of the in-show animation. It’s dynamic, tells the backstory efficiently, and makes it easy to jump into the series at any point.
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Sibling Shenanigans. Sonic having siblings is a fantastic concept. We already see a brotherly bond with Tails, but exploring a more egalitarian sibling dynamic with Sonia and Manic adds layers to Sonic’s character and the broader universe. The ‘multiples’ trope in media is always fascinating – think Dipper and Mabel, Mario and Luigi – and Underground brought a unique spin to it.
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Prince Sonic? Intriguing (if a bit out there). Sonic being royalty is… different. While it might raise eyebrows (and spawn King Sonic rants elsewhere), there’s a certain audacity to it. Imagine a modern reboot tackling this concept – the potential is there, and surely it could be handled with more finesse than some past interpretations.
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The Medallions: Weaponized Instruments of Awesome.
The magical medallions from Sonic Underground, instruments and weapons in one, glowing with power
Seriously, magic instruments that are also weapons? That’s such a cool idea! It’s surprising it hasn’t been explored more widely in other media. The lore behind these medallions, their origins and powers, is ripe for deeper exploration.
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Manic: The Diamond in the Rough. Manic is a fan favorite for a reason. His complexity is compelling – a thief by necessity, shaped by his upbringing, yet with a good heart underneath. He’s got that Aladdin-esque charm, a “diamond in the rough” archetype that resonates. And his character design, once adapted to the classic Sega Sonic style, is genuinely cool.
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Political Undertones, with a Twist. While sharing DNA with SatAM‘s freedom fighter theme (and echoing Sonic Forces in some ways), Underground carved its own niche by focusing on political commentary. The un-robotized populace, with a clear bias towards the aristocracy, created a different kind of message compared to SatAM‘s ecological focus.
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The Cliffhanger That Still Stings. The cancellation before Aleena and the triplets reunited is a low blow to fans even today. For a sense of closure, fan-made continuations like SonicFF’s comic offer a glimpse of what could have been, bridging Underground with the game universe.
A panel from the SonicFF comic, a fan continuation of Sonic Underground, depicting the characters in action
This comic and other fan works highlight the enduring appeal of Sonic Underground and the desire for more stories in this universe.
Even if I can’t personally create a comic continuation, sharing these thoughts and sparking discussion is part of the fun of being a fan. And where better to connect with fellow Sonic Underground enthusiasts and share your own theories and appreciation than in a sonic discord server?
These online communities are hubs for fans to gather, discuss their favorite episodes, dissect the lore, share fan art, and yes, even poke fun at the animation quirks. Whether you’re a long-time Underground defender or a newcomer curious about this unique entry in the Sonic franchise, joining a sonic discord server dedicated to the series, or even a broader Sonic fan server, can amplify your enjoyment and connect you with a passionate community who share your nostalgia. It’s a fantastic way to keep the Sonic Underground spirit alive and well, even if we’re still waiting for that reunion with Queen Aleena.
