Sonic Boom

Being a fan of the blue hedgehog, I was pleased to find that when this show came out that it was somewhat enjoyable but still mediocre. It had good animation but it just felt a little bland. But, season 2 turned it into a show that I legitimately love, no joke. It's become a lot more self aware with it's jokes and often pokes fun at Sonic and SEGA themselves which is always really funny, but there is some original comedy here that definitely works. The animation looks a little less polished in season 2 but it's still acceptable, the voice acting is still great with Roger Craig Smith being, objectively, the best voice of Sonic to date, and it really does bring justice to the Sonic Boom franchise. The games were horrible (except for Fire and Ice) so I think it's great that this interesting concept is actually being put to use. The new designs of the characters are still good, characters that started out as one dimensional like Knuckles haven't really changed but they aren't really seen as cringe worthy anymore, and I'm just gonna say this: Sonic's characterization in this show is top notch and is exactly what I expect from Sonic The Hedgehog. Overall, this isn't a show that will change anything or blow anyone away, but it's great if you want to watch something funny or something related to Sonic The Hedgehog that doesn't suck (except SatAm, that one's legitimately fantastic).

Sonic Boom is the first Sonic TV series we've had in quite a while and it bursts onto the scene with full speed for Cartoon Network. The series is simple, short 11 minute episodes of various goofy misadventures of Sonic and his friends with schemes cooked up by Dr. Eggman. The series probably bears more resemblance to the original weekday afternoon Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog over the more plot driven serials of the Saturday morning Sonic the Hedgehog series, Sonic X and Sonic Underground before it.

The show is full of silly quirky comedy and the CGI animation is very well made though it does suffer a few moments from stiffness or poor lip synch.

The characters retain much of their personalities, Sonic is his usual cocky self, Tails is the dependable sidekick, Knuckles is still a little dumb. Amy however seems to have developed from an obsessed fangirl stalker with a crush to a new persona giving a little more depth to her.

This series would probably be more entertaining and have more action if it were full half-hour episodes or at least two 11 minute segments in a single half-hour-episode but as it is, kids will still find it an enjoyable experience. Cartoon Network's horrible time slot probably will hurt the series overall chances but there are plenty of ways to check it out and when you get a chance you'll be entertained.

You have to understand Sonic Boom is a spin off series, and focuses a lot on comedy. It is completely different from the original games (it isn't a reboot) so are some changes to characters. Some people dislike the cutscenes in the Sonic games and Sonic X because of the cheesy phrases like "I'M THE COOLEST", and the gender stereotypes like how Amy Rose is an obsessed fangirl. Sonic Boom doesn't do that. In fact there's actually times when the show makes fun of it. Like when the characters are trying to AVOID gender stereotypes to be good role- models. But Amy responds by saying she normally would agree with that, however she's the only one who can cook. There is also a time where Sonic tries to come up with a cool catchphrase but the town finds it overrated. (By the way there are a lot of sonamy jokes in this show) I also find the character traits in this series interesting. Sonic being a smart aleck, Tails being the smart one but still a child on the inside, Knuckles being the strong but not so bright one, Amy being the artist/critic, Sticks always having superstition, and Eggman staying close to characters but still being silly and evil. The show will take some getting used to (the first few episodes were a bit 'meh') but I believe it has potential. I'm really looking forward to what season 2 has to offer. I really wish this show wasn't on at 7am. (it would probably get better ratings if it wasn't)

With this show following an unfinished and poorly reviewed game, coming out to an unplease-able fandom, and very under-advertised, it seems like a wonder the show got a second season.

But is it really that surprising?

I went into this show clinging to the desperate hope that it would be good. With many of the Sonic games being disappointing as of late, I at least wanted some Sonic I could enjoy.

After watching all of season 1, I must say, I love this show.

There really is a lot to love about it. The animation is bright and smooth. The voice acting is well done. Many of the jokes are very funny, and I have laughed out loud multiple times. Since the show's goal is to be an action-comedy, if the action is good and you laugh at it, then the show has succeeded.

That isn't to say there are no flaws. I've noticed a few animation errors in a few episodes (i.e. Sonic falling face first but is shown right side up when he hits the ground). Some of the jokes do fall flat and the Knuckles-centric episodes are much weaker than many of the others. However, the above-mentioned pros make it a show worth watching.

Then again... there is one thing I have not addressed. As a show about Sonic the Hedgehog, how does it fare?

Well... It's okay.

Since Sonic Boom is a spin-off series, it does well as a show that is a part of the Sonic Boom universe, but many fans are enraged that they aren't getting the Sonic they know and love from the mainstream games. We aren't seeing the same personalities or character designs that we all grew up with, which is why this is only an "okay" Sonic show.

I consider myself to be a long-time fan of the Sonic franchise. Even though my first Sonic Game was Sonic Heroes, I fell in love with all of the characters. The Sonic Adventure series remains one of my favorites gaming series of all time (despite the fact that it appears I've lost my touch...). But as someone who loves Sonic the way he was in the mainstream games, please don't condemn this show so easily. Yes, I know Knuckles is an idiot and yes I know Kirk Thornton isn't a good fit for Shadow, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a good show that can be enjoyed because of its own merits.

In short, the show is good and fun with a few flaws, and even though it is not Sonic as many fans like to think of him, the show can still be enjoyed.

(... hey, why are people so mad about Tails's voice actor being a girl? She does a good job.)

The first season of Sonic Boom was great. It had some funny jokes here and there but also lacks some music and plot. Season 2, on the other hand, is splendid. It has improved a lot. Greater music has been added, the show became self-aware at times (Which is very funny), it has better action, plot, etc. The show has been getting better, especially with the four-part episode full of action and good story-telling (and cliff-hangers). The show does poke fun at the fandom at times and can make the audience laugh. This show doesn't deserve more hate than it already has. Sometimes, it's better to give things a second chance. I recommend this show to anyone who wants a laugh and to anyone who wants to see our beloved blue hedgehog goof around in fun adventures. Besides, Sonic Boom is the more comedic side of Sonic the Hedgehog.