Is Sonic Cool?

[@TheKazeblade]

Fantastic video!! You made some excellent points on cool being a tangent of the writing through the character's personality traits rather than the focus, which was a great angle on this subject. Definitely a great watch. Looking forward to more!

[@ALtheBoi]

DUDE IT’S YOU, POG! Thank you, Really means a lot coming form you man!

[@ArtTheGaleWind]

In my honest opinion, you can tecnically make anything work with anything as long as you have the right person doing said work, that is not the case with everything obviously because context matter, you can make a sonic purely silent or make him talk and he can still be cool either way, it all depends on context, context of the story, context of the narrative, context of the scene, of the characters, etc, the point is that context matters above all else and there is more than one way to view how a character should be written

[@speedslider3913]

Being cool technically changes through the ages, but in essence, being cool is not oneliners and douchebaggery, it's self-confidence, righteousness, and bravery;what we seek in leaders, and what we seek in ourselves.

[@danielhart7435]

Douchebaggery is subjective and I like one-liners

[@sezunemizuhana3870]

@@danielhart7435 *good* one-liners

[@welchrebooted4739]

Sonic in stuff like the adventure games, unleashed, and the storybook games I would say is a good role model for children growing up. Be free, be kind, be confident, and be yourself and don't let anyone hold you back.

[@ALtheBoi]

That's the whole thing! a "Cool" person is someone you look up to because they're cool. why are they cool? who knows, that's not the point.

[@sonicmaiden2871]

Agree!

[@stego-]

@@ALtheBoi cool is subjective. someone cool is someone who you want to be, and thats whats so cool about being cool.

[@stego-]

if sonic makes dumb and cheesy jokes, no one wants to be him. no one wants to be around him. this can also be said about knuckles and his dunce behavior but when a character is at the coolest, he is the most realistic *yet unrealistic*

[@kieranstark7213]

@@ALtheBoi Sonic the Hedgehog in the 1990s (Classic Era): Cool (as in very likeable with his skills and potential character development) Sonic the Hedgehog in the 2000s (Evolution Era): A character who is a great hero (not one “that is beaten by a pup or beats up children” (#179 reference) like the creepy douchebag Ken Penders wrote him to be in the mid-00s) no matter what anyone thinks about him (even if he would go as far as to forget Amy Rose’s date like in the end of Black Knight, even though it was an accident which shows because he didn’t make up that story as an excuse to ditch his friends, especially Amy and Tails. And this is coming from someone who saw your “How to Write” series, but last time I checked, “How to Write: Sonic the Hedgehog” and “How to Write: Knuckles the Echidna” are gone somehow). Sonic the Hedgehog in the 2010s (Devolution Era): From hero to zero (in other words, he pretty much turned into the Paul Brothers (mainly Logan) because despite how “cool” he thinks he is (even though this video perfectly explains why the word is an outdated description), he hurt people more than he helped them. Thankfully, that didn’t happen when Ian Flynn and the Sonic Boom cartoon wrote him well like there is a part of the pre-2010s that still lives on). Sonic the Hedgehog in the 2020s: TBA (so far… (in the games if not the IDW Comics and movie series)… NOT SO GOOD!!!!!!! *points to Colours Ultimate)*

[@uboa8060]

Sonic shouldn't be built around being cool, his character should make him cool.

[@Princy_K]

E, 1O1. L l K E ' S

[@YaboyAJ_NG]

@@Princy_K yeah but do you like it

[@Princy_K]

@@YaboyAJ_NG like what? Sorry I forgot

[@YaboyAJ_NG]

@@Princy_K well I know E-101 likes this video, but do you like this video, Mr. PyroSaurus64?

[@Princy_K]

@@YaboyAJ_NG uh yea also pls don't call me mr no offense lol idk lolllll

[@LupinticDream]

Sonic is at his coolest when he's simply being Sonic. Sonic spouting out memes, and cheesy jokes, and one-liners, isn't cool. Sonic being himself though? Him being the carefree adventure-loving drifter, who'll stop at nothing to help his friends when they need him? I think that'll always be just the coolest thing, regardless of what's "hip" at the time. Just my take.

[@darkychao]

I feel like the problem is people trying to work backwards from a conclusion to write a character. "Sonic is cool, so let's write a 'cool' character" rather than "Sonic is cool, so lets write him as Sonic"

[@cole_man.exe_2002]

“What you see is what you get! Just a guy that loves adventure! I’m Sonic the Hedgehog!” -Sonic the Hedgehog 2001

[@cole_man.exe_2002]

@@DigitalXAddict Should I add another quote?

[@protozerodarkzx9856]

Yes

[@cole_man.exe_2002]

“Every world has its end. I know that’s kinda sad, but... That’s why we gotta live life to the fullest in the time we have. At least, that’s what I figure.” -Sonic the Hedgehog 2009

[@ALtheBoi]

*tHe BOndS oF FrIEndSHiP*

[@cole_man.exe_2002]

@@ThatsATHICC_RAY That was kind of the point I was trying to make.

[@Supersonicblue1027]

Facts they 100% need to stop trying to write him as cool and actually write him as who he really is Sonic The Hedgehog a fast brave confident cocky rebellious heroic free spirited hedgehog who stays true to himself no matter what happens because that's why he was cool to begin with.

[@chi-wind8593]

I remember that Sonic x episode when sonic helped Helen a disabled girl go to that lake to see the flowers when she couldn't because her parents where busy. Even though the military was after him to go to a party for the president. Or the other time in Secret rings when he sealed the Erazor Djinn in his lamp for eternity was one of the most badass things I've have seen in my life. Or his banter when he was racing against shadow in Sa2 is one of the most memorable moments in the franchise. What hooked me on Sonic was his personality and him being the fun-loving hedgehog that we all know him as. To me personally, Sonic wasn't just a video game character. I had always called Sonic, The Symbol of Freedom. Some one that could never controlled or be broken regardless of what had happened to him in his life. Sonic had his own beliefs and did things that he felt that was right. I really miss that trait about him. One day I hope we see that again in the near future. Until then I will be hopeful that the Symbol of Freedom will return. Being his true self again.

[@ALtheBoi]

Small update, First off, Thank you guys for all the love and support! The fact that more people are tuning in everyday and enjoying these things honestly means a lot to me, so thank you. and secondly, i'm going through my last year of high school, and i really gotta focus on it right now. so unfortunately, the next video is gonna take longer than usual. -as if i have any upload consistency lol- i'll still be working on videos on and off, writing ideas, developing my skills, all that. but as i said, the next videoS are gonna take longer than usual. the *second* school's over, i'll be back stronger than ever with some Quality. Ass. Content. i guess we could cap this off as *_"The End of The First Season of ALtheBoi"_* .

[@hydrocityshark]

I can relate since I am a senior in high school and there’s a lot of stuff happening, so I don’t have as much free time as I would as a kid. However, that’s just life as it is.

[@zakariaradoine625]

SO YOUR IN THE SAME *TYPE OF YEAR* AS ME

[@hydrocityshark]

I guess...

[@zakariaradoine625]

@@hydrocityshark noooooo it's a jojo rEfReNcE you know the"SO IT'S THE SAME TYPE OF STAND AS STAR PLATINUM" meme if you didn't know I'm sorry

[@MissAshley42]

Talented _and_ young? You're gonna go places, dude. I know it.

[@Schollidazed]

Damn dude. This is probably the best analysis on sonic's character I've seen yet! The simplicity of it, and the way it flows into another topic is something of that of a larger channel. I know you can get big someday.

[@ALtheBoi]

That’s very kind of you, thanks!

[@supersonics4.012]

"Sonic is it cool, he's just......sonic" I don't know what happened to me but everything changed about my look up on Sonic, which just made me love me for more no wonder I wanted to be him in grade two

[@SelectClay]

I was waiting for that last line in the video. THAT is the whole reason Sonic has been loved since the beginning. "What people loved about the early days of Mario were his games, what people loved about Sonic was Sonic." It's the potential of those character traits, not just for Sonic but for the entire cast, that keeps brining me back.

[@Dumydvd]

Wow. How are you that underrated?

[@ALtheBoi]

Eh, i'm picking it up i think.

[@Mante_killa]

Everyone starts somewhere!

[@idontusethisaccountanymore802]

Same, I just assumed this was a big youtuber I just haven’t seen before, he deserves to be in at least the 10,000s

[@eslinkunku799]

Oh my gosh, you're one of the few Sonic KZbinrs that get Sonic's character. Why is it so hard for people to understand? He's a pretty simple character to understand once you stop thinking about the cool factor.

[@littleguystar]

This is a good video I agree with, but I do want to point something out. Shadow wasn't "amplified", he was cut and ruined. In SA2, he was held back by Maria's wish and was constantly trying to fulfil it. He acted cool, but in reality he's a softie. In Shadow (Game) he was no longer a softie. He was just an edgy jerk.

[@ALtheBoi]

“Amplified” as in like To 11, a parody almost

[@I-like-Hugs-and-Fluffy-boys]

@@ALtheBoi, Ooooow... I get it now !.. or not... I am not sure 😞

[@ojeinoway6968]

Damn, this video really just make me realize how much I love this stupid hedgehog and how sad it makes me that Sega and Sonic Team completely miss the point of what made Sonic and his friends so charming, took me on a bit of a nostalgia trip even. You got yourself a sub.

[@ALtheBoi]

You and me both man. Welcome aboard!

[@theutubepower1243]

I feel like 1998-2005 sonic was just a cool free spirited dude, 2006-2010 ( not including colors ) sonic was that but also more kind hearted at times,and 2010-now sonic is just trying to be cool

[@zeroattentiongaming820]

Is Sonic these days just Steve Buscemi?

[@ALtheBoi]

*_”YOOO what it do, what it be fellow kids, way past radical”_*

[@nullv2.068]

@@JustHazzo sonic 06... When time travel is invented i will go and kill myself so i won't buy that game

[@Kaplykos]

@@JustHazzo Sonic 06 isn't the only game from 2006. Sonic Riders and Rivals are a thing you know?

[@undeadbatman9762]

@@JustHazzo The princess saving thing ruined his story, but he still was the kind adventurer at heart.

[@midnightthezorua]

everything about this video is just so... comforting! the presentation and flow is easy to follow, and the care you put into your work really shines through! (especially that SICK editing) while this concept is simple at its core, it feels profound to me and really struck a chord.. this illustrates exactly why i love sonic and always will. i clicked this on a whim and quickly binged your channel, i absolutely love your energy, openness and interpretation of the series. take your time, but i can’t wait to see what you put out next!

[@ALtheBoi]

Thank you *SO* much for the kind words, I’m glad i could deliver!

[@golork3267]

You're not cool AL the Boi, you're just, AL the Boi.

[@hydrocityshark]

You have a byproduct of 😎

[@supercat2087]

@@hydrocityshark 😎

[@hydrocityshark]

@@supercat2087 😎

[@Hamood113]

I feel like “cool” doesn’t exist anymore. Everyone sucks

[@haaxxx9]

Get the same feeling now including me. I though having a social media account was cool then I know the horrors and addicting of it all. Lot's of fake people that act completely different in real life to the same shitty old jokes that I keep hearing constantly that I don't even feel anything seeing them or hearing them at all. It's just blends in to mundane and boring. We accepted mediocrity as a whole and this is how it is. I wanna get out of here!

[@flyzeex4393]

I almost cried at the end. I'm so happy to hear someone else say that, and I really hope the writers catch on that the current cartoon cool guy stereotype isn't what fans fell in love with.

[@Exarchimedes]

I don't disagree with the analysis here. Truth is, Sonic's appeal was always at its highest when his motivations came through in the action. If you're a playwright, dialogue is an action - at least if you're in the school of thought I subscribe to. For Sonic, and any other character, that's when the dialogue works; it clearly doesn't *always* work, and when it doesn't, it's because the character's motivations seem unclear, confused, or just out of nowhere. It doesn't matter if he's got a speaking role or not. So, I think you've identified the root of the problem with any Sonic game that has problems: the point of the action, whether it's silent or voiced, has tended to be overcoming obstacles that seem unreasonable *and* helping or rescuing others - especially strangers. Not romancing them ('06), not having a rivalry with them (Knuckles, Shadow), not cracking stupid jokes (though these aren't out of character either), not running away from attachments (Amy) - but actually *dealing with problems that others have*. This is the basic action that defines Sonic's character. How he does it - by being a speedster you shouldn't underestimate - is adjacent to what makes him cool, and adds a unique style to it when he is cool (he's not just "The Flash, as a hedgehog", and that's evident to any fan). Coolness isn't inherent to his character; it's a side effect of it that sometimes occurs. EDIT: And that is, by the way, what has always defined coolness: the appeal of the action AND the motives it conveys. The countercultures are represented in Sonic's aesthetic and behavior *because* they have a certain appeal, and the creators dress him up in them because they want their appeal to transfer to him. It's a recognizability thing; by making him resemble things that are cool, he *appears* cool. That's the hook for prospective fans, though; not *anything that makes him actually cool*.

[@ChroniclZ]

I didn't know I was in a english class

[@yousif123z2]

I didn't know we had an assignment for do today

[@raidoukuzonoha883]

The video he’s talking about is very biased cuz I love how he doesn’t mention that awesome scene with super sonic and shadow in adventure 2 cuz it goes against his point... sonic talking was cool when he was voiced by Ryan Drummond

[@MeeraRustshieldSystem]

"Coolness isn't inherent to his character, it's a side effect of it that sometimes occurs" There, you just beat me to the rant. If I had to add something, it's that vague praising traits such as "good", "nice", "awesome" and "cool" are never a substitute for a personality, but a consequence of it. It applies to other vague appeal-oriented words or tropes such as "edgy" (for Shadow) and "genius" (for Tails). If you try hard to be those words from above without any actual base personality to base them off of, you end up becoming a shallow imitation of the things that /appear/ like those words for the sake of potraying that image as your personality. And because that takes a bigger priority than actually focusing on your personality or anything outside of your image, you inevitably end up looking like a shallow, selfish, self-centered and annoying character whose only purpose is talking about how cool/edgy/smart they are with no real personality, substance or feats to back it up. Thus, you end up with modern Sonic, Tails and Shadow (from Colors onwards, at least).

[@raidoukuzonoha883]

Meera System I’m so glad someone else realised shadow isn’t some edgelord and is a down to earth character who cares for his friends... as good as the IDW sonic is shadow is the one thing I don’t like

[@ped3752]

I love how recently we've been getting a lot of people making videos on why Sonic is great and his appeal countering the hate bandwagon from the 2010s, it's great to see that.

[@runman624]

Yoooooo That's deep at the end Reminds me of what's going on now culturally Now there's no definitive answer to what makes end 2010's be what it is And bcuz of that, people are focusing on the trope of one's self People now are clamoring for better character writing bcuz we want them to be someone, we want to be our own

[@vocaploid]

when will sonic stop making jokes all the time and be awesome again i miss you

[@izu5625]

I hope in the next game sonic goes back to being himself, instead of trying to be cool, he should just be himself, Sonic the Hedgehog.

[@telekinesticman]

Interesting video, I really liked how you outlined Sonic's core personality traits at the end. I think his free spirit and selflessness is really important and I wish the games captured more of that instead of making him an unlikeable jock. For the voice acting stuff, I think I agree with you but I definitely don't think lots of dialogue is super necessary. I see Sonic as quippy character, like Spider-Man or Dante, but only when it's appropriate. So when Sonic's running through the landscapes of CD's opening, and through the robots in Unleashed, there isn't much of a reason for him to be tossing out lines when no one is there to hear them. But in those moments with other characters is where he can really shine, I also particularly enjoy his short lines with Shadow towards the end of SA2.

[@ALtheBoi]

Oh definitely! Don’t get me wrong I don’t want Sonic to become a TellTale game with *heavy* emphasis on the dialogue. that’s, not Sonic. I brought up Black Knight as my main focus because it does the balancing act of Dialogue and Action perfectly. There’s the scene near the end with no dialogue and Sonic just being a badass. There’re the scenes where he saves Percival, and the one i showed, where he’s just being a cool dude you look up to and would want to hang out with. *And* there’s the opening cutscene, with Sonic kicking ass, and throwing around his quips, showing off his character perfectly. At the end of the day, Sonic, is Shounen. And the action is downright essential to his character.

[@EduardoPaoloGatjens]

Dude... that was cool. No, to be serious I think I almost cried. This was a really good answer to the "sonic isn't cool" videos I've seen. What you said is so true and you demonstrate a real knowledge of the character and... that's cool.

[@goofball2237]

Whenever someone talks about VA in Sonic I always point to SA2's Shadow vs Sonic "What you see is what you get, just a guy who loves adventure! I'm Sonic The Hedgehog!" Such a good scene, Ryan's voice just ties it all together. But the scene in Black Knight is also great, and really shows that was Jason's best performance but nothing can Ryan's acting. Disagree is you must, but hey; we're all Sonic fans here

[@ALtheBoi]

That’s fair game my man, even as a Jason stan, i can’t deny Ryan’s influence on the whole franchise.

[@bowmaj8666]

I'd still take Sonic calling Eggman Baldy Nose Hair over listening to the "Fan Base" making their lame, unfunny jokes/memes about the franchise! "Huh huh, Sanic Heghog! Ow the Edge! Original the Character, Do Not Steal! Huh huh huh, I'm so funny!" I am so sick of hearing that crap!

[@ALtheBoi]

_But dUuUuUude how else are we gonna keep the franchise alive if not with memes?_

[@bowmaj8666]

@@ALtheBoi Oh I dunno; by improving the gameplay? By getting writers who understand and actually care about the story, lore and characters of this franchise and who can do them justice? By not trying to appease whiney fan boys who keep moaning "WAAHH, I DON'T LIKE SONIC'S STINKY FRIENDS, GET RID OF'EM! GIVE ME MORE CLASSIC SONIC AND GREEN HILL! SONIC GAMES SHOULDN'T BE ABOUT THE STORY!" Seriously, is that too much to ask for from this franchise?

[@ALtheBoi]

Funny thing you said “Fans”, cause i’m pretty sure Sega’s priority isn’t “The Fans”, it’s “The People”, “The General Public”, the same people who see no redeeming value in Sonic. They naturally won’t be pleased with the product because, well, it’s Sonic, and the fans won’t be pleased with the product because they weren’t the target in the first place. Lose Lose, great job guys.

[@bowmaj8666]

@@ALtheBoi Exactly! It's funny how you understand that, I understand that, and the majority of actual fans who want to see this series improve understand that! The only people who don't seem to understand that are the people who actually make the damn games!

[@marx4538]

You're just as annoying as those people. There's almost not a single time a person in the fanbase liked those jokes. In fact, most of them keep getting angry at those jokes. This became yet another of those times when someone keeps parroting one opinion, and then another huge group decide to be contrarians. And just like in most other situations when this thing happens, there's nothing after that. It's just contrarians bitching about something that doesn't even exist anymore.

[@ASOtheprO]

I also agree, I have always personally held the sonic cd animation as the coolest sonic character, while the unleashed is the undisputed best adapted version of sonic. It’s not just sonic not talking. It’s rather, actions speak louder than words, and during the adventure era, if sonic was to talk, he spoke based on his thrill or ambition, rather than saying punchlines trying to sound cool, or always trying to be the loudest person in the room and let everybody know about his arrival (how he does in a variety of the sonic comics and the most recent video games.) That being said, another adaptation of Sonic that did a mostly solid job in collecting the character of Sonic was Sonic X. He wasn’t as cool as Sonic CD/Toei Sonic, but he was still very cool. Sonic CD sonic gives off the impression that he is simply: A man on a mission Full of thrill and purpose The admiration that the spectators, such as Amy in this game, have for him is born from his straight forwardness and his actions. And he even used to frown. Not a frown mixed with a corny smile. Not a full of anger edgy frown like shadow. Rather, a frown of determination as he looked towards his ambition and kept running forward. That’s what made Sonic cool. Back then, Sonic was his actual self, and coolness was a result of that. Now, Sonic tries to act cool, and loses everything else that he is.

[@Axxidous]

That's not true. We can try to break it down but it all really comes down to preference really. In Sonic Adventure, you got lines like "Hey, big drip! Where you going!?" which is very much in line with Modern Sonic's way of talking. But maybe because it's less frequent and there are other things to focus on (plus it's Ryan Drummond's vocal portrayal) that there's a bias not allowing us to see it that way as much. A lot of Sonic's modern quips are things people complain about but I still like them. I don't like the "BBBE" line but I like when Zazz says "Are you disrespectin me!?" and Sonic instantly says "Maybe". Or when Fake Zavok comes to Sonic's cell and Sonic ends his quip with "Oh wait. You hate fun." It might also be the repetitiveness of what he says. His tone is always the same.

[@ApexPredator1000]

'Cool' changes for objects and ideas. "That thing's really cool". But when it comes to people, it doesn't. Fundamentally, a cool person is someone who sticks to who they are despite the forces that antagonize them. I mean, how many people do you know, have known that you just thought were cool? And they just still are, despite never having changed? You get people from decades ago exhibiting the same traits and are just as cool. As you rightly said; design a character around 'cool', and at best you get someone who's no longer cool after a few years, or at worst - someone who's trying too hard to be cool. That's what happened to both Sonic and Shadow. I too liked how cool Shadow looked in his game, and I only look back on that positively (and not what he is now) because his character's grown since then. Still the same character - he's staying true to himself. Righteous video man. Hopefully Sonic Team will take this level of care with their characters again soon

[@BiolizardBoils]

7:20 onwards has got to be the simplest summation of Sonic's character I've ever seen... and yet, it might also be the most precise. There's something about him that just feels... I dunno the right term, "full"? "Well-rounded"? When written right, all his pieces form a whole so infectious that it keeps people coming back to him for years on end. Seeing them all laid out in a web, all stemming from the pure and simple concept of speed, blew my mind. I've tried and failed for years to put Sonic's appeal in words, and you did it with exactly _eleven._ I'm in awe. Also "the voice acting fucks" is an amazing soundbite, like it's true but it still made me spit out my water lmaooo

[@JustDarkFire]

I don’t normally comment on videos but. This is just, extremely well put together all around. I don’t even know what to really type but just, you got it right. Sonic is cool because Sonic is just, himself. Sonic the Hedgehog. And he’s cool because of that. You did an amazing job man, and I honestly hope one day you blow up with subs.

[@ALtheBoi]

Thank you man. means a lot, really.

[@hyruleguy9569]

4:50 *I love you.* If there's something that game did extremely well, is the storyline and the portrayal of Sonic and the other characters. Thank you for acknowledging this moment.

[@thiccray2484]

God I miss the Sonic from SA2. Where did he go? That game got it spot on for Sonic in my opinion. The writing for Sonic in that game was amazing. It showed off his cool, cocky, and rebellious attitude. After Unleashed, I don’t even consider Sonic to be, well, Sonic. Rodger’s voice for Sonic already doesn’t suit the character, and the writing just adds insult to injury. I miss the old writers, I miss Jason as Sonic’s voice actor, and I just miss Sonic.

[@PluckyStar]

My god, how do you not have more subscribers? Your videos are seriously great. You have such a clear and perfect understanding of the writing in the Sonic series, and your love and passion for the series shows. Criticising its weak points not because you hate it, but because you know it can be better. Cap that off with some smooth-as-butter editing, and you've got me hooked. Can't wait to see what you tackle in the future.

[@ALtheBoi]

That is one of the best compliments i've ever gotten, Thank you!

[@12Neonlit_stage]

i love the points you make- i can tell a lot of effort and genuing love was putting into your videos and this makes this video all the better on top of that your editing is on point

[@ALtheBoi]

You guys really do make all the effort worth it.

[@vocaploid]

sonic is the coolest video game character

[@hydrocityshark]

Indeed he is🎮🦔🔵💨🌀✨😎🌭👍

[@noone-mo6gy]

Sonic isn't cool, he's just, Sonic.

[@TheCapitalLetterM]

Man, you didn't just talk about Sonic, you talked about how to make a character by using Sonic as an example. You're a really cool guy. I'm subbing.

[@ALtheBoi]

That’s a goal of mine, using Sonic as a vehicle to talk about character writing Thanks!

[@TimG57867]

This video echoes the feelings I’ve been having for Sonic for a while now. You know how a lot of kid’s shows back in the day would hammer in that Aesop about how you should just be yourself and not try to act cool? As cliche as it can seem, the reality is that it’s overdone because it’s TRUE. Cool is not something a person strives to be. Cool is aura of respect and awe a person exudes when others see them for who they are and realize how neat that can be. The moment you try to be cool is the moment you become the opposite of that: cringe. Because now you’re outright trying to convince folks that you’re something which you aren’t. Also I really love how you note that your words can demonstrate how cool you are as well. The key here is that what you say should be indicative of just what you as a person are all about. The words shouldn’t outright try to tell you that you are cool cause when people see that you want them to think you’re cool, it’ll insinuate you aren’t. The best way to tell the difference for Sonic is to compare the lines you use in this video with that infamously cringey line he spouts in Lost World: “That was cool, pun entirely intended.” Lines like the one you used from Black Knight demonstrate for you Sonic’s signature personality and what he stands for. Lines like the one from Lost World just try to insist to you that he’s cool or funny with no real substance or nuance to it so it ends up having the opposite effect. As a teen, seeing the whole “be yourself” Aesop would occasionally make me groan but as an adult and looking back, I can really see what a lot of those kid shows were talking about.

[@ALtheBoi]

*VERY* well said my friend!

[@stormcutter59]

Agreed. I literally couldnt have agreed more and I'm happy to see more and more people are coming to this same realization. This is what Sonic needs to be great again. Exactly what you've outlined right here. I dont want to get too deep but Sonic was more than just a piece of entertainment for me, he was in a way one of my role models at a young age and It did affect me on a fundamental level growing up. Sonic's coolness was always natural to me, his desire for thrill didnt get in the way of him stopping to help out anyone in need and that really resonated with me a lot. That's cool and that is what will remain cool no matter the era.

[@hyruleguy9569]

8:24 *THIS*. Sonic is inherently cool because of his defining character and personality traits. He's not a typical "cool funny dude haha Baldy McNosehair haha so clever and quirky" kind of guy. Trying to be "cool" just comes off as annoying. He's been a parody of himself since Colors.

[@BuddahBandit]

Bro your editing style is superb pls make more content I’m literally begging lmaooo

[@princeali7871]

After like two videos I've come to the conclusion that this is my favourite Sonic channel on this website, your deep understanding of this series is unparalleled by literally any other Sonic KZbinr I've watched

[@ALtheBoi]

I’ve deadass been siting here for 5 minutes looking for a response to that, *holy shit* that’s a high praise. Thank you!

[@razena1732]

What the hell? Why am I crying??? What is this sorcery??? How do you make such great and impactful videos of Sonic the Hedgehog of all things!?????

[@Lizarius]

Feels a lot like how Dante is cool, especially in DMC3. He's cocky, flashy, tons of panache and quick witted lines...but he still wrecks everything and blames others, full of himself in the most dire situations, and yet, he can understand what needs to be done, and never sets himself above learning a valuable lesson. It's not often that "cool" gets done right like that, and it feels so good when it happens.

[@TheBlackBlur-k9h]

“What you see is what you get, I’m Sonic the Hedgehog!”

[@infiniteoctopaw]

I can’t express how happy I get to live and see people FINALLY respect Sonic and The Black Knight.

[@JAMON523]

I've never heard such a heartfelt and definite understanding of sonic as a character in my entire life, and i'm thankful that there are still fans like you who understand what he was and what he still can be. instead of a, blue super Mario, with a speed increase, and trending one liners for the kids 🙄.

[@undeadbatman9762]

Well said for the last part.

[@pugtimusprime5074]

Nice video I literally agreed with what you said. You deserve way more subscribers. P.S. Can we admit that shadow the hedgehog riding a bike into a giant monster which then explodes with him backfliping off the bike is just awesome though.

[@BinglesP]

I think he's cute in some ways, though cool in others. Adorable design, especially Classic Sonic; badass personality, especially with Modern. Maybe that's why there's so much artwork of Modern taking care of Classic like a baby brother...

[@DTheHedgehog]

Do right by yourself, and you'll do right by the world. It's the only way to live without no regrets. That right there is what I got from the video, on top of 'being true to oneself'. (this analysis was very, very good, and kudos on the smooth editing. feels good to see someone make some inspiring content)

[@ALtheBoi]

Thank you kindly.

[@hereforonereason5820]

Watched your videos a few times now after having discovered them about a month ago and am kind of obsessed with them. Your understanding of Sonic is perfect, and this video helped me put into words something I've always kind of intuitively understood about Sonic. The reason I find his current characterization so grating is exactly this, they're writing him to be cool, instead of just giving him the personality he's always had and letting that speak for itself. That bit at the end, where you break down Sonic's character starting with the fact that he's fast, and what that means for his personality really gets to the heart of it. THAT is who Sonic is. Someone who's fast, who can be reckless in the face of danger because he's fast enough to escape it, who can't stand to be confined and who empathizes with others so he wants the same for them. How that embracing of freedom means he'll antagonize and rebel against authority. I could go on but I'm already kind of paraphrasing the points in the video. One thing in particular I think is worth talking about is how it largely is this way of writing Sonic's personality, alongside with scenes being directed as action scenes (or in stuff that's dialogue focused, heavily emphasizes dramatic characterization and interaction, think the SA2 capsule scene or Erazor Djinn's imprisonment) that makes Sonic the character and Sonic the SERIES cool (insofar as cool even exists, but you get it). There are nuances, Sonic used to feel a lot more anime than it does even in the comics, largely because of certain genre/medium tropes, and Unleashed sort of dies that down a lot as well, feeling more like a Pixar movie with some anime influences than something more anime with Pixar influences. This bit is more a matter of preference than of objective fact, though there's something to be said for those genre tropes contributing to the feeling of Sonic's universe. None of this is to criticize Unleashed or IDW, I prefer the greater anime style storytelling and worldbuilding but Unleashed and IDW's quality speaks for itself. Any of this stuff I bring up serves mainly to illuminate a little further on the subjective "feel" of Sonic and where it comes from, but the points made in the video (all these videos really) are so fundamental that my additions are all stylistic. Like yeah, I PREFER Sonic as a shounen action/adventure, Son Goku-esque anime protagonist in a surreal fantasy world with tons of Ghibli and Dragonball influences, but Unleashed shows Pixar Sonic WORKS.

[@ALtheBoi]

Thank you so much for the kind words! While I'm here lemme just say that I'm actually working on something right now that focuses on this _"Pixar / Anime divide"_ you mentioned, and I truly think that it's just a matter of Sonic dealing with different situations that make him come off more "Pixar". Will dive way deeper into in when the vid drops!

[@indigorose6527]

This was an incredible video. I appreciate you finally pointing out the best and worsts of this character. I really hope sega watches this and understands it because the writing in these games have been tough to connect with.

[@ALtheBoi]

100% Thank you btw!

[@infiniteoctopaw]

Man, remember in secret rings when sonic drapes himself across Erazor Djinn throne before making his 3 wishes. So fucking smooth. Then the second that was over he moved into good friends mode and gave his grieving friend a mountain of handkerchief. Like bro 😭 Or remember when Sonic set up a day to go on a adventure with a paraplegic girl for fun. And it was the sweetest thing ever. Helping Merlina by stoping her and making her understand that death is hard and sad but its make live more valuable. Help chip discover who he is and help him finish his mission. Remember when he helped Chaos by calming the rage in their heart setting them free rather then bottle them up again in the master Emerald kicking the problem down the road and leaving Chaos in anger. Remember when sonic was willing to care about people? That’s what makes him cool.

[@ALtheBoi]

These are hands-down my favorite moments from the entire franchise, every one of them

[@infiniteoctopaw]

@@ALtheBoi Yes sir, they are!

[@monarags2494]

He's not Sonic because he's cool, he's cool because he's Sonic.

[@GCplus9162]

This was such a great video dude. You show perfectly how sonic’s personality truly is and how he was around the 2000’s.

[@ALtheBoi]

Thanks a bunch!

[@GCplus9162]

@@ALtheBoi whoa you sure gained a lot of subs in the past 24 hours

[@ALtheBoi]

I know man, It’s crazy!

[@3bay]

Mario had cool game play, But it was just mustache man jumps around in colorful world With golf and cars sometimes Sonic had this, But it had a cool scenery Robots, You wanted to know more about who he was And everything around him You don’t have to be some cool skater to be cool, Sonic wasn’t made to be cool, It’s just that the things he did where cool

[@EnderCatCore]

i hope that sonic team can get new writers that understand the sonic characters as much as you do. (especially if they ever do a sonic adventure 3)

[@ALtheBoi]

Fingers crossed 🤞

[@BillehBawb]

nice video

[@ALtheBoi]

Awwww shiit it's Billeh

[@Neogears1312]

Being cool is like being funny; there isn’t an exact science for it, but no matter what we all know you’re not either if you’re trying too hard to be them. There’s a reason “chill” is a synonym for cool, it means easy going, *not trying to hard.* Sonic is Cool when he’s a free spirited easy going guy doing what he wants and isn’t trying so hard. It’s why he’s so lame now they’re trying too hard to make sonic be cool and funny and it just makes him look lame.

[@mennaseliem2429]

I stumbled on this video on my recommendation (It is also my first) and said, "Oh, a new channel. Let me check it out. I will probably not subscribe, but who knows?" Me after 9 minutes: *_"Don't mind me subscribing, liking and checking this guy's other videos"_*

[@ALtheBoi]

Damn bro that algorithm is doin fine work!

[@aggromango534]

Bro, you just made a fucking life lesson out of Sonic And I love it

[@wisekingpleb6645]

I've binged almost all your videos at this point (and will continue to do so, lol), and just wanna say how beautiful the quality of your content is! Anyone can watch a single video on your channel and know that you've clearly put a lot of time, effort, and thought into the finished product. You give a clear explanation with connected reasonings and examples, not to mention the quality of the video editing in general. Whatever topic you cover leaves the character at focus feel respectable, whether we're critically critiquing or straight up saying our likes and dislikes. Your passion for the franchise shines in your content, and reaches through the screen to your audience; each upload leaves me appreciating what these characters give us, and has me thinking for myself about their complexity. Really great work man, keep it going!

[@MasterMygrane]

I feel like if been looking for this video for the last I don’t know how many years of my being a Sonic fan. You are the best, my man.

[@ALtheBoi]

THANK. YOU. MY. *GUY.*

[@samuels7228]

Holy shit, I tagged on when you started your "How to Fix" series and kinda dropped off, so to see how quickly your style just started to pop is honestly pretty amazing. Keep it up, AL!

[@ALtheBoi]

Thanks for sticking by man, really appreciate it!

[@siraccountless2195]

yeah that pretty much why i love the character

[@SpxcyStan]

This video was simply incredible. You’ve earned a new sub. Thank you for understanding Sonic’s character and what makes him great. Sonic’s character isn’t being cool. His actions make him cool. When he’s just being himself >>> when the writers makes him a cringy jock.

[@maipeikko3151]

Whoa... This makes so much sense.. I've been thinking about what really means to be COOL too. And I didn't find an answer to that, maybe it's because there isn't one :T. Coolness is a side effect that you get when someone is... You know.. like sonic?? ':D someone who isn't afraid to do what's right. Yeah, bro amazing video !!

[@ALtheBoi]

Thanks dude!

[@sboinkthelegday3892]

I tihnk you hit the nail on the head, there. Rock'n'roll types are starting to be taken more as losers or bullies, but Sonic is a rebel in the sort of way he might quit school to pursue the same successes that school wants you to pursue. He's not oppositional in his rebellion, but subversive, he wants to do better than the institutions more than oppose them. I think that reflects the current trends, except for very loud, mainly millennial voices. Especially since we can add settled down gen X together with the zoomers pretty much. I think maybe generations happen because every 15 years people get angry at the latest batch of adults that they don't live with or understand very well. I hope with the internet people will just hear viewpoints randomly form all walks of life.

[@maipeikko3151]

@@sboinkthelegday3892 bro you're so right. I have the impression that, gen z rebellion isn't chaotic and aggressive. We don't want anymore chaos we just want to thing to ... Be right ':0. And if Sonic is going to be permanently cool, he gotta stick with his principles, be true to himself and that's pretty much it. I hope Sonic Team realizes that... ':)

[@RosheenQuynh]

Oh, my God. I just teared up. This video literally encapsulates why I've always looked up to Sonic, and also why I've always crushed on him since I was a kid... Before I realized I didn't like the term (I guess people call it "seeing it as cringy" or whatever), I used to parade Sonic-related social media with "Ignite the blue flame!" because I didn't know how else to explain how Sonic made me feel, what he meant to me. And this video? This video did it for me. So thank you.

[@rachelfc_art]

I love these analysis videos so much! This is my second time coming back to this video. They're all super well made with a flow that takes me on a journey rather than just stating simple thoughts or facts. The editing with both visuals and music are all incredibly fitting and do well to enhance the experience. Even the thumbnail is aesthetically pleasing! Please keep making more because these are so cool to watch :D

[@1gengabe]

dude your music pics just fit your voice and speaking style so well.

[@emmanuelmondesir1314]

Is Sonic Cool? *thinks about Ryan ''The GOAT'' Drummond* Aw yeah!

[@mcmistle9892]

I really dig the editing work done here, very nice

[@ALtheBoi]

Much love my man.

[@Yuti640]

I love the references you made to VSause and JebTube

[@ALtheBoi]

Good eye, and err... ear.

[@tdproductions7532]

Excellent video man! Loved the points you brought up here and your conclusion was perfection. Well done

[@ALtheBoi]

Thank you *Sir* 🙏

[@FlameXV]

Bro, you are the most underrated youtuber I have ever seen

[@ALtheBoi]

Lol Thank you brother!

[@FlameXV]

@@ALtheBoi You're Welcome

[@be3tle439]

That sonic and the black knight scene in your vid reminded me on one of those filler arcs in anime where the main character derails of the main path to help somebody or something else

[@ALtheBoi]

The storybook games kinda act like filler episodes now that you’ve mentioned it.

[@izu5625]

This man looks like he has 10 million subs but he only has 1k? *illegal*

[@ALtheBoi]

Lmfao I appreciate you bro

[@randomthings3823]

Sonic shouldn't be written to be "cool", sonic should be written to be himself and it's up to the audience to determine whether he's "cool". Like how you pointed out tho being "cool" is such a broad term and it changes as time goes on! I don't mind him having traits like being sarcastic, impatient, cocky, or cracking jokes, in fact i like the idea of it a lot actually. It's the way they try too hard, that make those qualities fall flat. He comes out as an asshole or a person who makes lame jokes. I mean making "lame" jokes/puns can be a part of your character in a good way like how spiderman is but idk- the way sonic says them just isn't the same.

[@slyver319]

"Sonic isn't cool, he's just Sonic"

[@aarroncannon1590]

Sonic isn't cool, he's way past cool!

[@atayamohammad0]

I’ve been binging your vids and oh my god, you are really up there for the best YT channels on the website. I hope you branch out and do even more stuff besides Sonic

[@calistusjay60]

I'm making a sonic fan game right now, and there's a cutscene where someone asks Sonic in a joking manner, "what happened dude? You used to be cool." This is his reply, and in my opinion - how Sonic's personality should be portrayed in the modern day: "What do ya mean, “used to be”? Now I know - back in the day, “cool” was a little more in your face. But… I’m still as cool as I ever was! Nowadays, everyone acts like they don’t care about stuff. And the only funny jokes are when you’re being mean. I’m not like that. I care about my friends, and about the world, and nature. I care a lot. And I prefer making fun of myself, rather than others. Maybe that’s coolest thing someone can do? Be their true, cheesy, passionate self - and not try to fit in, or pretend they don’t care, or hide who they are. ‘Cause being cool means being real. And being real means being a lil’ lame sometimes!" Sonic is still our favourite franchise for a reason. Because even tho people make fun of him, and he makes fun of himself, even though he can sometimes be cringe, he always tried his best and was earnest. Sonic 06 is the worst game in the franchise, but even that was ambitious and tried to seriously tell a bonkers story with heartfelt characters. Sonic shaped our lives and taught us to be heroes in our own rights. Now if only SEGA could realize how awesome Sonic is.

[@hwanniggles187]

Maybe work on the line a little. Sounds a little too contrived for Sonic to say but you have the right idea

[@ALtheBoi]

Agreed, I feel like Sonic wouldn’t go on a whole monologue explaining why he’s still cool. Maybe show through his actions, Show that he doesn’t really care about how others see him, because he’s just being himself?

[@calistusjay60]

@@hwanniggles187 Yeah I see what you're saying. It makes more sense in the context of the scene, kind of a heartfelt overlooking the sunrise kind of conversation, but I do have the habit of monologuing too much.

[@hydrocityshark]

@@calistusjay60 Just out of curiosity, what’s the name of your fan game?

[@calistusjay60]

@@hydrocityshark It's a fangame on Dreams. Sonic Adventure 3! Check out Sonic Overtime's video he did on it recently if you're interested, or if you have Dreams, you can play it on there! :D

[@artistanthony1007]

To me it's been Super Sonic and it's not just appearance, power or anything people always think when they see him but how he's more mature than Sonic, no seriously when Sonic finishes a Goal as normal or Werehog, he whines and gets depressed over a Rank while Super Sonic says nothing and appears unbothered by the Ranks even when low and in Sonic Generations when he gets low Ranks, he will just glare at the player but not in a way that's mad but judgmental then other than Ranks, he has a deeper voice in the Sonic Riders series but even though people hate Free Riders, he says when losing "Not so hot" and also has a deep voice so that's mostly why I'm a hardcore fan of him and aside from that, he gets treated as a seperate character in Sonic Shuffle, Sonic R and comics which the last doesn't mean just Fleetway, there's an identical Super Sonic to the one in the games in Pre-Genesis Wave which even has a creepy look resembling the cheerful Sonic and acts violent and insane in front of his counterpart but not like how Fleetway does, this Super Sonic acts like a false individual who isn't self aware like Fleetway and once you see how he acts, you'll understand what I mean.

[@Movieplayer290]

In the adventure games he was *RADICAL*

[@FoxerTails]

I'm so glad KZbin recommended me this video. Your editing style and presentation is top notch quality. I even went back and watched your other videos and they didn't disappoint. Consider me a new sub! But I will say one thing... Sonic is cool and all, but I'd be down to see you cover other series or game related topics. In any case, I'll be along for the ride!

[@ALtheBoi]

Thank you so much dude, appreciate it! I’d be down for that too, i’d love to talk about game mechanics, themes in games, my experience with some of them, might even branch out into movies. I’m gonna put a pin on that, for now. I’ll do the Sonic content for now until i gather an audience that watch my videos for *me,* instead of Sonic. Then i’d be comfortable sharing more of my experiences with other stuff, since i know people enjoy it.

[@nightynight1479]

This one kinda hit close to home for me. Sonic has been one of my many childhood heroes and seeing that Black Knight scene again really brought back some good memories. Sonic now adays is a character that I feel like has the chance to be really interesting if Sonic Team and Sega just put in a bit more effort, Hell I mean the IDW comics for Sonic have only been around for about 3 years at this point yet they managed to capture everything I loved about Sonic from the early 2000s and early 2010s with just a few panels. If by any chance you get the time it would be amazing to see you cover them and give your thoughts on them. Great video again and Ill be totally honest you got my support in any and all your videos from here on out, thanks for the awesome content it truly made my day! 😁

[@rigel_starr]

I found your channel recently and I absolutely love every video. There is so much love put into them. Blogpost time: 3:27 hit me hard because ShTH was the last Sonic game I played when it came out. I only got back into the whole Sonic thing recently with the 30th anniversary, playing most of the main games and asked myself 'Why did I stop playing these games?' and this is the answer. Sonic wasn't cool to me anymore at some point and I gave up on him.

[@Zero_de_Nova]

Black Knight was my first Sonic Game.....and inever regrett it.

[@ALtheBoi]

You never should

[@numbug1234]

I'd say it's possible to work things out from the word "Cool" the same way you did with the word "Fast", but it'd take just as much if not more effort to work out and it'd result in a character wildly different from Sonic himself. But also algorithm comment

[@Cyperstudio]

The visual and auditory design of this video is absolutely fantastic. Don’t hear to many people complementing that aspect lmao.

[@ALtheBoi]

That’s very kind of you.

[@shikisuki3504]

Now I know that sonic is sonic. Thank you!

[@treint6751]

This needs to have more views

[@anotherprofile2549]

We need this person to upload more

[@raspberrycruse3795]

I mean he's the fastest thing alive, what could possibly make him cooler besides being himself? I loved this video and I dislike how hard they've tried to stick to that one note persona so much that even after being "tortured" for 6 months we never saw a different side to him and for that to be the Sonic we've been stuck with since the other character hasn't been playable, lets just say that it's been very underwhelming and unengaging. I always saw Sonic as the Spiderman of the gaming universe since he doesn't try to impress others, he's just naturally impressive and that's why it pains me to see him and the writers try so hard

[@Blaketherunneroffical]

Very good video I like it a lot! I hope sega fixes sonic’s personality beacause we don’t have to have dad jokes sonic ruining everything. Definitely earned a subscriber.

[@alishamsniaut]

İ live in New Orleans, i watched your clips for first time and enjoyed it. You deserve to come to Disney World in USA and improve their productions because they are loosing the stamina that they used to have. İt takes one to know one, your productions are gorgeous.

[@justasonicthehedgehogfan562]

To be honest,Sonic was just a hedgehog who loves adventure.