Why Archie Shadow is the Best Shadow

[@Lowart]

Hey there, folks! As always, thanks for watching! I really appreciate it, and I hope you enjoyed the video. Also, if it interests you, remember to check out Private Internet Access and use my link to get 83% off with 4 months free: www.piavpn.com/Lowart Also, I decided to put my acoustic cover of I Am on my second channel for anyone who might want to listen to that on its own: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4qpi2CCrsyWis0 Thanks again. Have a good one!

[@thedotgiver2820]

.

[@r-yv5uz]

Hot take: Sonic colors was garbage

[@indecisiveponderer643]

@@r-yv5uz not even wrong

[@Gabriel-np9og]

didn't archie shadow try to destroy the world 20 years in the future

[@indecisiveponderer643]

@@Gabriel-np9og iirc that was kinda something the editors forced them to do

[@kingbash6466]

It's funny how most versions of Shadow are usually cold and aloof, but with Archie Shadow, he's probably the one with the most relaxed and approachable personality. He's not all sunshine and rainbows like Sonic and most of the other Freedom Fighters and still has his gruff exterior, but he's the one version that cooperates with the heroes the most without complaint. In fact, he has the biggest emotional range out of any version of the character. He's smiled more through this comic, than every other Shadow combined.

[@BrakSplash]

The problem for me was Archie Shadow felt... meh. I dont know why

[@fightingmedialounge519]

​@@BrakSplash probably for that exact reason.

[@rickyronny4019]

@@BrakSplashok so what

[@BrakSplash]

@@fightingmedialounge519 maybe. It's hard to describe

[@BrakSplash]

@rickyronny4019 no biggie. Just throwing in my opinion. I got buddies that prefer Archie Shadow. I like Game Shadow more.

[@neoluna1172]

How SEGA can see shadow being a bloodthristy asshole as better than this deep, emtional, loving, loner of a hero is baffling to me.

[@theodorerigopoulos6509]

I hope with Ian Flynn writing him they will finally fix him!

[@rickyronny4019]

we can’t even judge Shadow in the games with the absence he’s had lately. Let’s wait for Sonic and Shadow Generations to come out before we do

[@DarknessOfSorrow]

Blame Ken Penders. That guy was up bitching at Sega 24/7 that the comic was rebooted just to get rid of his shit

[@neoluna1172]

I mean it kinda was, but that was also his fault for bringin the bloody lawsuit in the first place, which he only one cuz arcxhie lost the paperwork that proved he didnt soly own those characters.@@DarknessOfSorrow

[@ryannathaniel9296]

​@@theodorerigopoulos6509IDW Shadow was written by Ian Flynn

[@MarioSonicBee]

Archie Shadow is how Game Shadow should be. Sure he may brood a little and he a lil bit of a loner but he’s a true good person. I love how they did his relationship with Sonic, they aren’t dumb rivals but rather they’re rivals with respect that’s how they should be.

[@SwordMaster3000]

Me when 25 years later exists: excuse me lmao

[@BrakSplash]

I like the current Shadow. Archie Shadow is alright, but just... eh

[@whaleping]

That only works when Shadow gets years of world building before entering the story. Cause as soon as he enters, his fans try to make the story all about him. Him entering Paramount’s continuity as early as movie 3 spells trouble in the long run.

[@ultrasphoenix]

@@BrakSplashCurrent Shadow? The current Shadow sucks. Shadow’s Character hasn’t been the same since 06.

[@rickyronny4019]

@@ultrasphoenixcurrent Shadow is fine. Y’all exaggerate how “bad” he is. I replayed games like Sonic Forces and Team Sonic Racing and Shadow’s character in both games is just ok, inoffensive.

[@MarcelxDD]

I haven't read the archie comics at all but, somehow, this iteration of Shadow feels so... familiar. Like this is what Shadow is supposed to be

[@projectmessiah]

In what way?

[@zerunox]

I thought the exact same thing, its truly a shame what he became in the games. Let's hope Sonic Movie 3 does him justice

[@UhOhSpeghettio]

I feel like to people who watched the shows and played the games you can see they were always trying to get this Shadow across but never could. So I agree with you, this all seems familiar but new and refreshing at the same time

[@surpassed558]

Best in game comparision would be sonic 06 shadow funny enough

[@mrbanks456]

It baffles me when hard core Shadow fans say they hate this version of Shadow. They just want him to remain an angry, aimless sociopath who hates everyone.

[@DamashiTheKaotic]

Archie Shadow feels like where Game Shadow was headed until Colors onward kinda muddied the waters for (or reset) most characters' character development and characterization.

[@eeveequeenhanna]

I think Free Riders is when Shadow’s personality got messed up, since that was released before Colors.

[@Trivial_Man]

Shadow's arc ended in his own game. 06 was mostly just an exploration of the aftermath of that self-actualization. Then there was like a decade where he didn't matter, until Forces came out and really messed up everything for everyone. Colors can be blamed for some issues the franchise faced or continues to face, but Shadow isn't really one of them

[@DamashiTheKaotic]

@@Trivial_Man I'm not blaming colors specifically but rather that entire era from Colors up to Forces.

[@indecisiveponderer643]

​@@Trivial_ManCome on! what did forces even mess up about shadow??? you can't just keep blaming that game for anything you don't like in the current era. most agree that was a pretty good game for shadow. and even colors DS did him and most other characters pretty good. really shadow has never been "bad" or "worse" in any modern era thing except for maybe some spinoffs that take characters out of context

[@indecisiveponderer643]

the only thing you can point at as being a bad representation of the character is like sonic boom.. which's also a totally separate canon not even meant to be taken seriously. and with IDW it constantly feels like the writers want to do cool stuff with the character and take him to some new places but sega keeps refusing and opting to keep him dormant until they realize what they really want to do with him going forwards. and if Shadow Gens is anything to go by... it seems like they finally did

[@johnnycakemusic4069]

Just realized anothe rmeaning to the song "Live and Learn." Sonic is the one that lives. Shadow is the one that learns to live.

[@tahutoa]

You're onto something, here. Hanging on the edge of tomorrow (Hanging) from the works of yesterday

[@LambentLight00]

@@tahutoaI thought it was words of yesterday? But yeah I always thought it was about shadow and Sonic both learning to move on from stuff essentially

[@zeppelin7342]

Shadow's farewell to Maria in issue 171 always gets me. I gotta give a lot of props to Ian Flynn for allowing Shadow a moment to get emotional. To actually cry! As a huge SA2 fan I also really like how it's one of the few times we see Gerald prior to going insane. It's just really nice that before he lost everything he truly was a good man that just wanted what was best for everyone, only to have that tragically taken from him.

[@coyotix]

Archie's cancellation really took away a gem of characterization

[@MrDibara]

Plenty of characterizations. I miss their adaptation of the Megaman comics too.

[@StevenJones851]

​@@MrDibarai heard it was a Crossover

[@MrDibara]

@@StevenJones851 There _was_ a crossover, but Archie was also doing their own seperate Megaman series before. It was really great! I definitelly reccomend it if you can find it! 👍

[@CapsirusPrime]

If I had a nickel for every Archie character that was better than their gaming counterpart, I’d have like 20 nickels

[@sirmcmoneyston4449]

Which isn't a lot,but it's weird it happend 20 times

[@areoants9453]

That's like..... uh... let's see........ my math may be a bit wrong here, but nine dollars!

[@Howardpower679]

They're not And never will be

[@kanekiwhite7827]

​@@Howardpower679Game counterpart is getting there but let's not forget what Archie has done.

[@RedPineaplleStudio]

​@@Howardpower679 Your profile picture really fits your reply.

[@miadatenshi9903]

I like how this feels like one of the alternate routes in Shadow the Hedgehog. It's fascinating that various mediums adapted the amnesia story-line their own way, Sonic X did it pretty good too

[@Topdoggie7]

All eight hundred versions we could have.

[@toekneemart5597]

He even says the "This is who I am" line that he says at the end of each route too

[@indecisiveponderer643]

what's interesting about this shadow is he pretty much never went through the whole amnesia thing. feels like a version of the character that just kept going forwards after SA2

[@alicesacco9329]

In Sonic X, I like how acrually Shadow shows the consequences of his mental illness, I mean the headache for amnesia that made him collapse and blanking in the wrong moment due to PTSD.

[@PureMaddnessOne]

shadow is pretty stoic indeed. He isn't trying 2 be emotionless, he is trying 2 keep it under control, what isn't easy, but he gets better at it.

[@Yuudaddy]

Archie Shadow is literally what I imagine Shadow to be like before Maria died or at least this depiction of him feels the most close to that.

[@Yuudaddy]

@breadandcircuses8127 I mean he does behave like he has PTSD at least until the Sonic 06 game which makes sense. After all Shadow was a good/innocent kid that witnessed his family (Maria and Dr. Gerald) and everyone else he knew being killed. Something like that would leave a mark on most and Shadow did not have years to grief and heal from all of this. I wish that Sega remembered this and let him eitehr heal or treat him and his trauma with respect.

[@Yuudaddy]

@breadandcircuses8127 OK it feel like you either did not read what I wrote or you did not understand. I wrote what Shadow was like or most likely was like before Maria died NOT HOW HE IS NOW.

[@Yuudaddy]

@breadandcircuses8127 I am not saying they should be influenced by it as I hate contradictions and Sega just seems to love those.... Sonic Prime had one of the best depictions of shadow that I have seen in over a decade while Sonic Boom had the worst depiction of him. The IDW comics turned him almost into a Vegeta clone from the Sayan saga and although I love Vegeta they are not the same...

[@Yuudaddy]

@breadandcircuses8127 It is ok no worries.

[@DrnMontemayor]

I like how in Prime, Shadow is still a reluctant hero, but is always there to help Sonic, and is who saves him in the end. If they grab elements from Archie, and continue to make Shadow take this patch, the third movie's version will be great. I have high hopes.

[@theodorerigopoulos6509]

Let's hope so!!!

[@Memelord1117]

Have him be edgy and jaded at the start, then as he starts to recover from the space colony incident, he begins to show what kind of person he truly is, a gentle one.

[@sailorjup]

that’s exactly what i want from the movie!

[@S0meb0dy728]

prime is ass

[@azidal3755]

​@@Memelord1117 This is what I always hoped Shadow's story would be like going forward.

[@AlyssaRK]

That scene with Shadow and Hope gets me every time :( I miss Hope so much

[@kylepessell1350]

That last scene is especially heart-breaking in retrospect. Shadow's initial expression almost screams uncertainty but he decided to both metaphorically and literally embrace Hope regardless. ...who knows... perhaps there will still be some Hope in the future.

[@pizza-pi]

@@kylepessell1350 We can certainly Hope so. This was the best version of Shadow for all of the reasons listed.

[@erickrafaelfloreslara8501]

Awsome how a lot of this has been incorporated into Shadow s character in Shadow Generations. Even the scene where he says goodbye to Maria is ripped straight from these comics, makes sense cause Ian Flynn wrote both. And i think its awsome.

[@brandongittens9045]

The fact that this is Ian's writing of Shadow gives me hope, and I really am wishing that Sega lets off its strict ruling for how shadow should act even more. He's a tragic character not an edge lord

[@Ironwill3004]

I can’t believe Shadow’s friendship with the Devil from the Bible is never expanded upon in the comics

[@Silveraith]

Sadly we had to wait until the soft reboot for anything like that, and not that much was able to be done with it before the comic got canned. Sonic Universe #59-62 "Shadow Fall"

[@jdowg494]

Heeeeey Shadow!

[@henritaas9997]

What's uuuuuuuuuup it's meeeeeeeeee

[@DanialTarki]

“I’m the Devil! From- Bible!”

[@gregthehedgehog0956]

HEEEEEEEEEEY WHAT'S UUUUUUUUUUUP IT'S MEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@VergilGaia]

If Shadow Generations' writing doesn't have this kind of treatment to the character, I'll be largely disapointed

[@carso1500]

Game and Archie Shadow are just completly diferent, for once Shadow in the games IS the ultimate lifeform and he IS one of the strongest beings in the planet (sometimes being represented as stronger than Sonic, albeit it varies) That alone makes both completly diferent since game Shadow doesnt really have the same issues, Shadow in the games doesnt really fail all that much and doesnt have any issue because he is too weak or the world is too big, he is consistently one of Earth's strongest protectors Honestly game Shadow already has completed his journey, he already found who he is and who he is supposed to be and grew from the experience the issue is that SEGA refuses to allow that versión of Shadow to show its face

[@Breakaway-ic5gj]

​​@@carso1500 Archie Shadow is also incredibly powerful, Archie Sonic is really strong and Omega flat out says that Shadow is stronger than him, and from what we can see Shadow has the same abilities as Sonic along with chaos control. He loses because of bad luck

[@carso1500]

@@Breakaway-ic5gj one thing is statements, other is showings, like shadow fights against that group of aliens that originaly destroyed humanity in his super form and straight up loses while Sonic defeats them in base, shadow never really contributes to any mayor fight or helps defeat a mayor villain Meanwhile in IDW while at first shadow was mistreated because of Sega's mandates eventualy he got better and you have him teleporting an entire city into orbit before it goes nuclear and other feats of power

[@nightlydata2181]

@@carso1500 they show him more than ppl give credit but only on the jp side

[@richwolf_42ls14]

How are you feeling now after seeing the shorts 😂

[@TealClover-qk6lf]

I love this version of Shadow. He's can be serious without being a try hard or overly grim, and he has humorous moments that actually match his character.

[@HBstudios2005]

I love seeing Shadow have more expressions than just smug and angry

[@tntsonic7482]

Honestly Archie Shadow is probably why he became my favorite Sonic character. Hes genuinely written so well and far beyond the basic "Rival and Edgelord" stereotype.

[@Abner-gu3ve]

Game Shadow at his best is more than just a “rival and edgelord” stereotype. Heroes, Sonic 06, Shadow Generations and even Shadow’s own game show that he can be his own character other than being an edgy rival to Sonic (I don’t see him as edgy in his game)

[@RedtailArt]

The new Sonic game, Sonic X Shadow Generations, took a big step in aligning Shadow a bit more with this incarnation. Seeing Maria again, learning Gerald's true intentions, and other stuff that I'm not going to spoil seems to have softened his edges, if only a little bit, but he's never not serious. I think Sonic X Shadow Generations is the best thing they've done with Shadow's character in a while, and I highly recommend it.

[@jamesbailey9069]

Ya messed towards the end there. It’s not “live and grow” it’s “LIVE AND LEARN”

[@theodorerigopoulos6509]

I really miss Archie Sonic characters. Ian Flynn really made the best out of all of them and Shadow is a huge determened of his writing in this era. I was spoiled by Archie Shadow. He was the best. A badass with a heart of cold. His relationship with Sonic, Hope, Blaze Team Dark. Now he is just... Mean and overconfident I guess. Next time though.... Can't wait. All hail the KING BABY!!!

[@TicoLeak]

There were some good/decent Archie Sonic writers besides Ian Flynn.

[@SRR-SRR]

​@@TicoLeak ...none said the contrary 😅

[@Flemmli1]

Archie Sonic, for its many weird aspects and what not, ya gotta admit, it had some of the best characterizations for a lot of the characters, especially once people like Ian Flynn came along to write on them.

[@yonaguy6978]

That sonic heroes and his own game personality really got to shine in comics. His cockiness was always meant to shine and challenge sonic's

[@rickyronny4019]

Honestly, I prefer Shadow with a more subdued cockiness but I think those two games capture that well

[@Aflay1]

Shadow has become the true foil to Sonic. He is absolutely no-nonsense. A straight edge. A true stoic. But he's not evil, ill compassionate, or a jerk. He's truly his own person. *Even if the entire universe is going out of the way to prevent that.* Sonic can have his quips, be a smart allec, and be a hero, and still be unique from Shadow. Making Shadow a jerkbag, needlessly violent, one-track minded, that is a big mistake. He's not evil Sonic. It is much more compelling when themes of darkness don't translate to evil, but to depth and abstract concepts. Archie Comics is a great place to explore that. There are so many characters. So many identical characters and characteristics. There are like 5 Sonic copycats or something. Shadow is not merely a "faker" anymore. He is an opportunity for characterization.

[@BornFlunky]

While what I'm about to talk about is from post-reboot Archie (as opposed to the pre-reboot continuity this video focuses on), I can't help but mention one of my favorite moments of Archie Shadow -- Part 3 of Shadow Fall, Sonic Universe Issue #61. Pre-reboot Team Dark had issues. Shadow's are laid out in this video, Rouge had weird "wooOoOo I'm actually a villain" characterization for the longest time, and they hadn't really nailed Omega yet, making him more of a comedic powerhouse who thought Cream was adorable, rather than an unstoppable death machine whose callous disregard for most things was portrayed in a comedic way. The reboot, for all its faults, has none of these problems -- Team Dark runs like clockwork, and every personality is on point. Most importantly, there's mutual respect. This all comes to a head when Shadow's put under the mental control of a remnant force of the Black Arms, and is forced to fight his teammates. Ultimately, they manage to subdue him -- with Omega delighting in the chance to prove he's stronger -- before Rouge tells the funny robot to let him go ("Are you sure? I have not successfully beaten sense nor a concussion into him yet.") And at this point, Rouge stands over him with her arms cross, looking ticked off, and gives him the tough love he needs to break free of the control he's under. I'm just going to quote it verbatim, I love this moment; "I know the *real* Shadow can hear me, so *listen up.* You're the *Ultimate Lifeform.* You're too strong and too *stubborn* to let these aliens get into your head. I figure you've got some kind of inner struggle. Not that you'll *tell* us -- you prefer to brood and internalize. But this is for the sake of everyone back home. So are you going to get your act together, or am I going to have to get sappy and invoke Maria for the hundredth time?" At this point, Shadow briefly breaks free of control by throwing a Chaos Spear within inches of Rouge's head toward the ceiling, giving his team the information they need to chase off the nearby alien that was forcing its will upon the Ultimate Lifeform -- more specifically, Omega unleashes an entire splash page's worth of a barrage to do so. And as Shadow stands up, they have a conversation. R: "Did that clear your head?" S: "...They're gone now. I'm back in control. Control I never should have lost." He looks down in guilt. "I nearly..." R: "But you didn't." S: "...How did you know I wouldn't?" R: "Because... I trust you." Shadow looks at her with sudden surprise. She responds with a shrug and a heartfelt smirk. R: "Yeah, that's coming from *me.* We've been through a lot together. And I let my guard down around you. You've got my back." She leans in with a more playful expression, elbowing Shadow in the ribs. "That, and I knew that crack about Maria would tick you off." S: "Hmph. Careful." Despite the warning, Shadow's clearly amused. "We're in danger of becoming all buddy-buddy like Sonic's Freedom Fighters." O: "Discussion of Team Status is irrelevant -- the target escaped. This needs to be corrected. *With fire.*" And the conversation about comradery continues for a bit longer, with Omega admitting that the two are "the only meatbags I tolerate". This got a bit long, and I suppose this is a bit less about Shadow than I initially thought, but in my opinion, one of the most interesting things about Shadow is his connection with Team Dark. And post-reboot Archie is, hands down, the best incarnation of his team. They get a few more moments to shine before Archie shelved the series, thankfully, including an oft-unseen conflict with Knuckles over the Master Emerald. I'll always be upset about what we lost to the reboot. Salt shall forever run in my veins. But damn, if the Archie team didn't take full advantage of it to reform many of the non-Freedom Fighter cast in such brilliant ways.

[@eliasmullen1088]

Archie shadow along with 06 shadow, are definitely the best versions of him.

[@hellfoxwolf14]

Yes. 06 Shadow is the goat.

[@juliabonavita4731]

Also Prime

[@thefastcommenter7774]

Prime too don’t forget

[@juliabonavita4731]

@thefastcommenter7774 What I hope for in Sonic x Shadow Generations they make Shadow good again

[@thefastcommenter7774]

@@juliabonavita4731 Same. I don’t like how they make Shadow seem so harsh and uncaring in the series these days. I’m hyped for the new game and hope it will fix things

[@battlehuntz]

Shadow, for all the inconsistencies the game writers have with him, is my favorite Sonic character, and arguably my favorite fictional chatacter. Your video really does him justice, and shows why the pre-reboot Archie interpretation of him is so excellent. He’s not an antihero, but a hero with his own serious internal conflicts and desire to prove himself

[@battlehuntz]

@breadandcircuses8127Zero isn’t an anti-hero either. He’s blatantly heroic, yet started villainous initially, like Shadow did. Shadow interests me because of how he reforms and chooses to protect the world despite it wronging him

[@sonicsucks20]

Shadow is an anti hero

[@Je-S1001]

16:41 YES! You’re finally gonna talk about one of my favorite Archie characters next time!!

[@dantemitsoyu977]

Scrouge is what modern writers were trinna make shadow like. But it didn’t work

[@Je-S1001]

@@dantemitsoyu977 I still find him entertaining and fun to see. Besides it’s better to have a character that is like that from the start instead of trying to force an already established one into that role. Even though I feel like Scourge has more going on as a character than 2010’s Shadow.

[@theodorerigopoulos6509]

Archie Sonic had many iconic Villains exclusive to this continuity or adapted from the games, and Scourge somehow to this day still feels like the most iconic of them all. His popularity is so huge that he was the only non Sega character that had a 4 issue story arc in Sonic universe (yes he was a color swap Sonic but... He wasn't technically Sonic), he is still featured in fan projects like super all star bros and Surge from Idw Sonic is inspired by him. So yeah he is a big deal!!!

[@miwhitty8316]

I freaking love Archie Shadow. Even post genesis wave he and Team Dark were one of Archie's biggest highlights for me, and that one comic with him and Hope is one of my absolute favourite issues. I'm so glad people are talking about this version of Shadow too, he deserves some love ❤ great video!

[@hugozabalzaburgos5149]

Another Lowart Archive Sonic video? And about Shadow the Hedgehog? Just what I needed for a perfect Friday night!

[@Mystic-Aidan]

This is the version of Shadow that made me fall in love with the character. All I can hope is that now, with him finally getting his own game again, the games shadow can course correct to at least be a little closer to this version.

[@bungieborris9111]

Adding on to this. She wasn't in it very often but I absolutely love Archie's depiction of blaze in the comics

[@ajaxmaxbitch]

​@breadandcircuses8127 why didn't you?

[@TBoneTony]

0:50 that opening comic panel to Sonic Adventure of Sonic and Freedom Fighter friends in the city. Brings tears to my eye for some reason. Maybe it reminds me of simpler times before that tragic day.

[@Vestigare_]

WE ARE SO BACK

[@herebybuu]

Jet you betcha

[@Abner-gu3ve]

Yeah

[@MeatEatingVegan777]

I was never aware of this shadow. This shadow is very, very interesting, and i realllllly like him! I will say that videogame shadow, when hes written well, is still my favorite shadow. But, this shadow is fantastic! So emotional, vulnerable, loving and often fails. Very interesting!

[@wisccheese9257]

​@breadandcircuses8127 I kinda think this shadow is just an interpretation of silver, not the real shadow

[@slateoffate9812]

I see IDW Shadow as a speed runner. His immediate priority is taking down the bad guy, everything else is an obstacle to be skipped.

[@SaiyanGamer95]

Well, unless he sees someone who's absolutely awful. Like Clutch.

[@Abner-gu3ve]

@@SaiyanGamer95yup 😂

[@jamesday9104]

Shadow isn't a failure he just has a lot of love in his heart ❤️

[@Harrymation-productions]

I hope the third sonic movie takes inspiration from this Shadow

[@saidi7975]

It took Archie Shadow some time to really stand out, but once done, he was awesome.

[@spiderninja8779]

We're also gonna sweep King Shadow under the rug cause... y'know.

[@sonic5993]

Lmao

[@thetruestarking20000]

Reminder that Shadow is mentally the same age as Sonic. He isn’t a bitter old man, he is a traumatized, aimless teenager with unprocessed anger and crippling survivor’s guilt.

[@Game_Hero]

Everyone's talking about Shadow, but is no one talking about the hilarious E-123 Omega in the panels?

[@Birdsflight44]

This Shadow is why I feel like he should have been the one to resolve the climax of Sonic Prime. This "Have to" loner mindset, but transformed through friendship, is exactly the role model Nine needed, and it exists in some form in every good version of Shadow. Combine that with his indomitable Lead Hedgehog will, and it would have made him and Nine a great parallel to Sonic and Tails, lol. Only briefly, but it would have been cool. Shadow needs to get to reform villains once in a blue moon in current media IMO

[@theimprovedbore550]

10:24 completely unrelated, i know, but _god_ i love omega so much

[@coronacyrus2499]

Love it when big weaponry robots come across something precious and refuse to let them down

[@indecisiveponderer643]

love how pre-reboot shadow essentially just became a what-if shadow never lost his memories after SA2. it's a really interesting take on the character that I'm kinda sad most people dismiss simply because it isn't the "same" shadow. definitely would've been my #1 favorite version of the character if sonic X shadow wasn't right there lmao

[@Trivial_Man]

By "Sonic x Shadow" do you mean the ship between the two hedgehogs, the version of Shadow from the anime Sonic X, or the depiction of Shadow in the upcoming game Sonic X Shadow Generations?

[@ryannathaniel9296]

​@@Trivial_ManI guess OP meant X Shadow

[@indecisiveponderer643]

@@Trivial_Man Good god..... yes I meant the anime version XD

[@purehyper124]

It's great hearing someone going into how complect and depth that make Archie comics great.

[@TheGrumpiestPanda]

I really wish that Archie Shadow's personality transferred over to the games and especially IDW. This was a natural evolution of his personality, and it was fantastic to see him mellow out into a much more well-rounded person. He very much reminds me of Batman from the DCAU, a little distance, sometimes gruff, but meant well and genuinely wanted to help people and do the right thing. And his comradery with Team Dark was perfect, such a great found family dynamic they had. That's why it pains me to see just how hard the mandates screw him over to this day, making it so hard to write anything complex with Shadow in it. His character has regressed in the worst possible way, and I'm hoping that someday, someway, we can get this version of Shadow back.

[@abigailhedderly4978]

I never knew that Archie Shadow was this good Like honestly he is So much better than he is in the games right now. And as much as Sega loves to make him a stale, unlikable character; it makes perfect sense that he would be emotional even when he tries not to because of all that he’s been through. I hope that Sega finally realizes that and fixes his character in the games. Anyway, this is an Incredible video keep up the great work!

[@bowserbreaker2515]

That was beautiful. Your retrospective has really shown the heart of the comic. Archie Shadow is definitely the best one. He had many game traits, but expanded on them and gave us a truly special character. His whole story about living weapons was tear-jerking. Shadow may be a little cold, but he is a hero and cares for others, because he knows they'll be there for him. Thank you for another way past cool video!

[@Leso_Univrs]

Please dont ever stop making these videos, ive waited SO much for someone who actually gets why i love Archie Sonic so much... It makes me happy

[@FangZ_07]

Seeing omega say we will make you I will not make the tiny bunny cry was just too amazing omega is always such a great character I hope he shows up at some point in the shadow part of sonicXshadow generations along with rouge

[@BoriquaBoY34]

Honestly I always felt this is what Shadow’s true personality was supposed to be in SA2. Once he regained his memory and turned good, he was KIND in that game. He literally shed tears for a friend he loved and lost. He showed genuine care and concern for sonic, even humility to call him the real ultimate life form. He gave his life without hesitation as soon as he realized he was wrong. He was serious but had a more light hearted bravado just like sonic, with the same pride but not trying to best sonic just to be a dick and because he can. He was focused on his goals but he really cared for others, and he had more friendly and competitive banter with sonic even in their final battle. He respected him even though he thought he had to kill him. THIS is what he should’ve been. Now he’s just a parody and it kills me inside.

[@thelobsterlover9449]

ngl this is one of the most emotive shadows in the sonic continutity. It might be too much of a change to make game shadow like this but seeing him smile and make all kinds of faces in the comics is kind of refreshing

[@someutuber376]

You know I'm happy to realize that Sonic Prime Shadow is actually very similar to the Archie Shadow in Attitude and personality. He can be angry and maybe fight with Sonic for no sensible reason, but then he will stick up and protect Sonic when he knows he needs it. He'll do anything in his power to help him. And he's more than willing to show his feelings. He even saves everyone at the end of the series buy teleporting the prime Crystal away with the second best quote I ever heard from Shadow. :>

[@mousetoons22]

Recently Shadow Generations revealed that Maria had a younger sister so it would be crazy if hope was Maria’s sister (She couldn’t because Maria’s sister would be more than 50 but maybe she could be Maria’s niece)

[@jaredtherock5692]

You got me to read up to the archie comics just before Mega Man and Sonic World's Collide and I'm about to get into that soon. Thank you for these amazing videos, because you're way past cool.

[@rocky-my5ck]

bro you made a banger Shadow video, and now you tease me with the Gross Green himself!? I can't handle all this HYPE

[@raikaria3090]

Can we appreciate Omega here? He even backs up Shadow when he threatens Rouge. "WE will make you. I will not make the tiny bunny cry"

[@randomkidstv6720]

The more of these I watch, the more it makes me want to read the comics myself! I'd start in the Ian Flynn era though, I don't think I want to read the earlier stuff lol. Great video by the way, love the editing. Keep up the good work!

[@spinceiling7442]

I still think it's worth reading the earlier stuff. It provides so much more depth and worldbuilding. Plus it's not all bad lol

[@kamilledubois2315]

Gosh, thank you for this video as I was watching you tell the tale of Shadow from Archie that I have read so many times.. I couldn't help, but tear up. I absolutely love Shadow and this video shows the love that other people, Archie included, has for him. Thank you so much again..

[@mcmistle9892]

Great video! Seriously one of my favorites versions of Shadow and it’s awesome to see him get a full video going into his character.

[@Sn0c]

It's upsetting how SEGA tried to give Shadow a lack of heart and his main trait just being edgy. Archie Shadow is a Shadow that was given justice.... I wonder is he a Shadow android.

[@gregthehedgehog0956]

IDW Shadow is just Vegeta

[@mray4784]

@@gregthehedgehog0956 Vegeta in the Cell saga.

[@Gerik75]

Um... sorry but Shadow still have a heart in the games. It's is just very hidden by being a protector of the word, he is just no interested by hanging out with others and when he does, he is just usually destroy Eggman robots together.

[@indecisiveponderer643]

​@@Gerik75Exactly. shadow being more gruff and distant in the games/IDW doesn't mean he suddenly lacks heart or depth. I mean... just looking at the games you should be able to realize that nothing happened to shadow that'd make him more chummy with everyone else besides omega and rouge. character development has got to be earned. not given to a character because "they'd be better with it" and I still believe the games gave him a better arc and character development than archie does with its idealized version of him.

[@SonicSwift99]

@@indecisiveponderer643 This right here. I agree Shadow just constantly being an asshole isn't great characterization but making him this big softie who smiles and is all sunshine and rainbows with everyone is so lame. Like we have enough characters with this type of dynamic, Shadow being the anti-hero whose morals come into conflict with Sonic and co. leaves room for some great interactions and storylines, as well as making Shadow stand out from the rest of the cast.

[@danifaragoi3709]

6:48 So this panel right here? That's the exact shot in the recent sonic x shadow generations. Like, same framing, practically the same words, and the same visual breakdown of maria. 10/10 would archie again

[@JosephLawson420]

Considering both were written by Ian Flynn I don't see it as much of a coincidence

[@Gyrokun]

I find it very interesting that nobody in the comments mentioned how similar Archie Shadow is to his counterpart in Sonic Battle, what with all the empathization with Emerl about being living weapons and all.. Can't help but wonder how much inspiration the writers took from his interpretation in that game, as many have remarked that he was written a lot like his original self in SA2 with more time and experience to grow as a person without rejecting his past vs. the way he became portrayed in Heroes and his own game afterward

[@burgergud2804]

FINALLY someone is making a video about Archie shadow, thank the gods

[@bipolarbear7337]

One could say Archie Shadow's character arc is about him accepting that he has to... ...Live and learn!

[@chaosshadic40]

🥁

[@CDoss-bc7tv]

I am absolutely LOVING this series of yours!!!!! The next video coming up is what I'm most excited about, scourge is one of my favorite characters!!

[@WhiteFireTheDragon]

Wow. I read almost *every* issue that featured Shadow, including the retellings of his backstory, and all this time, I just assumed that Shadow's history with Maria and Prof. Gerald was cut but *implied* . Like, the writers assumed anyone reading the comics would have already played SA2. I also thought Shadow's memory loss was gradual following his revival at the hands of the Bem, which was why he was searching for answers.

[@hoseinbmr3449]

i have nothing more to say ... you said all the reasons why i adore this version of shadow so much

[@Natboy129]

I live for these videos at this point honestly, love them so much! Surprised you didnt touch on the 25 years later stuff with Shadow, it does feel out of place/character but its an interesting dark future for the character.

[@300fusionfall]

Wake up honey new Lowart Archie Sonic video dropped, small one but we'll take it

[@Wyta_TidalHound]

Getting to hear about the Archie side of Shadow makes me wish I was able to get into the comics. I've tried getting into the Sonic Universe comics at one point, but it was quite difficult for me to follow as it kept referencing older issues. The whole conversation at 8:00 is already makes so much more sense with the bits of background you just explained. Though I guess me still learning English at the time didn't help much either. Either way, I really hope that SEGA is able to take some inspiration from this for the upcoming game and movie. Letting Shadow struggle with his need for perfection through the promise he made feels like the perfect next step for his character arc (and is rather relatable too). SEGA knows how important he is to the fandom and with the sort of character reset everyone went through in Fronties, I want to be carefully optimistic for what they're gonna do with Shadow. He definitely deserves better

[@travisbrewer2268]

This truly is a wonderful series, keep up the great work!

[@warrenbradford2597]

I strongly agree with you. I want to see more of this version of the character in the video games as well.

[@pearallax]

awesome video man. this shadow has always been one of my favorite versions of the character and you hit the nail on the head.

[@_knucklehead]

yooo SCOURGE!?!? OHHH BOY! Lovely video as usual man! More for me to listen to as a podcast!

[@ThatGuy89002]

Going back to the full history of Archie and how people interpret their versions of the cast really just makes me wonder how would this Shadow even act during the Metal virus arc since that was planned for Archie before being recycled to IDW. Honestly the Metal Virus would have to had been at least 10x worse than what it was on IDW since the Archie freedom fighters are simply much stronger than IDW's Restoration HQ

[@bigs5078]

Well, with a more developed world, the potential cast of actual characters that could get infected would certainly grow. I know that Bunnie was supposed to get infected, but stave off the mental effects through her cybernetics (it was on some Bumblekast).

[@ThatGuy89002]

@bigs5078 not just that but arguably new Mobotropolis has the nano magitech shield, not to mention they have more people to work on fighting it back. The virus itself would have to had been buffed hard to even keep up with them

[@indecisiveponderer643]

​@@ThatGuy89002Just imagine how painful it would've been to see the eggbosses standing aside as they see their entire territories get infected with them not being able to do anything about it.... we would've seen a lot of betrayals on eggman's side if that version of the story came to fruition. assuming eggman willingly caused the outbreak in that story that is

[@hismaelleonardorodriguesco3615]

We agree that the entire Archie universe is more powerful than the IDW universe.

[@locotaco2671]

I’m surprised no one mentioned how Shadow was portrayed in “The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog” as it combines his good-hearted, albeit a bit sappy, dorky nature from the comics, with his more stoic and distant yet considerate nature from the games, and with some snippets of his chaotic weirdo vibes from the later Twitter Takeovers (love how the game even mentions how he “consumes” coffee). The game may have been made as an April Fools’ joke, but it has a great portrayal of Shadow that could be use as a base for future games.

[@YOSHBAG]

I reread the Shadow Saga book over and over again when I was younger, around 5th/6th grade. I used to love this character, it’s a shame he’s, ironically, a shadow of his former self.

[@Chasewickb97]

At 7:05 I swear I thought you were going to say, “it’s okay to Live and Learn.”

[@Chasewickb97]

15:40 I mean😅

[@clocky4209]

Honestly, I think this is VERY in character for Shadow! Well, from the Adventure games , heroes and 06, but that's the real shadow! He is NOT supposed to be some cringy edge lord!!

[@courtiusmaximus5150]

You've made me cry. After this, I too think Archie Shadow is best shadow.

[@VestedUTuber]

"Archie Sonic smiled more than any other version of Shadow combined" Except for Sonic & SEGA All Stars Racing Shadow. Due to having Sonic's animations copied and pasted onto him, he actually smiles whenever he wins a race. And it just so happens that he's the top-tier character in that game, so you're going to see him smiling a LOT.

[@peytonbloom4123]

Thank you so much for reminding me why I grew up with Shadow being my favorite character. Thank you for putting it into words.

[@themissingbits6375]

16:43 HELL YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!

[@CrossTrash]

YESSSS, I WAS HOPING YOU WOULD MAKE THIS VIDEO.

[@josegarcia8025]

Make me cry with this video, excellent introspective towards shadow the hedgehog!

[@JunniferLuzeytonz]

Damn he's written like the perfect lethal protector version of venom like what antihero venom needs to be to have masterpiece type writing

[@digidrveKJ]

Then you remember 25Y later King Shadow. Not saying it subtracts from Archie Shadow but why did they use Shadow for the villain of that story

[@KirbySonicTeam]

Apparently it was the editors idea, since they were already going for an alternate reality framing device I guess they wanted something really striking.

[@musingsofahomeschooler5332]

seeing Shadow slowly bond with Rouge and team dark to become a found family is so beautiful

[@SamLabbato]

his face is SO much more expressive, it's actually wild

[@ML1399TheyStoleMyName]

I do find it really funny that the Archie universe just straight up didn't know what to do with Shadow at first. His backstory wasn't super compatible with the lore of Mobius as it had been established at that point. He was clearly designed to occupy the role of Sonic's primary rival, stealing that position from Knuckles. But, since he debuted at the height of Ken Pender's power, deep into Knuckles mania, there was absolutely no way he was actually going to be able to fulfill that function in this universe. Watching them try to figure out how to make Shadow fit into this world and decide what role he actually can occupy, in hindsight, is really entertaining in an "Oh you poor bastards" kinda way

[@ezra329]

Love that the Comics just dont make him another Vegeta... tho i like Vegeta and Shadow i like them for how close and yet How different they are.

[@ILurk83]

This is amazing, so spot on! I have always wanted someone to do an analysis on Archie Shadow and why he's so great. I hope you do one one Archie Metal Sonic- Shard, I mean.

[@spinobimkiii7443]

As a kid, I always imagined that after the events of Shadow the Hedgehog, Shadow would have mellowed out after coming to terms with his past, and would be more open to interacting with the rest of the cast. I'm glad that Archie was able to show what that kind of Shadow would have looked like. Can't wait for the KING'S video! Respect!

[@RubyRidingHoodX]

"It's okay to learn, and grow." YOU MISSED! HOW COULD YOU MISS IT WAS 3 FEET IN FRONT OF YOU! "It's okay- To Live. And Learn. Hanging on the edge of tomorrow, on the words of yesterday? If you fail or if you follow, you may never find your way." It was right there, man! 😭