Shadow and Eggman's Toxic Relationship | An Analysis

[@VoicedByMandy]

I want to give a HUGE thank you to FlascencoCipher and Tedd Hazard for voicing Shadow and Eggman for certain portions of the video! As well as Moralitas for making the incredible artwork for the thumbnail. These amazingly talented people helped bring my vision to life, and I am so grateful to have the chance to work with them. Please do check them out and show your support! Links to their socials are listed in the description!

[@natoriousthehopeful2786]

Thanks for the awesome video, Mandy 🤩 Happy Memorial Day 🇺🇲 and God Bless you 😇✝️

[@Vlazeca]

Shadow and Eggman’s conversations are pretty funny in Heroes, because in hindsight its just Neo Metal Sonic pretending to be Eggman. Shadow desperately asking questions about who he is and why he’s here and Neo Metal Sonic just goes “IDK”

[@heroesismid8694]

Shadow could of just asked Rouge.

[@ultrashadow9551]

​@@heroesismid8694who's to say he didn't? Maybe he did ask Rouge and the others but what they told him about his past didn't ring any bells.

[@xinimaru7200]

Honestly, this now gives Shadow's behavior in IDW some context. Shadow was probably content enough to leave Eggman to Sonic, but after what happened to Omega, and the events of Forces which probably sent Shadow into hiding, he probably felt that Eggman had to die. He was willing to kill an amnesiac Mr. Tinker, because as a victim of amnesia, he believed all it would take is the right stimulation, and it would be back to conquering the world. The Metal Virus confirmed his worse fears, and having been a victim of it due to not trusting Sonic anymore, I wouldn't be surprised if Shadow was psychologically damaged from his brief existence as a zombot. It only takes Eggperial City for Sonic to finally see things in Shadow's perspective, that as long as Eggman lives, he will just cause trouble with no real effort to change. Plus, Shadow probably sees Eggman as a disgrace to his maker, and a direct obstacle to his promise to protect the planet. Probably never calling him Robotnik, because he feels it would be a mockery to his memories of Gerald and Maria. So, calling him the Doctor or Eggman is less him not knowing his real name, and more like disowning him entirely.

[@lpsamyrose]

Amazing comment, and a great way to see shadow in idw ❤

[@henry1531]

I saw a Tumblr post detailing Shadow and Eggman's strange relationship. I've always felt like Shadow saw Eggman as the last of his family, while Eggman sees Shadow as one of his Grandfather's creations, one that he deserves to control. I've always believed Shadow's game was severely underrated and overhated, and this video is one example of why. I really enjoyed seeing the relationships Shadow has with others. Anyway, I loved the video!

[@heroesismid8694]

When playing SA2, I believed Shadow, Rouge, and Eggman were evil and only cared about whats best for themselves. Regardless of if Eggman liked Shadow or not, Shadow intended destruction of Earth due to the Maria business. And, its Eggman. Most portrayals of Eggman (especially in the West) showed that he was too evil to care about other people. And Shadow was just edgey

[@JaceAce22]

Usually, in modern depictions of Shadow, he doesn't back away from fights to eliminate the threat of danger, playing to his character of being an efficient weapon. In the comics, Shadow is so pissed off at Sonic for handling Mr. Tinker the way he did, that he starts a fight and calls them both a threat he'd put down. But in his game, Shadow has a rather good balance in his priorities that he chooses WHEN to fight others for his objectives, not if he'd want to fight to remove an obstacle, unlike most stereotypical edgy characters that go around battling others for power or prove themselves. I never noticed myself, but Shadow telling Eggman to stop, or groaning next to Espio in reluctance of engaging Eggman, actually removed the "edge" from my perception of him, and helped me see him more of a character in urgent need of discovering his whole self. He's desperate, but not angry and vengeful. When he discovers the Shadow Androids, he's shocked and scared. Only in gameplay is when ever lets out any aggression he has through Chaos Blast.

[@henry1531]

Shadow never starts his fights with the Egg Breaker, and he only directly confronts Eggman in the Lava Shelter endings.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

Ironically, IDW Shadow acts more edgy than the Shadow from his own game (especially if using the JP script).

[@heroesismid8694]

​​@@ChiefMedicPururuits just a variation of those Vegeta type characters. Its an anime trope often used for AntiHeroes

[@ayylmao8031]

Whoa I never realized how good the body language was in Shadow The Hedgehog's cutscenes. Good eye catching those details.

[@VoicedByMandy]

Thank you so much! I’ve always found a lot of ShTH’s cutscenes interesting to analyze.

[@axpo7803]

I find it interesting that even Metal while disguised as Eggman underplayed Shadow's past. He even used the Androids too. I'd love to see more interactions between Metal and Shadow honestly, they're both interesting characters created by people for evil purposes. While one strives to make their own future and set their own identity, the other struggles to assert himself and make his own decisions.

[@jamainegardner4193]

I'd like to point out that Shadow was really just using Eggman in SA2, much more than vice versa. It was Shadow who gave Eggman the plan to use the Eclipse Cannon, and its clear in their first two interactions that he was putting on a Snake Oil pitch. He knew from the start what would pappen if all 7 Chaos Emeralds were put in place, and it is likely he didn't go all out in his last fight with Sonic because he knew the Fake Emerald would work for the plan as well. It's why up until Amy gets him to change his mind he never does anything to stop the crash. Shadow wasnt a pawn in Eggman's game, he was playing checkers while Eggman was playing Candy Land and Gerald was playing chess.

[@cinnamonsakura1418]

I hate how during any of the SA game series and Shadow game, my brain keeps quoting Snapcube's fandub and I'm giggling. Anyway, this is really great!! Explains a lot of their dynamic and honestly, Eggman is like Shadow's abusive step-father and it's quite interesting to see it that way.

[@VoicedByMandy]

You are a person of culture! And thank you for your comment! 😊

[@awesomeocelot7475]

The Eggman lines from shadow the hedgehog are way too real for as as an adult still living at home with a narcissist father….

[@voryndagothDL]

In all fairness, whether Sonic's argument in IDW issue 6 about Shadow attempting to destroy the world being comparable to eggman is fair or not, what matters is that SHADOW himself believes they're comparable. He feels genuine guilt for acting out of rage in Sonic Adventure 2, and nearly destroying the world Maria loved. It makes sense that Shadow would immediately back off. His wordless gesture of dismissal clearly wasn't directed at Sonic, but at himself. As if he's trying to say "No" to his own instincts, believing that trusting Sonic's judgement on this is for the best. And, of course, we all know how he ends up feeling about this in hindsight, after the Metal Virus saga...

[@destronlaserwave9566]

13:50 with Shadow's story, besides the 10 endings, I like to think everything in the story happened. All his character interactions, blowing up the white house, questioning if he is a robot, etc. It doesn't make sense in the overall scheme of things, but there are some plot points from different pathways I think effected his character in the last story.

[@alicesacco9329]

I knew that Shadow was sad and lonely. I didn't imagine to this degree.

[@TheR3DSniper]

You would think that Eggman would have more respect for Shadow, considering his grandfather created the black hedgehog.

[@deniedred]

eggman doesn’t really respect his own creations (e.g. any of his robots besides sage now) and i don’t think he respects his grandfather that much either (maybe respects his knowledge/creations). in eggman’s eyes, shadow isn’t anything other than a weapon he “rightfully inherited”

[@dirtypms]

35:10 when Eggman tells Shadow he was "Unleashed" to find the chaos emeralds tells me two things. 1. It's a reference to an old production title for the game 2. It could imply Eggman leaked the fake info to Rouge about treasure so she could free (or "unleash") Shadow

[@dirtypms]

The Sonic official KZbin channel confirmed that though Eggman never met Maria, he still took her death at G.U.N.'s hands personally. It's in the video about Shadow before the release of Sonic X Shadow Generations

[@meganshaw1987]

It’s also possible that Robotnick (Eggman) played with Shadow’s head just out of hate and spite. In addition to that remember that when they first met Shadow used Robotnic as a means to achieve his goals in destroying the world and endangering everyone. Robotnic probably didn’t like being used and duped like that. And additionally with Robotnic looking with a deep envy at Shadow, Shadow might have longed for a family connection for a while. Think about it. Shadow lost Jerold and Maria. The only known genetic relative that Shadow had (Black Doom) had was almost never around and when he was around, he tired to manipulate Shadow. So maybe for a while after rediscovering who he was, Shadow might’ve wanted Robotnic to see him as family thus would’ve supported the reason why he listened to Robotnic early on, but by the time he asks about Mephiles, Shadow’s probably thinking that he’s longed for this guy to see him as family and he’s only met with hurt and abuse. And not to mention the fact that Robotnic has done numerous other evil deeds on a grand scale and that fact alone would make Shadow reflect on the fact that Jerold until Maria’s death, was trying to help the world, not harm it. And the fact Robotnic has endangered the planet so many times probably embraces and disgusts Shadow. In the Archie comics, Robotnic has a brother named Colin Kintobor who had two children named Colin “Snively” Jr. and Hope who looks a lot like Maria, but is more pro-active and is a spitfire. Shadow’s relationship with Snively is a cold one and is like Snively’s relationship with Robotnic. Meanwhile Shadow’s relationship with Hope becomes far more warm-hearted. And as for Robotnic on Sonic, part of the reason why Robotnic respects Sonic more is because doesn’t have the family connection that Shadow has. Thus the reminder of that connection for Robotnic is lessened with Sonic. I use the word “lessened” because there are many likenesses between Sonic and Shadow, but it wasn’t Sonic who had the link and there are some differences between the two.

[@heroesismid8694]

If Eggman was nice to Shadow, Shadow would of simply destroyed the planet. Shadow's mission was revenge.

[@meganshaw1987]

@@heroesismid8694 no comment.

[@rafagamer5915]

Robotnik* Gerald*

[@totallyhumanproductions1349]

Knowing this, it makes the relationship between Sage and Eggman really interesting. Considering he (seemingly) does want to be a good father to Sage and is saddened when Sage dies the original ending of Frontiers compared to how he gaslit and manipulated Shadow and the callousness he treats Metal Sonic with

[@ドラゴンリュー-f1x]

If you look at Jin Kazama and Shadow, there are some similarities. In order to take revenge on his family, he approaches a bearded relative, but he is later used in his plan and develops a hostile relationship with the relative.

[@casualgamer3900]

Man this was a really good video. Now I’m intrigued on other character relations that don’t include the obvious relations. Like people tend to mention Tails and Knuckles or Shadow and Omega. But not many people talk about Tails and Amy. Or Omega and Rouge. And I wish the franchise had more cast interactions I’m curious how Knuckles and Omega see each other. I’m curious how Shadow would see Zavok. How Rouge would see Silver. Great job on making me intrigued on these less talked about relationships. Again your video was really good.

[@VoicedByMandy]

Thanks so much! I also hope that Sonic Team will continue to explore other Sonic characters now that they’re slowly getting more focus in the games again.

[@matthewsimmons9277]

Tragically funny since Shadow is considered a son by Gerald, therefore he’s Ivo’s uncle. Great uncle to Ivo’s sapient creations. I look forward to Shadow’s first canonical interaction with SAGE.

[@raidlandguy]

honestly hoping that youtube starts recommending your content to people, the work & effort you put into this is outstanding!

[@sathroe]

all of this is insanely well thought out. it also does a good job of building up why i'm so eager to see Shadow and Sage meet. we already know that family means a lot to both of them, and Sage is prone to calling people family that Eggman thinks are beneath the title, so there's some real potential there for some insanely cute bonding...or the most burning rejection either of them could be subjected to for a long time. i'm nervous but hopeful because they both deserve good things

[@awesomeocelot7475]

You know I wonder if there’s enough material to make a shadow and Charmy relationship video since shadow is a role model to the young bee.

[@FlascencoCipher]

It was a great time working with you on this! Thanks so much for having me :)

[@dsguy2none851]

One thing to point out in sonic 06 Eggman was certainly more polite to rouge in that interaction. i think he calls her my dear or something to that effect while flatly calling shadow you. Maybe eggman respects her to some extent since she's also known to be manipulative ( birds of a feather) but we've seen her actually grow to care about others around hers. He noticeably isn't that seemingly mad at her despite her spying on him and never really being on his side in sa2. Maybe if only by association you think eggman have a grudge against her for being in the same organization that executed his grandfather.

[@awesomeocelot7475]

Yeah Shadow and Metal sonic and Espio and silver are the only ones to know it’s actually Eggman Nega and learn of his true plans!

[@ScarlerRose025]

Ah, Shadow and Eggman, another two of my favorite Sonic characters. I also really love this, I haven’t really thought of these analyses before. They made me look at these things in a different way.

[@ImASonicFanEveryOne]

Shadow has been through too much pain. First he lost Maria and everyone else on the ark, then Eggman keeps on manipulating him. This video was very well made, good job!

[@shupasopni]

To be fair to Sonic in that IDW situation, I don't really agree with him, but while we have seen Shadow try to change, Eggman in that situation has also changed (quite literally).

[@bigsneks5841]

I just want to give praise where it's totally due... this piece is amazing! I really love putting the reputations of these games behind us and seeing these characters for just how nuanced they really are. Well edited, written and very fun on a personal level, as someone who loves this world and set of characters SO much. Bravo!

[@sapphirezx315]

Interesting analysis, I think it makes sense now why (perhaps) there was no non canon ending where Shadow helps Eggman

[@chlozentimes]

This video was wonderful and the small mentions of Shadow and Sonic’s relationship here makes me hope you do a video on them too. This was a really wonderful watch!

[@sonicmeerkat]

Honestly the most frustrating part of shadow the hedgehog was the fan reception to it, I still meet the occasional fan who still thinks shadow is an android cause they never bothered to get the the other endings or even pick up on eggmans blatant manipulation, let alone the point of alternative path games stories where the important part isn't what's canon, it's the characterisation and the lore the multiple paths stitch together, hence why no one ending is canon. Much like with undertale it's not that the pacifist ending is canon, it's that alphys is anxious and retreats into fiction not because she's a nerdy weeb but because of shame and regret. And undyne is always a roadblock because she is determined to save her people be that freeing them or saving them from chara, and we can't forget sans depressed ramblings when stalling in his boss fight, being lazy not because he's a sloth who can't take anything seriously, but because he is overwhelmed by extestential dread from the resets. And well we see the same thing with eggman and shadow, at every turn no matter the situation he will manipulate shadow and use information about his identity over him, while his the general cast are generally more supportive. There's obvious exceptions like omega just wanting an ally and seeing they have a mutual goal or charmy which just asks for help cause he's a kid. But interactions like with sonic in the neutral hero stage reminiscing about their rivalry on the arc, vector telling shadow to not go into a depressive spiral, vector especially is sweet because he has no prior history with shadow, he just sees the guy is upset and tries to be supportive but shadow doesn't listen cause they don't have that established connection. Then of course sonic 06, people always equate his interactions with mephiles to be connected to black doom with how he doesn't even register his team up attempts, but it is probably more indicative of the general manipulation he's faced. The beach scene where mephiles taunts about omega being the one to seal shadow away does dig into him much the way eggman managed to dig in beforehand, but is reassured by rouge that no matter what she will support him gives him the confidence to assert "If the world turns against me then I shall fight like I always had" This is very much him answering to mephiles that he isn't going to be manipulated any longer. It's telling that past 06 (main timeline at least, boom he gets tricked by a damn KZbin poop, played for laughs and the series is a different canon so I'll let it slide, scenes funny) he never gets manipulated again. Also I do find it cool that the 100% victory lap of shadow the hedgehog is canon, I was confused why shadow was working for gun cause well, shadow was released in 05 no child has the skill to 100% a game in one year lol, but it still felt right. In the whole trying to right the wrongs and not holding grudges from the past. Even in the main game of shadow the hedgehog it's telling that the one time he directly meets the gun commander he holds no resentment and is a little remorseful for their shared loss of maria. I still don't know if I like the complete lack of mention Maria gets by shadow these days, cause on the one hand it's clear he's moved on, but we all know moving on doesn't mean forgetting, though the storyline is resolved so I dunno how it would add to any story. Basically it feels wrong but I'm not skilled enough to know how to do it right lol. It is telling that eggman still holds resentment towards Maria after so many years, story intentions do change between writers, but I gotta say that retcon actually fits the character very nicely and connects two characters who strangely never even mention eachother despite both being relatives.

[@UnimpressedMTT]

OMG yes!!! I wanted to say something like this in my comment but I forgot but yes I personally love all the different endings to shadow the hedgehog cause it's like undertale with its neutral endings or just its endings in general....I love your comment!!! Again people just have no appreciation for games with multiple endings....also I find it so funny that shadow the hedgehog 05 did the multiple endings thing wayyyyyyy before undertale.....it's a thought to think about....

[@sonicmeerkat]

@@UnimpressedMTT honestly, will say I do get people not liking the stories due to their execution being rushed, 06 has stilted dialogue and shadow is admittedly try hard. It's mostly what the overarching plot achieves I appreciate over any specific dialogue, barring a few specific scenes. But I even with flaws included do genuinely agree people don't appreciate these types of games as much as they should, cause in the age of masterpieces why waste your time on the sub par? A single story will always be more consistent than a branching one. But only looking for the best makes you miss out on unique experiences which expands your knowledge on how stories can be made which makes the greats seem greater for their success and increase enjoyment of the others as you see their intentions and potential.

[@UnimpressedMTT]

@@sonicmeerkat hmm...i see very interesting still....i don't know i got into the sonic franchise when the high from the adventure era was coming to a close and the dark era/experimental era was beginning and i love that era so much so it hurts me how people still rag on it to this day not as much as before but still....anyway very interesting comment!!!

[@sonicmeerkat]

@@UnimpressedMTT experimental era is honestly such a better name for it. Like we got the advance trilogy, rush duology, sonic riders. If any era is the dark era I'd personally name the meta era, sonic colours was the first game worse than it's handheld counterpart, gens was okay but the missions honestly lower the experience for me from having such bare bones design compared to the rest of the game, then forces and lost world I don't even need to explain. Hell I would even argue the experimental era is better than the Saturn drought. 3D blast, sonic R, knuckles chaotics. The most consistent showings were the game gear which hasn't aged the best. The best game from post golden age pre adventure was definitely sonic the fighters, but that was locked to arcades until sega went third party.

[@UnimpressedMTT]

@@sonicmeerkat i get you and understand personally i prefer the supposed "dark era" to what we got in the meta era...but also i can't bring myself to hate some of the meta era games like sonic colors and sonic forces....but i do understand with sonic lost world and *shudders* sonic boom....also yes i also do not like the missions in sonic generations i feel the same way about that...still despite the saturn era not being the nest i still like it like sonic 3d blast and knuckles's chaotics are good games not great games but good games if you take the time to understand how to play them they are very interesting but most sonic players sadly don't do that....also yes i love sonic the fighters its so good!!!! when i played it i always mained fang the sniper (also yes i know that fang is called fang the hunter nowadays but in that game he is called fang the sniper..) anway....you have very good points but i don't know unlike most sonic fans who complain almost all the time i don't like to do that yes i know sonic has had some rocky games there and there but when they do sonic right boy do they do him justice!! also i like some of those game gear games like sonic triple trouble and sonic chaos i have good times from when i played those games...well thats it this is a very interesting discussion well bye for now!!

[@mindflayeer]

I have found something interesting recently, in Sonic Forces there is an unused voice line of a fake Rouge(or Infinite) saying “Of course I’m me, just like you’re you.” with all of the context of Shadows identity issues that line hits hard and it makes me wonder if Eggman told Infinite to say that or told him to just subtly jab his identity to break him

[@mega_sulten]

wow really great video, so underrated. I've never thought this much about Shdows relationship with eggman, and this is one of the most toxic there is. You went really in depth in analysing it, and made me understand it way better. I'm also glad that you compared Shadows relationship with Sonic and eggman, since you can see how much more mutual respect there is between those two

[@infinity_phantomile]

You could not have been more right with this video. Recently, Sega released a video called "Shadow 101", with Eggman going over Shadow's history. Near the end, Eggman refers to Shadow as an "ingrate", believing Shadow owes him something for releasing him from stasis.

[@sebastianhernandezvazquez4922]

38:59 if eggman still lied shadow, how is even possible that shadow was vulnerable to black Doom's mind control?

[@rafagamer5915]

because Shadow have Black Doom's blood

[@alicesacco9329]

Eggman seems to me a psychopath. The way he acts and manipulates the other makes me think of this disorder. And he is narcissistic. As for Shadow's personality, in early games he is wery very quiet and he gives the impression to be subdued because he tends to stay behind, even when he followed Rouge. He is just careful, his apparent submission allows him to observe and reduce the possibility to do mistakes. The yes, he is still a lonely kid. Once you find his weak spot you can destroy him.

[@javonscruggs8233]

Interesting video. I usually think about shadow rivalries and relationship with other characters like sonic,knuckles,silver,and more but this is a interesting video going over shadow dynamic with Eggman

[@JinjoJinjoJinjo]

Such a great and indepth video! You deserve so much more subscribers! It's really cool how much body language and attention to detail Shadow The Hedgehog had 😮 I never really thought about eggman's relationship with shadow and how much trauma he really put him through before watching this. I hope eggman's narcissism won't lead to a toxic relationship with sage 😬, but she has seemed to cause a change in his heart towards his creations. It'd be very interesting to see Shadow and Sage interact

[@mxjuno1998]

thank u for making this video. its rlly good i find myself relating to shadow in several ways, and his relationship with eggman is one i find scarily accurate to myself and a family member i am stuck with. this video honestly helped me come to terms with that a little bit so i thank you for that

[@SupremeSR]

Before I finish this video I just want to say like GIRL you have such a soothing voice 😍😍😍

[@Mynti_Dragon]

Wow, this was an absolutely fantastic video. Not to get too deep into my own stuff, but I grew up with Shadow 05 and for a long time Shadow was my favorite Sonic character (Tails is now because he’s an adorable bean that I root for). Something about this game really resonated with me as a kid and I definitely felt even before this that it’s story was not only way better than a lot of people made it out to be, but it was really good actually. The non-linear pathways through the game allowing us to see and understand the different sides of him, each being emphasized by the various contexts the game presents. All culminating in the final story where he puts all of the sides of himself, and all the pulling from the people who influenced and created those sides of himself aside to start thinking and acting for himself. I understood that, but this video blew my understanding of this game away, digging deeper into aspects I hadn’t really consciously considered before. I think I maybe understand moreso now why this game really resonated with me as a kid. I absolutely loved this video and am very interested in seeing what Sonic relationships video you make next.

[@studdly5846]

Man I really enjoyed this video. I'd love to see you tackle more relationship dynamics within the Sonic franchise. As poorly as the games can try at writing, I do believe that all interest with Sonic stories hinges on relationship dynamics. I'd love to see a video analysing Sonic and Amy's relationship... just the facts, not the preconceptions. I've always found it really interesting how their relationship started out as a shallow unrequited love where Sonic (at least, outwardly) visably tries to avoid her after he saves her... and then Sonic's respect for Amy grew as her dependance on him shrank. Heck it's one of the most (probably nonintentional) consistent things about the franchise. I don't read their relationship as romantic, but something deeper and more circumstantial than that. I feel that Sonic and Amy have an incredibly healthy friendship and bond IN SPITE of the unrequited feelings between them. They've hurt each other in the past, but also saved each other. When Sonic can't seem to get away from Amy fast enough in SA2 and Heroes, he find it quite difficult to say goodbye to her in Frontiers and feels deeply for her depressing state of mind. Sonic and Shadow's dynamic would also be a treat to see you analyse! One of the very rare instances where Sonic himself undergoes a small character arc where he overcomes his ego by learning to accept the validity of another super fast, definately cooler hedgehog. From the moment Sonic meets Shadow, he's intimidated by his speed, threatened by his likeness, and even goes as far as to call Shadow a faker, just a cheap gothic imatation of Sonic. But near the end of the game on the ARK, Sonic speaks to Shadow respectfully... and Shadow returns the same respect. Sonic remarks how Shadow's chaos control ability saved his life, and Shadow remarks how impressive it is that Sonic could preform chaos control with a fake emerald... after saying "So, theres more to you than just looking like me" he then asks Sonic "what" he is, as if Shadow is seeing Sonic as a perfected version of himself... the REAL ultimate lifeform. And man, Sonic gives a perfectly iconic answer where he proudly and concisely proclaims his name and his purpose, two things Shadow lacks pride in... but this doesn't really show change with Sonic (other than merely being more respectful and not name-calling), it's far more about Shadow's arc. Sonic's visable change doesn't really show itself until the credits, after Shadow dies... when he boards the Ark after the final battle, Sonic goes to Rouge after she asks where Shadow is. Sonic then refers to Shadow as a hedgehog. Not a faker, imposter, or even some "other version/imatation" of Sonic... just "Shadow, the Hedgehog." Idk I just always found that little arc for Sonic to be quite beautiful. Another wonderful character dynamic to explore with a lot surprisingly well-written depth is Sonic & Tails' brotherly bond. Or Sonic & Eggman's mutual respect and genuine yet toxic faith in each other (when their goals align) But enough about Sonic, what about the other dynamics? Shadow & Maria would be a great one! Eggman & Maria, Knuckles & Tails, Eggman & Tails, Knuckles & Eggman, Sage & Eggman... the possibilities are neverending!

[@d3molitionlover]

So happy to see you back!!! i love your videos :))

[@BadnikMechanic]

Hi there, I really enjoyed this video, I don't agree with everything since, well... In my upcoming video I think my argument on SA2's Shadow will explain why. But I really hope you continue to do analysis videos like this, I did like the idea of Eggman viewing Shadow as some kind of son, or clearly in a position to manipulate him mentally. I really do hope you keep doing these since I really think this fandom could do with a lot more female content creators doing analysis stuff like this.

[@dimondsi]

I still stand by sonic being the true ultimate life form, with shadow being a parasitic mimicry of sonic if and when he embrases chaos power. And thats duper significant to who both eggman and Shadow are. Eggman is an unloved child who looked up to his grandfather who made this amazing life form. Later in life, eggman would make an enemy out of the original when he was unable to control it like he learned to by stuffing badnicks into bots Shadow was designed both as an exparament in immortality to save maria, as well as a weapon in service of gun. He was born with expectations for what he is rather than who. His identity crisis in shadow 05 fits shockingly well, one I imagine he could still have even with his memory in tact, albeit to a lesser degree. Its litterally a split between your own flesh and blood, the remains of the family you lived with, and a sort of found family in rogue and sonic. I love that it ends with him embrassing sonics life moto. "Change is nessessary" Shadow has to give up the past to move on. I live that eggman is always gonna be an issue in shadows life, and visa versa. Healing doesnt mean your brand new and free of scars. But better off

[@rafagamer5915]

hey, Shadow isn't a parasitic mimicry. he's his own person. don't offend Shadow

[@sebastianhernandezvazquez4922]

Well espio and silver interactions are the opposite of the interaction between shadow and eggman

[@totallyhumanproductions1349]

Love this video. Can you do one for Shadow’s relationship with Black Doom or Sonic?

[@curetapwater5604]

This video was fantastic!! Instant subscribe

[@danalisatarabarova1188]

Omg I found your chanel by youtube shorts! Never thought it would lead me to finf such cool vids!💖 :3 Your voice is very relaxing and the way you present the material without many distractions is so good! Great videos! I hope many people will also find your chanel soon!🌟🌟🌟

[@VoicedByMandy]

Thank you so much for your sweet comment! Also, I love your pfp! 😆 Saiki K is one of my favorite animes. 😁

[@VioletaVolnutt]

Mandy cooking

[@VoicedByMandy]

Tomorrow we feast 🥚😈

[@VioletaVolnutt]

another Banger video sis

[@VoicedByMandy]

Thank you so much! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it! 🥺❤️

[@Leo-ms8gm]

This such an amazing video I love the message in it 💜

[@Lunchbillion]

Holy shit this video is good

[@natoriousthehopeful2786]

I usually love your video essays, and this is no exception: I know a lot of people write Sonic as a kids franchise, but that doesn't mean they are incapable portraying deeper meanings. Speaking of, if I had to guess from some of the hints you dropped in this video I'm guessing that the next week will be about Sonic and Shadow's relationship (no not like that: I'm a Shadouge shipper)

[@aligaming7575]

this is an amazing video, holy shit.

[@VoicedByMandy]

Thank you so much, I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it. 😊

[@irl441]

Love your video ❤️👌

[@coacht8121]

HOW DOES THIS HAVE LESS THAN 1000 VIEWS WTH

[@heroesismid8694]

I mean, Eggman is a villain. He is not supposed to really care about people. And when he does, its shock value. Eggman did not care about Rouge the Bat either. To me, its the typical "villains allying for their own purposes" thing. But every portrayal of Eggman indicated he was too evil to care about everyone. Villains that aligned with Eggman also only did so because they had things in common. They would double cross each other at some point. Same thing with Eggman and the Deadly Six. Both sides want to betray each other. In SA2, Shadow wanted to destroy Earth and get revenge. He allied with Eggman because Eggman's goals seemed somewhat aligned. If Eggman was a nice-nice guy, Shadow would of still double crossed him since he said he wanted revenge on "the peoole of" Earth.

[@VoicedByMandy]

Yeah I think we’re all on the same page there lol 😅

[@dogoucaobr]

underrated video

[@TheSwordsman100]

I think why there is this desire within the fandom for Shadow and Ivo to have a stronger relationship is solely due to the fact that, as far as we know, they are the only family each other has left, (Sage notwithstanding) despite neither side really seriously cherishing this familial element between them. I do want to defend Sonic's debate for Eggman's life, while we know that the Pure Hero ending is the canon ending that leads to the Final ending in Shadow the Hedgehog according to Takashi Iizuka, based on the cutscenes that happen in every route and the Final ending it is more than likely that Shadow started out working for Black Doom before having a change of heart, helping the Chaotix and then finally Sonic. While sure Shadow redeemed himself in the end, in the beginning its more than likely that he still chose himself even though that would doom the Earth. Eggman now is in Shadow's shoes but instead of sacrificing everyone to get his memories back, his blank slate choice is to help people. Sonic gave Shadow multiple chances, it would be hypocritical for Sonic to allow Shadow to kill Eggy now especially since hes seen there is good in him. Good that it took Shadow to come around to during his amnesia stint, which is what I think is what got through to Shadow. With all that being said, I really enjoyed you analysis and look forward to checking out more of your Sonic content. Since there seems to be some confusion on what is and what is not canon I would like to clarify that from what I seen on the Bumblekast, Tailstube and other sources, * There are offical love interests in Sonic the Hedgehog, with 3 coming into mind. Sonic in particular has two both to varying fandom reactions. Amy, who despite popular belief Sonic does like back according to Sonic Team and Naoto Ohshima but is shy, which is why he accepted the date proposal in Unleashed according to Black Knight and why he said he wants to share a umbrella with her in Frontiers and Elise, who Sonic Team thought was a good idea for some reason. Finally Vanilla is Vector's love interest, which is less weird than Elise but rarely gets brought up. * Sonic Battle is indeed fully canon and so is IDW. To clarify another aspect from Frontiers since not many people seem to be aware of it, the Sticks that is canon to the main Sonic universe is not the one from Sonic Boom, instead she is from Sonic Comic, a special canon splice of life gag comics on Sonic Channel. (Also the site features a tearjearking story on how Shadow got his name I recomend) * The full list of non-canon stuff is as follows -Twitter Takeovers -Crossover games like Super Smash Bros, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games or the Sega Superstar series. -Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood -Sonic Speed Simulator -Sonic Pinball Party -Lego games -Cancelled Titles -All the mobile games like Sonic Runners with the exception of the recent Sonic Dream Team -All browser games - The Sonic educational titles - LCD games - Most ports of the mainline titles with the exceptions of ones that have their own plot (Sonic 2 and Sonic Colors) -Flicky -CR Sonic -SegaSonic Popcorn Shop -Waku Waku Sonic Patrol Car

[@rafagamer5915]

no. Pure Hero isn't the real ending. its's probably the route 131: "ARK, Colony of Pathos" because of Last Story and Expert Mode

[@TheSwordsman100]

@@rafagamer5915 No? Do you work at SEGA and have a higher position in the company? While it does cover some events, it doesn't line up fully and ends up with Shadow taking a path that obviously isn't canon. (not to mention he isn't in the right area to line up for Last Story) The real canon route is most likely Route: 094 For Love's Sake as it covers mostly everything, lines up with what Takashi Iizuka said and finally also lines up with future games in the timeline like Battle.

[@rafagamer5915]

@@TheSwordsman100 no, i don't. when he talks about protect the ARK, he'll not live there for all Eternity and he simply uses Chaos Control to get in the Black Comet in the end of route 094, he fights Black Doom, but in the Last Story, Black Doom is ok with Shadow in the Beginning in the Expert Mode, the Commander apologizing with Shadow for the discussion they had in Cosmic Fall and Cream thanks Shadow for rescuing her before (in Cryptic Castle)

[@TheSwordsman100]

@@rafagamer5915 Shadow in future games in one way or another is not protecting the Ark or considers it sacred, the only thing from his past he cares about is Maria. Sure Sonic and Shadow fight Doom but they don't kill him, he can get away. Furthermore he isn't "OK" with Shadow. He mockingly says well done and tells Shadow to give him the Chaos Emeralds, monologues for a bit after Sonic says to give him the chaos emeralds instead and when Shadow refues he forcibly takes them. Yes, Extra Mode sets up Shadow joining GUN but if you prioritize that in return you miss things referenced in Last Story like the Maria memory and it has several characters come back from the dead to encourage Shadow in his training like Black Doom and Maria. Keep in mind that Extra Mode is reusing stages. Its much better to focus on the CSs that we know happen in every playthourgh and Last Story.

[@rafagamer5915]

@@TheSwordsman100 he would be protecting the ARK out of screen he's defeated by Shadow, but after that, he ASKS to Shadow gives him the Emeralds? and Shadow didn't refuses to give him the Emeralds. he was so shocked by the revelation of the plan of Black Doom that he stood still Black Doom is not dead, he will return in Sonic X Shadow Generations. i didn't miss those things. and what is CSs?

[@9s420]

"Shadow literally chases Sonic into the sunset" "All Sonic has to do is look at Shadow a certain way-" SAY IT. YOU KNOW WHAT THEY ARE, SO SAY IT. lmao

[@VoicedByMandy]

They’re roommates (allegedly)

[@KyleLazorko]

Incredible job Mandy!! The dedication and in depth analysis of this relationship was sublime. And Tedd hit it out of the park with his Eggman. ❤ You always blow me away with each video essay.

[@VoicedByMandy]

Thank you so much Kyle! I’m really happy you enjoyed it. 😃

[@jamarcushawkins]

I don't know why sega likes to focus on shadow so much they try to make the space colony ark more important than angel Island and the death egg they would be better off developing knuckles character someone who thinks about who he is alot like shadow but he can travel into the past via his connection with the master emerald like in sa1 and that's what could happen to learn more about himself and reveal new chaos energy powers for him

[@TheUltimateNatural]

Shadow is the second most popular character only 1% behind Sonic.

[@dranoradragonqueen1494]

egghead dies in a lot of these. It just keeps back firing on him.

[@xyonentertainmentproductio4909]

Can you also do one for black doom as well

[@sayak132]

‏‪1:00:32‬‏ right

[@johanandersson8252]

Does Shadow become CEO of Apple

[@handicappuccino8491]

Dr. Eggman’s voice is goofy. Ironically shadows is more fitting for villain, then Dr. Eggman.

[@jorgitocallofdutyroze9391]

Hey Mandy. I want your next video to be Sonic Frontiers review.

[@shadowexe4352]

😈👍