Shadow and Eggman's Toxic Relationship | An Analysis

The relationship dynamic between Shadow the Hedgehog and Dr. Eggman is one that I find quite intriguing. They partnered with each other in the beginning of Sonic Adventure 2, but now they both seem to despise each other. In this video, I will take an in-depth look of their interactions throughout the games... And how their relationship fell apart. This will be one of many relationship analyses that I plan to do. I'm looking forward to making more content like this in the future!
Special thank you to Flascenco Cipher and Tedd Hazard for voicing Shadow and Eggman respectively in certain parts of the video. In addition, thank you to Moralitas for creating the artwork for this video. Everyone involved help brought my vision to life, and please do support them and show them some love.
Flascenco Cipher:
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/ flascencocipher
ko-fi.com/flascencocipher
Tedd Hazard:
/ @teddhazard
/ tedd_hazard
Moralitas:
/ mora_litaas
www.tumblr.com/moralitas
mora.litas...
While I try to record all gameplay footage for my videos, there are few games that I currently do not have access to record:
Sonic Heroes: • Sonic Heroes - Team Da...
Sonic Rivals: • Sonic Rivals (PSP) [4K...
Sonic Rivals 2: • Sonic Rivals 2 (PSP) [...
One specific Sonic line from SA2: • Finalhazard Dialogue |...
Follow me on social media:
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/ voicedbymandy
/ voicedbymandy
Video Chapters:
Introduction - 0:00
Sonic Adventure 2 - 3:12
Sonic Heroes - 7:37
Shadow the Hedgehog - 13:00
Sonic Battle - 43:37
Sonic 06 - 46:46
Sonic Rivals Series and Generations - 52:36
Sonic Forces - 58:32
Sonic Frontiers - 01:01:45
Other Sonic Media - 01:04:27
Conclusion - 01:13:10

[@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 😇✝️

[@vvlaze]

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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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! 😊

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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….

[@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.

[@TheR3DSniper]

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

[@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...

[@meganshaw1949]

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.

[@meganshaw1949]

@@heroesismid8694 no comment.

[@kirburger308]

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.

[@raidlandguy]

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

[@koopakid4927]

You deserve 1 million subscribers. Your work is simply outstanding.

[@VoicedByMandy]

You are too kind! 🥺 Thank you so much for your comment, it made my day. 🤗

[@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.

[@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!

[@FlascencoCipher]

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

[@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.

[@thorwilhelms9635]

Because Jim Carrey has revealed considering permanent retirement and Paramount choosing not to re-cast Eggman if he goes along with retirement, I feel like Shadow will be a solo villain in Sonic 3, with GUN working as central antagonists and at the endgame, Shadow will turn to the good side as Gerald posthoumusly activates whatever world-ending catastrophe it may be, if not crashing the ARK.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@user-fh7di8st6l]

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.

[@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).

[@alicesacco9329]

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

[@sebastianhernandezvazquez4922]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@dipshit200]

i love this video so much, it's such an in depth analysis, i could watch for literal hours.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@sapphirezx315]

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

[@iamdonifightbengaltigers]

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

[@Leo-ms8gm]

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

[@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. 😁

[@insomnibomb4830]

congratualtions on your first full length videoat least to my knowledge

[@VoicedByMandy]

Thank you! This is actually my 8th video essay, but technically the first video that covers a relationship dynamic. 😊

[@irl441]

Love your video ❤️👌

[@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

[@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! 🥺❤️

[@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 😅

[@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.

[@aligaming7575]

this is an amazing video, holy shit.

[@VoicedByMandy]

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

[@dogoucaobr]

underrated video

[@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)

[@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.

[@Lunchbillion]

Holy shit this video is good

[@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. 😃

[@ceylancobalt3117]

Shadow is not only more violent than Sonic, he is also smarter than Sonic. He knows when exactly his violence is needed and when it's not. He won't threaten Eggman if he doesn't need to. Eggman has absolutely no power over Shadow after ShTH. In 06 Shadow listens Eggman and anyway does things his own way. He nods mostly to himself understanding that Eggman won't tell anything important about Mephiles. And Shadow was never on Eggman's side. In SA2 he manipulated Eggman for fulfilling Gerald's plan. Also Eggman is never even tried to control or manipulate Sonic. It's not like Sonic is so strong and uncontrollable, it's just Eggman never tried to do that with him. But then again, he successfully deceived Sonic several times.

[@VoicedByMandy]

Just to clarify a few points: This analysis is my interpretation of the cutscenes and I’m not stating my analysis to be fact. I think part of the beauty of the Sonic franchise is the variety of discussions, interpretations and the way we view each cutscene. In the Sonic 06 cutscene, I think Shadow was coming to Eggman with the intention of confronting him (by breaking through Eggman’s pod from the ceiling). Though Eggman does not seem to be phased in it the slightest and commands Shadow to find Mephiles and return him to Eggman. The interesting part is Shadow nods, as if agreeing to Eggman’s demands… though he ends up not following through. I think it’s up to interpretation on why he would do that. Perhaps he doesn’t want to anger Eggman or maybe he was going to go through with it but changed his mind. As for SA2, I agree that Shadow was not on Eggman’s side and never stated as such. However, I think it’s interesting to note their working relationship and the lack of personal connection between the two. Though, personally, I wish the writers could expand on how Shadow viewed Eggman (knowing that he is related to Gerald). And while you could argue that Shadow was being manipulative towards Eggman about not being upfront with his plans in the beginning, I think it’s made clear that Eggman’s actions in Heroes and ShTH were clearly manipulative and cruel. In addition, it does not negate the fact that Eggman’s purpose for uncovering Shadow was to use him as his personal weapon (as he stated in the beginning of SA2). To your comment about Eggman and Sonic’s relationship, the purpose of including that commentary in this video was to show the stark differences between Eggman’s treatment of Shadow and Sonic. It’s confirmed that Eggman has a grudging respect for Sonic, but it seems he doesn’t reserve that respect for Shadow (despite Sonic and Shadow being equals in every aspect). In my personal opinion, Eggman seems to think lesser of those he is able to control and manipulate (e.g. Shadow, Princess Elise, Zavok, etc.) Sonic is the only one who has consistently bested Eggman, and that is why Eggman shows a form of respect to Sonic and not the other characters. Hope this helps! Thanks for reading!

[@sebastianhernandezvazquez4922]

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

[@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

[@xyonentertainmentproductio4909]

Can you also do one for black doom as well

[@coacht8121]

HOW DOES THIS HAVE LESS THAN 1000 VIEWS WTH

[@dranoradragonqueen1494]

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

[@jorgitocallofdutyroze9391]

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

[@johanandersson8252]

Does Shadow become CEO of Apple

[@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)

[@sebastianhernandezvazquez4922]

46:46

[@sayak132]

‏‪1:00:32‬‏ right

[@shadowexe4352]

😈👍

[@handicappuccino8491]

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