Super Shadow: The Light in the Darkness

[@GameApologist]

Thanks for all the support, guys. Seriously. Quick Note: I goofed and referred to Maria as Gerald's neice. She is in fact his granddaughter. (If you listen to the original audio on Patreon, you'll also hear me say that she's Sonic's neice or something like that. Recording gets weird.) Please be sure to show some love to the art in the video, and pop by our Discord. We're doing a new Sonic gaming competition soon! TOOT TOOT SONIC WARRIORS!

[@tonyhakston536]

I mean she’d technically be _Shadow’s_ niece, if you think about it.

[@dad5draco]

Convoluted family lines? What is this, Ken Pender's writing?

[@WestonEvans]

So eggmans sister?

[@dad5draco]

@@WestonEvans His cousin, lol.

[@prince_nocturne]

Maria is Sonic's Neice. ..... *WHAT!?*

[@alexandram5845]

“Shadow’s like a cat. They can be jerks but, if it’s your cat, they love you unconditionally.” That’s surprisingly accurate

[@dustnstuff7729]

Shadow the cat

[@oceanscartoons3626]

@@dustnstuff7729 YESH

[@depressoknighto542]

slightly ironic since Blaze was supposed to be the Original Shadow.

[@JeromeProductions]

@@depressoknighto542 damn

[@fracturedfuture370]

Slightly surprisingly, you've just described Sasuke and Vegeta

[@jackskirata4819]

I’ve come to respect Shadow as a character and also loathing the fact that SEGA completely assassinated his character in the modern era. UPDATE: I recently finished Shadow Generations. Consider this comment somewhat null and void.

[@lynxfresh5214]

I read somewhere that (partly) the reason Shadow is getting stiffed is because Iizuka doesn't want any character to be more "cooler" than Sonic. Hence why Sega are trying to make Shadow as unlikable as possible which lines up perfectly with the shafting/butchering of many other characters in recent games.

[@victimz0014]

@@lynxfresh5214 if that’s true then that makes me lose a lot of respect for them

[@bin8350]

@@lynxfresh5214 actually Izuka (shadows creator) is one of the people trying to fix shadow in japan he's stayed the same sega of america are the ones responsible for his ruined character. Thankfully the current american game writers are gone with the comic writers apparently writing the new game so he should be back to normal

[@mcmistle9892]

I don’t care what the reason is. I just want them to stop writing Shadow the way they do now.

[@lynxfresh5214]

@@bin8350 Didn't he also say team dark aren't friends? (despite Shadow calling Omega his friend in both Chronicles and Colours DS?), at this point most of the company is rotten (US and JP). And considering other "questionable" statements he's made, I've got little faith for Shadow (and various other characters) getting their justice in future games.

[@Crow_Rising]

What Shadow used to represent: Don't judge a book by it's cover. The book might even surprise itself. What Shadow represents now: What you see is what you get.

[@delirious8819]

*'The book might even surprise itself.'* that hit me like a pile of bricks

[@superdewott3209]

Not really. His own game proved Shadow is a good guy, who works with G.U.N. now. That could explain why he rarely interacts with Sonic anymore. He's always on a mission 🤣

[@Crow_Rising]

@@superdewott3209 It's less a matter of morality and more a matter of personality. Shadow's character development in SA2 grew him out of being an edgelord into being more open and selfless. This was slightly reversed in more immediate follow up games, and completely reversed starting with the new writers taking over around the time of Colors/Free Riders. By the time of Forces, he's entirely back to being exactly what he looks like; a generic edgelord. He's far from the only character to suffer a similar fate either. Tails for example also lost all his character development from SA1 and SA2 as well.

[@superdewott3209]

@@Crow_Rising Tails I can sort of forgive in Forces. He lost his big bro, and for all they knew, Sonic died. He would either mature, or become much more tense and fearful. It's normal. But I do agree he acted a little too... childish... Yeah, the Sonic games don't always represent the best in side characters.

[@BlackScreenProductions125]

@@superdewott3209 the exact same thing happened in SA2, and Tails only had his resolve boosted.

[@KAZHKA]

Something to note... Amy is the only genuinely good person that reaches out to Shadow without any motives for conflict. Sonic immediately fights Shadow due to being framed. Tails wants to clear Sonic’s name so naturally he’d be against Shadow. Knuckles is fighting Rouge for the Master Emerald pieces, so he’s obviously an obstacle as well. Eggman and Rouge proves Shadow’s bias against humanity and their selfish and greedy behaviors. Amy is literally the only one who never antagonizes him. She never fights him. Never insults him. Never uses him. Shadow has never even been shown any semblance of kindness throughout his entire arc. Hence why he’s able to constantly bury his light. It’s not until Amy reminds Shadow what compassion and kindness feels like that Shadow’s memories completely clear up. A main reason why Amy’s such a great character. While obsessed with Sonic, she’s the most humble, most kind, and most innocent character in this game. She’s the purest of the bunch and nobody but her would have been able to reach out and pull him out of his darkness.

[@nd_4726]

Maria is literally the only reason Shadow listened to Amy and you forgot about her

[@jordancooney6817]

I can't stand people who say they hate Amy.

[@CoralCopperHead]

"bury his light" I appreciate that reference.

[@knight123x4]

And then Sonic X... existed.

[@KAZHKA]

@@nd_4726 It’s actually the other way around. Shadow had already done his job. It’s the whole reason he says “there’s no reason for me to help them.” when Amy tries to ask for his help. It’s her speech about how people can be bad sometimes, but deep down they all want to be happy and to give them a chance, that triggers Shadow’s true nature, and remember his real promise to Maria. If it wasn’t for Amy uttering the same words, and believing the same things Maria taught Shadow to believe in, this would have taken an entirely different turn.

[@joaquindelcore8568]

"a hero would sacrafice you to save the world but a villain would sacrifice the world to save you" fits shadow perfectly

[@SaintBeowulf]

100%

[@lynxfresh5214]

Fun fact: In the original japanese dialogue of SA2, G.U.N actually frame Sonic for Shadow's crimes and use their influence to trick the media/public into thinking that the dark hedgehog is Sonic but in a different form (similar to his super form). It's also explained that G.U.N are framing Sonic to keep project Shadow under wraps, so the classified events of the ARK wouldn't become public knowledge (such as the bioengineering for military purposes as well as Maria's death). I'll get why some dubs in the 00s were censored (still BS tho) but why would they straight-out change character motivations/plot points that were already perfectly explained in the JP script?

[@lightgivemepower6425]

That's interesting.

[@cursedseeker1273]

Ask that to the original dragon ball z dub

[@farao7677]

oshit, it all makes sense now

[@andrewkos5560]

The SA2 localization in general is not very good, so I get the feeling they may have just straight up mistranslated it with no intention of actually changing GUN's actions. It's the same reason "So YOU'RE that government spy Rouge the Bat, aren't you?!" comes across incredibly awkward in the English script compared to Japanese

[@AquiNoHayNadaParaTi.4]

This is why they should remake SA2 and SA1 with a N.Sane Trilogy/Resident Evil 2 Remake philosophy. Respect the original Japanese dialogue, add, modify and/or eliminate stuff when necessary.

[@kingbash6466]

Honestly, seeing both Sonic and Shadow turning Super was one of the most hype moments in the series.

[@eclipsedragonx906]

Then silver came along and added more hype to it

[@ayeedonald629]

@@eclipsedragonx906 Eh

[@ikaros4464]

Hell yeah it was. Live and learn blaring in the back, lights flashing everywhere. It was like something right out of the good parts of dbz.

[@datboijoey9587]

@@eclipsedragonx906 *subtracted

[@lwetho1519]

@@ikaros4464 Imagine Live and Learn playing during the Cell saga

[@GFCOLCQuote]

6:45 "You start off Sonic's story with him already trailing behind shadow." So... are you saying that Sonic is in Shadow's shadow? That he's being overshadowed by Shadow? Sorry, I'll stop throwing shade.

[@ShibuNub3305]

You mean throwing *shadows?*

[@ahmadkazan7994]

Hmm I see some *shady* business here but I can't tell what it is...

[@skimbeeble8115]

Shadowception

[@chickenbonesucker1429]

something *dark* is going on here

[@philipthewolf8972]

Yeah... wait.... who turned the lights out? All I see are *Shadows* of my past self!

[@nicolefields7020]

I was bullied when I was younger for liking the sonic series. Listening to this character analysis of Shadow just. Brought me to tears. I love this series and SA2 was the first game I played of the series. I don't want to be ashamed of liking it anymore. Characters and stories like these are exactly why. Thank you for making these videos and I will be here supporting you in the future!! You deserve the best.

[@thedankness450]

Nuh uh bro😭 you was not cryin😭🤞

[@noctisluciscaelum2960]

Same on how I see shadow and what he meant to me

[@FamusJamus]

If you use a second controller in the story mode of Shadow the Hedgehog, you can play as _Maria._ Shadow just looks on in horror as she literally slaps everything until it stops moving. And it's a stage where her objective is to use healing items on downed GUN soldiers. It's literally a "Call an ambulance... BUT NOT FOR ME!" moment.

[@ultrashadow9551]

Lol

[@skibot9974]

Sadly XBOX players don’t get this

[@8-bitsarda747]

just something I thought while watching this video. His name is Shadow, not Darkness. By definition, a shadow cannot exist without 2 things, a light source, and an object in the path of the light source. just a thought I wanted to share

[@veryangryboi4128]

YO SONIC ISN'T THAT DEEP

[@rainpooper7088]

@@veryangryboi4128 Yes, it is. The Japanese Sonic Twitter account literally posted a comic confirming that the reason why Shadow is called Shadow is because „when there’s a Shadow, you know where the light is coming from“.

[@oreoex-rwbyhater599]

@@rainpooper7088 So whats the object thats creating it? Or whats the light source? Is it sonic?

[@sonic5993]

@@oreoex-rwbyhater599 ....So Sonic is the light that Shadow point towards....that's deep

[@Morbius-Tension]

So getting revenge for Maria is his light source and the object in the way of the light source is Sonic? Do you think they did that by coincidence or on purpose?

[@travisherndon94]

"He's a little less like Sasuke and more Vegeta" yeah that pretty much sums up Modern day Shadow

[@donathan2933]

facts Modern Shadow is Old Vegeta

[@donathan2933]

@Izumi Culture facts, but he has none of Vegeta's good traits

[@Exspazament]

I mean, vegeta did have the most character development through all of dragon ball.

[@donathan2933]

@@Exspazament agreed and so did 2000s Shadow. Modern Shadow is a disgrace who thinks being an asshole makes him cool how pathetic

[@Exspazament]

@@donathan2933 so modern shadow is actually the equivalent of Kuabara from Hakasho?

[@dmitrykhvostik5975]

Shadow's entire character base: I promised Maria to protect humans. SEGA: *puts Shadow in worlds where humans, including Maria never existed Seems legit

[@marcodestefano7119]

Theory time, there is a hedgehog variant of maria

[@muichirotokitou2615]

@@marcodestefano7119 that'd be cool, but by that logic we would need a hedgehog Eggman or something like that.

[@marcodestefano7119]

@@muichirotokitou2615 well to be fair eggman has appeared in worlds where humans never existed, like in forces, but having a hedgehog eggman would be pretty dang cool

[@JapanFreak2595]

Thanks I hate it

[@FengTheSlayer]

Idk maybe of the two worlds thing but that wasn’t explained that much

[@rykenruelas1723]

Normal Shadow: Discord Dark Mode. Super Shadow: Discord Light Mode.

[@gamerdorianyt1]

2:17 His inhibitor rings limit the amount of chaos energy he uses. So he doesn't explode of it when he tries to use too much. When he takes them off his chaos energy isn't limited

[@austingurley3939]

His Chaos energy is unlimited

[@cohanclimate2893]

He has 4, taking two off like he did in Sonic 06 makes him able to use more chaos energy the more he takes off the more he can use until he takes all 4 off, which can have consequences

[@austingurley3939]

@@cohanclimate2893 Like killing everybody in the area with one Chaos Blast

[@nanaliz7210]

That makes me wonder when he does take them off why does it nearly cause him to faint? I've only seen it in Sonic x and comics so I don't know if it happens in the games I don't know I'm just confused 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@RafterSomeFood]

​@@nanaliz7210 9 months late but I just wanted to chip in on your question. When he removes his inhibitor rings, Shadow gains access to more and more chaos energy that he can use in a single instant, up to infinite when all 4 are off. As for why this makes him faint/near faint, think of it as a sudden boost of adrenaline; he uses up more energy than he's used to and once his body catches up with him, it needs time to recover and will force him to rest by whatever means necessary (including plummeting to his death). The rings basically control how much chaos energy Shadow can tap into in order to keep him safe and alive (and the people around him safe and alive too), and he can remove them when he deems necessary - i.e. Sonic 06 when he removes 2 so he can clear a path through the Mephiles clones because he knows he has enough control that much energy that he won't harm Rouge or Omega. I hope this helps!

[@BonitoJoe111]

This may be the best Shadow character analysis video I've seen on youtube. You reminded me why I and countless others related to him so much AND pointed out some more layers I didn't even realize he had. He earned his spot as the 2nd most popular Sonic character for a reason. And NOT because he frowns, hates everything, has a superiority complex, no friends, and steals popcorn from chao. It's fun for parodies, but it's not and never was his character. No matter how much the SEGA "mandates" try to tarnish and butcher his character, the real Shadow (especially from sa2 and 06) has a heart, has more goals and ambitions than just buttings heads with Sonic, and is a genuine compassionate hero despite his cold, abrassive, no nonense front. That's the TRUE Shadow we know and love.

[@raidoukuzonoha883]

Characters in Depths analysis is better

[@zarugaming5511]

That is magnificently accurate, it was really crazy in SA2 how he ended up doing the opposite to the entire purpose that drove him to revenge

[@donathan2933]

@@zarugaming5511 true

[@donathan2933]

@@raidoukuzonoha883 its good too

[@Busshhu]

as someone who's first sonic game was sonic '06, and someone who's loved the game to bits only to see it lambasted all over the internet for years, it makes me immensely happy to see people commend it as one of Shadow's best appearances

[@mcmistle9892]

Shadow turning Super for the first time in Sonic Adventure 2 is still one of the best moments in the franchise. His redemption, the fight between the Biolizard, all culminating in casting away the darkness that clouded his mind. All going into the final battle between the Finalhazard with Super Sonic and Super Shadow teaming up with Live and Learn playing. Really sucks that Super Shadow has kind of just stopped appearing in mainline titles. Would’ve really liked to have seen this form at least as a bonus in Sonic Forces.

[@lynxfresh5214]

Shadow doesn't even take off his inhibitor rings anymore smh...

[@mcmistle9892]

Doesn’t really have anything to do with them first appearing, just that it’s another part of Shadow’s character that goes unused a lot of the time.

[@stevespud2707]

@@mcmistle9892 He takes off his rings several times in the Archie Comics. Once even going toe to toe with Enerjak.

[@AFeralTrout420]

He wasn't really "casting away the darkness that clouded his mind" he only was fighting the Biolizard because Maria told him to. His arc in sa2 wasn't so much about redemption but more about finding your purpose.

[@psyxypher3881]

They slaughtered Shadow's character in the IDW comics. SEGA, if you're reading this, let Flynn depict Shadow his way, please! We don't like the Leeroy Jenkins overconfident Shadow!

[@ManiacX1999]

Boy, is been two years. Archie has 24 years, give em some breathing room

[@psyxypher3881]

@@ManiacX1999 No. They don't have the choice; SEGA is directly mandating how characters need to be portrayed. And Shadow has more notes than any other character.

[@ManiacX1999]

@@psyxypher3881 i really want to know where people are getting these mandates from, I'm starting to think it's a big hoax.

[@psyxypher3881]

@@ManiacX1999 Got that from Ian Flynn himself.

[@ManiacX1999]

@@psyxypher3881 Where? When? Is it a tweet? Interview clip? Give me something tangible

[@andreasottohansen7338]

I have really come to respect Shadow's character, especially after playing Shadow the Hedgehog. Immensely powerful and well aware of the fact. Ruthless, to the point of using any weapon at his disposal and not ever pulling his punches. And yet, there is a soft center to him. He will gun down everyone in his way, and pick fights with anyone to see things through, but still unable to completely shut out kind, innocent people. And that is with him being my favorite, since i got into Sonic as a kid, with Sonic Battle. Along with Tails, but shush.

[@robrules9807]

Nice profile pic Gravewalker

[@AliKhatri18177]

Try playing adventure two his real character is in that

[@imagery5425]

You played Shadow the hedgehog to understand his character??? 😂

[@AFeralTrout420]

​@@imagery5425 actually yes, it honestly doesn't ruin his character like everyone says it does

[@imagery5425]

@@AFeralTrout420 sorry. Kinda

[@vegetafan9922]

Shadow was literally created to be the caretaker for a little girl and the fact that him and Cream barely interact in canon is downright criminal.

[@andyisdeadfromtcoaal]

Haha that reminds me of the fanart of shadow teaching her how to use a gun

[@davidpescitelli8004]

Might be a hot take here, but I thought he was done well in Forces. He wasn’t pissed off at Sonic for no reason like Grnerations and Boom and even showed concern when Infinite said he was going after him. He also showed concerned for Omega and Kirk also seemed to improve his acting for Shadow. It actually sounded like Shadow. Shame they couldn’t have him do anything in the story, but I hope he acts like that in future games.

[@safurahh.8093]

I agree. I really like how he and the rest of team dark were in Forces. Hopefully their characterizations will continue like that.

[@AllardRT]

Yeah, it was weird to see him consistent with his '06 portrayal after so many years.

[@Panther-chan]

It's all because they release Sonic games so slowly, really. Generations was SA2 Shadow through time travel stuff, and Boom Shadow is from a universe where every character is a stereotype of themselves (except Amy who is for some reason much improved). Spinoffs and past cameos aside, Forces is actually the first time we've seen mainline Shadow since way back in Sonic 06, which explains why this is finally the Shadow we're used to. I haven't read IDW in like a year at this point but what they were doing to him there was pretty sad though, yeah.

[@BlueJack222]

Finally somebody said it forces they actually did Shadow right but everybody said Shadow is just edgy and a show off and I'm like what?

[@safurahh.8093]

@@BlueJack222 I think ppl say that because of the IDW comics, which are supposed to take place after Forces. Shadow in that is kinda a jerk and a show off.

[@itsgab5745]

I personally view it as this. In the Japanese version of SA2, Shadow uses a word closer to Man Servant instead of Sonic's rebellious wording. It fits! Shadow's goal is to serve the goal of others. He gives Eggman the greatest weapon to rule, he saved Rouge when she needed help, he follows Gerald's wishes of burning the world, and finally. He follows the whishes of Maria. You should definitely check out the Japanese version of SA2 and there's a great video out there, it's great!

[@lynxfresh5214]

9/10 the original JP script is better than the "iTS a CaRTOoN" western dub (especially in the 4kids era) Sonic X subbed was great, Sonic X dubbed not so much...

[@primosdesegundograu1204]

Boku instead of Ore, a very anime like way of differentiating Sonic and Shadow. Tails also uses Boku, while pretty much every other male character besides Eggman (who uses washi) also uses ore.

[@absalom10]

Eh hes just being polite. The whole point of his gane is that he's not doing that. Iirc the write wanted him to be polite assuming Maria taught him manners. Which is cute

[@stardust-reverie]

one note about something near the middle: shadow didn’t remember what he wanted to remember, his memories were manipulated by gerald to share his motivation of destroying the world that took maria away so he would carry that plan out for him. it was less that shadow finally came around and remembered who his best friend really was and more that he finally broke through the conditioning and false memories to find out what maria really wanted. from what he was given, he had no reason to not wholeheartedly believe that maria wanted the world to pay, and because of his absolute commitment and devotion to her, he intended to see it through. when it turned out that wasn’t what she wanted and she actually asked him to give everyone in the world a chance to live good lives, he did not hesitate and immediately sprung to action to do well by his best friend. shadow is more than anything, a character bound by the wishes of others, namely maria. he wouldn’t have misinterpreted her wishes for selfish reasons because he is devoted to her wishes absolutely.

[@Semudara]

I recognize that appears to be the canon explanation. However... I personally prefer the interpretation that Shadow's own grief and anger were his primary catalyst for revenge, not any external tampering. That even if Gerald did mess with his memories, that only came second to Shadow's own rage and grief. To me, that makes his character arc in SA2 all the stronger. That his desires really were aligned with the vengeful professor, but the heroes helped to remind him what mattered more in the end.

[@AMVShooterUnlimited]

You're both right. His memories were manipulated by Gerald to lead him down the road of destroying humanity and Maria's death sent him over the edge too. The memory manipulation started to fade as the game went on starting when he saved Rouge but his anger and grief was still driving him, only when he finally remembered the promise to Maria did he try to undo what he started. If Gerald didn't mess with his memories I didn't think he would have gone as far as he did. Still full of rage and grief but targeted at GUN not humanity as a whole. These are just my thoughts on Shadow through the game so please don't burn me at the stake here.

[@spider-man500]

Shadow was the true victim.

[@DerrickLamonteLive]

This hit different. I honestly cried. I've never knew how lowkey good shadow's character story was as a child

[@arianameinking688]

Sorry, I just wanna say that Diet Sora is literally the best thing I have ever heard Chris called. Literally. The best. Well done. I love it. #ChrisSucks

[@AL-nv4gk]

Deffinately who he is inspired by with the colors and stuff too it can't be mistaken 😂

[@tartadecaca5852]

Shadow was the first fictional character I got obsessed with, almost 10 years ago, and you made me remember why.

[@ventrofilms8797]

for me it was Metal in all of his forms besides that red mecha I enjoyed neo metal seeing how he could manage to fill in as eggman yet have his own personality and goals both of the robotniks made something ultimate gerald made Shadow the ult life form and Ivor made Metal the ultimate machine

[@coldplay109]

Ive been obsessed with Shadow since I was 9, Im now 30 and still mega obsessed. I think he might be my all time favorite character of any media.

[@KabooseZander]

I’ll tell you what, GA... passion attracts people, and you’ve got that in spades. The whole ability to convey it intelligently just puts you above the rest.

[@omnisystem6030]

People think Shadow is Edgy Shadow is actually Depressed

[@maude7420]

Sonic fans when they see introverts: omg so edgyyy!!!

[@alejandrolozano4919]

I was that in the past call he a edgy lord but find out. A video about he . He just a A creature that bring into life . And lost someone of he first time . And become a hero. ( the shadow game Fuck he up .) there is up and down.)

[@nd_4726]

@@alejandrolozano4919 What the hell is your message supposed to mean?

[@alejandrolozano4919]

@@nd_4726 a video. Explaining that shadow is not a edgy lord . And sega mess this up . From the fans.

[@nd_4726]

@@alejandrolozano4919 Why are you putting periods everywhere, using grammar incorrectly and putting spaces before those periods?

[@RefluxCitadelRevelations]

I watched this video at, like, 3 am with utterly no knowledge about Sonic or anything of the sort; I just thought the thumbnail looked cool. That was about a month ago and I'm pretty sure this is the reason why I'm now waist deep in this series now; thank you for such a wonderful introduction, your channel rocks, keep it up!

[@skibot9974]

That’s cool

[@Morbius-Tension]

Dats awesome

[@JTHMRulez1]

I appreciate the Venom reference and it's actually quite accurate if you've read the comics. Like Shadow, Venom also learned the trials of the light and darkness, good and bad, and decided to take a step forward and become something different than what he was. (He is even currently fighting a God of Darkness, so like, literal light in the darkness!)

[@mr.incredivenom]

Yeah, it like they can relate to each other as they both fought against their creators in their super forms.

[@UnrealNeoBat]

Except Venom is treated better than Shadow. Hell, he's been treated better than Spider-Man in the Comic book aspect.

[@1989BluePhantom]

At the end of the game shadow clearly respects Sonic. Shadow needs his 'TRUE' personality back. He also could utilize a ton of chaos powers in a future game. Amy will always have my respect for helping Shadow realize what was really going on during such a dire time. If any character is most deserving of further character development it's Shadow. Maria on a goosebumps book. XD 💫

[@andrewkos5560]

29:40 This is one of my favorite parts of the lore: Gerald explored Angel Island and found the murals in Lost World and Hidden Palace and used Perfect Chaos and Super Sonic as the basis of his Ultimate lifeforms. It's why Shadow's silhlouette mirrors Super Sonic, why the artificial Chaos exist at all and why Perfect Chaos and the Biolizard share the same roar. It's a shame that the only real line drawing attention to it is at the end of Final Hazard and even then it's a lot of inferences, but it's such a great use of the series past elements.

[@alexbaribeault]

God damn. Yeah, it's perfect

[@andrewkos5560]

@360 Overdrive It uses the combined Sonic+Shadow roar when it merges with the Colony and becomes Final Hazard. As Biolizard, it's the reused Chaos roar

[@GrouchyRaccoon]

You've summed up Shadow's SA2 arc perfectly. I adore Shadow, to the point he was the reason I had red streaks in my hair throughout my teens, but even I jokingly call him Sonic the Edgehog constantly. But he was always written as an incredibly deep character, and it was far too easy for people to dismiss that as just goth Sonic.

[@AnimaART]

Damn, I'm late! thanks for using my animation as an example, as you can see I didn't know much about the world of Sonic when I made it, even so, content like yours helps me learn more about this series and also improve my own animations, again, I just have to thank you!

[@bryanmelendez4472]

I don't think he mentioned how Gerald had complete control over his memories and that any or all of shadow's memories could be fake. Anyways, this is a well done video about shadow

[@GameApologist]

That was one of the retcons from Shadow's title game I was alluding to, i probably should have explained that in more detail. Anyway thank you for watching!

[@MasterDisaster64]

@@GameApologist That wasn't a retcon in Shadow. It was directly stated in SA2.

[@lpfan4491]

It was in the japanese script only.

[@MasterDisaster64]

@@lpfan4491 That's the more canon script, since it was written by the author directly. And even in the English script, Rouge still questions Shadow's memories.

[@lpfan4491]

@@MasterDisaster64 I just wanted to clarify because I did not want a war breaking out because people only know the english script that is absolute garbo except for some of the changes that were actually intended and are not just badly mistranslated(the openingline from sonic for example)

[@ilovethelegend]

6:10 Something that always stuck out to me in this scene is that, despite the fact that Shadow's using the chaos emerald to slow time to a crawl and apparently teleport, Sonic's *still able* to track his movements and at first mistakes him for simply being *fast*. Also, side note, I decided to look up what you get if you color invert Red, and you get... teal. The same shade of teal that Mephiles' quills are.

[@ikaros4464]

When you run at supersonic speeds, you better learn visual acuity or youre gonna be running into shit all the time. As long as shadow isnt straight up teleporting, whe he can also do, sonic should be able to track it.

[@Sadako2602]

Fun fact: I never liked the american dub as a kid, and since I didn't understand what they were saying anyway (I'm Mexican) I always played on Japanese, so, you know how Sonic at the end says "Sayonara, Shadow the Hedgehog"? In the Japanese dub, Sonic says: "Adiós, Shadow the Hedgehog" while the spanish sub titles are "Goodbye, Shadow the Hedgehog". At least in the gamecube version.

[@hugoflores1093]

La versión del Gamecube tenía los subtítulos medio defectuosos al final Afuerzas, no soy el único Mexicano que lo vio

[@Sadako2602]

@@hugoflores1093 Me gustaba más pensar que si hubiera una versión con doblaje en español, hubieran dicho "Goodbye, sombra el erizo", o algo así xd.

[@hydrorobot6610]

Honestamente, me agrado que dijera adiós en la versión japonesa porque como esa escena te pega mucho, escuchar a Sonic hablar en otro idioma para despedirse de un ser querido significa para mí que el es especial y que el está agradecido que se hicieron "amigos" al final (Bueno, eso fue lo que sentí lol, aún no juego Shadow the Hedgehog asi que no se que pasa ahí lol)

[@Sadako2602]

@@hydrorobot6610 A mi me sorprendió mucho cuando lo vi por primera vez, como dije antes no sabía inglés, pero las cosas básicas que gritaba sonic en el doblaje japonés si las entendía. así que sabiendo que en el doblaje en inglés dice "sayonara", espera un "goodbye", y que dijera "adiós" me sorprendió mucho.

[@hydrorobot6610]

@@Sadako2602 igualmente, pero en mi caso, se me había olvidado hablar el inglés cuando era muy niño (es una historia larga) Y la primera vez que vi eso fue cuando mi hermano se estaba completando el juego, y pues me lleno de confusión e intriga que dijera eso Pero bueno, me alegra que hay más hispano-hablantes aquí! Ahora sí no te importa, voy a hacer un poco de tarea para poder entrar a la videollamada con los actores de voz de Sonic XD

[@dericanight861]

Shadow was always my favorite growing up in the franchise. It was basics really: Cool aesthetic Grand first impression through SA2 And a tragic and truthfully understanding backstory. A being who has such grand power being twisted for revenge against humanity, the absolute opposite of what he was intended for. And yes I understand fans say Heroes and His title game derailed the development...or DID it? Ok so he gets amnesia, barely knows his history. This is a new test laid before him: “You have a clean slate. Judge humanity for yourself. Do you feel they are beneath you and you should put them out of their misery? OR do you decide that despite their grand faults and failures, their intentions deep down are just misunderstood and need a guiding hand or a friend or two?” Shadow, at the conclusion of his own game canonically decides “I will not judge by past mistakes. I am here in the now and I decide that you pose a threat to a world I’ve grown to embrace as home.” Even Mephiles TRIES to sway him with what ol Dafoe Gobby once said “in spite of everything you’ve done, eventually they will hate you.” But he still stands firm and says “nope. No take backs. Now piss off.” Maybe that’s why we don’t see him much in the games anymore. He’s already tested and bested his faults and obstacles. What else is there? ANOTHER bout of Amnesia to overcome? That’s pretty evident why Shadow pulled the illusion of “oh no evil Shadow in forces??” Off so quickly. Cause we as an audience and fandom know he’s never going to backpedal. He’s already an ally and there’s no way he’d be in the wrong again. (By-the-by, I feel like Forces got us our shadow back the closest. It’s not a 1-to-1 return but it’s better than the alternatives we had) You wanna know something about 06? Between the usual “Beastiality” jokes and “ITS NO USE” and the glitches and bugs...never have I heard anyone have grievances with the Shadow campaign. Does he ride vehicles? Yeah but he didn’t get a forced SUPER SPEED mechanic or heinous puzzles with telekinesis. And not to mention his campaign focused on him having to face the fact that humans would still fear the ultimate life form....like look at his face when Omega came to this conclusion. Yeah the character in game models have the static not as emotive faces, but the way it’s angled, the way it holds on him as his eyes have trouble staying firm. It’s like he feels like all his hard work is for not. Like he’s back to square one. But despite that revelation, rather than become lethargic and let fate kick him to the curb, he keeps pushing forward. Because that’s what Sonic would do. The hedgehog he knows is his better (but clearly won’t admit it for risk of blue boy getting egotistical) but knows that you can either run Or you can push on despite the chips being down. And if that isn’t what makes shadow awesome, well I got nothing. Maybe he really is nothing but an Edge meme.

[@AFeralTrout420]

Dude thank you so much for not shitting on Shadows Game, I legit thought it does his character justice. Which is an unpopular opinion of mine.

[@masemboross4996]

This is a GREAT summarization of Shadow. You’re about to start getting ALOT more views in the near future the closer we get to the 3rd movie (I hope they stay true to his origins)

[@edgelord2429]

Honestly this is peak shadow the hedgehog I think the reason why people are so drawn to him isn't because of him being a "edge lord" but more so his character arc. To a certain extent I can relate to his character Sega had somewhere they were going with his character and they did a really good job with it. Honestly if shadow never appeared again I'd be satisfied with his ending here He's just a well written and great character. He is my favorite sonic character because of his character and not because of the meme. Super shadow is the ivory flower of light In a forest of darkness

[@pierrebournedickrider]

Dear god, I see you everywhere. But fr tho yeah you’re right.

[@jamiemanning4944]

Thank you for your comments. I always look forward to reading what you have to say and you have given me (and I am sure a lot of other people) happiness. It might seem like a little unimportant thing but your interaction within the community is appreciated.

[@Distant_Dubstep]

The irony of u being a genuine fan and not cuz the "edge lord" stuff yet ur name is edge lord xD

[@killinghawkz]

Yeah man I'm tired of the "I'm the coolest" crap.

[@ADragonNerd]

Yup. Even as a kid I always related to Shadow

[@AFennecFoxy]

I knew he was an amazing character but oh man, this video opened my eyes even more to what Shadow really is! My heart is warmed

[@chrisvennbowman3784]

On the chao garden point, I retain hope that the shadow chao shown in the recent IDW comic was raised by shadow a long time ago. That’d be a cool twist.

[@greenstarforce001]

I'm kinda hoping that Chao somehow gets adopted by Shadow (maybe Clutch abandons it, maybe they get separated) and teaches it it's ways (and maybe learns something about himself along the way)

[@peachy_keen8498]

“Sora, but somehow worse” is probably the best and most accurate description of Chris that I’ve ever heard. XDDD

[@IgnatiusBlaze4]

Open your heart Shadow... and it will be alright, you live and learn from your achievements just as much as your mistakes, to become the hero you were meant to be, Shadow the Hedgehog. Doesn't matter if it's an anti hero, tragic hero, super hero, or just your regular guy that helps people, when it counts they come through.

[@jammychoo]

👍

[@SussyBaka_irl]

This video made me tear up literally! Shadow’s story of struggling to cope with loss & despair of his late best friend, anger & hatred towards humanity, who ultimately stole Shadow’s reason to live, is just SOO inspiring to watch, because he journeys through SOO much pain, through the past, his present on multiple occasions & the future, to fight his demons & become the character that the Sonic series truly needed. Shadow will forever remain my favourite Sonic character, because the philosophical meanings & hidden details around his story, happen to be some of the most enjoyable, out of the entirety of the Sonic series. Sayonara Shadow the Hedgehog.

[@Bitches_loveme]

Didn't ask

[@SussyBaka_irl]

Don't care :)

[@SailorLarkspur]

also bro hit me hard with the "Shadow spent the most time in the chao garden" bit. So valid.

[@Austin83100]

I lost my shit with "YOU KNOW WHO THESE CHARACTERS ARE!" absolutely great. Keep up the top quality content!

[@ikaros4464]

NO WE DONT WHY DONT YOU EXPLAIN THEM (im joking of course. Even people who have never actually watched those shows personally know who they are because of how theyve filtered through the entire subculture)

[@alxjones]

@@ikaros4464 I don't know the first thing about Sasuke's character past like the first 10 episodes. All I know from said subculture filtering is that he teams up with Orochimaru and turns into a bad (?) guy.

[@CrownRock1]

What if I actually don't know who Sasuke is?

[@mr.dantastic5073]

Okay kids, quick summary. Sasuke is an edgy vengeance monger who probably wants to kill everybody he hates, then kill himself, before he got better. Vegeta is an edgy pride monger who spends the majority of his adult life trying to keep up with and overtake his rival, but despite his pride and envy sometimes leading him to take evil actions, he eventually starts getting better and showing signs of humanity, while Sasuke on the other hand wrapped himself in more and more hatred, if the world and himself.

[@nd_4726]

@@mr.dantastic5073 Wait- so did Vegeta just quit trying to overcome Goku when he got that form (I forgot the name) in the tournament arc? I mean I wouldn't really understand if Vegeta sees Goku as his rival, considering they work together a lot (maybe unless they fuse but still)

[@jj_grabes]

The reason why I love Shadow so much as a hero is that after becoming one, he never wavers in his convictions. He redeemed himself in SA2 by nearly dying to stop the Biohazard. He opposed Black Doom, his biological father, to stop his intergalactic conquest. He decides to stop Mephiles even after learning humanity will betray him despite all he’s done for them. The Light within the Darkness indeed.

[@TailsFan92]

Not only do I think that this is one of the best videos on KZbin about Shadow, this video has gained you at least one subscriber and bell icon hitter! This was great work, and I can’t wait to see more of your content! Keep up the good work!

[@ZX_STH]

"Yeah, I'm just using this as an excuse to show off pet pictures. You can't stop me." And we thank you for that.

[@Nothavinit00]

Nicely done. Funny because Shadow is always with his little Chao in official art, and in the official Twitter Takeovers, it's revealed that he wants to open a cat sanctuary, he supports indie game developers, and frequently donates to charities. Shadow is one of those characters that fits perfectly with the saying, "Looks can be deceiving". 😎🖤☪

[@Vegitodraws]

32:00 YOO! MY ART MADE IT! I appreciate Nick/Game Apologist

[@smt3]

Shadow the hedgehog is an example of forgetting the past and moving forward into the future as a new person, especially with with his sad and dark past.

[@NeonBlue27]

When I saw the title of this video, I didn't expect to be crying for the first half of it. I guess that shows how deeply cringe culture affects people. I always did think Shadow was a way better character than the memes give him credit for. I even have fond memories of playing Shadow the Hedgehog and at one point in my life wanted to fill out the full library. This was an amazing video, dude. I don't remember if I've ever actually watched any of your content before, but it was a wonderful introduction. I'm glad I happened upon it.

[@LordEmperorBoss]

SA2 was always Shadow’s Story. Everybody else was just along for the ride.

[@scarfaceAC2]

Shadow's never been my favorite character, but his design is top notch

[@bin8350]

Shadow the most misunderstood character in the series and my favorite in spite of it Also please stop calling Maria Gerald's niece she's his granddaughter

[@tonyhakston536]

It physically hurt me to hear that mistake, ngl.

[@bin8350]

@@tonyhakston536 same

[@poorsvids4738]

So Eggman's sister or cousin?

[@sauceboi5965]

@@poorsvids4738 i think she is his cousin.

[@shady5595]

@@poorsvids4738 Cousin

[@sammyhumphrey1178]

‘No one loves as deeply as Shadow’ so true. We love you Shadow!

[@Gell-lo]

Man this was really, really good. Thematic analysis is so beautiful. I appreciate the lessons I can take from this.

[@hyrapower]

I look forward to seeing your work pop up in my feed. Keep up the good work

[@snailgirl6]

Awesome vid, man. And an unexpectedly touching end. *wipes away tear* I personally feel that Shadow's ability to shine true light in the darkness, despite having an uncontrollable scarred past, should be what we all strive to be in this current crisis. We should all put on our masks, wash our hands, and *LIVE AND LEARN*. *hugs shadow plushie*

[@luigines6457]

I wish you got Characters In-Depth on this video as well, since he made an awesome video about Shadow a while back, but I'm still very satisfied with the video. It described Shadow in SA2 in more depth than Characters In-Depth did, but he more or less made like a 10 minute long video talking about why Shadow idn't an edge-lord. Great video and I would love to see more videos like this!

[@YNFJay-Silva]

You earned a sub my friend.. I loved this retelling you made the story of shadow and Maria so beautiful

[@EndTimesRadioTV]

I cry EVERYTIME I watch this, thank you so much for giving the world the true story.

[@westpointsoulja]

I love how well you re-tell these stories. I grew up as a fanatic for these games and you still are able to make me see these games in a way I never looked at them before. I stop right at surface level, so I appreciate you taking a deeper look at the games and characters and explaining them.

[@OswaldAurelia]

"Welcome to Tilted Towers. My name is Mmmmmemphis Tennessee."

[@jordankaster6080]

"And I am part lizard. Nice to meet-- Yuroshirogaisgimasu, as they say in Nippon"

[@emilie8356]

@@jordankaster6080 Mii FILES! I should've guessed.

[@otakunthevegan4206]

"I'VE COME TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT!"

[@Dreg-Freg]

Man, I really enjoyed this video, going over one of my favourite characters in the series. Also, that ending almost made me cry, your journey has been a great one. Well done

[@penprp]

Adorable cat! I think Super Shadow vs. a Dark Sonic would be interesting from the viewpoint of Shadow SYMPATHIZING with Sonic's pain, and helping him come back from the darkness. But I like things from character exploration directions. This essay is wonderful, and I really enjoyed it, thank you!

[@originalcharacter2470]

Honestly. This video gave me a new appreciation for Shadow's character, particularly for what Shadow's character really was in Sonic Adventure 2 - a loyal friend to the bitter end, he was determined to refuse to let his best friend down, come hell or high water and no matter the cost. You're right, nobody in this franchise loves as intensely as Shadow The Hedgehog (Or at least, as much as he used to...)

[@MetalToast27]

Watching your videos is like having a really good conversation with a close friend to me, but its just so interesting I'm only listening. I don't think I'll ever stop supporting you. 🌟

[@legobro4studio]

30:40 every time I listen to live and learn, I always hear them say "hold on to your wallet" every. single. time. Nice video by the way, love it.

[@goldenlightning8842]

He has been banging these videos out pretty frequently keep on keeping on Mr. Apologist u keep me entertained a lot

[@ricardobr1493]

26:07 Thank you so much for saying that, im tired of the Shadow disrespect that the yt shorts people give him

[@GOJOHNNYGO-Gz]

"The ultimate life form has made the ultimate cutie pie" bruh that got me laughing so hard.

[@DesertSandSailor]

Your videos are awesome!! S3&K stands to be in my top 5 KZbin works. Your breakdowns and passion for not only sonic, but finding gems in "bad" games, have been awesome. Amazing work and thanks for the videos!

[@amateurprogrammer25]

11:27 "You can't stop me." You seem to be under the impression that I would try

[@GamingTeacher]

And thank you, Nick, for putting out awesome content and being a cool dude.

[@RedRaikou]

"A little less Sasuke and a little more Vegeta, YOU KNOW WHO THOSE CHARACTERS ARE, DON'T LIE TO ME..." HAHAHAHAHA

[@nobodyofimportance3922]

Dude I needed this video. I've always kind of looked up to Shadow when I was growing up because I had a pretty shitty time as a kid, and the way you described his arc in SA2 finishing off with a message of how you can always grow out of your past and mistakes was something I needed to hear

[@ShibuNub3305]

I love the “all hail” tag being here

[@MegamanElric16]

>"Sora, but somehow worse" Now I definitely want to see a video on *that* topic!

[@sauvagess]

"[...] while carrying the memories of those lost loved ones, but going forward, he will no longer let them haun--"

[@jrepra]

I also love the dichotomy in naming. Shadow is the literal light in the darkness of pain and despair. Solaris is literally the evil in the light, letting the pain take over and envelop the light as a weapon. Solaris literally has solar (sun) in the name. There is darkness in the light and light in the darkness. Shadow is the perfect yin and yang representation, in all his iterations.

[@LilGreedy-wk8xt]

14:21. I like how even though he didn't get through the final fight he still almost made me cry and you know how.

[@WebstersYouTube]

Saw this upload, immediately got off my PC and opened the PS4 KZbin app to watch in comfort on a bigger screen.

[@Jazakethegreat]

I don't think you understand how hard that last 30 seconds hit me, GA. Thank you so much for your content and keep it up.

[@lynxfresh5214]

I can't believe the last time Shadow turned super in the main series games was in 06 (14 yrs ago) and that game technically erased itself from the continuity. The fact an even younger version of Sonic... sorry an "alternative" version of Sonic from another dimension and your OC is more capable than the "ultimate lifeform" is just insulting tbh!

[@joshshrum2764]

Hah lol yeah that’s pretty sad.

[@Bafo117]

16:03 he opened his heart and lived to learn on his world to show what he's made of

[@wednesdaygeckok.7899]

15:30 jesus christ this part made me weirdly emotional Good job dude you broke me

[@MagillanicaLouM]

As much i love him, i admit there have been times looking back on Shadow the Hedgehog and the emphasis on the edge writers wanna put on him lately, and think "maybe they should've stucj to their guns and left him dead" BUT seeing him live this life of balance and with his choices have been fulfilling. Just wish they'd tone back on the grumpy more, he's just been the memeic poster boy for "edgy rival" since his own game. He can have range lol

[@higherground9120]

Thank you, Nick! We are looking forward to the days you'll get to 100k as well! Awesome video as always. Shadows my favorite character and I think this is probably the video that portrays him the best! I liked how he was in the Archie comics. I think they made a great job of portraying him and he really fits best at G.U.N.

[@fataleflare]

Thank you so much for making such as great lore video for Shadow! I can’t wait to see more!!

[@C.Quince]

I miss Super Shadow, it’s been over a decade since we’ve seen him in any of the games

[@tsukibo7474]

30:55 "The ultimate life form has raised the ULTIMATE CUTIE PIE" best quote ever heard from papa shadow

[@nible8055]

1:25 “he really does look like a sonic that spent his high school days smoking cigarettes under the bleachers with the other goths instead of the track and field team captain”

[@superbloxian502]

"Sonic The real ultimate life from" "Shadow was remembered as a hero" I felt that

[@jaredtherock5692]

Can I just say how much I love the Biolizard being mentioned to look like Chaos can go into the speculation that Gerald continued his search for the ultimate lifeform because of the murals left by the Echidnas.

[@PrSunflower]

19:20 "And by the end of the journey, neither can the game itself..." Thanks a lot for this video, it was an outstanding summary!

[@redbool1115]

“Shadow was probably the one who spent the most time raising chao” Tails: am I a joke to you?