The Philosophy of Silver the Hedgehog (IDW Comics)

The philosophy of Silver the Hedgehog in the IDW Comic Series for Sonic the Hedgehog. A video essay on how Silver explores the existentialist concept of anxiety from the perspectives of Paul Tillich and Soren Kierkegaard. In this video, we discuss topics related to: Tillich's three categories of anxiety (ontic, moral, and spiritual), Tillich's "The Courage to Be", and Kierkegaard's "Leap of Faith". While this video focuses on Silver in the IDW series, especially his story in the IDW issue "Future Growth", this analysis can apply to Silver's characterization in other mediums as well.
The Courage to Be
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#sonicthehedgehog #sonicidw #silverthehedgehog

[@musingsofahomeschooler5332]

It’s truly a shame that Silver will be forever associated with an infamous game. He’s such a fun and interesting character. He balances relatable with existential in a way that I’ve rarely seen in fictional characters. My favorite part of 06 is seeing Silver, Shadow, and Sonic team up to save the world. Even if they don’t know each other all that well, and they have different motivations, they all have the same goal. *They represent the past, the present, and the future.* Legacy, freedom, and hope.

[@jonathanlochridge9462]

Yeah, it is a shame. I am glad to be introduced to the character through this video.

[@Ranni]

Very well put!

[@justynhill4814]

Sonic 06 was a epic game I don’t care what anyone says about it.

[@AH-is5yg]

they need to reboot Silver and give him his own solo video game.

[@WL-bs4nc]

@AH-is5yg They did it with Shadow on the GameCube, and surprisingly, a lot of people loved it

[@JerryMustache]

SEGA: *bro we just needed some more money*

[@gabinoregalado624]

YOO WHY YOU PRETENDING TO BE SEGA BECAUSE I KNOW SEGA AND THEIR NAME IS NOT JERRYMUSTACHE

[@JerryMustache]

@@gabinoregalado624 what?

[@This-is-a-commentt]

@@gabinoregalado624what? How- I’m so confused!

[@SillyLove0]

​@@gabinoregalado624🗣️HUH????

[@NotTheNexus1991]

@@gabinoregalado624what

[@History_Matters]

Silver's design is my favourite between all sonic characters His story is also very interesting

[@mestar_otaku9365]

Actually , the new debut of Silver after the farce of 06 was in Sonic Rivers because the world of 06 was erased and became non-canon, and after that he appeared in Sonic Rivers as a time-traveling hedgehog trying to stop a person named Dr. Eggman Negative, and after that a new beginning begins for the new character Silver the Hedgehog Archie, IDW, and especially Ian Flynn gave Silver a lot of respect and creativity, which gave his character a lot of interest, and we also don't forget to thank chaosX for fixing Silver's character and making him fun to play.

[@alecjackman2655]

"The dark is generous and it is patient and it always wins - but in the heart of its strength lies its weakness: one lone candle is enough to hold it back. Love is more than a candle. Love can ignite the stars."- Matthew Stover

[@calebv2659]

I like how this interpretation of Silver is handled in the comics. I hope they continue to do this in the future.

[@AH-is5yg]

Espio is really a great friend to Silver. Silver has great friends to help him. Silver will always be needed to help Sonic and the others save the world. Silver is a great hero just like Sonic and the others.

[@mikdan8813]

We need this guy playable in a game again fr

[@thefastcommenter7774]

I hope Sega brings Silver back in future games, he’s one of my favorite characters!

[@Ranni]

I agree!

[@iluvyurbles]

Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom really show just how far we can make his telekinesis work

[@ataladin87]

No, he's got no use in the series anymore.

[@thefastcommenter7774]

@@ataladin87 Well Sega could still potentially make some new stories that could involve Silver in a good way

[@ataladin87]

@@thefastcommenter7774 Like what???

[@SHMidlerPlays]

I love Silver, I really wish they would give him his own game already. It would be great if they actually expanded his character and such especially in the games. It would be so much fun to see him get his own game. Sonic Project-06 shows the true potential he has to me, I can’t wait to see more of that fan game

[@DragonStar524]

We shouldnt ignore the fact that the world and reality can be unforgiving, cruel, unfair, and hard. But having the optimism everyday just makes living every day that but much better. Having faith and hope, and seeing the bright side of things, will compel us to keep moving forward.

[@silveramyknux241]

I like they chose Espio since he & Silver already formed a relationship back in Rivals 2.

[@BosteroRedentor]

A very Top Tier video about philosophy, my friend. I literally clap you for an excellent work like this. I do love Silver for all what he means to his world, if Sonic is the freedom, Shadow the acceptance of past, then Silver is the literal Hope. And I love it.

[@Ranni]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, its interesting how these characters embody these traits.

[@NightFuryLover31]

Silver is my favorite character. You really managed to get him in depth with why he is. It is terrifying to feel devoid of purpose. This is the first time Silver is in the past without some big crisis that affects his future (not counting Team Sonic Racing). SO how does he deal with it? What can he do. But it makes me so happy seeing him in the company of his friends. Whatever reason he has for being there, they're glad he's around.

[@Ranni]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, Silver in the IDW comics is such a joy to watch.

[@revolutionofthekind]

Ahhh my very bestest baby boy. I had a feeling this was where this would go, as silver's entire narrative is one big existentialist thought experiment. Especially since we know silver re-entered the timeline even after they eliminated the ibilis threat, just like blaze did (tho i guess for her its more AU? Since blaze from sonic's dimension wouldnt have had to become a warrior). Silver understands that his entire purpose was to ensure a better future for his time, but he doesnt actually know how ti exist anymore in that? That has to be alienating sometimes, but with his optimism and his friends reminding him that his place is where he is loved, he always finds a way forward. Also anyone who finds him naive or whatever bc of how he was in 06 im like. He was 14. What do you want from him

[@jonathanlochridge9462]

Interesting idea.

[@Ranni]

he truly is a wholesome bean

[@crimsonzone8984]

Except he isn't he isn't a baby boy. Listen what he sounds like in the original Japanese dub of the games as well as how he's portrayed and tell me if that's what a baby boy would sound like and be portrayed.

[@revolutionofthekind]

@@crimsonzone8984 ...its a turn of phrase? Like calling your fave 40 yo assassin a "babygirl". He is my baby boy bc he is cute and sweet and i love him. It doesnt mean he literally has to be a small child

[@crimsonzone8984]

@@revolutionofthekind I can see that. But idw did make him into a small child.

[@zackanderson7440]

honestly silver in both archie and idw is a way better character then the games have ever had him.

[@greendragonfly4726]

My favorite character from this series which I grew up with. After watching your "Shadow Analysis" when you published it, I was 90% sure that one day you would have taken your time to give some depth to Silver's personal interior journey. You're one of a kind and I enjoyed both of them. Hope to see you reach higher success on the platform cause you deserve it! Cheers and I can't wait for other character essays (whenever there will be some more)👋🤩.

[@Ranni]

Wow, thank you! Thank you for watching my videos and for subscribing! Your support means a lot to me! Yeah, be on the lookout for more Sonic-related video essays from me!

[@Midnight3Wonder]

Honestly, Silver has been my favorite Sonic character for YEARS. I love that he's FINALLY getting the admiration and recognition he truly deserves, but the fans still seem to have a long ways to go before they finally see past the jokes and see the hero before them. For as long as I can remember since being introduced to the character, I've always been able to relate to him the most out of the Sonic cast and he's inspired me in ways that no one else could. Silver's childlike sense of hope is truly inspiring and brings a great deal of light to situations that no one else can. He may have flaws that many like to poke fun of, but those flaws are part of what makes him so incredible. Once he gets a handle on his flaws, I think Silver will quickly prove himself to be the hero he was always meant to be! He doesn't have to overcome them completely, but learning to accept and harness his flaws to turn them into strengths would be a major growth to his character! I hope Silver continues to grow and can prove himself to be the hero I've always known him to be to others!

[@Ranni]

Thank you for your comment! Yeah, Silver is underrated in my opinion.

[@Midnight3Wonder]

@@Ranni I will ALWAYS speak up for Silver and show him the love and admiration he deserves! This cinnamon roll needs more love from the fandom! He could easily be the hero of his very own series and people would love him! I really wish he could get his own game that displays his growth from a naïve child to a genuine hero!

[@aubrey_shadow13]

Ahhhhh! I feel like I know Silver so much more now as a character, thanks as usual Ranni. This whole essay reminds me of this Palace song "Have Faith", I HIGHLY recommend it.

[@Ranni]

Thanks! Ok, I'll give it a listen lol.

[@aubrey_shadow13]

@@Ranni oh they're gooood, they got some heavy ones too. 😎

[@axiom6000]

IT’S NO USE, you’re videos are always bangers!

[@Ranni]

Thank you!

[@DazedMemories]

Silver is my favorite Sonic character and I think you did his character justice. I personally still loved the story of 06, even if the game play was broken so Silver came out strong for me in both that and the rivals games. Really wish Sega would bring him back in an main game instead of side ones.

[@StudioCBOfficial186]

This is one of my favourite KZbin videos now. I've LOVED silver for years and years and at this point, it seems like SEGA don't pay attention to him! This video covers the IDW representation of Silver perfectly! Recently, philosophy has reached out to me and this, this makes me love it more. My opinion is that, the IDW comics have handled the forgotten characters perfectly. It kept them fresh and interesting and keeps me loving them. It also creates new characters and builds upon them. For Silver, he has ALOT of potential. I've always hoped to see more of him and with the mixture with the other characters makes him a classic and memorable character compared to the likes of Jet, or the Deadly six. This video has a lot of value and now, I will watch it till I'm tired of it (Takes a really long time). Thank you for this...

[@Ranni]

Wow, you're comment made my day! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I agree, Silver has such great potential and its sad to see Sega squander it with the games.

[@StudioCBOfficial186]

@@Ranni Great to hear from you! I'll definitely join your discord!

[@Ranni]

Thanks! Yeah, I'm trying to make the server more active! @@StudioCBOfficial186

[@StudioCBOfficial186]

I wonder which character is next... (Probably will be a character that has been revived by IDW...)

[@crimsonzone8984]

Only IDW's take on Silver. But it's not the same Silver from the games. The idw one is really just a random dude playing the role of Silver. I'ma need you to listen to what Silver sounds like and how he acts in the Japanese dub of the games and tell me if real Silver and idw Silver are the same.

[@byronbrooks6366]

I interpreted Silver's anxiety as a realization that whenever goes back to Sonic's time period to fix his own, it goes through a comic book(ironic I know) style reboot, every single time. Meaning that everyone associated with him in his public and personal life will either get changed drastically or replaced by someone else. Can you imagine the existential terror that would fill someone, knowing that your loved ones will be replaced by strangers who claim to know you?

[@brycelavender2255]

As someone who played sonic 06 and thought “hey silver is a cool character green telekinesis is rad” im really happy the comics expanded on him

[@chillvibes7387]

Great video man! Silver is my favorite character, and it's awesome that we've been getting such awesome character development with him in the comics

[@Ranni]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video! Yeah the IDW comics offer such a refreshing perspective on otherwise abandoned Sonic characters.

[@nottakenplease]

I expected this video just to talk about Silver and stuff but it was a very deep and nice video about anxiety and human thoughts in general. I've read most of the IDW comics but never was aware of this special issue showing what happens to Silver after the metal virus arc, super cool video and made me realise again why silver is one of my favourite characters.

[@Ranni]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video! Yeah, Silver is a great character!

[@blitz4506]

Silver in the comics feels too different than from the games for me. Then again he's never been consistent

[@ShadowXLugia]

I found your channel, around 8 months ago, when you discussed Sonic Prime. I find your videos to be very thought out and well edited. As someone who has been delving into the world of philosophy and writing, I would say you did a fantastic job on this break down of Silver in IDW. I really appreciate that you break down this philosophy by defining words like "anxiety" which I feel are overlooked/common words in a lot of our language today thanks to modern psychology. But In the context of your video it really helps us define the inner depths of these characters that we have grown to love. I really can't thank you enough for your hard work in putting this all together! I look forward to seeing more from you. c:

[@Ranni]

I appreciate your support! Yeah, Sonic is surprisingly deep lol. Anyways, glad you enjoyed the video and expect more like these in the future!

[@Maid_Sate]

Thank you for making this video. IDW Sonic is such a great series.

[@Ranni]

It really is! And glad you enjoyed it!

[@matiusoyop]

I recently became obsessed with silver and released a video of it wow

[@roguereaver634]

I love Silver in the comics but his lack of screen time in games or otherwise is criminal

[@kionlastname6744]

I didn’t know the personality of silver until now but for the longest time I thought it was a mix of sonic and shadow's personality

[@vanessavelasquezperez299]

Personally i love how you analyze on the characterstories, its great how you see! Hope you make more videos like this 😌

[@jonathanlochridge9462]

Also, my favorite way to think about philosophy is while outside and walking. Originally the Greek philosophers would walk around and physically exercise while they debated, talked, and recited speeches of older great masters like Plato, Socretes, etc. Philosophy nerds can be active to. As it commonly said: "healthy body, healthy mind".

[@Ranni]

Yeah, I love walks! It puts me my mind in a trance. While walking, I let my mind wander and see if I can latch onto an idea. Or if no idea comes during that time, I feel like they are percolating in my subconscious. Also, I watched a vid recently on Aristotle and how he and his students would walk while talking about philosophy. Also, Albert Einstein loved to go on walks. Walking is great lol.

[@jonathanlochridge9462]

Yeah, it's pretty cool. I actually have a mentor in philosophy, science, and spirituality that I used to go on walks and talk about philosophy and such with. I think the "walk and talk" is one of most interesting ways to deepen almost any type of relationship. On a more scientific angle, our body actually has a whole suite of chemicals and drugs that it naturally makes. And there is actual a clear link between walking and happiness. I had a relative with depression and they were literally prescribed daily walks as part of their treatment plan. It can also noticeably release endorphins in small amounts which are a naturally made painkiller. @@Ranni

[@Jiggelmeister]

This is some pristine audio quality ....🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@arrowrandoman]

Didn't expect such an interesting look at life from the perspective of a naive time-traveller. Thanks for seeing something cool in all the videos you make. I've been binging them, and I have more drive to watch Sonic Prime.

[@k4tzxbeel0vedz]

honestly i didnt expect to be inspired to go read more books by a sonic video out of all things but i really enjoyed this video!!

[@just8or494]

I get the feeling that deep down he comes back to past in idw because he's paranoid that something anything will go wrong.

[@valmid5069]

Cant wait for more great analysis and content!

[@katlise_The_artist_god]

"He's such a small BEAN" Yes He's my Small bean

[@Reset2150676]

awesome

[@Ranni]

Thanks!

[@jonathanlochridge9462]

I didn't even know silver existed till this video, interesting character though. Hope has a lot of value even when things are good. One thing I am suprised you didn't highlight more is how he is optimistic despite literally coming from a bad future. To an extent he knows things will turn out bad unless he changes it. But he still has hope that he can change it. It also illustrates how when you have a strong goal to work towards it is easy to keep away doubt and sadness to a degree. But as you showed, when the goal is fulfilled, it sometimes can leave a void. As to an extent, you achieved your purpose. But then what is next?

[@Greetings8186]

I think it the problems silver had in future growth can also be because he's not used to being in fight mode all the time his whole life is been about survival and saving the future and when thats all gone It feels pretty empty but hey I dont really know alot about philosophy but I really love Silver so yeah :33

[@jonathanlochridge9462]

makes sense, that seems like a more psychological explanation. @@Greetings8186

[@Ranni]

Yeah, you're right. I could've elaborated more on the fact that there's a sort of fixedness to Silver's world. How he knows that the future is bleak, but despite that, decides to take the chance that he can change it.

[@anthonylozinski1917]

Awesome video. I think this video helps show what sets silver apart from sonic and shadow

[@Ranni]

Yeah, Silver is such a great character and I wish the games utilized him more.

[@anthonylozinski1917]

​@@Rannialso just an opinion. I think it cool they have a trinity thing going on. Like shadow the past and grim, Sonic being the present and free, and Silver the future and hope

[@jonathanlochridge9462]

His character design made me think he might have been a girl at first though. @@anthonylozinski1917

[@martijnklaassen3536]

I hope he shows up in Sonic Prime season 3

[@cirnosnumberfan6449]

The Sonic series is ALWAYS cheesy, I don't think that's something to apologize for. Besides, I think most people need a bit of cheesiness in their lives, depending on what they're going through.

[@meta13gaming]

Shorter than expected, but worth the wait!

[@kyleslavik6324]

This was a informative video about Silver thank you.

[@Ranni]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@levihuerta8279]

I think Silver needs his own game to redeem himself from Sonic 06. It’s time for him to shine once more.

[@DragonStar524]

IDW literally has the best versions of these characters. And Silver is no exception.

[@CraftyPawsHedgehog]

This was so POGGERS!!! So awesome!! Amazing!! It's no wonder I love Sonic so much!! Forget Pokémon or DBZ! I outgrew them a long time ago! But Sonic! He keeps me interested!! Even in the worst games, you can find superb moments that have deeper meanings!

[@gabrielmedeiros7871]

Silver is my favourite character in the Sonic franchise, and with Sonic Frontiers expanding the horizon with new mechanics and open world(zone), no doubt that Silver, and others like him such as Blaze (Silvaze for the win), deserve some good tratment as well. Besides, IDW gave him an excellent redemption

[@jaydenthezoahking8473]

Good video, I love it....but did sonic just get flung into space?! Wtf!? Thats some strong ass psychic power!

[@AspenBo]

God, this guy has the coolest channel ever. I admire how he's able to understand characters so well. Even though the whole "its deeper than we thought" thing is kinda cringey. Its fun to think about characters the way he does. :)

[@thedevilstrigoi...7077]

Always a silver lining 😎

[@imanrachschani5340]

I love this videos

[@RavenDarkHeart1]

Silver is adorable

[@StMadga13]

Man I just love the way you make this connections within philosophy and the Sonic universe.Yeah I know this also sounds like I should touch some grass but hell yeah I will go after seeing this video a thousand times

[@Ranni]

Glad you enjoy it! Yeah, it was probably unintentional by the creators, but Sonic and his world has so much depth, and I haven't found a lot of people talking about it.

[@Yuta46563]

because of you're video you so perfect

[@BasementDweller_]

Neat.

[@God_YEK_ToT]

Bro : YEYYYY aren’t you guys happy that you guys tuned into my video (: uummm “ A box full of the antidepressant pills” Me :hey why do we have so many of those? Bro : (SpongeBob noise) i need it!!!!!

[@dommydom8673]

fire vid

[@Ranni]

Thanks!

[@stephenblackman9462]

I used to think I was Shadow, now I know I'm silver :(

[@Ranni]

Nothing wrong with being Silver.

[@reggielacey2235]

dude is too happy jokey in idw

[@PGbutalsofourteenplus]

I don’t think that scene in sonic riders shows silver is naive I think he was just inroing sonic and cause he lives in a ruined future and his chest fur symbolizing maturity I highly doubt he’s childlike at all(just my opinion)

[@Yuta46563]

is my beast video bro

[@sethisevilone02]

yoo silver and blaze are visiting soleanna is the next idw issue!!!!!

[@Ranni]

Gonna have to read it! Also I love your profile pic lmao!

[@SwordMaster3000]

Don't get me wrong this is a good video but how could you possibly forget his greatest appearance? (Issues 57-61 tho I can't remember if he appeared in all of those issues)

[@niclash102]

1:18 isn't it psychokinesis?

[@reggielacey2235]

also what does depression have to do with sonic

[@reektriStar]

Silver is my favorite sonic character it sucks how he was just kinda tossed in the trash in the games

[@jacksondavis3355]

In a simple nutshell… Future Trunks

[@Ranni]

Real lmao. Silver is based on Future Trunks.

[@thearbiter5065]

God bless Ian Flynn

[@epicvoyager5938]

6:30

[@banananananananananananana.]

Silver so silly skrunckle bean Anyways, has anyone ever told you you should start a podcast where you read calming stories to help people sleep or by chance help a hypothetical autistic person during a meltdown and that your voice is extremely calming to said autistic person?/hj

[@Ranni]

Thanks! Yeah I’ve thought about eventually starting a podcast.

[@banananananananananananana.]

@Ranni oh my god I was literally joking that's so fuckin cool I hope that goes well for you. Also thanks a lot for reminding me of one of my first special interests from when I was eleven. Probably gonna spend the rest of September obsessing over it again so let's just hope I sell my soul for a Silver hug.

[@crimsonzone8984]

Here's the thing. Silver isn't really a small bean. Especially when you know how he sounds in the original Japanese dub in the games. Silver being this Cinnamonroll is just as over exaggerated as Shadow being all grrr angry edgy. Sorry, but I don't like how he's done in the IDW comics. I wanna give the comics credit for getting him out of his absurd time travel role. But that monkeyface-like soft boi with the weird large mouth and his power of cartoony feeble graspy aura. That is not Silver the Hedgehog. That is who I call Softie the Cinnamonroll. They did not improve Silver. They'd improved an entirely different person with the same identity and ability.

[@wanderer953]

Good to know I'm not the only one who dislikes idw's characterization of silver.

[@crimsonzone8984]

​@@wanderer953 me too! I really wish that the writers had worked with the more Japanese accurate Silver and made galaxy brain ideas with both him, his allies and the obstacles against them. They could have made really cool artworks out of the panels with his PK if they had done him right. The way they'd handled his PK (and its art) just kinda looked weak to me.

[@xlro8f853]

Silver might need a talk with daddy Shadow 😉

[@musingsofahomeschooler5332]

I would join the discord, but profanity gives me anxiety

[@Ranni]

All good man. Thank you for supporting either way!

[@mishdornots]

og silver is better

[@marrickst.hilaire2679]

He is his time sonic.

[@elbasado481]

Bring back the badass 06 and Archie Silver

[@aidantheweirdo741]

Second comment!!!!!

[@Xverest_]

Third comment!!!! 😂

[@basilplushie2534]

Third comments and knuckle

[@Ranni]

LMAO

[@user-yf9ov2zn1w]

@@Rannican you talk about Starline and his obsession of becoming superior

[@thefastcommenter7774]

First comment!!!