DC x Sonic the Hedgehog: Metal Legion #3: Metallic Madness!

The infighting has reached an apex, as the double-crosses uncross, and Eggman shows he’s just as intelligent as Lex. As Sonic fans know though, the Doctor doesn’t keep sapient company for long, preferring his own android army to fill the place of those he can’t control. The Metal Legion have great designs, especially Metal Black Manta, his helmet lends itself incredibly well to the Metal Sonic design pillars. The first page showcases as again more unique character pairings. Jet and Kiteman are just too funny. Batgirl and Tangle are a cute pairing too, would love to see more of them. Seeing the Legion of Doom partying is funny, especially Black Manta’s two party hats. This issue especially reminded me of the old Sonic and Mega Man crossover run, especially with all the metal duplicates we meet this time.

A moment that really made me laugh was Lex’s scandalised face as he realised he was duped by Rouge. Don’t tell me he really had feelings for her–! Way too funny. The difference between Lex and Eggman is that Lex is willing to trust other humans, but Eggman never will. Does Eggman have a bigger ego? Is he so detached from his own humanity? These are interesting questions that are enjoyable to see explored within such a generally light-hearted book, and things we haven’t seen explored since the old Archie days, as there just haven’t been characters introduced within the Sonic mythos that can fill these roles (other than the brilliant Dr Starline).

Some fabulous art from ABT yet again, always pushing the poses as much as possible. It’s always fantastic to see Eggman presented with so much menace, the final page with his huge fists and weaponry is a standout. As expected, the new pairs of characters will have to step-up to aid the Justice League. Funny that Big the Cat doesn’t seem to have a costume. Dr Eggman has built yet another Death Egg, or in this case, The Doom Egg. He just can’t help himself. The heroes will need all the help they can get to take this down. Help from Lex Luthor even? As he frees the main League members in order to take down the traitorous Eggman.

This is pretty much the issue I was waiting for. The other shoe has dropped, no more villain alliance, a clear goal and a whole lot of action. If this builds, my annoyance with the pace of the first two issues may be forgiven, as I think this is headed to a really fun place. The dynamic between Lex and Eggman really is the blackened heart of this book, their banter and antagonism, the betrayal and begrudging respect. While I enjoy the focus on all the new characters, I do hope we get a bit more of Sonic and the core cast soon.