By Published May 12, 2026, 2:57 PM EDT TJ Mills is an editor on ScreenRant's Comic team, where she combines her lifelong passion for DC with her analytical background as a former Intelligence Analyst. Since joining ScreenRant in 2026, she has specialized in covering major DC storylines, character evolutions, and industry developments. follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap
In the early 1990s, SEGA wanted a mascot that could rival Nintendo’s Mario, and that ambition ultimately led to the creation of , who debuted in Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) on the Sega Genesis. The Blue Blur has long since moved beyond his humble 2D beginnings and has become one of the most recognizable and beloved gaming icons, expanding across video games, comics, television, and even live-action films. This summer, however, the world of Classic Sonic is making a return.
The Sonic of the early 1990s is clearly different from the character fans know and love today, both in design and in tone and storytelling. , with straightforward character designs and lighter, more arcade-style narratives. Even so, this original version of the character remains incredibly popular with fans, largely due to nostalgia and the fact that Classic Sonic is often seen as representing the purest version of the franchise.
Now, fans of the Blue Blur won’t have to rely on the fumes of nostalgia alone to get their next hit of Classic Sonic. The original version of the Blue Blur is returning this summer on July 8, 2026, with a brand-new release that doubles as a celebration of Sonic the Hedgehog’s 35th anniversary: Sonic the Hedgehog: 35th Anniversary Special #1.
The World of Classic Sonic Returns This Summer With a New Special
Main Cover by Iasmin Omar Ata for Sonic the Hedgehog: 35th Anniversary Special #1 (2026)
Coming from IDW Publishing is writer Iasmin Omar Ata and artist Thomas Rothlisberger’s oversized Sonic the Hedgehog: 35th Anniversary Special #1, a 48-page issue priced at $7.99 and set to arrive at local comic shops. The special is being released in celebration of Sonic’s fast-approaching 35th anniversary.
As confirmed by the official synopsis, this issue will take fans back to the “world of Classic Sonic,” where Sonic and his friends race against time and the villainous Ivo Robotnik in a new adventure. The story follows Sonic, Tails, and Amy as they travel to Angel Island to visit Knuckles. However, their peaceful reunion quickly takes a turn when a meteor streaks across the sky and crash-lands nearby.
While investigating the impact site, the group discovers that “mysterious lush greenery has instantly sprouted up and around the crater, at the cost of the surrounding plants. But they aren’t the only ones who noticed the meteor’s fiery descent, and Dr. Eggman’s intentions for its mysterious power are far from noble…” As a result, Amy, Tails, Knuckles, and Sonic are forced into a high-stakes race to secure the meteor’s power before Dr. Eggman can exploit it.
Although Sonic, Amy, Tails, and Knuckles appear to take center stage based on the synopsis and cover art, fans can likely expect additional appearances from other classic Sonic characters throughout the story. Alongside the main cover by Omar Ata, the solicitation also highlights variant covers from artists Aaron Hammerstrom and Jennifer Hernandez, as well as another variant from Omar Ata.
With the synopsis promising a “long-anticipated return to the world of Classic Sonic,” it will be especially interesting to see how this setting is adapted for the comic special and whether it successfully captures the tone and energy fans expect. If it delivers, the issue could even help pave the way for more Classic Sonic-focused stories in the future.
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Sonic the Hedgehog: 35th Anniversary Special #1 from IDW Publishing will be available to read on July 8, 2026!
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