Sonic ‘Fast Friends Forever’ Campaign Announces Weekly Comics; First Available with Creator Interview & Thoughts

As part of Sega’s recently announced Fast Friends Forever campaign, a series of celebratory events centered around the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, a new weekly comic series, has been revealed.

Fans can “tune in weekly for comics from a wide range of artists that highlight inspiration, community, and teamwork!” Today’s comic was written and drawn by Ian-Jones Quarty.

A brief interview with him was shared, quoted below:

Tell us about yourself!

“Hi There! I’m Ian Jones-Quartey – animator/showrunner/executive producer. I love cloudy days, cartoons, and Sonic!”

What are you known for?

“Most people know me from one of the cartoons I’ve worked on like Steven Universe, Adventure Time, or the show I created, OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes.”

Who is you favorite Sonic character?

“Tough choice! I love something about almost every one of them! But you can never go wrong with choosing Sonic. He’s the best!”

What was your first encounter with Sonic?

“It’s been so long I don’t know if I can remember! I was definitely caught up in the early 90’s Sonic mania where he was in gaming magazines, comic books, TV etc. so I definitely saw him several places and got fascinated by his character design and his world.”

Besides this Sonic comic, do you have anything exciting coming up?

“Everything I’m working on is super-secret for now but hopefully soon you’ll see my name on a new animated series or movie!”

You can view the first Fast Friends Forever comic below:

Additionally, a brief animated video of the artist and writer’s closing thoughts is viewable below:

Closing comments on the comic in this short animated video below! pic.twitter.com/rAZaSEHWlU

— Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) August 9, 2023

Sonic Superstars is a brand-new 2D adventure featuring Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy, taking place on the North Star Islands. New gameplay features include the Emerald Powers when Chaos Emeralds are acquired, such as enabling the ability to create clones or climb waterfalls.

• Sonic series producer Takashi Iizuka has confirmed that no stages from previous 2D Sonic games will appear.
• In case you missed it, check out our announcement coverage comprising screenshots, a trailer, and more.
• View ten minutes of gameplay.
• The game is confirmed to utilize Sonic Mania physics.
• New Key Art
• LEGO Content & Classic Amy Skin
• Producer & Creative Officer Interview
• Character Renders + Profiles
• Opening Animation
• Chaos Emerald Abilities; Character-Specific Levels & More

Further, the visuals have received a notable upgrade, and Fang the Sniper from older Sonic the Hedgehog comics and video games, such as Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, will appear as an antagonist in Sonic Superstars.

Classic Sonic the Hedgehog designer Naoto Oshima has returned with a brand new villain. Fans can also anticipate “movements, physics, and controls feel familiar and appeal to recent and legacy fans alike.” Local four-player co-op will be available throughout the entire story, too.

Sonic Superstars will release digitally and physically for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store in Fall 2023 for $59.99 USD.