Sonic the Hedgehog: Free Comic Book Day Edition 2007

From the Random Stack of Unread Comics by way of Free Comic Book Day 2007.

Title: Sonic the Hedgehog: Free Comic Book Day Edition
Date: 2007
Publisher: Archie Comics / Sega
Writer: Ian Flynn
Penciler: Tracey Yardley
Inker: Jim Amash
Letterer: John Workman
Colorist: Jacob Jensen
Editor: Mike Pellerito
Cover: Pat "Spaz" Spaziante

Eggman captures Sonic and uses a device to take control of him and turn him against his friends. Knuckles realizes that it's going to take a big punch to the head to get Sonic back in control of himself, and the fight is on.

This was fairly simple in terms of plot, and it could have worked just as well with fewer of the supporting cast, who didn't do much besides try to get in Sonic's way and get knocked down.

I did like the tease of a bit of intrigue between Eggman and Snively.

All in all, this was a decent look at what the series has to offer, and  should work well for a younger audience who knows the video games, but may not have read any of the comics.

Rating: 6/10

Pep Comics Free Comic Book Day Edition

Still working my way through the FCBD stack. This is a 2011 freebie.

Title: Pep Comics
Date: May, 2011
Publisher: Archie Comics
Writer: Dan Parent
Penciler: Dan Parent
Inker: Jim Amash
Letterer: Patrick Owsley
Colorist: Digikore Studios
Editor: Victor Gorelick

Following an afternoon of reminiscing about the rival clubs they had as kids, Betty and Veronica decide it's time to form a new Archie Club to help out latchkey kids around town who need some good after-school activities. But a Jughead prank soon has Veronica setting up a club of her own in the Lodge Rec Room.

Now that they're older, can the gang avoid the rivalries that split up their clubs when they were kids? And can they get past those rivalries for the sake of helping out the younger generation?

While nothing particularly shocking or unexpected goes on here, this story is logical, good-natured, and satisfying.

Rating: 7/10