We knew this day was coming, but it now feels all too real – Fleetway has published the very last issue of Sonic the Comic, marking the official end of the UK comic’s eight-year print run.
Issue #223 went on sale on Wednesday 28th December in UK store shelves. You can pick it up for £1.50 and it will be available to purchase until 9th January 2002. Although this issue is essentially a reprint, the same as every issue since #185, there is one little surprise included – a two-page obituary written by prominent Fleetway writer Nigel Kitching discussing the evolution of the comic over the years.
During its nearly nine-year existence, Sonic the Comic has sold over five million copies to eager UK kids wanting to read about the latest game-inspired adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. That’s quite an achievement, and the entire team should leave the project with their heads held high at what they have accomplished.
The final reprinted story for #223 is the four-part epic titled ‘The Evil Empire’, in its entirety. The story was originally printed in issue #109, and contains some of Kitching and artist Richard Elson’s best work. Elson also provides a brand new cover just for the reprint, and the issue comes with a free Compass watch as well. We recommend you run out and pick up this piece of comic history before it disappears from our shelves forever.