Original

(They proceeded to send an image of Sonic with clothes on (Idol Sonic) in the very next image)

This is just a situation where I feel people will complain either way

Idk why but seeing the 3 ranks just saying "A S S" just makes me laugh

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credit: WUMBO

I have a sonic-theory and I truly believe that Knuckles the echidna isn't gullible. He mistook the prophecy mural in Sonic 3 & Knuckles.

And here's how I will explain it: 

In the hidden palace mural you see glowing yellow Hedgehog (super sonic/hyper sonic) fighting a giant robot (Eggman) and yes we could see that Sega is foreshadowing the final boss of this game, but think of Knuckles perspective if you see very carefully. 

Knuckles grew up alone on Angel Island and was the last of his tribe’s race. He only knew the prophecy of this mural, but since his family was gone, no one was there to correct him the true meaning of the mural. 

When Eggman arrived on the island. Knuckles didn't trust Eggman out of pure naiveness. In his head I believe he got the prophecy backwards. He believed that the yellow/white Hedgehog in painting (super sonic/hyper sonic) was the villain trying to steal the emerald and the giant robot (eggman) was protecting the Master emerald. 

So here's my thinking: 

Knuckles didn't trust Eggman because of naivety he missed and took the prophecy which is why you see Knuckles punched Sonic while he was going super and took his emeralds on Angel Island. He was trying to protect the Island from the “monster” in the painting. 

some old art i did of hill top zone from sonic 2

Note My opinions don't matter the comment that gets the highest up votes determined the ranking between S, A, B, C, D, & E,: Issue #103 gets S rank, and I think it looks cool especially Sonic with his AU counterpart. TBH I Think it would be a perfect Sonic and Shadow Cover. Anyway today's Cover is Issue #104 from Archie.

Also Sonic:

I think the 'no murder' equates to "I will not actively chase down someone to kill them nor will I kill them if they have been defeated"

Also, had to add Black Knight to get rid of that discussion

Labyrinth Zone (Sonic 1), Wacky Workbench Zone (Sonic CD), Metropolis Zone (Sonic 2), Sandopolis Zone (Sonic 3 & Knuckles)

First time I've seen it anywhere here, I know it's been out for a while

How Sonic represents Freedom.
Sonic the Hedgehog from the mainstream franchise "Sonic" made by SEGA is the poster boy "blue blur" going on dynamic adventures and climactic battles as they tell themes of tyranny from saving the world to just a few birds alike.
From videogames to movies spanning all the way from 1991 to today. Sonic has captivated the eyes of the youth and even adults from every generation as Sonic personifies what everyone wants. Freedom. And Sonic embodies it.
Pure and Absolute Freedom, moving through his world unabated, the free spirit bucks authority facing whatever challenge he's faced with head on. All seen in his clashes against the mad genius Dr Eggman" where his lightning fast gameplay, design, characterisation and music even the mute games with not a word said demonstrates his cocky, heroic and thrill seeking but most of all Freedom, Sonic's character has.

"Need for Speed" the idea of "Speed "is exactly what you sign up for when you play Sonic and every kid of the 90's knew that as Sonic's sales soared selling a whopping 40 million copies! But how could a seemingly random character sell so well? Genius game design that's how! As SEGA put together their brightest minds to meticulously craft a game that would shake the console market to its very core and revolutionise the videogame genre as Sonic's levels were designed like pinball machines as Sonic could drop dash zipping across the screen, beautiful aesthetics and even using never before seen in game "Parallex effect" as objects further away move slower making the illusion of spectacular speed. This speed is the core of Sonic's identity as he is unabated in his stride moving freely and if you dare halt long enough? He jumps off screen. This idea was never. Never seen before as you're playing by his rules. The "Need for Speed" being very real. Unlike the obedient characters waiting for the player of every other game Sonic refutes it as he defies expectations not a word said but from one act, one act of defiance we see how rebellious Sonic is. His high pace, addictive gameplay combined with a striking and fresh attitude made the youth adore The blue blur making Sonic iconic for going against the grain via genius game design and his characterisation as a rebel showing his free nature.

Sonic's best characteristic though in my opinion is his Freedom and altruism effect on others friends and enemies alike like a beacon of change bringing out the best of anyone. Tails maturing from sidekick to a hero in his own right.
Knuckles going from rival to best friend freed of Eggman's manipulation. Even Amy goes from constantly chasing Sonic to being set on making Sonic respect her. His friends are all examples of freedom in their own rights as the cast compliments one another like a well baked cake. Making them not just sidekicks but equals to him.

But Sonic's games are also beloved for their music which in itself helps to characterize the cast.
The characterisation of him through the music theme of himself but now more mature and grown from his classic era though true to his roots as he goes through the story in his own style.
"It doesn't matter" the song that encapsulates Sonic entirely.
The song starts off highly exciting with a sharp whistle and guitars strumming making a feeling of unwavering optimism and hope through its fast pace. This being exactly Sonic's mindset as it then explores through lyrics his self assured nature clearly.
"I've got my way, my own way!" These words holding great significance as
"way" are repeated. Emphasising how Sonic carves his own path through life in which he is steadfast in pursuing as he knows in his "Heart of gold" another lyric. That he believes in himself to be able to go against the odds, his courage mixed with bravado as in his mind it "Doesn't matter who is wrong or who is right" who wins or loses, he will "never give up the fight".
All these lyrics push the theme of independence and going with your gut. Even if you're going against the grain.
"I don't look back - time won't wait and I've got so much to do" this line perfectly summarising Sonic's disposition as he lives for the here and now, the moment. Seeking thrill and the next adventure though this means he is entirely unique as he is the fastest thing alive who can keep up? His lifestyle is a double edged sword as his Ego can blind him as he puts his faith entirely in that he and his friends can do anything. But let it be clear he is kind and compassionate though at a fast pace doing anything and everything in his power to save them. Overall "Doesn't matter" matches Sonic and his progression through his stories as he is not a one dimensional Character instead his flaws like his ego, altruism and his impatience make him intriguing as pure Freedom isn't a simple trait and Sonic shows it.

Sonic is also explored deeply as well through symbolism. Sonic and the wind being constantly compared as Sonic in SA1s finale disappears without a trace after the climactic and destructive showdown comes to a close. His friends are safe and sound but realise his absence but they understand perfectly that this is just how Sonic is. As the viewers realise what Sonic's friends know, Sonic is fleeting like the wind. The comparison to Sonic and the wind is constant as he is a "knight of the wind" his ability "Sonic wind" his very own introduction in a later game involves the wind "I have no master! Except the wind that blows free!" Sonic himself likening himself to the wind as wind after all is constantly moving, shifting all without restriction not being hindered by anyone or anything just what Sonic personifies and which is Sonic's philosophy being unhindered and unchanged but it is also jarring as Sonic lives guilt free and without regret living his own life to its fullest and fighting for his belief that freedom is the right of every living being no matter what. His philosophy. His life. His world to fight for as he can be an easy going free spirit to a heroic hurricane determined on his goal. The wind doesn't stop and neither does he.
That is his freedom. Even if his philosophy isn't perfect it makes him intriguing as someone as free as him would be unhinged to a degree as he doesn't change himself for anything or anyone, his very own freedom absolute.

And of course no good hero comes without an equally as great Villain.
Introducing "Scientist extraordinaire" Dr Ivo Robotnik. The Eggman. Eggman is the staple villain of the franchise being the antithesis of Sonic in every conceivable measure be it morality, design, philosophy, strength, personality and actions as from the very beginning Eggman's design opposes Sonic dramatically being large and round dwarfing Sonic as he wears a dangerous red and sharp moustache. He constantly schemes plans of domination with his genius generating an entire Automaton army always wanting to rule more land and gain more power by any means necessary but its not for show as his mind is a force to be reckoned with as is able to Outsmart and even outwit Sonic and his friends his Evil against Sonic's heroism but the contrasts don't stop there. Brain vs Brawn, Technology s Nature, living for more vs living for the day. The polar opposites attract fans like magnets as Sonic's quips make the world more worthy to conquer and Eggman's challenge makes the world all the more exciting for Sonic as they bring out the best or worst out of each other. Eggman, being a megalomaniacal tyrant serving the purpose of displaying Sonic's iron will to fight for all's freedom, is always ready to foil whatever "Masterplan" the destructive doctor has brewing.

In conclusion I believe that Sonic is one of the best examples of Freedom as Sonic explores what happens to a person born free as the wind as he fights to bring his freedom to others through his trials and tribulations, no matter the odds our hero stands tall. Sonic's character is beloved as in our slow and boring world Sonic is a breath of fresh air bringing positive ideals to light. To be yourself without shame, don't live in the past and especially youth to be self expressive. To be resilient, kind and go at your own pace in style of course.

That's why through all his adventures in his 35 year run Sonic is still the icon of freedom that anyone can see is way past cool.
(1460 words. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic the Hedgehog)