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Published May 14, 2026, 7:00 PM EDT
Sam Fang primarily covers news for CBR, with over a decade of experience writing about entertainment and pop culture and degrees in both journalism and art.
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Sonic the Hedgehog fans are about to make a long-overdue return to the world of Classic Sonic. A new adventure is on the way, just in time for the franchise's 35th anniversary.
IDW Publishing has shared a new look at Sonic the Hedgehog: 35th Anniversary Special #1, which releases on July 8, 2026. The new one-shot story is written by Iasmin Omar Ata and features art by Thomas Rothlisberger. Some of the most beloved Sonic characters will be making an appearance in the issue, from Knuckles to Tails, Ivo Robotnik, and even Metal Sonic. A special deluxe edition, with interviews from select creators, will also be available in December.
Sonic's 35th Anniversary Story Returns to the World of Classic Sonic
The full solicit from IDW for the anniversary special reveals the trouble the characters will find themselves in on their journey to the world of Classic Sonic. "Sonic, Tails, and Amy are stopping by Angel Island on a sunny day to visit Knuckles when a meteor streaks from the sky and crash-lands below them," it reads.
"While investigating the crash, they find 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…" the solicit continues.
The special will see Sonic returning to its roots in what's sure to be a fan-favorite. The solicit concludes: "It's a race against time (and an evil doctor) in this long-anticipated return to the world of Classic Sonic, just in time for its 35th anniversary!"
Sega has plans to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog throughout 2026, taking a look back at the original 1991 release. Back in January, Sega launched a special anniversary website with details about Sonic's history and other 35th anniversary-inspired content, including a special Sonic Rewind.
An audio adventure, The Chaotix Casefiles, debuted on Jan. 27th as part of the celebrations. Additional content, partnerships, collectibles, and fan experiences are expected to be announced by Sega throughout the year.
IDW's Sonic Comic Series Is Set in the Same Universe as the Beloved Games
Image via IDW PublishingIDW's new Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary Special comes 8 years into the partnership between the comics publisher and Sega. There have been over 80 main issues published by IDW to date, along with several other miniseries, one-shots, and other specials.
IDW's Sonic comics are the first to be set in the same continuity as the game series, starting after the events of 2017's Sonic Forces. The most recent Sonic series from IDW was 2024's Sonic the Hedgehog: Fang the Hunter, a four-part miniseries set in the classic era. As for one-shots, the 35th Anniversary Special follows up on Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, which was released back in March as a prequel to the 2025 video game of the same name.
Sonic the Hedgehog: 35th Anniversary Special #1 goes on sale July 8 from IDW Publishing.
First TV Show The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog
Cast Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Shemar Moore, Idris Elba, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, Lee Majdoub, Jaleel White, Kath Soucie, Christine Cavanaugh, Bradley Pierce, Charlie Adler, Jim Cummings, Rob Paulsen, Cree Summer, Frank Welker, Roger Craig Smith, Mike Pollock, Travis Willingham, Nika Futterman, Kirk Thornton, Wally Wingert, Brian Drummond, Deven Mack, Ashleigh Ball, Adam Nurada, Shannon Chan-Kent, Ian Hanlin, Kazumi Evans, Vincent Tong
Created by Yuji Naka, Naoto Ohshima, Hirokazu Yasuhara
English (US) · 