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This miniseries takes place between Sonic the Hedgehog #36 — Sonic the Hedgehog #37

Sonic's Friendly Nemesis Knuckles Publication Details Issue  2 Date Published  June 1996 Publisher  Archie Comics Production Staff Cover Artist Patrick Spaziante Harvey Mercadoocasio Writer Ken Penders Mike Kanterovich Pencils Art Mawhinney Inks Harvey Mercadoocasio Letters Mindy Eisman Colors Kyle Hunter Editor Freddy Mendez-Gabrie Managing Editor Victor Gorelick Editor in Chief Richard Goldwater First Appearances Characters Mechanaut Sandcrawler Locations Nekronopolis Citadel of Darkness

Archie Knuckles Miniseries Issue 2 was the second issue of the Knuckles Miniseries.

SummaryEdit

Story OneEdit

"Rites of Passage" - Part Two

Having been banished to the Sandopolis Zone by Enerjak, Knuckles and Archimedes start making their way out of the desert, only to be attacked by a Sandcrawler. After remarking that it's the largest of its kind that he's ever seen, Knuckles muses on its ability to track its prey through heat just as the creature comes for him again. Archimedes draws its attention with a blast of his fire breath, and leads the creature towards a rock, which it strikes, killing it. Knuckles then makes a meal of the creature, cooked by Archimedes, before asking the Fire Ant to explain previous remarks regarding his people saving the Echidnas.

Archimedes explains that the Fire Ants have been present on what is now the Floating Island for many of the major events of its history, including its being lifted from the continent of Downunda using Chaos Emeralds. Unbeknownst to the Echidnas, the Ants aided them in this endeavor by using their super strong mandibles to chew away the rock binding the island to the surface, allowing the island to escape the White Comet. After noting that this was but one of many instances of the Ants stepping in to assist the Echidnas, he recites the incident surrounding Dimitri's transformation into Enerjak, and how the Ants ate the foundations of his fortress in order to bring it down upon him, creating Mount Fate and seemingly burying him forever.

The account concludes with the revelation that ever since Enerjak's initial defeat, the Fire Ants have continued to assist the Echidnas down through the generations. Archimedes then explains that his previous encounters with Knuckles have been tests to determine his readiness to deal with future tasks, only for Enerjak to make his return. Realizing that Enerjak has had centuries to plan his revenge, Knuckles determines that they must make their way back to the Grand Conservatory before those plans can come to fruition. Unbeknownst to the pair, Enerjak has already made his way to the former site of Echidnaopolis, upon which he raises his new capital of Nekronopolis using his power over the Chaos Force.

Back in Sandopolis, the desert heat takes a toll on Knuckles, who longs for water and food, only to notice Archimedes upon contemplating the latter. He pops the Fire Ant into his mouth, but Archimedes escapes by letting loose a puff of fire breath. After Archimedes berates his companion, the two press on, but Knuckles is nearly overcome by the desert heart. Just as Knuckles is about to give in, a vision of Knuckles' father Locke appears, offering his son encouragement. The beleaguered pair follow the vision, which leads them to an unexpected oasis in the desert. After recuperating and gathering some supplies, the two press on, Knuckles noting that some unseen force led them to the oasis, which then disappears behind them. The two briefly ponder the mysterious circumstance, only to notice the completed Nekronopolis ahead of them.

Infiltrating the city, Knuckles dispatches one of the many Mechanauts on patrol, and the pair make their way to Enerjak's citadel. They then attack several guards at the entrance, bringing the entire army down on them-exactly according to Knuckles' plan. The pair infiltrate the citadel, closing the main gate behind them and destroying several more Mechanauts. As they make their way deeper into the fortress, Knuckles notes with some suspicion that they have met very little resistance. His fears are confirmed as he is tripped by an unseen assailant, stung on the head, hit with a sonic blast, and struck by a super-strong punch. Knuckles gets to his feet as his assailants-Espio, Charmy, Vector, and Mighty-reveal themselves, and Knuckles realizes that he must defeat the brainwashed Chaotix if he is to reach Enerjak.

QuotesEdit

Key EventsEdit

• Knuckles and Archimedes nearly get eaten by a Sandcrawler.
• Archimedes tells the story of Angel Island's ascension and the fall of Dimitri from his people's perspective.
• Knuckles' father Locke provides a hidden oasis for Knuckles to drink from.
• Enerjak creates the city of Nekronopolis.
• Knuckles manages to infiltrate Nekronopolis and locates the Chaotix, only to find them under Enerjak's mind control.

Background InformationEdit

• This issue provides a map of Nekronopolis.
• The Mechanauts marching and chanting in front of Enerjak's citadel are a nod to the Winkies who guard the palace of the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz film.
• In this issue, the Chaotix have glowing eyes when controlled by Enerjak. In the next issue, their eyes don't glow.