Sonic The Hedgehog is someone who really needs no introduction. Since 1991 this series has captured the hearts of many, and has appeared in countless games, TV shows, and now three smash hit movies. While his history may not have all been smooth sailing, there are some stand out moments that shouldn't be missed, and the very much overlooked anime Sonic X is one of them.
What is Sonic X?
Sonic X is the one and only full anime series for Sonic The Hedgehog. It was produced by TMS Entertainment, and aired from April 2003 until April of 2005; with the infamous 4Kids handling the English release. During that time, 78 episodes were produced across three seasons, and the stories told were a mixture of all new original content, and adaptations of popular Sonic video games.
The series was handled in a way that allowed new fans to jump in and watch without knowing a single thing about Sonic, but at the same time it provided plenty of references and callbacks for the existing fans. This made it a great fit for 4Kid's Saturday Morning Cartoon block, which aired on 4Kids TV (formally known as Fox Box). Despite mainly staying faithful to the original Japanese release, the English version of Sonic X was altered to meet kid programming standards in the West, and this in-return has caused two versions of the show to exist.
As it stands today, Sonic X is available to watch in both full English, and in Japanese with English subtitles. The English dubbed version includes the removal of realistic gun sound effects, revised dialogue to remove curse words (which were previously said in English even in the Japanese release), removed scenes with suggestive dialogue or content, toned back some of the violence, and even cut out some of the death. This makes the English Dub a much more "kid friendly" series, with an age rating of TV-Y7. The Japanese version with English subtitles is for sure a different story.
Surprisingly the series does have quite a few adult jokes throughout, action scenes can get quite violent, and one scene in particular is extremely emotional. Sonic and his friends do in fact cuss and use harsh language in both English and Japanese, and there are some scenes that may be frightening to younger children. This puts the show at an age range more in line with what you would expect out of the TV-14 series, but it was still considered a show for kids in Japan; it is simply a difference in what is considered appropriate in different regions.
With that being said, the core story remains the same in both versions, but those who want the full experience will only find it in the subtitled version.
But there is a lot more to Sonic X than just the facts. The show had three great seasons, and each one was unique enough to stand on their own. While earlier episodes were a lot more stand alone, the series eventually evolved into multi-episode story arcs, with the final season being a grand adventure through the universe. The anime itself was also a major influence on the Sonic The Hedgehog Movies, and that fact becomes quite clear from Episode 1.
Sonic X Season 1:
The first season of Sonic X begins with Sonic and his friends attacking Dr. Eggman's base as they attempt to take out his newest creations. Eggman has gathered all seven Chaos Emeralds, and are now using them as a type of power amplifier. Of course Sonic is able to put a stop to the machine, but unfortunately the Emeralds react and cause a space time event to occur called "Chaos Control." Everyone within the area is sucked in, and the next thing Sonic knows he is waking up in an unfamiliar location; Earth.
Episode 1 focuses on Sonic running through the city streets trying to figure out what is going on. He gains the attention of the police, and even goes up against a race car driver because the cops can't catch him. They don't know what he is, he doesn't know where he is, and the entire episode is spent showing off Sonic's cocky attitude that stems from him being the fastest thing alive. This joy run is cut short however, as Sonic soon finds himself at the bottom of a pool. Just like in the games Sonic can't swim, and he quickly realizes this is it for him.
That is, until he is saved by a young boy named Chris Thorndyke.
Chris saw Sonic fall into his family's pool, and he sneaks out of the mansion in the middle of the night to save him. Despite being unsure of what Sonic is, he takes him in, introduces him to his inventor grandfather Chuck, and the two finally learn exactly what happened. It becomes quite clear that they will need to find a way to send Sonic back home, but their plans are quickly cut short when news reports of "strange creatures" start popping up. This is when Sonic realizes he isn't alone, and that means he can't return home until he saves his friend as well. To make matters worse, Dr. Eggman made the jump to Earth as well, and he has not given up on his plans of taking over the world... They've just be adjusted to taking over a "new world."
Going forward, Season 1 focuses on Chris, Chuck, and other family members and staff that work at their mansion, as they attempt to help Sonic and his friends reunite and make it back home. Early episodes are much more episodic, with each one focusing on a different friend of Sonic's, and eventually they too join him back at the mansion. The world slowly learns of their existence as well, but initially they attempt to keep their activities as secret as possible. Along the way they realize they need to collect the Chaos Emeralds to return, making this their main goal for the remainder of Season 1.
Overall the season is a quick 26 episode adventure, and it a completely original story of Sonic and his friends trying to make it in a brand new world. But needless to say, they do not make it home.
Sonic X Season 2:
Season 2 of Sonic X is quite a bit different from the first. While returning home is still a major plot point, this is the season that begins adapting the video game storylines.
The first story arc adapted is none other than Sonic Adventure. This story focuses on Knuckle's tribe, the mysterious monster Chaos, Tikal, and Dr. Eggman's E-100 series of robots. It isn't an exact retelling of the game, but it incorporates many plot points, and gives Chris and his family a role in the story as well. By this point the people of Earth are also familiar with Sonic and his friends, so they look up to them as heroes more than as unknown alien threats.
Considering Season 2 also only has 26 episodes, the pace of the stories are much quicker this time around. The Sonic Adventure story ends on Episode 6, and instantly transitions into Sonic Adventure 2.
The Sonic Adventure 2 arc focuses on Dr. Eggman, who was apparently originally from Earth, his grandfather Dr. Gerald Robotnik, his involvement with the Earth government and "Project Shadow," and the fate of his granddaughter Maria. Like in the original game, this story introduces Shadow The Hedgehog, and begins his rivalry with Sonic and his friends. The English version does remove quite a few of these fights, as Shadow himself is quite brutal, and it removes the line that directly states Maria was killed. Maria's death had a major influence on Shadow, but the English release makes it seem like she was simply "taken away."
Moving forward, the Shadow arc does take the series to the Space Colony Ark, and concludes in a similar way to the original game. Shadow's fate is left "unknown," and the remaining characters return to Earth.
The next handful of episodes are once again anime original stories. Team Chaotix appears at the Space Colony Ark and acted as a type of promotion for the then upcoming Sonic Heroes video game, and viewers once again get to see the daily lives of different characters living on Earth; something the last two stories didn't fully allow. This eventually leads into a short adaptation of Sonic Battle, with Emerl being introduced into the core cast. Emerl's story plays out quite a bit differently here, and may possibly be one of the saddest moments in all of Sonic X.
Following the Sonic Battle storyline, the final episodes of the season are focused on getting everyone back home. It is revealed that the Earth is in danger as long as Sonic and his friends remain, so Chuck and Tails get to work on a device to send them back. Ultimately they are successful, and Chris and Sonic are forced to say their goodbyes. Sonic and co return home, and life goes on...
Sonic X Season 3:
The final season of Sonic X was a grand send off, to say the least. It has been many years since Sonic left Earth, and Chris is now 18 years old. He misses his friends and looks back on the good old days often, so he gets to work on building a portal that will hopefully allow him to visit. Unknown to him however, time flows differently between worlds, and for Sonic and his friends very little time has passed. Also unfortunately for Chris, despite the portal's success, he finds himself in Sonic's world during the middle of a crisis.
A new alien threat called the Metarex is attacking, and Sonic finds himself at a loss when the planet's life source is stolen along with the Chaos Emeralds. Additionally, a young alien girl named Cosmo has come to seek Sonic's help, as the Metarex continue to jump from planet to planet killing all life in the process. Despite now appearing as a 12 year old again for some unknown reason, Chris has matured greatly since his last encounter with Sonic, and now more than ready to help his friends face this new threat. Together, they board a space ship, and take off for the stars.
Unlike the previous two seasons, Season 3 is a full on space opera. Much of the season takes place on the space ship as they travel from planet to planet, with each location being unique. The Metarex remain the main threat across the entire season, with Cosmos and her past also being a major focus. Cosmos herself becomes the main love interest for Tails as well, with his feelings for her becoming a major driving force behind his own actions. Of course nearly every major character appears in this final season as well, with the exception of the human characters left on Earth.
Needless to say, this change to the show's format will either be loved or hated by those who watch it. It is completely different from everything that came before, and puts Sonic and his friends in a completely new situation not seen in any games. Season 2 does in fact put an end to the original story for those who want to stop there, but for anyone who enjoys space operas, Season 3 does have a satisfying conclusion to the series as a whole. This season was also hit heavy with censorship however, so those going into it should be aware of this fact before choosing which version to watch.
Should You Watch Sonic X?
If you like Sonic The Hedgehog, then Sonic X really is a must watch. While the human characters might put off some, the series as a whole is simply a fun time from start to finish. Back in 2003 it was nice finally seeing a show adapt modern Sonic, and that hasn't changed over 20 years later. The art style was fitting, both the English and Japanese opening songs are catchy, and the show offered pretty much everything a Sonic fan could ask for. No, it isn't perfect, but some pacing issues aside, it is a great watch from start to finish. Those who are looking into watching the series should just be aware of the major change in Season 3, but Seasons 1 through 2 are a complete story on their own.
Where to watch Sonic X in 2025:
Currently you can watch Sonic X at the following locations.
YouTube Via TMS Official Channel (Dub)
Hulu (Sub and Dub)
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