Breaking News ticker

Not to be confused with the Breaking News! feature that debuted in the same issue.

Breaking News is a rolling news feed that appeared in the Control Zone of Sonic the Comic Online. Running from Issue 251 to Issue 255 and then again from Issue 258 to Issue 268, as well as Sonic the Easter Special, the information service provided snippets of important news stories that took place during the New Robotnik Empire's invasion of Mobius. Throughout its run, the feature introduced several new or game-related Zones and often provided a comical spin on the war.

Although the feature itself is uncredited, at least two writers (Charles Ellis and Nam) have mentioned their involvement in the Message Zone).

List of stories[]

Issue 251[]

ELDORADO ZONE UNDER ATTACK! - Residents of the Zone blasted the invasion with the following statement, "A very unsophisticated entrance, I'm afraid. Their dress code was completely out of order!" Zonerunners have arrived to help, but are having trouble negotiating entrance to the zone until all troops undergo mandatory manners sessions.

BRIDGE ZONE SABOTAGE! - Burrowbot and Grounder forces have been confirmed to be working as saboteurs in the Bridge Zone, attempting to cut links from South Island and the mainland. Civilians have been requested to keep an eye out.

TURQUOISE HILL FREEDOM FIGHTERS HONOURED - The Zone leader awarded the team the Victoria Saltire for their work. Group leader Tux noted with pride that his comrade Tufftee had been captured eight times and beaten up a further five, “but he keeps coming back for more!”.

Issue 252[]

This feature was taken over by Doctor Robotnik.

YOU ARE ALL GOING TO DIE! - The Resort Island Zone has been beaten into the ground, its splendour despoiled and its people enslaved. The Odour Zone fell in an unstoppable para-Trooper raid, laying waste to everything of emotional value. This fate awaits you all! Surrender and it’ll be quicker!

Issue 253[]

STARLIGHT ZONE WINS VICIOUS AIR BATTLE! - The Starlight Zone Air Corps and High-Range Flying Group successfully routed an attack by Buzzer Uberniks. Wing Commander Feathering stated: “We’ve seen the result of Robotnik’s saturation bombing, and he’s not going to do it here.”

ADABAT COAST CONTINUES TO FALL - The Jungle Joyride Zone has come under horrific attack, with half the Zone now overrun. The King has ordered the Royal JJ Navy to evacuate civilians and the government, rather than join the battle. It is the third Adabat Zone to be conquered.

ODOUR ZONE LIBERATED - After months of fierce fighting, the Underground Movement have succeeded in defeating the Odour Zone occupation. Heliports and Badnik posts were sabotaged before Marcel Skunk himself led a raid on Robotnik’s local command hub.

Issue 254[]

D.R.A.T. FOILED BY POLICE! - The Doctor Robotnik Appreciation Tribe were once again foiled by Metropolis Police yesterday. They had been planning to organise and coordinate a strike that would ensure every car radio in Metropolis would be locked onto Miss Gogo's latest single Blackjack Head on repeat while the engine was turned on. Witnesses were described as showing immense relief at the failure of the plan, with Mr Robin Holms, 45, commenting, "This would have stopped all car traffic in the city!" Police apparently learned of the plan when DRAT attempted to use a social networking site to plan their attack, but forgot to turn it off of "public" in the viewing settings.

LEAK FOUND IN CHEMICAL PLANT - The reported leak in the Chemical Plant has been discovered. According to Chicio Marxio, CEO of the plant "I was misquoted, I didn't say we'd found a leak, I meant to say we found a leek, and it was delicious in soup."

INTERNET VIRUS CLAIMS MORE SITES - Several hundred more sites have all been hit by the RoboVi virus that has been doing the rounds. Leading tech experts are looking into the situation, but critics suggest results are to be 'dissappointing considering the history'. A lead expert said "I would not be surprised if more people are affected", and warned people to stay off any sites that began with an S."

NEW FACTORY "DECLARED LEGIT" - A new factory, previously thought to be a Robotnik munitions camp was revealed to be a cuddly toy factory. The owner, Fredde Le Bleu, said "We do not blame G.U.N, if we were in their shoes, we'd've raided us too. But I assure you, this is a perfectly legitimate, toymaking company, and certainly not a smuggling ring."

Issue 255[]

SONIC CONVENTION UNDER THREAT! - The largest organised convention of outlaw Sonic the Hedgehog supporters is due to take place this weekend in the Metropolis Zone. Rumours say Robotnik is preparing an army of troopers to storm the gathering as a show of force. Organiser Norris Wimple is quoted as saying this "celebration of Mobius' greatest hero will go ahead as planned, we believe in you, Sonic!"

DON'T FORGET ROBOTNIK'S BIRTHDAY! - In response to no one remembering his birthday, Robotnik has taken control of the Earthland Zone and troopers are forcing all residents to sing "Happy Birthday" continuously until he feels better. So far the forced celebrations have lasted 20 hours...

Sonic the Easter Special[]

ESTHER BUNNY EVACUATED IN DARING RAID - Esther Bunny, the billionaire confectionary mogul and philanthropist, has been rescued from the conquered Dolphin Resort Zone. Birds from the 101st Airboard Division were able to evade Badnik patrols and bring Bunny back to Metal City, preventing Robotnik from carrying out his threat to "spoil Easter for all the little kiddies".

EGG ON THEIR FACES: CHILDREN FORCED TO CLEAN UP THE GREEN HILL ZONE - Yesterday afternoon, in the Green Hill Zone, a group of children were forced by authorities to clean up the iconic Green Hill loops following their annual egg-rolling Easter event. The eggs are reported to have rolled down the hill with no issue, but did not gain sufficient momentum to make it all the way around the loop. They smashed on the monument and made a grand old mess of things. An investigation into the incident has begun following enraged parents writing to the Zone Leader. Authorities are now looking into "abuse of power", "heavy-handed law-keeping", and "whose idea was it to build a loop in the middle of the path anyway?"

Issue 258[]

SUMMER'S CHILL - Local's were confused this week as the weather dramatically dropped from what meteorologists were calling "Gloriously sunny and warm", to "So cold you'll think it's already Christmas". The sudden drop was initially suspected to be the work of weather boffin Windy Wallace, until police chiefs assured the public she was still in jail for her last efforts to end summer early. As one weather expert told us "despite how freakishly unnatural it seems, the weather can drop like that, and it happens every year. It's just this is the first time it's not been the fault of some wrong 'un".

POLLING DAZE - Citizens of the Moonshine Plains Zone headed for the polls yesterday to select a new zone leader. Incumbent Bucky O' Bear is running on a platform of "Hoping for the best" after having spent his years in office keeping the zone defended from numerous Badnik attacks and Fabian Vane concerts, while his challenger, Hick Monkey has campaigned for months with the slogan "It's my turn darn it!" - the result is expected to be announced after the raffle for the new Sheriff...

BINGO HIGHWAY HOSTAGE CRISIS IS LIFTED - The Badniks holding Bingo Highway hostage have been destroyed, after a crack raid by enraged pensioners. Diedre Oldfash, the militia leader, told press, "I don't care who they are, it's Bingo Night and no one's keeping me out!" The freed hostages are being treated for severe tedium - more soon...

Issue 259[]

ADABAT CAMPAIGN 'IN STALEMATE' - The Badniks and Adabat Collective Security forces have now been in stalemate for nine days, ending the rapid conquest of Adabat's coastal zones. Field Marshall Pongo is credited with the turnaround. "Let's just say some Zones weren't being very collective with front-line supplies," he told the press.

SPEAR ASSAULT: 'HE LOOKED DODGY' - S.P.E.A.R. have refused to apologise for attacking ex-supervillain Loot the Treasure Seeker, with the soldier involved saying "he looked suspicious". "If our men see a guy called Loot creeping around people's windows, of course they'll assume he's a threat," added Captain Bluee. Loot has been working as a window cleaner ever since he was released from prison.

DON LONG-LEGS WINS DEFAMATION CASE - Casino Night businessmen Donovan Long-Legs has won a £1m defamation lawsuit against KBC's Pananana, who mentioned rumours that he is the boss of the notorious Family. Speaking outside the court, Mr Long-Legs said that he'd been suffering "speciesist remarks" for months and hoped people would stop "if they know what's good for 'em".

Christmas Special 2012[]

FATHER CHRISTMAS STILL EXISTS, SAY MILITARY HEADS - After examining all allied intelligence, Free Mobius’s United Intelligence Committee has said there is no evidence that Robotnik really has assassinated Father Christmas. The despot has hacked into children’s TV broadcasts and made this claim for the past three days. “We can confirm this is just propaganda,” said a UnIC spokesman. “The concept is ludicrous,” said Dr Wilhelm Goht, head of the University of Metropolis’ Department of Supernatural Stuff. “We know Father Christmas is invisible to soulless machines and capable of instant teleportation, it would be impossible for Robotnik to harm him.”

THE FINAL ISSUE OF THE FLASHY - The Flashy published its final print issue this month and will now be a digital comic. “We’d love to stay in print but today’s kids are more likely to go online for their fix,” said editor Korky.

RESPITE FOR CINEMA-GOERS - Mobian movie lovers are finally in the clear after Breaking Dusk Part 2, the final part of the Midnight Saga reaches its last week in theatres. Stars Bobbet Fatnglum, Wailer Llama and Listless Stowrat are all expected to fade into obscurity. Llama, winner of KBC Entertainment's "Broodiest Beefcake 2011" award had this to say: "Herrrrp, derp derp. Derrrrrrrrrrrp."

Issue 260[]

GEE GEE CHILLI DOG SCANDAL DEEPENS - The recent Pananana expose on Uncle Gee Gee's chilli dog emporium has left the fast food outlet on the verge of bankrupcy almost overnight, owing to revelations about what goes into their menu being brought to light on the programme last week. A spokesman for the company was quoted as saying that he "couldn't see what all the fuss was about" and there was "nothing wrong" with neglecting to tell customers that their food in fact contained "100% meat free products." But campaigners are demanding to know what they've been eating all this time, and "does anyone know when the chip shop opens?" When asked if he'd like to comment himself on the issues, CEO Uncle Gee Gee would only reply in a rasping tone as he was in fact a little hoarse...

DOLPHIN RESORT DEFIANT - A pirate radio station named EK-0 has been broadcasting news from the occupied Dolphin Resort Zone: the first sign of a resistance movement. EK-0's transmission is repeatedly jammed by Robotnik but comes back each time. In fact, the station opens each broadcast with "You can't stop the signal", mocking the Doctor's inability to stop them. The Aquatic Capital Zone will not confirm or deny plans to smuggle blasters & microputers to any Dolphin Resort Freedom Fighters.

WHO IS DEFENDING THE INTERNET? - Should Robotnik have conquered more of cyberspace? A report by Free Mobius' Unified Intelligence Committee suggests that an "abnormally high" amount of the internet is free of his control. "Either Robotnik is holding back, which doesn't fit his MO," said UnIC's Learners the Bee, "or there's an unknown person or persons defending the net. And frankly, we don't know who would have the time and power to do that without being known." More on this as it develops...

Issue 261[]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOOMERS! - Congratulations to Mr Bobby Boomers, the Green Hill Zone's oldest living resident, who today celebrated his birthday with friends and loved ones in the garden of his family home and reflected on living in the area all his life. "Of course, I remember when all this was fields," he joked, relaxing in his deck chair under the shade of his prize winning palm trees. When asked what changes he'd witnessed growing up in his time in the zone he replied "Y'know, folks say it's not the same round here since Sonic and those freedom fighters came along." "But I'll tell you what," he added, "there hasn't been a dull moment since and I hope I never stop hearing about their adventures!" All the team wish Boomers a very happy birthday and many more to come.

Issue 262[]

EMERGENCY - MISSILE HEADING FOR EMERALD HILL! - G.U.N. are reporting that a Mega-Mack missile will hit central Emerald Hill Zone in four minutes - all citizens must take shelter immediately. Tails and the Ultimax attempting to intercept. More on this story as it develops...
WOOD ZONE SAVED BY BRAVE RESIDENT - Joe Doe was given a medal yesterday, after his quick thinking saved the Wood Zone from being overrun by Badniks. "I was on my way to a party in my Trooper costume," he said modestly, "and thought that Robotnik can't remember every Zone he's conquered, right?" Stevens spent forty minutes arguing with the Badnik invasion force and Robotnik himself that they'd already seized it last week, which gave the Zone Guard time to seek aid and launch an inter-Zone strike. "I'm glad they turned up when they did, because the Doctor had just asked me why there was only one Trooper for the whole Zone."
"NEW ZONES" CUT OFF CONTACT - Years after the "Worlds Collide" incident, the first new portal to the planet Shanazar has opened up. Unfortunately the Shanazar representative has decided to seal off the portal from their end. "A massive war with Robotnik?! I ain't getting involved in that!", he told reporters while fleeing a random Badnik attack.

2013 Hallowe'en Special[]

SKELETON CREW ATTACKS EARLY - The ghostly Skeleton Crew, foretold to plague the Emerald Hill Zone every fifty years on Halloween, began their attack almost four decades early. Unlike previous attacks, this time the Skeleton Crew carried out a Tweeter campaign so everyone would know they were coming. "We heard that tourism has been down since the war started," they told the press, "and we wanted to do our bit to help the local economy."
RESIDENTS ENCOURAGE VISITORS TO SEE MOBIUS' DREAMING SPIRES - Inhabitants of the Silent Spire Zone have warmly extended an invitation to curious travellers interested in visiting the local Hallowe'en festival in the heart of their cosy village. Organisers stress that entry is free to all mobians wishing to escape their troubles with the ongoing hostilities of war for an enchanted evening, but also advise that dressing up will be strongly encouraged and there are prizes awarded for best outfits. Local law enforcers have announced that any strange goings on being reported in the area during the festival will be taken in the spirit of the time of year, but assured the public that they should still remain vigilant in these times of heightened security...
GHOST IMPERSONATES OLD MAN TO COMMIT CRIMES - More on this story as it develops...

Space Channel 5 Special[]

GALACTIC TOP TEN
- 10) Actually This Is A Love Song - Peter Android
- 9) Space Harrier - Babylon Zoo
- 8) This Is My Happiness - Naofumi Hataya
- 7) Summertime Lovin' - Mordecai & The Rigbys
- 6) Buy My Christmas No.1, Girl - Fabian Vane
- 5) Be Nice Or Die (We Mean It) - Krampus & Zwarte Piet
- 4) Pala Paya (cover) - Boss Hoorg
- 3) Waiting For a Star to Fall (cover) - Ristar
- 2) Mexican Flyer - Ken Woodman & His Piccadilly Brass
- 1) Groove is in the Heart - Deee Lite

Issue 263[]

"APOCALYPTIC" SUNSHINE CONTINUES FOR FOURTH WEEK - Dozens have been left homeless and transport has ground to a halt in the Soggy Bog Zone, as the abnormally long sunny days continue to wreak havoc. Reconstruction may be slower than first thought, as sources in the Zone Leader's office told us "half the kitty was given to this supervillain, Feather Dan the Weather Man, as a ransom payment. Then we found out it was just the weather after all. We all feel a bit stupid about that."
TALK OF THE TOWN - Percival Kane returns to airwaves this evening with a brand new series of his hit talk show Kanetalk. The enigmatic owner of broadcaster KBC has promised that there's no guest too big for the media tycoon to get for his show, "Although that fugitive hedgehog won't return my calls for some reason" he joked to reporters outside KBC studios. Tonight's line-up includes glamorous Mewtube sensation Kitty Perri, discussing her successful rehab after being addicted to snapping selfies. Joining them, actor Pex Ripple will be visiting to promote his latest box office offering "Explosion Guy" and head of the controversial Paramilitary organisation S.P.E.A.R, the elusive Mr. Gold, will be giving a world exclusive interview about his plans for the future of the organisation. Music provided by Justin Beaker live via Egg Cam... be sure to tune in!
CHAOTIX IN NET SPY SHOCK - The Chaotix Crew have been spying on internet traffic and email metadata, according to leaks sent to The Gizoid newspaper. It has been learned that the Crew can teleport themselves into cyberspace and physically sift through your data. "Well, yes, we're trying to stop Robotnik conquering the internet and causing hideous damage," Vector the Crocodile told reporters. When asked whether there was any oversight on their activity, he stared blankly for a full ten seconds before saying "Judge Smith, yeah, he's in the Something Hill Zone". The Zone Leader for Something Hill has denied a Judge Smith lives there. This could explain the "Mighty is a loser" messages that appeared on 10,000 PC desktops last month.
BEAKY'S LEAKS OWNER VICTIM OF "MISTAKEN IDENTITY" - Metropolis Zone resident Julian L'Orange today received a full page apology in "The Mobe" for an article which appeared recently, linking his plumbing company "Beaky's Leaks" with the controversy surrounding the emerging 'Bob Beaky' scandal. The Metropolis Zone plumber had to go into hiding after being chased by angry mobs following the story confusing his business with the alter ego of the fugitive Sonic the Hedgehog. In the statement released by the KBC owned paper, the editor states that they were "deeply sorry for any loss of earnings and unwanted stress Mr. L'Orange suffered as a result of the misleading article", but still advised citizens to "remain vigilant" and "report any sightings of the wanted hedgehog immediately". When asked for a response to the story, Commissioner Bodger was quoted by sources as saying: "Does anyone have a number for that Plumber? The gents at the station are on the blink again..."

St. George's Day Special[]

ROBOTNIK WEIGHS IN ON INDEPENDENCE VOTE - In a surprise move, Robotnik has come out in favour of Caledone Town becoming independent from the United Hill Zone. "Then I get to conquer two zones instead of one!" he informed reporters during a thwarted attack on the zone. Al Salmon, the leader of the DoneZone Party, has condemned the threat as "scare tactics on behalf of the establishment". In further news, it was announced that an independent Caledone would definitely remain part of Westside Island. "It's physically attached," said the president of the Westside Habitants Economic Enclave (WHEE). "I'm not sure why this was a question."

Issue 264[]

"MY LITTLE HUMAN" HIT BY SCANDAL - The globally popular "My Little Human" cartoon series has confirmed a fifth and sixth series but this news was overshadowed by claims that series creator Faust had made a shady deal for success. Sources close to Faust have said she has traded "something" to a Mr Maximillian Decap, rumoured to be a very shady figure in the underworld, in exchange for the adoration of millions. "It's a really insulting rumour," said Surprise, the voice actress for the popular character Andrea. "People just can't accept it's a well-made show, they have to find an ulterior reason." Since these rumours started we have been contacted by the Him-Bloke franchise holders, asking if we know the contact details for Mr Decap. "Frankly we're desperate."
VANE SUED AGAIN AFTER WEDDING CHAOS - KBC'S "Say Cheese" magazine is the latest company taking pop star Fabian Vane to court, after exclusive photo rights to the celeb's disasterous wedding ceremony last month were deemed "useless" following the day's dramatic events. Other brands also seeking compensation include fast food chain Uncle Gee Gee's and Koala Kola Zero, who were due to sponser the glittering after party. Guests at the VIP event also taking legal action are rumoured to include celebrity endorser for hire Belinda Barking, half the cast of docu-soap "Educating Emerald Hill" and retired comedian Harold Hilltop. Vane's agent is hoping sales of his new greatest hits CD will help to cover the damages, but a representative for the affected parties is quoted as asking "Who on Mobius would buy a blank CD?"
VILLAGE "MISSING" IN SPAGONIA ZONE - All thirty-seven inhabitants of Quiet Shade have vanished overnight, leaving no trace or sign of struggle. The village has been cordoned off by the Spagonia Zone Carabiniers and an O.O.E.R. team has been flown in to investigate. Neighbouring villages have reported strange lights in the sky and an impact sound, but there's no sign of any object landing at Quiet Shade. The Zone Leader's office has said "we are treating this as a Robotnik attack" but otherwise "refuses to speculate". However, locals claim that they have spotted Dr Bernice Nightshade, O.O.E.R.'s rocket expert, at the scene.

Issue 265[]

FURTHER COMET LANDINGS AS PROBE WAR HEATS UP - The Mobian Space Agency has launched their fifteenth probe in the Tulip series in the battle to control the comet 6TC/Whatabigcomet. "Probe War" started when the MSA's first drone arrived and found a space Badnik coming down at the same time, attempting to knock the comet off course into Mobius itself. Despite the risk, Tulip head Dr Scalor has said they have it well in hand and nobody should panic. Robotnik told the press that he'd be crashing the comet down on us on Christmas Day.
TROOP MOVEMENTS IN COAL CREEK ZONE - Ocean Falls Zone have warned of "rather bizarre" troop build-ups in the notorious Coal Creek, one half of the Co-Prosperity Zones run by Nack the Weasel. The famous supervillain took control of Coal Creek Zone and Diamond Fjord Zone years ago, claiming to be liberating the weasels of the conquered fjord but actually planning it as a power base. Robotnik's forces have placed the Zones under siege since the war started but have been unable to conquer it. The Unified Intelligence Committee has said it's "unclear if the CPZ is trying another breakout or might be trying to ally with Robotnik". More as this develops...
THIRD INSTALLMENT OF THE HUNGRY GAMES BEGINS - Mobius' new top sporting event is back for a third year, as Mobius' top greedy guts compete on live TV to see who can eat the most food. The Bean Row Zone is the new host, after local hero "Fudge" Fatty defeated El Dorado Zone's Lord Gluttony-Sloth in last year's nailbiting dessert round. However, the Scoffing Nays pressure group has condemned the Hungry Games as "obscene". "While so many Zones are on rations, it's callous for safer ones to flaunt their surplus," said Niss the Cat.

Issue 266[]

BREAKING -- CHAOS ENERGY BURST OFF WESTSIDE SHORE
WE ARE EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES -- PLEASE STAND BY --

Issue 267[]

BREAKING -- WE ARE EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES -- PLEASE STAND BY ----@%)W_""---
@notoriouslysmall SUPER SONIC JUST HIT THE BRIDGE ZONE #supersonicunleashed
@busybee3 just escaped Wet Hill port - everyone seems unhurt... #supersonicunleashed
@free Mobius Official All South Islanders, stay indoors or in shelters (1/2) #supersonicunleashed
@free Mobius Official going outside may attract Super Sonic's attention (2/2) #supersonicunleashed
@girldel omg was that Super over United Hill?! #supersonicunleashed
@birdtheword EXPLOSIONS at Starlight's main air base! #supersonicunleashed #sz-aircorps
@watchdan @girldel no - I live on other side of BridgeZ, Super staying in South #supersonicunleashed
@heatherfeather @birdtheword saw Air Corps MOVING planes before Super hit... #supersonicunleashed #whereishelp
@fightdork @heatherfeather @birdtheword convent. force won't attack Super near populated areas unless no other choice, too many casualties (1/2) #supersonicunleashed #whereishelp
@ponydrome SUPER FLEW OVER MARBLE ZONE - IGNORED US THANK HECK!! #supersonicunleashed
@truthunleashed obviously "Super's" a fake so the bankers can take over #supersonicunleashed #wakeupsheeple
@tantrum Tails will save us. #supersonicunleashed
--/?%&@'''---)))-- #SUPERSONICUNLEASHED

Issue 268[]

BREAKING -- CHAOS ENERGY BURST OFF WESTSIDE SHORE
@justaguy super sonic's attacking th floating island!! #supersonicunleashed
@girldel super on floating island!!! #supersonicunleashed
@birdtheword anyone know what's going on on float-isle??? #supersonicunleashed
@watchdan @birdtheword Knuckles doestn't have a flicky account :( #supersonicunleashed
@girldel @watchdan @birdtheword then how can we tell what's going on?!? Selfish, Knuckles! #supersonicunleashed
@truthunleashed Knuckles is controlling the fake "Super" to impose the Echidnati's global police state #supersonicunleashed #wakeupsheeple
@flocksab @truthunleashed - Come on now, sheep are fighting evil too! #fleecepower #eweknowsit
@sallyacorn hovering close to island as possible - updates 2 follow #supersonicunleashed #stayonthischannel
...
WE ARE EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES -- PLEASE STAND BY --