Bite Back is a complete Tails story in Issue 139 of Sonic the Comic.
Staff
- Lew Stringer - script
- Carl Flint - B&W art
- Kev Hopgood - colours
- Elitta Fell - lettering
Story
Although he no longer rules Mobius, Doctor Robotnik still has supporters, namely in the Doctor Robotnik Appreciation Tribe. Some members only join out of fear, but some are much more deadly. One of the latter group is Sleek the Panther. The burly cat decides to challenge Tails to a fight, using a megaphone to scare away a population of snakes in the meantime. When the fox turns up, Sleek starts throwing punches, with the aim of removing the people's faith in their hero should he be defeated. Tails is used to these claims and is ready to beat Sleek until his tails begin to itch. This momentary hesitation gives Sleek a chance to punch Tails away. It also has the intended effect of putting doubt in the snakes' minds, making them consider turning to Robotnik.
On the ground, Tails is wondering what bit him. Sure enough, he has been bugged by fleas who want equal right for insects. They believe that, even though they are smaller than their relatives in the Special Zone, they don't deserve to be ignored and are sick of being downtrodden and trodden down on. As Tails talks to the bugs, Sleek returns for "round two". The pair trade blows, each getting a fist on each other's face. However, Tails' "lucky punch" prompts Sleek to activate his Power Gloves. Before he can use them, the ground beneath Sleek gives way; a group of ants have weakened the soil and defeated him! Tails is now sure they will get equal rights - if they stay out of people's hair.
Trivia
- It is revealed that there are larger insects in the Special Zone, a distant foreshadowing to The Family in Sonic the Comic Online.
- Tails would later be bugged again, by Zip in Bitten by the Gambling Bug.
Timeline
The previous Tails story was Doctor Genius. The next is Rat Race.