Features

Features are the sections of Sonic the Comic and Sonic the Comic Online that are not comic strips or advertisements. Appearing in a Sega comic, they were often related to the wider world of home gaming, although the focus later moved on to focusing on Sonic the Comic elements.

Originally, features were numerous, with sometimes more than one appearing between each strip. As time went on, each feature was phased out as the number of pages was reduced. During the reprint era, the only features to more consistently appear were the Graphic Zone and Speedlines, the latter receving a late resurgence of popularity. STC Online brought back the idea of features, but none of them have cemented themselves as regular entries.

Regular features

Throughout the initial run of Sonic the Comic, many features appeared in every issue. Many of them disappeared in time, although almost every issue had at least one feature. The following features are ones that lasted the longest and appeared most consistently.

Control Zone

The Control Zone, hosted by Megadroid, was a "welcome screen" to old and new Boomers reading the comic. One panel was always set aside for explaining what stories and features could be found inside, whilst Megadroid would often talk about something topical happening at the moment (such as holidays). Room would sometimes be set aside for mentioning what was happening next issue if it was noteworthy.

Other panels in the Control Zone referenced other news that wasn't deemed worthy of receiving its own features. In the early days, a frequent occurence was the editors telling readers how best to submit letters and drawings, guiding them on how to appear in the comic. On other occasions, one of the stories inside (usually the main story or a new one) would be touched upon in more detail than above.

The longest-lasting part of the Control Zone was the Sega Charts. These were 2-4 lists of the top-ten selling games for the Sega consoles that week.

Graphic Zone

Although not a regular feature from the start, the Graphic Zone eventually became necessary as there was no longer any room in Speedlines for the many submitted drawings. All drawings were encouraged, with the quality of pictures greatly varying. Later editions revolved around a theme that all pictures featured abided by.

Several Sonic the Comic Online staff members had their art printed in the Graphic Zone. Everyone that did received a particular prize.

Speedlines

Speedlines was the letter section of Sonic the Comic. Readers would submit their questions and praise, which were then answered by Megadroid. More pictures would appear between the letters, with all printed submissions receiving prizes. Email entries were later encouraged through the Speedtrack service.

The feature was rested following the departure of Megadroid, although it was later resurrected by Sonic the Hedgehog. Megadroid reprised the role in STC Online.

Review Zone

As Sega games were released, several reviewers at Sonic the Comic would play the game and provide their opinions in the Review Zone. David Gibbon did this for longer than anyone else, although he was always supported by several other dedicated game-players. Each review was accompanied by a score (broken down by catergories) and a list of "raves and graves".

Reviews appear sporadically on the online edition, often provided by Iain Stewart.

News Zone

In the News Zone, "newshounds" would reveal the latest information about forthcoming Sonic and Sega games for the newest consoles. Garry Penn was one of the only known newshounds, as the feature discontinued shortly after the contributors began to be credited.

Q Zone

Readers would send in their gaming problems to Gibbon and he would reply to them with tips, hints and cheats in the Q Zone. On the vast majority of occasions, the feature would include general tips for a wide variety of games. However, the "Q&A Zone" would directly print reader letters. There were also special editions that solely focuses on one game, walking through the toughest sections.

Next Issue

"Next Issue" was a full-page or half-page feature that listed what was coming in the next issue in terms of strips and features. Free gifts and posters would sometimes be included to entice readers back.

Recurring features

Although the above features were included almost always, there were some that weren't as common. These either appeared for a short run and then disappeared, or returned infrequently.

Back Issues

On occasion, readers were encouraged to write into the Back Issues section and buy comics no longer sold in newsagents. Unfortunately, the best issues sold out quickly, leaving Boomers with the choice between less exciting ones. Currently, the Back Issues link on STC-O allows readers to view past issues of the online comic.

Competitions

From time to time, Sonic the Comic ran competitions to win a number of special prizes. When this occurred, the winner of the competition would almost always be revealed a few issues later, along with the answer (if there was a question asked). This returned as a one-off as the Competition Zone.

Data Zone

Late into the comic's initial run, the Control Zone was replaced by the Data Zone, a "dramatis personae" of the important characters featured inside. Although it didn't last long, it was resurrected with STC Online and has become a regular feature there.

Photo Zone

Rarely, the Graphic Zone would be replaced by the Photo Zone, a feature that allowed Boomers to send in pictures of themselves and their Sonic merchandise.

Pixel Zone

Similar to the Graphic Zone, the Pixel Zone gave readers the chance to send in pictures made using a computer, often with the same reward as in the Graphic Zone.

Pin-ups

Pin-ups are posters containing Sonic the Comic characters that could be placed on a bedroom wall. They did not appear in every issue and were initially marketed as a "free gift". Notable entries include Ferran Rodriguez's Badnik series and the Buddies and Baddies poster. They now feature on STC Online as wallpapers.

Subscription

Subscription was a small feature encouraging readers to subscribe the comic, sometimes with the chance of receiving extra gifts and free issues.

One-off features

These features only appeared in one issue and ranged from interviews with Sega celebrities to articles and discussions.

Don't Kiss Just Talk - an interview with Right Said Fred
Meet the STC Creators - an invitation to a convention
NiGHTS News! - a preview of NiGHTS Into Dreams'
Record Baker! - an interview with Nik Baker
Sega Channel Ready Willing and Cable! - news on the Sega Channel
Sega Snowboarding - an article following Sega's snowboarding team
STC Invades Europe! - a look at regional versions of Sonic the Comic
Sequel Fever - an article discussing the popularity of video game sequels
Speak out Zone
Talent Show! - the aftermath of one particular UKCAC
The Mobius Factor - a quiz about Sonic the Comic and the games
UKCAC Zone - an invitation to the UKCAC

Holiday features

The following features only appeared in the Sonic the Summer Special series, but often shared common content.

Cybernik: The Inside Story! - in-depth diagram of Shortfuse the Cybernik's suit
Doctor Robotnik The Interview - an interview with Doctor Ivo Robotnik
How to Draw Sonic... - Richard Elson shows people how to draw
Knuckles The Profile - a biography of Knuckles the Echidna
Out of this Segaworld! - a preview of Segaworld and its facilities
Saturn Steams Up With Sonic X-Treme! - news about the cancelled Sonic X-Treme
Sonic Speaks Out! - an interview with "Sonic"
Sonic's World - a list of Badniks from the first three games, along with monochrome drawings
Sonic and Knuckles Go Head to Head - comparisons between two popular heroes
Tails the Profile - a biography of Miles "Tails" Prower
The History of Sonic - Sonic and his games to date