The Maria stuff in the beginning is a bit inaccurate. Shadow doesn't see her as an annoyance like you claim her to be. Despite the gross mischaracterization of Shadow in 2005, Maria was still important for him (in the endings where she actually matters, anyways) As for 06... No, when he says *"I will fight like i always have".* He means that he will fight for the people he holds dear, even if the world turns on him. But in this context, it's Rogue & Omega, who are now his friends. As much as i don't like Shadow The Hedgehog 2005, the ending i feel works. It was Shadow finally making peace with his past & more importantly, with Maria & moving forward with his life, something 06 did really well... UNTIL 06's ending & later on, ALL of the games after 06 decided to give Shadow the middle finger... Many times...
Most of my greavance was a bit exaggerated, sorry about that. But I beleive in the 06 ending he was saying he'd fight the world if it turns on him because at the shadow solo game ending he said he'd keep his promise (of destroying devil doom to save the world) and then he'd leave the past behind him, that includes Maria. Shadow always fought those who stand in his way... so he'd fight the world if it was in his way too.
@Jaredragon Not exactly. He might fight the world if it turns on him, sure. But it's not as simple as it was in Shadow The Hedgehog 2005 where he'd became evil or anything like that. What he meant was not just fight for those he holds dear, but also to fight to protect the world, even if said world hates him... But again, the games after 06 fucked him over
"If the world chooses to become my enemy, I will fight like I always have." is quite possibly the hardest line ever, not just because of the context of the story, where Shadow doesn't instantly become evil even after humanity turns on him again and his own friend goes on to seal him, he forgives Omega then and there which shows he forgives humanity aswell. But what truly makes the quote so hard is how inspirational it is, it is telling you to hold on to your morals no matter what, to choose not to be corrupted by whatever life throws at you. To fight, like you always have and even forgive the people around you
@@Breakaway-ic5gj yup! Shadow has no spite for humanity or omega's betrayal that hasn't happened yet... but if it does come to pass ... he's going down swinging
I wish Shadow stayed dead after the end of Sonic Adventure 2 and I say this as a Shadow fan. It's far more emotionally satisfying for me that Shadow saved the world to fulfill the dying wish of his best friend Maria at the cost of his own life at the end of Sonic Adventure 2 than for him to come back to life after the end of Sonic Adventure 2 and become Discount Vegeta because of pure corporate cynicism from Sega.
But... Shadow in heroes wasnt selfish. He becomes friends with team dark. The first thing he does is save rouge from Omega's gunfire. In 06, hes literally fighting to protect humanity *despite* being told that he's going to be killed by humanity in the future. What are you even talking about.
@@KeltkeGH I used to agree. And I think they do a pretty good job. But if there's no Maria as motivation, I'm not completely satisfied. I understand that's my problem but archie knows how to make me happy with Shadow in all aspects.
@ultimatesora4467 he goes from hating the people that hurt him and Maria to loving Maria to valuing empathy and kindness in general. That should be the ark. After that, he takes on Surge as his rebellious teenage daughter and helps her through a similar ark. Or maybe she never grows as a person or she dies and shadow retreats inward.
do y'all remember that Archie issue when Shadow was hanging out with Cream? he was so happy and bubbly and was just so cute! idk what the context of that issue was as I'm not really into reading the comics, but it was really refreshing to see the full extent of shadow being... a happy soft boy ♥️🖤
Bro, you need to replay O6. He finds out humanity will stab him in the back in the future by sealing him forever. He's going to fight for the world until his end.❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Yes... I was wrong to say he fought for himself. And I used to love shadow 06's story. However...there is no objective facts to support that he fought for Maria when you take into account shadow's solo game. My main gripe is that he doesn't fight for, or even care about, Maria anymore. And I should have been more honest and clear about that.
@@comicfan1324 it's unclear whether he's saying he'd fight to protect it like he always has or if he's saying he'll fight the world like he has always fought those who stand in his way...
I don't see shadow as an edgy dude that do edgy things (i dont really know how to describe it) I see him more as a kind person with just a tragic backstory and i wanted him to laugh smile hug or do fun stuff because after all his soul was modeled after maria
0:43 When Shadow says “No one tells me what to do” he is clearly referring to the fact he will no longer follow Black Doom, but instead he chooses to be a protector of Maria’s world. If Shadow really didn’t care about what Maria, the humans, or Doom wanted, he’d kill Doom and conquer the world himself. But instead, because he is a good person, he fulfilled Maria’s selfless wish to protect the world.
No. If you think shadow would conquer the world himself then I don't think you fully understand who shadow is. He chooses to protect the world because the people who threaten it are also threatening him... he said "NO ONE tells me what to do" hes mainly reffering to black doom but he's talking about everyone, that includes maria. He heard of bunch of people telling and asking him to do stuff, with Maria being the final straw.
@@Jaredragon When I said Shadow would “conquer the world himself “the point of that was to say it would be out of character. I’m saying that if he really didn’t care, he would just be selfish. But clearly he chooses to follow Maria’s example. And if anything, I think him, choosing to do the right thing of his own free will, rather than just because Maria told him to speaks to his strength of character.
@@comicfan1324 what? he's not following Maria's example... he's just doing what he thinks is right... he saved rouge and later helped saved the world in heroes, he did not have his memories of Maria... this is evidence that Shadow can do good without her... in Shadow's solo game, he moves past Maria's wish permanently. He might be protecting the world like he promised, but he not doing it for Maria... he does it cause he knows it's the right thing.
@@Jaredragon My point is that Shadow is meant to be a good person, with or without memories. Don’t get me wrong, Maria meant a lot to him and her world view does impact Shadow’s resolve (once he begins his memory of her wish in SA2.) but he isn’t just doing good things because Maria told him to. After all, Maria never told his Shadow to save Rouge on Prison Island. Maria never told Shadow to develop a legitimate respect for Sonic, even when they’re on opposing sides. Maria never told Shadow to stop Gerald and the Biolizard. All of those were choices Shadow made because it’s what he believed it was right. Even fulfilling Maria’s wish was a choice on Shadow’s part. Maria didn’t the man that he protect the planet, she asked him to. It was always his choice. and even if you chop that up to Maria’s wish rather than Shadow’s own decisions, Shadow chooses to save Rouge from Omega when he had absolutely no memory of anything. He actively threw himself into dangerous crossfire to save someone he didn’t even know anymore. To me that’s showcases that shadow is a good person at heart. So Shadow saying “Nobody tells him what to do” or “I will fight like I always have” means he will continue doing what he feels is the right thing. But doesn’t mean he always makes the right decision, but he will actively try his best. Anyway, thanks for responding to my comments
@@comicfan1324 I think we're both trying to say the same thing, we're just not very good at explaining lol (And thank you for continuing this discussion)
Semi-unrelated to the video, but a reality the chronically online Sonic fans won't accept, is how Shadow SINCE his Debut in games was always a inconsistent and oddly written character.
Huh. I wonder if upcoming Sonic movie 3 would portray a more relatable, friendly and understanding Shadow like the Archie version. We will see pretty soon.
This is how shadow is supposed to be I really miss the real shadow so fucking much as an autistic person with hyper empathy growing up I always related to him growing up and it makes me really angry to see how he gets betrayed as a selfish edge lord now it just goes to show how misunderstood he is as a character just how I myself feel misunderstood it makes me really sad.
@@benherrstudios for real I hate how just because he’s an introvert and also has trauma makes him “evil” all of a sudden like what about the kids that have a personality more like shadow than sonic? Isn’t that why he was created? To relate to the kids who are more quiet and empathetic instead of loud and eccentric? I just really don’t like how they have messed up his character in recent years. ALSO you should totally check out project shadow that’s coming out soon. It’s in the sonic movie style it’s fan made but it looks so accurate and it’s based off of the original shadow. I think you’d love it
@@RyukoticI don't think it's his introverted nature or trauma that makes people think he's a bad guy... in idw he's pretty outgoing (which is one reason I don't like him in idw)... I think the reason he's portrayed as "evil" is his design. (I did check out project shadow... looked pretty nice, kinda wish it was official)
@@alicesacco9329 okay, perhaps "outgoing" isn't the right word... maybe expressive? He's not reserved.. is what I mean... everything he thinks, he says... no hesitation
I agree, he has gotten better... but I still think he's the worst shadow we've gotten (if you ignore that team racing clip where he steals a chao's food)
@@JackieEditzzThings atleast boom takes place in an alternative canon. Idw is supposed to be canon. Plus he's not too bad in the boom show... I can empathize with his annoyance at eggman... he finds everyone on the island annoying and tries to erase them from existence... but I can't empathize with idw shadow.
Me Personally I think it’s your interpretation on things. Me personally In heroes i think anyone would like to know about their past if yk they lost their memory but shadow had the resolve to be himself not caring if he was a fake. Still fighting for himself and protecting the world(since he decides to help sonic fight metal overlord.) Now in Shadow the hedgehog he still regresses a bit but to me that overall makes him realistic in a sense. Shadow towards the end of the game he decides to fight and protect the world for himself and maria and for the new friends he made(like omega rouge and sonic.)Now the final scene in the game shadow is letting go of the past and moving forward.
I do think those games get shadow right. But I don't like them as a direction to take shadow. My main gripe is that he doesn't fight for, or even care about, Maria anymore. And I should have been more honest and clear about that. Is him not fighting for Maria a plothole? No. But I don't think it's satisfying either.
I'm not so sure on that... in dark beginnings he says "Stop it! that life was taken from me long ago"... he's TRYING to avoid the memories of Maria... I'm satisfied though... He's not perfect but atleast Maria is still someone he thinks about...
1:33 Probably, cause I never thought of it as Shadow hating Maria but rather being done letting the past define him and protecting the world because he wants to. But he still cares about Maria, he’s just trying to move on from his trauma.
Actually, I really liked how Shadow was in Sonic Heroes. Sure he had his own desire to get his memories back, but the game did show off his caring side. Even when he remembered absolutely nothing, his first instinct was to save Rouge from getting killed by Omega. Also in Sonic 06, when Shadow says “I will fight like I always have” it’s in response to how Mephiles mocks Shadow, the fighting for world that will betray him. But Shadow response that he will always fight for the world Maria loves, even if it hates him.
I did think heroes and 06 do a good job with his character... but I don't like that he doesn't fight for Maria... and in 06 it could be interpreted that if the world turns against him, he's going to fight The world like he has always fought those who stand in his way.
@@Jaredragon I mean, I think he’s allowed to be his own person outside of Maria. Don’t get me wrong, Maria is a big part of shadow, but I think he should be allowed to be a good person in his own, right. He should be allowed to form, friendships and relationships that aren’t reliant on his relationship with Maria. It would be like if Spider-Man never made any friends after the death of Uncle Ben. A person can be important to someone’s life without it being the defining part of their life. When I see shadow, throw the picture away at the end of his game, saying “goodbye, shadow the hedgehog” I see that as him choosing to remember what happened, but letting go of the pain. He still loves Maria and continues to fulfill her wish, but that all happened 50 years ago and it’s time for him to move on. He now has new friends to fight along side, and he still can fulfill her wish by protecting the earth. Simply put, you can still honor someone while letting yourself move on.
@@comicfan1324 I still don't think he's actively keeping his promise. And Tom Holland's spiderman doesn't have an uncle ben and I hate that so much! And I do think Shadow should be able to grow and make friendships without Maria, but I don't think never mentioning Maria ever again is a good idea.
Those are two different comics. Shadow is absolutely amazing in treasure team tango (not a fan of the comic as a whole because of the other teams importance) And when shadow meets digital Maria, I don't think that comic did a great job at Shadow's personality... I like him as a kind and soft hedgehog but that comic made him too soft imo. But it was a pretty satisfying read.
People who call Shadow an “edgelord” have only seen the Game Shadow. Just because he doesn’t smile too much and his design, some jerks think that he’s just some brooding teenager who’s just there to be Sonic’s rival. But nah. I hope Sonic Movie 3 can change that and see Shadow as a soft, kind hedgehog. I know they did Knuckles justice in Sonic Movie 2, so I have faith that Shadow will be told and portrayed properly.
I think it's more modern marketing than the shadow game... - Sonic prime trailer... Rival -Sonic X Shadow Generations... RIval AND edgelord -team racing... RIval and edgelord -Lego set reveal trailer thing... edgelord even in the earlier twitter take overs he was an edgelord.
I think he was pretty good in sonic prime. Sonic literally broke the world and then he tries first it by bypass trusting random people he doesn't know. And shadow seems to care for sonic at certain bits of prime .
Yeah Shadow’s a very good character. Although you forgot the storyline in Archie where he became King Shadow, the Dark King. And there’s another factor that’s not often talked about with the character. And that’s the fact that he’s vulnerable. Shadow does have Rouge and Omega, but he treats them more like team mates even though he likes and cares for them. And with Sonic and co. they can be seen as allies at times. That’s why it was so nice to see him interact the way that he did with Hope. We don’t get to see him be emotional with a lot of other characters. The only other exceptions being Maria and Amy. So it was nice to see a scene in the comics that rivals the Maria and Amy scenes in S.A. 2 and Sonic X. -❤️❤️sweet.
@@Jaredragon it’s actually kind of unclear whether it is or isn’t as the book was cut short and a lot of strings were left unfinished or were finished-up sooner than expected. The King Shadow storyline can be scene as either an alternate future version of the character or as alternate universe version. Either way it’s good.
@@callumcrane241 I was referencing the first spider-man movie, I'm not actually offended lol see here: ruclips.net/video/vcM1kTZm-nM/видео.html I was a bit misleading in the video but what I was going for is that Shadow Isn't ACTIVELY keeping his promise of protecting the world, hope I've cleared things up! and happy holidays!
I feel like with the shadow the hedgehog game it was supposed to be him putting the past behind him now did they good job showing that is up for debate but the reason to me at least he says "No one can tell me what to do anymore." And "goodbye forever shadow the hedgehog" and throws away the picture is because he is putting the past behind him and never turning back like what the song says so thats why he doesn't mention maria in 06 but then again i also think he is following her promise on giving the humans a chance to be happy. Even in later games and comics he does not care about anybody
I would like it if he was following her promise... but following the game continuity (and idw) he drops her promise... why I love archie shadow is I can point to specific pages to show he still loves his friend and keeps her promise.
He never stopped following marias wish. What are you on about. You misunderstood everthing. In 06 he says he will protect everone even if humanity turns against him. And in heroes he wasnt being selfish at all. He literally saved rouge from omegas guns. He also just wanted find out if he was the real shadow. And at the end of shadow the hedgehog, when he said he would leave the past behind. He wasnt saying he would forget about maria. He meant he would forgive humanity and gun for what they have done to him. Thats why he joins gun in sonic 06
@@tuvtheultrasonicved2636 how do you explain him carelessly throwing a picture of Maria off to side? (And yes I'm aware I miss understood things or poorly explained my own thoughts... check pinned comment)
@Jaredragon he is letting go of the past and not letting itcontrol him. In the video you said he hates Maria and he thinks she is annoying. But that's not it at all, he's just not letting the past hold him back. He is forgiving humanity for himself not because Maria told him too
No. From what I can tell. (In the original Japanese version) gun was following in shadow's footsteps. He wasn't working FOR gun. Gun was working WITH him. But ultimately yes... I was wrong about him being selfish. But he wasn't fighting for Maria and that is my main gripe. (It's the shadow games fault not 06)
Personally i don't feel like shadow hates maria in the games, i feel like he's more in denial than anything. Convincing himself that he doesn't like maria anymore and that he doesn't have to keep his promise is probably easier for him than accepting that she was his friend and that she's gone, that he lost someone that meant a lot to him. Idk i just see it as him coping with it in his own way, obviously not coping the correct way but yk. just how i see it
I do understand for your interpretation of the end of 05, but I don't agree. Or at least in my interpretation, Shadow was moving on from a dead loved one. I don't think Maria's promise should be Shadow's only reason for protecting the planet. I would like Shadow himself to have some attachment to the world. Like through Rouge and Omega. I do think Shadow joining GUN is his way of doing that. 3:31, I did pull out my copy of The Shadow Saga and Rouge did not show Shadow a video. It just cuts to the present than back to Sonic and Shadow fighting the Biolizard. I was actully hoping to see a video that was for Shadow. I do agree that Archie Shadow is the best Shadow. As a Shadow fanfic writer, I do base my Shadow off the Archie Shadow. I think the thing I love the most about Archie Shadow and early game Shadow is his vulnerability. We see him sad and going through failure.
I don’t think it’s that he doesn’t care about it even hate Maria by the end so much as he’s finally made peace with her and is ready to move forward. And hates Maria? No. At what point did they ever indicate he hated Maria or professor Gerald by the end? And as for heroes, well if he was really so selfish then would he even be working alongside the rest of Team Dark? He probably would’ve left them for dead the first chance he got but he doesn’t.
When he heard "please help me shadow" he says no one can tell him what to do... when he threw away a picture of maria and gerald.. and as for working for team dark, it could be interpreted as him using rouge and omega... and considering how Sega talks about shadow, I think it's true
When I first found out about shadow the hedgehog when young I didn't think much of it but decide to look in more he was much more what he should been I don't why sega butchard his character even IDW they still make him act edgy like why Sega I really want them to bring this shadow back especially idw comics yeah shadow not the best archie shadow is shadow but what he was meant to be Idw I find and opportunity for Sega truly fix shadow in game canon I really hope fix him they have this opportunity to do so. Can leave behind this edgy phase already because it's dragged on for to long. What do you think of shadow from sonic prime is he the same as he was in the games or his archie self or both combined.
I did record each line sepperatlely yes... but the voice is actually not mine... it's an artificial intelligence I found on eleven labs. I type what I want it to say and it speaks.
Man, I was laughing so hard on this one. I get why you like the softer version of him better. Personally, I prefer the game version (well, up until S06, after that he went downhill).
Not gonna lie I feel you're missing the point of Shadow's character development. He's moving on from Maria and his past because he wants to focus on himself and become a better person also forgetting about your dark past and trying to become better and focus on yourself is unhealthy to you? which doesn't really make sense since it's the exact opposite. That line in 06 meant that he will still fight for the humans even though Mephiles told him they were going to betray him. I feel like Shadow just doing good things only for Maria is a bad thing cause it basically implies he doesn't in-reality care about humans but since Maria does he'll protect them. Shadow protects the humans because he cares about them not because Maria wants him to. We don't love Shadow ONLY just because he honors Maria wishes. We love him because he is a true hero that will protect us because he cares for us not just cuz maria does.
I never said it was unhealthy... my words were "which is a good and healthy mind set... but it's not what we like"... and I am generalizing when I say "we"... I should have said "I". And I like the fact that shadow protected humanity because of his love for Maria even though he hates humans for what they did.
(Both shadows are victims, i don't know why you brought that up) I prefer heart and story telling over feats of strength... but if we are gonna talk feats... I'll give you game shadow, he has fought multiple powerful enemy and won... but idw has not done anything but move some crystals... at least archie shadow out smarted a God like being, defeated the commander of an alien terrorist army... resisted mind control and (in a possible alternate future) managed to conquer the entire world...
@@Jaredragon sorry for being rude back there, but Game Shadow still beats Archie, BUT i'll admit Archie Shadow is in terms of character bette, and btw, IDW Shadow and Game shadow are the same lol
@@HaiderRaps np dude. While idw and game shadow are supposed to be the same, my main issue is that idw shadow (outside of Dr tinker arch) isn't used for story telling. You can say the same for his game appearances like generations and I'd agree... but I like Shadow when they tell a story such as in sonic prime Also, who is your favorite character in the sonic franchise? From what I can tell people who like idw don't like Shadow as their favorite... (I'm not trying to come off as entitled, I just want to know if there's anybody who likes idw shadow as their favorite character in the franchise, and why they like him?)
@@Jaredragon here's the list on ALL MY FAVOURITE Sonic characters of each Universes TAOSTH: Tails SUG: Sonic Boom: Knuckles Game/IDW: Sonic Prime: Nine/Tails Movie: Sonic & Knuckles Anime: Sonic & Archie: Tails these are all the favourite sonic characters of mine in each Incarnations, hope you liked knowing!
The Maria stuff in the beginning is a bit inaccurate. Shadow doesn't see her as an annoyance like you claim her to be. Despite the gross mischaracterization of Shadow in 2005, Maria was still important for him (in the endings where she actually matters, anyways)
As for 06... No, when he says *"I will fight like i always have".* He means that he will fight for the people he holds dear, even if the world turns on him. But in this context, it's Rogue & Omega, who are now his friends.
As much as i don't like Shadow The Hedgehog 2005, the ending i feel works. It was Shadow finally making peace with his past & more importantly, with Maria & moving forward with his life, something 06 did really well...
UNTIL 06's ending & later on, ALL of the games after 06 decided to give Shadow the middle finger... Many times...
Most of my greavance was a bit exaggerated, sorry about that.
But I beleive in the 06 ending he was saying he'd fight the world if it turns on him because at the shadow solo game ending he said he'd keep his promise (of destroying devil doom to save the world) and then he'd leave the past behind him, that includes Maria.
Shadow always fought those who stand in his way... so he'd fight the world if it was in his way too.
@Jaredragon Not exactly. He might fight the world if it turns on him, sure. But it's not as simple as it was in Shadow The Hedgehog 2005 where he'd became evil or anything like that.
What he meant was not just fight for those he holds dear, but also to fight to protect the world, even if said world hates him... But again, the games after 06 fucked him over
"If the world chooses to become my enemy, I will fight like I always have." is quite possibly the hardest line ever, not just because of the context of the story, where Shadow doesn't instantly become evil even after humanity turns on him again and his own friend goes on to seal him, he forgives Omega then and there which shows he forgives humanity aswell. But what truly makes the quote so hard is how inspirational it is, it is telling you to hold on to your morals no matter what, to choose not to be corrupted by whatever life throws at you. To fight, like you always have and even forgive the people around you
@@Breakaway-ic5gj yup! Shadow has no spite for humanity or omega's betrayal that hasn't happened yet... but if it does come to pass
... he's going down swinging
I wish Shadow stayed dead after the end of Sonic Adventure 2 and I say this as a Shadow fan. It's far more emotionally satisfying for me that Shadow saved the world to fulfill the dying wish of his best friend Maria at the cost of his own life at the end of Sonic Adventure 2 than for him to come back to life after the end of Sonic Adventure 2 and become Discount Vegeta because of pure corporate cynicism from Sega.
But... Shadow in heroes wasnt selfish. He becomes friends with team dark. The first thing he does is save rouge from Omega's gunfire. In 06, hes literally fighting to protect humanity *despite* being told that he's going to be killed by humanity in the future. What are you even talking about.
you right. I'll have to make a follow up video.
Yeah, it is mostly a consensus that Heroes and 06 make good representation of Shadow's character
@@KeltkeGH I used to agree. And I think they do a pretty good job. But if there's no Maria as motivation, I'm not completely satisfied. I understand that's my problem but archie knows how to make me happy with Shadow in all aspects.
@@ultimatesora4467 reducing her mentions is fine... but they completely got rid of her. And that makes me sad.
@ultimatesora4467 he goes from hating the people that hurt him and Maria to loving Maria to valuing empathy and kindness in general. That should be the ark.
After that, he takes on Surge as his rebellious teenage daughter and helps her through a similar ark. Or maybe she never grows as a person or she dies and shadow retreats inward.
It took me so long to realise this was semi-satire at first
do y'all remember that Archie issue when Shadow was hanging out with Cream? he was so happy and bubbly and was just so cute! idk what the context of that issue was as I'm not really into reading the comics, but it was really refreshing to see the full extent of shadow being... a happy soft boy ♥️🖤
You sure you weren't just reading a Sonic X fancomic?
Wait he actually spent time with Cream??
@StevenJones851 I can only remember when Team Rose and Team Dark were together in the Treasure Team Tango arc.
@@WhiteFireTheDragon that's cool I've gotta check that out
Bro, you need to replay O6. He finds out humanity will stab him in the back in the future by sealing him forever. He's going to fight for the world until his end.❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Yes... I was wrong to say he fought for himself. And I used to love shadow 06's story. However...there is no objective facts to support that he fought for Maria when you take into account shadow's solo game. My main gripe is that he doesn't fight for, or even care about, Maria anymore. And I should have been more honest and clear about that.
@@Jaredragon
Shadow’s dying wish was for him to protect the world. That’s what Shadow is pledging to do.
@@comicfan1324 it's unclear whether he's saying he'd fight to protect it like he always has or if he's saying he'll fight the world like he has always fought those who stand in his way...
I don't see shadow as an edgy dude that do edgy things (i dont really know how to describe it) I see him more as a kind person with just a tragic backstory and i wanted him to laugh smile hug or do fun stuff because after all his soul was modeled after maria
Yes! That is why I urge you to check out the Archie comics!
@@Jaredragonarchie was amazing
0:43 When Shadow says “No one tells me what to do” he is clearly referring to the fact he will no longer follow Black Doom, but instead he chooses to be a protector of Maria’s world.
If Shadow really didn’t care about what Maria, the humans, or Doom wanted, he’d kill Doom and conquer the world himself. But instead, because he is a good person, he fulfilled Maria’s selfless wish to protect the world.
No. If you think shadow would conquer the world himself then I don't think you fully understand who shadow is. He chooses to protect the world because the people who threaten it are also threatening him... he said "NO ONE tells me what to do" hes mainly reffering to black doom but he's talking about everyone, that includes maria. He heard of bunch of people telling and asking him to do stuff, with Maria being the final straw.
@@Jaredragon
When I said Shadow would “conquer the world himself “the point of that was to say it would be out of character.
I’m saying that if he really didn’t care, he would just be selfish. But clearly he chooses to follow Maria’s example. And if anything, I think him, choosing to do the right thing of his own free will, rather than just because Maria told him to speaks to his strength of character.
@@comicfan1324 what? he's not following Maria's example... he's just doing what he thinks is right... he saved rouge and later helped saved the world in heroes, he did not have his memories of Maria... this is evidence that Shadow can do good without her... in Shadow's solo game, he moves past Maria's wish permanently. He might be protecting the world like he promised, but he not doing it for Maria... he does it cause he knows it's the right thing.
@@Jaredragon
My point is that Shadow is meant to be a good person, with or without memories.
Don’t get me wrong, Maria meant a lot to him and her world view does impact Shadow’s resolve (once he begins his memory of her wish in SA2.) but he isn’t just doing good things because Maria told him to. After all, Maria never told his Shadow to save Rouge on Prison Island. Maria never told Shadow to develop a legitimate respect for Sonic, even when they’re on opposing sides. Maria never told Shadow to stop Gerald and the Biolizard. All of those were choices Shadow made because it’s what he believed it was right. Even fulfilling Maria’s wish was a choice on Shadow’s part. Maria didn’t the man that he protect the planet, she asked him to. It was always his choice.
and even if you chop that up to Maria’s wish rather than Shadow’s own decisions, Shadow chooses to save Rouge from Omega when he had absolutely no memory of anything. He actively threw himself into dangerous crossfire to save someone he didn’t even know anymore. To me that’s showcases that shadow is a good person at heart.
So Shadow saying “Nobody tells him what to do” or “I will fight like I always have” means he will continue doing what he feels is the right thing. But doesn’t mean he always makes the right decision, but he will actively try his best.
Anyway, thanks for responding to my comments
@@comicfan1324 I think we're both trying to say the same thing, we're just not very good at explaining lol
(And thank you for continuing this discussion)
The sonic mandates dont help. Its a blessing that some of then are being lifted (evan stanley comfirms this)
Semi-unrelated to the video, but a reality the chronically online Sonic fans won't accept, is how Shadow SINCE his Debut in games was always a inconsistent and oddly written character.
The one thing consistent about him is he saves Rouge. Lol
Huh.
I wonder if upcoming Sonic movie 3 would portray a more relatable, friendly and understanding Shadow like the Archie version.
We will see pretty soon.
This is how shadow is supposed to be I really miss the real shadow so fucking much as an autistic person with hyper empathy growing up I always related to him growing up and it makes me really angry to see how he gets betrayed as a selfish edge lord now it just goes to show how misunderstood he is as a character just how I myself feel misunderstood it makes me really sad.
Shadow the Hedgehog was killed and then replaced by Edgy the Hedgy
@@benherrstudios for real I hate how just because he’s an introvert and also has trauma makes him “evil” all of a sudden like what about the kids that have a personality more like shadow than sonic? Isn’t that why he was created? To relate to the kids who are more quiet and empathetic instead of loud and eccentric? I just really don’t like how they have messed up his character in recent years. ALSO you should totally check out project shadow that’s coming out soon. It’s in the sonic movie style it’s fan made but it looks so accurate and it’s based off of the original shadow. I think you’d love it
@@RyukoticI don't think it's his introverted nature or trauma that makes people think he's a bad guy... in idw he's pretty outgoing (which is one reason I don't like him in idw)... I think the reason he's portrayed as "evil" is his design. (I did check out project shadow... looked pretty nice, kinda wish it was official)
@@Jaredragonoutgoing? How?
@@alicesacco9329 okay, perhaps "outgoing" isn't the right word... maybe expressive? He's not reserved.. is what I mean... everything he thinks, he says... no hesitation
shadow the hedgehog 2005 is my favourite shadow.
Which route?
All of them.@@Jaredragon
@@virtualashez I enjoy some of the good path... but I hate how he abandons his memories of Maria in the true ending.
I had fun playing the game tho
Idw shadow has gotten a lot better. Still not as good as his peak but at least it’s not… whatever that was during the metal virus arc
I agree, he has gotten better... but I still think he's the worst shadow we've gotten (if you ignore that team racing clip where he steals a chao's food)
@@Jaredragon hear me out. Boom Shadow
@@JackieEditzzThings atleast boom takes place in an alternative canon. Idw is supposed to be canon. Plus he's not too bad in the boom show... I can empathize with his annoyance at eggman... he finds everyone on the island annoying and tries to erase them from existence... but I can't empathize with idw shadow.
@@Jaredragon yeah i get it, he honestly annoys me too, im just saying it could be worse
the writers are trying their best with him though, they do have strict mandates they have to follow.
Awesome analysis
Me Personally I think it’s your interpretation on things. Me personally In heroes i think anyone would like to know about their past if yk they lost their memory but shadow had the resolve to be himself not caring if he was a fake. Still fighting for himself and protecting the world(since he decides to help sonic fight metal overlord.) Now in Shadow the hedgehog he still regresses a bit but to me that overall makes him realistic in a sense. Shadow towards the end of the game he decides to fight and protect the world for himself and maria and for the new friends he made(like omega rouge and sonic.)Now the final scene in the game shadow is letting go of the past and moving forward.
I do think those games get shadow right. But I don't like them as a direction to take shadow. My main gripe is that he doesn't fight for, or even care about, Maria anymore. And I should have been more honest and clear about that. Is him not fighting for Maria a plothole? No. But I don't think it's satisfying either.
Shadow is back in sonic x shadow gen games in 2024 and keeps his promise
I'm not so sure on that... in dark beginnings he says "Stop it! that life was taken from me long ago"... he's TRYING to avoid the memories of Maria...
I'm satisfied though... He's not perfect but atleast Maria is still someone he thinks about...
1:33 Probably, cause I never thought of it as Shadow hating Maria but rather being done letting the past define him and protecting the world because he wants to. But he still cares about Maria, he’s just trying to move on from his trauma.
Good 06 analysis.
Yes he will fight for himself…
That’s why he will save humanity despite knowing they will eventually try to kill him.
Not quite... if the world chooses to become his enemy... he will fight (the world) like he always has (fought the enemies that stand in his way)
I want more of Archie shadow
Actually, I really liked how Shadow was in Sonic Heroes. Sure he had his own desire to get his memories back, but the game did show off his caring side. Even when he remembered absolutely nothing, his first instinct was to save Rouge from getting killed by Omega.
Also in Sonic 06, when Shadow says “I will fight like I always have” it’s in response to how Mephiles mocks Shadow, the fighting for world that will betray him. But Shadow response that he will always fight for the world Maria loves, even if it hates him.
I did think heroes and 06 do a good job with his character... but I don't like that he doesn't fight for Maria... and in 06 it could be interpreted that if the world turns against him, he's going to fight The world like he has always fought those who stand in his way.
@@Jaredragon
I mean, I think he’s allowed to be his own person outside of Maria. Don’t get me wrong, Maria is a big part of shadow, but I think he should be allowed to be a good person in his own, right. He should be allowed to form, friendships and relationships that aren’t reliant on his relationship with Maria.
It would be like if Spider-Man never made any friends after the death of Uncle Ben. A person can be important to someone’s life without it being the defining part of their life.
When I see shadow, throw the picture away at the end of his game, saying “goodbye, shadow the hedgehog” I see that as him choosing to remember what happened, but letting go of the pain. He still loves Maria and continues to fulfill her wish, but that all happened 50 years ago and it’s time for him to move on. He now has new friends to fight along side, and he still can fulfill her wish by protecting the earth.
Simply put, you can still honor someone while letting yourself move on.
@@comicfan1324 I still don't think he's actively keeping his promise. And Tom Holland's spiderman doesn't have an uncle ben and I hate that so much! And I do think Shadow should be able to grow and make friendships without Maria, but I don't think never mentioning Maria ever again is a good idea.
Archie had Shadow the Hedgehog, IDW has Edgy the Hedgy
With Sonic X Shadow Generations coming out, Shadow may get a redemption arc for his game counterpart
Yep. My hopes are high
And my expectations are low
Shadow is NOT an edgelord
Dont forget about the treasure team tango saga where he feels bad for going against blaze and when he meets maria again in the digital world
Those are two different comics.
Shadow is absolutely amazing in treasure team tango (not a fan of the comic as a whole because of the other teams importance)
And when shadow meets digital Maria, I don't think that comic did a great job at Shadow's personality... I like him as a kind and soft hedgehog but that comic made him too soft imo. But it was a pretty satisfying read.
The idw/Ian Flynn fanbrats are gonna have a heart atack lol, tho archie shadow ain't perfect, (30 years later, thanks Ian Flynn)
good video
@@demongar2870 thank you
People who call Shadow an “edgelord” have only seen the Game Shadow. Just because he doesn’t smile too much and his design, some jerks think that he’s just some brooding teenager who’s just there to be Sonic’s rival.
But nah. I hope Sonic Movie 3 can change that and see Shadow as a soft, kind hedgehog. I know they did Knuckles justice in Sonic Movie 2, so I have faith that Shadow will be told and portrayed properly.
I think it's more modern marketing than the shadow game...
- Sonic prime trailer... Rival
-Sonic X Shadow Generations... RIval AND edgelord
-team racing... RIval and edgelord
-Lego set reveal trailer thing... edgelord
even in the earlier twitter take overs he was an edgelord.
I think he was pretty good in sonic prime. Sonic literally broke the world and then he tries first it by bypass trusting random people he doesn't know. And shadow seems to care for sonic at certain bits of prime .
Idw shadow is mixed bag but after the saga mandate being kinda lifted for shadow.
I've read up to the shadow android fake crystal part... wasn't impressed
(I didn't read the whole comics, just the Shadow parts)
Yeah Shadow’s a very good character. Although you forgot the storyline in Archie where he became King Shadow, the Dark King. And there’s another factor that’s not often talked about with the character. And that’s the fact that he’s vulnerable. Shadow does have Rouge and Omega, but he treats them more like team mates even though he likes and cares for them. And with Sonic and co. they can be seen as allies at times. That’s why it was so nice to see him interact the way that he did with Hope. We don’t get to see him be emotional with a lot of other characters. The only other exceptions being Maria and Amy. So it was nice to see a scene in the comics that rivals the Maria and Amy scenes in S.A. 2 and Sonic X. -❤️❤️sweet.
Not gonna lie. I didn't read the king shadow story cause I thought it took place in an alternate dimension lol.
@@Jaredragon it’s actually kind of unclear whether it is or isn’t as the book was cut short and a lot of strings were left unfinished or were finished-up sooner than expected. The King Shadow storyline can be scene as either an alternate future version of the character or as alternate universe version. Either way it’s good.
"B-But Archie Sonic is the best because he is the most powerful 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭"
Isn't that slander on Game Shadow? I mean keeping a promise isn't the same as being told what to do.
It is not. I resent that. Slander is spoken. In print, it's libel.
Sorry.@@Jaredragon
@@callumcrane241 I was referencing the first spider-man movie, I'm not actually offended lol
see here: ruclips.net/video/vcM1kTZm-nM/видео.html
I was a bit misleading in the video but what I was going for is that Shadow Isn't ACTIVELY keeping his promise of protecting the world, hope I've cleared things up! and happy holidays!
@@Jaredragon Oh now I get it^^; And happy holidays to you as well :)
I feel like with the shadow the hedgehog game it was supposed to be him putting the past behind him now did they good job showing that is up for debate but the reason to me at least he says "No one can tell me what to do anymore." And "goodbye forever shadow the hedgehog" and throws away the picture is because he is putting the past behind him and never turning back like what the song says so thats why he doesn't mention maria in 06 but then again i also think he is following her promise on giving the humans a chance to be happy. Even in later games and comics he does not care about anybody
I would like it if he was following her promise... but following the game continuity (and idw) he drops her promise... why I love archie shadow is I can point to specific pages to show he still loves his friend and keeps her promise.
Une incroyable video et pas de commentaire ni d'abonnement !!! Je vais arranger ça
Thank you
@@Jaredragon mais de tous
Oui oui baguette
He never stopped following marias wish. What are you on about. You misunderstood everthing. In 06 he says he will protect everone even if humanity turns against him. And in heroes he wasnt being selfish at all. He literally saved rouge from omegas guns. He also just wanted find out if he was the real shadow. And at the end of shadow the hedgehog, when he said he would leave the past behind. He wasnt saying he would forget about maria. He meant he would forgive humanity and gun for what they have done to him. Thats why he joins gun in sonic 06
@@tuvtheultrasonicved2636 how do you explain him carelessly throwing a picture of Maria off to side?
(And yes I'm aware I miss understood things or poorly explained my own thoughts... check pinned comment)
@Jaredragon he is letting go of the past and not letting itcontrol him. In the video you said he hates Maria and he thinks she is annoying. But that's not it at all, he's just not letting the past hold him back. He is forgiving humanity for himself not because Maria told him too
@Jaredragon thank you for like
Shadow was working for Gun in 06 so what?!
No. From what I can tell. (In the original Japanese version) gun was following in shadow's footsteps. He wasn't working FOR gun. Gun was working WITH him. But ultimately yes... I was wrong about him being selfish. But he wasn't fighting for Maria and that is my main gripe. (It's the shadow games fault not 06)
Personally i don't feel like shadow hates maria in the games, i feel like he's more in denial than anything. Convincing himself that he doesn't like maria anymore and that he doesn't have to keep his promise is probably easier for him than accepting that she was his friend and that she's gone, that he lost someone that meant a lot to him. Idk i just see it as him coping with it in his own way, obviously not coping the correct way but yk.
just how i see it
I do understand for your interpretation of the end of 05, but I don't agree. Or at least in my interpretation, Shadow was moving on from a dead loved one. I don't think Maria's promise should be Shadow's only reason for protecting the planet. I would like Shadow himself to have some attachment to the world. Like through Rouge and Omega. I do think Shadow joining GUN is his way of doing that.
3:31, I did pull out my copy of The Shadow Saga and Rouge did not show Shadow a video. It just cuts to the present than back to Sonic and Shadow fighting the Biolizard. I was actully hoping to see a video that was for Shadow.
I do agree that Archie Shadow is the best Shadow. As a Shadow fanfic writer, I do base my Shadow off the Archie Shadow. I think the thing I love the most about Archie Shadow and early game Shadow is his vulnerability. We see him sad and going through failure.
Where could I read your stuff at?
If you don't mind?
Write now I am working with King Shadow. King Shadow from the Archie comics is insane.
I don’t think it’s that he doesn’t care about it even hate Maria by the end so much as he’s finally made peace with her and is ready to move forward. And hates Maria? No. At what point did they ever indicate he hated Maria or professor Gerald by the end? And as for heroes, well if he was really so selfish then would he even be working alongside the rest of Team Dark? He probably would’ve left them for dead the first chance he got but he doesn’t.
When he heard "please help me shadow" he says no one can tell him what to do... when he threw away a picture of maria and gerald.. and as for working for team dark, it could be interpreted as him using rouge and omega... and considering how Sega talks about shadow, I think it's true
When I first found out about shadow the hedgehog when young I didn't think much of it but decide to look in more he was much more what he should been I don't why sega butchard his character even IDW they still make him act edgy like why Sega I really want them to bring this shadow back especially idw comics yeah shadow not the best archie shadow is shadow but what he was meant to be Idw I find and opportunity for Sega truly fix shadow in game canon I really hope fix him they have this opportunity to do so.
Can leave behind this edgy phase already because it's dragged on for to long.
What do you think of shadow from sonic prime is he the same as he was in the games or his archie self or both combined.
In prime, he's definitely closer to the games I'd say. Prime does better than idw. But prime is not anywhere close to archie.
Your voice is mesmerizing. How do you even do that with your voice? Did you record each sentence separately?
I did record each line sepperatlely yes... but the voice is actually not mine... it's an artificial intelligence I found on eleven labs. I type what I want it to say and it speaks.
Honestly the Archie comics did better with Shadow’s character than the game
Man, I was laughing so hard on this one. I get why you like the softer version of him better. Personally, I prefer the game version (well, up until S06, after that he went downhill).
I think both sides of him are important. And archie understands that.
Game Shadow until 06 seems lonely to me. He isn't a jerk. Later he became a plain mono emotional (rage) edgelord.
Not gonna lie I feel you're missing the point of Shadow's character development. He's moving on from Maria and his past because he wants to focus on himself and become a better person also forgetting about your dark past and trying to become better and focus on yourself is unhealthy to you? which doesn't really make sense since it's the exact opposite. That line in 06 meant that he will still fight for the humans even though Mephiles told him they were going to betray him. I feel like Shadow just doing good things only for Maria is a bad thing cause it basically implies he doesn't in-reality care about humans but since Maria does he'll protect them. Shadow protects the humans because he cares about them not because Maria wants him to. We don't love Shadow ONLY just because he honors Maria wishes. We love him because he is a true hero that will protect us because he cares for us not just cuz maria does.
I never said it was unhealthy... my words were "which is a good and healthy mind set... but it's not what we like"... and I am generalizing when I say "we"... I should have said "I". And I like the fact that shadow protected humanity because of his love for Maria even though he hates humans for what they did.
You were inaccurate in your rant, you’re just being paranoid because of ONE scene and made it your personality
yup!
see the pinned comment :)
I'm not perfect... I made a boo-boo
archie shadow>>>>>>>idw shadow
W and fax
This is debunked as the sonic team president said that shadow only fights coz of marias wish
@@BruhFlonx thank goodness
Hot take : old shadow is overrated, edgy the hedge is the GOAT ('m not joking btw)
That is a VERY hot take...
Is Shadow your favorite character in this franchise?
@@Jaredragonnot really, my favorite is espio
Archie Shadow is featless! Game Shadow victim, and IDW/Game Shadow is better cope!
(Both shadows are victims, i don't know why you brought that up)
I prefer heart and story telling over feats of strength... but if we are gonna talk feats...
I'll give you game shadow, he has fought multiple powerful enemy and won... but idw has not done anything but move some crystals... at least archie shadow out smarted a God like being, defeated the commander of an alien terrorist army... resisted mind control and (in a possible alternate future) managed to conquer the entire world...
@@Jaredragon sorry for being rude back there, but Game Shadow still beats Archie, BUT i'll admit Archie Shadow is in terms of character bette, and btw, IDW Shadow and Game shadow are the same lol
@@HaiderRaps np dude.
While idw and game shadow are supposed to be the same, my main issue is that idw shadow (outside of Dr tinker arch) isn't used for story telling. You can say the same for his game appearances like generations and I'd agree... but I like Shadow when they tell a story such as in sonic prime
Also, who is your favorite character in the sonic franchise? From what I can tell people who like idw don't like Shadow as their favorite... (I'm not trying to come off as entitled, I just want to know if there's anybody who likes idw shadow as their favorite character in the franchise, and why they like him?)
@@Jaredragon here's the list on ALL MY FAVOURITE Sonic characters of each Universes
TAOSTH: Tails
SUG: Sonic
Boom: Knuckles
Game/IDW: Sonic
Prime: Nine/Tails
Movie: Sonic & Knuckles
Anime: Sonic
& Archie: Tails
these are all the favourite sonic characters of mine in each Incarnations, hope you liked knowing!
@@HaiderRaps thank you! But what is sug? I figured out the rest but I don't recognize that