Shadow the Hedgehog (Archie)

"I am the Ultimate Lifeform. I am the protector of Mobius. Run home to your master and tell him. This is who I AM."

- Shadow realises his purpose

Shadow the Hedgehog is the end result of Project: Shadow, an effort to create the Ultimate Lifeform. Created by Professor Gerald in his efforts to find a cure to a rare disease known as NIDS that was affecting his granddaughter Maria Robotnik, Shadow was gifted with the powers of the alien Black Doom through that entity's blood. After the project was forcibly shut down by the government, Shadow was put into stasis for 50 years and then awakened by Dr. Eggman, Gerald's grandson, to help him take over the world. Shadow sought instead to destroy the world to avenge Maria, who had been killed by the raid on Space Colony ARK where they had both lived. However, he would later be persuaded by Sonic the Hedgehog to help save the world, afterwards becoming a hero who helped to save the planet on numerous occasions.
 * For other uses of this character, see Shadow the Hedgehog (disambiguation).

Shadow the Hedgehog is the end result of Project Shadow, a project to create the Ultimate Lifeform. Created by Professor Gerald in his efforts to find a cure to a rare disease known as NIDS that was affecting his granddaughter Maria, Shadow was gifted with the powers of the alien Black Doom through that entity's blood. After the project was forcibly shut down by the government, Shadow was put into stasis for 50 years and then awakened by Dr. Eggman, Gerald's grandson, to help him take over the world. Shadow sought instead to destroy the world to avenge Maria, who had been killed by the raid on Space Colony ARK where they had both lived. However, Sonic the Hedgehog and Rouge the Bat were able to convince Shadow that Maria would not have wanted such a result, and Shadow joined forces with Sonic to save the planet. Saved by aliens, he would return to join with Sonic and others against the evil Xorda. He would eventually rejoin Eggman, only to turn against him and join the special forces of the United Federation after learning the true purpose Gerald created him for. He exists in both the Pre-and Post-Super Genesis Wave timeline.

History
=Early Life= Shadow was created by Professor Gerald Robotnik 50 years ago aboard the Space Colony ARK, with the help of Black Doom, who contributed his own blood to the "Ultimate Lifeform". However the two creators envisioned two contrasting purposes for their creation: Gerald wanted Shadow to one day protect the world, whereas Black Doom was intent on having Shadow as his chief agent in conquering the world. Regardless, Shadow swore to Maria Robotnik, the professors granddaughter of whom he was very close, to protect the planet she loved. Shadows stay aboard the ARK ended when G.U.N. Soldiers raided the space station, apprehending the professor and killing Maria, the death of whom Shadow witnessed moments before being ejected from the ARK. He was soon recovered and put into stasis somewhere on Prison Island. (VG: SA2/SA2B)

50 years later, Shadow was awakened by his creators grandson, Dr. Eggman, who had recently stumbled upon the professors diary. Filled with anger at the death of his close friend, Shadow sought revenge on the people of the world. Aided by the Doctor, who agreed to collaborate with the ultimate life form to achieve his own plan to take over the world, Shadow and his new master gathered Chaos Emeralds to be used for the powerful Eclipse Cannon. During his quest, he ran afoul of Sonic the Hedgehog, who had been blamed for Shadow's crime of stealing an Emerald from the bank. After a number of battles, Shadow saw his vengeance approaching fulfillment, but was moved to help save the planet he sought to destroy. Thought lost after he became Super Shadow and joined Super Sonic in battling the Finalhazard, Shadow was later found by his old ally Rouge the Bat in one of Eggman's bases. Awakened with no memory of his past, the black Hedgehog joined Rouge and unlikely new ally E-123 Omega to form Team Dark. This group fought alongside-and against-Team Sonic and Team Chaotix to battle the evil Metal Overlord, a monstrous form taken by Metal Sonic, alongside Team Rose. (VG: SA2/SA2B, SH)

Soon, Shadow found himself dealing with the Black Arms invasion of Mobius. As the Black Arms descended from the sky to invade, [[Black Doom] appeared before Shadow and told him to bring him the Chaos Emeralds "as promised" before disappearing. Fueled with desire to seek out his past and find the truth behind Black Doom's words, Shadow sped off to obtain the emeralds. During his adventure, he provided some level of assistance to the invaders, which resulted in feelings of mistrust towards him from some citizens of Mobius. After successfully gathering all of the emeralds, Shadow was confronted by Black Doom, who commanded him to give up the emeralds so that they can begin the 'Ritual Of Prosperity'. Sonic and the others, including Dr, Eggman, then arrived and told Shadow not to listen to the alien leader. After it was revealed that Black Doom wished to harvest humans as an energy source, he took the Chaos Emeralds from Shadow and used Chaos Control to warp the Black Comet down to the surface of the planet. Black Doom then explained that he helped Professor Gerald create Shadow but only in return for the Chaos Emeralds, which were needed to bring the comet down to the surface. This revealed that Shadow was actually created using Black Doom's DNA. As Eggman was in disbelief that his grandfather would betray the planet, Black Doom paralyzed everyone with a special gas and left them to be devoured by his alien offspring. As the end seemed near, Shadow suddenly heard Maria asking for help and he broke through the paralysis.

Black Doom fled, leaving behind Shadow, the only hope for the planet. Shadow caught up with Black Doom and suddenly was attacked by mind control. Black Doom told him that he could control him as they had the same blood running through their veins, but Shadow refused to believe it. Just then, Charmy Bee, Vector the Crocodile, and Espio the Chameleon activated a film showing a sane Professor Gerald Robotnik. In the video he referred to Shadow as his "son" and told him that he was the only hope for the planet. It was revealed that the only way to defeat the Black Arms was to destroy the Black Comet using the Eclipse Cannon, a powerful weapon built into the ARK. As the video ended, Maria stepped into the frame and gave Shadow the inspiration he needed to break through Black Doom's control. Black Doom escaped and prompted Shadow to use the Chaos Emeralds to become Super Shadow and fight the alien leader. Black Doom, now in his Devil Doom form, fought Shadow but was defeated. Shadow then used a super-powered Chaos Control to warp the Black Comet back into the planet's orbit and tear it apart with a blast from the Eclipse Cannon. Everyone below on Earth cheered in joy as the alien threat was destroyed seemingly forever. On board the ARK, Shadow looked at a picture of Maria and Gerald before tossing it away, remarking "Goodbye forever... Shadow the Hedgehog". (SU: #59, VG: ShaH)

In the events of a timeline that was later aborted, Shadow and the other members of eam Dark became involved in a series of time-traveling battles with a villain known as Mephiles. After possessing Shadow's shadow in order to take on a form resembling the Ultimate Lifeform, Mephiles led them on a chase that ended with a horrible revelation. In the future resulting from that timeline, Shadow had been blamed for the catastrophe that had befallen Mobius, and hunted down by his own reprogrammed comrade Omega and imprisoned. However, Rouge vowed to stand by Shadow no matter what, and after he worked with Silver the Hedgehog and Sonic to defeat Mephiles' ultimate form of Solaris, this timeline ceased to be. Shadow and Rouge later took part in an Extreme Gear competition with a disguised Metal Sonic, and also became involved in Eggman's efforts to abuse the power of the Wisps. He and Sonic's other friends and allies were later captured by the Time Eater, and Shadow faced off with Sonic prior to the blue Hedgehog's defeat of their foe. (VG: StH(06), SFR, SC, SG)

=Taking on the New Black Comet=
 * From a readers point of view, this picks up from where the Pre-Super Genesis Wave timeline left off

Shortly after the beginning of The Shattered World Crisis, G.U.N. discovered that a second Black Comet, hosting a small colony of surviving Black Arms, was heading toward the planet. Team Dark was dispatched alongside Spider Troupe to plant a nuclear explosive on the new comet in order to destroy it. Along the way, Shadow found himself dealing the uncomfortable realities of his hive connection to the Black Arms and his previous actions for and against them. To make matters worse, after leaving his team to scout ahead, he found his Chaos Control abilities halted by a surprising new foe: Eclipse the Darkling, an elite Black Arms created to destroy him. (SU: #59)

To Shadow's surprise, Eclipse attempted to win Shadow over to the Black Arms' cause, due to the fact that the alien race was now on the verge of extinction. Shadow refused to cooperate, and Eclipse attempted to win him over with a mental assault. However, Shadow's resistance only fell when Black Death, the new hive mind of the species, added his mental powers to those of Eclipse. The brainwashed Shadow was thus dispatched against his own teammates, but was fortunately brought out of it due to the efforts of Rouge and Omega. Thus freed, Shadow set out to bring an end to the Black Arms once and for all by challenging Black Death to single combat. (SU: #60, #61)

As Shadow and Black Death fought, the alien warlord attempted to win Shadow over again, claiming that he had no right to condemn their race to extinction. However, Shadow remained firm in his conviction of the Black Arms' evil, particularly given the threat they posed to Mobius' billions of inhabitants. Removing his Inhibitor Rings, he dealt the final blow, destroying Black Death with his Chaos Blast attack. With the success of his teammates and Spider Troupe, the New Black Comet was destroyed, and the G.U.N. force returned to the surface. However, their task was not yet finished, as Eclipse also survived the destruction of the comet by fleeing in an escape ship carrying the larva of the Dark Arms. (SU: #62)

=The Hunt for Eclipse= With G.U.N. having tracked the site of Eclipse's crash landing, Team Dark and Snively arrived on Angel Island to put an end to the alien. Landing in Launch Base Zone, they made their way through several of the island's regions in order to reach the Master Emerald. Upon encountering Knuckles, Team Dark informed him of their situation, and asked him to guide them to find Eclipse's whereabouts. Knuckles reluctantly agreed, and Shadow stayed behind to guard the Master Emerald while Knuckles departed with his teammates. As he waited, he began seeing strange visions of the Black Arms. Shadow realized the culprit was Eclipse and demanded that he come out and fight. Eclipse complied and teleported in to attack from above. (SU: #67)

Shadow and Eclipse battled each at last, though Eclipse attempted to convince Shadow to join his side, appealing to him to help him revive the Black Arms. Shadow coldly refused, to Eclipse's disappointment and rage. Shadow gained the upper hand in the fight, but Eclipse retaliated by using his monster transformation to overpower Shadow. Shadow was nearly defeated until he used the Master Emerald to override Eclipse's ability to block his Chaos Control. Shadow used this moment to unleash a barrage of attacks and used Chaos Blast to send Eclipse flying out of his monster form and into the horizon. Once Knuckles' group returned, Shadow informed them that he take the Master Emerald to a secure G.U.N. facility so that they could protect it from Eclipse. Ignoring Knuckles' objections, he ordered his teammates to escort Knuckles, Relic the Pika, and Fixit the Robot to their shuttle while he used Chaos Control to transport the Master Emerald to a G.U.N. base. His argument that Angel Island would be spared harm due to the current crisis failed to convince Knuckles, who attacked Shadow and demanded that he and his teammates leave. (SU: #68)

Knuckles and Shadow soon became embroiled in a fight that took them across multiple Angel Island Zones, with Shadow finding his speed and Chaos power countered by Knuckles' strength and skill as a fighter. Unfortunately, their feud allowed Eclipse and his Dark Arms to attack Shrine Isle, injuring Shadow's teammates and seizing the Master Emerald. Upon sensing this occurrence and being chastised by Rouge, the pair put aside their fight in order to track down Eclipse. Knuckles' knowledge of the island allowed them to reach Launch Base at roughly the same time as Eclipse, who had been delayed by the efforts of the others. Knuckles and Shadow's combined might proved too much for Eclipse and his Dark Arms, though Rhygenta's Sonic Cannon prevented them from finishing the job. Knuckles then defied both Shadow and his nemesis by shattering the Emerald and scattering its fragments across Mobius, ensuring that neither surviving representative of the Black Arms could claim it. Eclipse managed to escape, and Shadow and his teammates left the island, though Rouge was later instructed by Knuckles to inform the black Hedgehog that "He's a jerk." (SU: #69, #70)

Shadow and his teammates later watched the Chaos Emerald Championship on television, with Shadow showing little interest in the program while his teammates enjoyed the spectacle of Knuckles facing Bark the Polar Bear. (StH: #269)

=Worlds Unite=

Personality
Shadow is arrogant, aloof, doesn't take kindly to others interfering in his business, and maintains a very small circle of close companions. He lacks many of Sonic's inhibitions, being perfectly willing to eliminate a foe rather than merely subduing them. However, he maintains a strong sense of honour, based on the idea that he would rather prove himself strong by defeating an enemy fair and square, rather than appearing weak through using low techniques. At times he has behaved with almost a mercenary attitude, joining forces with others only to further his own goals, but in the end he usually ends up picking the side of moral right. When Shadow has a goal, he sticks to it without hesitation, not resting until it is fulfilled.

Shadow is an extremely conflicted individual, often struggling with duty and self-gain verses moral right. Shadow has made it a personal mission to reform other living weapons such as himself, understanding their desire for isolation but helping them see the benefits of working with GUN (which will in time help them evolve their personalities for working towards good causes). He can be very hard on himself when he fails; in the Universe comics he reaches a point of self-doubt when he fails to save E-102 Gamma and collect a Chaos Emerald from the Special Zone, where his powers do not work.

In one alternate future, Shadow's morality gave way to possible madness. Turning Maria into a symbol of worship and ruling with an iron fist, he tried ruling his kingdom justly at first, but the continued violence of society despite his best efforts drove him to take drastic measures. However, since the Genesis Wave hit, many of the factors present in this 'bad future' no longer exist, making it likely that this will not happen.

Personality
Current= Very much convinced of the belief that he is the Ultimate Lifeform, Shadow is arrogant and stubborn, and upon making a decision is slow to change his mind or let anyone stand in the way. Behind his gruff exterior lies a heart with a genuine desire to protect the world, though at times he seems convinced that his is the only voice that matters in accomplishing this task. Very sure of his powers and abilities, he has the tendency to go off on his own or challenge forces he hasn't yet become acquainted with, and this often gets him into trouble. However, he is not above receiving correction-particularly from his closest friends-when the situation calls for it.

Shadow was previously consumed with his past-particularly during a period of his life in which he had amnesia-and recognizes his kinship with the alien Black Arms. However, Shadow is also wise enough to recognize that the Black Arms are a race of predators and monsters, and is determined to see them wiped out. While slow to smile or show warmth, Shadow does care for his friends and allies, even with the knowledge that his longevity may allow him to outlive them all. Most often, however, he puts on an attitude of cool indifference or businesslike precision, only rarely showing his more vulnerable side. Shadow is arrogant, determined, and somewhat cold. He often comes off as blunt and uncaring and doesn't take kindly to outside interference, preferring to believe himself capable of handling most things on his own. He lacks many of Sonic's inhibitions, being perfectly willing to eliminate a foe rather than merely subduing them, and he often believes that the ends justify the means. Because of this, he is often very destructive in battle. Still, he does have a personal sense of honor, enough to leave the Freedom Fighters in peace on some occasions despite his alliance with Eggman. At times he has behaved with almost a mercenary attitude, joining forces with others only to further his own goals, but in the end he usually ends up picking the side of moral right. When Shadow has a goal, he sticks to it with grim determination and intense focus, not resting until it is fulfilled. He has high expectations for himself, and takes personal failure especially hard. He has little patience for silly behavior. While others often tease him about his seemingly brooding attitude, he is capable of subtle compassion.
 * -|Pre-Super Genesis Wave=

After discovering his true purpose - that Gerald intended him to be a protector of the planet - Shadow has become much more heroic and wants to turn other "living weapons" like him (such as Metal Sonic) to the side of good instead of destroying them. While not always friendly, he has opened up somewhat to others, though he does not readily admit it because of his own pride. For all his moodiness and self-confidence, he is more accepting of outside help and working as part of a team. While he still misses Maria, he holds her memory in high esteem and no longer obsesses over his past.

Romance
Current= A hard, taciturn individual, Shadow is not known to harbor romantic feelings towards anyone. He is known to have a strong bond with teammate Rouge the Bat, but whether their relationship goes beyond that of close friends is unknown. Although Shadow himself has shown no genuine romantic feelings towards anyone, Rouge the Bat has repeatedly flirted with Shadow on various occasions, and has even called him "handsome" from time to time. She has shown interest in him as far back as after he saved her life on Prison Island, but Shadow said it was only to get the Chaos Emeralds she'd stolen and nothing more. Even though Shadow does not show much emotion, he has often smiled around Rouge, implying how close she is to him. Rouge also tends to tease Shadow on occasion by saying he mopes a lot. (SU: #2, #3, #4)
 * -|Pre-Super Genesis Wave=

Amy Rose has also shown to be somewhat fond of Shadow, having an unusual amount of faith in him when he seems to lack faith in himself. Being a somewhat equally willed person, she tends to help Shadow regain sight of his purpose, and keep him in check. More than once she has realized the good in him when others failed to.

Blaze has also been getting through to Shadow, though their relationship thus far seems to be more of a mutual respect than anything else. This is hinted at by the fact that he doesn't want to hurt her, he feels bad about betraying her team twice (in one day), and he can't stand having her mad with him and constantly tries to apologize. (SU: #23)

These interactions show that Shadow reacts better to gentle persuasion than bullying and force.

Abilities
Current= Thanks to his hover-equipped shoes, Shadow is capable of matching Sonic's natural speed and many of his abilities. He also possesses an inherent connection to Chaos energy lacked by many of his allies, and can utilize Chaos power without the use of a Chaos Emerald or the Master Emerald, though using either heightens his abilities. Shadow can also increase his power by removing his Inhibitor Rings, which allows him to perform powerful attacks such as Chaos Blast; however, he has the tendency to run out of energy more quickly by doing this. Shadow is also incredibly resilient, capable of taking a great deal of punishment but staying in a fight. Possessing speed equal to Sonic thanks to his jet-soled shoes, as well as natural speed bestowed unto him, Shadow is capable of many of the same moves as his near doppelganger, including Sonic's patented Spin-Dash. Shadow also commands Chaos powers through a direct link to the Chaos Force, which unlike that of the Brotherhood of Guardians doesn't require tapping into the energies of the Master Emerald or a Chaos Emerald. It is notable, however, that Shadow's abilities are more potent when aided by an emerald. Shadow can utilize these powers in a variety of ways, most commonly in the form of attacks such as Chaos Spear and Chaos Blast, or in time-freezing and teleportation moves such as Chaos Control. With a Chaos Emerald(s), he can increase the power of these abilities. Despite his power, Shadow has his limits, and does not possess the same level of energy as Knuckles achieved when he became Chaos Knuckles. He can temporarily increase his powers by removing his inhibitor bands and taking the form of Chaos Shadow. After the excess energy wears off however, he is left weakened. Like Sonic, he can attain a Super form by using the power of the Chaos Emeralds. He can use the jets on his shoes to briefly hover or assist his jumps as well as on-ground movements. As the Ultimate Lifeform, Shadow is also thought to be ageless and immune to disease.
 * -|Pre-Super Genesis Wave=

Relationships
Current= =Allies=
 * G.U.N.
 * Abraham Tower
 * Team Dark
 * E-123 Omega
 * Rouge
 * Spider Troupe
 * Freedom Fighters
 * Sonic
 * Tails
 * Chao
 * Sally
 * NICOLE
 * Rotor
 * Bunnie
 * Antoine
 * Team Rose
 * Amy
 * Cream &amp; Cheese
 * Big
 * Chaotix
 * Silver
 * Knuckles
 * Blaze

=Enemies=
 * Eggman Empire
 * Dr. Eggman
 * Metal Sonic
 * Badniks
 * Black Arms
 * Black Doom
 * Eclipse the Darkling
 * Mephiles/Iblis/Solaris
 * Babylon Rogues
 * Dark Gaia