Sonic the Hedgehog (Comic Series)

Sonic the Hedgehog is an ongoing series of American comic books published by Archie Comics, featuring Sega's mascot video game character Sonic. Spin-off publications from the comic include a Knuckles the Echidna series starring the titular character, which ran for 32 issues; 15 48-page "Super Specials"; 8 single special issues; and 4 short three-issue miniseries, each starring a character from the series. On September 21, 2005, Archie Comics started a new series based on the TV show Sonic X. Except for the Sonic X series, all of Archie Comics's Sonic-related series, miniseries and specials take place in the same fictional universe. This universe features a mixture of characters, settings and situations from the Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon, the Sonic video games by Sega, and various other incarnations of Sonic. It also includes many elements unique to the comic universe. The comic is not to be confused with Sonic the Comic, which ran in the UK and published more issues despite running for a shorter time (due to the fact that UK comics are made on a more frequent schedule than U.S. comics). As of August 2007, there have been 179 Sonic the Hedgehog regular series issues.

Overview
The comic's main focus is the adventure stories of the title character, the world-famous hero Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic loves adventure and chili dogs and he is always willing to fight to protect the ones he cares about from any threat. Sonic is in some ways different from his game counterpart - in the comics, he is displayed as having a rather strong sense of humor, as well as important familial ties with his family and friends; characteristics absent from most other incarnations. He is also portrayed as having a deeper sense of duty - in the games Sonic treats his ongoing conflict with Eggman as just an opportunity to have a fun time, whereas in the comic series he understands it as a responsibility to protect his world from a terrible menace. Sonic's age is left intentionally ambiguous due to relativity resulting from his recent space travel. It is likely that Sonic's actual biological age is somewhere between sixteen and eighteen, whereas in the games his is nearly always referred to as fifteen. The comic occasionally implies that "Sonic" is just a nickname. According to former writer Ken Penders, Sonic's true first name in the comic's continuity is Olgilvie. However, this was never mentioned in any story and is not considered canon. Current writer Ian Flynn has stated that he won't be revisiting the topic and is content with simply calling the hero "Sonic." In any case, his middle name has been stated as Maurice and his actual last name is Hedgehog.

Setting
At the beginning of the series, the year is 3235, though by now it is approximately 3236 or 3237. Sonic lives on Planet Mobius in Mobotropolis. Robots and flying penis monsters roam rampant as Eggman is in control and spreading his influence everywhere. Penises are now sentient beings. Sonic is too lazy to help the world due to him and knuckles partaking in a relationship of a homosexual manner. Tails masturbates constantly. The whole world is fucked up and shit.

Cast of Characters
Hero/Good Characters


 * Sonic the Hedgehog
 * Miles Prower -aka Tails
 * Princess Sally Acorn
 * Bunnie Rabbot
 * Antoine D'Coolette
 * Rotor Walrus
 * NICOLE
 * Knuckles the Echidna
 * Julie-Su
 * Amy Rose
 * Shadow the Hedgehog
 * Espio the Chameleon
 * Mighty the Armadillo
 * Vector
 * Charmy Bee
 * Uncle Chuck
 * Jules Hedgehog
 * Mina Mongoose
 * Dulcy the Dragon
 * King Acorn
 * Elias Acorn
 * Zonic the Zone Cop
 * Geoffrey St. John
 * Rob O' the Hedge
 * Brotherhood of Guardians
 * Dimitri the Echidna
 * Athair (deceased, exists in spirit form)
 * Ancient Walkers (deceased)
 * Nate Morgan (deceased)
 * Tommy Turtle (deceased)
 * Sir Connery (deceased)

Villain Characters


 * Dr. Ivo Robotnik - aka Julian Kintobor, Robotnik Prime (deceased)
 * Dr. Eggman - aka Robo-Robotnik, Robotnik Mark II
 * Snively Kintobor
 * Ixis Naugus
 * Mammoth Mogul
 * Doctor Finitevus
 * Nack the Weasel
 * Scourge the Hedgehog
 * Metal Sonic
 * Fiona Fox
 * Bark the Polar Bear
 * Bean the Dynamite
 * Xorda
 * General Kage
 * Chaos
 * Crocbot (deceased)
 * A.D.A.M. (deceased)
 * Mecha (deceased)
 * The Arachne (deceased)
 * Kodos (deceased)

Storyline
The original issues of the series and those soon to follow consisted mostly of isolated stories. That is, there was rarely any continuity between issues. However, there were the additions of new characters (such as Bunnie Rabbot, Knuckles, and Super Sonic) that would become familiar and lasting faces as the series continued. The early issues featured much of Sonic versus Robotnik, in which Sonic would constantly foil Robotnik’s plans whether it be to tear down a forest or find the hidden location of knothole village. Eventually though, the issues started to gain a sense of an ongoing story, most notably with the addition of the Mecha Sonic story line in issue 39, in which Sonic is transformed into a robotic form and does as Robotnik commands. This would later be concluded in a Sonic Special issue where knuckles gives himself up to be transformed into a robot in order to defeat Mecha Sonic. From here, the story line would be further developed into what is now a fully continuous one. Following the defeat of Mecha Sonic, the Freedom Fighters come together in issue 46 to discuss ways to attack and defeat Robotnik once and for all. The loyalty of many of the Freedom Fighters comes into question, particularly notable in a feud between Sonic and Geoffrey Saint John, member of the Acorn secret service. This continues into the renowned End Game saga which takes place over a four issue span, 47 through 50.

The saga begins with a mission by the Freedom Fighter and the Wolf Pack, led by Loupe, to attack Robotnik’s base. Princess Sally reveals thoughts of her father, King Acorn, telling her that it would soon become apparent that Sonic is a traitor. The mission proceeds and Sally is in need of help or she may fall to her death. The Freedom Fighters look on in despair when they think they see Sonic and assume that he will rescue the princess. Much to their surprise, Sonic aids Sally in falling to her death. The mission is called to retreat, and the Freedom Fighters move back to Knothole village. Meanwhile, Sonic is seen battling Robotnik inside the base (when he apparently left Sally for dead). Robotnik escapes and Sonic leaves the base wondering where the rest of his companions have gone. Sonic returns to Knothole only to be arrested and spared the death penalty in light of all his services, so instead is sentenced to life in prison on the Devil’s Gulag, where other notorious traitors such as Sleuth Doggy Dog (Issue 42) will be imprisoned with him. While Sonic is being transported to the Gulag, Swatbots attack the vessel and it crash lands. Sonic remains conscience and takes the opportunity to escape. News bears word and king Acorn demands the recapture of Sonic by Saint John. Sonic on the run, takes refuge in a cavern. Meanwhile, Bunny and Antoine discover that Drago (a member of the Wolf Pack) has been working with Robotnik in order to frame Sonic. This is followed by king Acorn issuing Robotnik as his new Warlord. Sonic, in the meantime, continues his run from Saint John and the secret service with aid from Dulcy the Dragon. Robotnik reveals his duplicate of the king by making it self destruct and the true plan has become evident to all. All this would lead up to Sonics return to Knothole in issue 50, where Sonic clears his name heads to a final showdown with Robotnik. As the issue notes, Sonic is uncharacteristically devoid of humor as he approaches Robotnik. In the battle, Robotnik’s ultimate annihilator crashes and the room is destined for destruction, but Robotnik and Sonic remain to fight. In the end, Sonic emerges victorious and Robotnik dies. Sonic later revives Sally with a kiss.

Story lines continue to follow after the End Game saga. Ixis Nagaus makes his first appearance in issue 53. Although temporarily defeated, he would later return in issues 64 through 66, along with the appearance of Nate Morgan, former advisor of king Acorn, and Ixis would be defeated this time by Ultra Sonic, one of Sonics transformations.

Issue 75 reveals that a robotic version of Robotnik has been functioning since after the defeat of the original Robotnik in issue 50. His presence is revealed by flashbacks to certain issues between issues 50 and 75. Sonic and the Freedom Fighters head to space to battle this Robo Robotnik, and although they defeat him, there are many other Robo Robotniks standing in line. These Robotniks are what has now become Sonics familiar enemy, Eggman.

Sonic Adventure is readily adapted into the series with the appearance of Chaos, beginning in issue 79. The saga ends with Sonic successfully defeating Perfect Chaos, the final form of Chaos after absorbing all of the emeralds, by transforming into Super Sonic in issue 84. Sonic does not actually destroy Chaos, as Chaos returns to his ancient beginnings to live in peace.

Issue 85 features Silver Sonic II, a scaled down version of the super robot seen in the Death Egg Saga. The next two issues (86 and 87) feature the return of Metal Sonic (first seen in Sonic the Hedgehog issue #25 and once again in the Knuckles Chaotix Special). Despite being able to defeat Sonic and Tails with ease, Metal Sonic realizes he can be more than his programming, and sacrifices himself to save Sonic and Tails from a lava flow.

Sonic Adventure Two comes into adaptation for one issue (#98) featuring Shadow the Hedgehog. The majority of the issue leads up to the events of the game, and brings back Silver Sonic II, only to have him destroyed by Shadow.

In issue 125, Sonic's latest battle with the Xorda leaves him stranded in space after saving Knothole from the Quantum Dial, while everyone on Mobius assumed him to be dead. Sonic's journey through space leads up to many interesting story lines, such as the return of Super Sonic in issue 126, and Sonics discovery that Tails parents are still alive on a far off planet. Sonic returns in issue 130 where he reveals to everyone that he is indeed alive and well. He learns that Eggman has engaged in all-out war with the Kingdom of Acorn and the United Federation (Station Square's population).

Issues 131 through 144 introduce a side story line in taking place 25 years in the future. In this future, Sonic is king of Knothole and married to Sally. Knuckles has attained the rank of Guardian and is (unofficially) married to Julie Su. However all is not well as the timeline is in danger of collapsing into destruction. Sonic and Knuckles try with the help of Rotor to prevent this catastrophe. Sonic ends up saving the universe, but it is unfortunatly reset with alterations, which are seen in issues #166 and 167.

Issue 145 features the return of Shadow, who continues to be a player, fighting both Sonic and a newly created Metal Sonic, in issues 146 through 149. This arc heavily touched on the history of Mobius (from the original conflict with the Xorda on Earth to prehistoric Mobius). Shadow reappears again in issues 157 through 161, as well as later issues.

The comic details not only Sonic's present, but also his past and future. Great attention has been given to his back story, including the lives of his relatives and friends during Robotnik's regime and the Great War that preceded it. As noted above, the comic ran a series of stories called "Mobius: 25 Years Later", Sonic's possible future as King of Mobius. In these stories, we learn that King Sonic has become a recluse and has severed ties with most of his former friends, except for his continuing, strained relationship with Knuckles. The story will soon be continued with a story detailing the events after King Sonic's time travel causes another possible future in which Shadow is king.

The comic's mythology surrounding the Chaos Emeralds and Master Emerald is quite different from what is seen in the games. According to the comic, the Chaos Emeralds are the result of alien radiation reacting with beryl deposits thousands of years ago. While in the games there are only seven of these emeralds, there are hundreds in the comic continuity, with seven "Super Emeralds." In addition, the Master Emerald was created by Tails, who used the chaos syphon on several emeralds to unify them. In the games, however, the Master Emerald is thousands of years older than Tails, or anyone else, for that matter. This has recently been retconned by the authors though through "The Gathering" in which Turbo Tails and Super Shadow send all the multi-colored Emeralds in the universe to the Zone of Silence. Once the Emeralds are sent there, Feist takes them and combines them into a single gem for each color. He also claims that to receive more Chaos Emeralds that he will judge them. Given the surrounding of the newly reformed Zone of Silence, this judgement will likely come in the form of tasks similar to the special stages of the video games.

Story Arcs

 * Mecha Madness (#38-39 + Mecha Madness Super Special)
 * End Game (#46-50)
 * The Naugus Trilogy (#64-66)
 * Sonic Adventure (#79-84)
 * Heart of the Hedgehog (#86-87)
 * Freedom Fighters of the Galaxy (#103-104)
 * Crouching Hedgehog, Hidden Dragon (#106-107)
 * Heart Held Hostage (#122-123)
 * Sonic Adventure 2.5 (#124-125)
 * Tossed in Space (#126-129)
 * Home (#130-134)
 * Mobius: 25 Years Later (#131-144, #166-167)
 * Note: M25YL was originally intended to be a Super Special or two, but they were stopped after Super Special 15. Instead, it was moved/delayed until the comic storyline could manage to fit the story arc in.


 * The Tommy Trilogy (#135-137)
 * Return to Angel Island (#138-141)
 * The Orginal Freedom Fighters (142-143)
 * The Good, the Bad and the Unknown (#146-149)
 * Songoose (#153-154)
 * Line of Succession (#155-156)
 * System Shutdown, Reconfiguration, and Reboot (#157-159)
 * The Darkest Storm (#162-164)
 * Order From Chaos (#168-169)
 * Eggman Empire (#175-176)
 * House of Cards(#178-179)
 * Enerjak Returns (#180 - 184)

Adaptations
The Sonic the Hedgehog comic typically runs original storylines based around characters from various Sonic media, but it has also made a number of adaptations. For instance, it has adapted a couple episodes of Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as complete or partial adaptations of the following video games: Sonic the Hedgehog Episodes:
 * Sonic Spinball (#6)
 * Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (#13) (also combined with Sonic 2 and Sonic & Knuckles for the Sonic-Quest mini-series)
 * Sonic & Knuckles (Sonic & Knuckles Special)
 * Sonic CD (#25)
 * SegaSonic the Hedgehog (#28) (arcade game)
 * Sonic Triple Trouble (Sonic Triple Trouble Special)
 * Knuckles' Chaotix (Knuckles' Chaotix Special)
 * Sonic 3D Blast (Sonic Blast Special)
 * Sonic Adventure (Super Special #13, and issues 78-85, originally planned to be 78-83, and Knuckles issues 33-34 before it was cancelled after issue 32)
 * Sonic Shuffle (#92)
 * Sonic Adventure 2 (#98)
 * Sonic Rush (#160 & #161)
 * Sonic Riders (#163 & #164)
 * Shadow The Hedgehog (#171) (Shadow's orgins)
 * Sonic Rush Adventure (#180) (Coming September 2007)
 * Sonic the Hedgehog (Super Special #8, Episode: "Ghost Busted")
 * Sonic the Hedgehog (#113, Episode: "Cry of the Wolf")

Specials, Miniseries, and Knuckles Series
Sonic the Hedgehog was originally published as a four issue mini-series, with the first issue labeled as "issue 0" and the second as "issue 1" (despite the note on issue 1 that it was the "first issue"). At the end of issue 3 (the fourth issue of the series), it was announced that Sonic would return in a regular series, and the next issue was published as "issue 1" of the regular series.

In addition to the main Sonic series, Archie Comics published various special issues. Longer than typical issues of the comic, these specials feature stories involving Sonic and other related characters. Several miniseries have also been published, featuring characters such as Sally, Tails and Knuckles.

Because of the popularity of the specials and Miniseries featuring Knuckles, in 1997 Knuckles the Echidna became an ongoing series. Knuckles's stories featured its own cast of Characters, including the Chaotix and Knuckles's romantic interest, Julie-Su. Like the Sonic comic, Knuckles's comic is filled with background information about Knuckles's family history. Knuckles's family has split into two factions: the Brotherhood of Guardians and the Dark Legion. Knuckles is a member of the former, and Julie-Su used to be a member of the latter. Much of the conflict of the comic surrounds the relations between these two warring factions.

In 1999, the series was cancelled, but the stories were continued in the pages of Sonic the Hedgehog. After Knuckles's cancellation and until issue 125, a typical issue of Sonic included a Sonic story and a Knuckles story, sometimes even including a third story. This led to each story getting considerably less space than it previously had. Recently, Knuckles's appearances have been infrequent but his story continues within Sonic's stories.

The creators also have a comic strip similar to those found in a newspaper at the end of some issues called Off-Panel. Off-Panel was in every issue for a long time and continues infrequently in the comic series. The strips parody the lives of the editor and the writers as they walk around the office and interact with characters from the comic in various ways.

Homages
Sonic the Hedgehog occasionally features homages to other mainstream or third-party comic books. The most prominent among these include:


 * The Anti-Freedom Fighters (a 'bad' version of Sonic and his friends) hail from the Anti-Verse, a parallel universe where evil replaces good. They are a spoof of Crime Syndicate, an evil counterpart to the Justice League, which inhabits a universe where Superman and his fellow DC Comics superheroes are corrupt.


 * The Bunnie-Antoine relationship slightly mirrors that of Rogue and Gambit, one of the better-known couples from X-Men; Bunnie is famous for calling people "Hon" or "Sugah" (like Rogue), and Antoine often peppers his dialog with French phrases (similar to Gambit).


 * A multiverse exists in Sonic's world that allows for travel to parallel universes, similar to the DC multiverse. Sonic and other characters navigate the dimensions using a literal superhighway called the Cosmic Interstate.


 * Certain 48-page specials of Sonic have been devoted to thinly-veiled spoofs or crossovers with different comic publications. The Sonic Super Special "Parallel Paradigm" features a mass crossover with Savage Dragon, Shadowhawk, The Maxx, and other characters from Image Comics.  A later issue chronicles Sonic's stint in another reality, where he meets a superhero-themed version of the Freedom Fighters that are based on Marvel Comics' Guardians of the Galaxy.

Comics
The Sonic the Hedgehog comic continuity is currently comprised of the following comics:


 * Sonic the Hedgehog #1-#190 (ongoing) (Published monthly from July 1993 to December 2000, published thirteen times a year (every four weeks) thereafter)
 * Knuckles the Echidna #1-32 (Published monthly from April 1997 to February 2000)
 * Sonic the Hedgehog Miniseries #0-3 (Published monthly from February to May 1993)
 * Princess Sally Acorn Miniseries #1-3 (Published monthly from April to June 1995)
 * Tails Miniseries #1-3 (Published monthly from December 1995 to February 1996)
 * Knuckles Miniseries #1-3 (Published monthly from July to September 1996)
 * SonicQuest: The Death Egg Saga Miniseries #1-3 (Published monthly from December 1996 to February 1997, reprinted February 2007)
 * Sonic Specials (Eight individual issues, published quarterly from 1995 to 1997)
 * Sonic: In Your Face! (Winter 1995)
 * Sonic & Knuckles (Summer 1995)
 * Sonic Triple Trouble (Fall 1995)
 * Knuckles' Chaotix (Winter 1996)
 * Super Sonic vs. Hyper Knuckles (Spring 1996)
 * Mecha Madness (Fall 1996)
 * Sonic Live! (Winter 1997)
 * Sonic Blast (Spring 1997)
 * Super Sonic Specials #1-15 (Published quarterly from 1997 to 2001)
 * #1: Battle Royal (Summer 1997)
 * #2: Brave New World (Fall 1997)
 * #3: Sonic Firsts (Winter 1998)
 * #4: Return of the King (Spring 1998)
 * #5: Sonic Kids (Summer 1998)
 * #6: Sonic #50: Director's Cut (Fall 1998)
 * #7: Sonic/Image Crossover (Winter 1999)
 * #8: Sally Moon (Spring 1999)
 * #9: Sonic Kids 2 (Summer 1999)
 * #10: Crossover Chaos (Fall 1999)
 * #11: Girls Rule! (Winter 2000)
 * #12: Turnabout Heroes (Spring 2000)
 * #13: Sonic Adventure (Summer 2000)
 * #14: Sonic Stew (Fall 2000)
 * #15: Naugus Games (Winter 2001)
 * ''' Free Comic Book Day 2007 comic (a one-shot comic made for free distribution on Free Comic Book Day 2007.)

A comic called Sonic X, based on the Sonic X cartoon series, is also published by Archie Comics:
 * Sonic X #1-23 (ongoing) (Published ten times a year from November 2005 onwards)

Sonic has appeared in issue #28 of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch as well in a two-part crossover which concluded in Sonic Super Special #10: Crossover Chaos.

Trade Paperbacks
Trade Paperbacks have also been released, typically collecting older, hard-to-find issues and compiling them in a single volume. These include:
 * Sonic Firsts (1998) (Includes the first appearances of Sonic the Hedgehog, Bunnie Rabbot, Super Sonic, and Knuckles the Echidna, taking stories from issue #0 of the original Sonic Miniseries, and issues #3, #4, and #13 of the regular series. A special electronic edition of this comic is among the special features in the Sonic Mega Collection game. Forwarded by Paul Castiglia, a former editor of the Sonic comics.)
 * Sonic: The Beginning (2003) (A reprint of the original Sonic Miniseries, with a foreword by their author Michael Gallagher)
 * Sonic Archives #1 (November 2006) (A reprint of issues #1-4 of the regular series)
 * Sonic Archives #2 (December 2006) (A reprint of issues #5-8 of the regular series)
 * Sonic Archives #3 (May 2007) (A reprint of issues #9-12 of the regular series)
 * Sonic Archives #4 (June 2007) (A reprint of issues #13-16 of the regular series)
 * Sonic Archives #5 (September 2007) (A reprint of issues #17-20 of the regular series)
 * Sonic Archives #6 (October 2007) (A reprint of issues #21-24 of the regular series)
 * Sonic Archives #7 (May 2008) (A reprint of issues #25-28 of the regular series)
 * Sonic Select #1 (May 2008) (Super Special and Miniseries reprints)

Notable Issues
Features the debut of Sonic's classic Figure Eight maneveour. Sonic faces offf with his robotic counterpart Metal Sonic
 * #25: Go Ahead, Mecha my Day

The last issue of the End Game saga, Sonic successfully defeats Ivo Kintobor (Robotnik).
 * #50: The Big Goodbye

Sonic's change to his now familiar appearance with green eyes and golden shoe buckles.
 * #71: Retro Activity

The first appearance of the new and now familiar Eggman. He retakes Mobotropolis and turnes it back into Robotropolis.
 * #75: I Am The Eggman


 * #100: Reunion

Station Square Launch a Nuclear Strike against Robotropolis (Mobotropolis), rendering it uninhabitable and the Old Mobotropolis seemingly lost forever.
 * #110: War Games

The Bem conduct an experiment by turing Sonic and Tails into their Mecha Form, and Turning Robotnik and Snievly into humans. As a result, Sonic and Tails were returned to their regular form, while Robotnik and Snievely will remain human forever
 * #118: Robotnik's Return

Sonic saves Mobius from destruction by defeating the Xorda. As a result, he is beamed out into space.
 * #125: Sonic Adventure 2.5: Omega

Evil Sonic comes and wreaks havoc on Mobius Prime, while Sonic is sent to Evil Mobius. Tails defeats Mamoth Mogul again by transforming into Titan Tails.
 * #150: From Hero to Zero In No Time At All

Eggman sucessfully defeats Sonic in Battle and Destroys Knothole Village, while capturing its citizens in the process, with an exception to Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy.
 * #175: Eggman Empire

List of Writers

 * Karl Bollers
 * Paul Castiglia
 * Romy Chacon
 * Angelo DeCesare
 * Joe Edkin
 * Clayton Emery
 * Danny Fingeroth
 * Ian “Potto” Flynn
 * Mike Gallagher
 * Mike Kanterovich
 * Benny Lee
 * J. Oliveras
 * Ken Penders
 * Tania del Rio
 * Tom Rolston
 * Evan Skolnick
 * Frank Strom
 * Kent Taylor

List of Pencillers

 * Chris Allan
 * Jeff Axer
 * Gary Bedell
 * Dawn Best
 * Al Bigley
 * Steven Butler
 * Colleen Doran
 * James Fry
 * John Hebert
 * Michael Higgins
 * Kyle Hunter
 * David Hutchison
 * Manny Galan
 * Jon Gray
 * Sanford Greene
 * Ron Lim
 * Dave Manak
 * Art Mawhinney
 * Sam Maxwell
 * Harvey “Harvo” Mercadoocasio
 * Nelson Ortega
 * Ken Penders
 * Nelson Ribeiro
 * Tania del Rio
 * Scott Shaw!
 * Tom Smith III
 * Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante
 * Frank Strom
 * Brian Thomas
 * Jim Valentino
 * Todd Wahnish
 * Tracy Yardley

List of Inkers

 * Jim Amash
 * Saleem Crawford
 * Jon D'Agostino
 * Pam Eklund
 * Mike Higgins
 * Rich Koslowski
 * Harvey Mercadoocasio
 * Al Milgrom
 * Jay Oliveras
 * Ken Penders
 * Andrew Pepoy
 * Jeff Powell
 * Aimee Ray
 * Josh Ray
 * Nelson Ribeiro
 * Henry Scarpelli
 * Phil Sheehy
 * Brian Thomas
 * Conor Tomas
 * Bill White

List of Artists

 * Spaz
 * Tracey Yardley!

Resources

 * 1) Sonic HQ (1/17/06):