Kitsunami the Fennec,[4] or Kit for short,[5] is a character that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. He is an anthropomorphic fennec fox who was modified into a villainous cyborg by Dr. Starline with no memories of his past. He was designed for the intended purpose of supporting Surge the Tenrec and replacing Miles "Tails" Prower. After discovering their origins, however, Kit would assist Surge in her plan to get revenge on those responsible for their old lives being taken away from them.
Concept and creation[]
According to writer Ian Flynn, Kit is inspired by a glitched version of Tails from Sonic 3 & Knuckles.[6] His appearance was conceptualized by artists Evan Stanley and Mauro Fonseca, with Stanley taking the lead in finishing the design.[2] Fonseca has stated that Kit's design was inspired by the King of Sorrow from Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil.[2] His boots originate from an unused design for Dr. Starline.[7] Kit's hydrokinesis was designed with Sonic's dislike of water in mind.[8]
Kit, along with Surge, was originally pitched for IDW Publishing's Sonic comics by Ian Flynn in 2017, before the first issue was even released.[1] They were meant to debut alongside Dr. Starline as part of a trio of characters based on glitches present in the early Sonic the Hedgehog video games.[9][10] Although the pitch was rejected at the time, due to the staff thinking it was too early, the characters would eventually be accepted in 2021. Notably, Kit was originally pitched as an android fox, but was changed to a cyborg fennec at a later date by request of Sega.[1][11]
Some changes from notes by Sega were also made, like changing the design of his gloves and boots to better mesh with Surge's punk style, shortening his ears to avoid the implication that he can fly like Cream the Rabbit, making him slightly taller to closely match Tails' height, and making his bangs to be less cute.[12]
Appearance[]
Kit is an anthropomorphic fennec fox about the height of a child.[13] He possesses mostly Argentine blue fur with a patch of white fur on the front of his torso that is shaped like a water drop, and a medium-long white muzzle with pointy cheek tuffs and a small black nose. He also has fuchsia eyes that sometimes glow, teal eyelids, long bangs of fur on his head, and long triangular ears on his head with teal tips that hang down the sides of his head. Lastly, he has a long, thick tail with a teal tip.
For attire, Kit wears the Hydro Pack, white gloves that possess visible lining with black cuffs that are studded with gray studs, and yellow boots with black toes and soles, and six gray studs along the tongues of said boots.
History[]
Past[]
Kit being subjected to hypnosis from Starline, from Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome #3.
Both Kit and Surge have been in development for a long time as part of Dr. Starline's Operation: Remaster. Originally a regular person, Starline somehow acquired Kit and modified him by implementing cybernetic enhancements using Power Cores and the bio-data from Sonic, Shadow and Tails, as well as giving him physical toughness using the Metal Virus and a new personality and memories using the codes he got from Belle. Kit in particular was designed for the purpose of aiding Surge the Tenrec, with Starline modeling him after Sonic's sidekick, Tails. Kit was then subjected to hypnotic sessions where Starline imprinted him with false motivations to serve Surge no matter what. Afterwards, the two of them were subjected to hundreds of tests, and when they got fed up, Starline would blot out their memories with hypnosis, which left both Kit and Surge with lasting psychological trauma. In the end, Kit was left without awareness of his origins, believing only that Starline gave him the powers he had so he could help Surge destroy Sonic.[3][11][14]
Imposter Syndrome and Trial by Fire[]
Kit coming to Surge's aid, from Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome #1.
Kit and Surge eventually had to go through various tests arranged by Dr. Starline. At the end of one of these tests, however, Starline treated Surge with hypnosis when she began arguing with him, subduing her. Kit was at first shocked by what Starline had done to Surge, only to have his memory reset by Starline with hypnosis as well. After they regained consciousness, Kit and Surge were sent to the Forest Ridge Zone Campground by Starline.[3] There, they would start a forest fire that could kill Amy and her friends in order to demoralize Sonic. After Surge ignited the dried-up flora Kit had gathered, the pair would walk through the fire they had caused.[3][13] A few days later, the pair came to Central City for a test to assess their finesse by causing chaos without getting caught. Kit wanted to sabotage the city's sewage system, but Surge went ahead and caused some chaos herself. Regrouping with Starline at Tails' Lab, Kit tried opening the entrance to the lab when Starline could not open it. However, Kit's water coil tails were unable to squeezes through the cracks in the sealed entrance. Not wanting to make a notable scene, Starline had Kit and Surge withdraw with him.[3] Returning to Starline Base Sigma, Kit learned that the fire he and Surge started had been handled without casualties. Regardless, Starline wanted to put him and Surge through one final test that would let him try out his anti-Eggman algorithm. While Surge argued with Starline however, she and Kit began questioning their motivations and relationships, prompting Starline to hypnotize them again. When Kit and Surge then woke up, Starline convinced them that they wanted to take part in his final test, while he wanted them to move on with his plans. With Kit believing Starline's lie, he listened to Starline's plan for their final test.[3]
Traveling to Egg Base Alpha, Kit was instructed by Starline to be escorted by Surge to the communications tower and ensure that no alerts would broadcast onto the Eggnet. Although Kit tried insisting that it was Surge's role to handle the important jobs, he was silenced by Surge. Afterward, the trio headed into the base, with Kit and Surge heading to the comms tower. Though Kit suggested a detour when Antons appeared, Surge went ahead and destroyed them. Kit tried then to remind Surge of Starline's plan, but Surge insisted on doing her own thing while he followed her. Regardless, the two headed towards the comms tower as planned. Once there, Kit wanted a few minutes to disable outgoing communications. As he began passively arguing with Surge in an attempt to keep her from destroying the tower however, an Egg Breaker appeared. As such, Surge distracted the Badnik while Kit went to work on the comms tower. After finishing, he returned to Surge, only to see her get smashed by the Egg Breaker's mace. Enraged, Kit threw the mace back at the Egg Breaker with his water-coil tails, only to discovered that Surge had barely been injured. After Surge then took care of the Egg Breaker, Antons surrounded the duo. Though Kit and Surge got ready to fight, the Antons began applauding them. Starline then announced that the base and its Badniks were his now and told Kit and Surge to join him in the control room. There, after being congratulated by Starline, Kit tried to tell Starline of what had happened when he noticed their bruises, but Surge silenced him and assured Starline that all was well. After being dismissed however, Kit asked Surge in private of why she didn't want him to tell Starline about what happened so he could give her a checkup. In response, Surge revealed that she had realized that Starline had done something to them that they could not recall. With Surge focused on sorting this out by taking a look at Starline's video logs and getting revenge on Starline, Kit eagerly offered his help when Surge asked for it.[15]
Kit attacking Starline, from Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome #3.
Kit eventually managed to break into Starline's video logs and show them to Surge. From them, they discovered how Starline had modified them and erased their memories of their past personas. Kit also could not find information about who they were before Starline modified them. When Starline showed up in person and was about to erase Surge's memory however, Kit tried to defend her, but was paralyzed by Starline's Multi-Tool Heel Spurs. While Surge fought the doctor however, Kit recovered and captured him with his water tentacles, restraining him. Surge then took Starline's glove from him and used its hypnotic powers to put him to sleep. As Surge then announced her intention to destroy everyone related to them, Kit suggested that they could use Starline for her plan by going along with Starline's original plan and then destroy him, Eggman, and Sonic when the time was right, which Surge agreed was a good idea. When Starline later woke up with no memories of what had happened, Kit confirmed that the doctor had explained their origins to them, and that they held no grudge against him. An overjoyed Starline then announced to them his plan to attack Eggman's newest capital.[14]
Kit later arrived at Eggperial City with Surge and Starline, where he continued to feign his allegiance to the latter. After fighting their way through the city's Badniks, Starline split off from Kit and Surge, who were to occupy Eggman and his forces while he uploaded his override program. When Kit had asked her if it was okay that they were using Starline's plan against him, Surge assured him that all they were doing was justified and the only person he should be loyal to is her. Kit and Surge continued to tear through the Badniks easily until Metal Sonic ambushed Surge. As Metal Sonic proved to be a formidable opponent for Surge, Kit came to help her get back up; however, Surge demanded that Kit supported her in the fight. After a tough fight between Kit, Surge, and Metal Sonic, the robot eventually had Surge at his mercy until Kit restrained him and trapped him in a water bubble that Surge proceeded to electrocute, shutting down Metal Sonic. After Surge then checked up on Kit, who said he was just happy to help, she noted that they would get along just fine. After Starline then managed to upload and broadcast his override program to the Badniks of the world, Kit and Surge witnessed the Coconuts surrounding them fall under Starline's control. The pair soon after saw Starline being carried by Egg Pawns to Eggman's main headquarters. Afterwards, Kit and Surge watched the Badniks of the world arrive at Eggtropolis. Surge told Kit that after they got rid of Starline and the others, he would have to reprogram most of the Badniks to self-destruct while leaving some for herself. She then explained, should it come down to it, she would fight Sonic alone while Kit kept Tails from distracting her. Once all of this had been taken care of, Kit and Surge agreed to hunt down all of Sonic's allies and topple the cities that celebrated them together.[16]
Battle for the Empire[]
Kit displaying his hatred for Dr. Starline, from Sonic the Hedgehog #50.
Kit and Surge soon got word from Orbot that Sonic and Tails had entered the city. Sticking to the plan, Surge fled to fight Sonic while Kit engaged Tails. The fox cub believed that there was some sort of misunderstanding at first, but Kit denied this, wanting to end him quickly. As Kit pursued Tails through the city, the latter would complement Kit for his use of his Hydro Pack. The fennec did not understand why Tails was being nice to him and rejected the fox cub's advances of wanting to understand his pain and share support. Regardless, Kit began to break down as he did not know what he wanted without Surge, leading to Tails engaging in a gentler conversation with him. Kit told Tails that Dr. Starline was the one who summoned all the Badniks to the city and revealed his hatred for the doctor due to his abusive nature. Though Tails wished to help defeat Starline, the fox cub's wish for Sonic to join them made Kit snap and turn on him again, as destroying Sonic was all Surge wanted and he would not let anyone stop her.
Eventually, Kit managed to catch Tails off guard once the latter was distracted by a crumbling bridge. As the fennec gloated at his inevitable victory, Tails stated that he knew he would run out of water eventually. Sure enough, Kit's Hydro Pack ran dry immediately after. Fearing Surge's anger, he panicked and tried to use what little water he had left, but Tails disabled his Hydro Pack. Defeated, Kit cried out to Surge for help before fainting in shame. Tails subsequently brought the dejected Kit back with him to Sonic, who had survived his battle with Surge, and Belle the Tinkerer, only to be attacked by Badniks that Eggman had regained control of from the now-deceased Starline.[17]
While Kit was unconscious, Tails and Belle carried him to a shuttle hanger, hoping to escape. After they had picked up Sonic, however, Metal Sonic ambushed the group and destroyed the shuttle. Following the crash, Kit awakened.[18]
Overpowered[]
Kit had little time to comprehend his situation before Tails pulled him from the burning wreck. Belle then carried him while Sonic and Tails stalled Metal Sonic. Kit tried to escape, elbowing Belle in the nose as she restrained him; however, this only made her fall on top of him, pinning him down. Ignoring Tails' assurance that they meant him no harm, Kit desperately asked about Surge, knowing she would be angry with him about his prolonged absence. With Metal Sonic closing in on the escapees, Sonic asked Kit for help in fending off the robot, which the hedgehog himself could not do because his leg was injured. Kit was hesitant, but ultimately, he agreed to trust Sonic. As his Hydro Pack was still empty, Belle broke open several water tanks so he could resupply. Just as he finished doing so, Metal Sonic caught up with the group. Kit proceeded to engage and make short work of the robot, buying the others time to flee. Later, he joined Sonic, Tails, and Belle at Eggperial City's perimeter, whereupon Tails lowered the fennec to safety over the walls.[19]
Kit helps a defeated Surge, from Sonic the Hedgehog #54.
The following day, Kit accompanied Sonic, Tails, and Belle to Tails' Lab, where Kit helped Tails nurse Sonic back to health. Over Tails' misgivings, Sonic decided to tell Kit about Surge's and Starline's fates, seeing them as the closest Kit had to family. This caused Kit to have a minor breakdown, and he retreated under a blanket. Shortly thereafter, Sonic and Tails went to resolve trouble in Central City, leaving Kit with Belle in the lab. Kit soon learned of the situation from a news broadcast and decided to help Sonic, not wanting to lose him as he had lost Surge. When Belle tried to stop him, Kit's mental conditioning kicked in and he attacked her, eventually pinning her underneath some scaffolding. He then headed out the door and sped off.[20] He eventually found Sonic and Tails with Surge, who had survived, in an electronics store basement. Sonic implored the fennec to remove the Dynamo Cage Surge was wearing, but Kit misread the situation and angrily turned on the hedgehog, accusing him of lying about Surge's fate and trying to kill her. Further believing Sonic had no need for him with Tails by his side, Kit prepared to attack them, but stopped when he noticed Surge trying to get up. He then carried her away, coldly ordering Sonic and Tails not to follow.
Kit took the unconscious Surge back to Starline Base Sigma, scouring it for food and supplies while she recovered. He was present when she woke up, but as he brought her up to speed, she hallucinated the late Starline and had a panic attack. Kit quickly calmed her down with a hug, begging her to forgive him for believing she was dead and leaving her behind. Surge did so, and they began planning their next move.[21] Kit helped Surge recharge her Dynamo Cage by rerouting the power of the base into her. After Surge told him to get ready for a fight, he suggested running and hiding, but Surge was resolute on making a final stand against Sonic. Kit watched Surge on the monitors as she fought Eggman and got surrounded by Sonic, Tails, and Metal Sonic; as he was setting up the base to trap the intruders, he wasn't able to help her. When Surge returned to Kit, looking bruised and scared, Kit came to her aid and informed her he had locked out all other routes through the base, leaving only one place for the intruders to go. Once the four arrived in the room Surge and Kit wanted, they revealed themselves. Sonic asked them hand over the Dynamo Cage so they could all leave in peace, but Surge and Kit declined this offer and engaged the intruders.[22]
As the battle raged on, Kit attempted to strike Sonic from above, but Tails intercepted him, and he retreated to a higher floor. The fox apologized to Kit for what Starline had done to him and Surge but said it did not justify the latter harming others or herself. Seemingly agreeing, Kit stood down and watched from his perch as Surge continued to fight Sonic. Eventually, Surge overloaded the Dynamo Cage, destroying it, incapacitating herself, and releasing Whisper the Wolf's Wisps, which the tenrec had captured back in Central City. When Eggman double-crossed Sonic and Tails and moved to capture Surge, Kit intervened to rescue the latter three, binding the doctor and Metal Sonic with his hydro-coil tails. Sonic thanked Kit, but the fennec bound him and Tails as well, revealing he only saved them for Surge's sake. After coldly rebuking Sonic as no different than Eggman or Starline, Kit declared he would stay with Surge where he believed he was needed. Resolute, Kit partially destroyed the base with his hydrokinesis and left with Surge in tow.[23]
Second Chances[]
Kit gave a ration to Surge in Starlilne Base Sigma and reminded her they have no power and they are running low on food. She told Kit they needed to leave, but Kit did not know where to go since Eggman was against them and they couldn't fit into normal society. Surge yelled at him to figure it out, which Kit said he was. The base then started to rumble. They ran out Kit assumed Eggman was back for them. The two started to destroy the machines leveling the base and before she could fight some Badniks, Rough and Tumble appeared to defend their "tech". Surge easily manhandled them. Clutch then appeared said the tech and the goons belonged to him. Surge told Kit to hold the goons and Clutch apologized, saying he thought Starline's base was vacant. He went on to explain Starline was a frequent customer of his and he provided many resources to him. Surge realized, and Clutch confirmed, he knew who Surge and Kit were and what they are. Clutch offered them to work together against Sonic, but Surge wanted to know more. Clutch explained who he was and what his business was. He offered to tell everything he knew about her and Kit in exchange for helping him take down the Restoration. Surge agreed and Kit asked how they could get close to Restoration HQ. Surge told him she had a plan.
Surge and Kit went to Restoration HQ peacefully with Kit and asked to see Amy. She announced her and Kit wanted to turn their lives around. Amy believed her and during a lunch with her and Kit, Sonic arrived. Shocked to see them, Amy updated Sonic and Surge said he made it sound real simple for her to change her life. Surge said their last fight was a close call and it caused her and Kit to "re-prioritize" and come here to start over, which Kit coldly agreed with. Sonic was still skeptical, but welcomed them to the Restoration. Surge and Kit then went on a tour of the Restoration with Sonic and Amy. In the depot, they met Silver and Blaze. They then went to the machine shop, which Surge said would be more to Kit's liking and joked about how he could show Tails "how it is done". The Chief Mechanic then welcomed Kit and offered a handshake. Kit kept the same cold stare he had the entire time and didn't shake his hand. Belle then saw Surge, which scared her. Kit whispered to Surge they were going to get that a lot, which Surge wanted. Surge then noticed the Variable Wispon she broke before. Belle protected it and said she rebuilt since then and was going to return it to Whisper. Sonic thought they should tag along so they can introduce them to the Diamond Cutters.
When they meet them, the Diamond Cutters were unamused to see them. Sonic said they should give them a chance to join if they wanted to. Surge reminded them they were there and didn't need to speak for them. The Diamond Cutters were cautiously optimistic for them to join, except Whisper, who outright refused. Surge was amused by Whisper's stance and swiped the Variable Wispon from Belle, handing it to Whisper. Surge told her she was the first person with any sense in the Restoration and knew she wanted to take her out right then, which Surge respected. Whisper reluctantly let Surge have the offer, but she would be watching her. Kit spoke up saying he would join if Surge does as well. Surge agreed, saying they were a packaged deal.
Later, Duo then went to them and wanted to help Surge and Kit find a place to settle down. They followed him into a room, where Duo then revealed himself as Mimic and explained Clutch told him to make contact with them. Surge asked if the Restoration had no idea they were infiltrators and Mimic said they didn't, complimenting her on her performance. He told Kit he needed to tone down his glare and needed to act like he was happy here. Mimic explained they needed to keep up the act until Clutch sends the order. Kit asked if Tails was a target. Mimic said he was a priority target. Kit grinned and said he liked it there now. They put their hands together and Surge said she was looking forward to working with Mimic.[24]
Personality[]
Programmed to emulate Sonic's sidekick, Kit shares Tails' kindness and modesty, but with his positive traits turned on their head. He is defined by a soft-spoken, somber, withdrawn, and timid attitude, with very little in the way of individuality, as he is programmed to be subservient to Surge and satisfy her wants and needs. He speaks politely and formally, addressing others as "sir" or "ma'am". Kit is also quite nervous and often stutters when he talks.[3] Despite his reserved demeanor, though, he is capable of moments of extreme emotions: when he thought Surge had received lethal injuries, he snapped into a sorrowful rage and would scream loudly as he took brutal revenge on her attacker.[15] His connection with Surge so strong that when he thought she was dead, he instantly fell into a deep depression. Similarly, his desire to be of assistance is so strong that when he learned Sonic was in danger, he instantly ran to help him, regardless of his own physical and mental state.
Unlike Surge, Kit possesses a keen and analytic mind that prompts him to look before he leaps. As such, he is full of ideas and creative solutions that do not rely solely on brute force, and prefers sticking to the plans that have been laid out instead of recklessly charging in, having noted that plans are his thing.[3][15] However, he appears to lack self-confidence and hold a low opinion of himself (even considering himself as something akin to an object or tool for his partner to use) due to his dependency on Surge, having refused to take part in operations that involves vital elements of support.[15] Even when he comes up with a complex and clever plan himself, he always needs assurance from his superiors to go through with it.[14] His sorrowful attitude also prompts him to seek validation from others, and Surge and Starline’s constant mistreatment caused him to have emotional breakdowns when he worked with them.[3][15]
Powers and abilities[]
Kit using his hydrokinesis, from Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome #2.
Kit has the ability to manipulate water.[3] He is highly skilled with this ability, being capable of shaping water into various forms with no effort.[15] His most prominent demonstration of this skill is his ability to make "hydro-coil tails"[3] in the form of watery tentacles that are both solid and strong enough to restrain a robot as strong as Hey Ho,[3] lift and thrown a giant mace with considerable force,[15] and pry open metal doors that have even the slightest crack in them.[3] He can also use them to plug up openings and spaces, like the exhausts in jet packs, for both immobilization and offense. When able to produce his hydro-coil tails via his Hydro Pack, he can also use them to carry himself forward at great speeds.[3] In battle, he can also use his hydro-coil tails as extra limbs or clubs to attack foes with.[14] When extremely agitated, Kit can transform his water into ice, allowing him to, for example, create sharp ice spines.[17]
Kit has also demonstrated an amplitude for mechanics and technology. Notably, he was able to disable outgoing communications in an Egg Base in a matter of minutes by tampering with a signal tower's hardware, and operate different machines and computers, the latter of which he has enough skills with to hack Dr. Starline's personal database.[15][14]
Equipment[]
Kit is equipped with a Hydro Pack which provides him with a constant supply of water, which he can use in various situations.[3]
Weakness[]
As a part of Dr. Starline's precautions to keep Kit on a short leash, Kit has been made highly susceptible to hypnosis in case he goes out of control. As such, he is quick to respond to Starline's commands and lose some of his most recent memories when exposed to Starline's hypnotic devices. However, his memories cannot be completely erased. In addition, over time, he has begun developing a resistance to this effect.[3][14]
Kit's power relies on the Hydro Pack, meaning that if the latter runs out of water, he will be left powerless. Furthermore, he can be zapped, up to the point of paralysis, if his water tentacles come in contact with electrical energy.[14][17]
Relationships[]
Surge the Tenrec[]
Kit and Surge, from Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome #4.
Kit was programmed by Dr. Starline to be loyal to Surge the Tenrec and devote his life to serving her as her support unit to the best of his abilities and keeping her safe.[14] However, their original partnership was nothing but a farce, as both Surge and Kit had been programmed with false memories and motivations for helping each other by Starline in order to make their teamwork more effective. Also, Kit's attempts to be the voice of reason for Surge and reign in her recklessness are often ignored or disregarded by Surge herself, prompting arguments between them. Even so, Kit is never directly hostile towards Surge, nor has Kit ever tried to stand up to her, opting instead to be somewhat passive when they disagree or talking and summitting to her whims. He likewise tends to cringe whenever he notices her temper is starting to flare up.[3][15] Due to all their disagreements, Kit will be very happy when Surge actually asks for his help and support.[15]
Despite Surge's callous treatment of him and emotional abuse, Kit still worries about her well-being, even if she does not return the concern. If Surge were to be hurt, the normally calm and apathetic Kit will react in shock or even uncharacteristic anger and rage and rush to her aid without thinking at all.[3][15] However, Kit's feelings for Surge are not natural, as why he worries so much about her confuses him.[3]
Kit and Surge eventually began forming a real partnership in their quest for answers about their past. After learning about how Starline had used and manipulated them and that his devotion to Surge was a lie, Kit chose to stay by Surge's side on their shared search for answers. Kit in particular also took Surge's side without thinking and helped her defeat Starline. When Surge later decided to destroy everyone they deemed guilty for taking away their past, including Starline, Kit went along with her idea, although he came up with a plan that would let them take advantage of Starline to achieve their goal. This suggestion marked the first time Surge would approve of one of his plans. Ironically, this allowed them to form a real bond based on their shared hatred for their newfound enemies.[14] Even at this point though, Kit's programming still compels him to be devoted to Surge. At the same time, he also fears her anger.[17]
Miles "Tails" Prower[]
Kit and Tails, from Sonic the Hedgehog #50.
Similar to how Surge's modifications were inspired by Sonic, Starline modified Kit's loyalty to Surge after Tails' helpful behavior towards Sonic. However, while Starline programmed Surge to despise Sonic, Kit has no programming to hate his counterpart and no real ill will towards him, merely wanting to neutralize him due to Surge's own hatred to everyone associated with Sonic.[17]
His lack of true hatred, combined with Kit's own desire for approval, led Tails to briefly succeed in calming him down. While he enjoyed Tails's complimenting him, his devotion to Surge and the programming implanted by Starline filled him with confusion and internal struggles in how to react to the situation, with Kit declaring he needs no friends. Despite that, Tails managed to make Kit open up about his hatred of Starline and was almost willing to set aside their fight in order to stop the doctor; however, Kit immediately started to attack Tails again when he suggested breaking up the fight between Sonic and Surge, as it would be going against the latter's wishes and orders.[17]
Following the death of Starline and the presumed demise of Surge, Kit would end up temporarily moving in with Sonic and Tails, but Kit would pay little mind towards his counterpart, focusing more on following Sonic. After discovering Surge was alive, Kit questioned why Sonic helped him when he already has Tails as his sidekick.[20][21]
Dr. Starline[]
Kit was originally loyal to Dr. Starline as part of his programming, even respectfully calling him "sir".[3] Kit in particular was better than Surge when it came to listening to Starline's orders, as he prefers following plans.[15] However, under specific circumstances, Kit would question why he worked with him, prompting the doctor to manipulate him with his hypnotic gauntlet to keep him loyal. Starline would in particular gaslight the duo into pretending nothing happened, as he needed them for his plans.[3]
After discovering how Starline had manipulated and used him and Surge, though, Kit would betray Starline alongside Surge. While he is willing to kill Starline for what he has done to him, Kit, being more pragmatic than Surge, has opted to first use Starline to get closer to those he deems guilty for turning him and Surge into empty cyborgs, before eliminating them and Starline.[14] He would later tell Tails that he hates Starline for all the harm he has done to him, and would have stood up to him when Tails offered him his support.[17]
Sonic the Hedgehog[]
As with Tails, Kitsunami wasn't programmed to hate Sonic the Hedgehog, merely finding him to be a target to neutralize due to Surge's hatred towards her counterpart. However, after Surge's apparent demise, Kit found Sonic as a substitute in his programming to obey a leader, and act polite, respectful, and eager to serve him. He also grew desperate not to lose Sonic like he lost Surge; this was ironic, since Surge was created as a counterpart to Sonic. His feelings to Sonic changed again when he found out Surge was alive: under the circumstances, Kit called Sonic a liar and accused him of making up Surge's demise to buy time. Ultimately, Kit decided that Sonic did not need him and was no different than Eggman or the late Starline, rebuking the hedgehog as such before departing with Surge.[20][21][23]
Friends/allies[]
- Clutch the Opossum
- Surge the Tenrec (best friend)
- Mimic the Octopus
Neutral[]
Enemies[]
- Amy Rose
- Ashe
- Blaze the Cat
- Belle the Tinkerer
- Chief Mechanic
- Dr. Eggman
- Dr. Starline (arch-nemesis)
- Lanolin the Sheep
- Metal Sonic
- Miles "Tails" Prower (arch-rival)
- Silver the Hedgehog
- Sonic the Hedgehog
Trivia[]
- Kit's full name is a portmanteau of "kitsune" and "tsunami". "A kitsune" is known as a fabled Japanese creature, famous of its nine tails but originally meaning in Japanese is "fox". This is reflected in Kit's powers, as he can create multiple "tails" just like Tails, who is also the fox, out of water.
- Surge and Kit's names together reference the word "circuit".
- The idea that Surge and Kit's powers are based on Sonic and Tails' hydrophobia and astraphobia were not intended, and is merely a coincidence when Ian Flynn pitched the characters.[25]
- Kit's personality was likely based on how Starline sees Tails due to being his version of the fox, a shy sycophant who's unable to function properly without his partner.
Gallery[]
Concept artwork[]
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Model sheets[]
Miscellaneous Artwork[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 IDW Publishing on Twitter. Twitter (14 November 2021). Retrieved on 14 November 2021. "David Mariotte: Surge and Kit actually predate Sonic number 1, as seen on this year one springboard from Ian Flynn. They predate most of the things in IDW Sonic, in fact. When Ian Flynn pitched Surge and Kit in 2017 before the series started, we knew that it wasn't quite the right time for their story to get the justice it deserves. When it came to 2021 planning with Ian, writer Evan Stanley, and assistant editor Riley Farmer, we knew it was the right time."
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Mauro Fonseca on Twitter. Twitter (2 September 2021). Archived from the original on 13 November 2021. Retrieved on 2 September 2021.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome #1, story one
- ↑ IDW Publishing on Twitter. Twitter (14 November 2021). Retrieved on 14 November 2021. "David Mariotte: Today I'm here to give you a special behind-the-scenes look at the creation of our two new characters Surge the Tenrec and Kitsunami the Fennec"
- ↑ Dreadknux (26 August 2021). SURGE THE TENREC AND KIT THE FENNEC: IDW’S ‘IMPOSTER SYNDROME’ MINISERIES’ NEW CHARACTERS REVEALED. Sonic Stadium. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021.
- ↑ STH Imposter Syndrome!. Reddit (September 2021). Retrieved on 11 November 2021. "Ian Flynn: Dr. Starline was inspired by the "Wechina" sprite error from Knuckles's Chaotix. Likewise, Surge is inspired by the famous "Ashura" glitch of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Kit by a personal glitch I remember getting for Tails in S3&K."
- ↑ Evan Stanley (@spiritsonic) on Tumblr. Tumblr (17 November 2021). Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved on 18 November 2021. "Evan Stanley: I changed his glove/boot design to better mesh with Surge's punk style (the boots were an unused Starline boot design), and the backpack got sleeker and higher-tech."
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome #2, Sonic Letters Squad
- ↑ BumbleKing Videos (7 January 2019). The Final (For Real) Smash Bros. Ultimate Episode - BumbleKast #82. YouTube. Retrieved on 18 November 2021. "Ian Flynn: See actually, Starline was meant to debut with two other characters and they were all built around a similar [...], and if they had all come out at the same time I think folks would've gone "Oh, I see where the inspiration is from", but things were revised because our season 2 plans were [...] we need to just push some stuff to the back burner now and focus on [...] so that's why we only have Starline now. Eh, maybe we'll get to it down the line."
- ↑ Ian Flynn on Twitter. Twitter (17 November 2021). Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved on 18 November 2021.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 BumbleKast for May 20th, 2022 - Standard Q&A Podcast with Ian Flynn. YouTube (20 May 2022). Retrieved on 20 May 2022.
- ↑ Kit (and Surge) Design breakdown!. Tumblr. SpiritSonic. Retrieved on 10 August 2023. "Evan Stanley: At this point, we started getting notes from Sega, massaging the details to a point where everybody was happy. I changed his glove/boot design to better mesh with Surge’s punk style (the boots were an unused Starline boot design), and the backpack got sleeker and higher-tech. His ears were shortened to avoid the implication that he can fly like Cream, and he got taller to be closer to Tails’ height. Also, the bangs were changed to be less cute, which the added bonus of them looking wet all the time."
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Sonic the Hedgehog #46, "Trial by Fire, Part 2"
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 14.7 14.8 14.9 Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome #3, story one
- ↑ 15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10 15.11 Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome #2, story one
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome #4, story one
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 Sonic the Hedgehog #50, "Battle for the Empire"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #51, "Escaping the Empire"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #52, "Overpowered, Part 1"
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Sonic the Hedgehog #53, "Overpowered, Part 2"
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Sonic the Hedgehog #54, "Overpowered, Part 3"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #55, "Overpowered, Part 4"
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Sonic the hedgehog #56, "Overpowered, Part 5"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #67, "Second Chances".
- ↑ BumbleKing Videos (29 August 2022). BumbleKast for August 29th, 2022 - Q&A Livestream with Ian Flynn. YouTube. Retrieved on 29 August 2022.
