- For other uses, see Marine the Raccoon (disambiguation).
Marine the Raccoon (マリン・ザ・ラクーン Marin za Rakūn?) is a character that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. She is an anthropomorphic raccoon and a sailor from Southern Island in the Sol Dimension. When she began her travels, Marine met Sonic the Hedgehog, Tails and Blaze the Cat and joined them on their seafaring search for the Jeweled Scepter, during which she formed everlasting friendships.
Always energetic, Marine is talkative, but rarely listens. A spunky yet lovable rascal,[3] she is a lover of excitement and constantly seeks adventures. She aspires to become the captain of her own ship so she can travel the world, but can be quite the handful. During her adventures with Sonic though, she has matured and has promised to grow up more.[1]
Appearance[]
Marine is an anthropomorphic raccoon with orange fur, a white muzzle, a small black nose, and sky blue eyes with one long eyelash on each one. She has brown triangular ears with cream canals on top of her head, brown rings around her rounded tail, and brown and cream-stripe markings around her eyes. On her head, she has two upturned pigtails with brown tips that are held together by yellow scrunchies.
For attire, she wears a lime green tube top with a white trim, black capri leggings, tan gloves, white socks, and lime green and orange shoes with gray soles.
History[]
Past[]
Marine was born on Southern Island in the middle of nowhere on the sea, where she was kept company by the Coconut Crew from a young age.[2] Growing up, Marine dreamt of going out and see the world as the captain of her own ship and have adventures,[5] eventually becoming discontent over staying on her island like a prisoner.[2] As such, she would spent her days gazing across the ocean, particular at the Plant Kingdom, while wondering about what lied beyond her home.[6]
By the time she was seven years old, Marine finally decided to set out, and took up sailing and shipbuilding, making numerous attempts to make her own ship with Materials.[7]
Sonic Rush Adventure[]
In Sonic Rush Adventure, Marine found Sonic the Hedgehog and Miles "Tails" Prower when they washed up on Seagull Beach. Claiming to having "saved" them, introductions were made and Marine promptly invited them to stay with her until they found a way home. The next day, Marine took the SS Marine out on its maiden voyage while Sonic and Tails watched, but she failed to control it and crashed. Her loss left Marine devastated, but Tails offered to build her a new boat. While Marine was unsure about it due to several issues, Sonic and Tails made the Wave Cyclone with a book provided by Marine. Proclaiming herself the captain, Marine "lead" the group out on their journey to different islands, looking for Materials.
While Marine got to see new places, often wandering off despite Sonic and Tails' warnings, the group was attacked by several robotic enemies on their journey which Marine suspected was jealous of her adventures. They also met the rogue racer Johnny, who Marine goaded into challenging her, only to pass it over to Sonic. When reaching Coral Cave, Marine unveiled the isle by poking at an altar. There, they met Captain Whisker, whom Marine antagonized, and his crew, who were the ones behind the robot attacks. They also met Sonic's old ally, Blaze the Cat, who helped fight off Whisker, though the pirates got away with the Jeweled Scepter, an artifact in Coral Cave which Blaze tried to protect. Hearing that Sonic and Tails were actually from another world, Marine had them explain it all, and they decided to help Blaze recover the scepter which posed a threat to both their worlds.
As the crew searched for the pirates' hideout, Marine kept working everyone's nerves with her antics and insistence to follow them despite the dangers. After tracking and losing the pirates at Haunted Ship where Marine tried poorly to hide her fear of ghosts, reaching Blizzard Peaks where they freeing the captive Vikings from the pirates while Marine was introduced to snow, and uncovering the secrets of Sky Babylon which Marine unearthed by fumbling with priceless relics, the heroes located the pirates on Pirates' Island. However, Marine was shocked to hear that her crew wanted to her to stay behind while they faced the pirates to protect her, and insisted to come. However, as Blaze revealed bluntly they thought she was a nuisance, she ran off crying.
Not letting it set her back, Marine set off to prove herself by stopping the pirates alone, but got herself captured by Whisker and set to be tortured by the Ghost Titan. Luckily, Sonic and Blaze rescued and defeated Whisker for good, while Marine swiped the Jeweled Scepter when Whisker was not looking. Though she still got reprimanded for her recklessness, Marine gave the scepter back to Blaze and made up with her friends. Marine thus accepted she was no captain and had to be more careful, but kept her ambition of becoming a real captain one day.
As Marine worked with her friends to bring Sonic and Tails back home with the Chaos Emeralds and Sol Emeralds, while working on her own ship, they got news that the Jeweled Scepter was stolen again. Shortly after, Marine and the crew met the true thieves, who turned out to be Dr. Eggman and Eggman Nega, who revealed from their Egg Wizard that they created the pirates to find the Jeweled Scepter, and then use its incredible power to build Eggmanland upon both worlds. Marine and the crew followed the villains to Deep Core, where Super Sonic and Burning Blaze tried to beat the Egg Wizard as it harnessed the Power of the Stars. On the verge of defeat, Eggman Nega tried to destroy the planet, but Marine distracted the Egg Wizard with her hydrokinesis by firing a ball of water, giving Super Sonic and Burning Blaze the opening they needed to finish the doctors off.
With the Jeweled Scepter secured, Marine went to see Sonic and Tails off in her SS Super-Marine as the duo left in the SS Tornado EX. Though she was sad to see them go, Marine took solace in their promise that they would meet again and vowed that she would have grown much more up the next time they met, before returning home to Blaze.
Other game appearances[]
Sonic Generations[]
In the console/PC version of Sonic Generations, Marine's name appears in billboards for Chao in Space: Perfect Chaos Strikes Back. Curiously, it is misspelled as "Marine the Racoon".
In the Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Generations, Marine makes a small cameo appearance on a bonus artwork in the Collection Room.
Sonic Colors[]
In the Nintendo DS version of Sonic Colors, it is mentioned that Marine was currently being the "same as ever", meaning she was getting into trouble like always.
Mario & Sonic series[]
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games[]
In the Wii version of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Marine does not appear in person. However, a Mii costume based on Marine can be unlocked in the game by placing first fifty times in the London Party Bonus Games, after which Cream will send the player the costume in the mail.
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games[]
In Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, Marine does not appear in person. However, a Mii costume based on Marine can be unlocked in the game by getting a total distance of over 10,000m in the Ski Jumping Large Hill event.
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games[]
In the Wii U version of Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Marine does not appear in person. However, a Mii costume set based on Marine can be unlocked in the game. However, it must be collected in two separate parts, each with their own stat changes.
Sonic Speed Simulator[]
Personality[]
Marine is cheerful, carefree and energetic,[1] but also stubborn at times,[3] brash and overconfident. She is extremely scatterbrained, always following her first intuition, and so often acts before she thinks. Marine loves to talk[3] and does not know when to stop chattering, but she never listens to others[3] and hardly does anything she is told if not in the mood. She is likewise relatively bossy and attention-seeking. She also has a habit of exaggerating and embellishing,[1] often to make herself seem more important or talented; as such, she tends to strike others as annoying. Nevertheless, she generally means well and cares deeply for her friends, and can be counted upon when needed. She is also (surprisingly) a neat freak.[1]
Marine is an overly adventurous spirit with a passion for the sea,[3] always longing to see new places to encounter and overcome new challenges.[8] However, this attitude makes her impatient and prone to recklessly charge into dangers. Because of her isolated upbringing, Marine knows little about her world as well. She can therefore not help go crazy with excitement when seeing anything new, and can get so caught up in it that everything else around her becomes invisible.[1]
While Marine wants to be acknowledged as a full-fledged sea captain, she is still a child and is a natural when it comes to creating a scene.[3] She can be really bratty when not getting her way, starts crying when emotional, is afraid of ghosts,[1] and has trouble pronouncing certain words. Early on, Marine also insisted she was a real captain once she had a ship, despite having no prior experience, and refused to recognize her own shortcomings in favor of taking charge of the situation so not to show weakness or lose her dignity.[9][10] While her cover-up attempts are poor, she thinks of herself as a great actor.[9] However, she has since realized her own flaws, which have made her much more mature, careful, humble and dedicated to growing up and study.[1] Regardless, she remains ever adventurous and still gets herself into trouble.
Marine speaks with an exaggerated Australian accent, using Australian slang words such as 'strewth', 'bonza' and 'cobber' and adding the word 'mate' to the end of her sentences.
IDW Publishing[]
Marine is a little more mature compared to how she was in Sonic Rush Adventure, but she's still as friendly, eager, and selfless as ever. For example, before leaving for her vacation, when Blaze invited Marine to come along with her, the raccoon respectfully declines as she's willing take care of things in the Sol Dimension on Blaze's behalf and she also promised to call Blaze home with the Jeweled Scepter when the Sol Dimension's in danger. Blaze even called Marine a reliable captain and accepted to leave everything to her in return.
Powers and abilities[]
Marine has at least passable skills in the Material-based technology for shipbuilding, though they pale in comparison to Tails'. She was able to construct a small boat on her own, although it had several bugs, but eventually grew proficient enough to build a fully operational water bike on her own. While also starting out as an amateur, Marine has since gained general sailing skills, being able to ride a water bike alone.
Marine is initially portrayed as lacking any skill in combat or adventuring. While not technically a special skill or ability, Marine is able to talk her way into almost anything; she goaded Johnny into challenging her by preying on his ego, and made her friends take her on dangerous missions with tantrums. However, in the story's climax, Marine suddenly manifests a mysterious water power which lets her fire water blasts from her fists.[4] The fact that the Egg Wizard was knocked back by just one blast suggests that there is great power to this ability. She is also a very fast runner, able to keep up with even Sonic, though she lacks the stamina to sustain it.
Relationships[]
Sonic the Hedgehog[]
Sonic the Hedgehog is one of Marine's closest friends, whom she quickly befriended after meeting him. When making herself captain, Marine declared Sonic one of her assistants despite Sonic never agreeing to it. As captain, Marine generally worried for Sonic's well-being and looked after him (though it was actually the other way around) like a friend, but she insisted he followed her orders. Though Marine would get jealous at Sonic for tackling their more dangerous enemies, she admires his skills and marked him as her "best pupil" and deputy captain.[11] Meanwhile, Sonic tolerated Marine's antics, but often noted how "hopeless" a case she was.
When Marine learned that Sonic thought of her as a nuisance, she felt betrayed and called him stupid, but made up with him and stopped bossing him around. As Sonic went home with Tails, Marine earned his respect with her newfound maturity and told him how he was the best friend ever.[12] Though she cried at Sonic's departure, she vowed to meet him again no matter the boundaries.
Miles "Tails" Prower[]
Miles "Tails" Prower is one of Marine's closest friends. Shortly after his arrival, Marine befriended Tails, who in turn helped her build ships so she could go on adventures. When Marine declared herself captain, she made Tails her assistant, though Tails never agreed to it. As captain, Marine generally worried for Tails' well-being and looked after him (though it was actually the other way around) like a friend, but she insisted he followed her lead. While Marine is amazed at Tails' intellect, she often ignored his warnings and told him he was no fun. While Tails accepted Marine's antics, her behavior always made him worry.
When it was revealed that Tails thought she was a nuisance, Marine felt betrayed and called him stupid, but made up with him and stopped commanding him. When Tails then went home with Sonic, Marine earned his respect with her newfound maturity and told him how he was the best friend ever.[12] She thus vowed to meet him again no matter what, though she could not help crying over his departure.
Blaze the Cat[]
Blaze the Cat is probably Marine's best friend, though their relationship started out more strenuous compared to Sonic and Tails'. During the first meeting, Blaze noted how Marine was just a "little girl," which Marine took as an insult and told Sonic and Tails to get her. However, she quickly put this aside to help Blaze.
Originally, there was much conflict between Marine's energetic nature and Blaze's no-nonsense attitude. Unlike Sonic and Tails, Blaze was far more direct with Marine about her antics and often called out her recklessness, if only out of concern. On the other hand, Marine tried to establish herself as Blaze's captain, who would either ignore her or tell her to stay in line. In return, Marine would tell Blaze how a bore she was. However, the hardest blow came when Blaze told Marine that she was a nuisance, which made Marine cry. Regardless, this was a catalyst for Marine's development; after getting herself into danger when trying to prove Blaze wrong, Marine gained respect for Blaze's judgment and realized her shortcomings. Meanwhile, Blaze grew fond of Marine after she proved her resourcefulness by getting the Jeweled Scepter back. Now good friends, Marine finds comfort in Blaze's support and has seemingly kept contact with her.
Sometimes, Marine loves to mock Blaze for fun by giving her nicknames which Blaze isn't found of such as "Your Highness".[13]
Southern Island residents[]
Marine has a good relationship with the koala residents of Southern Island, including the members of the Coconut Crew, whom she has personally known since she was "only an ankle biter,"[14] though she has not seen many of them in years. Unlike Marine's other friends, the residents have managed to overlook Marine's flaws and knows she means well. In addition to Tabby and Daikun, Marine is best buddies with Colonel.[15] There is also Kylok, who affectionately calls Marine a "little runt" and knows much about her, including her dreams and secret fear of ghosts, suggesting they are especially close.
Captain Whisker[]
One of the first foes Marine made for herself was Captain Whisker, who she often referred to as "fuzzy-face." Even before meeting him, Marine believed Whisker sent his robots after her and her friends because he was jealous of her adventures. When they finally met, Marine earned Whisker's personal resentment when she pulled his mustache out of curiosity. While Marine knew of Whisker's maliciousness, she held no fear of his dangerous nature (possibly out of obliviousness) when she and her friends sought to stop him, and even found him funny. When later being called a nuisance, Marine thought she could prove herself by stopping Whisker herself, but only got herself captured by the pirate and had to be saved.
Johnny[]
Marine has a strange competitive relationship with Johnny. When they first met, Marine wanted him to race her, only to be brushed aside. Marine thus thought he was afraid of losing to her, provoking Johnny into challenging her. However, Marine answered to his challenge by having Sonic race in her stead.
Friends/allies[]
- Amy Rose
- Blaze the Cat
- Cream the Rabbit
- Cheese
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Miles "Tails" Prower
- Coconut Crew
- Vikings
Enemies[]
- Eggman Nega
- Eggman Empire
- Pirates
In other media[]
Books and comics[]
Archie Comics[]
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, Marine first appeared during the comics' adaptation of Sonic Rush Adventure where she helped Sonic, Tails and Blaze recover a Chaos Emerald from Captain Whisker, Johnny and Dr. Nega. Months later, she and Blaze rescued Shadow the Hedgehog from the ocean, who they teamed up with to battle an incarnation of Metal Sonic, and later help him return to his home dimension.
Following the events of Worlds Collide, Marine became virtually indistinguishable from her game counterpart. During the subsequent Pirate Plunder Panic arc, Marine and Blaze teamed up with Blaze's friends from Sonic's World, namely Amy Rose and Cream the Rabbit. Having formed into Team Rose the companions did battle with the evil Captain Metal and his crew of pirates to reclaim a Sol Emerald.
Sonic Comic[]
Act:015 Burning Beauty[]
Synopsis[]
Marine asks Blaze to help her ignite her campfire to which the princess refuses. Tails comes by and is told of Blaze's decision. Blaze then tells them that her powers were not for show. Tails replies that he has already seen her in action and thought her powers were very cool. Marine adds that Blaze looked very beautiful any time she was fired up. Blaze becomes annoyed and slightly embarrassed hearing these compliments and they are soon joined by Amy, Cream and Cheese. They learn of what Marine asked Blaze to do and start complimenting her as well, wanting to see her perform her flame abilities. Blaze eventually gives in and not only lights up the campfire but their barbecue and the roast as well as she is suddenly enjoying herself. The others watch in wonder.
IDW Publishing[]
Out of the Blue[]
At some point after crashing in Blaze's world with amnesia, Sonic encountered Marine, who saw she had no idea who he was. She decided to give him the nickname "Mr. Needlemouse", which Sonic found endearing.[16]
Guardians[]
Marine approached Blaze with the Ocean Tornado, asking if Blaze needs help. Later, as they sail back to land, Marine wonders what Blaze is upset about since they are finally done hunting pirates, but Blaze states that they must remain vigilant. Marine tells her that she has earned some time off now that they have won, but Blaze explains that due to her status as princess of an empire and guardian of the Sol Emeralds, she carries tremendous responsibilities for each duty. Marine, believing Blaze should still be able to relax, wonders who can convince her if she cannot. Later on, at the Shrine of the Jeweled Scepter on Coral Cave Island, Gardon reports that patrol ships will surround the island at all times and that the guard has been tripled, with only Blaze and Marine being allowed access to the chamber. Marine begins to tear up and tells Blaze that while she is glad to see her treating herself right, she will also miss her when she leaves, and embraces her. Blaze, sharing the sentiment, tells Marine she can still come with her, but the raccoon declines the offer, stating that she will be needed to watch over the ship and kingdom while Blaze is away, and that she will use the Jeweled Scepter to call Blaze home if trouble arises. She gives Blaze another hug before the two bid farewell to each other.[13]
Special Stage[]
Synopsis[]
Sonic, along with every character that appeared in the series thus far, thanks all the readers for all the support given to Sonic Comic. Tails states that there were twenty-five comics in total, corresponding with Sonic's twenty-fifth anniversary and adds that the series was quite lively with all the character appearances. Knuckles asks if anybody saw his active role, much to Amy's annoyance. Amy then tries to say something to the readers regarding whether they enjoyed reading the comic until the group is attacked by Dr. Eggman, Orbot, Cubot and Metal Sonic. Silver manages to deflect many of the missiles fired while Eggman states that he would catch them all in one go, seeing as they were all gathered in one place. As most of the group prepare to fight Eggman, Sonic sighs at Eggman's persistence. He then joins the fight and tells the readers to look forward to the future with him.
Trivia[]
- In the original Japanese version of Sonic Rush Adventure, as well as in Sonic Comic, Marine makes use of the Kansai dialect, which in Eitaro Toyoda's opinion gives the impression of her being a funny character. In the English localization of the former, she instead makes use of an Australian accent.[17]
- Marine's pigtails are shaped like boomerangs.
- Marine often uses the word strewth in her sentences. In British English, it means "God's truth", while in Australian and New Zealander English, it can also be used as an expression of surprise, or to add emphasis.
- On Sonic Channel, when asked about her weight, Marine responds "Hey! I don't hear such questions!"[1] unlike most other female characters who simply say "Secret".
- Based on the stats of the Marine costume in the Wii version of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Marine may be classified as a Speed Type character.
- Marine's name is featured on the Chao in Space 2: Perfect Chaos Strikes Back billboard in Sonic Generations.
- Sticks the Badger bears a heavy resemblance to Marine. As a result, many fans initially thought Sticks was an incarnation of Marine for the Sonic Boom series, before it was confirmed that Sticks was a new character.
- Marine is the only main character in Sonic Rush Adventure to not have a voice actor.
- Despite being a Raccoon, Marine's colors closely resembles a Red Panda, a small mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China that looks like a Raccoon.
- Sonic Speed Simulator makes Marine a playable character for the first time in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. This is also the first time she has appeared in a game outside of Sonic Rush Adventure.
References[]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 Sonic Channel (Japanese). Characters: Marine. Sega. Archived from the original on 26 May 2019. Retrieved on 3 July 2015.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Sonic Team, Dimps (14 September 2007). Sonic Rush Adventure. Nintendo DS. Sega. Area/level: Southern Island. "Marine: Argh! And I... I can't get away from this place! I'll be stuck 'ere my whole life! I'm goin' troppo 'ere! I HAVE to get out!"
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Sonic Rush Adventure (Nintendo DS) European instruction booklet, pg. 3.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Flynn, Ian; Sega (8 December 2021). "Sonic Rush Adventure". Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia. Dark Horse Books. p. 189. ISBN 978-1506719276. "A little girl with big aspirations. She dreams of building her own ship and becoming a daring captain, but she has a lot of growing up to do. She also may have mysterious water powers...?"
- ↑ Sonic Team, Dimps (14 September 2007). Sonic Rush Adventure. Nintendo DS. Sega. Area/level: Kylok's island. "Kylok: Hmmmm. Marine, are you sure you'll be okay? Well, it always was her dream to go out and see the world..."
- ↑ Sonic Team, Dimps (14 September 2007). Sonic Rush Adventure. Nintendo DS. Sega. Area/level: Southern Island. "Marine: Yeah, s'right! I grew up always scratchin' my head over what's on that there island."
- ↑ Sonic Team, Dimps (14 September 2007). Sonic Rush Adventure. Nintendo DS. Sega. Area/level: Southern Island. "Marine: You blind, there, mate? I'm about to launch my pal here, the good ol' SS Marine! Last time, though, I made a few blues, and things went a bit crook, you know?"
- ↑ Sonic Team, Dimps (14 September 2007). Sonic Rush Adventure. Nintendo DS. Sega. Area/level: Southern Island. "Marine: I'm goin' too! No matter what! My adventures have just started started! They can't end here! I still need to see new things and explore and encounter new challenges and overcome them! I want adventure! I NEED adventure!"
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Sonic Team, Dimps (14 September 2007). Sonic Rush Adventure. Nintendo DS. Sega. Area/level: Southern Island. "Marine: Wait, me? Show weakness? No drama! Lemme just hit the brakes 'ere and..."
- ↑ Sonic Team, Dimps (14 September 2007). Sonic Rush Adventure. Nintendo DS. Sega. Area/level: Haunted Ship. "Marine: (Well, thanks to my top-notch performance, nobody realizes that I'm really scared!) (I've gotta be careful, 'ere! I've got my captain's dignity to maintain, after all!)"
- ↑ Sonic Team, Dimps (14 September 2007). Sonic Rush Adventure. Nintendo DS. Sega. Area/level: Machine Labyrinth. "Marine: Sonic, you were tops! Since you're my best pupil, I'll let you 'ave a go at bein' leader when I step down."
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Sonic Team, Dimps (14 September 2007). Sonic Rush Adventure. Nintendo DS. Sega. Area/level: Ending. "Marine: Sonic... Tails... / [...] / Marine: Th... thanks, guys. You're the best mates ever."
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2022, "Guardians"
- ↑ Sonic Team, Dimps (14 September 2007). Sonic Rush Adventure. Nintendo DS. Sega. Area/level: Daikun's island. "Daikun: My name's Daikun. Pleased to meet ya! Sorry about that, you lot. I didn't realize you were all cobbers with Marine. You didn't recognize me at all, did you, Marine? Forgot all about ol' Daikun, I bet! / Marine: No worries, though, yeah? I was only an ankle biter back then, after all."
- ↑ Sonic Team, Dimps (14 September 2007). Sonic Rush Adventure. Nintendo DS. Sega. Area/level: Southern Island. "Marine: What? Oy, tell us, mate, mate! Please? Aren't we, like best buddies and all that?"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #31, "Recovery, Part 1"
- ↑ Toyoda, Eitaro (May 12, 2023). Eitaro Toyoda on Twitter. Twitter. Retrieved on July 12, 2023.