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This character exists primarily or exclusively within the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog continuity.
Information in this article may not be canonical to the storyline of the games or any other Sonic continuity.
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Not to be confused with Scratchy.

Who says chickens are stupid?! I just out-foxed a fox!


— Scratch, "Tails' New Home"

Scratch is one of the secondary antagonists in the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog television series. He is a Badnik[2] chicken created by Dr. Ivo Robotnik as an adversary of Sonic the Hedgehog. Along with his "clone" Grounder, he is a member of Robotnik's Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad and one of the doctor's main henchmen.

Scratch and Grounder serve largely as the comic relief in the series. Though he and Grounder are in charge of capturing Sonic and his friend Tails, they are incompetent and almost always fail. These repeated failures frequently result in Scratch and Grounder receiving a lot of abuse (both verbal and physical) from Dr. Robotnik.

Appearance[]

Scratch is a tall, lanky, roughly humanoid robotic rooster with white feathers, scaled feet, wing-like arms, silver body armor, black collar and belt, a red rooster comb on top of his head, a red two-feathered tail, and a yellow beak and legs.

History[]

TV series[]

Past[]

SSSSandSS02

Scratch and Grounder shortly after being created.

In the recent past, Scratch was conceived by Dr. Ivo Robotnik to be a super-robot that could catch Sonic the Hedgehog easily. He was created from a combination of items thrown into the Robo-Matic Machine. However, in spite of Robotnik's intentions, the Robo-Matic Machine spawned Scratch, who unfortunately was almost exactly the opposite of what the doctor wanted. After being created, Scratch had one of his tail feathers plucked and put into a cloning machine by Robotnik to make him "twice as effective", although Scratch pulled an extra lever that caused the machine to make Grounder. Despite both being on the same team, they did not get along well and fought each other over which of the two was Robotnik's favorite.[5]

On their first mission, Scratch and Grounder were told to catch Sonic, with each robot having their own plans on how to do it. While these plans did not result in Sonic's capture, they managed to catch Tails, which made the hedgehog give himself up in exchange for his friend's safety. After this, Scratch and Grounder called Dr. Robotnik, who told them that he would come to the robots' location soon. However, immediately afterward, Coconuts, who also wanted to catch Sonic, decided to take over Scratch and Grounder's scheme in order to get a promotion. However, they were all tricked by Sonic and got trapped by him. Sonic would then free himself and Tails. Afterward, the duo tricked Robotnik into smashing his own Egg-O-Matic into Scratch and his cohorts, smashing them into pieces.[5]

Season one[]

One time, Scratch and Grounder were sent by Dr. Robotnik to catch Sonic and Tails. Though they managed to do this, the heroes told the robots that they should not do that and that the meant too much for them. Afterward, Sonic started to tell Scratch and Grounder the story of how they first met. Though Grounder cried in joy, Scratch did not like the story because it ended with him getting destroyed. After this, Sonic easily freed himself and Tails using a Triple Spin, and the two escaped while Scratch and Grounder watched.[5]

Sonic Christmas Blast[]

Scratch and Grounder are back as Robotnik's cheerleaders (behind the scenes, on the set, during the announcement that Robotnik is taking over for Santa Claus) and as Santa's helpers at the mall and elsewhere. They intimidate people in the city and steal stuff from them. Scratch briefly has a megaphone along with his pom-pom and green skirt, then later an elf-inspired green costume with a more traditional black belt. The feather styled-jester collar is replaced by a white scarf and his usual darker gray leotard is missing under his jacket and shorts. He switches back to his usual outfit eventually but for some reason Scratch's collar and his belt are both a very dark gray instead of their normal blue-black.

Games[]

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine[]

In the 16-bit version and 8-bit version of Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, Dr. Robotnik gathered many of his old henchbots, including Scratch, and asked them to kidnap the beans that inhabited Beanville so the doctor could turn them into robot slaves using his Mean Bean-Steaming Machine. Later, Scratch was the twelfth henchbot the player battled and defeated.

Other game appearances[]

Sonic Spinball[]

In the 16-bit version of Sonic Spinball, mass-produced Scratches appear in "The March" Bonus Stage. In it, the robots circle around a large Capsule, and it is the player's objective to destroy them.

Personality[]

Scratch is very incompetent and stupid, possessing an IQ of 40,[citation needed] and usually fails at almost everything he does, much to the anger of Robotnik. One example of Scratch's stupidity is when he got zapped by Dr. Robotnik's Stupidity Ray but did not change at all intelligence-wise because he was already dim-witted. He is also highly gullible, being easily deceived by Sonic no matter how pathetic or bizarre his disguises are. Regardless, Scratch is said to be the smartest in the Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad, but that is not saying much considering how stupid they all are. At times, he would see through Sonic's disguises, but it would either be too late or be a trick within a trick.

Scratch tends to fear Dr. Robotnik's wrath, which is why he tries to serve him at his best. Whenever things start to get out of control, he will not hesitate to lie.[6]

In contrast with his stupid personality, Scratch is a very violent robot, who carries out his leader's orders without question. He is also incredibly short-tempered and would take his anger out on Grounder invariably. He is likewise very competitive, always trying to prove himself to be the better robot, specially in comparison to Grounder.

Scratch's most recurring and prominent feature is his cluck-like cackle, verbalized as either beginning or ending his sentences with a pronounced "Bwa-ha-ha-hah".

Powers and abilities[]

Scratch does not have many significant abilities. Like a real rooster/chicken, Scratch is capable of pecking foes. He also seems to have a telescopic neck which can extend and retract - his head often retracts into his torso to protect himself. He can turn his left middle finger and pointer finger into sharp blades to use as a pair of scissors,[5] use his right thumb as a lighter,[7] and turn his left eye into a telescope.[8]

Scratch is known to use the Egg Blaster cannon to shoot eggs at his opponents.[9][1][10] He also claims to have earned a black belt.[11]

Scratch possesses impressive strength, being strong enough to lift a massive brick wall.[5] He is also very durable; whenever he gets beat up (which is very often), he is often dented up and sometimes, even broken to pieces, but never completely destroyed. Sometimes, Scratch is even capable of putting himself back together.

Relationships[]

Grounder[]

AoStH EP 29 Scratch and Grounder

Scratch with Grounder, from "Robotnik, Jr.".

No way, tin brain. Dr. Robotnik loves me best, so it is always my turn.


— Scratch, "The Robotnik Express"

Grounder is Scratch's "clone", though they always bicker and fight over who is the better robot, who is more of an idiot and many other things (especially when they were created). Sometimes, the two fighting has led to many humiliating defeats.

Despite how they compete with each other and imply that they want to be separated from one another, there are rare moments where Scratch and Grounder get along. The two also put their differences aside when a superior robot appears, as they fear that they might get demoted.

Dr. Ivo Robotnik[]

Scratch is usually loyal to Dr. Ivo Robotnik and serves him to his fullest. However, when he fails, Robotnik gets really angry at him and abuses him. Because of this, Scratch sometimes betrays Robotnik when given the opportunity; when he became giant because of Dr. Warpnik's cannon that turns people into monsters, he and his allies decided to "give the doctor a lesson".[10] Also, when Momma Robotnik took over Robotnik's fortress, he joyfully wanted to become her minion instead of helping the doctor. However, Scratch will always return to Robotnik's services no matter what happens.

Friends/allies[]

Neutral[]

Enemies[]

Battle[]

You've been scratching around here for too long, worm-bait. Time to cross the road and head home, pal. I'm winning this one by fair means or fowl.


— Scratch, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (16-bit)

Scratch is the twelfth boss in the 16-bit version and 8-bit version of Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine.

Boss guide[]

Like with the other bosses, the battle against Scratch takes place in two "dungeons" on each side, the left one being from the player and the right one from Scratch.[12] To defeat Scratch, the player has to fill his dungeon to the point where he is unable to drop any more beans. This can be done by dropping Refugee Beans into his dungeon, though Scratch himself can fill his own dungeon by accident.

During the battle, Scratch will be very aggressive, pulling off combos very quickly.

The player loses when their dungeon is full of beans. After that, they are sent to a Continue screen and given the option to play again. If they win, however, the game will lead to the next and final boss, Dr. Robotnik himself.

Music[]

Passwords[]

Game Passwords
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (16-bit) Red Bean16-bitHasBean16-bitHasBean16-bitYellowBean16-bit
(Easy)
GreenBean16-bitGreenBean16-bitBeanRefugeeYellowBean16-bit
(Normal)
GreenBean16-bitBeanRefugeeBeanRefugeeBlueBean16-bit
(Hard)
Red Bean16-bitGreenBean16-bitHasBean16-bitBlueBean16-bit
(Hardest)
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (8-bit) Pink-Bean-8-bitBlue-Bean-8-bitRed-Bean-8-bitHas-Bean-8-bit

Trivia[]

In other media[]

Archie Comics[]

Scratch profile v2

Scratch, from Sonic the Hedgehog #270.

In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series published by Archie Comics, Scratch and Grounder originally worked for Dr. Ivo Robotnik, with Scratch being the self-styled leader of the Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad. However, the team's limited AI and armaments lead to many embarrassing defeats. As the Classic Badniks faded out of use, Scratch found new work in Casino Night under Mammoth Mogul, becoming the concierge of the casino.

After the Super Genesis Wave re-wrote history, Scratch's history was altered, but still retained similarities to his old life. Under the rule of Dr. Eggman, he was a part of the Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad, who was once involved in a scheme with Breezie the Hedgehog. Scratch was later employed by Breezie to work for her in Casino Park.

Quotes[]

"Who-who-who-Who am I? Why-Why am I here? Are you-Are you my mother?"
—Scratch's first words, "Super Special Sonic Search & Smash Squad"
"Baha-hahaaa!!"
—Scratch's signature laugh
"Am I that ugly?!"
—Scratch, "Super Special Sonic Search & Smash Squad"

Trivia[]

  • Unlike Grounder and Coconuts, Scratch has no direct Badnik basis found in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, although Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia states he is loosely based off Clucker, a Badnik in the Wing Fortress Zone. The show's bible and a few episodes of the show depict Scratch manning a turret with egg bomb projectiles, similar to Clucker.[13][14]
  • Scratch was voiced by Jim Cummings in the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog pilot instead of Phil Hayes, although no footage of him actually lines up with the recorded dialogue. However, due to the pilot being considered partially lost with some scenes said to be missing which may have included his dialogue, the latter has not yet been found.
  • Scratch and Grounder started a trend of Dr. Eggman having two incompetent sidekicks in many media, eventually making its way into the games' canon as well. Sonic Underground had Sleet and Dingo, while Sonic X had Decoe and Bocoe, and the Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Boom series had Orbot and Cubot.
  • From what is seen in various episodes of the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog TV series, Scratch appears to be left-handed.
  • According to an early production document[15], Scratch and Grounder were going to make a return in Sonic Underground, possibly either replacing (or perhaps accompanying) Sleet and Dingo. While the document refers to them as "Robotnik's dumb-bots", it's unknown whether their backstories as to their creation would have been altered (i.e. be Mobians that were subjected to roboticization).
  • Its being rumoured that Scratch alongside Grounder, are Dr. Robotnik's badniks in the Sonic in Sydney live show, as he call's them his "two incompetent cronies" and abuses them, much like in the cartoon.
  • In the Hispanic American dub of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, Scratch is called "Gallotronic".

See also[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 O'Flaherty, Dennis (21 September 1993). "Blank-Headed Eagle". Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Season 1. Episode 18. First-run syndication.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Shelly, Bruce; Shelly, Reed (3 December 1993). "Hero of the Year". Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Season 1. Episode 60.
  3. Booth, Doug (24 September 1993). "The Robotnik Express". Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Season 1. Episode 14.
  4. Scott, Jeffrey (28 October 1993). "Robotnik's Pyramid Scheme". Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Season 1. Episode 50.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Shelly, Bruce; Shelly, Reed (6 October 1993). "Super Special Sonic Search & Smash Squad". Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Season 1. Episode 1.
  6. Bressack, Gordon (29 September 1993). "Robotnik's Rival". Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Season 1. Episode 36.
  7. Scott, Jeffrey (14 September 1993). "Robolympics". Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Season 1. Episode 46.
  8. Scott, Jeffrey (7 October 1993). "Magnificent Sonic". Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Season 1. Episode 47.
  9. Moran, Martha (6 September 1993). "Best Hedgehog". Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Season 1. Episode 13. First-run syndication.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Forward, Bob (1 October 1993). "Trail of the Missing Tails". Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Season 1. Episode 7. First-run syndication.
  11. Scott, Jeffrey (26 October 1993). "Black Bot the Pirate". Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Season 1. Episode 48. First-run syndication.
  12. Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (Sega Game Gear) United States instruction booklet, pg. 6.
  13. Flynn, Ian; Sega (8 December 2021). Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia. Dark Horse Books. ISBN 978-1506719276. "Scratch - Also featured in a bonus stage in Sonic Spinball, he's loosely based on the Clucker badnik."
  14. Early bio of Scratch
  15. [1]
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