The Christmas Fallout: 2022!

It's that time again. Santa's back at the North Pole for another year and I've got a spread of shiny new goodies to enjoy. Hope you all had a nice season or at the very least found a tiny bit of peace or happiness some time during it.

This is our FIFTH Fallout post, so you should know the score by now. I share my gifts with you, you can share yours in the comments, and we're able to have one last bit of materialistic holiday fun before the new year comes. Always love doing these each year, so let's put a cap on The Lazy Shell's 2022 in the most proper way!

$20 Nintendo eShop Card 

Peanut Butter M&Ms

Fudge Brownie M&Ms

Reese's Pieces Candy Cane

A Whole Squad of Mini Reese's Nutcrackers

Palmer Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Milk Chocolate Bumble

Sour Big Chewy Nerds

Stocking pickings were a bit less varied this year, but they still provided me with a HUGE pile of candy, including personal favorites (can never go wrong with Peanut Butter and Fudge Brownie M&Ms) as well as some more interesting inclusions. (Those Nerds in particular I'm intrigued by.) Rounding out the sock filling was eShop cash, which I used to score some Switch DLC and an old gem or two on the 3DS and Wii U Virtual Consoles.

Sonic Frontiers (Switch)

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope Gold Edition

Pokémon Violet

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion (Switch)

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway (Switch)

Digimon Survive (Switch)

Was treated VERY well this year on the video game front, as every one of these titles promises to engross me for hours upon hours. Currently alternating between Sonic Frontiers (it's like 3D Sonic mixed with a collectathon and an action RPG!) and Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3. (It's understandably janky, but I've been having a TON of fun mastering each course and unlocking the LOADS of customization options. Plus, any game where I can have Invader Zim drive a hover version of the Turtle Van complete with tailpipes that look like Sal Ami from Wacky Delly is a GOTY contender by default.) Definitely excited to start digging into the other titles as well. (Especially the NEW OPEN-WORLD POKÉMON WITH A CROCODILE STARTER and the MARIO + RABBIDS SEQUEL WITH MORE RPG ELEMENTS AND PLAYABLE BOWSER. Can you tell that those two in particular have me a bit psyched?)

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog: The Complete Series (SD Blu-ray)

Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm (Blu-ray + Digital Code)

Sonic X (English): The Complete Series (SD Blu-ray)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012): The Complete Series

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Half-Shell Heroes: Blast to the Past

Pokémon BW Rival Destinies: The Complete Season

Went big on the physical media this year!

Starting with the Blu-rays up top, despite growing up with the show as my primary televised Sonic entertainment, I had never actually gotten around to picking up any previous disc release of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog for a variety of reasons. Well, Discotek recently provided the PERFECT opportunity to finally add it to the collection. Their amazing set features the ENTIRE series (including the Christmas special) on just two Blu-ray discs with a ton of special features all wrapped up in a gorgeous case complete with multiple pieces of brand new artwork based directly on the old Sega Genesis Sonic game covers. I certainly couldn't pass the series up again with THAT kinda extra mile physical presentation. Adding to the animated Sonic fun, Discotek had ALSO previously released the English dub of Sonic X on SD Blu-ray and despite already owning the entire show on DVD, I figured there'd be no better time to finally pick the set up than now alongside AoStH. (Especially since it features all 78 eps on just TWO discs, making it ideal for a marathon rewatch, AND includes the previously-unreleased US pitch pilot.) Rounding out the BDs is the new Aqua Teen movie. Didn't quite measure up to the first in terms of hilarious insanity IMO, but this release has one BIG advantage over the first film's DVD: IT FREAKING WORKS. (AND it included a digital code so even if the disc DID stop working, I'd still have access to the movie. PLEASE rerelease the original movie with these upgrades, WB, I'm begging ya.)

Moving on to the DVDs, I had been collecting the 2012 TMNT sets pretty casually throughout the series' run, owning only Season 1, the first chunk of Season 2, and the Wanted: Bebop & Rocksteady part of Season 5. When a budget rerelease of ALL of those old discs in one set surfaced on Amazon, however, I knew that it would be the PERFECT way to complete the show on my shelf all at once. (Sure, the new packaging has several of the discs stacked, but since this is 124 episodes of Turtles for less than forty bucks, I ain't complaining.) Also threw in the Half-Shell Heroes special for the sake of absolute completion. (It wasn't included in the Complete set because it wasn't technically part of the series proper.) Wrapping up this section is the latest Pokémon set, featuring Ash's remaining Unova gym battles, the return of Dawn and Cynthia, and the awesome debut of Krookodile.

Sonic the Hedgehog Volume 9: Chao Races & Badnik Bases 

Sonic the Hedgehog Volume 10: Test Run!

Sonic the Hedgehog Volume 11: Zeti Hunt!

Sonic the Hedgehog Volume 12: Trial by Fire

Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome

More Sonic action with my yearly dose of super speedy comics! Multiple new characters are introduced in this batch as part of the leadup to the milestone Issue 50. (Which will be available in trade form itself next year.) Evan Stanley also joins the book as a writer. (Alongside mainstay Ian Flynn, of course.) Excited to finally check out some of her stories. (Especially the first one where she introduces Shadow's little Chao buddy from the Sonic Channel artwork into proper canon.)

Invader Zim Volume 5 Deluxe Edition

Invader Zim: Oodles of Doom

More comics by way of the Irken Empire! Volume 5 completes the 50-issue ongoing run of the Oni Press Invader Zim series while the Oodles of Doom trade collects the four Quarterly issues that released after. Provided that they never reprint the Dookie Loop Horror one-shot in a trade (which I picked up digitally,) these should be the final Oni Press Zim books that I pick up. Looking forward to finishing up Zim's adventures on the printed page!

Sonic Mania Shirt

Shadow the Hedgehog Shirt

Kirby Shirt

Squirtle Shirt

Nerd shirts! My favorite's the Shadow one. (My sister's too, who helped pick it out.) The Kirby one's also really neat since I didn't really own any shirts representing the franchise before. (Aside from a cameo on a Smash parody shirt or two.)

Jakks Pacific Shadow the Hedgehog Figure 

Jakks Pacific Rouge the Bat Figure

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Amazing Adventures: Robotanimals!

Finishing things up, my sister's family added to my Jakks Pacific Sonic collection with Shadow and Rouge, allowing me to represent two-thirds of Team Dark on my shelf. (It's ESPECIALLY nice to finally own a plastic representation of Rouge, who had only ONE previous action figure to her name.) Now all I need me is an Omega! They also gifted me the final mini-series that IDW did based off of the 2012 TMNT show, Robotanimals, which, as evidenced by the title, features the Mighty Mutanimals being turned into evil robots. The irony of that particular book being included alongside SONIC figures is not lost on me.

That does it for the last of this year's Lazy Shell posts! Hoping you all have a great 2023!

Advent Hill Zone - FINALE!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!! Welcome to the FINAL ACT of the Advent Hill Zone! 

Let's see just what Jakks has in store for this last gift...

As expected, the Blue Blur himself finally joins the cast in time for Christmas! It's a Santa-flavored Sonic the Hedgehog!

Star Post #1: General Info

You should all know this guy pretty well. The hero! The main character! The Blue Blur! The fastest thing alive! Sega's #1 golden boy! Mario's greatest rival! The first ever video game character to be featured in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! One of the absolute icons of 90's gaming! Sonic is all those things and more. Capable of running at incredible speeds, performing multiple different attacks using combinations of his sharp quills and fancy footwork, grinding rails, whipping up tornadoes, harnessing the power of the Chaos Emeralds to become Super Sonic, and so much more, Sonic is a powerhouse of a hero who always finds a way to persevere no matter the odds he faces. A wanderer by nature who treasures freedom above all else, he despises oppression and prejudice, often leading him to go up against Dr. Eggman's own machinations. He also has a deep love for his friends and home planet, who he'll constantly challenge his own limits to protect at any cost. Despite the huge trials he regularly faces, however, Sonic is able to keep things light by way of his own snarky banter and confident personality. (Though, this can occasionally cause him to be OVERconfident and act impulsively.) The face of the franchise, it should be no surprise that Sonic has made multiple appearances throughout the realms of games, TV, comics, and movies. (Not even limited to his OWN stuff, either!)

Star Post #2: Trivia 

Since it's Christmas Eve, why not end things on another holiday-tinged fun fact? Did you know that Sonic makes an appearance in mascot suit form at the end of the classic Schwarzenegger flick, Jingle All the Way? Not only that, but he also appears alongside other famous characters, including Leonardo of the TMNT, Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street, The Tick from the self-titled indie comic and animated series, Barbie, Gumby, Hello Kitty, Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat, Snoopy, and others. Really goes to show just how much of a 90's icon Sonic was since he was the ONLY video game character represented in the scene. Just another reason to love this goofy, goofy movie.

Goal Plate: Closing Thoughts 

Just as expected, and I wouldn't have it any other way! I LOVE when my favorite characters get all festive, so to now own a Sonic figure dressed like Santa is 100% up my alley. Hopefully Jakks does another Calendar based on the Modern games eventually! (I WANT A CHRISTMASSY SHADOW.)

That's all she wrote. We've officially finished the Advent Hill Zone. Before you head off, however, I'd like to personally thank each and every one of you lovely people who took the time to keep up with as well as read this inane little series throughout December, as it means quite a bit to me to know that at least a single person gleaned some degree of entertainment from my dinky little blog. No matter what you celebrate, I'd like to wish you all a VERY Happy Holiday and a peaceful, relaxing weekend in general. I'll see all of you who stick around for the Christmas Fallout post!

Advent Hill Zone - ACT 23!

Happy Christmas Eve Eve! We've only got ONE day left in the Advent Hill Zone after today, so I hope you guys have finished any remaining major holiday preparations. There's not much time left before the big day!

Day 23! Tomorrow is Christmas Eve! It's practically here!

We may still be two days away from Christmas proper, but that didn't stop this Calendar from treating our figures to a tiny gift in advance, complete with Sonic-drenched wrapping! (I wonder if it might be a hint at what to expect tomorrow?)

Star Post #1: General Info

Not much to say about this one as it's not something specifically from any past Sonic games or media, but rather a special holiday-themed accessory exclusive to this Calendar.

Star Post #2: Trivia

As the accessory itself has no past ties to the franchise beyond its inclusion in this Calendar, I'll instead provide a fun holiday-themed Sonic factoid. Did you know that Sonic Christmas Blast, the 1996 holiday special that also served as Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog's finale, was originally going to be titled "An X-Tremely Sonic Christmas" to tie in with the release of the inevitably cancelled Sega Saturn game, Sonic X-Treme? When it became clear that X-Treme wouldn't be out in time for the holidays, however, they changed the special's title to instead reflect Sonic 3D Blast, a game that DID release in time for the Christmas of '96. While the title change happened before it was actually aired, small nuggets relating to the special's original title DID end up getting out through other means, such as a mention of it on the Sonic-Grams letters page in Issue #41 of Archie's Sonic the Hedgehog series. Sonic's last line in the special itself even has him wishing the audience "an EXTREMELY (X-Tremely) Merry Christmas." Definitely seems like it was more of a last-minute kinda change, which tracks.

Goal Plate: Closing Thoughts

I love the Calendar-exclusive holiday-themed stuff and this is a just plain adorable accessory that'll complement the festive variant figures we've gotten so far really nicely.

You just got through Act 23, but be back here tomorrow for the FINALE of the Advent Hill Zone!

Advent Hill Zone - ACT 22!

Happy belated Winter Solstice! There's only THREE BOXES LEFT in our holiday journey through the Advent Hill Zone, so let's relish each one!

Day 22! Christmas is right around the corner...

That's a first: A dupe of the same accessory two days in a row. However, since said accessory was a Chaos Emerald and this adds yet another color to our set (green,) I'm certainly not complaining!

Star Post #1: General Info 

Same as yesterday. Check out Act 12 if you're curious about the Emeralds.

Star Post #2: Trivia

Sonic Underground featured two different Chaos Emeralds, though their characteristics are much more similar to that of the Master Emerald than the traditional seven-gem set. In addition to both Emeralds being green-colored and larger in size, the main thing they're used for in the show is keeping large masses afloat. (Namely Knuckles' Island and Robotnik's Fortress of Altitude.) However, shattering one of THESE Emeralds into pieces has FAR more drastic consequences than the Master Emerald in the games, as Robotnik's cronies, Sleet and Dingo, found out firsthand. The broken gem unleashed its raw, chaotic energies upon Mobius, forcing the two to try to contain the shards within Dingo's body. (He has a whole shape-shifting thing. It's weird.) This caused the stooge to undergo a monstrous mutation, forcing Sonic's crew and Robotnik to work together to stop him. They were eventually able to extract the shards and contain them in a special canister, ending the threat and demutating Dingo. The Emeralds only showed up in episodes involving Knuckles (those being "Friend or Foe?," "Flying Fortress," "No Hedgehog is an Island," and "New Echidna in Town") so they were never a HUGE part of the show. It WAS the first animated appearance of Knuckles' whole island guardian situation, though, so it's an interesting piece of history nonetheless.

Goal Plate: Closing Thoughts 

Basically repeating what I said yesterday, but I can NEVER have enough Emeralds for my Sonic figures.

That's a wrap for Day 22! Just TWO MORE to go, so don't miss a second of the remaining action in the Advent Hill Zone!

Advent Hill Zone - ACT 21!

Happy Hanukkah! We're already midway through our final week in the Advent Hill Zone. Just three more days of goodies after today. 

*Spits on hands* *Takes overly dramatic pose* Open sesame!

Ah, it's a dupe, but an appreciated one! It's our second Chaos Emerald, a red one this time!

Star Post #1: General Info

For info on the Emeralds, check out Act 12.

Star Post #2: Trivia

While Sonic X would make use of the Chaos Emeralds in a more traditional way, Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog did things a little differently. AoStH's world featured a total of five Emeralds rather than six or seven, with the first four being the focus of the show's ONLY multi-part storyline, Episodes 48 through 51, also known by a title given to them for a VHS release, "Quest for the Chaos Emeralds." In the story, Sonic and Tails race to recover the four Chaos Emeralds from different time periods before Robotnik and his henchbots can get them first. Unlike the Emeralds in the games, these actually each feature a unique ability that they bestow upon their wielder: invisibility, invincibility, immortality, and the power to bring life to anything. Much like the

Advent Hill Zone - ACT 20!

Feliz Navidad and welcome to Day 20 in the Advent Hill Zone! Just four more boxes after today, so let's see just what Jakks has planned for us!

Quite a large box today. Let's get cracking!

Well, it turns out "cracking" might've actually been a very fitting choice of words. We've freed the big bad himself, Dr. Eggman!

Star Post #1: General Info

Born Dr. Ivo Robotnik (eventually taking the name "Eggman" as a means of turning one of Sonic's derogatory nicknames against him,) Dr. Eggman is a genius scientist with an IQ of 300. However, whereas other men of his skill would work towards making the world a better, more peaceful place, Eggman is all about his own agenda, wanting to remake the world in his own, mechanized image. To this end, he builds destructive machines and robots to carry out his will and terrorize the land. However, he's always foiled by Sonic and friends, frustrating him to no end. That doesn't discourage him, though, as he's always right back to working on his next scheme following defeat. Despite being a genius, Dr. Eggman has a childish side, loving theme parks and taking immense glee in his own evil deeds. He also greatly admired the work of his grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnik, wanting to be just like him in his younger days. Though he's not above working with Sonic to battle a common foe, Dr. Eggman is nevertheless ALWAYS focused on his #1: dream: transforming the world into his own Eggman Empire. Being the main villain of the series, Dr. Eggman has been featured (in a variety of different designs and forms) in EVERY piece of Sonic spin-off media, including the films, the OVA, and ALL the cartoons and comic runs. He might be the only other character besides Sonic himself with this distinction.

Star Post #2: Trivia

Did you know that Dr. Eggman could've been the star of the series in an alternate timeline? Back in the early 90's when Sega were looking for a mascot for their system that could truly rival Mario, one of the ideas submitted was the above sketch of a man with a large mustache by Sonic co-creator Naoto Oshima. However, it was, of course, beaten out in the end by another of Oshima's sketches of a Hedgehog character. This wasn't the end of the mustachioed man, though, as he was repurposed as the villain of the Hedgehog's game and given a new easy-for-kids-to-draw round shape by Oshima, resulting in the Dr. Eggman that we know today. Makes you wonder how different Proto-Eggman's game would've been from Sonic's.

Goal Plate: Closing Thoughts 

HE IS THE EGGMAN! Couldn't have a Sonic Calendar without the Doctor himself, so very happy to have him to round out our villains. (This is also my very first toy of Classic Eggman in general, so that's a great bonus.)

Just four Acts to go, so don't forget to come back here the rest of the week for the endgame of the Advent Hill Zone!

Advent Hill Zone - ACT 19!

Happy Hearth's Warming! It'a another day in the Advent Hill Zone and we're just six days away from Christmas, so let's pass the time by claiming what awaits us in this next box!

Day 19! LET'S RIP 'ER OPEN!

It's a box of bouncy fun! We just pulled a Spring!

Star Post #1: General Info 

Appearing first in the Sonic series as far back as the original game, Springs are very simple stage elements. Also called "Springboards," their one and only function is to bounce the player in the direction that they're pointing, meaning that they can either help or hinder your progress depending on their position. They come in a couple of different colors depending on the game, with the red ones being the most common and their design usually varies between the Classic and Modern games. (Most Modern Springs are red with a blue-and-yellow star design emblazoned on them.) As they're heavily utilized in common Sonic stage design, you'll find some equivalent to them in every platforming game in the series. (They also show up in a few of the more unorthodox entries.) Springs have also spawned quite a few spin-off variations (such as Propeller Springs and Egg Springs) and appeared in comics published by both Archie and Fleetway. Their animated appearances, however, are a tad more limited...

Star Post #2: Trivia 

While a Spring plays a minor role in the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog episode "Tails Prevails," probably the most game-accurate animated appearance the stage element has had was in the OVA during Sonic and Tails' journey to Robotropolis. Interestingly enough, though, the featured Spring is green rather than the more common yellow and red hues. Maybe someone on staff was just a big fan of the 8-bit versions of Sonic 1 and 2?

Goal Plate: Closing Thoughts 

This is a fun little accessory. I like how it actually has a "springing" feature.

That wraps up Day 19, but be sure to come back here tomorrow for more of the final stretch of the Advent Hill Zone!