Actions

Difference between revisions of "Miles "Tails" Prower"

From Sonic Retro

(Voice Actors)
(This was the previous version that wasn't vandalized.)
(43 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{CharacterSheet
 
{{CharacterSheet
| image1 = Tails heroes 32.png
+
| image1 = Tails.png
| image2 = Tails.png
+
| image2 = Sonicchannel tails.png
 
| charcolor = orange
 
| charcolor = orange
 
| charname = Miles "Tails" Prower
 
| charname = Miles "Tails" Prower
Line 9: Line 9:
 
| gender = Male
 
| gender = Male
 
| age = 8
 
| age = 8
| height = 80cm (2'6'')
+
| height = 80cm (2'6")
 
| weight = 20kg (44lbs)
 
| weight = 20kg (44lbs)
 
}}
 
}}
'''Miles Prower''', better known by his nickname, '''Tails''' ([[Japan|Japanese]]: テイルス), is a character in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] series of video games, comics and TV shows released by [[SEGA]]. "Miles Prower" is a pun on "miles per hour", a reference to the famed speed of the Sonic games. He is an 8-year old [[fox]] with two tails, which enable him to fly.
+
'''Miles Prower''' ([[Japan|Japanese]]: マイルス・パウアー), also known by his nickname, '''"Tails"''' ([[Japan|Japanese]]: テイルス), is a two-tailed [[fox]] who is a recurring character in the [[Games featuring Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic the Hedgehog]] series of video games and related media. Since his introduction in 1992's ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', he has become one of the most popular of the Sonic characters, and a staple in the series.
  
==In the Video Games==
+
==Character Conception==
 +
[[Image:CS M 03.png|thumb|190px|Line art of Miles "Tails" Prower taken from ''[[Sonic Jam]]''.]]
 +
After the success of the original ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', [[Sega]] was insistent that a sequel be made to capitalize on the Sonic name. After some internal drama, portions of [[Sonic Team]] traveled to work with [[Sega of America]]'s [[Sega Technical Institute]] to create the numbered follow-up. One element they wanted to introduce was a new character that would not just be a companion to [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] and fulfill the classic sidekick role, but also be playable and draw attention, and hopefully new players, to the franchise.
  
[[Yasushi Yamaguchi]] designed Tails for an internal competition for the sidekick. His entry won, beating out other submissions such as a rocket-powered turtle named Boomer, but his character's name was changed from "Miles" to "Tails". Yasushi then sneaked the name "Miles" into the character's name as his legal name; "Tails" would be his nickname. Yasushi ended up with a compromise.
+
An internal competition was held at STI, and while numerous designs were once again submitted to be considered for the role (including a rocket-powered turtle named Boomer), it was [[Yasushi Yamaguchi]] who would win out with his design. Yasushi had created a two-tailed orange fox whom he affectionately called "Miles Prower," the name intended to be a pun on the phrase "Miles per Hour," a clever homage to the Sonic the Hedgehog character and franchise, which pushed the speed aspects in advertising and the like. However, the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic 2]]'' team wanted to go with a much simpler name, "Tails," which Yasushi was none too pleased with. Sneaking his original name onto the concept art, it was decided that a compromise would be reached, with Miles being the character's real name and Tails being the nickname. With the concept in place, Tails was soon programmed into the game with its patented system, and he became part of one of the most successful games in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.
  
In the games, Tails first appeared as a big fan of [[Sonic]]'s, who began following him after being rescued by the hedgehog. After following his hero relentlessly for a long time, Tails eventually became fast enough to keep up with Sonic by spinning his two tails like a propeller.
+
==Miles "Tails" Prower (Video Game Character)==
  
Miles was first seen on ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|Sonic 2 for the Master System]]'' but made his first hit in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic 2 for the Mega Drive]]'' (Genesis) where he played the part of Sonic's sidekick and also as a playable character. He could not fly when being controlled at this point- but this changed first in ''[[Sonic Chaos]]'' (''Sonic and Tails'' in Japan), and then in ''[[Sonic 3]]'' when he made his second major appearance.
+
===Origin of Tails===
 +
{{doublethumb
 +
| file1=Sonic2 MD JP manual.pdf
 +
| page1=4
 +
| height=160
 +
| float=right
 +
}}
 +
[[Image:Classic tails orthographic.svg|thumb|190px|The classic Tails design, as used from 1992-1997.]]
 +
Just like [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'s past, nothing explicit is mentioned of Miles "Tails" Prower's home and history. While according to the [[Game Gear]] title ''[[Tails Adventures]]'' it is said he once lived on [[Cocoa Island]] before he met [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]], by the time ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' is about to take place Tails has taken up residence on [[West Side Island]]. While living there, Tails is the subject of much teasing because of his namesake - the two tails that make him quite different from everyone else. However, everything changes for the young fox when he spots a blue streak on the island. Intrigued, he begins to follow what he would discover to be Sonic the Hedgehog. Watching him, he decided that he wanted to be just as cool as his now-hero, even if Sonic (at first) pays no attention to his constant companion.
 +
 
 +
While eventually Sonic puts up with Tails' constant trailing, and even admires the fact that he is able to catch up to Sonic's own speed from time to time, he doesn't think much of it, and never sticks around all that long for Tails to get to know him. One day, while Miles Prower is exploring the beach, he comes across an antique [[Tornado|bi-plane]], and becomes immediately attached to it, and is only more excited when he sees who is napping under it - Sonic. Before he can let this sink in, Sonic is awaken by an explosion in the forest - a pillar of fire caused by none other than [[Dr. Eggman]], who has followed Sonic in the hopes he would lead him straight to the [[Chaos Emeralds]]. Sonic immediately runs after his adversary, and Tails quickly follows.
 +
 
 +
Over the course of this adventure, their bond grows stronger, with Tails helping out Sonic when he needs it. By the time they reach the [[Death Egg]], Sonic has grown to not only respect Miles, but to consider him a friend, and their relationship in future games reflecting an older/younger brother relationship rather than the tag-along nuisance that Sonic originally thought of him as.
 +
 
 +
===Personality and Traits===
 +
[[Image:CS M US.png|thumb|190px|Miles "Tails" Prower's profile from ''[[Sonic Jam]]''.]]
 +
[[Image:SA Tails Original.jpg|thumb|190px|The original unveiling of Tails' redesign. From ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''.]]
 +
Miles "Tails" Prower is an 8 year old orange fox whose most recognizable trait is his twin tails. While he was originally teased for them, he has learned to appreciate and love his tails, especially since they have come in handy once joining [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] in defeating [[Dr. Eggman]]'s plans time and time again. Being able to twirl his tails together, Tails is able to lift off the ground and use them as a helicopter, and fly for short periods of time. He can also use them while on the ground, giving him an extra burst of speed to catch up to Sonic while running. Tails can even use them to attack enemies, able to break robots in ''[[Sonic 3 & Knuckles]]'' by flying up into them horizontally, and uses his tails as a whip in ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' to break enemies on the ground, called the "Tail Rotation Attack."
 +
 
 +
Tails is sweet-natured and humble, not one to grab the spotlight for himself, instead ready to help out his friend and idol Sonic whenever necessary. While he isn't the bravest, he has become more outgoing since he has met Sonic, becoming the hero when need be. Regardless, Tails hopes to one day be self-sufficient, and not constantly rely on others, and be just as independent as Sonic. However, he feels most at home inside his [[Tails' Workshop|workshop]] in the [[Mystic Ruins]], working on his various mechanical creations and tinkering with items that might help them when they next face Eggman. In fact, it is said that Tails' mechanical prowess might match that of Eggman or even surpass it, but he has yet to reach his full potential when it comes to that field. But even through all his trials, Tails can still be frightened by the sound of thunder. Tails also has a strong affection for mint candy.
 +
 
 +
Tails does share some of Sonic's well known moves, such as the [[Spin attack|spin attack]] and the [[Spin Dash|spin dash]]. He also has the ability to swim, something that Sonic has yet to learn. Tails can also carry Sonic for a bit while he's flying, but until ''[[Sonic 4 Episode II]]'' was unable to replicate this assistance underwater.
 +
 
 +
Unlike his peers, Tails can not as easily [[Super transformation|transform]] into a super-powered form, only able to achieve the status of [[Super Tails]] with the power of the [[Super Emeralds]]. Even then, he still needs help, a group of four [[Flicky|flickies]] showing up to share in the power, assisting in attacking enemies that may be about.
 +
 
 +
===Mechanical Creations===
 +
While not as proliferate as [[Dr. Eggman]],Tails has been known to create more than a few mechanical items of his own which have proven useful over the years. The first of these was made before Tails had ever met [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]. The [[Sea Fox|Sea Tail]], an underwater vehicle, was created during Tails' time on [[Cocoa Island]], was used during his run-in with the [[Battle Kukku]] army. It also had the ability to transform into a "[[Mecha Tails]]" form, which could do reconnaissance work in places Tails couldn't reach.
 +
 
 +
[[Image:Sa2b tails walker.png|thumb|190px|Tails using the [[Cyclone (Sonic Adventure 2)|Cyclone]] from ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''.]]
 +
Perhaps his most recognizable work has been on the [[Tornado]] series of bi-planes. While he did not build the original, Tails did do some modifications to it after it was damaged in the chase to Eggman's [[Wing Fortress Zone|Wing Fortress]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic 2]]''. This model served as the inspiration for Tails' own version, the Tornado 2, which was powered by [[Chaos Emeralds|Chaos Emerald]] energy and had the ability to transform into an attack mode. This was followed up by the Tornado III, also known as the [[Cyclone (Sonic Adventure 2)|Cyclone]], which was used in ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''. Unlike the previous model, it could be flown and used as a mech without the aid of a Chaos Emerald.
 +
 
 +
Tails has also made some other items of note, such as the [[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 JP Manual|Jewel Reader]], a machine used before the events of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3|Sonic 3]]'' to track down Chaos Emerald energy. The fox also had a similar tool, the [[Miles Electric]], to help him and Sonic get around the broken planet in ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]'', not looking for Chaos Emeralds but to track down the ancient shrines to help restore their power. The Miles Electric is used in [[Sonic Colors]] to decode what  [[Yacker]] says. He was also able to create a false Chaos Emerald, possessing nearly the same properties as an original, which was designed to stop Eggman's plans in [[Sonic Adventure 2]].
 +
 
 +
Tails' mechanical expertise was once again put to use in ''[[Sonic the Fighters]]'', where he built the [[Lunar Fox]] to quickly get to the Death Egg II, the spaceship and its speed possible by the power of the Chaos Emeralds. He was also responsible for the presence of [[Rocket Metal|Mecha Sonic No. 23]], used as a reconnaissance robot that could transform between the classic [[Metal Sonic]] look and a rocket. While this was used to help Sonic and company discover the existence of the [[Death Egg II]], it is unknown if Tails built the machine from scratch or used a model discarded by Eggman.
 +
 
 +
==Tails in Other Media==
 +
As is the case with [[Sonic the Hedgehog]], Miles "Tails" Prower's storyline has been modified to fit in with other media.
 +
 
 +
===Westernized Game Localization===
 +
When ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' was being localized for Western markets, they decided to simplify Tails' origin. Instead of being teased for his two tails, Tails is instead praised by the animals on the island, and love him for his namesake. He is also obsessed with [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] for far longer, trying to emulate his hero as he grows up. In one instance, trying to emulate the [[Spin attack|sonic spin]], Tails inadvertently creates the [[Spin Dash|spin dash]], echoing the western notion that the animals on [[South Island]] had taught Sonic everything he knows. Sometime after, [[Dr. Eggman|Dr. Robotnik]] strikes once again, and Tails, somehow escaping the badnik process, decides to follow Sonic around as he sets off to stop the doctor and his [[Death Egg]].
 +
 
 +
===[[Sonic the Hedgehog (SatAM)]]===
 +
In the Saturday morning series ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (SatAM)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', Miles Prower is treated as just another survivor of [[Dr. Eggman|Dr. Robotnik]]'s takeover of the planet [[Mobius]]. While he and [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] do have a bond and act as brothers, they do not have the same sort of friendship they do in the games. More often than not, Tails is left behind at [[Knothole Village]] while the rest of the [[Freedom Fighters]] go to [[Robotropolis]], citing Tails' age as a reason. Being significantly younger than the rest, Sonic and company act more protective of their younger friend. While he does eventually become a full member of the team, a relationship between Sonic and Tails closer to the games never got a chance to materialize, due to the cancellation of the series.
 +
 
 +
===[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie)]]===
 +
[[Image:Archie114p8.jpg|thumb|190px|[[Turbo Tails]] is trapped as [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] and Tails' doppelganger look on.]]
 +
The comic book version of Miles Prower in the series ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' attempted to find a balance between the protected version of Tails from the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (SatAM)|Saturday morning series]] and the more carefree version from the [[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog|syndicated series]]. While he was still treated as being younger and warned of the dangers of [[Robotropolis]], Tails would often be a part of the various raids and adventures the team would have.
  
=== Tails and mechanical creations ===
+
Born to [[Amadeus Prower|Amadeus]] and [[Rosemary Prower]], Tails was unable to even know his parents as his birth happened just prior to the takeover of [[Mobotropolis]] by [[Dr. Eggman|Dr. Robotnik]]. Raised in [[Knothole]], Tails gravitated towards [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]], and the two were able to share a relationship that more closely resembled the games. The mother figure of the young fox took the form of [[Princess Sally Acorn|Princess Sally]], whom he would call "Aunt Sally." While these ties would sometimes be strained because of the soap opera-esque tales spun by [[Ken Penders]], they would always be resolved in time for the young fox to help save the day from Robotnik or whatever force threatened the planet.
  
Although he can fly like a helicopter, he also enjoys flying Sonic's red biplane, the Tornado. As the series progressed, it was obvious his interest in the old biplane went farther than just piloting it- Tails is a mechanical genius with intelligence comparable to [[Dr. Eggman]]'s, and soon after, many modifications to the Tornado, as well as new biplanes, were added to his arsenal. He also operates a small blue submarine called the '[[Sea Fox]]' and a F1 racer called the 'Whirlwind S7'.
+
Tails was eventually reunited with his parents when it was discovered that they had not been lost during the coup, but rescued by an alien race known as the [[Bem]]. Living off planet during the interim, it was only during the invasion of the [[Xorda]] that Tails was able to discover his parents were actually alive and well.
  
In ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'', Tails was experimenting with a Chaos Emerald-powered prototype plane based on Sonic's Tornado, the Tornado II. The Tornado II had two modes. One was quite similar to the old Tornado, but with a button press, Tails could make it transform into a rather futuristic-looking little plane, which outperformed the Tornado in all but one important function; landing gear. [[Big the Cat]] ended up flying the wrecked Tornado II to his home after Sonic and Tails crash-landed on Eggman's flying fortress, the Egg Carrier.
+
Unlike his game counterpart, Tails has the ability to [[Super transformation|transform]] into a super-powered form using only the [[Chaos Emeralds]], known as [[Turbo Tails]]. Tails also has another form, as stated by his role in "The Chosen One" prophecy. Over the entire [[Cosmic Interstate]], Tails is the only one who can call upon all of his various versions of himself and transform into "[[Titan Tails]]," who was the only one able to defeat [[Mammoth Mogul]] when it looked as though the multiverse was doomed. Before he was able to fulfill this prophecy, Tails was briefly kidnapped by Mogul, who then created a doppelganger Tails, who fought alongside the [[Freedom Fighters]] from [[Sonic the Hedgehog 094 (Archie)|issue 94]] to [[Sonic the Hedgehog 114 (Archie)|issue 114]]. Even the double was unaware of his falsity until 114, when he fought against Mogul to free the real Tails.
  
In ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' Tails uses the Tornado II's greatest upgrade: the Cyclone. The Cyclone has three modes; the plane mode, the car mode, and the mech mode. The mech mode gets the most use in the game, the car is used on only one level and in multiplayer, and the airplane is only seen in cutscenes. Tails drives the mech during all other gameplay, except when visiting the [[Chao]].
+
While Tails is now eleven years old in the series, it hasn't stopped the writing staff from hinting at possible relationships for the fox. The first time this happened was in the prelude to his [[Tails (Archie Mini-Series)|Archie miniseries]], in which he fell for [[Fiona Fox]], who turned out to be a robot created by Dr. Robotnik. Later on, Tails discovered that the robot had been based on a real fox, albeit much older than the robot model suggested. Sonic briefly went out with Fiona, causing a riff between the two, but they reconciled when Sonic revealed he did it simply so Tails could get over his crush. Also, while he enjoys spending time with [[Mina Mongoose]] in the main series, Mina is shown to be his wife in the possible-future storyline "[[Sonic the Hedgehog 131 (Archie)|Mobius: 25 Years Later]]."
  
The Tornado that appears in the ''Sonic Adventure'' series and ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' resembles the Polikarpov I-153 Chaika, a Soviet biplane from WWII; the I-153's engine is a Wright 'Cyclone'.
+
===[[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]]===
 +
The [[DiC Entertainment|DiC]]-produced syndicated series ''[[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' portrayed Tails closer to his game counterpart than the other series at the time, ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (SatAM)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. Having been an orphan with no knowledge of his family, Tails was found by [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] one day by falling on his head, being thrown out of a birds nest. Tails explained to Sonic that he thought he was a bird, because of his ability to fly, and Sonic decided to take the young fox with him, and help raise him as well as be a friend. Through the course of the series, it is rare to see Sonic and Tails separated, even though the fox is quite younger than the blue hedgehog, and often gets into trouble with [[Dr. Eggman|Robotnik]] and his plans.
  
== Moves ==
+
This version of Tails is also quite disdainful of his true name, Miles Prower, unknowingly echoing the sentiments of the original ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' production team that wanted to change his name.
  
Just like many of the characters who hang around Sonic, Tails can do the Sonic Spin and the Spin Dash, as well as attack with his tails by twirling around. In [[Sonic Heroes]], as the flyer of [[Team Sonic]], he can also use Thunder Shoot, whereby he electrically charges Sonic and [[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]] and hurls them at his enemies (without Sonic or Knuckles being harmed, of course). He can also swim quite well, something Sonic has never learned to do, or wants to, since the hedgehog hates water and  
+
===[[Sonic the Comic]]===
won't even touch it except to take a bath.
+
[[File:STC UK 029 cover.jpg|thumb|190px|Miles "Tails" Prower featured on the cover of ''[[Sonic the Comic]]'' [[Sonic the Comic 29|issue 29]].]]
 +
While Tails first met [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] in the [[Emerald Hill Zone]] of ''[[Sonic the Comic]]'', the two-tailed fox did not actually originate from [[Mobius]] at all. Having gone through a space warp to Mobius, the young fox arrived on the other side in the mistaken belief that the Emerald Hill Zone was actually lined with real emeralds. While he was quick to discover his folly, he decided to stay on Mobius when he encountered Sonic the Hedgehog, and decided to become his sidekick. While they would often work together, and were friends, Tails was often on the end of many of Sonic's jokes, and was far from the buddy-buddy portrayal of the [[DiC Entertainment|DiC]]-produced series or even their relationship in ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''.
  
Tails cannot transform with the seven [[Chaos Emerald|Chaos Emeralds]] like Sonic, Knuckles and Shadow can. In ''[[Sonic 3 & Knuckles]]'', Tails transforms into [[Super Tails]] if he gains the power of the seven Super Emeralds, which are powerful incarnations of the Chaos Emeralds at their full power when exposed to the [[Master Emerald]].
+
During the course of the comic's lifespan, Tails grew beyond just another fodder character that could be kidnapped and became a hero in his own right. This was expanded upon in the stories depicting Tails returning to his home zone, the [[Nameless Zone]], where he was celebrated as a hero from the misleading letters he wrote back home. Depicting himself as the central leader of Mobius and not Sonic, the people of his zone would ask him to help them against numerous enemies that threatened them. While he would later try to correct them, Tails was never successful, and had to defend the zone time and again in an enchanted suit of armor, sword in hand.
  
Tails, aside from Sonic, plays major roles in almost every possibly released Sonic game.
+
Because of his early days as being kidnapping fodder, Tails would sometimes remark that many people underestimated his abilities, and could do far more damage than what some thought initially.
  
==Comics and TV shows==
+
===[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Anime)]]===
 +
Produced under the supervision of [[Sonic Team]], the OVA ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Anime)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' presented Tails close to his video game counterpart. He was a genius when it came to electronics, and was a close friend of Sonic. However, their relationship would sometimes boarder on the depiction presented in ''[[Sonic the Comic]]'', where the hedgehog would get sick of Tails and his attempts to get Sonic's attention. Tails also was missing his ability to swim, which [[Dr. Eggman|Eggman]] tried to exploit but failed to do so.
  
Tails has appeared in several cartoon shows, such as [[Sonic the Hedgehog (SatAM)|SatAM]] (voiced by [[Bradley Pierce]]), [[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]] (voiced by [[Christopher Evan Welch]]), and [[Sonic X]] (voiced by [[Amy Palant]]). He is absent from [[Sonic Underground]], however.
+
===[[Sonic X]]===
 +
Also produced under the supervision of [[Sonic Team]], ''[[Sonic X]]'' once again stuck close to the original portrayal of Tails. In the series, however, Tails is drawn not to the original [[Tornado]], but the Tornado 2, which he quickly makes his own after [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] and Tails become friends. Once he is transported to the planet Earth, and meets up with Sonic once more, Tails becomes friends with [[Chuck Thorndyke]], a fellow scientist whom Tails shares his passion in science. Together they work on the [[Tornado-X]], which takes the place of the Tornado 2 in the ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' adaptation.
  
He also appears in the British [[Sonic the Comic]], where he hails from the Nameless Zone, which can apparently only be accessed by a space warp. A misunderstanding led Tails to the Emerald Hill Zone, the streets of which he believed were paved with real emeralds, but once there, Tails immediately became fascinated with Sonic, and eventually became his sidekick. Unfortunately for him, though, he exaggerated the relationship in letters home, professing that HE was the great hero of Mobius and that Sonic was HIS sidekick, which resulting in the elders of the Nameless Zone often calling him back, and gifting him with a suit of enchanted armour to defend their Zone from assorted evil - and poor old Tails never did quite manage to explain the truth.
+
It must also be noted that many of the roles that Tails would have otherwise filled were replaced by [[Chris Thorndyke]], Chuck's grandson, being the sidekick-in-distress through most of the series.
  
Tails also appears in the American [[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie)|Archie Sonic comic]]s, where he is developed upon as the chosen one and the son of Rosemary and Amadeus Prower. In the Archie Sonic comic, he seemed to have lost his parents at an early age, and admired the [[Freedom Fighters]], particularly Sonic. He has grown pretty close with the [[Princess Sally]], as he calls her Aunt Sally. He is also Sonic's surrogate little brother. Jules and Bernie hedgehog (Sonic's parents in the comic version) also view Tails as a son to them and lastly [[Mina Mongoose]] has been making an impact too. While he is by no means romantically interested in Mina, he certainly does enjoy her company and likes her singing.
+
In the final season of Sonic X, Tails' role becomes far more significant. He aids and befriends a [[Seedrian]] girl by the name of [[Cosmo]] and begins to form a romantic relationship with her. Tails also builds the [[Blue Typhoon]], a massive aircraft capable of traveling through space. In episode 77, Tails' is forced to shoot Cosmo while she is immobilizing [[Dark Oak]] and the [[Metarex]]. Tails becomes distraught over the thought and even smashes his head against the control panel of the [[Sonic Driver]]. She eventually convinces him to do it and save the galaxy.  Afterward, Sonic brings back Cosmo's seed and gives it to Tails. He eventually plants it in a flower pot in the last episode.
  
When he absorbs fifty rings and seven [[Chaos Emeralds]], he becomes Turbo Tails. His fur color changes from orange to dark orange, and all natural abilities upgraded and he is, like [[Super Sonic]], immune to all attacks that come his way. He has only once made an appearance as Super Tails after he had absorbed the power of a thousand power rings in a battle along side Ultra Sonic against the evil wizard [[Ixis Naugus]]. He was aided by four [[Flicky|flickies]] that have chaos energy and that will attack whatever he wishes them to.
+
==Miscellaneous==
 +
*While Tails was designed for the 16-bit version of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', the developers of its [[Master System]]/[[Game Gear]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|counterpart]] decided to also use the character, albeit as a plot point only. Even though he was reduced to a kidnap victim, the game was released a month prior the [[Mega Drive]] version, making this Tails' first appearance.
  
==Rumors==
+
*Although the other main cast members of the [[Games featuring Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] games have had issues involving their ages, Tails has always remained 8 - in the games. However, his age has fluctuated in Western media. In ''[[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', Tails is only 4 and a half years old, yet does the same stunts he does in the games. In the original [[Sonic the Hedgehog (SatAM)|Saturday morning series]], he is portrayed as being 10, yet is forbidden to go on many of the [[Freedom Fighters]] missions, even though he is older than his game counterpart. The [[Original Story#Miles (Tails) Prower|Sonic the Hedgehog Technical Documents]] also quote his age as "about 10".
  
It is rumored by some fans that he was the original guardian of the Master Emerald, and that when the Hidden Palace Zone was scrapped from ''Sonic 2'', the role was given to a new character, [[Knuckles]]. However, the majority of the community feels this theory is false, since its main evidence (the Tails 1-up monitor and the Master Emerald-like object in Hidden Palace) are based on a never-finished level in a build of ''Sonic 2'' that was very early and glitchy.
+
*Tails’ design takes cues from the ancient Japanese myth of the [[Kitsune]], a mythical creature who resembles a [[fox]] but possesses up to nine tails depending on their age.
The zone artist for ''Sonic 2'', [[Craig Stitt]], said that the emerald was merely an object for the player's character to break through. [http://www.sws2b.com/zones/hidden_palace.2] However, it is noted that it is highly unusual to use a solid object with no other function (derived from the solid pink block in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic 1]]'''s [[Green Hill Zone]]) when a breakable block like those in [[Chemical Plant Zone]] or [[Hill Top Zone]] is available for use. [http://www.sws2b.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5208] But since the Zone was left almost completely untouched since its inclusion in the very early [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Nick Arcade prototype)|Nick Arcade prototype]] it's likely the solidness of the object was meant to be rectified but wasn't due to neglect.
 
  
== Video Game Appearances ==
+
*Electronic Gaming Magazine named Miles "Tails" Prower "Best New Character" in its 1992 video game awards special.
  
*''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)]]''
+
*It in theorized that the Pokemon Buizel is based on the design of Miles "Tails" Prower. While the Pocket Monster is based on an otter, its color and forked tail design is highly reminiscent of Tails, especially since the Pokemon can use its tail to fly, spinning it in the same way and style Tails does.[http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Buizel_%28Pok%C3%A9mon%29]
*''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)]]''
+
 
*''[[Sonic Chaos]]'' (''Sonic and Tails'')
+
*In the Sonic Internet community, there was a period when many people believed that Tails was originally meant to be the guardian of the [[Master Emerald]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', similar to the role [[Knuckles the Echidna]] plays in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', based on the removed ''Sonic 2'' level [[Hidden Palace Zone]]. While [[Yuji Naka]] has said in interviews he wanted the Hidden Palace Zone to be the place where [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] would be transported to once he got all seven [[Chaos Emeralds]] to become [[Super Sonic]], he made no mention of Tails playing any other role. While there is a [[Master Emerald]]-like object in the level, level artist [[Craig Stitt]] revealed the emerald was meant to be nothing more than an obstacle that Sonic was to break through in the level. Most people have since dropped this theory.
*''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]''
+
 
*''[[Sonic 3 & Knuckles]]''
+
==Appearances==
*''[[Blue Sphere]]''
+
 
*''[[Sonic Triple Trouble]]'' (''Sonic and Tails 2'')
+
===Video Games===
*''[[Tails and the Music Maker]]''
+
See [[Games featuring Miles "Tails" Prower]].
*''[[Sonic Spinball]]''
+
 
*''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Gameworld]]''
+
=== Television Series and Film ===
*''[[Wacky Worlds]]''
+
* ''[[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (AoStH, US)  
*''[[Sonic Drift]]''
+
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (SatAM)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (SatAM, US)   
*''[[Sonic Drift 2]]''
+
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Anime)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (Anime, Japan)
*''[[Sonic Championship]]'' (''Sonic the Fighters'')
+
* ''[[Sonic X]]'' (Anime, Japan)
*''[[Tails Adventure]]''
+
 
*''[[Tails' Skypatrol]]''
+
=== Comic Books ===
*''[[Sonic 3D Blast]]'' (as a transport to the special stage)
+
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (manga)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' ([[Shogakukan]], Japan)
*''[[Sonic R]]''
+
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' ([[Archie Comics]], US)
*''[[Sonic Adventure]]''
+
* ''[[Tails (Archie Mini-Series)|Tails Mini-Series]]'' ([[Archie Comics]], US)
*''[[Sonic Shuffle]]''
+
* ''[[Sonic the Comic]]'' ([[Fleetway]], UK)
*''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''
+
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Sirene)|Sonic Adventures]]'' ([[La Sirène Sources]], France)
*''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]''
+
* ''[[Sonic X (Archie comics)|Sonic X]]'' ([[Archie Comics]], US)
*''[[Sonic Adventure 2: Battle]]''
+
* ''[[Dash & Spin]]'' ([[Shogakukan]], Japan)
*''[[Sonic Mega Collection]]''
+
 
*''[[Sonic Advance]]''
+
=== Game Books and Novels ===
*''[[Sonic Advance 2]]''
+
Please see [[Books Featuring Sonic the Hedgehog]]. Miles "Tails" Prower is featured in nearly every book on the list, with the exception of [[Michael Teitelbaum]]'s novel ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Troll Associates book)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''.
*''[[Sonic Pinball Party]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Heroes]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Battle]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Advance 3]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Rush]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Gems Collection]]''
 
*''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Riders]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Rivals]]'' (in-story)
 
*''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2006]]''
 
*''[[Sonic and the Secret Rings]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Rush Adventure]]''
 
*''[[Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Rivals 2]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Unleashed]]'' (in cutscenes and minigames)
 
  
 
== Theme Songs ==
 
== Theme Songs ==
* ''[[Believe in Myself (SA1)]]''
+
* [[Believe in Myself (SA1)]]
* ''[[Believe in Myself (SA2)]]''
+
* [[Believe in Myself (SA2)]]
* ''[[We Can]]''
+
* [[We Can]]
* ''[[High Flying Groove]]''
+
* [[High Flying Groove]]
  
 
== Voice Actors ==
 
== Voice Actors ==
* [[Christopher Evan Welch]] (Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog)
+
English voice actors:
* [[Bradley Pierce]] (SatAM)
+
* [[Christopher Stephen Welch]] (''[[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]]'')
* [[Chris Turner]] (Sonic Christmas Blast)
+
* [[Bradley Pierce]] (''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (SatAM)]]'')
* [[Hekiru Shiina]] (Sonic Anime)
+
* [[Chris Turner]] (''[[Sonic Christmas Blast]]'')
* [[Lainie Fraiser]] (Sonic Anime)
+
* [[Lainie Fraiser]] (''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Anime)]]'')
* [[Kazuki Hayashi]] (Sonic Adventure)
+
* [[Corey Bringas]] (''[[Sonic Adventure]]''-''[[Sonic Shuffle]]'')
* [[Atsuki Murata]] (SS-SA2)
+
* [[Connor Bringas]] (''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'')
* [[Corey Bringas]] (SA-SA2)
+
* [[William Corkery]] (''[[Sonic Heroes]]''-''[[Sonic Advance 3]]'')
* [[Ryo Hirohashi]] (Sonic X+)
+
* [[Amy Palant]] (2005-2010) plus ''[[Sonic X]]''
* [[William Corkery]] (Sonic Heroes)
+
* [[Kate Higgins]] (2010-2014)
* [[Amy Palant]] (Sonic X, Shadow The Hedgehog+)
+
* [[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]] (2014-present) plus ''[[Sonic Boom (TV series)]]''
 +
 
 +
Japanese voice actors:
 +
* [[Hekiru Shiina]] (''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Anime)]]'')
 +
* [[Kazuki Hayashi]] (''[[Sonic Adventure]]'')
 +
* [[Atsuki Murata]] (''[[Sonic Shuffle]]''-''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'')
 +
* [[Ryo Hirohashi]] (''[[Sonic Heroes]]''-present plus ''[[Sonic X]]'')
 +
* [[Takuto Yoshinaga]] (''[[Sonic Generations]]'' (for Classic Tails))
  
 
{{Characters}}
 
{{Characters}}
 
[[Category:Characters]]
 
[[Category:Characters]]

Revision as of 11:26, 14 July 2017

Template:CharacterSheet Miles Prower (Japanese: マイルス・パウアー), also known by his nickname, "Tails" (Japanese: テイルス), is a two-tailed fox who is a recurring character in the Sonic the Hedgehog series of video games and related media. Since his introduction in 1992's Sonic the Hedgehog 2, he has become one of the most popular of the Sonic characters, and a staple in the series.

Character Conception

Line art of Miles "Tails" Prower taken from Sonic Jam.

After the success of the original Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega was insistent that a sequel be made to capitalize on the Sonic name. After some internal drama, portions of Sonic Team traveled to work with Sega of America's Sega Technical Institute to create the numbered follow-up. One element they wanted to introduce was a new character that would not just be a companion to Sonic and fulfill the classic sidekick role, but also be playable and draw attention, and hopefully new players, to the franchise.

An internal competition was held at STI, and while numerous designs were once again submitted to be considered for the role (including a rocket-powered turtle named Boomer), it was Yasushi Yamaguchi who would win out with his design. Yasushi had created a two-tailed orange fox whom he affectionately called "Miles Prower," the name intended to be a pun on the phrase "Miles per Hour," a clever homage to the Sonic the Hedgehog character and franchise, which pushed the speed aspects in advertising and the like. However, the Sonic 2 team wanted to go with a much simpler name, "Tails," which Yasushi was none too pleased with. Sneaking his original name onto the concept art, it was decided that a compromise would be reached, with Miles being the character's real name and Tails being the nickname. With the concept in place, Tails was soon programmed into the game with its patented system, and he became part of one of the most successful games in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.

Miles "Tails" Prower (Video Game Character)

Origin of Tails

File:Classic tails orthographic.svg Just like Sonic the Hedgehog's past, nothing explicit is mentioned of Miles "Tails" Prower's home and history. While according to the Game Gear title Tails Adventures it is said he once lived on Cocoa Island before he met Sonic, by the time Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is about to take place Tails has taken up residence on West Side Island. While living there, Tails is the subject of much teasing because of his namesake - the two tails that make him quite different from everyone else. However, everything changes for the young fox when he spots a blue streak on the island. Intrigued, he begins to follow what he would discover to be Sonic the Hedgehog. Watching him, he decided that he wanted to be just as cool as his now-hero, even if Sonic (at first) pays no attention to his constant companion.

While eventually Sonic puts up with Tails' constant trailing, and even admires the fact that he is able to catch up to Sonic's own speed from time to time, he doesn't think much of it, and never sticks around all that long for Tails to get to know him. One day, while Miles Prower is exploring the beach, he comes across an antique bi-plane, and becomes immediately attached to it, and is only more excited when he sees who is napping under it - Sonic. Before he can let this sink in, Sonic is awaken by an explosion in the forest - a pillar of fire caused by none other than Dr. Eggman, who has followed Sonic in the hopes he would lead him straight to the Chaos Emeralds. Sonic immediately runs after his adversary, and Tails quickly follows.

Over the course of this adventure, their bond grows stronger, with Tails helping out Sonic when he needs it. By the time they reach the Death Egg, Sonic has grown to not only respect Miles, but to consider him a friend, and their relationship in future games reflecting an older/younger brother relationship rather than the tag-along nuisance that Sonic originally thought of him as.

Personality and Traits

Miles "Tails" Prower's profile from Sonic Jam.
The original unveiling of Tails' redesign. From Sonic Adventure.

Miles "Tails" Prower is an 8 year old orange fox whose most recognizable trait is his twin tails. While he was originally teased for them, he has learned to appreciate and love his tails, especially since they have come in handy once joining Sonic the Hedgehog in defeating Dr. Eggman's plans time and time again. Being able to twirl his tails together, Tails is able to lift off the ground and use them as a helicopter, and fly for short periods of time. He can also use them while on the ground, giving him an extra burst of speed to catch up to Sonic while running. Tails can even use them to attack enemies, able to break robots in Sonic 3 & Knuckles by flying up into them horizontally, and uses his tails as a whip in Sonic Adventure to break enemies on the ground, called the "Tail Rotation Attack."

Tails is sweet-natured and humble, not one to grab the spotlight for himself, instead ready to help out his friend and idol Sonic whenever necessary. While he isn't the bravest, he has become more outgoing since he has met Sonic, becoming the hero when need be. Regardless, Tails hopes to one day be self-sufficient, and not constantly rely on others, and be just as independent as Sonic. However, he feels most at home inside his workshop in the Mystic Ruins, working on his various mechanical creations and tinkering with items that might help them when they next face Eggman. In fact, it is said that Tails' mechanical prowess might match that of Eggman or even surpass it, but he has yet to reach his full potential when it comes to that field. But even through all his trials, Tails can still be frightened by the sound of thunder. Tails also has a strong affection for mint candy.

Tails does share some of Sonic's well known moves, such as the spin attack and the spin dash. He also has the ability to swim, something that Sonic has yet to learn. Tails can also carry Sonic for a bit while he's flying, but until Sonic 4 Episode II was unable to replicate this assistance underwater.

Unlike his peers, Tails can not as easily transform into a super-powered form, only able to achieve the status of Super Tails with the power of the Super Emeralds. Even then, he still needs help, a group of four flickies showing up to share in the power, assisting in attacking enemies that may be about.

Mechanical Creations

While not as proliferate as Dr. Eggman,Tails has been known to create more than a few mechanical items of his own which have proven useful over the years. The first of these was made before Tails had ever met Sonic the Hedgehog. The Sea Tail, an underwater vehicle, was created during Tails' time on Cocoa Island, was used during his run-in with the Battle Kukku army. It also had the ability to transform into a "Mecha Tails" form, which could do reconnaissance work in places Tails couldn't reach.

Tails using the Cyclone from Sonic Adventure 2.

Perhaps his most recognizable work has been on the Tornado series of bi-planes. While he did not build the original, Tails did do some modifications to it after it was damaged in the chase to Eggman's Wing Fortress in Sonic 2. This model served as the inspiration for Tails' own version, the Tornado 2, which was powered by Chaos Emerald energy and had the ability to transform into an attack mode. This was followed up by the Tornado III, also known as the Cyclone, which was used in Sonic Adventure 2. Unlike the previous model, it could be flown and used as a mech without the aid of a Chaos Emerald.

Tails has also made some other items of note, such as the Jewel Reader, a machine used before the events of Sonic 3 to track down Chaos Emerald energy. The fox also had a similar tool, the Miles Electric, to help him and Sonic get around the broken planet in Sonic Unleashed, not looking for Chaos Emeralds but to track down the ancient shrines to help restore their power. The Miles Electric is used in Sonic Colors to decode what Yacker says. He was also able to create a false Chaos Emerald, possessing nearly the same properties as an original, which was designed to stop Eggman's plans in Sonic Adventure 2.

Tails' mechanical expertise was once again put to use in Sonic the Fighters, where he built the Lunar Fox to quickly get to the Death Egg II, the spaceship and its speed possible by the power of the Chaos Emeralds. He was also responsible for the presence of Mecha Sonic No. 23, used as a reconnaissance robot that could transform between the classic Metal Sonic look and a rocket. While this was used to help Sonic and company discover the existence of the Death Egg II, it is unknown if Tails built the machine from scratch or used a model discarded by Eggman.

Tails in Other Media

As is the case with Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles "Tails" Prower's storyline has been modified to fit in with other media.

Westernized Game Localization

When Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was being localized for Western markets, they decided to simplify Tails' origin. Instead of being teased for his two tails, Tails is instead praised by the animals on the island, and love him for his namesake. He is also obsessed with Sonic for far longer, trying to emulate his hero as he grows up. In one instance, trying to emulate the sonic spin, Tails inadvertently creates the spin dash, echoing the western notion that the animals on South Island had taught Sonic everything he knows. Sometime after, Dr. Robotnik strikes once again, and Tails, somehow escaping the badnik process, decides to follow Sonic around as he sets off to stop the doctor and his Death Egg.

Sonic the Hedgehog (SatAM)

In the Saturday morning series Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles Prower is treated as just another survivor of Dr. Robotnik's takeover of the planet Mobius. While he and Sonic do have a bond and act as brothers, they do not have the same sort of friendship they do in the games. More often than not, Tails is left behind at Knothole Village while the rest of the Freedom Fighters go to Robotropolis, citing Tails' age as a reason. Being significantly younger than the rest, Sonic and company act more protective of their younger friend. While he does eventually become a full member of the team, a relationship between Sonic and Tails closer to the games never got a chance to materialize, due to the cancellation of the series.

Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie)

Turbo Tails is trapped as Sonic and Tails' doppelganger look on.

The comic book version of Miles Prower in the series Sonic the Hedgehog attempted to find a balance between the protected version of Tails from the Saturday morning series and the more carefree version from the syndicated series. While he was still treated as being younger and warned of the dangers of Robotropolis, Tails would often be a part of the various raids and adventures the team would have.

Born to Amadeus and Rosemary Prower, Tails was unable to even know his parents as his birth happened just prior to the takeover of Mobotropolis by Dr. Robotnik. Raised in Knothole, Tails gravitated towards Sonic, and the two were able to share a relationship that more closely resembled the games. The mother figure of the young fox took the form of Princess Sally, whom he would call "Aunt Sally." While these ties would sometimes be strained because of the soap opera-esque tales spun by Ken Penders, they would always be resolved in time for the young fox to help save the day from Robotnik or whatever force threatened the planet.

Tails was eventually reunited with his parents when it was discovered that they had not been lost during the coup, but rescued by an alien race known as the Bem. Living off planet during the interim, it was only during the invasion of the Xorda that Tails was able to discover his parents were actually alive and well.

Unlike his game counterpart, Tails has the ability to transform into a super-powered form using only the Chaos Emeralds, known as Turbo Tails. Tails also has another form, as stated by his role in "The Chosen One" prophecy. Over the entire Cosmic Interstate, Tails is the only one who can call upon all of his various versions of himself and transform into "Titan Tails," who was the only one able to defeat Mammoth Mogul when it looked as though the multiverse was doomed. Before he was able to fulfill this prophecy, Tails was briefly kidnapped by Mogul, who then created a doppelganger Tails, who fought alongside the Freedom Fighters from issue 94 to issue 114. Even the double was unaware of his falsity until 114, when he fought against Mogul to free the real Tails.

While Tails is now eleven years old in the series, it hasn't stopped the writing staff from hinting at possible relationships for the fox. The first time this happened was in the prelude to his Archie miniseries, in which he fell for Fiona Fox, who turned out to be a robot created by Dr. Robotnik. Later on, Tails discovered that the robot had been based on a real fox, albeit much older than the robot model suggested. Sonic briefly went out with Fiona, causing a riff between the two, but they reconciled when Sonic revealed he did it simply so Tails could get over his crush. Also, while he enjoys spending time with Mina Mongoose in the main series, Mina is shown to be his wife in the possible-future storyline "Mobius: 25 Years Later."

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog

The DiC-produced syndicated series Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog portrayed Tails closer to his game counterpart than the other series at the time, Sonic the Hedgehog. Having been an orphan with no knowledge of his family, Tails was found by Sonic one day by falling on his head, being thrown out of a birds nest. Tails explained to Sonic that he thought he was a bird, because of his ability to fly, and Sonic decided to take the young fox with him, and help raise him as well as be a friend. Through the course of the series, it is rare to see Sonic and Tails separated, even though the fox is quite younger than the blue hedgehog, and often gets into trouble with Robotnik and his plans.

This version of Tails is also quite disdainful of his true name, Miles Prower, unknowingly echoing the sentiments of the original Sonic the Hedgehog 2 production team that wanted to change his name.

Sonic the Comic

File:STC UK 029 cover.jpg
Miles "Tails" Prower featured on the cover of Sonic the Comic issue 29.

While Tails first met Sonic in the Emerald Hill Zone of Sonic the Comic, the two-tailed fox did not actually originate from Mobius at all. Having gone through a space warp to Mobius, the young fox arrived on the other side in the mistaken belief that the Emerald Hill Zone was actually lined with real emeralds. While he was quick to discover his folly, he decided to stay on Mobius when he encountered Sonic the Hedgehog, and decided to become his sidekick. While they would often work together, and were friends, Tails was often on the end of many of Sonic's jokes, and was far from the buddy-buddy portrayal of the DiC-produced series or even their relationship in Sonic Adventure.

During the course of the comic's lifespan, Tails grew beyond just another fodder character that could be kidnapped and became a hero in his own right. This was expanded upon in the stories depicting Tails returning to his home zone, the Nameless Zone, where he was celebrated as a hero from the misleading letters he wrote back home. Depicting himself as the central leader of Mobius and not Sonic, the people of his zone would ask him to help them against numerous enemies that threatened them. While he would later try to correct them, Tails was never successful, and had to defend the zone time and again in an enchanted suit of armor, sword in hand.

Because of his early days as being kidnapping fodder, Tails would sometimes remark that many people underestimated his abilities, and could do far more damage than what some thought initially.

Sonic the Hedgehog (Anime)

Produced under the supervision of Sonic Team, the OVA Sonic the Hedgehog presented Tails close to his video game counterpart. He was a genius when it came to electronics, and was a close friend of Sonic. However, their relationship would sometimes boarder on the depiction presented in Sonic the Comic, where the hedgehog would get sick of Tails and his attempts to get Sonic's attention. Tails also was missing his ability to swim, which Eggman tried to exploit but failed to do so.

Sonic X

Also produced under the supervision of Sonic Team, Sonic X once again stuck close to the original portrayal of Tails. In the series, however, Tails is drawn not to the original Tornado, but the Tornado 2, which he quickly makes his own after Sonic and Tails become friends. Once he is transported to the planet Earth, and meets up with Sonic once more, Tails becomes friends with Chuck Thorndyke, a fellow scientist whom Tails shares his passion in science. Together they work on the Tornado-X, which takes the place of the Tornado 2 in the Sonic Adventure adaptation.

It must also be noted that many of the roles that Tails would have otherwise filled were replaced by Chris Thorndyke, Chuck's grandson, being the sidekick-in-distress through most of the series.

In the final season of Sonic X, Tails' role becomes far more significant. He aids and befriends a Seedrian girl by the name of Cosmo and begins to form a romantic relationship with her. Tails also builds the Blue Typhoon, a massive aircraft capable of traveling through space. In episode 77, Tails' is forced to shoot Cosmo while she is immobilizing Dark Oak and the Metarex. Tails becomes distraught over the thought and even smashes his head against the control panel of the Sonic Driver. She eventually convinces him to do it and save the galaxy. Afterward, Sonic brings back Cosmo's seed and gives it to Tails. He eventually plants it in a flower pot in the last episode.

Miscellaneous

  • While Tails was designed for the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the developers of its Master System/Game Gear counterpart decided to also use the character, albeit as a plot point only. Even though he was reduced to a kidnap victim, the game was released a month prior the Mega Drive version, making this Tails' first appearance.
  • Although the other main cast members of the Sonic games have had issues involving their ages, Tails has always remained 8 - in the games. However, his age has fluctuated in Western media. In Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, Tails is only 4 and a half years old, yet does the same stunts he does in the games. In the original Saturday morning series, he is portrayed as being 10, yet is forbidden to go on many of the Freedom Fighters missions, even though he is older than his game counterpart. The Sonic the Hedgehog Technical Documents also quote his age as "about 10".
  • Tails’ design takes cues from the ancient Japanese myth of the Kitsune, a mythical creature who resembles a fox but possesses up to nine tails depending on their age.
  • Electronic Gaming Magazine named Miles "Tails" Prower "Best New Character" in its 1992 video game awards special.
  • It in theorized that the Pokemon Buizel is based on the design of Miles "Tails" Prower. While the Pocket Monster is based on an otter, its color and forked tail design is highly reminiscent of Tails, especially since the Pokemon can use its tail to fly, spinning it in the same way and style Tails does.[1]

Appearances

Video Games

See Games featuring Miles "Tails" Prower.

Television Series and Film

Comic Books

Game Books and Novels

Please see Books Featuring Sonic the Hedgehog. Miles "Tails" Prower is featured in nearly every book on the list, with the exception of Michael Teitelbaum's novel Sonic the Hedgehog.

Theme Songs

Voice Actors

English voice actors:

Japanese voice actors:


Characters in the Sonic the Hedgehog game series
Recurring characters
Heroes Sonic (Super, Starfall, Hyper, Darkspine, the Werehog, Excalibur) | Tails (Super) | Knuckles (Super, Hyper) | Amy (Super, Hyper) | Mighty (Super) | Ray (Super) | Espio | Charmy | Vector | Cream | Big | Blaze (Burning) | Silver (Super) | Sticks
Anti-heroes/Neutrals Shadow (Super) | Rouge | E-102 Gamma | E-123 Omega | Jet | Wave | Storm
Villains Dr. Eggman | Metal Sonic (Rocket, Neo, 3.0) | Mecha Sonic (8-bit, Mk. II, Mk. III, Super) | Fang | Tails Doll | Metal Knuckles | Chaos (Perfect) | E-Series | ZERO | Biolizard (Finalhazard) | Black Doom (Devil Doom) | Eggman Nega | Orbot | Cubot | Deadly Six (Zavok, Zazz, Zomom, Master Zik, Zeena, Zor)
Teams Sonic/Heroes | Rose | Dark | Chaotix | Babylon
Other Animals (Flicky) | Froggy | Chao (Hero, Dark) | Tikal | Pachacamac | Omochao | Chaclon | Gerald & Maria Robotnik | President | King Boom Boo | Cheese | Chocola | Vanilla | G.U.N. Commander | Wisps | Mother Wisp
One-off characters
Heroes Emerl | Marine | Lumina Flowlight | Chip | Shahra | Knights of the Round Table | Caliburn | Yacker | Avatar | Barry | Trip (Super)
Anti-heroes/Neutrals Bean | Bark | Shade | Merlina | Sage
Villains Witchcart | Hocke-Wulf | Bearenger | Carrotia | Battle Kukku Army (15th, 16th, Dr. Fukurokov) | E-101 Beta | Void | Chaos Gamma | Gemerl | Shugo-hei | Iblis | Mephiles | Solaris | Erazor Djinn | Captain Whisker | Johnny | Master Core: ABIS | Ix (Super) | Dark Gaia | King Arthur | Hard Boiled Heavies | Infinite | The End | Mirage Express
Teams Vector | Eggman
Other Birdie | Illumina | Secretary | Elise | Duke of Soleanna | Sonic Man | Coconut Crew | Vikings | Professor Pickle | Wentos | Don Fachio | Dodon Pa | Koco | Ancients | Conductor | Conductor's wife | Ariem | Heavy | Bomb | Tiara Boobowski | Honey