Miles "Tails" Prower

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Miles "Tails" Prower
First seen: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)
Species: Fox
Gender: Male
Age: 8
Height: 80cm (2'6")
Weight: 20kg (44lbs)
Likes: Mint candyMedia:Sonic2 MD JP manual.pdfMedia:CS M US.png, machine maintenanceMedia:CS M US.png, ChristmasMedia:Sonic2 MD JP manual.pdf, chili dogs
Dislikes: ThunderMedia:CS M US.png, Ghosts
Created by: Yasushi Yamaguchi

Miles Prower　(マイルス・パウアー), also known by his nickname, "Tails" (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 (for the GG/SMS), 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." His surname is a combination of the terms "per hour" and "power", the full name serving as 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. "Tails" can be controlled by a second player in Sonic 2 & 3, usually by a younger sibling or offspring.

The character was intended to increase the series' appeal in the Japanese market. His design is based on Yuji Naka's request for a cute fox character like Kitsune from Urusei Yatsura. His two tails were inspired by the split tail of Myau from Phantasy Star. His relationship with Sonic was inspired by that of Piccolo and Gohan from Dragon Ball.

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.

In video games

Origin of Tails

File:Sonic2 MD JP manual.pdfFile:Sonic2 MD JP manual.pdf

Miles after trying to keep up with Sonic learns how to appreciate his two tails.

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

Miles "Tails" Prower's profile from Sonic Jam.

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".

The original unveiling of Tails' redesign. From Sonic Adventure.

Miles "Tails" Prower is a young, slightly chubby 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. 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.

Recently, Tails started to feel doubts about himself after seeing Infinite and Dr. Eggman defeat and capture Sonic. With not being able to stop them, Tails wondered if he was a burden to Sonic. Tails confronted Sonic about his feelings of doubt while the two of them were on the Starfall Islands. Sonic tried to remind Tails that he is a great hero and that it's okay to ask for help sometimes. Later Tails decided to go out and adventure on his own.

Abilities

Tails has learned a lot from Sonic, by following him he learned how to replicate his moves such as the spin attack and the spin dash. Unlike the blue hedgehog, Tails knows how to swim. Tails uses his twin tails for Propeller Flight and can carry his friends around for a bit while he's flying, and later learned how to use his tails underwater to help Sonic. He can use his tails 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 by flying up into them horizontally, and can tail swipe to break enemies on the ground. While Tails is carrying his teammates around, he can throw them in an attack that stuns enemies.

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. A group of four flickies helped share in the power, assisting in attacking enemies that may be about. With the release of Sonic Mania, Tails can now transform with the Chaos Emeralds. In Sonic Origins, Tails could both transform into Super Tails and Hyper Tails, however with the release of Sonic Origins Plus, Hyper Tails was changed back to Super Tails. In Sonic Superstars, Super Tails is called Tails' Super Powers.

Tails is incredibly smart, able to rival Dr. Eggman's intellect at times. Sonic has trusted Tails to pilot his plane the Tornado since they first met, and is open to Tails tinkering with it. He is well well versed in Extreme Gear technology and skill, rivalling Wave the Swallow He can produce dummy ring bombs, can use Magic Hands which is a boxing glove that appears from the ground and the side, and the Energy Ball Arm Cannon which he puts on his arm to shoot energy balls. With the Jet Anklet he is can fly faster and with the Rhythm Badge he can do continuous Tailspin attacks. When Tails became Cyber Corrupted, he was able to recreate his vehicle the Cyclone from his memories as well as create the Cyblaster.

Mechanical creations

Tails building the Remote Robot.

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. He created 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. He put together an adorable Remote Robot, 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. 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 a four winged attack mode. This was followed up by the Cyclone, and the Tornado 03/Tornado-1.

Tails has also made some other items of note, such as the Emerald Detector, a machine used to track down Chaos Emerald energy. The fox also has the Miles Electric, which can track down the ancient shrines and decode what Yacker says and communicate with others long distance. He was able to create a false Chaos Emerald, possessing nearly the same properties as an original. He has built multiple space vessels, such as the Lunar Fox, another rocket and a spaceship.

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 (TV series)

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

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.

Sonic Boom

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Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW comics)

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Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)

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Sonic Prime

In Green Hill, Tails in a newly remodeled Tornado, helps Sonic battle Dr. Eggman in his new Eggcrusher. Watching Sonic and Eggman brawl from above, Tails realizes Eggman is luring Sonic into a trap. Tails tries to warn Sonic but it confuses the blue hedgehog. Sonic falls for the bait and plays right into Eggman's hands despite Tails warning. Sonic and Tails discuss what Eggman was trying to do in the workshop. In the lab, Rouge the Bat tells Tails and Sonic about the legendary Paradox Prism, which is rumored to be hidden under Green Hill. Tails and the other heroes then find Dr. Eggman's digging cite where he is currently unearthing the Prism. They smash Badniks until Eggman tries picking up the Prism. Tails warns Sonic to wait, but he once again doesn't listen and breaks the Prism, creating the Shatterverse. Now there are multiple versions of Tails that Sonic encounters including Tails Nine, Mangey Tails and Sails Tails.

Theme songs

• Believe in Myself (Sonic Adventure)
• Believe in Myself (Sonic Adventure 2)
• We Can
• High Flying Groove

Voice actors

English voice actors:

• Christopher Stephen Welch (Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog)
• Bradley Pierce (Sonic the Hedgehog (SatAM))
• Chris Turner (Sonic Christmas Blast)
• Lainie Fraiser (Sonic the Hedgehog (Anime))
• Corey Bringas (Sonic Adventure-Sonic Shuffle)
• Connor Bringas (Sonic Adventure 2)
• William Corkery (Sonic Heroes-Sonic Advance 3)
• Amy Palant (2005-2010) plus Sonic X
• Kate Higgins (2010-2014)
• Colleen O'Shaughnessey (2014-present) plus Sonic Boom and Sonic the Hedgehog 2
• Alicyn Packard (Sonic Drone Home)
• Ashleigh Ball (Sonic Prime)

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))

Other language voice actors:

• Marie-Eugénie Maréchal (French game voice (2011-present) plus Sonic X and Sonic Boom)
• Anke Kortemeier (German game voice (2011-2019) plus Sonic X and Sonic Boom)
• Paulina Weiner (German game voice (2019-present))
• Graciela Molina (Spanish game voice (2011-present) plus Sonic Boom
• Benedetta Ponticelli (Italian game voice (2011-present))

References

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