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==Development==
 
==Development==
 
===Conception and season one===
 
===Conception and season one===
[[File:SonicTH-SatAM Early Art EPCOT INNOVENTIONS.png|thumb|A display featuring early ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' art. Circa 1994 at EPCOT'S INNOVENTIONS.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxhhMnm1zoU}}]]
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[[File:SonicTH-SatAM Early Art EPCOT INNOVENTIONS.png|thumb|A display featuring early ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' art. Circa 1994 at EPCOT'S INNOVENTIONS.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429175516/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhBPuiPY8uY}}]]
 
After recognizing the potential of [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] as a brand, [[sega:Sega of America|Sega of America]] CEO [[sega:Tom Kalinske|Tom Kalinske]] knew he wanted to take the character and have a television show built around him. While working at Mattel in the 1980's, Kalinske had taken a similar approach with the "[[wikipedia:Masters of the Universe|Masters of the Universe]]" toy line, and felt it would serve Sonic in a similar fashion. In 1991, Kalinske initially met with Haim Saban to talk over the idea of an animated Sonic series.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191218132522/https://medium.com/@romanojay/interview-with-tom-kalinske-former-ceo-of-sega-of-america-781d3d680b6f}}
 
After recognizing the potential of [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] as a brand, [[sega:Sega of America|Sega of America]] CEO [[sega:Tom Kalinske|Tom Kalinske]] knew he wanted to take the character and have a television show built around him. While working at Mattel in the 1980's, Kalinske had taken a similar approach with the "[[wikipedia:Masters of the Universe|Masters of the Universe]]" toy line, and felt it would serve Sonic in a similar fashion. In 1991, Kalinske initially met with Haim Saban to talk over the idea of an animated Sonic series.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191218132522/https://medium.com/@romanojay/interview-with-tom-kalinske-former-ceo-of-sega-of-america-781d3d680b6f}}
  
Eventually, Andy Heyward, the CEO of [[sega:DIC Entertainment|DIC Entertainment]], reached out to Sega of America, pitching their version of a ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' television show.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTX7TmU8Xo}} The company was no stranger to adapting video game properties to television, having previously worked on various ''Super Mario Bros.'' series and ''[[wikipedia:Captain N: The Game Master|Captain N: The Game Master]]''. Impressed, a deal was soon made, giving DIC the rights to move ahead on development and production.
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Saban was not the only party interested in producing a ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' television series. Andy Heyward, the CEO of [[sega:DIC Entertainment|DIC Entertainment]], reached out to Sega of America over the matter, expressing interest in the license.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTX7TmU8Xo}} The company was no stranger to adapting video game properties to television, having previously worked on various ''Super Mario Bros.'' series and ''[[wikipedia:Captain N: The Game Master|Captain N: The Game Master]]''. Soon, the studio pitched the premise to Sega, with Sonic being part of a "Freedom Team" fighting against the evil Dr. Robotnik. A deal between the two companies was made, giving DIC the rights to move ahead on development and production.
  
The three tasked with developing the show were [[Len Janson]], [[Bruce Shelly]], and [[Reed Shelly]].{{fileref|SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1992-03-11.pdf|page=1}} Janson, a seasoned animation veteran, had previously worked with DIC in adapting the live-action ''Ghostbusters'' film into the animated ''The Real Ghostbusters''. Bruce and Reed Shelly had previously written for both the ''Super Mario Bros. Super Show'' and ''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3''. The trio developed the original premise of the Saturday morning ''Sonic the Hedgehog'', creating original characters [[Princess Sally Acorn|Princess Sally]], [[Bunnie Rabbot]], [[Antoine D' Coolette|Antoine]], and [[Rotor Walrus]] (originally named Boomer){{fileref|SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1992-03-11.pdf|page=13}} to join Sonic and [[Miles "Tails" Prower]] in their fight against the evil [[Dr. Eggman|Dr. Robotnik]] and his assistant, [[Snively]] (originally named Quizley).{{fileref|SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1992-03-11.pdf|page=19}}
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Needing to find a home for the series, DIC reached out to the American television network ABC, and were pleasantly surprised by the results of their meeting.  
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{{quote|1=At the time, the most prized placement for an animated series was Saturday morning on one of the networks. You got the best license fees and you also got the best ratings in that arena. So that was always your first port of call when you had a hot property...you go to the network. We did that with Sonic, and they gave us an on the air commitment immediately. And that's unusual! Normally a network will make a development deal with you which basically gives them the right to buy the property at a later date and expect you to write a pilot script and do some development art and they put off their decision. But...if the property is really hot they'll give you an on-air commitment right on the spot and that's what happened with Sonic.|2=Robby London, Executive Producer of ''Sonic the Hedgehog''{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTX7TmU8Xo}}}}  
  
Needing to find a home for the series, DIC reached out to the American television network ABC, and were pleasantly surprised by the results of their meeting.  
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With the show greenlit, ABC requested that [[Len Janson]] and Chuck Menville be the story editors of the series. The duo were seasoned animation veterans, having worked on numerous projects together including ''The Real Ghostbusters'' where they served as both writers and story editors.{{ref|http://ghostarchive.org/varchive/EC95zQ6OgFk|2=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC95zQ6OgFk}} Unfortunately, Chuck Menville was unavailable, fighting the final stages of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605033228/https://www.atogt.com/askoscar/display-person.php?id=40037}} Instead, Len Janson was joined by father-son writing team{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230207072229/https://www.inverse.com/gaming/sonic-hedgehog-chili-dog}} [[Bruce Shelly|Bruce]] and [[Reed Shelly]], who had previously written for both ''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show'' and ''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3''. The three men co-wrote the series Bible, fleshing out the original premise and retooling the supporting cast. Characters that were originally based on the animal friends of the video games were replaced with characters such as [[Bunnie Rabbot]], [[Antoine D' Coolette|Antoine]], and [[Rotor Walrus]] (originally named Boomer){{fileref|SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1992-03-11.pdf|page=13}} who, along with Sonic, Sally, and [[Miles "Tails" Prower]] would fight against the evil [[Dr. Eggman|Dr. Robotnik]] and his assistant, [[Snively]] (originally named Quizley).{{fileref|SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1992-03-11.pdf|page=19}}
{{quote|1=At the time, the most prized placement for an animated series was Saturday morning on one of the networks. You got the best license fees and you also got the best ratings in that arena. So that was always your first port of call when you had a hot property...you go to the network. We did that with Sonic, and they gave us an on the air commitment immediately. And that's unusual! Normally a network will make a development deal with you which basically gives them the right to buy the property at a later date and expect you to write a pilot script and do some development art and they put off their decision. But...if the property is really hot they'll give you an on-air commitment right on the spot and that's what happened with Sonic.|2=Robby London, Executive Producer of ''Sonic the Hedgehog''{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTX7TmU8Xo}}}}
 
  
Casting responsibilities for the series were assigned to Marsha Goodman and Virginia McSwain. Knowing that the show was to be pitched to ABC, they wanted to find someone to play Sonic who would appeal to the network executives.{{ref|1=''The Fastest Thing Alive: A Conversation With Jaleel White''}} The role was offered to [[Jaleel White]], who had made a name for himself playing Steven Q. Urkel on the primetime sitcom ''Family Matters'', at the time a hit on ABC's TGIF lineup. Previously, DIC had approached Jaleel while developing an Urkel-centric animated ''Family Matters'' spin off, and while it was not picked up, it did begin a working relationship with the actor and the animation studio.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTX7TmU8Xo}} Having always wanted to play a voice on an animated project, Jaleel accepted. Other well known names were soon attached to the project, including [[Kath Soucie]], [[Jim Cummings]], and [[Bradley Pierce]], the latter of which had recently starred as Chip in Disney's ''Beauty and the Beast''. While the majority of the cast would record episodes together, Jaleel would end up recording his parts separately, due to his hectic schedule.{{ref|1=''The Fastest Thing Alive: A Conversation With Jaleel White''}} Being a minor, the hours he could work in a given day were legally limited.
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Casting responsibilities for the series were assigned to Marsha Goodman and Virginia McSwain. Knowing that the show was to be pitched to ABC, they wanted to find someone to play Sonic who would appeal to the network executives.{{ref|http://ghostarchive.org/varchive/9XwWHTigA9s|2=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XwWHTigA9s}} The role was offered to [[Jaleel White]], who had made a name for himself playing Steven Q. Urkel on the primetime sitcom ''Family Matters'', at the time a hit on ABC's TGIF lineup. Previously, DIC had approached Jaleel while developing an Urkel-centric animated ''Family Matters'' spin off, and while it was not picked up, it did begin a working relationship with the actor and the animation studio.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTX7TmU8Xo}} Having always wanted to play a voice on an animated project, Jaleel accepted. Other well known names were soon attached to the project, including [[Kath Soucie]], [[Jim Cummings]], and [[Bradley Pierce]], the latter of which had recently starred as Chip in Disney's ''Beauty and the Beast''. While the majority of the cast would record episodes together, Jaleel would end up recording his parts separately, due to his hectic schedule.{{ref|http://ghostarchive.org/varchive/9XwWHTigA9s|2=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XwWHTigA9s}} Being a minor, the hours he could work in a given day were legally limited.
  
 
Having such faith in the show they were creating, DIC felt ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' could support being both a Saturday morning series and a weekly syndicated series. After getting the green light to make the series in the first place, DIC had a meeting with Mark Pedowitz, the Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Contracts at ABC, to discuss the possibility of launching the series in both forms concurrently.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221103180015/https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/18/21140375/sonic-90s-cartoons-streaming-satam-jaleel-white-adventures-of-sonic}} This was not the first time DIC had entered into such an arrangement with ABC, having produced two seasons of ''The Real Ghostbusters'' in 1987 - one for the network, another that aired in syndication at the same time.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20220708044947/https://twitter.com/katewillaert/status/1168937938299891712}} However, ABC made it clear they wanted the series to be exclusive to them, and if DIC pursued making a concurrent version for syndication they would not air ''Sonic'' on Saturday mornings.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221103180015/https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/18/21140375/sonic-90s-cartoons-streaming-satam-jaleel-white-adventures-of-sonic}} Not wanting to give up the idea, Robby London, who became the executive producer on ''Sonic the Hedgehog'', pitched an idea to his boss, Andy Heyward. The idea was to develop two separate shows - one that would be a "serious and somewhat dark story" that ABC was looking for, and another show that would make "Robotnik more silly" and give him "henchmen that were incompetent," emulating the style of Tex Avery cartoons.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTX7TmU8Xo}} Approaching ABC with this new take, DIC emphasized the idea that the version of ''Sonic'' they would air would still be unique, that no one would confuse the two shows because of their vastly different tone, and that it would only help them by bring greater awareness of the Sonic the Hedgehog brand. To DIC's surprise, the network gave the production company the green light to develop both shows.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTX7TmU8Xo}}
 
Having such faith in the show they were creating, DIC felt ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' could support being both a Saturday morning series and a weekly syndicated series. After getting the green light to make the series in the first place, DIC had a meeting with Mark Pedowitz, the Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Contracts at ABC, to discuss the possibility of launching the series in both forms concurrently.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221103180015/https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/18/21140375/sonic-90s-cartoons-streaming-satam-jaleel-white-adventures-of-sonic}} This was not the first time DIC had entered into such an arrangement with ABC, having produced two seasons of ''The Real Ghostbusters'' in 1987 - one for the network, another that aired in syndication at the same time.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20220708044947/https://twitter.com/katewillaert/status/1168937938299891712}} However, ABC made it clear they wanted the series to be exclusive to them, and if DIC pursued making a concurrent version for syndication they would not air ''Sonic'' on Saturday mornings.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221103180015/https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/18/21140375/sonic-90s-cartoons-streaming-satam-jaleel-white-adventures-of-sonic}} Not wanting to give up the idea, Robby London, who became the executive producer on ''Sonic the Hedgehog'', pitched an idea to his boss, Andy Heyward. The idea was to develop two separate shows - one that would be a "serious and somewhat dark story" that ABC was looking for, and another show that would make "Robotnik more silly" and give him "henchmen that were incompetent," emulating the style of Tex Avery cartoons.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTX7TmU8Xo}} Approaching ABC with this new take, DIC emphasized the idea that the version of ''Sonic'' they would air would still be unique, that no one would confuse the two shows because of their vastly different tone, and that it would only help them by bring greater awareness of the Sonic the Hedgehog brand. To DIC's surprise, the network gave the production company the green light to develop both shows.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTX7TmU8Xo}}
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===Season two===
 
===Season two===
  
[[File:Ben Hurst.png|thumb|Ben Hurst, one of the core creative forces behind season two the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' television series.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVpDEzQgs3M}}]]
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[[File:Ben Hurst.png|thumb|Ben Hurst, one of the core creative forces behind season two the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' television series.{{ref|http://ghostarchive.org/varchive/GVpDEzQgs3M|2=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVpDEzQgs3M}}]]
 
With the show picked up for a second season, Len wanted to reassess the series, seeing which aspects worked and which ones didn't. Trusting their views on the characters, Len brought in the writing team of [[Ben Hurst]] and [[Pat Allee]], who had written the episode "[[Sonic and Sally]]." Together, the three of them rewatched the entirety of the first season, examining the highs and lows while also brainstorming what could come next. Early on in the two week process of outlining the second season, the idea of treating the thirteen episodes as one long film narrative came up. The only rule would be that, with the exception of the "[[Blast to the Past (Part 1)|Blast to the Past]]" two parter, each episode had to stand on its own merits, as they still had to be friendly to any potential new viewers week to week.  
 
With the show picked up for a second season, Len wanted to reassess the series, seeing which aspects worked and which ones didn't. Trusting their views on the characters, Len brought in the writing team of [[Ben Hurst]] and [[Pat Allee]], who had written the episode "[[Sonic and Sally]]." Together, the three of them rewatched the entirety of the first season, examining the highs and lows while also brainstorming what could come next. Early on in the two week process of outlining the second season, the idea of treating the thirteen episodes as one long film narrative came up. The only rule would be that, with the exception of the "[[Blast to the Past (Part 1)|Blast to the Past]]" two parter, each episode had to stand on its own merits, as they still had to be friendly to any potential new viewers week to week.  
  
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===Cancellation and attempted relaunches===
 
===Cancellation and attempted relaunches===
  
The final episode to air, "[[The Doomsday Project]]," ended on a cliffhanger, the team fully expecting to be picked up for a third season. The earliest sketches of a season outline had already been written when word came of the series' cancellation.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230103051953/https://groups.google.com/g/alt.fan.sonic-hedgehog/c/LJD-zvxnb48/m/NaDH38_BCEQJ}} A number of explanations have been given as to why the show ended prematurely, including disinterest in the show from the new head of ABC's Children's Programming, plus the fact it was often preempted by college football on the west coast.{{ref|''Way Past Cool! A Conversation with Ben Hurst''}} The most prominent reason for the show ending was ratings. In the fall of 1994, Sonic aired at the same time as the Fox Kids program ''Mighty Morphin Power Rangers'',{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221216220652/http://www.inthe90s.com/saturdays.shtml}} which was quickly becoming one of the most popular children's entertainment properties.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221126210055/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/05/us/with-power-rangers-scarce-a-frenzied-search-by-parents.html}} These three elements, when combined, proved to be the demise of the series.{{ref|''Way Past Cool! A Conversation with Ben Hurst''}}
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The final episode to air, "[[The Doomsday Project]]," ended on a cliffhanger, the team fully expecting to be picked up for a third season. The earliest sketches of a season outline had already been written when word came of the series' cancellation.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230103051953/https://groups.google.com/g/alt.fan.sonic-hedgehog/c/LJD-zvxnb48/m/NaDH38_BCEQJ}} A number of explanations have been given as to why the show ended prematurely, including disinterest in the show from the new head of ABC's Children's Programming, plus the fact it was often preempted by college football on the west coast.{{ref|http://ghostarchive.org/varchive/tt5ERItK3CM|2=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt5ERItK3CM}} The most prominent reason for the show ending was ratings. In the fall of 1994, Sonic aired at the same time as the Fox Kids program ''Mighty Morphin Power Rangers'',{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221216220652/http://www.inthe90s.com/saturdays.shtml}} which was quickly becoming one of the most popular children's entertainment properties.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221126210055/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/05/us/with-power-rangers-scarce-a-frenzied-search-by-parents.html}} These three elements, when combined, proved to be the demise of the series.{{ref|http://ghostarchive.org/varchive/tt5ERItK3CM|2=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt5ERItK3CM}}
  
 
In 1997, DIC began development on a third show featuring Sonic the Hedgehog, ''[[Sonic Underground]]'', this time without Len Janson's involvement. Ben Hurst and Pat Allee were among those invited to an open call for writers to pitch for the new series. Though Ben Hurst was hesitant to go, the meeting led to him becoming the showrunner. While he was able to integrate certain aspects of the "SatAM" aesthetic, the format of ''Underground'' had already been set in stone, the writer unable to shift course and create the third season of former Saturday morning series.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230103053422/https://groups.google.com/g/alt.fan.sonic-hedgehog/c/_QnS6Xqsr70/m/bBucDGsDsKoJ}}
 
In 1997, DIC began development on a third show featuring Sonic the Hedgehog, ''[[Sonic Underground]]'', this time without Len Janson's involvement. Ben Hurst and Pat Allee were among those invited to an open call for writers to pitch for the new series. Though Ben Hurst was hesitant to go, the meeting led to him becoming the showrunner. While he was able to integrate certain aspects of the "SatAM" aesthetic, the format of ''Underground'' had already been set in stone, the writer unable to shift course and create the third season of former Saturday morning series.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230103053422/https://groups.google.com/g/alt.fan.sonic-hedgehog/c/_QnS6Xqsr70/m/bBucDGsDsKoJ}}
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After that call, Ben Hurst pulled back from actively pursuing a continuation of the cartoon series. In 2003, though he was not involved in any active development with Sega or DIC, Hurst began personally fleshing out an outline for what would be an animated film finale for the series. In 2005, he attempted once more to gain interest in bringing back the series.{{intref|Ben Hurst interview at SAGExpo (July 3, 2005)}} What that entailed is unknown, and when asked the following year, he refused to comment.{{intref|Ben Hurst interview at SAGExpo (August 27, 2006)}}
 
After that call, Ben Hurst pulled back from actively pursuing a continuation of the cartoon series. In 2003, though he was not involved in any active development with Sega or DIC, Hurst began personally fleshing out an outline for what would be an animated film finale for the series. In 2005, he attempted once more to gain interest in bringing back the series.{{intref|Ben Hurst interview at SAGExpo (July 3, 2005)}} What that entailed is unknown, and when asked the following year, he refused to comment.{{intref|Ben Hurst interview at SAGExpo (August 27, 2006)}}
  
==Original concept art==
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==Original pitch concept art==
 
 
 
In ''[[Sonic the Comic]]'' [[Sonic the Comic 012|issue 12]], the "News Zone" column featured a short write-up on the upcoming television series ''Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog''. While the article did have an image of Dr. Robotnik as he would look in that series, two out of place images were lined up alongside. These images would later be reprinted, along with three others, in the [[Sonic the Poster Mag 1|first issue]] of [[Fleetway]]'s ''[[Sonic the Comic#Sonic the Poster Mag|Sonic the Poster Mag]]'', with the only context being that it was a "sneak peak" of "TV's newest superstar."
 
In ''[[Sonic the Comic]]'' [[Sonic the Comic 012|issue 12]], the "News Zone" column featured a short write-up on the upcoming television series ''Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog''. While the article did have an image of Dr. Robotnik as he would look in that series, two out of place images were lined up alongside. These images would later be reprinted, along with three others, in the [[Sonic the Poster Mag 1|first issue]] of [[Fleetway]]'s ''[[Sonic the Comic#Sonic the Poster Mag|Sonic the Poster Mag]]'', with the only context being that it was a "sneak peak" of "TV's newest superstar."
  
As the images did not reflect either ''Sonic'' animated series in their final form, it was quickly surmised that these images were in fact early conceptual drawings as to what a ''Sonic'' series could entail. It is currently unknown if these images were created for a pitch meeting between DIC and Sega in order to secure the license, or if they were made shortly after an agreement had been made between the two parties.  
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As the images did not reflect either ''Sonic'' animated series in their final form, it was quickly surmised that these images were in fact early conceptual drawings as to what a ''Sonic'' series could entail. While the artist is currently unknown, the attached story pitch was most likely written by Phil Harnage, a staff writer at DIC.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326020520/https://twitter.com/SatamHistorian/status/1507539048432345089}} The material was based on the original [[Sonic the Hedgehog Bible]] from Sega of America, supplied to the studio by Al Nilsen.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20220326020600/https://twitter.com/SatamHistorian/status/1507539056896491525}}
 
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The design of Sonic, Sally, and Robotnik in this concept art were also used on a promotional card from European distributor Silvio Berlusconi Communications.
 
The design of Sonic, Sally, and Robotnik in this concept art were also used on a promotional card from European distributor Silvio Berlusconi Communications.
 
 
<gallery widths="148px" heights="148px" >
 
<gallery widths="148px" heights="148px" >
 
SonicTH-SatAM Original Pitch Character Logo.jpg|Sonic standing upon a hill, an early version of the Saturday morning Sonic logo underneath.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Original Pitch Character Logo.jpg|Sonic standing upon a hill, an early version of the Saturday morning Sonic logo underneath.
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Resistance Is Born.jpg|"The Resistance is Born!" An early, if not the earliest, version of Princess Sally fighting off an evil robot with Sonic the Hedgehog.
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SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Resistance Is Born.jpg|"The Resistance is Born!" An early, if not the earliest, version of Princess Sally (known at the time as Princess Acorn) fighting off an evil robot with Sonic the Hedgehog.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Freedom Team.jpg|"The Freedom Team," featuring redesigned versions of [[Pocky|Johnny Lightfoot]], [[Picky|Porker Lewis]], [[Rocky|Joe Sushi]], [[Pecky|Tux]], [[Cucky|Chirps]], and [[Flicky]]. These characters would not end up being in the animated ''Sonic the Hedgehog''.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Freedom Team.jpg|"The Freedom Team," featuring redesigned versions of [[Pocky|Johnny Lightfoot]], [[Picky|Porker Lewis]], [[Rocky|Joe Sushi]], [[Pecky|Tux]], [[Cucky|Chirps]], and [[Flicky]]. These characters would not end up being in the animated ''Sonic the Hedgehog''.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Freedom Team Lineart.jpg|Line art of the team.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Freedom Team Lineart.jpg|Line art of the team.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Freedom Team Lineart Zoom.jpg|Close-up.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Freedom Team Lineart Zoom.jpg|Close-up.
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Robotic Transformation Machine.jpg|Princess Sally, along with an unnamed Freedom Fighter, are about to enter "Dr. Robotnik's Robotic Transformation Machine" as Robotnik watches from above.
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SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Robotic Transformation Machine.jpg|Princess Acorn, along with an unnamed Freedom Fighter, are about to enter "Dr. Robotnik's Robotic Transformation Machine" as Robotnik watches from above.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art A Hero's Reward.jpg|The "mohawk Sonic" attempts to get a kiss for some good deed, but locks lips with a fish. The alien backdrop points towards a different visual feel the series was originally meant to have.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art A Hero's Reward.jpg|The "mohawk Sonic" attempts to get a kiss for some good deed, but locks lips with a fish. The alien backdrop points towards a different visual feel the series was originally meant to have.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Lineart Pitch OriginalSally.jpg|Lineart of the fish kiss.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Lineart Pitch OriginalSally.jpg|Lineart of the fish kiss.
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Sally 9.jpg|Princess Sally reading to Tux.
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SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Sally 9.jpg|Princess Acorn reading to Tux.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Sally 9 Zoom.jpg|Close-up.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Sally 9 Zoom.jpg|Close-up.
 
File:EarlySonicCartoon SalesCard front.JPG|Front of promotional card.
 
File:EarlySonicCartoon SalesCard front.JPG|Front of promotional card.
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SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1993-03-10 Page 6.jpg|Page 6.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1993-03-10 Page 6.jpg|Page 6.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1993-03-10 Page 7.jpg|Page 7.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1993-03-10 Page 7.jpg|Page 7.
SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1993-03-10 Page 8.jpg|Page .
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SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1993-03-10 Page 8.jpg|Page 8.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1993-03-10 Page 9.jpg|Page 9.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1993-03-10 Page 9.jpg|Page 9.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1993-03-10 Page 10.jpg|Page 10.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1993-03-10 Page 10.jpg|Page 10.
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==Original opening==
 
==Original opening==
  
When putting together the pilot episode "Heads or Tails," an intro using the designs from the pilot was also animated. By the time the episode finally aired on ABC, this original intro had been removed, replaced by the more familiar opening that would be seen in the rest of the series. While never released to the public, this original intro was completed, and featured at the Sega booth at [[sega:Summer CES 1993|Summer CES 1993]].{{ref|1=https://youtube.com/watch?v=sIsYIp3wknY?t=180}} The storyboards for the original opening were included in the ''[[Sonic_the_Hedgehog_(TV_series)/Home_releases#DVD_6|Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series]]'' DVD boxset by Shout Factory.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W-wKw6sPlA}}
+
When putting together the pilot episode "Heads or Tails," an intro using the designs from the pilot was also animated. By the time the episode finally aired on ABC, this original intro had been removed, replaced by the more familiar opening that would be seen in the rest of the series. While never released to the public, this original intro was completed, and featured at the Sega booth at [[sega:Summer CES 1993|Summer CES 1993]].{{ref|http://ghostarchive.org/varchive/sIsYIp3wknY|2=https://youtube.com/watch?v=sIsYIp3wknY?t=180}} The storyboards for the original opening were included in the ''[[Sonic_the_Hedgehog_(TV_series)/Home_releases#DVD_6|Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series]]'' DVD boxset by Shout Factory.{{ref|http://ghostarchive.org/varchive/4W-wKw6sPlA|2=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W-wKw6sPlA}}
  
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
SonicTH-SatAM Production Cell Original Intro 6 Full.jpg|Sonic rushing past his logo.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219081706/https://comics.ha.com/itm/animation-art/production-cel/sonic-the-hedgehog-title-card-production-cel-setup-dic-c-1993-94-/a/122115-14010.s}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Production Cell Original Intro 6 Full.jpg|Sonic rushing past his logo.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219081706/https://comics.ha.com/itm/animation-art/production-cel/sonic-the-hedgehog-title-card-production-cel-setup-dic-c-1993-94-/a/122115-14010.s}}
SonicTH-SatAM Production Cell Original Intro Two Frames.jpg|Engaging with the logo.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221213060826/https://comics.ha.com/itm/animation-art/sonic-the-hedgehog-title-card-production-cel-setup-and-animation-drawing-group-of-6-dic-c-1993-94-total-3-/a/7254-17212.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515}}
+
SonicTH-SatAM Production Cell Original Intro Two Frames.jpg|Engaging with the logo.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213060826/https://comics.ha.com/itm/animation-art/sonic-the-hedgehog-title-card-production-cel-setup-and-animation-drawing-group-of-6-dic-c-1993-94-total-3-/a/7254-17212.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Production Cell Original Intro Three Frames Lineart.jpg|Line art.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213060826/https://comics.ha.com/itm/animation-art/sonic-the-hedgehog-title-card-production-cel-setup-and-animation-drawing-group-of-6-dic-c-1993-94-total-3-/a/7254-17212.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Production Cell Original Intro Three Frames Lineart.jpg|Line art.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213060826/https://comics.ha.com/itm/animation-art/sonic-the-hedgehog-title-card-production-cel-setup-and-animation-drawing-group-of-6-dic-c-1993-94-total-3-/a/7254-17212.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Production Cell Original Intro 2.jpg|Robotnik diving in.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Production Cell Original Intro 2.jpg|Robotnik diving in.
Line 241: Line 239:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Sketch RotorWalking1.jpg|Rotor walking.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Sketch RotorWalking1.jpg|Rotor walking.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Sketch RotorWalking2.jpg|Rotor walking.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Sketch RotorWalking2.jpg|Rotor walking.
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Rotor-Season2.jpg|Season two redesign.{{ref|1=http://ledastudios.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=383961}}
+
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Rotor-Season2.jpg|Season two redesign.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222105222/http://ledastudios.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=383961}}
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 377: Line 375:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Knothole Spring.jpg|Knothole spring.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221221024708/https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/sonic-hedgehog-production-hand-drawn-2006537773}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Knothole Spring.jpg|Knothole spring.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221221024708/https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/sonic-hedgehog-production-hand-drawn-2006537773}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Knothole Spring Zoom.jpg|Close-up.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221221024708/https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/sonic-hedgehog-production-hand-drawn-2006537773}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Knothole Spring Zoom.jpg|Close-up.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221221024708/https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/sonic-hedgehog-production-hand-drawn-2006537773}}
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Village Great Desert.jpg|Ext. Village/Great Desert w/Mobotropolis.{{ref|https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/sonic-hedgehog-production-hand-drawn-2005168439}}
+
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Village Great Desert.jpg|Ext. Village/Great Desert w/Mobotropolis.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221224041114/https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/sonic-hedgehog-production-hand-drawn-2005168439}}
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 1.jpg|A house in Knothole.{{ref|https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/cartoonedin/}}
+
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 1.jpg|A house in Knothole.
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 2.jpg|Knothole village.{{ref|https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/cartoonedin/}}
+
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 2.jpg|Knothole village.
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 3.jpg|Concept for the Knothole slide entrance.{{ref|https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/cartoonedin/}}
+
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 3.jpg|Concept for the Knothole slide entrance.
 
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept Knothole Slide.jpg|An alternate slide concept.
 
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept Knothole Slide.jpg|An alternate slide concept.
 
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept Knothole Slide Zoom.jpg|Close-up.
 
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept Knothole Slide Zoom.jpg|Close-up.
 
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept Knothole Slide Note.jpg|Note on the concept. "Frontal catch."
 
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept Knothole Slide Note.jpg|Note on the concept. "Frontal catch."
 
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 4.jpg|Knothole.
 
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 4.jpg|Knothole.
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 4 Zoom.jpg|Close-up.{{ref|https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/cartoonedin/}}
+
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 4 Zoom.jpg|Close-up.
 
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 5 Full.JPG|Another view of Knothole.
 
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 5 Full.JPG|Another view of Knothole.
 
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 5.jpg|Close-up.
 
SonicTH-SatAm Background Concept 5.jpg|Close-up.
Line 406: Line 404:
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Sonic Turns Wireframe.jpg|Construction forms of Sonic.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Sonic Turns Wireframe.jpg|Construction forms of Sonic.
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Turns.png|"Turns" model sheet. Created for the [[Heads or Tails|pilot]].{{ref|https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-1994-Original-DiC-Animation-Copy-SONIC-TURNS-MODEL-SHEET-152-/371135537965}}
+
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Turns.png|"Turns" model sheet. Created for the [[Heads or Tails|pilot]].
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Turns Color.jpg|"Turns" model sheet with first pose colored.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Turns Color.jpg|"Turns" model sheet with first pose colored.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Turns Color Zoom.png|Close-up of colored pose.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Turns Color Zoom.png|Close-up of colored pose.
 
SonicTH-SatAm Model Sheet Sonic G-Force Face.jpg|Sonic's "G-Force" expression.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221211095805/https://www.facebook.com/PopKingInc/posts/sonic-the-hedgehog-concept-art-is-for-sale-now-on-ebay-through-our-daughter-comp/509493309183842/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAm Model Sheet Sonic G-Force Face.jpg|Sonic's "G-Force" expression.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221211095805/https://www.facebook.com/PopKingInc/posts/sonic-the-hedgehog-concept-art-is-for-sale-now-on-ebay-through-our-daughter-comp/509493309183842/}}
SatAM Gold Sonic Concept.jpg|A golden-hued Sonic.  
+
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Golden Glow Line Art.png|A golden-hued Sonic, sans gold.
 +
SatAM Gold Sonic Concept.jpg|A golden-hued Sonic.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic 34view.png|Three-quarter view of Sonic the Hedgehog. Model sheet for the ongoing series.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic 34view.png|Three-quarter view of Sonic the Hedgehog. Model sheet for the ongoing series.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic 34view Color Guide.jpg|Color guide.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic 34view Color Guide.jpg|Color guide.
Line 424: Line 423:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Mega-muck.jpg|Sonic trapped in mega-muck. From "[[Dulcy (episode)|Dulcy]]"
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Mega-muck.jpg|Sonic trapped in mega-muck. From "[[Dulcy (episode)|Dulcy]]"
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Winter.jpg|Sonic wearing a parka, color guide. From [[The Odd Couple/Ro-Becca|The Odd Couple]].
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Winter.jpg|Sonic wearing a parka, color guide. From [[The Odd Couple/Ro-Becca|The Odd Couple]].
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic with Parka Color.png|In color.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Crystal.jpg|Sonic's body turning into crystal. From "[[The Void]]."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Crystal.jpg|Sonic's body turning into crystal. From "[[The Void]]."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Crystal Color Guide.jpg|Color guide.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Crystal Color Guide.jpg|Color guide.
Line 437: Line 437:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Deep Power Stones.png|Sonic using the [[Deep Power Stones]]. From "The Doomsday Project."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Deep Power Stones.png|Sonic using the [[Deep Power Stones]]. From "The Doomsday Project."
 
Sonic Underground Model Sheet Sonic Mouthcharts.jpg|A variety of Sonic's facial expressions. Model sheet repurposed for ''Sonic Underground''.
 
Sonic Underground Model Sheet Sonic Mouthcharts.jpg|A variety of Sonic's facial expressions. Model sheet repurposed for ''Sonic Underground''.
 +
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 448: Line 449:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sally Season 1.jpg|"Turn around" model sheet for season one.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sally Season 1.jpg|"Turn around" model sheet for season one.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sally Season 1 Color Guide.jpg|Color guide. {{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191224050621/http://www.saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/model-sheets/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sally Season 1 Color Guide.jpg|Color guide. {{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191224050621/http://www.saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/model-sheets/}}
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sally Season 1 Side VIew.png|Side view of Princess Sally.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sally 34view.png|Three-quarter view of Princess Sally for season one.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sally 34view.png|Three-quarter view of Princess Sally for season one.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sally 34view Color Guide.jpg|Color guide.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sally 34view Color Guide.jpg|Color guide.
Line 454: Line 456:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Sally Season 2.jpg|Line art of Sally, season two.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225111255/http://ledastudios.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=429014}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Sally Season 2.jpg|Line art of Sally, season two.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225111255/http://ledastudios.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=429014}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sally Front View Season 2.jpg|Three-quarter view of Princess Sally for season two. {{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225111255/http://ledastudios.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=429014}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sally Front View Season 2.jpg|Three-quarter view of Princess Sally for season two. {{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225111255/http://ledastudios.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=429014}}
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sally Front View Season 2 Lineart.jpg|Original lineart of pose. {{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225111255/http://ledastudios.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=429014}}
 
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Young Sally.jpg|Young Sally. From "Blast to the Past" Parts 1 and 2.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Young Sally.jpg|Young Sally. From "Blast to the Past" Parts 1 and 2.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Young Sally Zoom.jpg|Close-up of Young Sally.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Young Sally Zoom.jpg|Close-up of Young Sally.
Line 476: Line 477:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Rotor Turn Around Season 1.png|"Turn Around" sheet of Rotor, season one.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191224050621/http://www.saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/model-sheets/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Rotor Turn Around Season 1.png|"Turn Around" sheet of Rotor, season one.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191224050621/http://www.saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/model-sheets/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Rotor Turn Around Season 1 Alt Image.jpg|Alternate image of model sheet.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Rotor Turn Around Season 1 Alt Image.jpg|Alternate image of model sheet.
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Rotor Season 1 Color Day Zoom.png|Season 1 Rotor in "Heads or Tails" pose with color scheme closer to the final show.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Rotor Season 1 Color Guide.jpg|Three-quarter view of Rotor, season one, color guide.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Rotor Season 1 Color Guide.jpg|Three-quarter view of Rotor, season one, color guide.
Rotor34View SatAM ModelSheet.jpg|"Heads or Tails" Rotor with color scheme closer to the final show.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191224050621/http://www.saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/model-sheets/}}
+
Rotor34View SatAM ModelSheet.jpg|Three-quarter view of Rotor with alternate color scheme.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191224050621/http://www.saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/model-sheets/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Rotor Season 1 Revised.jpg|Season one Rotor with revised color scheme.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Rotor Season 1 Revised.jpg|Season one Rotor with revised color scheme.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Rotor Season 1 Revised-zoom.jpg|Close-up of painted cel.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Rotor Season 1 Revised-zoom.jpg|Close-up of painted cel.
Line 495: Line 497:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Bunnie Poses.jpg|Stock art of various poses.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Bunnie Poses.jpg|Stock art of various poses.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Bunnie Poses 2.jpg|More stock art.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Bunnie Poses 2.jpg|More stock art.
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Bunnie Wearing Night Cream.jpg|Bunnie wearing night cream (paint only).
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Bunnie Night.jpg|Bunnie at night.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Bunnie Night.jpg|Bunnie at night.
 
Bunnie34View SatAM ModelSheet.jpg|Three-quarter view of Bunnie Rabbot with incorrect leg coloring.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191224050621/http://www.saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/model-sheets/}}
 
Bunnie34View SatAM ModelSheet.jpg|Three-quarter view of Bunnie Rabbot with incorrect leg coloring.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191224050621/http://www.saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/model-sheets/}}
Line 500: Line 503:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Bunnie Construction.JPG|Revised final construction turn around for season one.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Bunnie Construction.JPG|Revised final construction turn around for season one.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Bunnie Turn Around.JPG|"Turn around" of Bunnie, season one.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Bunnie Turn Around.JPG|"Turn around" of Bunnie, season one.
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Bunnie Turn Around Color Guide.png|Color guide.  
+
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Bunnie Turn Around Color Guide.png|Color guide.
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Bunnie 34view Color Guide.png|Three-quarter view of Bunnie, color guide.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Bunnie 34view Corrected.jpg|Three-quarter view of Bunnie with corrected colors.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Bunnie 34view Corrected.jpg|Three-quarter view of Bunnie with corrected colors.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Bunnie 34view Corrected Zoom - Copy.jpg|Close-up of painted cel.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Bunnie 34view Corrected Zoom - Copy.jpg|Close-up of painted cel.
Line 585: Line 589:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe.jpg|Lupe, introduced in "[[Cry of the Wolf]]."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe.jpg|Lupe, introduced in "[[Cry of the Wolf]]."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe Color Guide.JPG|Color guide.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe Color Guide.JPG|Color guide.
Lupe.png|In color.
+
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe Color Zoom.png|In color.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe With Parachute.jpg|Wearing a parachute. From "The Doomsday Project."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe With Parachute.jpg|Wearing a parachute. From "The Doomsday Project."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe With Parachute Color.jpg|In color.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe With Parachute Color.jpg|In color.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe With Open Parachute Line Art.JPG|With open parachute. From "The Doomsday Project."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe With Open Parachute Line Art.JPG|With open parachute. From "The Doomsday Project."
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe With Open Parachute.jpg|Color guide.{{ref|https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-1994-Original-DiC-Animation-Copy-LUPE-MODEL-SHEET-144-/371127082555}}
+
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe With Open Parachute.jpg|Color guide.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe With Open Parachute Color.JPG|In color.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Lupe With Open Parachute Color.JPG|In color.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Wolf3.jpg|Wolf #3.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Wolf3.jpg|Wolf #3.
Line 608: Line 612:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robotnik Pajamas.jpg|Wearing pajamas. From "Dulcy."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robotnik Pajamas.jpg|Wearing pajamas. From "Dulcy."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robotnik Robe.jpg|Wearing a robe. From "Dulcy."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robotnik Robe.jpg|Wearing a robe. From "Dulcy."
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robotnik Frozen Model.jpg|Robotnik frozen by Dulcy's ice breath. From "Dulcy."
+
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robotnik Ice Sculpture Full.png|Robotnik frozen by Dulcy's ice breath. From "Dulcy."
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robotnik Frozen Model.jpg|Close-up.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robotnik Slug Lineart.JPG|Robotnik with a slug head. From "The Void."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robotnik Slug Lineart.JPG|Robotnik with a slug head. From "The Void."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robotnik Slug.jpg|Color guide.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robotnik Slug.jpg|Color guide.
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Gorilla Robotnik.jpg|Robotnik with a gorilla head. From "The Void."{{ref|https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-1994-Original-DiC-Animation-Copy-ROBOTNIK-MODEL-SHEET-121-/231320615846}}
+
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Gorilla Robotnik.jpg|Robotnik with a gorilla head. From "The Void."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet The Void Pig Robotnik.jpg|Robotnik with a pig head. From "The Void."{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116094820/http://ledastudios.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=383945}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet The Void Pig Robotnik.jpg|Robotnik with a pig head. From "The Void."{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116094820/http://ledastudios.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=383945}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet The Void Pig Robotnik Color.jpg|In color.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet The Void Pig Robotnik Color.jpg|In color.
Line 625: Line 630:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Line Art Snively Wireframe.jpg|Construction of Snively.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Line Art Snively Wireframe.jpg|Construction of Snively.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Snively.jpg|Turn around of Snively.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Snively.jpg|Turn around of Snively.
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Snively 34view Color Pilot Zoom.png|Close-up of Snively using pilot color scheme.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Snively Color Guide.png|Color guide.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191224050621/http://www.saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/model-sheets/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Snively Color Guide.png|Color guide.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191224050621/http://www.saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/model-sheets/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Snively Side.jpg|Stock art of side view.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225110317/http://ledastudios.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=384090}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Snively Side.jpg|Stock art of side view.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225110317/http://ledastudios.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=384090}}
Line 640: Line 646:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Buzzbomber Side.jpg|Side.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Buzzbomber Side.jpg|Side.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Buzzbomber Away.jpg|Facing away.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Buzzbomber Away.jpg|Facing away.
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Buzzbomber Loaded.jpg
+
SonicTH-SatAM Stock Art Buzzbomber Loaded.jpg|Buzzbiomber, fully loaded.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 651: Line 657:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet RandomCitizen8 Zoom.jpg|Close-up.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet RandomCitizen8 Zoom.jpg|Close-up.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Hyena Hood 6.jpg|A member of the Nasty Hyenas. From "Fed Up with Antoine."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Hyena Hood 6.jpg|A member of the Nasty Hyenas. From "Fed Up with Antoine."
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Naugus.jpg|Naugus. From "The Void."308
+
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Naugus.jpg|Naugus. From "The Void."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Naugus Color Guide.jpg|Color guide.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Naugus Color Guide.jpg|Color guide.
Naugus.png|In color.
+
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Naugus Color.png|In color.
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Naugus Color Zoom.png|Close-up.
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet King Turned to Crystal Waist Color.png|King Acorn turning to crystal. From "The Void."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robecca.jpg|Ro-Becca, from her self-titled episode.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robecca.jpg|Ro-Becca, from her self-titled episode.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robecca Color Guide.jpg|Color guide.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Robecca Color Guide.jpg|Color guide.
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Rhino.png|Rhino. From "Cry of the Wolf."
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 709: Line 718:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet 238-208 M05 telescope.png|Telescope. From "[[Harmonic Sonic]]."{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20220822151231/https://www.sonicsatam.com/information/behind-the-scenes/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet 238-208 M05 telescope.png|Telescope. From "[[Harmonic Sonic]]."{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20220822151231/https://www.sonicsatam.com/information/behind-the-scenes/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Energy Lines Color.jpg|Energy lines. From "The Void."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Sonic Energy Lines Color.jpg|Energy lines. From "The Void."
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Model Doomsday Project.png|Model of the Doomsday Project. From "Drood Hedge."
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Huge Freighter Color Guide.png|Huge freighter, color guide. From "Drood Hedge."
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Huge Freighter Color.png|In color.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 718: Line 730:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Robotropolis Facility.png|The roboticization facility from the pilot's original opening.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Robotropolis Facility.png|The roboticization facility from the pilot's original opening.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Mobotropolis Unknown Lineart.png|Line art of Mobotropolis, likely from the original opening.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Mobotropolis Unknown Lineart.png|Line art of Mobotropolis, likely from the original opening.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
SonicTH-SatAM Background Mobotropolis Unknown 3.png|Another backdrop of Mobotropolis.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
+
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Background Mobotropolis Horizon.jpg|Another backdrop of Mobotropolis.
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Background Mobotropolis Unknown 3.png|In color.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Lineart Background Robotropolis Pilot.jpg|Line art of Robotropolis.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Lineart Background Robotropolis Pilot.jpg|Line art of Robotropolis.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Lineart Background Robotropolis Pilot 2.jpg|Additional line art.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Lineart Background Robotropolis Pilot 2.jpg|Additional line art.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Mobotropolis Unknown 3 Destroyed.png|Robotropolis.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Mobotropolis Unknown 3 Destroyed.png|Robotropolis.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Background Robotnik War Room Pilot.jpg|Robotnik's war room.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Power Ring Grotto Pilot Lineart.jpg|The original Power Ring Grotto, line art.{{intref|Sonic Legacy Series Book 1|italics=yes}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Power Ring Grotto Pilot Lineart.jpg|The original Power Ring Grotto, line art.{{intref|Sonic Legacy Series Book 1|italics=yes}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Power Ring Grotto Pilot.png|Painted background.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Power Ring Grotto Pilot.png|Painted background.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
Line 736: Line 750:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Robotropolis Unknown Street Closeup.jpg|Close-up of upper section.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Robotropolis Unknown Street Closeup.jpg|Close-up of upper section.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Robotropolis Unknown Street Closeup 2.jpg|Close-up of lower section.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Robotropolis Unknown Street Closeup 2.jpg|Close-up of lower section.
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Background Robotnik War Room.jpg|Dr. Robotnik's throneroom.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200412222200/https://twitter.com/KenPenders/status/1249462683205681153}}
+
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Background Robotnik War Room.jpg|Dr. Robotnik's war room.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200412222200/https://twitter.com/KenPenders/status/1249462683205681153}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Robotnik Throneroom.png|In color.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Robotnik Throneroom.png|In color.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Robotropolis Downtown.jpg|An area downtown.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301125929/http://ledastudios.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=383845}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Robotropolis Downtown.jpg|An area downtown.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301125929/http://ledastudios.rubberslug.com/gallery/inv_info.asp?ItemID=383845}}
Line 759: Line 773:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Knothole Waterwheel Cottage.jpg|A Knothole cottage with a waterwheel. From "[[Super Sonic (episode)|Super Sonic]]."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Knothole Waterwheel Cottage.jpg|A Knothole cottage with a waterwheel. From "[[Super Sonic (episode)|Super Sonic]]."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background 238-205 Int Pendulum Pit.jpg|A pendulum pit. From "Super Sonic."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background 238-205 Int Pendulum Pit.jpg|A pendulum pit. From "Super Sonic."
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Background 238-212 Ext Great Forest Day.png|An image of the Great Forest. From "[[Sonic Past Cool]]."
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Background 238-212 Knothole Elevator Site.png|Elevator site in Knothole. From "Sonic Past Cool."
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 789: Line 805:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background 238-303 RobotnikHQStreet.jpg|Full sized version in color.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191221131350/http://saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/concept-art--backgrounds/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background 238-303 RobotnikHQStreet.jpg|Full sized version in color.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191221131350/http://saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/concept-art--backgrounds/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background 238-303 TreeStump.jpg|Tree stump interior in Knothole. From "No Brainer."{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191221131350/http://saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/concept-art--backgrounds/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background 238-303 TreeStump.jpg|Tree stump interior in Knothole. From "No Brainer."{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191221131350/http://saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/concept-art--backgrounds/}}
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Interior Sonic Hut.jpg|Sonic's hut in Knothole. From "No Brainer."
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Floating Island.png|The floating island, housing the time stones. From "Blast to the Past."{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Floating Island.png|The floating island, housing the time stones. From "Blast to the Past."{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Floating Island Chamber.png|M.C. Escher-inspired corridor. From "Blast to the Past."{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background Floating Island Chamber.png|M.C. Escher-inspired corridor. From "Blast to the Past."{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
Line 839: Line 856:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background 238-312 CommandCenter.jpg|In color.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191221131350/http://saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/concept-art--backgrounds/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Background 238-312 CommandCenter.jpg|In color.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191221131350/http://saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/concept-art--backgrounds/}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Background Rear of Robotnik HQ.jpg|The rear of Robotnik's HQ. From "Spyhog."{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210819012636/https://twitter.com/KenPenders/status/1249954776273416192}}
 
SonicTH-SatAM Model Sheet Background Rear of Robotnik HQ.jpg|The rear of Robotnik's HQ. From "Spyhog."{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210819012636/https://twitter.com/KenPenders/status/1249954776273416192}}
SonicTH-SatAM Background 238-313 DoomsdayProject.jpg|The first level of the Doomsday Project machine.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191221131350/http://saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/concept-art--backgrounds/}}
+
SonicTH-SatAM Background 238-313 DoomsdayProject.jpg|The first level of the Doomsday Project machine. From "The Doomsday Project."{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191221131350/http://saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/concept-art--backgrounds/}}
SonicTH-SatAM Background 238-313 IntFuelingRoom.jpg|Fueling room.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191221131350/http://saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/concept-art--backgrounds/}}
+
SonicTH-SatAM Background 238-313 IntFuelingRoom.jpg|Fueling room. From "The Doomsday Project."{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20191221131350/http://saturdaymorningsonic.com/gallery/production-art/concept-art--backgrounds/}}
SonicTH-SatAM Background Doomsday Project Pod Claw.png|The claw used in the creation of the doomsday pods.
+
SonicTH-SatAM Background Doomsday Project Pod Claw.png|The claw used in the creation of the doomsday pods. From "The Doomsday Project."
SonicTH-SatAM Background Doomsday Project Roboticizer.png|The roboticizer within the doomsday machine.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
+
SonicTH-SatAM Background Doomsday Project Roboticizer.png|The roboticizer within the doomsday machine. From "The Doomsday Project."{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
SonicTH-SatAM Background Doomsday Project Main Control Room.png|The main control room.{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
+
SonicTH-SatAM Background Doomsday Project Main Control Room.png|The main control room. From "The Doomsday Project."{{intref|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV_series)/Home releases#DVD 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series'' Bonus Feature]]}}
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 899: Line 916:
 
SonicTH-SatAM Line Art Intro Alternate Expression 1 Zoom.jpg|Close-up.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Line Art Intro Alternate Expression 1 Zoom.jpg|Close-up.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Line Art Intro Alternate Expression 2.JPG|Sonic continues to run. Different expression from the final.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Line Art Intro Alternate Expression 2.JPG|Sonic continues to run. Different expression from the final.
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Background Title Sequence Mobotropolis.JPG|Pencils of Mobotropolis.
+
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Background Title Sequence Mobotropolis.JPG|Early pencils of Mobotropolis.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Background Title Sequence Mobotropolis Zoom.jpg|Close-up.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Concept Art Background Title Sequence Mobotropolis Zoom.jpg|Close-up.
 +
SonicTH-SatAM Line Art Intro Mobotropolis.jpeg|Final pencils of Mobotropolis.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Animation Cell Intro 1.jpg|Robotnik and a SWATbot.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Animation Cell Intro 1.jpg|Robotnik and a SWATbot.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Animation Cell Intro 1 Pencils.jpg|Pencils.
 
SonicTH-SatAM Animation Cell Intro 1 Pencils.jpg|Pencils.

Latest revision as of 15:45, 3 August 2023

Back to: Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series).

Sonic the Hedgehog went through a number of concepts and changes through its development process. What follows is a collection and summary of what that entailed.

Development

Conception and season one

A display featuring early Sonic the Hedgehog art. Circa 1994 at EPCOT'S INNOVENTIONS.[1]

After recognizing the potential of Sonic the Hedgehog as a brand, Sega of America CEO Tom Kalinske knew he wanted to take the character and have a television show built around him. While working at Mattel in the 1980's, Kalinske had taken a similar approach with the "Masters of the Universe" toy line, and felt it would serve Sonic in a similar fashion. In 1991, Kalinske initially met with Haim Saban to talk over the idea of an animated Sonic series.[2]

Saban was not the only party interested in producing a Sonic the Hedgehog television series. Andy Heyward, the CEO of DIC Entertainment, reached out to Sega of America over the matter, expressing interest in the license.[3] The company was no stranger to adapting video game properties to television, having previously worked on various Super Mario Bros. series and Captain N: The Game Master. Soon, the studio pitched the premise to Sega, with Sonic being part of a "Freedom Team" fighting against the evil Dr. Robotnik. A deal between the two companies was made, giving DIC the rights to move ahead on development and production.

Needing to find a home for the series, DIC reached out to the American television network ABC, and were pleasantly surprised by the results of their meeting.

At the time, the most prized placement for an animated series was Saturday morning on one of the networks. You got the best license fees and you also got the best ratings in that arena. So that was always your first port of call when you had a hot property...you go to the network. We did that with Sonic, and they gave us an on the air commitment immediately. And that's unusual! Normally a network will make a development deal with you which basically gives them the right to buy the property at a later date and expect you to write a pilot script and do some development art and they put off their decision. But...if the property is really hot they'll give you an on-air commitment right on the spot and that's what happened with Sonic.

— Robby London, Executive Producer of Sonic the Hedgehog[3]

With the show greenlit, ABC requested that Len Janson and Chuck Menville be the story editors of the series. The duo were seasoned animation veterans, having worked on numerous projects together including The Real Ghostbusters where they served as both writers and story editors.[4] Unfortunately, Chuck Menville was unavailable, fighting the final stages of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.[5] Instead, Len Janson was joined by father-son writing team[6] Bruce and Reed Shelly, who had previously written for both The Super Mario Bros. Super Show and The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3. The three men co-wrote the series Bible, fleshing out the original premise and retooling the supporting cast. Characters that were originally based on the animal friends of the video games were replaced with characters such as Bunnie Rabbot, Antoine, and Rotor Walrus (originally named Boomer)Media:SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1992-03-11.pdf[7] who, along with Sonic, Sally, and Miles "Tails" Prower would fight against the evil Dr. Robotnik and his assistant, Snively (originally named Quizley).Media:SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1992-03-11.pdf[8]

Casting responsibilities for the series were assigned to Marsha Goodman and Virginia McSwain. Knowing that the show was to be pitched to ABC, they wanted to find someone to play Sonic who would appeal to the network executives.[9] The role was offered to Jaleel White, who had made a name for himself playing Steven Q. Urkel on the primetime sitcom Family Matters, at the time a hit on ABC's TGIF lineup. Previously, DIC had approached Jaleel while developing an Urkel-centric animated Family Matters spin off, and while it was not picked up, it did begin a working relationship with the actor and the animation studio.[3] Having always wanted to play a voice on an animated project, Jaleel accepted. Other well known names were soon attached to the project, including Kath Soucie, Jim Cummings, and Bradley Pierce, the latter of which had recently starred as Chip in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. While the majority of the cast would record episodes together, Jaleel would end up recording his parts separately, due to his hectic schedule.[9] Being a minor, the hours he could work in a given day were legally limited.

Having such faith in the show they were creating, DIC felt Sonic the Hedgehog could support being both a Saturday morning series and a weekly syndicated series. After getting the green light to make the series in the first place, DIC had a meeting with Mark Pedowitz, the Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Contracts at ABC, to discuss the possibility of launching the series in both forms concurrently.[10] This was not the first time DIC had entered into such an arrangement with ABC, having produced two seasons of The Real Ghostbusters in 1987 - one for the network, another that aired in syndication at the same time.[11] However, ABC made it clear they wanted the series to be exclusive to them, and if DIC pursued making a concurrent version for syndication they would not air Sonic on Saturday mornings.[10] Not wanting to give up the idea, Robby London, who became the executive producer on Sonic the Hedgehog, pitched an idea to his boss, Andy Heyward. The idea was to develop two separate shows - one that would be a "serious and somewhat dark story" that ABC was looking for, and another show that would make "Robotnik more silly" and give him "henchmen that were incompetent," emulating the style of Tex Avery cartoons.[3] Approaching ABC with this new take, DIC emphasized the idea that the version of Sonic they would air would still be unique, that no one would confuse the two shows because of their vastly different tone, and that it would only help them by bring greater awareness of the Sonic the Hedgehog brand. To DIC's surprise, the network gave the production company the green light to develop both shows.[3]

Bruce and Reed Shelly would step away from Sonic the Hedgehog, creating the more comical Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog.[12] Len Janson was left to become the showrunner for the network series. Embracing the idea of making a darker animated show, the characters and settings as seen in the pilot "Heads or Tails" were redesigned for the full series. This slightly more mature feel for the show was reflected in the writing, Len wanting there to be wins and losses for the characters,[13] made clear in such episodes as "Sonic Boom" and "Ultra Sonic." Even so, each episode was a standalone story, told by different writers who were not trying to present an overarching narrative.

As part of the agreement to make a show based on the Sonic the Hedgehog property, Sega maintained approval rights on all aspects of the series - voices, music, scripts, and character designs.[14] DIC's first assigned supervisor from Sega immediately caused conflict in the creative process, knowing nothing about animation production and often giving unclear or contradictory instructions.[15] This individual was initially replaced by Cynthia Modders, who worked with DIC until Jane Thompson, Sega of America's Director of Licensing and Character Development, stepped in. Often working with DIC in their Burbank office, the relationship between her and DIC proved fruitful, with Robby London feeling she helped the team create better material through the course of their partnership.[3]

Season two

Ben Hurst, one of the core creative forces behind season two the Sonic the Hedgehog television series.[16]

With the show picked up for a second season, Len wanted to reassess the series, seeing which aspects worked and which ones didn't. Trusting their views on the characters, Len brought in the writing team of Ben Hurst and Pat Allee, who had written the episode "Sonic and Sally." Together, the three of them rewatched the entirety of the first season, examining the highs and lows while also brainstorming what could come next. Early on in the two week process of outlining the second season, the idea of treating the thirteen episodes as one long film narrative came up. The only rule would be that, with the exception of the "Blast to the Past" two parter, each episode had to stand on its own merits, as they still had to be friendly to any potential new viewers week to week.

The creative team was also forced to accommodate two requests from ABC. The first of these was adding a new character that would appeal to the female demographic, resulting in the creation of Dulcy the Dragon. The second was the insistence of having four, 11-minute episodes focusing on Antoine, played up for comedy. This second request was not met with favor from Ben Hurst, the loss of two full episodes truncating the original intent of the season.

As pre-production on the second season continued, the designs of the characters were also tweaked. Some were subtle, such as the addition of Sally's vest, while others were vastly different, Janson insisting Rotor be completely redesigned.[17]

With a quarter of a million dollars budgeted for each episode, regular production began, the team having a week to turn around each script. The three worked in tandem, with the main swathes of the plot coming from Ben Hurst, character development primarily worked on by Len Janson and Pat Allee, and rough dialogue coming from Hurst that would be polished by Allee and finally Janson. Once the script was complete, it would head off to be storyboarded, with further tweaks done by Len and director Ron Myrick once the boarding was complete.[13][17]

While those who worked on the series were excited over what they were creating, there was more than one occasion in which Len was forced to bump heads with not just the executives at ABC, but also those at Sega. One such disagreement occurred during the development of the second season when Ben Hurst set out to define the backstory of Robotnik and Snively.

Julian and Snively were part of a space expedition from about 2200 (or thereabouts). Julian attempted a takeover of the colony, but his technology got out of control and he wound up destroying everything, narrowly escaping with his (and Snively's) lives. Meanwhile, back on Earth, a nuclear holocaust had destroyed human life as we knew it - and the animals who survived mutated into sentient beings and built the society which you see in the form of Mobius. Einstein's ideas of the passage of time during faster-than-light space travel kick in and thousands of years have passed by the time Julian and Snively returned to find this "Animal" world. Well, Julian's thought was that in the land of the four-pawed critters, the two-handed man is king and so he set about to take over - as outlined in Blast to the Past.

— Ben Hurst, writer and associate story editor of Sonic the Hedgehog[18]

Though the outlined events listed on this "whitepaper" were not intended to be seen on screen during season two, Sega was upset over this drastic turn from the source material they presented. Len stayed firm, defending the continuity the team had come up with, feeling that it was better than the materials Sega had presented them with when the series was initially conceived.[13]

Cancellation and attempted relaunches

The final episode to air, "The Doomsday Project," ended on a cliffhanger, the team fully expecting to be picked up for a third season. The earliest sketches of a season outline had already been written when word came of the series' cancellation.[19] A number of explanations have been given as to why the show ended prematurely, including disinterest in the show from the new head of ABC's Children's Programming, plus the fact it was often preempted by college football on the west coast.[20] The most prominent reason for the show ending was ratings. In the fall of 1994, Sonic aired at the same time as the Fox Kids program Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,[21] which was quickly becoming one of the most popular children's entertainment properties.[22] These three elements, when combined, proved to be the demise of the series.[20]

In 1997, DIC began development on a third show featuring Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Underground, this time without Len Janson's involvement. Ben Hurst and Pat Allee were among those invited to an open call for writers to pitch for the new series. Though Ben Hurst was hesitant to go, the meeting led to him becoming the showrunner. While he was able to integrate certain aspects of the "SatAM" aesthetic, the format of Underground had already been set in stone, the writer unable to shift course and create the third season of former Saturday morning series.[23]

Communicating with fans online, and recognizing the desire for a third season of Sonic the Hedgehog, Hurst began conceiving ways to resurrect the series as early as September of 1998, while still working on Underground.[24] However, he recognized that such a task was nothing short of an uphill battle. During the San Diego Comic Con in August of 1999, Hurst met up with Ken Penders, one of the main writers on the Sonic the Hedgehog comic book from Archie Comics. After that initial meeting, the two spoke on the phone, discussing the possibility of Ben Hurst writing for the comic.[25]

Ben expressed interest in writing for the Sonic comic...As Archie was publishing the SONIC SUPER SPECIAL series at the time, I thought it would be a great idea for Ben to write where he would have taken the series. He suggested that if he did do the story, he'd want to take what he planned and fit it into the series' continuity. So I contacted Justin Gabrie, and told him about Ben's interest. When Ben found out what Archie paid per page for script was nowhere near what he was paid for the scripts he did for the Sonic animated series he worked on, he decided to pass. (Which was sad, because Art Mawhinney would have been assigned to illustrate that particular script.)

— Ken Penders, writer of Archie's Sonic the Hedgehog[25]

With Archie off the table, Ben Hurst turned back to the idea of continuing the series through animation. Though his desire was to write a full thirteen episode season, he also considered the possibility of writing a movie that would wrap things up, either theatrically released or direct to video. In early March of 2000, Ben had a meeting with Robby London, an executive producer on all three DiC-created Sonic programs. During this meeting, the pair discussed the many aspects of what it would take for such a project to be greenlit, including the enthusiasm of the fanbase. After the meeting, Ben made an open call on the Usenet group alt.fan.sonic-hedgehog, asking the fans to start mailing in letters to local television network affiliates asking them to air Sonic the Hedgehog. The hope was that, if local stations saw a demand, the prospect of more Sonic in syndication would become a more enticing proposition.[26]

At the end of Hurst's meeting with London, the producer gave the writer the contact information of an executive within Sega of America. Not long after, Hurst telephoned the executive, speaking to her about his ideas for continuing the Saturday morning Sonic series as an animated film.[23] The following day, he received an unprompted call from Ken Penders.

The next day, I got a call from Ken Penders, who had been alerted by his contact in their office that I was interested in getting a Sonic movie going. I generously offered to include him in the effort and told him my strategy. Get SEGA to become invested in the idea by hiring us to interview their creative game designers, execs, etc and see if we could develop a story line that would fulfill the third season - and simultaneously give them creative ideas to develop new games. A win-win, situation.

— Ben Hurst, writer and associate story editor of Sonic the Hedgehog[23]

Ken Penders made clear his insider knowledge during an online chat with fans on March 8th, 2000, saying a third season of Sonic the Hedgehog was in the early stages of development.[27] He also claimed that the episodes would include elements of the Archie comic books. The idea of melding both the Saturday morning series and the ongoing comic was doubled down in a later online chat that occurred June 1st that same year, this time saying that it would take the form of a movie, and that Hurst was already working on a first draft.[28]

On August 30th, 2000, Penders went on record that the film version of Sonic was in "development hell," not getting into any further detail.[29] Years later, Penders claimed Hurst was being unrealistic in the way he was going about the project, telling him that the "approach would be a non-starter, and I was never able to shake Ben's belief that Sega would be willing to pay us to do the project."[25] This fear was reportedly made clear in a later phone call Hurst had with the same Sega executive he initially contacted.

I called SEGA back, but I was shocked when the exec "lit" into me, telling me, "People pay US to develop Sonic product, we don't pay them!" Then she hung up on me. Obviously, Penders had related my strategy to them in a less-than-flattering way.

— Ben Hurst, writer and associate story editor of Sonic the Hedgehog[23]

After that call, Ben Hurst pulled back from actively pursuing a continuation of the cartoon series. In 2003, though he was not involved in any active development with Sega or DIC, Hurst began personally fleshing out an outline for what would be an animated film finale for the series. In 2005, he attempted once more to gain interest in bringing back the series.[13] What that entailed is unknown, and when asked the following year, he refused to comment.[17]

Original pitch concept art

In Sonic the Comic issue 12, the "News Zone" column featured a short write-up on the upcoming television series Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. While the article did have an image of Dr. Robotnik as he would look in that series, two out of place images were lined up alongside. These images would later be reprinted, along with three others, in the first issue of Fleetway's Sonic the Poster Mag, with the only context being that it was a "sneak peak" of "TV's newest superstar."

As the images did not reflect either Sonic animated series in their final form, it was quickly surmised that these images were in fact early conceptual drawings as to what a Sonic series could entail. While the artist is currently unknown, the attached story pitch was most likely written by Phil Harnage, a staff writer at DIC.[30] The material was based on the original Sonic the Hedgehog Bible from Sega of America, supplied to the studio by Al Nilsen.[31]

The design of Sonic, Sally, and Robotnik in this concept art were also used on a promotional card from European distributor Silvio Berlusconi Communications.

Sonic the Hedgehog (revised Bible)

The original series Bible for Sonic the Hedgehog had been revised twice by March 11th, 1992.Media:SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1992-03-11.pdf[32] While the basic premise of the show had already been figured out, many of the details would continue to change over the coming year. Written mostly from the perspective of Sonic, the Bible describes how the show was to focus on Sonic and his band of Freedom Fighters who came together in the wake of Dr. Robotnik's takeover of Mobotropolis. The doctor, who stormed the city with his "ROBO SWAT TEAM," sought to capture everyone and subjugate them to his "Veg-O" machine, transforming them into robot slaves.Media:SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1992-03-11.pdf[33] Though Sonic and his friends, including Boomer the Sea Lion, were able to escape, Sonic's Uncle Chuck and dog Muttski unfortunately were captured.

In the wake of Robotnik taking over the entire planet, Sonic ended up meeting Princess Sally and a member of the royal guard, Antoine. Both human, they had escaped to the Great Forest but were tracked down by Robotnik's SWATbots. Before Robotnik's forces could capture the princess, Sonic rushed into save the pair, the young princess thankful for the rescue. While Antoine immediately took a dislike to the hedgehog, they both joined up with Sonic and the Freedom Fighters, taking refuge in the hidden village of Knothole.

This early series Bible also includes Miles "Tails" Prower as a principle character, a four and a half year old fox who adores Sonic, wears a cowboy hat, and speaks with a southern accent.Media:SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1992-03-11.pdf[34] Living all his life in the Great Forest, he was told by the Freedom Fighters not to venture out and explore the city, even though all he wants is to join them on adventures.Media:SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1992-03-11.pdf[35] Rounding out the cast is Nate Morgan, the former "environmental adviser" to the king.Media:SonicTH-SatAM Revised Bible 1992-03-11.pdf[36] A grandfather figure to Tails, he is described as being a former wizard whose powers did not necessarily come in handy when needed the most.

By the time the script for the series' pilot, "Heads or Tails," was completed, numerous details of Sonic's world had been changed, including Princess Sally and Antoine's species, the accent of Tails, and the removal of Nate Morgan.Media:SonicTH-SatAM Heads or Tails Script 1992-08-06.pdf[37]

Original opening

When putting together the pilot episode "Heads or Tails," an intro using the designs from the pilot was also animated. By the time the episode finally aired on ABC, this original intro had been removed, replaced by the more familiar opening that would be seen in the rest of the series. While never released to the public, this original intro was completed, and featured at the Sega booth at Summer CES 1993.[38] The storyboards for the original opening were included in the Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series DVD boxset by Shout Factory.[39]

Music

Before the series went to air, a number of potential theme songs for Sonic the Hedgehog were composed, each of them rejected by ABC. Sensing he knew what the network was looking for, Robby London wrote a demo and submitted it for approval.[3] The network accepted it, and after further tweaking, it became the main theme of the show. During the first few episodes of the first season, the song was performed by Doni Flanigan.[47] Reruns of these episodes would replace Doni's version with the song performed by Noisy Neighbors, which would be the version featured on season two and all home video releases.

The orchestral music of the show was composed by Michael Tavera, who was also responsible for a handful of the unused theme songs meant for Sonic. These demo themes were released on the Internet in 2006, when "Fans United for SatAM" user Cheezmatt got in contact with Tavera, asking if he still had any of the backing tracks for Sonic the Hedgehog in his personal archives, and if so, would be willing to share them. While most of the music that ended up in the show was located in DIC's archives and thus unavailable, Tavera sent a CD containing what he still personally had.[48]

A photograph of the CD sent by Michael Tavera


1. Sonic the Hedgehog Orchestral "Main Title" in 48 kHz (1:13)


2. Sonic the Hedgehog Orchestral "Main Title" in 44 kHz (1:15)


3. Unused theme song 1 (1:03)


4. Unused theme song 2 (1:04)


5. Unused theme song 3 (1:03)


6. Unused theme song 4 (1:04)


7. Unused theme song 4 (alternate) (1:03)


8. Unused music (1:04)


9. Music used in Captain N: The Game Master (1:02)


10. Unused music (1:04)


11. Robotropolis music (1:00)


12. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 intro and Emerald Hill Zone theme (0:55)
Running time: 12:50

Season 3

Sonic Retro emblem.svg Main article: Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)/Development/Ben Hurst's Ideas

After wrapping up season two, it wasn't long before Ben Hurst began outlining the third season of Sonic the Hedgehog. Before any scripts were written, word came that the series had been canceled. The first hint of what season three was originally meant to entail came in the form of an e-mail, when fan Alessandro Sanasi tracked down Ben's e-mail address and asked him about the cliffhanger.

The red eyes you saw were NAGUS, the sorcerer trapped in the Void...At the moment the Doomsday machine was destroyed, [Nagus] was able to exploit the energies and pull Robotnik into the Void. Snively takes over...Robotropolis...during the first two episodes, he battles the Freedom Fighters. Without Robotnik's cunning, however, he finds himself on the brink of losing everything. Meanwhile, Nagus is having a delightful time 'torturing' Robotnik while plotting his...escape. He's... discovered the magic which will enable him to leave the Void without turning to crystal...But...Robotnik has found a means to communicate with Snively--telling the little guy his location. Snively...tells Robotnik where he can get off.

But then, as the Freedom Fighters are on the brink of taking over Robotropolis, Snively opens the Void, releasing Robotnik-- and accidentally releasing Nagus and Sally's father.... Now Nagus is in charge, Robotnik is his "Snively", and Snively becomes a nobody. Nagus uses the King to bait a trap to catch Sally. Robotnik plots to regain his power and Snively defects to the Freedom Fighters.

— Ben Hurst, writer and associate story editor of Sonic the Hedgehog[49]

After Ben Hurst's death in 2010, a series of e-mails written by him were released to the public. Composed during 2003 and 2004, they served as the beginnings of an outline for a potential Sonic the Hedgehog movie, following up on the cliffhanger of season two.[50] The film would have started with the Freedom Fighters, now called the Freedom Builders, working on restoring Robotropolis to its former glory. Unbeknownst to the group, their movements in the city would be watched by Snively, and as the film progressed, would prove to be a formidable opponent, in some ways better at strategy than Dr. Robotnik.

The role of NICOLE, Sally's handheld computer, would have been one of the focal points in the story. The plan was to reveal that, prior to the events of "Blast to the Past," Sally was friends with a young girl named Nicole. A child genius, she caught the attention of Dr. Robotnik, who lured her into his lab so he could transform her mind into a sophisticated artificial intelligence. Thinking he has her under his control, he is unaware of her complete sentience, which has also given her the ability to control minds. Running through a number of scenarios, she decides the only thing she can do is make Robotnik forget she exists, while also wiping her own memories as to prevent her from abusing her newfound powers. Her final act before removing her free will was to make sure she would end up in the hands of her friend, Princess Sally.

This backstory would have been revealed to Sonic during the film, as he and NICOLE spent more time one on one. Asking her a variety of questions to try and understand how she works, he realizes there is more to her than meets the eye when she stumbles across her words, going silent for a moment. Coming back online, Sonic asks what she was doing, but NICOLE is unable to recall, having already erased from her memory the fact she prevented Snively from turning on a second NICOLE unit that Robotnik had among his personal belongings.[51]

A handful of other threads were known to be part of Ben Hurst's conceptual season three. Among these details would have been the further exploration of Dulcy the Dragon's abilities and character growth for Miles "Tails" Prower.[52] The framework for a love triangle between Sonic, Sally, and a new character was also toyed with, though no details regarding the new character were ever made public. Hurst also hinted that "big plans" were in store for Antoine.[13] While he never went on record stating what those plans were, Sonique, former webmaster of "Fans United for SatAM," recalled in a conversation she had with Hurst that "when Snively turned to the Freedom Fighters, he'd eventually try to betray them, and Antoine would be the one to figure it out. But of course he wouldn't figure it out right away, he'd be sitting right on the piece of evidence that would reveal it, but of course it being Antoine would take him a while to catch on."[53]

One detail Ben Hurst never made public was how the story of Sonic and the Freedom Fighters were meant to end. In the remote chance that the series would continue in some form or fashion, he did not want to spoil the story for the fans.[13]

Concept art

Characters

Sonic the Hedgehog

Princess Sally Acorn

Rotor Walrus

Bunnie Rabbot

Antoine Depardieu

Miles "Tails" Prower

Muttski

Dr. Ivo Robotnik

Snively, SWATbots, and Cluck

Other

Backgrounds and settings

Production art

Character model sheets and stock art

Sonic the Hedgehog

Princess Sally Acorn

Rotor Walrus

Bunnie Rabbot

Antoine Depardieu

Miles "Tails" Prower

Uncle Chuck

Dulcy the Dragon

Lupe & the Wolf Pack

Dr. Ivo Robotnik

Snively, SWATbots, and other robots

Other

Object Model Sheets

Heads or Tails

Other

Backgrounds

"Heads or Tails"

Season one

Season two

Sonic Underground repurposed model sheets

During the development of Sonic Undergrounds, a number of backgrounds developed for Sonic the Hedgehog were considered being reused for the show. While some did end up being repurposed such as Robotropolis, others such as the Knothole setting were not.

Opening

Other

References

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