Review by Ian Keogh

Since taking over the writing of Sonic Evan Stanley has fed in a plot about the tormented and insecure Belle the Tinkerer, unusual in Sonic’s world for being a robot made of wood. It’s been almost heartbreaking in places, but in Test Run Belle and Sonic each learned something about themselves.

Trial by Fire starts with Belle part of the Restoration gang, accompanying Amy, Jewel and Tangle on a girls’ camping trip. There’s a new restriction on fires at the campsite due to the dangers of wildfires, meaning everyone has to be very careful, but when a fire erupts was it Belle who accidentally started it? She seems to believe so. It’s a matter shunted to one side, as much of the remaining story concerns the cast attempting to ensure the safety of other campsite residents, including a young bear that likes to play with fire. It’s three chapters of stirring adventure, problems introduced and creatively overcome, although the power of positivity is a little overplayed,

Stanley draws most of the three chapter title story in her appealing and open style, maximising the action for young readers. There’s a surprise in the first chapter when she switches from linework to a painted effect for a flashback scene, which is effective, and Adam Bryce Thomas helping out for a few pages in the middle fits in seamlessly. Aaron Hammerstrom draws a chapter focussing on the Chaotix, and he also has a friendly cartoon style, applying a little more edge because it’s the Chaotix after all.

Stanley writes them in a plot investigating just why the traffic’s all snarled up, and ends with the return of someone dangerous who’s decided to come out of retirement. The Chaotix and the villain are then put aside for another day.

While always a good artist on Sonic, Stanley’s writing is improving, and these are all solid stories with an emotional core. Some readers may not be happy that Sonic himself only takes a starring role in the final chapter, but that’ll depend on how invested they are in the remainder of an appealing cast.

Ian Flynn alternates with Stanley on the writing, and he’s back with Battle for the Empire next, while Stanley’s plots continue in Overpowered after that.