Dr. Ivo Robotnikis obviously such an integral part of theSonicuniverse that any installment without him would feel like something was missing, includingSonic the Hedgehog 4. However, those who are also reading IDW Publishing’sSonic the Hedgehogcomic series are hoping that Robotnik is still alive - because it would make it more likely they’d getBelle the Tinkererin the upcoming movie.
Belle would definitely be an asset to anySonicstory just because of her relationship with Dr. Robotnik, or as he’s called in IDW’s lore, Dr. Eggman. Belle is one of Robotnik’s creations who can be interpreted as his daughter.
Even though none of Robotnik’s Badniks have such a relationship with him, Belle is special becauseshe looks up to him like she woud a father figure. In addition, the reason that most people think she’s special serves as another explanation as to why she’s so important overall. In IDW’sSoniccontinuity,Belle was actually created by Dr. Eggman’s good alter ego,Mr. Tinker.
Dr. Eggman’s Good Alter Ego Created Belle the Tinkerer
First Full Appearance:Sonic the Hedgehog#34 by Evan Stanley, Reggie Graham, and Shawn Lee
Just the concept alone of Dr. Eggman having an alter ego is exciting. Moreover, the fact thatDr. Eggman created Belle when he was in this altered stateis equally compelling. As Dr. Eggman, he constructs Badniks out of futuristic technology, and their purpose is to destroy. As Mr. Tinker, he made Belle out of wood into a marionette who builds (or tinkers), which is an intriguing development that satisfyingly explores one aspect of how Mr. Tinker changed Dr. Eggman.
Since Belle was built by a kind person, she always struggled with the idea that the man she viewed as a father figure was gone forever and was replaced by a maniacal monster.
IDW also masterfully capitalized on how Dr. Eggman’s true identity negatively impacted Belle. Since Belle was built by a kind person, she always struggled with the idea that the man she viewed as a father figure was gone forever and was replaced by a maniacal monster. One of the most touching scenes occurred whenBelle comes across a stunningly tragic goodbye note that Mr. Tinker wroteright before he became Dr. Eggman. It was the perfect precursor to her eventual rejection by Dr. Eggman soon afterward.
Sonic 3Set the Stage for Belle the Tinkerer to Appear inSonic 4
Sonic 3Was About Family - And Also Introduced Metal Sonic
Fortunately, whereSonic 3leaves off presents ample opportunities for Belle to be convincingly introduced inSonic 4. A big theme inSonic 3was familial bonds, which was explored through Dr. Ivo Robotnik’s rejection of Agent Stone in pursuit of his grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnik. Although Ivo eventually embraced Agent Stone after Gerald’s betrayal,it would be fitting if Ivo later attempts to create a family member following Gerald’s death. It would also make sense that Ivo would have sustained an alter-ego-inducing injury like he did in IDW lore if he survived the destruction of Gerald’s space-faring superweapon.
While Sonic The Hedgehog Is Getting A Fourth Movie, This Other Massive Video Game Adaptation Still Hasn’t Gotten A Sequel
Sonic the Hedgehog appears to be thriving as a live-action franchise, but one other video game adaptation franchise appears to be completely stalled.
The fact thatSonic 3’s post-credits scene introduces Metal Sonic to the movie franchise as well is another perfect excuse to include Belle. Not only do Metal Sonic and Belle represent the different egos of Dr. Eggman, but IDW’s comics delve intothe relationship between Belle and Metal Sonicin an impressive way when they meet for the first time inSonic’s 50th issue.Sonic the Hedgehog 4giving fans the opportunity to bear witness to howBelle the Tinkererand Metal Sonic interact on the silver screen would be a treat, just as it would be touching to see the relationship between her and the new movie’s version ofDr. Robotnik.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4
Cast
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is the fourth installment in the Sonic the Hedgehog film series, with further plot details to be announced ahead of a release planned for Spring 2027.
