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:''This article is about Gerald Robotnik. You may be looking for the main villain of the game continuity, [[Doctor Eggman]].''
 
 
{{Quote|All of you ungrateful humans, who took everything away from me, will feel my loss, and despair!|Gerald Robotnik, ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''}}
 
{{Quote|All of you ungrateful humans, who took everything away from me, will feel my loss, and despair!|Gerald Robotnik, ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''}}
 
{{Character
 
{{Character
 
|title = Professor Gerald Robotnik
 
|title = Professor Gerald Robotnik
 
|image = [[File:Gerald_Robotnik_profile.png|242px]]
 
|image = [[File:Gerald_Robotnik_profile.png|242px]]
|caption = Gerald Robotnik
+
|caption = Professor Gerald Robotnik
 
|first = ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''
 
|first = ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''
 
|games = {{Scroll box|content=
 
|games = {{Scroll box|content=
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*[[Maria Robotnik]] {{C|granddaughter}} †
 
*[[Maria Robotnik]] {{C|granddaughter}} †
 
*[[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]] {{C|grandson}}
 
*[[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]] {{C|grandson}}
  +
*[[Doctor Eggman Nega|Dr. Eggman Nega]] {{C|descendant}}
 
*[[Shadow the Hedgehog]] {{C|hypothetical son}}
 
*[[Shadow the Hedgehog]] {{C|hypothetical son}}
 
|alignment = Neutral
 
|alignment = Neutral
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*Violence
 
*Violence
 
*Weapons
 
*Weapons
|skills = Above genius-level intellect
+
|skills = Genius level intellect
 
|affiliation = [[United Federation]] {{C|formerly}}
 
|affiliation = [[United Federation]] {{C|formerly}}
 
}}
 
}}
{{nihongo|'''Professor Gerald Robotnik'''|プロフェッサー・ジェラルド・ロボトニック|''Purofessā Jerarudo Robotonikku''}} is a fictional character from the [[Sonic the Hedgehog series|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series]] who first appeared in ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''. He was a [[human]] scientist and the grandfather of [[Maria Robotnik]] and [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]]. Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest scientific minds of all time, Gerald was responsible for several groundbreaking creations, such as the [[Space Colony ARK]], the [[Biolizard]], [[Artificial Chaos]], the [[Chaos Drives]], and his greatest achievement, [[Shadow the Hedgehog]], making him a modern day scientific Da Vinci.<ref name="SA2Guide"/>
+
{{nihongo|'''Professor Gerald Robotnik'''|プロフェッサー・ジェラルド・ロボトニック|''Purofessā Jerarudo Robotonikku''}} is a fictional character from the [[Sonic the Hedgehog series|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series]] who first appeared in ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''. He was a [[human]] scientist and the grandfather of [[Maria Robotnik]] and [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]]. Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest scientific minds of all time, Gerald was responsible for several groundbreaking creations, such as the [[Space Colony ARK]], the [[Biolizard]], [[Artificial Chaos]], the [[Chaos Drives]], and his greatest achievement, [[Shadow the Hedgehog]], making him a modern day scientific Da Vinci.<ref name="SA2Guide" />
   
 
Over fifty years prior to ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'', Gerald was asked to lead [[Project Shadow]], a medical program for researching immortality, which he accepted in hopes of finding a cure for a [[Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome|fatal illness]] afflicting Maria. While Gerald completed the project by creating Shadow the Hedgehog, though not without taking drastic measures, he was taken into custody by the [[Guardian Units of Nations|military]] when his work was deemed too dangerous. When learning that Maria was killed by the military, Gerald slipped into madness and spend his last days plotting revenge at humanity.
 
Over fifty years prior to ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'', Gerald was asked to lead [[Project Shadow]], a medical program for researching immortality, which he accepted in hopes of finding a cure for a [[Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome|fatal illness]] afflicting Maria. While Gerald completed the project by creating Shadow the Hedgehog, though not without taking drastic measures, he was taken into custody by the [[Guardian Units of Nations|military]] when his work was deemed too dangerous. When learning that Maria was killed by the military, Gerald slipped into madness and spend his last days plotting revenge at humanity.
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==History==
 
==History==
 
===Early Life===
 
===Early Life===
Nearly nothing is know about Gerald Robotnik's early life, besides that he grew to become the greatest scientific mind of his time. He set out to help the world and dedicated his life's work to the people of [[earth]], using his research to bring happiness and hope to them.<ref name="SC">Prof. Gerald Robotnik, Codex, ''[[Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]]''</ref><ref name="SA2Flash">Sonic Team (May 3, 2002). Sonic Adventure 2. GameCube. Sega. Area: Before Route 280. "'''Shadow the Hedgehog''': The professor said his life's work was dedicated to all of those who live down there. He once told that the reason for his existence was, making people happy through the power of science."</ref><ref name="SB">Sonic Team (February 27, 2004). Sonic Battle. Gameboy Advance. Sega. Area: Gimme Shelter. "'''Rouge the Bat''': He was not interested in researching weapons. He was researching a way to bring happiness and hope to all people. But, he was forced by the government and by the military to use his research for war. That's why he gave you and Gizoid a "soul." A soul identical to his beloved granddaughter, Maria."</ref> During his carrier, Gerald accomplished many great things, his most remarkable creation being the [[Space Colony ARK]], the world's first space colony which he designed and came to live on.<ref name="SC" /><ref name="SA2">Sonic Adventure 2 (Dreamcast) North American manual, p. 12</ref> Other accomplishments included discovering and researching an interdimensional beast called the [[Ifrit]],<ref>Backbone Entertainment, Sega Studio USA (December 7, 2007). Sonic Rivals 2. PlayStation Portable. Sega. Area: Frontier Canyon Zone. "'''Doctor Eggman''': He apparently got some old files from my late grandfather, Professor Gerald. Those writings tell of an interdimensional beast called the Ifrit, and Eggman Nega wants to release it!"</ref> and being the first to propose the existence of the [[Nocturnus Clan|Fourth Great Civilization]] which he wrote a book about called ''The Fourth Great Civilization''.<ref name="SC" />
+
Nearly nothing is know about Gerald Robotnik's early life, besides that he grew to become the greatest scientific mind of his time. He set out to help the world and dedicated his life's work to the people of [[earth]] by using his research to bring happiness and hope to them.<ref name="SC">Prof. Gerald Robotnik, Codex, ''[[Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]]''</ref><ref name="SA2Flash">Sonic Team (May 3, 2002). Sonic Adventure 2. GameCube. Sega. Area: Before Route 280. "'''Shadow the Hedgehog''': The professor said his life's work was dedicated to all of those who live down there. He once told that the reason for his existence was, making people happy through the power of science."</ref><ref name="SB">Sonic Team (February 27, 2004). Sonic Battle. Game Boy Advance. Sega. Area: Gimme Shelter. "'''Rouge the Bat''': He was not interested in researching weapons. He was researching a way to bring happiness and hope to all people. But, he was forced by the government and by the military to use his research for war. That's why he gave you and Gizoid a "soul." A soul identical to his beloved granddaughter, Maria."</ref> During his carrier, Gerald accomplished many great things, his most remarkable creation being the [[Space Colony ARK]], the world's first space colony which he designed and came to live on.<ref name="SC" /><ref name="SA2">Sonic Adventure 2 (Dreamcast) North American manual, p. 12</ref> Other accomplishments included discovering and researching an interdimensional beast called the [[Ifrit]],<ref>Backbone Entertainment, Sega Studio USA (December 7, 2007). Sonic Rivals 2. PlayStation Portable. Sega. Area: Frontier Canyon Zone. "'''Doctor Eggman''': He apparently got some old files from my late grandfather, Professor Gerald. Those writings tell of an interdimensional beast called the Ifrit, and Eggman Nega wants to release it!"</ref> and being the first to propose the existence of the [[Nocturnus Clan|Fourth Great Civilization]] which he wrote a book about called ''The Fourth Great Civilization''.<ref name="SC" />
   
At some point, Gerald got a granddaughter named [[Maria Robotnik]]. Gerald came to grow extremely fond of Maria and she became his whole world.<ref name="diary">[[Gerald Robotnik's diary]] in ''Sonic Adventure 2''.</ref> He would live and work together with Maria on the Space Colony ARK where he would care for his granddaughter, who needed constant attention because she suffered from [[Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome]], an incurable and inevitable fatal disease.<ref name="SC" /><ref name="SA2Guide">Sonic Adventure 2: Prima's Official Strategy Guide, p. 2-3</ref><ref name="SA2J" />
+
At some point, Gerald got a granddaughter named [[Maria Robotnik]]. Gerald came to grow extremely fond of Maria and she became his whole world.<ref name="diary">[[Gerald Robotnik's diary]] in ''Sonic Adventure 2''.</ref> He would live and work together with Maria on the Space Colony ARK where he would care for his granddaughter, who needed constant attention because she suffered from [[Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome]], an incurable and inevitably fatal disease.<ref name="SA2Guide">Sonic Adventure 2: Prima's Official Strategy Guide, p. 2-3</ref><ref name="SC" /><ref name="SA2J" />
   
 
===Project Shadow===
 
===Project Shadow===
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Eventually, Gerald and his colleges managed to create the "Prototype of the Ultimate Lifeform," dubbed the [[Biolizard]]. While the Biolizard lived up to many of Gerald and the others' standards as it grew, the creature proved too flawed.<ref name="SA2J" /> In addition to a bestial nature, weak limbs and reliance on machinery for survival, Gerald noticed the Biolizard was growing too fast and requested the control part on its vital organs was reinforced.<ref>[[:File:Biolizard file 2.png]]</ref>
 
Eventually, Gerald and his colleges managed to create the "Prototype of the Ultimate Lifeform," dubbed the [[Biolizard]]. While the Biolizard lived up to many of Gerald and the others' standards as it grew, the creature proved too flawed.<ref name="SA2J" /> In addition to a bestial nature, weak limbs and reliance on machinery for survival, Gerald noticed the Biolizard was growing too fast and requested the control part on its vital organs was reinforced.<ref>[[:File:Biolizard file 2.png]]</ref>
   
While the Biolizard became too unruly and hard to control, Gerald and his colleges could to move onto the main project.<ref name="SA2J" /> Using the DNA of Black Doom,<ref name="SC" /> Gerald began creating a new version of the Biolizard, but with a more desirable physique,<ref name="SA2J" /> which was named "[[Shadow the Hedgehog]]." Still unwilling to make Shadow a weapon however, Gerald gave him a heart and personality similar to Maria's in hopes that he would not breed conflict.<ref name="SB" /> Additionally, Gerald planned for Shadow to the one to stop the Black Arms when the time came as he would the only one capable of doing it.
+
While the Biolizard became unruly and hard to control, Gerald and his colleges could to move onto the main project.<ref name="SA2J" /> Using the DNA of Black Doom,<ref name="SC" /> Gerald began creating a new version of the Biolizard, but with a more desirable physique,<ref name="SA2J" /> which was named "[[Shadow the Hedgehog]]." Still unwilling to make Shadow a weapon however, Gerald gave him a heart and soul similar to Maria's in hopes that he would not breed conflict.<ref name="SB" /> Additionally, Gerald planned for Shadow to be the savior of mankind by stopping the Black Arms when the time came, as only he could do it.
   
 
While conducting Project Shadow, Gerald presumably also developed the weapon-like [[Artificial Chaos]], supposedly under orders from the government or military.<ref name="SA2J" />
 
While conducting Project Shadow, Gerald presumably also developed the weapon-like [[Artificial Chaos]], supposedly under orders from the government or military.<ref name="SA2J" />
   
 
===The Gizoid===
 
===The Gizoid===
During Project Shadow,<ref name="SC" /> Gerald uncovered an ancient robot called the [[Emerl|Gizoid]] from a warehouse. Believing it was made by an [[Nocturnus Clan|ancient people]], Gerald experimented on it with Chaos Emeralds and accidently activated it. By researching papers related to the Gizoid and the Chaos Emeralds, and later an ancient stone tablet which he had discovered, Gerald theorized this robot was what caused the destruction of the Fourth Great Civilization. His further research and observations also revealed the Gizoid could mimic combat abilities and weapons, and that it possessed vast amount of data on melee combat and weapons of its age, data that which crashed Gerald's most advanced computers. Theorizing the Gizoid's full potential should it be fully restored, Gerald realized he had uncovered a horrible weapon.<ref>[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 1-2</ref>
+
During Project Shadow,<ref name="SC" /> Gerald uncovered an ancient robot called the [[Emerl|Gizoid]] from a warehouse. Believing it was made by an [[Nocturnus Clan|ancient people]], Gerald experimented on it with Chaos Emeralds and accidentally activated it. By researching papers related to the Gizoid and the Chaos Emeralds, and later an ancient stone tablet which he had discovered, Gerald theorized this robot was what caused the destruction of the Fourth Great Civilization. His further research and observations also revealed the Gizoid could mimic combat abilities and weapons, and that it possessed vast amount of data on melee combat and weapons of its age, data that which crashed Gerald's most advanced computers. Theorizing the Gizoid's full potential should it be fully restored, Gerald realized he had uncovered a horrible weapon.<ref>[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 1-2</ref>
   
 
As Gerald continued to research the Gizoid, he discovered on the stone tablet that the Gizoid would swear loyalty to those with great power by establishing a "[[Link]]" with them. To keep the Gizoid under his control and from being used for evil, Gerald successfully made a Link with it by demonstrating his model weapon collection to it. However, in fear of someone with evil intentions forming a Link with the Gizoid, Gerald researched how to re-establish a Link with the Gizoid should it lost.<ref>[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 3</ref>
 
As Gerald continued to research the Gizoid, he discovered on the stone tablet that the Gizoid would swear loyalty to those with great power by establishing a "[[Link]]" with them. To keep the Gizoid under his control and from being used for evil, Gerald successfully made a Link with it by demonstrating his model weapon collection to it. However, in fear of someone with evil intentions forming a Link with the Gizoid, Gerald researched how to re-establish a Link with the Gizoid should it lost.<ref>[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 3</ref>
   
 
===Government and Shadow===
 
===Government and Shadow===
When Shadow neared his completion, Gerald learned the government had become uneasy about Project Shadow and they considered cutting funding and shut it down. Unwilling to let Maria die, Gerald made a big risk and offered the Gizoid as a bribe to the government to keep Project Shadow going.<ref name="SC" /><ref name="J4-5">[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 4-5</ref> While Gerald ordered the Gizoid not to absorb dangerous technologies, he soon learned that other researchers were trying to form a new Link with the Gizoid through power. Eventually, Gerald's fears was confirmed when the Gizoid went on a rampaged that destroyed most of the ARK before it was subdued. Deeming the Gizoid a danger that could destroy the world, Gerald tried to destroy its core, but failed due to its advanced technology and instead resorted to reprogram the Gizoid with free-will and emotions, giving it a "soul" in the image of Shadow's so that it would not become a weapon either.<ref name="SB" /><ref>[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 6</ref>
+
When Shadow neared his completion, Gerald learned the government had become uneasy about Project Shadow and they considered cutting funding and shut it down. Unwilling to let Maria die, Gerald made a big risk and offered the Gizoid as a bribe to the government to keep Project Shadow going.<ref name="SC" /><ref name="J4-5">[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 4-5</ref> While Gerald ordered the Gizoid not to absorb dangerous technologies, he soon learned that other researchers were trying to form a new Link with the Gizoid through power. Eventually, Gerald's fears was confirmed when the Gizoid went on a rampaged that destroyed most of the ARK before it was subdued. Deeming the Gizoid a danger that could destroy the world, Gerald tried to destroy its core, but failed due to its advanced technology and instead resorted to reprogram the Gizoid with free-will and emotions, giving it a heart and soul similar to Maria's so that it could not become a weapon, like Shadow.<ref name="SB" /><ref>[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 6</ref>
   
 
[[File:Shadow's_awakening.png|thumb|left|200px|Gerald and Black Doom overseeing Shadow's awakening.]]
 
[[File:Shadow's_awakening.png|thumb|left|200px|Gerald and Black Doom overseeing Shadow's awakening.]]
Eventually, Gerald's years of research bore fruit when Shadow was finally created,<ref name="SA2Guide"/> with both him and Black Doom overseeing Shadow's awakening. Shadow proved to be everything Gerald had hoped for, possessing both immortality, high intelligence, own identity, and independence. Learning however that the government planned to cease his research due to Shadow having been deemed too dangerous and a threat to mankind, Gerald prepared a contingency video for Shadow to see, explaining his intention for Shadow to make up for his past mistake by stopping the Black Comet in fifty years.
+
Eventually, Gerald's years of research bore fruit when Shadow was finally created,<ref name="SA2Guide" /> with both him and Black Doom overseeing Shadow's awakening. Shadow proved to be everything Gerald had hoped for, possessing both immortality, high intelligence, own identity, and independence. Learning however that the government planned to cease his research due to Shadow having been deemed too dangerous and a threat to mankind, Gerald prepared a contingency video for Shadow to see, explaining his intention for Shadow to make up for his past mistake by stopping the Black Comet in fifty years.
   
 
===Imprisonment===
 
===Imprisonment===
Gerald's suspicions was confirmed when [[Guardian Units of Nations|GUN]] attacked the Space Colony ARK some time after the completion of Project Shadow to eliminate everything and everyone relate to the project and shut the ARK down.<ref name="SC" /> While the attack was being executed, however, Gerald put his finishing touches on Shadow. When GUN's Special Forces then rushed into the ARK's research institute, Gerald entrusted Shadow to Maria and told her to escape in some escape pods with him before running in the opposite direction to draw unwanted attention away from the two. He later watched one of the escape pods being ejected from the ARK and was sure Maria and Shadow had escaped.<ref name="SA2J" /><ref name="SA2Guide"/>
+
Gerald's suspicions was confirmed when [[Guardian Units of Nations|GUN]] attacked the Space Colony ARK some time after the completion of Project Shadow to eliminate everything and everyone relate to the project and shut the ARK down.<ref name="SC" /> While the attack was being executed, however, Gerald put his finishing touches on Shadow. When GUN's Special Forces then rushed into the ARK's research institute, Gerald entrusted Shadow to Maria and told her to escape in some escape pods with him before running in the opposite direction to draw unwanted attention away from the two. He later watched one of the escape pods being ejected from the ARK and was sure Maria and Shadow had escaped.<ref name="SA2J" /><ref name="SA2Guide" />
   
Gerald was eventually captured under the guise of disappearing under mysterious circumstances and taken to [[Prison Island]] where he was forced to continue his experiments under military control.<ref name="SA2" /><ref name="SA2Guide"/> Meanwhile, when it was released to the public that the ARK was shut down due to an ancient, Gerald was blamed for this.<ref name="SA2J" /> When the military later found Shadow and brought him to Prison Island for Gerald to continue his research,<ref name="SA2Guide"/> Gerald saw Maria among the list of casualties when the ARK was shut down and was grief-stricken. Unable to cope with his loss, Gerald began to lose control of his thoughts as he could only think of avenging Maria and ending everything, something which scared him.<ref name="diary" /> During this period, Gerald got a hold of the Gizoid again and use this opportunity while he was still in control of his mind to make Maria's dying words the keywords that would activate the Gizoid's free-willed emotions-based AI.<ref>[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 7</ref>
+
Gerald was eventually captured under the guise of disappearing under mysterious circumstances and taken to [[Prison Island]] where he was forced to continue his experiments under military control.<ref name="SA2" /><ref name="SA2Guide" /> Meanwhile, when it was released to the public that the ARK was shut down due to an ancient, Gerald was blamed for this.<ref name="SA2J" /> When the military later found Shadow and brought him to Prison Island for Gerald to continue his research,<ref name="SA2Guide" /> Gerald saw Maria among the list of casualties when the ARK was shut down and was grief-stricken. Unable to cope with his loss, Gerald began to lose control of his thoughts as he could only think of avenging Maria and ending everything, something which scared him.<ref name="diary" /> During this period, Gerald got a hold of the Gizoid again and use this opportunity while he was still in control of his mind to make Maria's dying words the keywords that would activate the Gizoid's free-willed emotions-based AI.<ref>[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 7</ref>
   
 
[[File:Gerald.jpg|thumb|100px|Gerald in his last moments.]]
 
[[File:Gerald.jpg|thumb|100px|Gerald in his last moments.]]
In the end, Gerald lost his grip on reality and went insane, devoting himself to avenging Maria by destroying humanity.<ref name="diary" /> While it was thought that he was continuing his research with Shadow,<ref name="SA2Guide"/> Gerald secretly created a program that would cause the Space Colony ARK to fall to earth and destroy the planet once the seven Chaos Emeralds was placed into the Eclipse Cannon,<ref name="SC" /> and set as well the [[Biolizard]] up to ensure this. Gerald then brainwashed Shadow,<ref name="SC" /><ref name="SA2Guide"/> altering his memories so that he would carry out his wish for revenge. Soon afterwards, Gerald was incarcerated on Prison Island by the military out of fear for how he could retaliate.<ref name="SA2Guide"/> When he was to be executed, Gerald's last action was leaving behind a record explaining his revenge on the ungrateful earth before he was killed in his cell.
+
In the end, Gerald lost his grip on reality and went insane, devoting himself to avenging Maria by destroying humanity.<ref name="diary" /> While it was thought that he was continuing his research with Shadow,<ref name="SA2Guide" /> Gerald secretly created a program that would cause the Space Colony ARK to fall to earth and destroy the planet once the seven Chaos Emeralds was placed into the Eclipse Cannon,<ref name="SC" /> and set as well the [[Biolizard]] up to ensure this. Gerald then brainwashed Shadow,<ref name="SC" /><ref name="SA2Guide" /> altering his memories so that he would carry out his plan. Soon afterwards, Gerald was incarcerated on Prison Island by the military out of fear for how he could retaliate.<ref name="SA2Guide" /> When he was to be executed, Gerald's last action was leaving behind a record where he condemned the ungrateful world to destruction for the fate of Maria before he was killed in his cell.
  +
 
===Legacy===
  +
Because of the tragic deaths Gerald's research indirectly caused and the potential dangers to humanity his discoveries posed, many would view Gerald with contempt. The [[Commander]] himself came to considered Gerald insane and held a life-long grudge at him for creating [[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]] which indirectly led to the death of [[Maria Robotnik|Maria]]. Many of Gerald's late creations, research and discoveries which would form his legacy was either be sealed or placed under tight security so none could discover them due to their potentials for calamity. Gerald's [[Chaos Drives]] however, continued to be used by [[Guardian Units of Nations|GUN]] as power sources for their mechs.
  +
  +
Despite Gerald's bad reputation among the higher-ups, Gerald's grandson [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]] looked up to him and admired him for the great things he accomplished which inspired him to become a scientist, though Eggman would come to use his intellect to try and achieve world domination. Gerald's research surrounding Shadow, the [[Eclipse Cannon]], [[Emerl]] and the [[Ifrit]] would also be uncovered over time by his descendants, namely Dr. Eggman and [[Doctor Eggman Nega|Dr. Eggman Nega]], who wanted to use it for their own nefarious purposes.
  +
  +
Gerald's plan to destroy the [[earth]] to avenge Maria was set into motion when Dr. Eggman awakened Shadow. Like Gerald had designed him to, Shadow set out to destroy the world to avenge Maria, unaware that he was carrying out Gerald's will. Once the Space Colony ARK was set on a collision course with earth, Gerald's last video recording before his execution was played around the world. Gerald's doomsday plan was averted however by [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] and, ironically, Shadow, who managed to recover his true memories of Maria. Sometime later, during the [[Black Arms]] invasion of earth, Gerald's contingency video to Shadow was played world-wide as well where he explained how he had planned for Shadow to save mankind from the Black Arms, which gave Shadow the needed resolve to defeat Black Doom. Realizing they had been wrong about the professor, the [[President]] and the Commander decided to play homage to Gerald by working towards a brighter future.
   
 
==Personality==
 
==Personality==
Before his descend, Gerald was a good man and a profound humanitarian, the very much opposite of his psychotic grandson [[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]]. He was devoted to using his great intellect to help mankind and bring people happiness and hope through the power of science, believing that this was the reason for his existence, and was much more serious about his work than Eggman.<ref name="SA2Flash" /><ref name="SB" /><ref name="SA2Guide"/>
+
Before his descend, Gerald was a good man and a profound humanitarian, the very much opposite of his psychotic grandson [[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]]. He was devoted to using his great intellect to help mankind and bring people happiness and hope through the power of science, believing that this was the reason for his existence, and was much more serious about his work than Eggman.<ref name="SA2Flash" /><ref name="SB" /><ref name="SA2Guide" />
   
 
Gerald was a man of strong ethical standards. He refused to use his genius for the wrong reasons, initially dismissing to lead Project Shadow because he believed it was crossing the limits of man to obtain immortality, and he had no interest in making or giving weapons for war.<ref name="SB" /><ref name="SA2J" /> However, he was not above breaking his own standards for certain reasons, like being forced to by the higher-ups or when he thought it was for the greater good such as participating in Project Shadow or handing over the dangerous [[Emerl]] to find a cure for her dying granddaughter. Even when in such situations however, Gerald would go out of his way to make sure the products of his research would have the capability for good as well, like when he gave both Shadow and Emerl feelings so they could choose not to fight and that he planned to share Shadow with the world to help mankind. He also held the strong belief that power born from the desire to protect rather than the desire to conquer would make all conflicts cease to exist.<ref name="GJ8">[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 8</ref>
 
Gerald was a man of strong ethical standards. He refused to use his genius for the wrong reasons, initially dismissing to lead Project Shadow because he believed it was crossing the limits of man to obtain immortality, and he had no interest in making or giving weapons for war.<ref name="SB" /><ref name="SA2J" /> However, he was not above breaking his own standards for certain reasons, like being forced to by the higher-ups or when he thought it was for the greater good such as participating in Project Shadow or handing over the dangerous [[Emerl]] to find a cure for her dying granddaughter. Even when in such situations however, Gerald would go out of his way to make sure the products of his research would have the capability for good as well, like when he gave both Shadow and Emerl feelings so they could choose not to fight and that he planned to share Shadow with the world to help mankind. He also held the strong belief that power born from the desire to protect rather than the desire to conquer would make all conflicts cease to exist.<ref name="GJ8">[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 8</ref>
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Gerald was an extremely knowledgeable and gifted scientist, possessing a well above genius-leveled intellect, and is regarded as both one of the most brilliant minds of all time and the most intelligent-gifted researcher of all time,<ref name="SA2" /><ref>Shadow the Hedgehog (PlayStation 2) instruction manual, p. 7</ref> only matched by his grandson [[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]].<ref name="SC" />
 
Gerald was an extremely knowledgeable and gifted scientist, possessing a well above genius-leveled intellect, and is regarded as both one of the most brilliant minds of all time and the most intelligent-gifted researcher of all time,<ref name="SA2" /><ref>Shadow the Hedgehog (PlayStation 2) instruction manual, p. 7</ref> only matched by his grandson [[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]].<ref name="SC" />
   
Gerald possessed many and various talents, having mastered many areas of study, including architecture, science, astrology and foremost biology, along with genetics to astrophysics to robotics.<ref name="SA2Guide"/> He was the one who designed the world's first bernal sphere space colony, the [[Space Colony ARK]], and developed incredible devices and machinery such as the ultimate weapon known as the [[Eclipse Cannon]], the [[Chaos Drives]] which could contain the [[Chaos Emeralds]]' mystical energies, and the [[Artificial Chaos]] which were composed of countless nanobots. He was also behind the creation incredible creature such as the [[Biolizard]] and [[Shadow the Hedgehog]] (the latter of which used [[Black Doom|alien DNA]]). Additionally, he was also a skilled archeologist as demonstrated in his research of the [[Emerl|Gizoid]] and the [[Nocturnus Clan|Fourth Great Civilization]] where he managed to uncover many of their secrets from ancient stone tablets.
+
Gerald possessed many and various talents, having mastered many areas of study, including architecture, science, astrology and foremost biology, along with genetics to astrophysics to robotics.<ref name="SA2Guide" /> He was the one who designed the world's first bernal sphere space colony, the [[Space Colony ARK]], and developed incredible devices and machinery such as the ultimate weapon known as the [[Eclipse Cannon]], the [[Chaos Drives]] which could contain the [[Chaos Emeralds]]' mystical energies, and the [[Artificial Chaos]] which were composed of countless nanobots. He was also behind the creation incredible creature such as the [[Biolizard]] and [[Shadow the Hedgehog]] (the latter of which used [[Black Doom|alien DNA]]). Additionally, he was also a skilled archaeologist as demonstrated in his research of the [[Emerl|Gizoid]] and the [[Nocturnus Clan|Fourth Great Civilization]] where he managed to uncover many of their secrets from ancient stone tablets.
   
 
==Relationships==
 
==Relationships==
 
===Maria Robotnik===
 
===Maria Robotnik===
 
[[File:Gerald_and_Maria_Photo_Shadow_the_Hedgehog.png|thumb|left|A photo of Gerald and his granddaughter, Maria.]]
 
[[File:Gerald_and_Maria_Photo_Shadow_the_Hedgehog.png|thumb|left|A photo of Gerald and his granddaughter, Maria.]]
[[Maria Robotnik]] was Gerald's granddaughter and undoubtedly the most important person in his life. Gerald was extremely fond of Maria and loved her dearly to the point where she meant everything to him and was the jewel of his eye.<ref name="diary" /><ref name="SA2Guide"/> After Maria had been diagnosed with [[Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome]], Gerald's main priority was her well-being and to find a way to save her life, and nearly all his late research was dedicated to this. Because of Maria, Gerald was willing to break his own ethical standards and take enormous risks to find her a cure, such as agreeing to work on [[Project Shadow]] to develop a cure despite finding the research unethical,<ref name="SA2J" /> handing over [[Emerl]] to the government to give the project more time despite Emerl posing an imminent danger,<ref name="J4-5" /> and contacting [[Black Doom]] for help. He also trusted her greatly as he entrusted Shadow to her when the military attacked.<ref name="SA2J" />
+
[[Maria Robotnik]] was Gerald's granddaughter and undoubtedly the most important person in his life. Gerald was extremely fond of Maria and loved her dearly to the point where she meant everything to him and was the jewel of his eye.<ref name="SA2Guide" /><ref name="diary" /> After Maria had been diagnosed with [[Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome]], Gerald's main priority was her well-being and to find a way to save her life, and nearly all his late research was dedicated to this. Because of Maria, Gerald was willing to break his own ethical standards and take enormous risks to find her a cure, such as agreeing to work on [[Project Shadow]] to develop a cure despite finding the research unethical,<ref name="SA2J" /> handing over [[Emerl]] to the government to give the project more time despite Emerl posing an imminent danger,<ref name="J4-5" /> and contacting [[Black Doom]] for help. He also trusted her greatly as he entrusted Shadow to her when the military attacked.<ref name="SA2J" />
   
When the ARK was shut down because of his research, Gerald's only concerns was Maria's safety. When he later learned that Maria had been killed, Gerald lost all reason to live and he felt responsible for her demise, which caused him to go mad with grief.<ref name="diary" /> Gerald would afterwards devote the remainder of his life to avenging Maria by wiping out humanity who he blamed for his loss.
+
When the ARK was shut down because of his research, Gerald's only concerns was Maria's safety. When he later learned that Maria had been killed, Gerald lost all reason to live and he felt responsible for her demise since his research led to the terrible accident that killed her,<ref name="SA2Guide" /> which caused him to go mad with grief.<ref name="diary" /> Gerald would afterwards devote the remainder of his life to avenging Maria by wiping out humanity who he blamed for his loss.
   
 
===Shadow the Hedgehog===
 
===Shadow the Hedgehog===
[[Shadow the Hedgehog]] is Gerald's greatest achievement of his scientific carrier, an immortal, intelligent being. Gerald was the one who created Shadow, but while the government wanted to use Shadow to produce an "immortality formula," Gerald planned for him to provide a way to develop a cure for the [[Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome|fatal sickness]] afflicting his granddaughter, [[Maria Robotnik|Maria]]. However, Gerald wished not for Shadow to become the goverment's weapon and gave him a "soul" similar to Maria's so he could choose not to fight and even help cease conflict.<ref name="SB" /><ref name="GJ8" />
+
[[Shadow the Hedgehog]] is Gerald's greatest achievement of his scientific carrier, an immortal and intelligent being. Gerald was the one who created Shadow, but while the government wanted to use Shadow to produce an "immortality formula," Gerald planned for him to provide a way to develop a cure for the [[Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome|fatal sickness]] afflicting his granddaughter, [[Maria Robotnik|Maria]]. However, Gerald wished not for Shadow to become the government's weapon and gave him a "soul" similar to Maria's so he could choose not to fight and even help cease conflict.<ref name="SB" /><ref name="GJ8" />
   
While Shadow was created to help him save Maria, Gerald cared a great deal about Shadow as an individual, considering him his own son, and eventually hoped he could benefit mankind. Gerald also trusted him greatly as he entrusted him to correct his past mistakes by defeating the [[Black Arms]]. When Gerald later went mad with grief over losing Maria, however, Gerald used Shadow as his tool to get revenge at humanity, going as far as to brainwash him to ensure he would carry out his revenge.<ref name="SC" />
+
While Shadow was created to help him save Maria, Gerald cared a great deal about Shadow as an individual, considering him his own son. Gerald also held great faith in him as he entrusted him to correct his past mistakes by defeating the [[Black Arms]] and whole-hearted hoped he could help mankind. When Gerald later went mad with grief over losing Maria, however, Gerald used Shadow as his tool to get revenge at humanity, going as far as to brainwash him to ensure he would carry out his plans.<ref name="SC" />
   
 
==Creations==
 
==Creations==
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{{main|Space Colony ARK}}
 
{{main|Space Colony ARK}}
 
[[File:Ark_by_RobbieGlazer.jpg|thumb|206px|left|The Space Colony ARK.]]
 
[[File:Ark_by_RobbieGlazer.jpg|thumb|206px|left|The Space Colony ARK.]]
The former home of Gerald, Maria, [[Commander|the would-be commander of G.U.N.]], and various researchers and soldiers, the ARK was a gigantic space colony where great research was performed. The entire place also worked as a life support system for Maria. While Gerald focused on making inventions for the good of mankind (such as the Heal Unit), little known devices of mass destruction were being made (the Ultimate Life form and the Eclipse Cannon), mostly under the influence of and preparing against Black Doom. Others who lived aboard the ARK were Shadow (who protected the ARK from danger until it was shut down), the [[Biolizard]] and [[Emerl]] (until he was transported to G.U.N.'s fortress). When Shadow failed to protect the ARK from an inside attack, the ARK was shut down. Many died (including Maria) and Gerald himself went insane. The ARK was later rediscovered by [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]], who used it as a temporary base.
+
The former home of Gerald, Maria, [[Commander|the would-be commander of G.U.N.]], and various researchers and soldiers, the ARK was a gigantic space colony where great research was performed. The entire place also worked as a life support system for Maria. While Gerald focused on making inventions for the good of mankind, little known devices of mass destruction were being made (the Ultimate Life form and the Eclipse Cannon), mostly under the influence of the military and preparations against Black Doom. Others who lived aboard the ARK included Shadow (who protected the ARK from danger), the [[Biolizard]] and [[Emerl]]. When Shadow was deemed a threat to humanity however, the ARK was shut down with several casualties. The ARK was later rediscovered by [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]], who used it as a temporary base.
   
====Eclipse Cannon====
+
===Eclipse Cannon===
 
{{main|Eclipse Cannon}}
 
{{main|Eclipse Cannon}}
The Eclipse Cannon is an extremely powerful weapon that is located inside the "nose" of the Space Colony ARK (the ARK resembles Gerald's face). It is powered by [[Chaos Emeralds]], and can destroy planets or even pierce stars with all seven. Gerald built it to destroy the [[Black Arms]] when they arrived near Earth, but after he went insane, he reprogrammed it to send the ARK flying into the Earth the next time it was activated with all seven Emeralds. Eventually, it was used for its original purpose.
+
The Eclipse Cannon is an extremely powerful weapon that is located inside the "nose" of the Space Colony ARK. It is powered by [[Chaos Emeralds]], and can destroy planets or even pierce stars with all seven. Gerald built it to destroy the [[Black Arms]] when they would return to Earth after fifty years, but after he went insane, he reprogrammed it to send the ARK flying into the Earth the next time it was activated with all seven Emeralds. Eventually, it was used for its original purpose.
   
 
===Artificial Chaos===
 
===Artificial Chaos===
 
{{main|Artificial Chaos}}
 
{{main|Artificial Chaos}}
 
Artificial Chaos are Gerald's first noteworthy creations. They resemble [[Chaos]] from ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' and are most likely modeled after him as Maria states that Gerald created them based on "a god of an ancient culture". The Artificial Chaos are made up of a core (the head, shaped like that of Chaos 0) and trillions of nanobots that both protect the core and provide the body for it. While the Artificial Chaos seen in ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' had red, half-closed eyes and red marking on their heads, the ones in ''Sonic Adventure 2'' have larger green eyes and an emblem on their foreheads.
 
Artificial Chaos are Gerald's first noteworthy creations. They resemble [[Chaos]] from ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' and are most likely modeled after him as Maria states that Gerald created them based on "a god of an ancient culture". The Artificial Chaos are made up of a core (the head, shaped like that of Chaos 0) and trillions of nanobots that both protect the core and provide the body for it. While the Artificial Chaos seen in ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' had red, half-closed eyes and red marking on their heads, the ones in ''Sonic Adventure 2'' have larger green eyes and an emblem on their foreheads.
 
When first created they began acting out and attacking the ARK (according to Gerald in ''<nowiki>Shadow the Hedgehog'</nowiki>''s [[Expert Mode]], they had their electrode conductors reversed), but G.U.N. (and possibly Shadow), stopped them. They were later fixed, and then adopted by the government to protect the ARK. In ''Shadow the Hedgehog'', when the [[Black Arms]] invade the ARK, [[Doom's Eye]] calls the Artificial Chaos "the legacy of Gerald" and then announced that they belonged to the Black Arms now, suggesting that the aliens somehow took control of them.
 
   
 
===Biolizard===
 
===Biolizard===
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===Bomb Units===
 
===Bomb Units===
  +
{{Main|Bomb Unit}}
The Bomb units produce an unlimited supply of bombs. These are used in the game ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' to break walls and find secret passage ways. Their design is very similar to the Heal Units design.
+
The Bomb Units are portable and highly explosive box-like bombs. These are used in ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' to break walls and find secret passage ways. Their design is very similar to the [[Heal Unit]]s' design.
   
 
==Appearances in Other Media==
 
==Appearances in Other Media==
 
===Archie Comics===
 
===Archie Comics===
 
{{main|Gerald Robotnik (Archie)}}
 
{{main|Gerald Robotnik (Archie)}}
Gerald Robotnik also appears in [[Archie Comics]] as the maternal grandfather of [[Doctor Ivo Robotnik (Archie)|Dr. Robotnik]].
+
[[File:Gerald_Robotnik_Archie_v2.jpg|150px|thumb|Gerald Robotnik in the [[Archie Comics]].]]
  +
Gerald also appears in the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (comic series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' comic series and its spin-off comic series published by [[Archie Comics]]. In this media, he was an [[Overlander]], the maternal grandfather of [[Doctor Ivo Robotnik (Archie)|Dr. Robotnik]], and a member of the [[Kintobor Family|House of Ivo]] (at least prior to the [[Genesis Wave|Super Genesis Wave]]).
   
  +
Much like in the games, Gerald was a brilliant scientist who worked on Project: Shadow in hopes of finding a cure for [[Neuro-Immuno Deficiency Syndrome]], a sickness afflicting his granddaughter, [[Maria Robotnik (Archie)|Maria Robotnik]]. Gerald managed to create [[Shadow the Hedgehog (Archie)|Shadow the Hedgehog]], but was then captured by [[Guardian Units of Nations#Archie Comics|G.U.N.]] and forced to work for them when they seized control of the project. When Gerald learned that the military had killed Maria, he secretly made a program that would destroy [[Sonic's World|Mobius]] as revenge before he was executed.
===Sonic X===
 
  +
  +
A year after his awakening, Shadow encountered a digital version of Gerald who helped him uncover his purpose.
  +
  +
===''Sonic X''===
 
{{Main|Gerald Robotnik (Sonic X)}}
 
{{Main|Gerald Robotnik (Sonic X)}}
  +
[[File:Gerald_Robotnik_Sonic_X.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Gerald Robotnik in ''[[Sonic X]]''.]]
''[[Sonic X]]'', with some differences, retold the story of Gerald Robotnik. He played a similar role to his ''Sonic Adventure 2'' counterpart, instigating the crash sequence of the ARK. However, his diary entry and ultimately, his motivations, were different, where he was escorted to Union Army Prison and wondering who could possibly believe that someone arrested him. He also implies in his rants in his diary that he was the creator of the "pseudo-perpetual mobile Chaos Drives." He also wonders if his arrest had anything to do with a conspiracy by G.U.N. to take over the Eclipse Cannon and Artificial Chaos, and mentions that Project Shadow is the only thing in his mind, and that he won't stand for such immorality. The diary omits any references to Maria's death or the fact that her death drove him insane. It also contained two cases of swearing in the diary ("Oh, hell" when he discovers that he was going to be locked up in the Union Army Prison and "for christ's sake" when expressing his distaste at being locked up and citing his being the father of the pseudo-perpetual mobile Chaos Drives), a rarity at the time.
 
  +
Gerald is also presented in the anime series ''[[Sonic X]]'' and is as well mentioned in its [[Sonic X (comic series)|comic series]] published by [[Archie Comics]]. Much like in the games, he was a [[human]] from [[Earth#Sonic X|Earth]] and the grandfather of [[Maria Robotnik (Sonic X)|Maria Robotnik]] and [[Doctor Eggman (Sonic X)|Dr. Eggman]].
  +
  +
Like in the games, Gerald was a scientific genius who worked on Project Shadow in hopes of finding a cure for Maria who was deadly ill. Eventually, Gerald's research led to the creation of [[Shadow the Hedgehog (Sonic X)|Shadow the Hedgehog]] who became close to Maria, but [[Guardian Units of Nations#Sonic X|G.U.N.]] arrived sometime after to forcefully shut down the project when it was deemed too dangerous. Gerald himself was incarcerated on Prison Island where he learned that Maria had been killed by the military. Consumed by thoughts of revenge, Gerald created a program that would destroy the Earth with the [[Space Colony ARK#Sonic X|Space Colony ARK]] before he was executed by the military.
   
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
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{{Gallery start}}
 
{{Gallery start}}
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Maria1.png|''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' artwork
+
Maria1.png|''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''
Gerald and Maria Photo Shadow the Hedgehog.png
 
 
gerald.jpg|''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''
 
gerald.jpg|''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''
 
LrF66.jpg|''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''
 
LrF66.jpg|''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''
 
Gerald and Maria Photo Shadow the Hedgehog.png|''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''
 
Gerald Shadow the Hedgehog.png|''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''
 
Gerald Shadow the Hedgehog.png|''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
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==References==
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
+
{{Reflist|2}}
 
{{Adventure 2 Info}}
 
{{Adventure 2 Info}}
 
{{sonic}}
 
{{sonic}}

Revision as of 22:03, 22 August 2014

All of you ungrateful humans, who took everything away from me, will feel my loss, and despair!

Gerald Robotnik, Sonic Adventure 2

Template:Character Professor Gerald Robotnik (プロフェッサー・ジェラルド・ロボトニック Purofessā Jerarudo Robotonikku?) is a fictional character from the Sonic the Hedgehog series who first appeared in Sonic Adventure 2. He was a human scientist and the grandfather of Maria Robotnik and Dr. Eggman. Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest scientific minds of all time, Gerald was responsible for several groundbreaking creations, such as the Space Colony ARK, the Biolizard, Artificial Chaos, the Chaos Drives, and his greatest achievement, Shadow the Hedgehog, making him a modern day scientific Da Vinci.[1]

Over fifty years prior to Shadow the Hedgehog, Gerald was asked to lead Project Shadow, a medical program for researching immortality, which he accepted in hopes of finding a cure for a fatal illness afflicting Maria. While Gerald completed the project by creating Shadow the Hedgehog, though not without taking drastic measures, he was taken into custody by the military when his work was deemed too dangerous. When learning that Maria was killed by the military, Gerald slipped into madness and spend his last days plotting revenge at humanity.

Appearance

Gerald Robotnik bore a distinct resemblance to his grandson. He had broad and elevated shoulders, a round, almost egg-shaped, torso (though not with as large a girth as Eggman), slightly over-proportioned arms and legs, and large hands and feet. He was also bald with a dome-shaped head, a long and large nose, and low-set small ears. Like Eggman, he also had an oversize whitish grey mustache, except that his was more voluminous and smooth. He was also not very tall of stature, only being about half a head taller than Maria

Gerald's general attire consisted of a brown turtleneck sweater and a white lab coat with black buttons. He also wore blue pince-nez glasses which had a distinct ripple-like pattern on them. In Sonic Adventure 2 he was shown wearing white pants, while in Shadow the Hedgehog he is seen wearing brown pants and blue shoes.

In Sonic Adventure 2 and its remake, Gerald's design was slightly different. In these games he was skinnier, had more normal body proportions, his head was slightly pointier, and his mustache was more ragged. His glasses also had no ripple pattern.

History

Early Life

Nearly nothing is know about Gerald Robotnik's early life, besides that he grew to become the greatest scientific mind of his time. He set out to help the world and dedicated his life's work to the people of earth by using his research to bring happiness and hope to them.[2][3][4] During his carrier, Gerald accomplished many great things, his most remarkable creation being the Space Colony ARK, the world's first space colony which he designed and came to live on.[2][5] Other accomplishments included discovering and researching an interdimensional beast called the Ifrit,[6] and being the first to propose the existence of the Fourth Great Civilization which he wrote a book about called The Fourth Great Civilization.[2]

At some point, Gerald got a granddaughter named Maria Robotnik. Gerald came to grow extremely fond of Maria and she became his whole world.[7] He would live and work together with Maria on the Space Colony ARK where he would care for his granddaughter, who needed constant attention because she suffered from Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome, an incurable and inevitably fatal disease.[1][2][8]

Project Shadow

Over fifty years prior to Shadow the Hedgehog, Gerald got a letter from the by then-President of the United Federation who requested his help with a medical project named "Project Shadow" which was meant to research immortality and create an "immortality formula."[8][2] Initially, Gerald stubbornly refused this request, believing they were crossing the limits of man and that this research could be used to make weapons. However, Gerald changed his mind because of Maria. Realizing that the immortality research could be used to develop a cure for Maria's illness, Gerald accepted the President's request in the end and agreed to led the project on the Space Colony ARK.[8]

In the first stages of Project Shadow, Gerald researched the Chaos Emeralds which resulted in the Chaos Drives, which were a test to apply the Emeralds' infinite energy to living beings. With the Chaos Drives, Gerald and his colleges moved to the next phase which was to create an immortal lifeform dubbed the "ultimate life form" with the first goal being to create a prototype.[8]

During the development of the ultimate life form, Gerald was stuck and needed help creating such a creature which made him contact Black Doom, the alien leader of the Black Arms race, during the fifty-year return of the Black Comet, and they made a deal. Gerald would have his creation deliver the seven Chaos Emeralds to Black Doom in fifty years and Black Doom would help Gerald with his work, even providing his blood as DNA for the project.[9] However, Gerald eventually discovered that the Black Arms planned to use the Chaos Emeralds to destroy earth and enslave the human population. Realizing he had made a terrible mistake, Gerald secretly plotted against Black Doom and developed the Eclipse Cannon to destroy the Black Comet and the Black Arms with it when they returned.

Eventually, Gerald and his colleges managed to create the "Prototype of the Ultimate Lifeform," dubbed the Biolizard. While the Biolizard lived up to many of Gerald and the others' standards as it grew, the creature proved too flawed.[8] In addition to a bestial nature, weak limbs and reliance on machinery for survival, Gerald noticed the Biolizard was growing too fast and requested the control part on its vital organs was reinforced.[10]

While the Biolizard became unruly and hard to control, Gerald and his colleges could to move onto the main project.[8] Using the DNA of Black Doom,[2] Gerald began creating a new version of the Biolizard, but with a more desirable physique,[8] which was named "Shadow the Hedgehog." Still unwilling to make Shadow a weapon however, Gerald gave him a heart and soul similar to Maria's in hopes that he would not breed conflict.[4] Additionally, Gerald planned for Shadow to be the savior of mankind by stopping the Black Arms when the time came, as only he could do it.

While conducting Project Shadow, Gerald presumably also developed the weapon-like Artificial Chaos, supposedly under orders from the government or military.[8]

The Gizoid

During Project Shadow,[2] Gerald uncovered an ancient robot called the Gizoid from a warehouse. Believing it was made by an ancient people, Gerald experimented on it with Chaos Emeralds and accidentally activated it. By researching papers related to the Gizoid and the Chaos Emeralds, and later an ancient stone tablet which he had discovered, Gerald theorized this robot was what caused the destruction of the Fourth Great Civilization. His further research and observations also revealed the Gizoid could mimic combat abilities and weapons, and that it possessed vast amount of data on melee combat and weapons of its age, data that which crashed Gerald's most advanced computers. Theorizing the Gizoid's full potential should it be fully restored, Gerald realized he had uncovered a horrible weapon.[11]

As Gerald continued to research the Gizoid, he discovered on the stone tablet that the Gizoid would swear loyalty to those with great power by establishing a "Link" with them. To keep the Gizoid under his control and from being used for evil, Gerald successfully made a Link with it by demonstrating his model weapon collection to it. However, in fear of someone with evil intentions forming a Link with the Gizoid, Gerald researched how to re-establish a Link with the Gizoid should it lost.[12]

Government and Shadow

When Shadow neared his completion, Gerald learned the government had become uneasy about Project Shadow and they considered cutting funding and shut it down. Unwilling to let Maria die, Gerald made a big risk and offered the Gizoid as a bribe to the government to keep Project Shadow going.[2][13] While Gerald ordered the Gizoid not to absorb dangerous technologies, he soon learned that other researchers were trying to form a new Link with the Gizoid through power. Eventually, Gerald's fears was confirmed when the Gizoid went on a rampaged that destroyed most of the ARK before it was subdued. Deeming the Gizoid a danger that could destroy the world, Gerald tried to destroy its core, but failed due to its advanced technology and instead resorted to reprogram the Gizoid with free-will and emotions, giving it a heart and soul similar to Maria's so that it could not become a weapon, like Shadow.[4][14]

File:Shadow's awakening.png

Gerald and Black Doom overseeing Shadow's awakening.

Eventually, Gerald's years of research bore fruit when Shadow was finally created,[1] with both him and Black Doom overseeing Shadow's awakening. Shadow proved to be everything Gerald had hoped for, possessing both immortality, high intelligence, own identity, and independence. Learning however that the government planned to cease his research due to Shadow having been deemed too dangerous and a threat to mankind, Gerald prepared a contingency video for Shadow to see, explaining his intention for Shadow to make up for his past mistake by stopping the Black Comet in fifty years.

Imprisonment

Gerald's suspicions was confirmed when GUN attacked the Space Colony ARK some time after the completion of Project Shadow to eliminate everything and everyone relate to the project and shut the ARK down.[2] While the attack was being executed, however, Gerald put his finishing touches on Shadow. When GUN's Special Forces then rushed into the ARK's research institute, Gerald entrusted Shadow to Maria and told her to escape in some escape pods with him before running in the opposite direction to draw unwanted attention away from the two. He later watched one of the escape pods being ejected from the ARK and was sure Maria and Shadow had escaped.[8][1]

Gerald was eventually captured under the guise of disappearing under mysterious circumstances and taken to Prison Island where he was forced to continue his experiments under military control.[5][1] Meanwhile, when it was released to the public that the ARK was shut down due to an ancient, Gerald was blamed for this.[8] When the military later found Shadow and brought him to Prison Island for Gerald to continue his research,[1] Gerald saw Maria among the list of casualties when the ARK was shut down and was grief-stricken. Unable to cope with his loss, Gerald began to lose control of his thoughts as he could only think of avenging Maria and ending everything, something which scared him.[7] During this period, Gerald got a hold of the Gizoid again and use this opportunity while he was still in control of his mind to make Maria's dying words the keywords that would activate the Gizoid's free-willed emotions-based AI.[15]

File:Gerald.jpg

Gerald in his last moments.

In the end, Gerald lost his grip on reality and went insane, devoting himself to avenging Maria by destroying humanity.[7] While it was thought that he was continuing his research with Shadow,[1] Gerald secretly created a program that would cause the Space Colony ARK to fall to earth and destroy the planet once the seven Chaos Emeralds was placed into the Eclipse Cannon,[2] and set as well the Biolizard up to ensure this. Gerald then brainwashed Shadow,[2][1] altering his memories so that he would carry out his plan. Soon afterwards, Gerald was incarcerated on Prison Island by the military out of fear for how he could retaliate.[1] When he was to be executed, Gerald's last action was leaving behind a record where he condemned the ungrateful world to destruction for the fate of Maria before he was killed in his cell.

Legacy

Because of the tragic deaths Gerald's research indirectly caused and the potential dangers to humanity his discoveries posed, many would view Gerald with contempt. The Commander himself came to considered Gerald insane and held a life-long grudge at him for creating Shadow which indirectly led to the death of Maria. Many of Gerald's late creations, research and discoveries which would form his legacy was either be sealed or placed under tight security so none could discover them due to their potentials for calamity. Gerald's Chaos Drives however, continued to be used by GUN as power sources for their mechs.

Despite Gerald's bad reputation among the higher-ups, Gerald's grandson Dr. Eggman looked up to him and admired him for the great things he accomplished which inspired him to become a scientist, though Eggman would come to use his intellect to try and achieve world domination. Gerald's research surrounding Shadow, the Eclipse Cannon, Emerl and the Ifrit would also be uncovered over time by his descendants, namely Dr. Eggman and Dr. Eggman Nega, who wanted to use it for their own nefarious purposes.

Gerald's plan to destroy the earth to avenge Maria was set into motion when Dr. Eggman awakened Shadow. Like Gerald had designed him to, Shadow set out to destroy the world to avenge Maria, unaware that he was carrying out Gerald's will. Once the Space Colony ARK was set on a collision course with earth, Gerald's last video recording before his execution was played around the world. Gerald's doomsday plan was averted however by Sonic the Hedgehog and, ironically, Shadow, who managed to recover his true memories of Maria. Sometime later, during the Black Arms invasion of earth, Gerald's contingency video to Shadow was played world-wide as well where he explained how he had planned for Shadow to save mankind from the Black Arms, which gave Shadow the needed resolve to defeat Black Doom. Realizing they had been wrong about the professor, the President and the Commander decided to play homage to Gerald by working towards a brighter future.

Personality

Before his descend, Gerald was a good man and a profound humanitarian, the very much opposite of his psychotic grandson Eggman. He was devoted to using his great intellect to help mankind and bring people happiness and hope through the power of science, believing that this was the reason for his existence, and was much more serious about his work than Eggman.[3][4][1]

Gerald was a man of strong ethical standards. He refused to use his genius for the wrong reasons, initially dismissing to lead Project Shadow because he believed it was crossing the limits of man to obtain immortality, and he had no interest in making or giving weapons for war.[4][8] However, he was not above breaking his own standards for certain reasons, like being forced to by the higher-ups or when he thought it was for the greater good such as participating in Project Shadow or handing over the dangerous Emerl to find a cure for her dying granddaughter. Even when in such situations however, Gerald would go out of his way to make sure the products of his research would have the capability for good as well, like when he gave both Shadow and Emerl feelings so they could choose not to fight and that he planned to share Shadow with the world to help mankind. He also held the strong belief that power born from the desire to protect rather than the desire to conquer would make all conflicts cease to exist.[16]

When Maria was killed, Gerald went through a profound change as he was consumed by grief and went insane. He eventually became a rage-filled psychopath, developing a deep hatred for humanity as he blamed all for Maria's death and became obsessed with getting revenge at everyone by committing global genocide. Even in his last moments, all Gerald had to express was his contempt at humanity.

Powers and Abilities

Gerald was an extremely knowledgeable and gifted scientist, possessing a well above genius-leveled intellect, and is regarded as both one of the most brilliant minds of all time and the most intelligent-gifted researcher of all time,[5][17] only matched by his grandson Eggman.[2]

Gerald possessed many and various talents, having mastered many areas of study, including architecture, science, astrology and foremost biology, along with genetics to astrophysics to robotics.[1] He was the one who designed the world's first bernal sphere space colony, the Space Colony ARK, and developed incredible devices and machinery such as the ultimate weapon known as the Eclipse Cannon, the Chaos Drives which could contain the Chaos Emeralds' mystical energies, and the Artificial Chaos which were composed of countless nanobots. He was also behind the creation incredible creature such as the Biolizard and Shadow the Hedgehog (the latter of which used alien DNA). Additionally, he was also a skilled archaeologist as demonstrated in his research of the Gizoid and the Fourth Great Civilization where he managed to uncover many of their secrets from ancient stone tablets.

Relationships

Maria Robotnik

Gerald and Maria Photo Shadow the Hedgehog

A photo of Gerald and his granddaughter, Maria.

Maria Robotnik was Gerald's granddaughter and undoubtedly the most important person in his life. Gerald was extremely fond of Maria and loved her dearly to the point where she meant everything to him and was the jewel of his eye.[1][7] After Maria had been diagnosed with Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Gerald's main priority was her well-being and to find a way to save her life, and nearly all his late research was dedicated to this. Because of Maria, Gerald was willing to break his own ethical standards and take enormous risks to find her a cure, such as agreeing to work on Project Shadow to develop a cure despite finding the research unethical,[8] handing over Emerl to the government to give the project more time despite Emerl posing an imminent danger,[13] and contacting Black Doom for help. He also trusted her greatly as he entrusted Shadow to her when the military attacked.[8]

When the ARK was shut down because of his research, Gerald's only concerns was Maria's safety. When he later learned that Maria had been killed, Gerald lost all reason to live and he felt responsible for her demise since his research led to the terrible accident that killed her,[1] which caused him to go mad with grief.[7] Gerald would afterwards devote the remainder of his life to avenging Maria by wiping out humanity who he blamed for his loss.

Shadow the Hedgehog

Shadow the Hedgehog is Gerald's greatest achievement of his scientific carrier, an immortal and intelligent being. Gerald was the one who created Shadow, but while the government wanted to use Shadow to produce an "immortality formula," Gerald planned for him to provide a way to develop a cure for the fatal sickness afflicting his granddaughter, Maria. However, Gerald wished not for Shadow to become the government's weapon and gave him a "soul" similar to Maria's so he could choose not to fight and even help cease conflict.[4][16]

While Shadow was created to help him save Maria, Gerald cared a great deal about Shadow as an individual, considering him his own son. Gerald also held great faith in him as he entrusted him to correct his past mistakes by defeating the Black Arms and whole-hearted hoped he could help mankind. When Gerald later went mad with grief over losing Maria, however, Gerald used Shadow as his tool to get revenge at humanity, going as far as to brainwash him to ensure he would carry out his plans.[2]

Creations

The Space Colony ARK

Main article: Space Colony ARK
File:Ark by RobbieGlazer.jpg

The Space Colony ARK.

The former home of Gerald, Maria, the would-be commander of G.U.N., and various researchers and soldiers, the ARK was a gigantic space colony where great research was performed. The entire place also worked as a life support system for Maria. While Gerald focused on making inventions for the good of mankind, little known devices of mass destruction were being made (the Ultimate Life form and the Eclipse Cannon), mostly under the influence of the military and preparations against Black Doom. Others who lived aboard the ARK included Shadow (who protected the ARK from danger), the Biolizard and Emerl. When Shadow was deemed a threat to humanity however, the ARK was shut down with several casualties. The ARK was later rediscovered by Dr. Eggman, who used it as a temporary base.

Eclipse Cannon

Main article: Eclipse Cannon

The Eclipse Cannon is an extremely powerful weapon that is located inside the "nose" of the Space Colony ARK. It is powered by Chaos Emeralds, and can destroy planets or even pierce stars with all seven. Gerald built it to destroy the Black Arms when they would return to Earth after fifty years, but after he went insane, he reprogrammed it to send the ARK flying into the Earth the next time it was activated with all seven Emeralds. Eventually, it was used for its original purpose.

Artificial Chaos

Main article: Artificial Chaos

Artificial Chaos are Gerald's first noteworthy creations. They resemble Chaos from Sonic Adventure and are most likely modeled after him as Maria states that Gerald created them based on "a god of an ancient culture". The Artificial Chaos are made up of a core (the head, shaped like that of Chaos 0) and trillions of nanobots that both protect the core and provide the body for it. While the Artificial Chaos seen in Shadow the Hedgehog had red, half-closed eyes and red marking on their heads, the ones in Sonic Adventure 2 have larger green eyes and an emblem on their foreheads.

Biolizard

Main article: Biolizard

Biolizard was the Prototype of the Ultimate Life. It was a giant lizard hooked up to a life support system. The Biolizard was deemed a failure as it went out of control and had to be sealed up. After Gerald went insane, he programmed the Biolizard to stop anyone from hindering the ARK crashing into the Earth, but it was stopped.

Shadow the Hedgehog

Main article: Shadow the Hedgehog

Perhaps Gerald's most brilliant achievement, this was the finished result of Project Shadow, the immortal Ultimate Life form who would never age. Shadow was created after Gerald had gone into a pact with the alien leader Black Doom, using his alien blood to create Shadow with a promise that Shadow would help Black Doom retrieve the Chaos Emeralds 50 years later. However, Project: Shadow was cancelled a week after Shadow was created, and Shadow was eventually captured and hidden away by G.U.N.

Heal Units

Main article: Heal Unit

Portable box-like devices that send out energy that replenish health and are still used to this day by G.U.N.. The Heal Unit may have inspired the creation of the Heal Cannon, a Bazooka-like weapon that fires shots with the same healing capabilities. Maria Robotnik feels it is Gerald's greatest creation.

Bomb Units

Main article: Bomb Unit

The Bomb Units are portable and highly explosive box-like bombs. These are used in Shadow the Hedgehog to break walls and find secret passage ways. Their design is very similar to the Heal Units' design.

Appearances in Other Media

Archie Comics

Gerald Robotnik Archie v2

Gerald Robotnik in the Archie Comics.

Gerald also appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-off comic series published by Archie Comics. In this media, he was an Overlander, the maternal grandfather of Dr. Robotnik, and a member of the House of Ivo (at least prior to the Super Genesis Wave).

Much like in the games, Gerald was a brilliant scientist who worked on Project: Shadow in hopes of finding a cure for Neuro-Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, a sickness afflicting his granddaughter, Maria Robotnik. Gerald managed to create Shadow the Hedgehog, but was then captured by G.U.N. and forced to work for them when they seized control of the project. When Gerald learned that the military had killed Maria, he secretly made a program that would destroy Mobius as revenge before he was executed.

A year after his awakening, Shadow encountered a digital version of Gerald who helped him uncover his purpose.

Sonic X

Gerald Robotnik Sonic X

Gerald Robotnik in Sonic X.

Gerald is also presented in the anime series Sonic X and is as well mentioned in its comic series published by Archie Comics. Much like in the games, he was a human from Earth and the grandfather of Maria Robotnik and Dr. Eggman.

Like in the games, Gerald was a scientific genius who worked on Project Shadow in hopes of finding a cure for Maria who was deadly ill. Eventually, Gerald's research led to the creation of Shadow the Hedgehog who became close to Maria, but G.U.N. arrived sometime after to forcefully shut down the project when it was deemed too dangerous. Gerald himself was incarcerated on Prison Island where he learned that Maria had been killed by the military. Consumed by thoughts of revenge, Gerald created a program that would destroy the Earth with the Space Colony ARK before he was executed by the military.

Trivia

Gallery

Gallery

See also

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 Sonic Adventure 2: Prima's Official Strategy Guide, p. 2-3
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 Prof. Gerald Robotnik, Codex, Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood
  3. 3.0 3.1 Sonic Team (May 3, 2002). Sonic Adventure 2. GameCube. Sega. Area: Before Route 280. "Shadow the Hedgehog: The professor said his life's work was dedicated to all of those who live down there. He once told that the reason for his existence was, making people happy through the power of science."
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Sonic Team (February 27, 2004). Sonic Battle. Game Boy Advance. Sega. Area: Gimme Shelter. "Rouge the Bat: He was not interested in researching weapons. He was researching a way to bring happiness and hope to all people. But, he was forced by the government and by the military to use his research for war. That's why he gave you and Gizoid a "soul." A soul identical to his beloved granddaughter, Maria."
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Sonic Adventure 2 (Dreamcast) North American manual, p. 12
  6. Backbone Entertainment, Sega Studio USA (December 7, 2007). Sonic Rivals 2. PlayStation Portable. Sega. Area: Frontier Canyon Zone. "Doctor Eggman: He apparently got some old files from my late grandfather, Professor Gerald. Those writings tell of an interdimensional beast called the Ifrit, and Eggman Nega wants to release it!"
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Gerald Robotnik's diary in Sonic Adventure 2.
  8. 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 Rouge's report in the Japanese Sonic Adventure 2 strategy guide, "The Truth about 50 Years ago..."
  9. Sonic Team (November 18, 2005). Shadow the Hedgehog. PlayStation 2. Sega. Area: Final Haunt. "Black Doom: The professor was in development of the ultimate life force but he needed my help. So we made a deal... I helped him and he promised to deliver me the SEVEN Chaos Emeralds."
  10. File:Biolizard file 2.png
  11. Prof. Gerald's Journal 1-2
  12. Prof. Gerald's Journal 3
  13. 13.0 13.1 Prof. Gerald's Journal 4-5
  14. Prof. Gerald's Journal 6
  15. Prof. Gerald's Journal 7
  16. 16.0 16.1 Prof. Gerald's Journal 8
  17. Shadow the Hedgehog (PlayStation 2) instruction manual, p. 7

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