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This character exists primarily or exclusively within the Pre-Super Genesis Wave continuity.
Information in this article may not be canonical to the storyline of the games or any other Sonic continuity.

The Krudzu Hybrid Hydra[1], or simply the Krudzu,[2] is a character that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics. It is a unique rapidly-growing mechanical weed with numerous fly-trap-like mouths, and the ability to integrate itself into and take control of robots.

Appearance[]

Krudzu

The Krudzu's base form, from Sonic the Hedgehog #1.

In its most basic form, the Krudzu Hybrid Hydra is simply a series of spiked green mechanical vines, some of which possess small "heads" with sharp teeth and tongues. However, due to the Krudzu's ability to incorporate mechanical parts into itself, it can take on numerous more appearances depending on the parts currently available to it.[2][1]

History[]

Creation and testing[]

Krudzu Entangling Antoine

Antoine entangled in the Krudzu, from Sonic the Hedgehog #1.

The Krudzu was created and tested by Dr. Ivo Robotnik in the Budding Circle at some early point during the First Robotnik War. However, this put much strain on the ground in the area, and caused it to collapse.[3][1][note 1]

Meet Me at the Corner of Hedgehog & Vine![]

It would later be rediscovered and named by Research and Development SWATbot #693-47892. After presenting it to Robotnik, SWATbot #693-47892 was almost destroyed for breaking Robotnik's "No plants" rule. However, Robotnik saw that it was a Mechanical plant, that promptly tried to consume Crabmeat. SWATbot #693-47892 explained that he had a Burrobot customized to spread Krudzu seeds all over the Great Forest, which it promptly did. Almost immediately, Antoine D'Coolette discovered a large Krudzu sprout, was entangled by it, and had to be rescued by Sonic the Hedgehog. After Sonic, Rotor, and Princess Sally took Antoine to Knothole and removed the vines from Antoine, Tails mistook the Krudzu vines for dried cuttings, and watered them. Fearing the worst, the Freedom Fighters was surprised when the Krudzu burst into an electrical fire. Rotor then examined the Krudzu and discovered that it was weak against water. Sally and Tails then pointed out the day's weather forecast, which called for rain. As such, most of the planted Krudzu vines short-circuited during the storm.[2]

The Map[]

Searching through his father's belongings one day, Antoine found half of a map in the hilt of General Armand D'Coolette's sword. On one side of his half piece was a complete drawing of the Budding Circle, where Dr. Robotnik originally unleashed the Krudzu. At the same time, Snively, searching through his uncle's files, found the opposite half of the map—also with one complete drawing of the Budding Circle on one side. Each set out toward their destination on the South side of Robotropolis, where the Budding Circle once existed.[3]

At the alleged site of the former Budding Circle, Snively sent a squadron of Eggbots to dig in search of any remaining Krudzu seedlings that he could use as a weapon against his uncle to take over Robotropolis. In the meantime, Antoine arrived on the scene and tripped over a pile of metal bars, causing a commotion. Snively sent the Eggbots to investigate and silence the intruder so as to keep his plot against Robotnik secret. Ultimately, the Freedom Fighters came and destroyed Snively's Eggbots, foiling his plan. At the end of the day, no remaining Krudzu seeds were discovered.[3]

Survival and transformation[]

Following the nuclear assault by Station Square on Robotropolis, a single Krudzu root managed to survive the blast. It had previously been part of a project by Robotnik to improve upon his former creation. After having burrowed to safety, it re-grew and merged itself with parts from other scavenged Badniks, renaming itself the "Krudzu Hybrid Hydra".[4][1]

Hide and Seek and Destroy![]

During Sonic's search for Dr. Eggman in the Eggdome, the Krudzu Hybrid Hydra followed Sonic and ambushed him. Though Sonic was able to defeat it once, it quickly revived itself to full strength and continued to engage Sonic. As it was about to finish Sonic off, Dr. Eggman, wanting to defeat Sonic himself, sent a robotic hummingbird to detonate the Krudzu Hybrid Hydra. A confused Sonic left behind the charred remains at the Eggdome.[1]

Unraveling[]

Titan Metal Sonic Mutated!

Krudzu possessing Titan Metal Sonic, from Sonic the Hedgehog #241.

A sprig of the Krudzu survived, and was later found by Cubot aboard the Death Egg Mark 2. Realizing its destructive potential, Eggman allowed it to merge with a model of Titan Metal Sonic and sent it to attack Team Fighters. However, the group of heroes tag-teamed the construct and knocked it into the ocean.[5]

Endangered Species[]

The Krudzu Hybrid Hydra survived the Titan Metal Sonic's destruction and went on to possess the body of Metal Knuckles, who had been knocked out during the battle in Albion. After attacking Team Fighters and Knuckles the Echidna, it was eventually defeated by Sonic. It then proceeded to seemingly absorb various machinery laying around in order to take on a new form; however, it was quickly defeated by Shard the Metal Sonic, who was initially watching the fight in secret.[6][7][8]

Powers and abilities[]

Like organic plants, the Krudzu can grow from seeds, and spread rapidly. It can also incorporate and control robotics easily. It should be noted that the Krudzu appears to share a single mind and will across all of its heads, and can only truly be destroyed when no heads are alive.[2][1]

Weakness[]

Originally, the Krudzu was incredibly weak to water. However, after incorporating itself into a Crabmeat, the Krudzu adapted to water, and became immune to it.[2][7]

Trivia[]

  • The Krudzu is deliberately based on kudzu. Kudzu was introduced to America from Japan as both a decoration and a means of preventing soil erosion. Inevitably, the kudzu growing went out of hand. Now, it is a weed that takes root deep in the ground, and grows like wildfire. It has been known to entangle cars, fences, and even small animals.
  • The Krudzu is the first-ever Sonic character exclusively made for the Archie Comics.

Notes[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Although Sonic the Hedgehog #1 heavily implied that the Krudzu was a creation of Research and Development SWATbot #693-47892, later issues would refer to it as a creation of Robotnik's which was "rediscovered" by the SWATbot. Despite this, Robotnik shows surprise at the Krudzu's introduction in Sonic the Hedgehog #1.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Sonic the Hedgehog Free Comic Book Day 2010, "Hide and Seek and Destroy!"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Sonic the Hedgehog #1, "Meet Me at the Corner of Hedgehog & Vine!"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Sonic Super Special #1, "The Map"
  4. Sonic the Hedgehog #110, "Station Square Attacks!"
  5. Sonic the Hedgehog #241, "Unraveling"
  6. Sonic the Hedgehog #244, "Endangered Species Part Two: Extinction Event"
  7. 7.0 7.1 Sonic the Hedgehog #245, "Endangered Species Part Three: Restoration Efforts"
  8. Sonic the Hedgehog #246, "Endangered Species Finale: One of a Kind"

External links[]

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