The Mantis (マンティス Mantisu?),[1][2] also known as Hopper (ホッパー Hoppā?)[3][4] in Japan, is a recurring enemy in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a mass-produced, grasshopper-based Badnik model created by Dr. Eggman that can make rapid leaps while ambushing its target.
Appearance
Despite their name, Mantises resemble and behave more like grasshoppers than mantises. They have green armor with minor silver details such as feelers, mouth plate and pairs of bolts on their legs and heads. Their robotic hind legs are powerful and stretch backwards when preparing to jump.
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4, the Mantises look mostly the same, but with minor changes, like having eyes instead of bolts and longer feelers.
Game appearances
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles
Mantises first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and its locked-on version Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles. They are found in Marble Garden Zone Act 2 and where they hide in the ground or stand around tricky sections. When the player comes near one, the Mantis leaps on the spot and keeps doing this for as long as the playable character is close to it. When finally moving, it can jump right over the player, making it very easy to avoid. They are easily defeated with the Spin Jump.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, Mantises appear as enemies in Sylvania Castle Zone. They behave much like they did in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, although they are slightly less predictable. Some Mantises can also stand on ceilings and will drop down when the player gets close.
Powers and abilities
Mantises have enhanced agility and wallcrawling skills, allowing them to perform rapid leaps in one place and stand on ceilings.
In other media
Sonic the Comic
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In the Sonic the Comic series published by Fleetway Editions, the Mantis are a part of Dr. Robotnik's Badnik army and are among the third generation of Badniks the doctor produced. Depending on the artist, the Mantises' coloration has been altered slightly each times.
Sonic Adventures
In the French Sonic Adventures comic book, Robotnik sents numerous Badniks (including Mantis) on huge chase after Sonic and Tails when they escaped from his spaceship.
Gallery
Artwork
Screenshots
References
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Sega Genesis) North American instruction manual pg. 23.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Sega Mega Drive) Japanese instruction manual pg. 37.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 3 card number 06 from Sonic Tweet.
- ↑ Japanese titled enemies of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 listed on the GHZ.
Template:Sonic 3 & Knuckles info