Flicking again through some old sketches, from about a year ago when I was still working on my fan comic, Sonic Evolution.

I came up with a story arc involving a group of 6 other Echidna guardians who all had their own floating islands to look after where they guarded what were called the Alter Emeralds.

I felt like doing a lil group pic of all of them and so came up with this.

The basic premise is Knuckles first finds out about these other Echidna's when an island crashes into his own. Exploring the island, he finds two occupants. One Dr. Zachery and his son Asgarde. Won't give away anything more and just to note, my comic was inspired by STC hence the presence of Dr. Zachery.

I'll give some brief info on the other characters.

Ecoli is a mysterious black echidna whose home is Mane Island. Despite his threatening appearence, he's quite friendly. Ecoli can be quite savage when needs be and he often runs on all fours and even growls much like a lion.

Bibig (Bibigton) is somewhat of a mutation, having been born with three knuckles on each hand instead of two and an unusually long tail which allows him to gain altitude while gliding.

Rigbi is the eldest of the group. Very strong but doesn't speak much when he thinks he should so many often think he's simply all brawn and no brains which isn't the case. He has a great fondness for nature and is an expert gardener and raiser of chao.

Asgarde, the son of Dr. Zachery. Keeps himself to himself and is usually the first the challenge Knuckles' authority. Although the two are working together, he holds some resentment towards the Echidna, considering him a rival.

Pripri is another mutation. Females are generally not born with knuckles but she was, making her the 2nd female guardian in echidnian history. She isn't very sociable and can be quite hostile towards the others.

Piotri is the youngest guardian. Always upbeat and cheerful, he and Knuckles hit it off like a house on fire and the two are almost like brothers. Always supportive and the ray of hope within the group. Sees good even within the darkest soul.