Shadow the Hedgehog is one of the most iconic rivals Sonic the Hedgehog has ever faced. Dark where Sonic is bright, Shadow is an edgy, gun-wielding, motorcycle riding threat. Sasuke Uchiha, in hedgehog form.
But Shadow embodies all the traits of fleeting coolness of the 2000s. He's 2 edgy 4 me, some might say. Which begs the question: is Shadow the Hedgehog cringe? And is Sonic the Hedgehog, with its emotional sincerity and surreal visuals, potentially an example of post-cringe culture?
0:00 Shadow the Hedgehog is Cringe, and That’s Okay
4:09 Sonic the Hedgehog and Coolness
14:00 Sonic Adventure Changed Everything
22:58 Shadow the Hedgehog and His Character Arc (Sonic Heroes, Sonic ‘06)
31:00 Fan Material Goes Too Far
37:27 Sonic the Hedgehog was Cringe, And Now It’s Free