THE DARK LEGION, Part 1: ARMY OF DARKNESS

Writers: Ken Penders and Kent Taylor
Penciler: Manny Galán
Inker: Andrew Pepoy
Colorist: Karl Bollers
Letterer: Vickie Williams
Editor: Justin Freddy Gabrie

In a hidden complex, Knuckles' father hears the alarms go off. When he checks the monitors, he sees that "The Dark Legion" has returned. He decides that he better warn Archimedes who would be able to tell Knuckles to be on guard. Meanwhile, Archimedes and Knuckles are enjoying some peace and quiet. Archimedes gets the warning message telepathically. But before he can convince Knuckles that there's some danger around, Knuckles hears something.

In the past, the sons of Dimitri and Edmund are conversing while their fathers present their idea to rejoin the Floating Island with Mobius. Dimitri's son feels really terrible for his father once the plan is rejected.

In the present, Knuckles heads toward the sound and finds an army with robots, tanks, and hover vehicles (boogies). The soldiers are wearing black robes with black hoods that completely cover their faces and bodies. Knuckles wonders who they are and Archimedes hints that they're anything but good guys. However, a robot picks up their body heat.

In the past, the sons of Dimitri and Edmund are worried about their fathers as Mount Fate starts to fall. When Dimitri doesn't make it out, Edmund tries to comfort Menniker, Dimitri's son. Edmund, Edmund's son, and Menniker head for home.

In the present, Knuckles and Archimedes avoid the robot by having Archimedes teleport them away. However, the robot picks up their body heat again. Knuckles thinks that "these guys spell really bad news."

In the past, Edmund, who is now a Guardian, is going around collecting technology from all the people of Echidnaopolis. However, some of the people are very much against giving up their technology. Edmund's son, Steppenwolf, is helping Edmund collect the technology. Menniker willingly gives up his technology to Steppenwolf. Once Steppenwolf is gone, Menniker boasts "what need have I for antiques when I have access to state-of-the-art?"

In the present, Knuckles and Archimedes are tired of hiding. Archimedes teleports onto the robot's arm, which allows Knuckles to punch it's blindside. The robot crashes into many members of the army and causes complete chaos. Knuckles and Archimedes start running away, while the leader tells his army to hurry up and follow them.

In the past, Steppenwolf tells his father that the policy of simplifying society is creating a huge controversy and that there might be a rebellion. Edmund doesn't seem to notice the magnitude of the problem. Steppenwolf follows echidnas in black robes with black hoods that completely cover their faces and bodies. He hears a speak about how the "power elite" are trying to send Echidnaopolis to the Dark Ages, but he's discovered. The echidnas begin to shoot lasers at Steppenwolf as he makes a run for it.

In the present, Knuckles is running when he finds Vector, Mighty and Charmy. Archimedes tells everyone that there's "an invading armada" and that there're too many to fight and they need to approach this problem in a clandestine manner. Knuckles responds, "You mean more sneaky than Espio?" and looks to his left. No one sees anything, but then Espio reveals that he's also here. Knuckles still doesn't tell how he can see Espio, but they all hear the army approaching and start hiding, except Archimedes who disappears. Vector didn't hide very well and the army starts shooting at him. Mighty helps him out, while Espio and Knuckles start taking out some soldiers. However, everyone realizes that there're too many to fight and they decide to regroup because Knuckles figures that they know the area, while the invaders don't.

In the past, Steppenwolf stole a boogie to escape, but the black-clad echidnas shoot him down.

In the present, Knuckles and the Chaotix find out that not only are they ridiculously out numbered, but the army also knows the terrain. They surrender, and to Knuckles surprise, the leader turns out to be an echidna named Kragok.

To Be Continued in KNUCKLES THE DARK LEGION #2