THE FIRST DATE, Part 1: SHE LOVES YOU...(and you know that can't be bad!)
Writer: Ken Penders
Penciler: Chris Allan
Inker: Andrew Pepoy
Colorist: Frank Gagliardo
Letterer: Vickie Williams
Editor: Justin Freddy Gabrie

Vector, Mighty, and Espio are eating at a fast food place and Vector complains that Charmy has been gone too long. Espio says that Charmy grew up and times changed. Mighty says that Charmy didn't have a choice, but Espio says that Charmy could've renounced his heritage. Vector says that no one would give up the status, the money, or the girls. Espio informs them that Charmy's betrothed to a girl named Safron. Vector feels sick in the stomach and says that girls are nothing but "baaaad news." Mighty tells Vector that he has nothing to worry about because no girl would want him anyway. Vector says that Mighty's got it wrong because no girl can handle him. Espio says that he can think of at least one, namely Julie-Su. Mighty says that's true, but she's got her eyes on Knuckles.

Meanwhile, in an abandoned factory, Julie-Su is using a picture of Knuckles as target practice because she's mad at him for leaving her. She then picks up the messed up picture and starts talking to it. Then she realizes "This is bad! I'm even talking to mutilated pictures now!" She figures that she needs to get a life, but doesn't know where to start since she's always thinking about Knuckles.

In Haven, Locke is fixing pancakes as Knuckles, who's obviously thinking about something, walks in. Locke asks Knuckles what's on his mind and Knuckles asks "Why [do] boys and girls get together?" After Locke spits out his coffee (or tea) in surprise, he asks Knuckles why is he thinking about that. Knuckles says that it's Julie-Su. He doesn't understand her feelings most of the time and when he's around her he's happy and mad at the same time. Knuckles doesn't have this problem with anyone else. Locke asks Knuckles if he's friends with any other girls, and Knuckles says that he doesn't even think about other girls. Locke tells Knuckles that he's succumbed to the soultouch, which is a way for echidnas to recognize their soulmate. Knuckles asks Locke what happened between him and his mother. Locke says that he's wondered that himself and figures that relationships require a lot of work. They leave the kitchen to continue their discussion.

In the streets of Echidnaopolis, Vector brags that he can do more than just talk about girls. Espio challenges Vector to get a girl to go on a date with him. Vector tells them to watch and learn. He checks out the girls he sees and decides to try for the lavender-colored echidna who is buying some snacks from a street vendor. She turns him down flat.

In Julie-Su's apartment, she looks at herself in the mirror and comments on having a bad hair day. That's when she decides she has to get out because she's starting to sound like a shallow-ditz. As she walks through the streets, she pauses at a store window and looks at the hat and dress on display. A guy comes up from behind and tells her to try it on. Julie-Su isn't sure, but the guy leads her into the store and the manager lets her try it on. The guy says that the hat gives Julie-Su a sense of style and then asks her out to lunch.

In Haven, Knuckles is by himself as Archimedes pops in to see how he's doing. Knuckles claims that he doesn't know because he likes being at Haven with his dad, while he also would like to be with Julie-Su. Archimedes says Locke wouldn't want to discuss the possibility of love too much because parents like to protect their children from the harsh realities of life and love is one of them. Knuckles asks what should he do and Archy tells Knuckles that it's his choice. Knuckles tells Archy that he's ready to go and that he'll talk to his dad later. Just as they disappear, Locke walks in and wonders where did Knuckles go.

Vector isn't happy because he's been unsuccessful in getting a date so far. While he's sitting an outdoor food court, he's approached by a female swan, who turns Vector's eyes into hearts.

Meanwhile in a fancy restaurant called "Bistro," Julie-Su is having lunch with the guy, who's name is "Raynor," she met on the street. As Raynor asks Julie-Su if there's anyone special in her life, Knuckles and Archy pop into the store not too far away.


FRIEND IN NEED
Writer: Ken Penders
Penciler: Manny Galan
Inker: Andrew Pepoy
Colorist: Barry Grossman
Letterer: Vickie Williams
Editor: Justin Freddy Gabrie

Mighty is at his home when he's approached by Nic the Weasel, Nack the Weasel's sister. She has a collar which belongs to Ray the Squirrel, Mighty's missing best friend. Nic says that if Mighty helps her, she'll tell him where Ray can be found. While Nic pilots the air craft toward their destination, Mighty has a flashback about that place. It was 6 or 7 years ago that he met Ray while they were both, along with others, being taken to the slave labor camp. He met Sonic then, who was with them even though he wasn't captured. Sonic left them to check out the place, but promised to come back for them all later. Nic stops the flashback as she lands the craft by the remains of the slave labor camp Mighty told us about in his flashback. Mighty tells Nic that if things aren't level, they will renegotiate. However, the first person he sees is someone never thought he'd see again...Fiona Fox.

To Be Continued in KNUCKLES THE ECHIDNA #27