While we are still in the midst of reveling in the new Sonic comic goodness that is flooding in this month, IDW Sonic news continues to rain down ensuring the hype train, like Sonic, is not slowing down! Diamond Previews World has published the July solicitations including issue #7, hitting shelves on the 25th, and some exciting revelations regarding it, in terms of both art and story!

First and foremost, this marks the 7th issue of the book, which traditionally would mark the beginning of the second half of the first year. Despite releasing 4 issues in April, Flynn has asserted that he is considering “Year 1” as the first 12 issues. To commemorate this milestone, Kieran Gates will be producing a special foil cover! Adam Bryce Thomas will be returning to do the interior art and the B cover, per the usual scheme, and Nathalie Fourdraine will be doing her 7th consecutive RI-A cover! Unlike April, IDW will be toning things back, as far as variants are concerned, only releasing one retailer incentive regularly from issue #5 onward.

Additionally, it seems that we will not find out the true identity of whomever is currently controlling the Eggman Empire until issue #7! After finding Dr. Eggman in the previous 2 issues, a stunning revelation will come to surface explaining exactly what happened to the doctor and who has stolen his throne!

If that was not enough, the Sonic Crash Course Miniature Game by IDW Games will be released in July as well! Those who pre-ordered it from Gamestop will receive a special black & white variant of Kieran Gate’s #1 cover packaged with the game!

A) ( W ) Ian Flynn (A) Adam Bryce Thomas (CA) Kieran Gates B) ( W ) Ian Flynn (A&CA) Adam Bryce Thomas RI-A) ( W ) Ian Flynn (A) Adam Bryce Thomas (CA) Nathalie Fourdraine Secrets revealed! After the dramatic events of the last two issues and the secret of Dr. Eggman, Sonic races off to shut down the organized Badniks at the source. Unfortunately, there’s more at play than Sonic has realized, and more powerful players… One of the first major villains of the new series revealed! A special foil cover to celebrate entering the second half of Sonic’s first year at IDW! Don’t miss the new Sonic the Hedgehog: Crash Course Board game in our games section! *Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.

I can hardly wait for July to arrive, but let us not forget that issue #3 & Knuckles hits shelves today! Based on my own research, this is by far the most anticipated issue of the month! I will be picking it up this afternoon, so keep a look out for my full review soon!

Until then, are you excited about the foil cover? Who do you think siezed Dr. Eggman’s empire when he was down and out? Let us know in the comments below!