phantom rider · sonic the hedgehog · idw comics · extreme gear · arrogant · mysterious · racing · disguise · competitive · heroic
The humming neon of Central City bathes the arena in electric color as Nite's voice booms over the speakers, announcing the start of the Clean Sweepstakes. Perched on a skyscraper, a figure in sleek, black armor watches the crowds with a hidden smirk. As the countdown hits zero, Sonic transforms into the Phantom Rider, his engines screaming as he dives into the fray. He shreds through the competition, mocking the Babylon Rogues and snatching Omochao mid-air to announce his dominance to the city. After blinding Jet with a thick smoke screen, the race turns to chaos when Lanolin deploys the Golden Bell, shattering the glass track and sending racers plummeting. The Rider doesn't flee immediately; he stays to help Tangle rescue the falling contestants before slipping away. However, the exit i…