Grounder is a Badnik that has made numerous appearances in Archie Comics Sonic the Hedgehog series, first appearing in the second issue in 1993. He is based on the character of the same name from the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon show, which in turn was based off the Grounder enemy from the Sonic the Hedgehog game series.
Pre-Super Genesis Wave[]
Grounder made his debut in Sonic the Hedgehog Issue #2 alongside his "non-identical twin" Scratch, together forming the Super Special Sonic Search & Smash Squad. After Coconuts' failed attempt at capturing Sonic the Hedgehog, Dr. Robotnik tasked Scratch and Grounder with defeating his nemesis. Following a trail left by Sonic to the edge of a cliff, the pair got ambushed by Sonic and fell off the cliff. At the bottom, Grounder managed to snatch Sonic with a cord in his arm, and he and Scratch hauled him in. However, Scratch and Grounder quickly got into an argument over who deserved the glory for subduing Sonic, allowing Sonic to bury them with his speed and escape.
Grounder, together with Scratch, Coconuts and other Badniks, would make numerous other attempts to capture Sonic, though all would end in humiliating failure. Eventually, Robotnik would decommission all of his older Badnik models and Grounder would be discarded.
Years after the demise of his creator and the rise of the Eggman Empire, Grounder would find new employment with the villainous Mammoth Mogul, working as a cook at the Bottom of the Barrel Bar 'n' Grill which had been incorporated into Mogul's Casino Night Club. While Grounder seemed to enjoy his new job, he was somewhat envious of Coconuts and his position as Mogul's butler, even though Coconuts hated the job.
Post-Super Genesis Wave[]
In the altered timeline following the Super Genesis Wave, Grounder's history has been altered a great deal. He had been created by Dr. Eggman early on in the doctor's campaign to conquer the world, participating in a scheme involving Breezie the Hedgehog to eliminate Sonic. He and Scratch were lying in wait with Breezie as their 'hostage' (although she was actually working with Eggman, as well), threatening to kill her if Sonic tried anything. Of course, Sonic moved way too fast for the incompetent robots, trouncing them easily before running off with Breezie.
Years later, prior to the Shattered World Crisis, Grounder and many of Eggman's older robots had been discarded by the doctor. Breezie, having established her own mass media empire by that time, hired Grounder as a member of her staff at her Casino Park establishment. While Breezie may not be as abusive a boss as Eggman, Grounder faces his fair share of challenges as her underling; he dislikes having to wear a uniform since he cannot dress himself due to lacking hands, requiring Scratch to help him fasten his buttons and tie his bowtie.
Appearance[]
In the original continuity, Grounder looked exactly like his cartoon incarnation from Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. He is a squat robot with a turquoise-coloured body, a dome-shaped head sporting an antenna and a drill bit for a nose and a drill on each arm rather than hands. His eyes resemble measurement gauges and he also sports a gauge on his belly. He moves about on caterpillar treads.
In the Post-Super Genesis Wave timeline, Grounder's appearance has been modified to combine aspects of both his cartoon design and the design of the Grounder enemy from the Sonic games. He retains his turquoise colour scheme, though his eyes now appear as screwheads, making it appear as though his eyes are always closed.
Abilities[]
Like his cartoon counterpart, Grounder's frame contained a multitude of gadgets for various purposes. Since he only made a few appearances in the comic, he didn't get to show off nearly as many gizmos as his animated incarnation.
In the new continuity, Grounder is only shown to have drill bits coming out of his arms, so this incarnation may not have had an arsenal of gadgets at his disposal.
Personality[]
Grounder is dim-witted, slow and clumsy. He is extremely gullible and has a distinct lack of awareness. Due to his incompetence, he normally only accomplishes anything through sheer dumb luck. He frequently argues with his cohort Scratch as they both try to gain favour from their employers.