Scratch 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.
Pre-Super Genesis Wave[]
Scratch made his debut in Sonic the Hedgehog Issue #2 alongside his "non-identical twin" Grounder, 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.
Scratch, together with Grounder, 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 Scratch would be discarded.
Years after the demise of his creator and the rise of the Eggman Empire, Scratch would find new employment with the villainous Mammoth Mogul as a concierge at the Casino Night Zone.
Post-Super Genesis Wave[]
In the altered timeline following the Super Genesis Wave, Scratch'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 Grounder 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, Scratch 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 Scratch as her bodyguard and security chief of her Casino Park establishment. While Scratch enjoys working for Breezie more than Eggman, he and Grounder still often get into fights as they try to win Breezie's favour.
Appearance[]
In the comics' original continuity, Scratch looked exactly like his cartoon incarnation from Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. He is a tall robot modeled after a rooster or chicken, sporting a mostly grey body with a long neck, yellow beak and legs and red tail feathers. While working for Mammoth Mogul, he wore a tuxedo.
In the Post-Super Genesis Wave continuity, Scratch's appearance was modified to be somewhat more in line with the design aesthetic of Badniks from the Sonic video games from 2010 onwards. He displays more seams on his body to appear more mechanical and his beak is serrated and sports visible hinges.
Abilities[]
Scratch, while capable of dealing mean pecks, was practically defenseless against foes of Sonic's caliber.
Personality[]
Loud and arrogant, Scratch is extremely bossy and the self-styled leader of the Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad. A glory hog by default, he would often take credit for what his team did collectively. He is likewise sadistic and will take advantage of the opportunity to gloat at his enemies if given the chance. Despite his slight intelligence that allowed him to come up with the initial disastrous plans for his team, Scratch is easily tricked, easily distracted, and has a very short temper.