Sonic the Hedgehog #61

In "Outback Gut Check," Sonic and Tails venture into the Australian outback on a mission to track down Ixis Naugus, only to stumble upon the Downunda Freedom Fighters and a surprising twist: Duck "Bill" Platypus, once a fellow rebel, now leads a faction of his own kind in a defiant stand against the established order. Written by Michael Gallagher and brought to life by Harvey Mercadoocasio’s dynamic art and Frank Gagliardo’s vivid colors, this 1998 issue delivers a sharp, character-driven turn in the ongoing conflict, with Pat Spaziante’s cover capturing the tension of the moment.