The Mantis[2] (マンティス[3] Mantisu?), also known as Hopper (ホッパー Hoppā?)[4][5] in Japan, is an enemy in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a mass-produced, grasshopper-based Badnik model created by Dr. Eggman that can make rapid leaps when ambushing its target.
Appearance
Despite their name, the Mantises resemble and behave more like grasshoppers than mantises. They have green armor with minor silver details such as feelers, mouth plate and pairs of bolts on their legs and heads. Their robotic hind legs are powerful and stretch backwards when preparing to jump.
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4, the Mantises look mostly the same, but with some minor changes, such as having eyes instead of bolts and longer feelers.
Game appearances
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles
In Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and the lock-on game Sonic 3 & Knuckles, this Badnik is referred to as Mantis[2] (マンティス[3] Mantisu?) and appear as an enemy. They are only found in Marble Garden Zone Act 2.
In gameplay, the Mantises hide in the ground or stand around tricky sections. When the player comes near one, the Mantis leaps on the spot and keeps doing this for as long as the playable character is close to it. When finally moving, it can jump right over the player, making it very easy to avoid. They are easily defeated with the Spin Jump. Also, upon their destruction, they will reward the player 100 points and release an Animal.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, this Badnik is referred to as the Mantis[1] once more and return as an enemy. They are only encountered in Sylvania Castle Zone.
In gameplay, the Mantises behave much like they did in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, although they are slightly less predictable. Some Mantises can also stand on ceilings and will drop down when the player gets close. Also, upon their destruction, they will reward the player 100 points and release an Animal.
Powers and abilities
Mantises have enhanced agility and wallcrawling skills, allowing them to perform rapid leaps in one place and stand on ceilings.
In other media
Sonic the Comic
Mantises in Sonic the Comic.
In the Sonic the Comic series published by Fleetway Editions, the Mantises are a part of Dr. Robotnik's Badnik army and are among the third set of Badniks the doctor produced. In this media, they look radically different from their game counterparts and are capable of flight.
Sonic Adventures
In the French Sonic Adventures comic book, Robotnik sends numerous Badniks (including Mantis) on a huge chase after Sonic and Tails when they escaped from his spaceship.
Trivia
The error in the western manual of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
- In the western game manual of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Mantis' artwork is mistakenly shown upside-down. This led Sonic the Comic artist Mike Hadley to interpret it as the official design, drawing them that way in Sonic the Comic #42.
- Incidentally, Mantises being upside down would be a new tactic for them when they reappeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II.
Gallery
Artwork
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Screenshots
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sega . Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode II official website. Badniks: Mantis. Sega. Archived from the original on 24 May 2019.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Sega Genesis) North American instruction booklet, pg. 23.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Sega Mega Drive) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 37.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 3 card number 06 from Sonic Tweet.
- ↑ Japanese titled enemies of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 listed on the GHZ.
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