This character exists primarily or exclusively within the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog continuity. Information in this article may not be canonical to the storyline of the games or any other Sonic continuity.

Not to be confused with Scratchy.

Scratch is one of the secondary antagonists in the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog television series. He is a fowl-based Badnik^[3] created by Dr. Ivo Robotnik as an adversary of Sonic the Hedgehog. Along with his "clone" Grounder, he is a member of Robotnik's Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad and one of the doctor's main henchmen.

Scratch and Grounder serve largely as the comic relief in the series. Though he and Grounder are in charge of capturing or defeating Sonic and his friend Tails, they are incompetent and almost always fail. These repeated failures frequently result in Scratch and Grounder receiving a lot of abuse (both verbal and physical) from Dr. Robotnik.

Quick Answers

Who created the character Scratch in the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog series?

Scratch, a robot character in the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog series, was devised by Dr. Ivo Robotnik. The character also features in the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and related spin-offs by Archie Comics.

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What role does Scratch play in Dr. Robotnik's Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad?

Scratch, a rooster-like Badnik, is a member of Dr. Robotnik's Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad. Created to counter Sonic the Hedgehog, Scratch and his fellow robot, Grounder, successfully captured Tails, leading to Sonic's surrender. In addition to their roles in the field, Scratch and Grounder also served in Robotnik's fortress, notably preparing an unexpected breakfast of hotcakes.

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How does Scratch contribute to the comic relief in the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog series?

In the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog series, Scratch is a robot crafted by Dr. Robotnik. His comic relief role is evident in his interactions with Grounder and his comedic attempts to disrupt Sonic's missions, which frequently result in amusing mishaps, contributing to a lighter series tone.

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Who is Scratch's 'clone' in the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog series?

In the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog series, Scratch's 'clone' is Grounder. Both were created by Dr. Ivo Robotnik to oppose Sonic the Hedgehog. They are part of Robotnik's Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad, acting as the doctor's primary henchmen.

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What is Scratch's main mission against Sonic the Hedgehog?

In the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog series, Scratch, a Badnik chicken, and his clone Grounder serve as Dr. Ivo Robotnik's henchmen. Their main mission is to capture Sonic the Hedgehog, either on Robotnik's command or for amusement. Despite their attempts, Sonic frequently tricks them into defeat. Their conflict with Sonic is ongoing due to their ability to be easily repaired.

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Appearance

Scratch is a tall, lanky and roughly humanoid fowl-based Badnik with white feathers, big feet, wing-like arms, silver body armor, black collar and belt, a red comb atop his head, a red two-feathered tail and a yellow beak and legs.

History

TV series

Past

In the recent past, Scratch was conceived by Dr. Ivo Robotnik to be a super-robot that could catch Sonic the Hedgehog easily. He was created from a combination of items thrown into the Robo-Matic Machine. However, in spite of Robotnik's intentions, the Robo-Matic Machine spawned Scratch, who unfortunately was almost exactly the opposite of what the doctor wanted. After being created, Scratch had one of his tail feathers plucked and put into a cloning machine by Robotnik to make him "twice as effective", although Scratch pulled an extra lever that caused the machine to make Grounder. Despite both being on the same team, they did not get along well and fought each other over which of the two was Robotnik's favorite.^[6]

On their first mission, Scratch and Grounder were told to catch Sonic, with each robot having their own plans on how to do it. While these plans did not result in Sonic's capture, they managed to catch Tails, which made the hedgehog give himself up in exchange for his friend's safety. After this, Scratch and Grounder called Dr. Robotnik, who told them that he would come to the robots' location soon. However, immediately afterward, Coconuts, who also wanted to catch Sonic, decided to take over Scratch and Grounder's scheme in order to get a promotion. However, they were all tricked by Sonic and got trapped by him. Sonic would then free himself and Tails. Afterward, the duo tricked Robotnik into smashing his own Egg-O-Matic into Scratch and his cohorts, smashing them into pieces.^[6]

Season one

One time, Scratch and Grounder were sent by Dr. Robotnik to catch Sonic and Tails. Though they managed to do this, the heroes told the robots that they should not do that and that the meant too much for them. Afterward, Sonic started to tell Scratch and Grounder the story of how they first met. Though Grounder cried in joy, Scratch did not like the story because it ended with him getting destroyed. After this, Sonic easily freed himself and Tails using a Triple Spin, and the two escaped while Scratch and Grounder watched.^[6]

Sonic Christmas Blast

Scratch and Grounder are back as Robotnik's cheerleaders (behind the scenes, on the set, during the announcement that Robotnik is taking over for Santa Claus) and as Santa's helpers at the mall and elsewhere. They intimidate people in the city and steal stuff from them. Scratch briefly has a megaphone along with his pom-pom and green skirt, then later an elf-inspired green costume with a more traditional black belt. The feather styled-jester collar is replaced by a white scarf and his usual darker gray leotard is missing under his jacket and shorts. He switches back to his usual outfit eventually but for some reason Scratch's collar and his belt are both a very dark gray instead of their normal blue-black.

Games

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine

In the 16-bit version and 8-bit version of Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, Dr. Robotnik gathered many of his old henchbots, including Scratch, and asked them to kidnap the beans that inhabited Beanville so the doctor could turn them into robot slaves using his Mean Bean-Steaming Machine. Later, Scratch was the twelfth henchbot the player battled and defeated.

Other game appearances

Sonic Spinball

In the 16-bit version of Sonic Spinball, mass-produced Scratches appear in "The March" Bonus Stage. In it, the robots circle around a large Capsule, and it is the player's objective to destroy them.

Personality

Scratch is arrogant, brash and boastful, proclaiming himself to be the leader of the Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad. He often asserts dominance over Grounder, claiming superiority due to being Robotnik's "favorite" and mocking him for his dim wits and clumsiness. His moments of perceived triumph are frequently punctuated by a distinctive crowing cackle ("Bwaha-ha-ha!"). However, his overconfidence blinds him to flaws in his schemes which, although elaborately designed, consistently fail due to oversight, botched execution, or Sonic's cunning. Despite his bravado, Scratch is cowardly and adverse to pain, as seen when he panics at the potentially painful prospect of being cloned, or when he hesitates to face Robotnik's wrath. His loyalty to Robotnik is fear-driven and sycophantic, and he is desperate to win his approval, often exaggerating his contributions or deflecting blame onto Grounder to dodge punishment.

Powers and abilities

Scratch does not have many significant abilities. Like a real rooster/chicken, Scratch is capable of pecking foes. He also seems to have a telescopic neck which can extend and retract - his head often retracts into his torso to protect himself. He can turn his left middle finger and pointer finger into sharp blades to use as a pair of scissors,^[6] use his right thumb as a lighter,^[7] and turn his left eye into a telescope.^[8]

Scratch is known to use the Egg Blaster cannon to shoot eggs at his opponents.^[9][2][10] He also claims to have earned a black belt, though this may only be a gag based on his ubiquitous accessory.^[11]

Scratch possesses impressive strength, being strong enough to lift a massive brick wall.^[6] He is also very durable; whenever he gets beat up (which is very often), he is often dented up and sometimes, even broken into pieces, but never completely destroyed. Sometimes, Scratch is even capable of putting himself back together.

Relationships

Grounder

Grounder is Scratch's "clone" and perhaps his fraternal, rather than identical, twin (since two rotten eggs were used in the formation of Scratch and there were adjustments made later by Scratch himself, accidentally.) They are competitive and easily jealous, acting like siblings fighting over Robotnik's attention, generally bickering over who is the better robot, who is more of an idiot and many other things (especially when they were first created.) Many of their arguments have led to humiliating defeats. A few times Scratch is either very callous or very cruel to Grounder, almost bringing him to tears, perhaps a little more often than Grounder is towards him. In spite of all this, Scratch occasionally refers to Grounder as his little brother and seems quite proud of him.

Despite how they fight and imply that they want to be separated from one another, there are several moments throughout the series where they get along quite well (watching TV or dancing), look out for one another, and frequently hug each other when terrified. The two also put their differences aside when a superior robot appears, as they rightly fear being demoted. It's even shown in some episodes that Grounder cares about Scratch and Scratch cares about Grounder.

Dr. Ivo Robotnik

Scratch is usually loyal to Dr. Ivo Robotnik and serves him to his fullest. However, when he fails, Robotnik gets really angry at him and abuses him. Because of this, Scratch sometimes betrays Robotnik when given the opportunity; when he became giant because of Dr. Warpnik's cannon that turns people into monsters, he and his allies decided to "give the doctor a lesson".^[10] Also, when Momma Robotnik took over Robotnik's fortress, he joyfully wanted to become her minion instead of helping the doctor. However, Scratch will always return to Robotnik's services no matter what happens.

Friends/allies

• Badniks
  • Music Destroyer
  • Grounder
• Boogey Man
• Captain John Paul Memo
• Dr. Robotnik

Neutral

• Coconuts
• Design Unit Flexible Underling Substitute
• Dr. Quark
• Dr. Warpnik
• Edgar Eagle
• Henrietta Peck
• Katella
• Momma Robotnik
• Robotnikhotep
• Wes Weasely

Enemies

• Bert Whoo
• Breezie
• Catty Carlisle
• Da Bears
• Hacker
• Has Bean
• King Arfur
• Kwai Chang Crane
• Lucas
• Miles "Tails" Prower
• Miss Saccharine
• Prince Charnock
• Princess Bubbles
• Professor Caninestein
• Professor Von Schlemmer
• Robot
• Robotnik Jr.
• Roxy
• Sally
• Santa Claus
• Sketch Lampoon
• Sloth Family
  • Rocket the Sloth
• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Spelunk
• Splorg
• Surff
• Throbbin Screech
• Throbbin Screech's niece

Battle

Scratch is the twelfth boss in the 16-bit version and 8-bit version of Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine.

Boss guide

Like with the other bosses, the battle against Scratch takes place in two "dungeons" on each side, the left one being from the player and the right one from Scratch.^[12] To defeat Scratch, the player has to fill his dungeon to the point where he is unable to drop any more beans. This can be done by dropping Refugee Beans into his dungeon, though Scratch himself can fill his own dungeon by accident.

During the battle, Scratch will be very aggressive, pulling off combos very quickly.

The player loses when their dungeon is full of beans. After that, they are sent to a Continue screen and given the option to play again. If they win, however, the game will lead to the next and final boss, Dr. Robotnik himself.

Music

Passwords

Game	Passwords
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (16-bit)	(Easy)	(Normal)	(Hard)	(Hardest)
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (8-bit)

Trivia

• Scratch has the same AI as Rulue from Puyo Puyo, the game on which Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine is based.
  • Ironically, since Rulue is the second-to-last opponent, Scratch's AI in Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine is the smartest in the game, aside from Dr. Robotnik's, whereas he is very stupid in the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog television series.

In other media

Archie Comics

Main articles: Scratch (Archie) and Scratch (Pre-Super Genesis Wave)

In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series published by Archie Comics, Scratch and Grounder originally worked for Dr. Ivo Robotnik, with Scratch being the self-styled leader of the Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad. However, the team's limited AI and armaments lead to many embarrassing defeats. As the Classic Badniks faded out of use, Scratch found new work in Casino Night under Mammoth Mogul, becoming the concierge of the casino.

After the Super Genesis Wave re-wrote history, Scratch's history was altered, but still retained similarities to his old life. Under the rule of Dr. Eggman, he was a part of the Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad, who was once involved in a scheme with Breezie the Hedgehog. Scratch was later employed by Breezie to work for her in Casino Park.

IDW Publishing

The variant cover of IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 40, which features an Eggman live-stream, features a stream comment from a user named "SSSSSScratchman." This is supposed to represent Scratch, with the S's possibly referencing the SSSSS Squad.

Quotes

Trivia

• Unlike Grounder and Coconuts, Scratch has no direct Badnik basis found in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, although Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia states he is loosely based off Clucker, a Badnik in the Wing Fortress Zone. The show's bible and a few episodes of the show depict Scratch manning a turret with egg bomb projectiles, similar to Clucker.^[13][14]
• Scratch was voiced by Jim Cummings in the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog pilot instead of Phil Hayes, although no footage of him actually lines up with the recorded dialogue. However, due to the pilot being considered partially lost with some scenes said to be missing which may have included his dialogue, the latter has not yet been found.
• Scratch and Grounder started a trend of Dr. Eggman having two incompetent sidekicks in many media, eventually making its way into the games' canon as well. Sonic Underground had Sleet and Dingo, while Sonic X had Decoe and Bocoe, and the Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Boom series had Orbot and Cubot.
• From what is seen in various episodes of the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog TV series, Scratch appears to be left-handed.
• According to an early production document^[15], Scratch and Grounder were going to make a return in Sonic Underground, possibly either replacing (or perhaps accompanying) Sleet and Dingo. While the document refers to them as "Robotnik's dumb-bots", it's unknown whether their backstories as to their creation would have been altered (i.e. be Mobians that were subjected to roboticization). However, for unknown reasons, they were removed from the final show.
• It's being rumoured that Scratch alongside Grounder, are Dr. Robotnik's badniks in the Sonic in Sydney live show, as he call's them his "two incompetent cronies" and abuses them, much like in the cartoon.
• In the Hispanic American dub of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, Scratch is called "Gallotronic".
• Scratch is referenced in artwork by Nathalie Fourdraine for the IDW comics. The piece is of Eggman livestreaming his battle with Sonic, Tails and Amy, and Scratch (under the username SSSSSScratchMan) can be seen in the chat saying "GET WRECKED BWAHAHAHA".
  • Additionally, robots that look like early models of Scratch and Grounder can be seen on page fifteen of Tangle & Whisper #2.

See also

• Scratch (disambiguation)

References