Sega released the first trailer for its new animated Sonic the Hedgehog television show, Sonic Boom, alongside an announcement of a new game series and toy line from Tomy today.
The animated series, described as an "ensemble comedy" consisting of 52 episodes that run 11 minutes each, is being co-produced by Sega of America and OuiDO! Productions and is planned to air on the Cartoon Network in the U.S. and Canal J and Gulli in France starting later this year.
Marchello Churchill, senior director of marketing Sega of America, says Sonic Boom will be "vastly different form any Sonic series we've done in the past." Executive producer Evan Bailey said the animated series will "put [Sonic the Hedgehog characters] in situations where their personalities and relationships will take center stage." For example, in one episode, Sonic will fire Tails as his assistant, with the hedgehog's longtime nemesis, Dr. Eggman, applying for the job. In another, Eggman fakes an injury and takes Sonic the Hedgehog to court.
The cartoon is planned as a narrative follow-up to the Sonic Boom video games coming to Wii U and Nintendo 3DS.
In addition to the Sonic Boom animated series and games, Sega is partnering with toymaker Tomy to release a new toy line, including action figures, vehicles, plush toys and more. Tomy's lineup will be based on the characters' new looks, and promises "new play patterns based on both the new game and TV series," according to a release.
Sega plans to extend the Sonic Boom license to other categories, including apparel, publishing, food and beverage, health and more.