Wait, I just found out something. Some Sonic translator on Twitter said "NIDS" was meant to be "native immunodeficiency syndrome", but they mistranslated it in the English version? So it really _is_ just AIDS but genetic?

@valentinescookies.

19 күн бұрын

omg that would make sense then. i’ll be pinning this for when people come to the video in the future. other than that i don’t really blame myself for thinking it might’ve been something other than AIDS, but now knowing that i think my mind has changed. it really just is AIDS. mistranslation go crazy. thank you for informing me!

@Miju001

19 күн бұрын

@@valentinescookies. No problem! Though, I would also say not to take my word for it, haha! The fan translator in question is just a fan like the rest of us, and I'm only reporting what she said.

@Miju001

19 күн бұрын

Oh, also. To actually elaborate on this, so people can be informed, there's a Japanese Sonic Adventure 2 written epilogue titled "The Truth of 50 Years Ago", in which NIDS is referred to as "先天性免疫不全症候群". "先天性" apparently means "hereditary" or "congenital", hence the "native" thing. The Japanese expression for AIDS is "後天性免疫不全症候群", which is almost identical except with "先天性" being swapped out for "後天性", meaning "acquired". I'm not entirely sure if the acronym for NIDS is actually spelled out in Sonic Adventure 2 proper, either in English or in Japanese, but I think there are later official references to "neuro-immunedeficiency syndrome" in games like Sonic Chronicles. So it's possible the Japanese writers for SA2 intended for the acronym for NIDS to have been "native immunodeficiency syndrome", but perhaps they never put that in the text of the games, leading English writers to come up with their own interpretation.

As someone who memes about Maria getting shot it's more than that. We are just excited to see a piece of Sonic media not afraid to show something so raw, so "graphic" again after nearly a decade of middling of the road storytelling/character work. We know it's coming and we are excited to see how they'll humanize Maria and get non-hardcore audiences to care for and eventually be sad when Maria eventually dies. That way they can be on board with and sympethize with Shadow's backstory.

@Rishi123456789

18 күн бұрын

I wholeheartedly agree with you. I don't even care to see Maria get shot in any violent way on-screen as no official Sonic media has ever shown Maria getting shot in any way, her death by being shot has only ever been implied. What I DO care about, however, is to see the Paramount Sonic films have the courage to grow up with its audience just as Sonic Adventure 2 had the courage to grow up with its audience of old-school Sonic fans (like me). I want to see a Sonic film take itself as seriously and as sincerely as Sonic Adventure 2 took itself. I want to see a Sonic film that depicts Shadow's backstory with the maturity and dignity it deserves. That's what I want.

I was the victim of a hit and run about 7 years ago. I was run over by a car. My legs were almost completely unsalvageable. Over the course of these seven years I’ve worked my butt off to regain the mobility I had before the accident, and I haven’t yet gotten there. I have constant nerve pain, my legs feel like they’re burning every second of every day, but I’m used to it. I want to show people that even through the pain, you can push forward, you can come back from a life changing accident. I’m still struggling, but I’ve come so far from the mess that I was the months after I got out of the hospital. Even if you can’t get your legs back, or the pain never goes away, or you’ve only got a little time left, keep pushing through Live life to the fullest, be yourself, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise

I really do hope they give Shadow enough respect to actually write his character to be deeply caring like you said. He loved Maria, and he should reflect that in his current character too, the way he quietly and stoically supports and fights for others, even when he has no better reason to.

@johnsantos507

21 күн бұрын

And that's why Shadow always have Maria's promise. And promise is unbreakable.

@FuryMcpurey

13 күн бұрын

In some early gameplay I saw for Shadow Generations (thank you Choctopus), we get a Biolizard boss fight and the way he talks about it is more... human. He understands that its existence is constant agony, and by defeating it he hopes to put it out of its misery. I think they're on the right track with him.

@johnsantos507

13 күн бұрын

@@FuryMcpurey You know it's weird. I thought Sonic and Shadow defeat Biolizard in Sonic Adventure 2.

@FuryMcpurey

10 күн бұрын

@@johnsantos507 The second fight when it becomes the Final Hazard, yes. But there's one before it inside the ARK as well.

@johnsantos507

10 күн бұрын

@@FuryMcpurey Which is?🤷🏿‍♂️

I think you’re right that she has chronic pain. I imagine her symptoms to be similar to something like fibromyalgia, where when she has a lot of spoons she can run and jump and such, but during a flare up she becomes very weak and can’t move much at all, and probably needs things like deep heat and a tens machine to help ease the pain and fatigue

As an autistic Sonic fan girl,I didnt really think of Maria as being good disability representation because to me Maria was the "tragic charater killed off for main character" type which in a way she is. That the only think that gets me,Maria has the potential to be good disability rep and after watching this video I under why people who have similar experiences to her would appreciate Maria especially considering how rare it is,it's just Maria story wise is there to be Shadow motive. I also hope we see Maria's experiences more like you said,I just wish there was a disabled main character or something like that.

@valentinescookies.

23 күн бұрын

i completely get you. she didn’t get much time at all, but you could tell how much she impacted the story and Shadow specifically. it shows how important she was regardless of her being sick, and how people with limitations can leave a mark on others. i hope we get to see more of her amazing personality in the new Shadow Dark Beginnings episodes

@Miju001

22 күн бұрын

@@thevioletskull8158 I thought about this too, and yeah it's unfortunate. This is also where all the jokes about her getting shot come from, in my eyes - to many people, the most exciting thing about Maria's character is what she means for Shadow's character.

@Twilord_

22 күн бұрын

I have to wonder how she feels as representation for those who grew up with a terminal illness hanging over them. Knowing how much of an impact she still ultimately was able to have through her loved ones.

@arieson7715

22 күн бұрын

On the bright side the upcoming three episode trilogy and whole game will take a look at it. SA2's plot was mad rushed cause of deadlines so they didn't have much time to flesh her out and show her and Shadow's dynamic.

@mike14987

17 күн бұрын

I am autistic too and I agree with you.

…Someone send this video to Sega; specifically the people working on the new Shadow projects. This message needs to be heard. Also, you’ve earned yourself a new subscriber.

@devinsauls9137

22 күн бұрын

Same here

I’ve always loved Maria and Shadow’s story since it hits on a very personal to me. My older sister was born with a heart disease and she sadly passed away. It really affected me and Shadow as a character helped me cope with her death.

I felt the same as a disabled person, Shadow was my favorite because of that too. He still is, 21 years later. ❤🖤 Thank you for this video. 💝

thank you for giving the spotlight to such a severely overlooked character. maria is so important, and not just a character made for shadow's existence. her optimism represents true hope and the bravery one can still have while living with disability. the tragedy of maria isn't defined by making shadow sad, her death is tragic because it is a true and genuine loss of someone so strong. maria's death mirrors the death of shadow's optimism, the precious hope of a disabled child who everyone is fighting for. i hope that sega does not forget what makes her special.

As someone who’s both on the neurodivergent spectrum and who’s has lost their brother to a physical disability, I relate to these characters so much. Watching someone so close grow weaker everyday while you know there’s nothing you can do about it, is incredibly painful. Whilst having to deal with energy draining issues yourself is just… ugh. Sometimes I think about how it’s a kinda silly that an edgy anthro hedgehog would help me so much with processing the loss of my brother as a teenager. But I couldn’t rely much on my parents, so I just clung onto my comfort character. It’s so hard to explain to others exactly how much Shadow means to me though. Especially when they don’t really know the story that well. But you put exactly into words what makes these characters so special to me, and many more people. And like you said, I really hope SEGA utilizes Maria for more than just a plot device in the upcoming animations. It would be great representation.

Oh man, I didn’t even consider that Shadow’s relationship with Maria could be seen as a commentary on disability. As someone with a disability too, it’s definitely touching.

I didn’t expect this video to be as hard hitting as it was. Screw it, you get a sub

It's really nice to see someone that takes the tragedy of Maria's death and connection with Shadow seriously. The memes and hype regarding her getting shot has started to get uncomfortable if I'm honest But this was not only refreshing but also relatable considering I'm also Disabled and have Autism. Great video. 👏

I don't really have anything to add, but I still want to say something. Amazing video. Thanks for making it

man i really hope sonadow gens gives us some new insights into who maria was and what her life was like. ive always been so taken with how emotionally striking her concept is, how lonely it must be and how much she lost not just because of her illness but the decisions of the people around her. maria got to live a longer life than she maybe would have on earth but it was a life without kids her age or the natural beauty of the world she came from and in the end, she was still the one to pay for that choice. and then frontiers implication that eggmans egomania might be a complicated response to living in the shadow of his dead cousin who he does still clearly think about bittersweetly? who he compares his daughter to? theres just so much there.

It was interesting hearing your perceptive as a disabled person about Maria I've always loved shadows and marias story but i never thought about that part of it, it puts the story in a whole new light also im not disabled nor know anyone who is but that part about being... hit hard for me sometimes i feel i do not do enough in my day to day life and that i should do more to prove my worth or I'll end up being worthless in a sense but you reminded me that i don't have to prove my worth with work and that im still too young to be worrying about it so thank you I'll continue to be me anyways i just felt like saying something even though i felt like I could've put in better words and also continue to be you! (Keep up the amazing videos)

@valentinescookies.

23 күн бұрын

of course! i’m very happy i could remind you of your value. you just existing and being human is enough. we always have low moments, and you never have to feel worthless because of it. you just being here is what makes you special 💜

as someone with a chronic immune disease, it never occurred to me how impactful Maria’s disease really was. not just to shadow’s story, but to people like her who play the games. it’s hard enough to find representation in the media (let alone good rep), so it’s nice to see this new light in her character that i otherwise would’ve never seen before. and it makes me love shadow so much more, too, from how supportive and loving he is to her despite her condition. lovely analysis ❤

I wouldn't be surprised if the AIDS/NIDS parallel is only about their naming scheme. I feel like that parallel itself is kind of undeniable, though. I will at least say that Maria being born with NIDS would make enough sense even if that were a parallel to AIDS - NIDS' acronym lacks the A standing for "Acquired", so perhaps there's an implication that it can be a condition obtained from birth unlike AIDS.

@valentinescookies.

23 күн бұрын

right and that does makes sense! i guess my thought process was the specific neuroimmune deficiency part and not the immunodeficiency part so i was focusing on finding an illness that was more neurological. but either way it could be AIDS, i just wanted to explore what NIDS could be a bit more!

@Miju001

22 күн бұрын

@@valentinescookies. Yeah, I'm with you that the symptoms of AIDS and NIDS are probably quite different from each other! Like I said, if the parallel is just in the name and in the fact that they're both conditions that get worse with time, that would make sense to me.

@jaydenlenzy3487

22 күн бұрын

I think NIDS is meant to be more of their version of cancer than AIDS.

@cawareyoudoin7379

21 күн бұрын

Right, exactly my thought!

@Miju001

19 күн бұрын

​@@valentinescookies. Wait, I just found out something. Some Sonic translator on Twitter said "NIDS" was meant to be "native immunodeficiency syndrome", but they mistranslated it in the English version? So maybe it really _is_ just AIDS but genetic?

I had no idea you saw Shadow & Maria in that light. Though not a physical one, I do have a disability that i have to live with for the rest of my life. Shadow was already my favorite character for the longest time, but this right here solidified it! 😊

amazing video!!! its so pleasant to see someone who finally understands why maria and shadow are genuine characters instead of "plot device for the evil rival". even aside from maria's disability, i always liked that the sonic team heavily coded shadow to have post traumatic stress from his time on the ark + maria's death especially recently. even though ptsd gets more attention than other disabilities in media i always find its lacking in certain aspects, but shadow can sometimes itch that scratch for representation for me since he is very clearly traumatized but doesnt let that stop him from discovering who he is and caring for others :3

Wow. I never thought about Maria like that. I was diagnosed with Schizencephaly at a very early age and I spent many years of my childhood going to therapy and doctors. My condition gives me a cleft in my brain, and as a result, I have Cerebral Palsy, Seizure Disorder, and motor skill and development issues among other things. Thankfully I don't have it as bad as others as there are symptoms that don't apply to me. I am very lucky for that but it is something I'll have to deal with my whole life. I don't think about it at all because it's something that's just normal to me but I am very empathetic and understanding towards others. You mention you cannot work because of your condition and I can't even imagine what that's like. I really feel for you. This video has given me a lot more respect for Shadow. Thank you. It's beautiful.

Fellow spoonie just commenting to say how glad I am I got this video in my feed! I was low key thinking about how much I wanted to see more about Maria and disability rep back when Shadow Gen was announced, and now that we're getting some animated content I look forward to seeing what Sonic Team does. I also look forward to watching the rest of your essays! Thanks for sharing em! :)

I remember coming across a headcanon one time where Shadow is a guide animal for Maria. Also, you did great work with that video analysis.💜 I do agree that the whole "Maria getting shot" joke is getting kinda old.😅 ~Sincerly, an autistic person.

This was truly a marvelous video! It made me realize one more reason why I feel so close to Shadow: I’ve always been surrounded by disabled people and so I’ve always had a desire to protect them. Thanks for this video, I hope that more people come to realize how good of a character Maria is and not just one tragic element in Shadow’s backstory. ❤️

Normally I don't leave comments on new videos I come across like this, but I wanna say this. I already loved Maria's character before watching this, but just hearing your experiences with disability, knowing my own experiences, and learning just a bit more about Maria and Shadow's characters, is very sweet and heartwarming. Maybe a little eye-opening too in a way. I'm really hoping there's at least some representation in the new Dark Beginnings episodes like you said. As sad as it could be, it would also feel great to be seen. Also off topic, I love your voice! You sound so sweet! And I wish you nothing but the best!

I have autism, epilepsy, and dyslexia. So, i understand what it’s like to be disabled to an extent. Sure, i can still do some tasks just fine, but there’s plenty I can’t do. I was born prematurely, I was a micro premi (1 pound, and 13 ounces) I was in the nicku for over a month, I had needles and tubes in me, I was so tiny and fragile. But…i survived, i have a very high pain tolerance, so i can handle pain just fine. I do have low muscle tone, and i struggle with executive function, but i can still handle myself somewhat, I just require help and support. I’m thankful my family has been nothing but supportive of me, and I wish more people who are disabled had that support. Great video, you just earned a sub, keep it up!

I've said this comment out loud to myself like twelve times now, so I'll just type it out now. Comedy is often used as a form of criticism. At least in my case, the "Maria gets shot" jokes are made as a means of criticizing Sega's apparent fear of fleshing out her character beyond that fact. It's 80% of who she is. Comedy has a lot of flexibility. I even use it as a means of coping, sometimes. I have Asthma. It's one of my few disabilities that are physical, and even then, it has a psychological component. The way it manifests for me, I often forget to beathe and end up having to do so manually. For that reason, I sometimes refer to my Asthma as MBS, or Manual Breathing Syndrome. It's why I find manual breathing jokes so funny. But yeah, the segment about invisible disabilities really resonated with me. As someone with a number myself, it's irritating how easily people latch onto the idea that "you don't _look_ disabled, therefore you're faking it for attention." If Maria's character gets fleshed out it'll put us one step closer to finally ending that mindset for good. Sorry, this comment was a bit of a tangent. I'm AuDHD, so I go on tangents more often than I drink water. Should probably change that, actually. I get dehydrated concerningly often.

I loved hearing your perspective on this. I have a friend who is also in constant pain, so seeing this expanded on in the animations or the game would be really "cool." I say cool in quotations because it would definitely make me sad. Just seeing Shadow and Maria in the sneak peek broke my heart already lol. Great video as always :)

This is the SHADOW vid everyone needs bc this IS his character at the core and too only why I love him.

You brought up an interesting point in terms of how the average person considers (or DOESN'T consider) disability. As someone with only very mild disabilities (mild scoliosis, mild asthma, previously morbidly obese), your observation about able-bodied people not thinking of these things is very true. I've grown up surrounded by disabled people, but disability isn't something that's really talked about much. My mom mentioned that she has noticed even just the effect her disability had on the children she's raised. For example, due to her partial paralysis on her rotator cuff, me and my siblings tend to try to complete two-handed tasks with one hand instinctively, because that's what mom did. We never really thought about it too deep, but when we became adults, she finally realized and would say "Just use your other hand, you ain't gotta struggle with that so much!" We leave our shoes tied and slip them on. We set things up accessibly because that's just how those things are usually set up, not out of consideration for those who may need that. It's interesting, how even if you're surrounded by it, and aware of it, and informed on it, our lack of experience keeps us from truly noticing and thinking about it more deeply. I currently think more about my health markers. I remember how life used to be when I was obese. How much it hurt and winded me to cut the grass, how much I was ill and in pain often, how much being on my feet for 8 hours at work destroyed my feet. I don't have those anymore. I walk, lift weights, eat good food because I feel so lucky and blessed to be able to control the condition I had (though I'll never be able to control my unnaturally voracious appetite). But I know my mom will never ever be able to lift her arm above her waist. I know she'll never be able to cup my head in both of her hands unless I'm lying down and she's standing up. She can't do the full motion for a lot of things, but she still manages to have what's considered an invisible disability. She just looks like a woman with a slightly smaller, less developed arm. But, y'know, if she ever smacked you in the face with her good arm, just know she has 60+ years of training and muscular development, so don't make her mad, lol.

As a long time Sonic fan myself, I'm gonna go right ahead and say that Maria Robotnik is the single best plot device Sega has ever used in the games. The bar is practically on the floor, but still, credit where it's due.

Thank you so much for talking about this, these points are important to talk about here, you presented this stuff so elegantly. This resonates deeply with me. ❤

The fact that a 16 minute video made Maria go from one of the characters I don't think too often about to probably now my favorite is so awesome and also so frustrating because there is NOTHING ABOUT MARIA :'3 I will say, I think most people "joke" about Maria getting shot not so much because they think it's funny, it's more of the kind of laugh you make when you see something so unbelivable yet right in front of your face, seeing as Sonic The Hedgehog, the children media franchise that made a point of not letting their main character show "excessive emotion", murdered a child on screen is definitely... Quite unexpected. I find a little bit of irony in the fact that the military of all things, a purely utilitarian organization is the main thing that killed Maria, the poor kid that even in the most optimal living situations still seemed like just talking was a struggle for her. I hope the Shadow animations show more Maria stuff to further develop her as a character and make her death feel more appropiately tragic, or, at the very least, we get more expanded media focused on her in things like the short stories that Sonic Channel posts every now and then.

@anjoliebarrios8906

12 күн бұрын

hoo boy. the military is NOT your friend and I don't know who told you the military is "utilitarian" Which is why I have mixed feelings about Shadow joining GUN after all the horrible things they did.

@cherry_flavored_content

12 күн бұрын

When I say GUN is "utilitarian" I mean in the sense of "only keep things that are useful (to them)". They literally leveled like two city blocks trying to run sonic over with a giant truck, of course they don't actively care about people, they just care of getting whatever job they have done, which includes silencing people on the ARK (and thus shooting a kid in the face). I have nothing for Shadow joining GUN, I don't particularly get it either, I suppose in Shadow's mind it was something like "the military has international reach so I can always know about international cases and help more people that way" but like... What confirms that the military isn't biased anyways? In Shadow 05 the commander literally wants to kill Shadow in any path because he thinks doing so will avenge Maria in some way so it's not like he's perfectly rational anyways lol

Hey, I've been dealing with scoliosis since I was nine and realized at the age of seventeen that my knees are not doing that great either so now I have to use a cane sometimes. Chronic pain is my usual deal 👍 Maria is actually what got me into sonic, her first cutscene to be specific (there was just something so familiar and nostalgic about it that I had to research). And I was upset that we know so little about her and she is more of a plot device than anything. But seeing her the way you presented in the video and seeing all the stuff coming? Man, that does make me happy. Finally, some Maria content.

I hope they also show Maria dealing with her disease in the movie. And you just got a new sub here

Didn't think we'd get so real after your previous videos, but it was a pleasant surprise to see. What an interesting and sensitive subject to cover, but one that seems very resonant with you and that's exactly why your channel is something special. As a fellow creator in the space, I can totally understand wanting to inject very personal and meaningful insight into your content. Content that comes from such a raw and emotional place can only succeed. Another banger vid Valentines, also unrelated but the more I watch your vids the more I wonder if you've ever tried voice acting, I think you'd make a killer Blaze.

@valentinescookies.

23 күн бұрын

thank you so so much. i really do thank you for your support and seeing you keep coming back and engaging with my content. your words are so kind, i just wanted to make this specific video because i thought i could bring some valuable insight on Maria because of my own experience. and about Blaze, you know i’ve thought about that too! and i’m so happy you share the same sentiment! if the baton would ever be passed, i’d take it in an instant if i got the chance

@LifelineTheHedgehog

23 күн бұрын

@@valentinescookies. Don't mention it, I always like to support smaller channels that I see enormous potential in. Even if it isn't in any official capacity, you should definitely give the VA stuff a try, fandubs, comic dubs, even just character reels could be fun.

I never saw an issue with people thinking Maria's death was funny until this video. I still think it's fine to make jokes about, her fridging was probably worse than Gwen Stacy's and Shadow's delivery of "Maria" will never not be funny to me, but now it kinda feels like some people are laughing for the wrong reasons. Like, I'm autistic, and it feels like how when that "I am a surgeon" clip from The Good Doctor started surfacing online, and it was never clear when someone was laughing at the show because they think autistic meltdowns are funny, or if they were rightfully making fun of a non-autistic actor trying and failing to replicate an autistic meltdown on screen in the context of an ableist show with affiliations with anti-autism hate groups like Autism Speaks. I hope we get to see more of Maria in the future, the way you describe her makes me like her character a lot more than I used to. Thanks for making this, I checked and I think I'm your 431st subscriber, idk it doesn't matter, but I did subscribe.

@Peasham

21 күн бұрын

I'm not sure I'd particularly call this "friding"? It's usually when an established female character that has characterization dies just to motivate a man, when in Maria's case we see her death first and learn about her from there, and while she does technically motivate shadow he at first misunderstands what she'd said, with him accepting that she didn't seek revenge being more of a character development moment than anything else, not to mention everything we learn about Maria hits harder because we start out with her death, it doesn't devalue her as a character in her own right, it makes her more valuable.

@skeletorthepublicnuisance6707

21 күн бұрын

@@Peasham Yeah, that's deffinitely a valid point. Gwen Stacy's was so bad because Stan Lee and John Romita slowly started turning Gwen into more of a steriotypical girlfriend character over time before she got fridged too, and even though I think Gerry Conway's take on the character was the best, he did abruptley decide to kill her and didn't seem to care much for the character until afterwards when he went back and decided to give her a clone. Maria's character was designed to die, which isn't as bad, her role in the story is fundamentally different than the type of character to get fridged, I just feel like we should get to see more of her before her death.

@Peasham

21 күн бұрын

@@skeletorthepublicnuisance6707 Yeah, and the writers always keep into account the fact that she dies whenever she has any interactions with others or moments dedicated to her, it's basically the exact opposite of fridging in that fridging is fundamentally disrespectful to the character whereas Maria and her death is always treated with respect, more respect that most of the franchise's aspects get honestly lol. Like, even in the new animation teaser thingy, you can tell that she's written in a way that expects the audience to know that she'll die, the animation instantly using this to showcase her personality and relationship with Shadow with every part of it making her death more respectful and meaningful, not less. Now, do I think the newest movie will respect any of this, not at all, but at least the games treated her good if you ask me lol

Shadow has always been my favorite character since childhood. I also have autism. I have a theory too why Maria might have been killed. The government wanted to profit off of her condition and didn’t want it cured. Because if her grandfather discovered a treatment for her illness, how would hospitals and organizations stay in business? It’s similar to our world. We don’t have a cure for cancer yet, nor AIDS. We profit off of other’s misery. Her grandfather only wanted to do the right thing for his granddaughter.

I've gotten recommended a few disabled KZreadrs these last couple months, and I really appreciate it. I was close friends with a disabled person in uni and helping her with her condition really gave me some perspective and interest when it comes to disability, so I always like it whenever a video like this comes out; always feel I've gained a greater appreciation. Great video 🤍

Wow. This was such a touching and unique video that I didn't know I needed.

To be seen by the invisible disability aspects of this video warmed my heart. Thank you so much sincerely, I think I found a new appreciation for shadow the hedgehog. :") Let's take it one day at a time

Man, I want to see so much more of Maria as an actual character, not just a fridged one, not just a plot device, or just someone who's there to define another character... I want to see just her as her. I want to see her be flawed and imperfect, while keeping with her earlier characterization. I want to see her struggles and how she dealt with them. I want to shout in shock when she dies, because despite me knowing how it ends, I won't want it to. Just... Give us more Maria please. Sega. You have two chances this year, don't blow them.

Меня заинтересовала "теория ложек", про которую я узнал благодаря вам и вашему видео.

You know, I'm actually wondering if Prof. Gerald himself had some mental issues of his own. While Maria's death was no doubt a terrible tragedy, you don't just become a psychotic monster like that. I like to think that Gerald had schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and that maybe he wasn't as benevolent in the past. Not outright evil, mind you, but probably more amoral with a slight ruthless streak, and Maria's illness was a wake-up call for him.

This is a great video thank you for making it. I liked hearing about your perspective on the subject. Maria is one of my favorite sonic characters.

Oh my gosh! This video was so good! Shadow is also my favorite character. I too think that the dynamic between Shadow and Maria is very sweet. There is so much depth and so many layers to these characters. Also, my mom has an autoimmune disorder. So do doing daily normal things is hard for her too. I know someone else who also has a disability. And everyday things are hard for him too. I know all too well what disabilities do to people. The lack of energy, the chronic pain it can inflict. And up until recently, I didn't really understand or appreciate how difficult it is when you or someone you love has an illness like that. But because of my mom and the other person who is like an older brother to me, I'm seeing the struggles they deal with everyday. And it's definitely hard. So to you and everyone else who's struggling with an illness or disability. Don't give up, keep that optimism! Remember attitude is everything! Better days are ahead. One day soon, "no resident will say "I am sick."" Isaiah 33:24

This was more deep than I was expecting it to be. It was a good video keep up the good work 👍

I teared up a little and i just wanted to say that i hope you keep inspiring people to make peace with their journey and do their best ❤ shadow is my favorite character too, i live in a war torn county and have had personal problems of my own and i really admire his loyalty, reliability, and mental and physical strength, and that he's brave enough to be vulnerable with people like Maria and Amy, and as corny as that sounds, but shadow's character helped me when i was going through the worst betrayal of my life, from people closest to me... Ex-fiance, parents etc.. i love that he leans into compassionate characters like Amy, and after he remembered Maria's promise he always did things with good intentions even if it doesn't seem like it at first (ignore when he abruptly lost his memory again in shadow 05), i also especially like his song "never turn back". I could go on and on about it but that's enough 😂 thanks for the video

I also have autism and other things Sonic has been with me in my darkest hours

@alinauser

13 күн бұрын

Same, Sonic is a helping hand when reality disappoints

This has been amazing video! It's always interesting hear something like this from the perspective of a disabled person. Personally, I'm not disabled, but your own experiences sounds similar to what my own disabled friends have been through. I 100% agree that just being yourself is absolutely important, disabled or not. Also, I love your previous videos. Awesome stuff!

@valentinescookies.

23 күн бұрын

you’re so sweet. thank you so much. i hope i could offer some new perspective on Maria based on my own story. Maria and Shadow’s bond is so special

@ceasardavila381

23 күн бұрын

@@valentinescookies. Their bond is something we haven't seen much of in the games, but I love seeing every single one of their interactions. Thankfully, we're getting even more of them in the Shadow Gens Dark Beginning animation. Speaking of, the preview that we just had was SOOOOOO GOOD! What else can I say that hasn't been said already? You love it, I love it, every single Sonic fan loves it. Also, EMERL IS BACK! Literally need the rest of the animation now

This is a wonderful video. ❤ I also feel that the Maria getting killed joked is in poor taste. She's such a sweet girl. Whenever the fandom makes a joke like that I can't help but think of how it would make Shadow feel. I hope we get to see more of Maria and her relationship with Shadow prior to the ARK tragedy in all the new media.

I love seeing heartfelt essays like this! Your voice is so soothing

bro popped outta nowhere, excited to see where this channel goes.

I have chronic pancreatitis. I was born with it something to do with genetics and got dignoised when I was 8 years old. Thank you for talking about this and talking about what people go through on a day to day basis with chronic illnesses. I'm still only 15, but when I was younger after dignoised, I still got told by certain family members that I was fine because I could walk and still do things despite feeling weak. The only person who was truly understanding was my mum, and I'm so thankful for her. This is exactly why Shadow has and probably always will be my comfort character, too 😭

@chrysophylax7199

14 күн бұрын

Shadow is one of my comfort characters too🖤 I have so much empathy for your condition as I’ve had acute pancreatitis 4 times and I’m 30. It’s so insanely painful and so debilitating. For yours being chronic I really wish you the best and hope you enjoy the foods good for pancreas.. your lentils and other good foods to help you! Wish I could cook for us ALL with pancreas issues and sit and share around a table or fireside ❤️‍🩹 all my care to you stranger!!!!

@Kayla_plays21

14 күн бұрын

@chrysophylax7199 Thank you so much! That honestly means a lot! I'm very lucky anyway as my mum goes out of her way to make me low-fat meals so I don't feel left out from my family! I hope you don't have to worry about another attack for a while, too. The pain, like you said, is absolutely awful, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I wish you all the best, too! ^^

I loved Shadow's story because it feels so personal, and honestly real. Maria being the way she was, it's tragic on Shadows end as yes, he was created to be a nuclear weapon of sorts though Gerald made Shadow as a side project just for his granddaughter. But all of memories and purpose was changed after Gerald found out his granddaughter died upon G.U.N finding out what Gerald was doing amongst destroying his research. He literally went mad and altered shadow for the sole purpose of destroying man-kind as a whole for killing Maria. Which is why after killing off the final boss in Sonic Adventure 2 battle Shadow was supposed to die off as a character. It's because his story was so tragic and heartbreaking Sega kept Shadow around though giving him "amnesia" for lore/buffers case so there wouldn't have to be more story to build on for him at least in the games. Edit: I forgot to mention that because he loved Maria so much, he realized his programming went against his morals and real feelings towards humans that he decides to help Sonic and friends destroy the very thing you go through the game doing with him. It's just good heart melting story telling and your story on Maria's condition did highlight some aspects about her I didn't consider

An interesting dissection on the character. You've genuinely opened my eyes on a different angle to see the character. Previously her disability was just a.background element in my mind, set dressing to allow for the events of the story to unfold - now i see how much deeper Maria has the potential to be, especially in light of what you said about how she could have cultivated empathy as a result of immense suffering. Having been attached to such a person, no wonder Shadow would have a soft side underneath unbeknownst to even himself during his debut in Sonic Adventure 2, until bro just found himself going back to rescue Rouge. Awesome video.

I found your channel a few days ago when you posted the silver and blaze video and I have to say, I love the videos. I really hope you continue with more content like this one. < 3

i am very heavily socially dependent personally; depending on the task and on my mental state the amount of "spoons" can be like 8 spoons or 0.5-for example and it does matter a lot how i am feeling when i am doing that-it directly impacts how i feel the rest of the day and the day tomorrow, sometimes impacting me across multiple days

Hey there fellow Sonic KZreadr welcome to the KZread community and im glad you Started this channel up and i love supporting any Sonic fans with watching characters thoughts and Analysis, review, reactions ect so glad that your expression you're love of Sonic content here with us! 👍 Ive seen all of your videos great work you did with them tp express your feelings on the characters and what are you looking forward to. Also just like you have your top favorite Sonic characters id also like to share mines id say probably my top 4 would be Sonic, Amy Shadow and knuckles Since those 4 are close to my heart being my top tiers. Also my friend its heartwarming and im also sorry too that you explained in your stories that you cab relate your conditions in a similar aspect in how Maria had to go through them and its sweet to hear that just like Maria has her own carrying love support system in her life im glad that you have that too with your own personal loved ones in your life and i hope we the audience and your fellow Sonic friends here can also be that great loving support system for you too my friend. 👍 So just wanted to say congratulations for making videos and getting into sharing Sonic related contents with us and you definitely have my subscription and the bell activated hehe ill try and keep up with your videos as you make more awesome contents like this and wish you lots of love amd care my new friend! 😊👍🙏💙🖤💖🤍💜

That was an awesome prospective video about Maria's disability, you deserve a sub

I recently just found your videos and just binged all of them and I didn’t realize how real things were gonna get in this vid lol. You seem like an incredibly kind soul and I’m very glad you’ve found joy in so many things, including the sonic series. Can’t wait to see more videos from you! Keep up the amazing work!!

This video hit hard. Thank you for sharing!

Yeah I dont think her being shot is funny at all, I could never understand why it is so funny.

@Chadzilla_the_Keyblade_welder

22 күн бұрын

Yeah, people are weird sometimes.

@1supercosmic

21 күн бұрын

Agreed

@anjoliebarrios8906

12 күн бұрын

out of context it can seem a bit melodramatic. In context, not so much.

Crazy what if Scenario if The Girl Lived.

@cawareyoudoin7379

21 күн бұрын

I'm certain there are many fanworks with that premise.

@PositiveNihilism.

20 күн бұрын

@@cawareyoudoin7379 Hmm, so a question arises, What Would Be a Unique Scenario that Involves The girl. Her Robotization ?

@cawareyoudoin7379

20 күн бұрын

@@PositiveNihilism. Hah, I've been actually thinking about writing a fanfiction where this happens!

im so glad i found your channel

Dealing with a disability can sure be exhuasting I've had visual disabilities since I was born and oh boy as i go through life and look back on things with a new perspective, I was going through a lot and didn't really have a full grasp on it. Below average support systems Headaches that I, at the time had no clue how they would start. Eventual eye pain later in life, blood vessels in the cornea It all culminated in me getting a cornea transplant last November and my vision is doing much better, but my eye condition isn't gone, I'm on 5 drops a day, slightly worried, my SECOND donor cornea will fail in the future like the first did. I don't really relate to maria that much because of how differently our support groups were. But i am a little enviois of her. She wasn't devalued for being disabled, and thats something I'm really trying to enstill in myself. Look at myself and say "Hey, you'rejy doing good" but its not easy. Shout outs to all the disabled homies. You're doing good, keep going

damn your so charming screw it you got a SUB

i don't know if im disabled, i don't know what it is, what "counts" (a mindset people often fall into) i just know i hurt, im tired, and things can be difficult, even if over all i am able to function. Maria and Shadow mean so much to me since i first got into the character, I want to see him caring for her, i want to see her tired, maybe even frustrated by not being able to fully and freely enjoy herself where she should. It's probabley a lot to ask, given the writing trend, especially in regards to shadow. But, i am hopeful. At least in the fact that it may make more people realize. In my mind, regardless if at all true, Gerald and Shadow are the two main povs we get on maria. Gerald, as well meaning and loving as he is, someone who focussed so entirely on curing her, on wanting her safe and not sick so she could expirence a "normal" life. Where Shadow, made entirely for that purpose, ultimately unable to "cure" her, was the thing that made her happiest. So happy, that she'd die for him, even if Shadow was made so she never would, not so young at least. This video was nice, and i liked hearing someone on any platform say things i have thought. People write off Maria far too much, even if it is understandable as to why. I want to see why her life mattered so much, and why her death was the thing to break Shadow so thouroughly.

This was a really well done video; this type of introspection and calm, direct explanation of difficult perspectives should be way more common on KZread than it is. Subbed, and I'm looking forward to watching more videos in the future!

Good work, totally hepled me understand Maria and Shadow more. all of us new how much he loves her. but htis helped me to understand more of how exactly

this channel needs more subs man W video

Please keep on making this quality Sonic content❤

In a way you should be proud of eggman too because that is his cousin it's nice he has some one in his family that does not hide there disability and also I feel bad about your condition if you were in the UK I would hug you and be your friend also nice you see shadow in that way because in the game he thinks he is a monster and that he is dangerous but what makes it nice is vector comforts him and I think that is so nice of the guy he may be a loudmouth arrogant and butts in but we still love that croc.

Y'know, I really wished I could comment something that added anything to this video, but I unfortunately do not. Really really good video coming from a channel that barely has 300 subs.

I just found your channel, and even though you don’t have many videos, you are hella underrated. Like, every video you have made is a hidden gem. I don’t really know what else to say, but I really empathized with this video.

Please don't make me reevaluate life with in the first 2 minutes :,)

I have never heard about the 12 spoons concept. I don't know if it is a concept or something more, It's my first time hearing about it and when you asked that question, you got me interested. I'm quite surprised about this video and noticed things that I've never had before. Thank you for creating this video talking about your point of view & Maria, I hope you are having a wonderful year and may your future be brighter than the sun.

I think shadow the hedgehog is my favorite sonic hedgehog now 😭

8:51 so true🤙 sadly there are still people thinking that

Great video keep up the good work 😊

Huh... I never thought of Maria like this before, even as someone who became legally blind at 13 in 2009. Shadow caring for Maria because she's a good person instead of what she can do or what she can do for him is really sweet. Most people view each other's worth on physicality and achievements viewing the disabled as worthless.

@sla_2023

12 күн бұрын

unfortunately...

I do love to bring up Maria getting shot I can't lie but that's mostly because I love what it represents in the series, as Sonic's always been anti-authority the fact that they don't shy away from authority shooting an innocent disabled child who still wouldn't fight back simply because they were told to shows how serious the writers were about telling the story of Adventure 2 and about conveying the franchise's themes, I just hope they hard retcon Shadow joining GUN in Sonic 06, it wasn't ever brought up again but it also wasn't confirmed that he never joined them after the Sonic 06 reset, and for obvious reasons I think that decision was absolutely abhorrent for his character lol. Also, considering the Sonic movies have absolutely played it cookie cutter and safe, I.. got a feeling Maria might not die in the movie, or even just be cut altogether, that'd be no good.

very cool video

1. I highly doubt the Maria getting shot joke is ever going to die. I mean, not only are we gonna see it TWICE this year, but it's also part of the reason Sonic is so special. Very few kid based franchises do extremely dark themes, which is one of the biggest reasons Sonic stands out. His games can tell very intriguing stories. 2. The idea to go into more of Maria's struggles probably won't happen. I initially thought they would, with the teaser seemingly going to show life on the Ark. But not only will there be 3 episodes, but it seems like it's going to focus heavily on the events leading up to Shadow Generations. So I'm not sure how much time we can spend in the past, as my theory is that what we saw here was the past relative to the time of Sonic Generations. Black Doom is trying to get into Shadows head, which is why the GUN soldiers that kill her flash on screen with red glitch effects. With all of that, I'm unsure if we're going to see so much of the Ark, since it seems to be all in Shadow's memory. Still would be nice though. 3. Representation... Sonic has always been, still is, and will always be Shonen inspired. And Shonen have almost never done well with representation. Most likely because of the out of world settings making it difficult. While it's still very possible here, since there are humans, I just don't see it. Maybe in the future, when the next mainline Sonic game comes out. But for now, I'm not sure tbh. Fingers crossed though 🤞

@Peasham

21 күн бұрын

I'm.. not sure what your point is about representation?? On top of Shonen manga/anime that aren't battle manga/anime having amazing representation, just look at Gundam, the video explains why she's good representation, do you actually have anything to debunk what the video is saying? Also, I wouldn't personally just assume the movie's gonna show her getting shot, but that's just me.

@sikosonix901

21 күн бұрын

@@Peasham I didn't say she isn't. I'm saying that representation isn't common in this genre. I agree with Maria being good representation of life as a disabled person, I'm just saying I don't think they'll go any further into that. Also, I'm not extremely familiar with all shonen. But most of the ones I've seen (DBZ, Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, Fairytale, MHA, One Punch Man, ect) don't do much in that department. I have never seen Gundam before. If you don't mind me asking, could you give more examples please?

I think that NIDS was very intentionally named that, and that is why people say it is in some way similar to AIDS, even if the diseases are not actually identical in how they function. From a writer's perspective, naming it that if you don't want that parallel does not make much sense. Why they wanted that parallel I do not know. I do appreciate your insight on this a lot though, as I have been wondering what a neurological immunodeficiency might even mean.

good video, thanks algorithm

Oakwyrm need to see this

She won’t be one for long because I have a OC who was the disabled daughter of Shadow the Hedgehog and Rouge the Bat from Vivielle’s universe. She has Cerebral Palsy l

Honestly, I think you're right on the money when you spoke about how Shadow appreciates Maria as not just someone to feel bad for, but as a person. That's definitely something the mainstream media should be doing. I can speak from personal experience when it comes to people treating me like someone they should just feel bad for. (Note: I'm having a genuine crisis if what I'm going through counts as a disability or not for reference) People don't really look at you as a person so much. You kinda become the sad puppy everyone wants to pity. It's a bit dehumanizing to say the least

I find the spoon analogy to be just... patronizing.

Going with the English translation, I think Maria might have juvenile MS.

I don't think maria has a disability I'm autistic I just don't see it

14:21 fin.

damn

(Been trying to post a comment and it doesn't let me, maybe it's just me. If you get spammed, sorry in advance)

How is Maria autistic? She doesn't even come off like it at all and she only had nids

I think Maria getting shot is tragic, but just like Gwen Stacy's death, I can see the humor in it.

I would make a joke about space aids but that doesn’t seem appropriate here so.. honestly, this seems like a really good explanation, but I’m just gonna believe she’s some kid who joined the ark who just happened to be in excel when it comes to learning.. but better question did the ARK have TVs any entertainment video games? I know it’s a research facility, but if it has a bedroom, I’m sure it’s got something