Sega Unveils "Sonic the Hedgehog DNA Figure" for 35th Anniversary
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog, and Sega is celebrating with a range of exclusive merchandise, including limited edition fashion collaborations and a "musical odyssey" featuring live orchestral renditions of Sonic’s music. However, the most eye-catching addition to the celebration is a life-sized figure that claims to contain Sonic's DNA—a statement that immediately raises a series of questions.
According to Sega, the figure was created in collaboration with the Lom Baby project from Transeeds, a self-described "science collective comprised of artists, engineers, scientists, and other members" specializing in bio art. The company claims that "cutting-edge biotechnology" was used to bring the essence of Sonic—who has raced through the ages—into the real world as "DNA."
Lom Baby's previous works include the exhibition of "dragon meat" at Tokyo's National Art Center and the recreation of the T-Virus from Resident Evil in partnership with Capcom. These projects, while certainly unconventional, are said to be "fine and cool" by the collective.
The Science (or Lack Thereof) Behind Sonic's DNA
Unfortunately, Sega’s description does little to clarify how the genetic information of a fictional hedgehog was secured. The process remains shrouded in mystery. For instance, what methods does a bio art collective use to obtain the genetic information of a character who doesn't exist in the real world? Did they fabricate a chimeric simulacrum of Sonic's genome from assembled components?
Based on what’s shown in the video, Sonic's genome evidently includes components like "velocity cells," "exploration DNA," and a "boost system"—features that are, perhaps, more fitting for a video game character than a biological entity.
To complete this act of blatant scientific hubris and genetic idolatry, Sega and Lom Baby have placed Sonic's synthesized DNA within an emerald, which has itself been submerged in a milky suspension inside the translucent thoracic cavity of a chrome Sonic effigy. After all, if we couldn't see the DNA jewel, how could we be expected to believe Sonic's genetic essence was actually in there?
"The DNA encapsulated within the Chaos Emerald symbolizes that 'Sonic's core' will endure, never fading, into the future," Sega says. Great!
If you want to admire Sonic's DNA in person, you'll need to travel to Japan to do it. The Sonic the Hedgehog DNA Figure exhibition begins on Tuesday, June 23 at the Tokyo Sega Store.
