Fang the Hunter : Le chasseur de primes de l’univers Sonic

Fang the Hunter: The bounty hunter of the Sonic universe

May 4, 2025

646 mots | Temps de lecture : 3 minute(s)

Fang the Hunter , formerly known as Fang the Sniper and Nack the Weasel , is a cult supporting character in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. This western-bandit-looking treasure hunter is known for his greed , unique style , and rare but memorable appearances. Cunning, unpredictable, and slightly clumsy, Fang is after one thing: golden rings and valuables . Neither a true hero nor a pure villain, he falls into a gray area that is his charm.

Origin and first appearance

Fang first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble (1994, Game Gear). Introduced as a rival to Sonic , he wants to retrieve the Chaos Emeralds before him. Unlike the main recurring villains, Fang has no plan for world domination or ideology; profit guides his every move.

Evolution of the name and character

Nack the Weasel – original Japanese name
Fang the Sniper – classic international name (1990s)
Fang the Hunter – official name since Sonic Superstars (2023)

The change from "Sniper" to "Hunter" avoids direct reference to weapons: a choice more suited to a family environment, while emphasizing its role as a treasure hunter .

Appearance and design

Species : “wolf jerboa” (fictitious mix)
Palette : Purple & white fur, cowboy hat, boots, outlaw jacket
Favorite weapon : cork gun with bouncing projectiles
Animation : bouncy, nervous, often comical in its failures

Personality

100% Opportunist : Follows money, not ideals
Cunning but frequently a victim of his own clumsiness
Coward : prefers to flee or cheat rather than fight fairly
Burlesque humor : his plans often backfire on him

Abilities & Gameplay

Cork gun : zone control, unpredictable rebounds
Extended jumps : long tail = wide jumps + maneuverability
Strategic Boss : Traps, Gadgets, Cunning > Brute Force

Main appearances

Sonic Triple Trouble (1994)
Sonic Drift 2 (1995) – playable driver
Sonic the Fighters (1996) – playable character
Sonic Mania Plus (2018) – illusion at Mirage Saloon
Sonic Superstars (2023) – returns as main antagonist

Role in Sonic Superstars

In 2023, Fang returns to the forefront, partnered with Dr. Eggman and the mysterious Trip . His classic design is modernized , his humor intact, and he finally takes on a central role punctuated by cunning boss fights and slapstick cutscenes.

Fang in the comics

Archie Comics : Arrogant mercenary, member of the "Hooligans" (with Bark & Bean)
IDW Comics : Fully integrated into modern continuity, always greedy and switching sides

Why is Fang the Hunter cult?

Unique western design in the Sonic universe
Gray Anti-Hero : Neither Good, Nor Outright Evil
Retro icon for Game Gear / 32-bit fans
Successful return in Sonic Superstars
Cartoon humor + corkscrew gun = memorable

Conclusion

Fang the Hunter exemplifies the richness of the Sonic cast: an eccentric supporting character, a greedy, yet terribly endearing anti-hero . His comeback in Sonic Superstars proves that retro legends can shine again. Always ready to pounce where the treasures are hidden, Fang remains one of the most unpredictable rivals… and the most entertaining.

‎