SEGA is going all-in on celebrating Sonic the Hedgehog’s 35th anniversary at Anime Expo 2026, unveiling a packed lineup of panels, booth activations, and exclusive merchandise for fans attending the July event. At the center of it all is a special animation-focused panel that promises a rare behind-the-scenes look at Sonic’s evolving visual identity.
With legendary creators, exclusive giveaways, and interactive experiences, SEGA’s presence is shaping up to be one of the biggest draws of the convention.
Animation Panel Highlights Sonic’s Creative Legacy
The headline event for Sonic fans is the “Sonic the Hedgehog Animated Shorts: A Frame-by-Frame Retrospective” panel, scheduled for Friday, July 3 at Petree Hall. The session will be hosted by Takashi Iizuka, the longtime creative force behind the franchise.
Joining him are key contributors to Sonic’s modern animation style, including Tyson Hesse and Evan Stanley. Their involvement adds significant weight to the panel, as both have played major roles in shaping Sonic’s recent visual storytelling across games, comics, and animated shorts.
The panel will explore Sonic’s short-form animation projects in detail, breaking down the creative process frame by frame. For longtime fans, this offers a rare opportunity to understand how the character has evolved visually while maintaining his core identity over three decades.
Beyond the panel, SEGA is giving fans plenty of reasons to visit its booth in South Hall. One of the biggest highlights is the daily release of exclusive Sonic posters, with a different design available each day of Anime Expo.
Among these, the Anime Expo-exclusive Sonic Racing manga cover poster stands out as a must-have collectible. Designed specifically for the event, it celebrates Sonic’s broader multimedia presence and ties into the franchise’s expanding storytelling formats.
In addition to posters, attendees can pick up postcards, pins, and other limited-edition items, all distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interactive Booth Experiences for Fans
SEGA is also leaning heavily into fan engagement with a series of interactive booth activations. As part of the 35th anniversary celebration, visitors can take part in a themed experience where they discover their “inner Sonic hero.”
The activity involves a short quiz that determines a fan’s Chaos Emerald power level, followed by a personalized digital photo opportunity. Fans will also have the chance to meet Sonic in person, making it a highly shareable moment for attendees.
These experiences are designed to celebrate Sonic’s legacy while creating memorable interactions for both longtime fans and newcomers.
The presence of creators like Tyson Hesse and Evan Stanley highlights how Sonic has grown beyond video games into a broader entertainment franchise. From animated shorts to comics and films, Sonic’s influence continues to expand, and this panel reflects that evolution.
Takashi Iizuka’s role as Creative Officer ensures that the franchise remains consistent across these different formats while still pushing forward creatively. His involvement in both the games and the film franchise makes this panel particularly significant for fans interested in Sonic’s future direction.
