Origin
Shadow was created by Professor Gerald Robotnik with the use of Black Doom’s blood on the space station ARK, as the ultimate life-form. His main purpose was to provide a cure for patiences with Neuro-Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, namely Maria. However, shortly after he was created, the G.U.N invaded the ARK, shut it down, and killed Maria Robotnik – Gerald’s granddaughter – and the only human Shadow had ever truly cared for. Shadow would then be encapsulated in a lab on Prison Island, awaiting the day someone would free him so that he could carry out Professor Gerald’s ultimate plan for revenge.
Fifty years later, Dr. Ivo “Eggman” stumbled across the diary of of his grandfather and decided to free from Shadow from Prison Island and use him to conquer the the world. Instead, Shadow used the opportunity to avenge the death of Maria by arming the Eclipse cannon of the ARK, attempting to blow up Mobius. However, he encountered Rouge the Bat and Sonic the Hedgehog and was show the truth of his false memories. He then tried to destroy Dr. Eggman, only to serve him in hopes of learning more of his past. Eventually, Shadow stole back Gerald’s dairy and leanred the truth about his past and orginal purpose: to protect Mobius. Shadow then went to G.U.N – the only organization he knew of with the resources he needed to help protect Mobius.
Powers and Abilities
Super Speed: Like Sonic, Shadow can move very quickly (Over Mach 1). Shadow doesn’t run however, he “skates” on his hover shoes. This allows Shadow to have better endurance than Sonic.
Spin Dash: Similar to Sonic, Shadow has the ability to curl into a ball or blade while performing a oval-shaped charge that allows him to lock on to his target and dash off in a high speed rolling attack.
Super Strength: Shadow is also very strong. He can pick up about 500 pounds with one hand and destroy robots and other durable beings easily. Shadow doesn’t have near the strength of Knuckles or E-123 Omega though.
Super Agility: Like Sonic, he is not only very fast, but also really athletic and acrobatic, being able to make many acrobatic maneuvers, even being proficient in parkour.
Parkour Skills: Thanks to his super speed and physical prowess, Shadow is able to evade and out jump many obstacles with excellent skill, being as profcient in parkour as Sonic.
Weapon Master: Shadow is a master at firearms and uses them with great accuracy and skill. Shadow uses assault rifles, handguns, shotguns, and other deadly weapons as an expert.
Durability: Shadow is incredible durable and can take attacks from the likes of Sonic or even Knuckles.
Master Hand-to-Hand Combatant: Shadow has his own fighting style and is very skilled at it. Even though he has never had formal training, his experience and physical traits make him an dangerous enemy to deal with in combat. Shadow is very brutal at attacking, and can quickly dodge and counter in response, he also skillfully combines his speed with his fighting techniques, which gives him an advantage on most occasions. Shadow uses karate chops, spin kicks and other fighting techniques that match with speed and precision to destroy his enemies.
Chaos Energy Manipulation: Shadow also possesses a direct link to a powerful energy source known as the Chaos Force. With it, Shadow is able to use it in order to create energy projectiles, distort time and space, and enhance his natural abilities.
- Chaos Spear: Shadow’s signature move. He channels his energy into either of his hands and projects it in the form of a bolt of energy.
- Chaos Blast:Shadow generate a large amount of Chaos Energy and unleashes it in a devastating blast that is capable of destroying everything within its radius. Shadow can also narrow the blast in the shape of a beam for further accuracy.
- Chaos Control: Shadow can also warp the fabric of time and space, allowing him to freeze and travel through time and teleport himself or other people or objects. He can also increase the power and range of these abilities depending on the number of Chaos Emeralds he possesses.
- Chaos Boost: Shadow can use his Chaos Energy to increase his speed strength and abilities for a short period of time.
Inhibitor Rings: The golden rings on Shadow’s wrists were created Professor Gerald Robotnik. Shadow uses them to limit his connection the Chaos Force whenever he is in combat. However, whenever the situation is dire, he removes them and his power increases immensely. However, due to the excessive amount of power he is excreting, he quickly tires out.
Transformations
Super Shadow: The form Shadow takes one when he absorbs the power of all seven Chaos Emeralds. In this form, Shadow is invincible, he gains the ability of flight, and all of his abilities are increase beyond their natural limits to the point where he is able stand against extremely powerful beings.
In the comic Archie Sonic Universe Issue # 2, Shadow achieved this transformation and when both he and Sonic absorbed the power of the Chaos Emeralds in order to stop the Biolizard from destroying Mobius with the Space Colony ARK.
Other Media
Video Games
Sonic Adventure 2: Shadow is the Speed character of the Dark Story. This is his first appearance game wise
Sonic Heroes: Shadow is a member of Team Dark. He is the speed type character
Shadow the Hedgehog: The star of the game. He tries to uncover his past while being tempted by Black Doom
Sonic the Hedgehog (next gen): Shadow accidentally releases Mephiles the Dark who immediately takes on his appearance
Sonic and the Secret Rings: Shadow is a playable character in 2 player party mode
Super Smash Bros Brawl: Although not a playable character, Shadow appears as an assist trophy, stickers, and as a regular trophy
Sonic and the Black Knight: a knight character resembling Shadow appears named Sir Lancelot
TV
Sonic X – Shadow appears in the anime as one of the main characters often butting heads with Sonic.
Internet
ScrewAttack.com – In their series DEATH BATTLE, Shadow the Hedgehog was paired against the Saiyan Prince Vegeta. Shadow was able to control the fight early on through Speed and Chaos powers in his Super Shadow Form, but Vegeta was able to outlast Shadow and deliver the final blow after Shadow reverted to his natural form. The battle pointed out Shadow’s super form’s resemblance to the Super Saiyan transformation.