- For other uses, see Gemerl (disambiguation).
Gemerl[3] (ジーメル[1] Jīmeru?), also known as Gemerl the Robot[4] and G-Merl,[1] is a character that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. He is a robot created by Dr. Eggman from Emerl's data,[5] making him an upgraded version of his predecessor. Gemerl once aided the doctor in his attempts to stop Sonic and his friends from foiling one of his plans but wound up betraying his creator to cause mayhem. After his defeat, he was reprogrammed in the image of his predecessor.
Quick Answers
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Appearance[]
Gemerl is a black humanoid robot with yellow accents, like his predecessor. He possesses five-fingered gray hands and feet in the shape of shoes, with black soles and yellow lines around them. His upper arms, abdomen, and thighs are gray, and he has spherical black joints as shoulder and hip joints. He also has relatively thick armor around his forearms and lower legs, (each one possessing yellow cuffs), fin-like yellow objects on his forearms and lower legs that act like elbow-covers and kneecaps, and some kind of jetpack on his back. On his chest, he has three gray circles. Lastly, he possesses a spherical head with a gray mouth plate, blue eyes with red rims, gray caps resembling ears, and a curved yellow horn with points sticking out from the sides and a blue eye in the center of it on his forehead.
History[]
Past[]
Gemerl was created by Dr. Eggman sometime after Emerl's destruction to be the ultimate fighting robot.[6] To create him, Eggman used Emerl's data.[5]
Sonic Advance 3[]
When Eggman broke the Earth with Chaos Control to conquer each piece, Gemerl helped Eggman to prevent Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends from fixing the planet. Gemerl kept intercepting the heroes, but was defeated and had to retreat each time. He would also join Eggman in his mechs whenever the doctor confronted Sonic and his friends, only to be beaten and flee with Eggman. Eventually, Gemerl made a final stand at the Altar Emerald with Eggman, but they lost once more. As Sonic and his friends restored the earth, Gemerl and Eggman tried to escape when Gemerl's battle damage made him unstable. He then stole the Chaos Emeralds from Sonic, which he used to transform into Ultimate Gemerl. Gemerl then betrayed Eggman and escaped. In space, however, Gemerl was confronted by Super Sonic and Eggman, who defeated him.
Gemerl living with Cream and her family, from Sonic Advance 3.
Reverting back to normal in a large explosion, Gemerl landed on earth where his broken body washed up on a beach. Found by Cream, Cheese, and Vanilla, he was taken to Tails, who repaired Gemerl and reprogrammed him into the kind-hearted Gizoid he was based on. Soon after, Gemerl befriended Cream and came to live with her and Vanilla.
IDW Publishing[]
Main Article: Gemerl/History and appearances (IDW)
Other game appearances[]
Sonic Mega Collection[]
In Sonic Mega Collection, Gemerl makes a cameo appearance as a piece of artwork.
Sonic Generations[]
In the Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Generations, Gemerl appears on an unlockable bonus artwork from Sonic Advance 3 in the Collection Room.
Sonic Speed Simulator[]
In Sonic Speed Simulator, Gemerl appears as one of the playable characters for the player to choose from in the options memu. He first appeared during the "Chao School Event" on 11 May 2024:
| Image | Unlocking requirement | Bonus Stat | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
 Gemerl |
|
|
Exotic |
On 14 December 2024, Gemerl was re-released as "Scarecrow Gemerl", a variant character of Gemerl based on a scarecrow.
| Image | Unlocking requirement | Bonus Stat | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
 Scarecrow Gemerl |
|
|
Legendary |
Personality[]
Initially, Gemerl lacked any kind of true personality, though he would display some of Emerl's traits over time, supposedly due to containing his data. When serving Eggman, Gemerl behaved as an emotionless machine, and was completely obedient and unwaveringly loyal to the doctor. After receiving damage at Altar Emerald, however, Gemerl gained a sense of free will and acted similarly to Emerl under his original programming, becoming aggressive, hostile, and bent on causing destruction. After being rebuilt by Tails, Gemerl became a kind-hearted robot, much like Emerl near the end of his life.
Thanks to being a copy of Emerl, Gemerl is designed to be a learning robot,[7] making him capable of growing wiser and developing with each new experience. Possessing an artificial intelligence, he is likewise capable of making independent decisions. Originally, though, all Gemerl cared about was fighting and destroying. After being reprogrammed by Tails however, Gemerl became a gentle and caring robot towards his friends and adopted family. For this reason, he is ready to do whatever it takes to protect Cream's family.[8]
Gemerl is greatly devoted to Cream and her family, and will defend them by any means necessary. He is, in fact, so devoted to those he protects that he tends to get overzealous and go too far in his actions, like attacking a friend or innocents when he deduces that they are posing even the most miniscule of threats, willingly or not. He will also not hesitate to use lethal force against his opponents. While these actions may make him seem like a jerk (as Sonic plainly puts it), or even a ruthless machine just following his programming, they can actually be traced back to a genuine emotional desire to protect those he cares about. Furthermore, Gemerl can learn from his mistakes, and accept exceptions to his regulations because of his commitment to Cream. As a testament to this, Gemerl is able to show regret about his actions and admit mistakes in his procedures, like when he hesitantly admitted that he was not "operating optimally" when he attacked an infected Sonic.[8]
Powers and abilities[]
Being created as the ultimate fighting robot, Gemerl is built for combat, and was based on Emerl's data, which itself was loaded with battle information spanning 4000 years. As a result of this, Gemerl possesses an incredibly high range of fighting skill. It is unknown if Gemerl has Emerl's ability to copy powers, though it is probable that he does thanks to being based on Emerl's data.
Gemerl possesses a jetpack on his back, allowing him to fly through the air, perform powerful midair spin attacks, and move along the ground at super speed. He is also quite durable, being able to withstand being blown up without his functionality being impaired. Additionally, he can teleport, fire barrages of missiles, and create a red energy shield around himself.
Gemerl also has the ability to "merge" with other machines and, as such, co-piloted all of Eggman's battle mech vehicles during Sonic Advance 3.
Gemerl firing his missiles, from Sonic the Hedgehog #18.
Gemerl is a very powerful robot, specifically programmed to grow in strength and evolve across various settings and scenarios, and has great analytical skills. He possesses incredible speed, enough to earn even Sonic's acknowledgement, and is capable of flight using a jetpack on his back. He is also able to fire missiles that cause fairly small explosions, and possesses enough strength to overwhelm several Zombots at once. He is also able to bond with machines, although he cannot bond with machines whose infrastructure is incompatible with his.[9]
Transformations[]
Ultimate Gemerl[]
Ultimate Gemerl, from Sonic Advance 3.
With the seven Chaos Emeralds, Gemerl can assume a super transformation into a much stronger form known as Ultimate Gemerl. This form has four extendable arms with claw-like hands that can fire freezing energy beams and launch missiles. Its only weak spot is its blue gem, which is protected by a shutter and very hard to harm.
Relationship[]
Dr. Eggman[]
Dr. Eggman was Gemerl's creator, and would use the robot to take down Sonic and friends. Gemerl, before being reprogramed, did not have a mind of its own, and would follow all orders given from Eggman and his Empire. Once he was reworked by Tails, the robot found a sense of being able to think for himself rather than just obeying as it was under Eggman, leaving the robot with a brighter future for himself, even considering Eggman as the enemy rather than an ally.
Cream the Rabbit[]
Gemerl and Cream looking at a Flicky, from Sonic Advance 3.
Being a devoted defender of Cream the Rabbit first and foremost, Gemerl places her safety and well-being as his top priority, even above his own, and is willing to do anything for her sake.[2][10] Sometimes, however, Gemerl has trouble grasping her commands, and can take them too literally without considering exceptions to her regulations. Upon further introspection, however, he is able to understand Cream and update his behavior.[2][11] In addition, his often excessive actions come from a genuine emotional desire to protect Cream from any and all threats.[2] As an example of his devotion, Gemerl considers himself happy as long as Cream is safe, and can become angered by anyone who harms her.[10]
Cream strongly believes that Gemerl has a good heart. As such, she believes that he should not let anyone boss him around. Her belief in Gemerl and the bond they have are, in fact, so strong that Gemerl was able to hear Cream while under Zeena's control and even break free from the female Zeti's control by destroying his signal receptors. He later cruelly punished Zeena by throwing her into a horde of Zombots when she wanted to harm Cream. Also, when Cream fell victim to the Metal Virus, Gemerl took her to safety with him and promised to stay with her until the end.[10] Cream also does not expect Gemerl to be perfect, and does not want him to risk his life for her sake. Instead, she believes that they make a much better team when they are helping out each other and can thus get out of any crisis.[12]
Sonic the Hedgehog[]
Sonic the Hedgehog is a friend of Cream, and thus a friend of Gemerl. During the Metal Virus plague, however, Gemerl saw Sonic as a threat to Cream, as the former had been infected with the Metal Virus. As such, when they met, Gemerl ordered Sonic to leave so he could force his infection into remission. However, he later apologized to Sonic over how hostile he been towards the hedgehog, claiming that he was not operating optimally in that situation.[13] Despite this, he would later treat Sonic distrustfully, and refused to let him into Amy's office in the Restoration HQ due to his infection.[14]
Rouge the Bat[]
Gemerl is wary of Rouge the Bat and her intentions for Cream, having noticed her cunning predisposition. In turn, Rouge has commented Gemerl on his lack of humor. Despite this, she has managed to reign him when he threatens to use force in the wrong situation.[15]
E-123 Omega[]
Omega showing respect towards Gemerl, from Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2022.
E-123 Omega and Gemerl have a somewhat friendly rivalry with each other. After exchanging insults and nearly destroying each other, Omega stated that, even though he found Gemerl as inferior, he recognized that his fellow robot "possessed the lethality of a warrior", and respected Gemerl's desire to stay with Cream and her family, with Gemerl stating he, in turn, respected Omega's goal to destroy all of Dr. Eggman's robots.[16]
Zeena[]
During their first meeting, Zeena took control of Gemerl and tried to make him hurt Cream. Gemerl, however, managed to remember who he was, thanks to Cream's words of comfort, and freed himself from Zeena's control. After Zeena almost hurt Cream, however, Gemerl brutally dealt with her and threw her into a horde of Zombots.[17][18]
Friends/allies[]
- Amy Rose
- Big the Cat
- Chao
- Cream the Rabbit (good friend)
- E-123 Omega (good friend)
- Froggy
- Miles "Tails" Prower
- Omochao
- Restoration
- Rouge the Bat
- Shadow the Hedgehog
- Silver the Hedgehog
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Tangle the Lemur
- Team Chaotix
- Vanilla the Rabbit
- Whisper the Wolf
Neutral[]
Enemies[]
- Clutch the Opossum
- Deadly Six
- Dr. Starline
- Eggman Empire
- Cubot
- Dr. Eggman (creator)
- Metal Sonic
- Orbot
- Rough the Skunk
- Tumble the Skunk
- Zombots
In other media[]
Animation[]
Sonic Prime[]
Gemerl's cameo in Sonic Prime, from "No Escape".
Gemerl makes a small cameo appearance in the Sonic Prime television series. In the episode "No Escape", Sonic has a flashback to his and Tails' encounter with Gemerl and Dr. Eggman in the Egg Ball No.2 robot in Sunset Hill. After the two sides fight, Gemerl and Eggman are defeated by the heroes and the Egg Ball No. 2 is destroyed with the two in it.
Books and comics[]
Archie Comics[]
Gemerl, from Sonic the Hedgehog #273.
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, Gemerl was originally a weapon-based android created by Dr. Eggman, but was converted to good after his betrayal of Eggman and came to live peacefully with Cream. Currently, he acts as Mobotropolis' protector during the Freedom Fighters' absences.
Trivia[]
- Gemerl's artwork pose is the same pose that Emerl does in one of his Sonic Battle artworks. This is presumably to further enforce how Gemerl is a copy of Emerl.
- Gemerl's theme is a remix of the themes of Phi's and Emerl's, as well as excerpts from the music in the Colosseum arena from Sonic Battle.
- Both Gemerl and Chocola have the following in common: Characters associated with Cream the Rabbit, who were absent from the series after their debut for roughly 16-17 years, until their return in the IDW Sonic the Hedgehog comic series.
- Sonic Speed Simulator is the first game where he is fully playable, and would be his first official 3D render.
- There is an error in his Sonic Speed Simulator render, as his original artwork from Sonic Advance 3 hows his leg all black, while the one from SSS has yellow lines on them. It is unknown if this was intentional or a mistake.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 (in Japanese) ソニックアドバンス3最強攻略ガイド. Shogakukan. July 2004. ISBN 978-4091061737.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Sonic the Hedgehog #18, "Victims"
- ↑ Flynn, Ian; Sega (8 December 2021). "Sonic Advance 3". Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia. Dark Horse Books. p. 144. ISBN 978-1506719276. "Story: Dr. Eggman has used the power of the Chaos Emeralds to unleash Chaos Control, splitting the world into pockets of reality. Sonic and Tails are separated from their friends and set out to both find them and mend the world. Along the way they encounter Dr. Eggman's newest creation: Gemerl. The fearsome battle droid learns from encounter, growing stronger each time."
- ↑ Gamefam Studios (16 April 2022). Sonic Speed Simulator. PC.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Sonic Advance 3 (Japanese). Sega. Retrieved on 5 March 2014. "『ソニックバトル』で登場した“エメル”のデータをもとに、Ｄｒ．エッグマンが生み出したロボット“ジーメル”が新登場！アタッチメントをつけることにより様々な機能を発揮可能。 ソニックたちを待ち受ける！"
- ↑ Sonic Advance 3 (Game Boy Advance) North American instruction booklet, pg. 4.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #36, "Chao Races and Badnik Bases, Part 4"
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Sonic the Hedgehog #18, "Victims"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #18, "Victims"
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Sonic the Hedgehog #27, "All or Nothing, Part 2"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #22, "The Last Minute, Part 2"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #36, "Chao Races and Badnik Bases, Part 4"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #18, "Victims"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #20, "Crisis City, Part 2"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #33, "Chao Races and Badnik Bases, Part 1"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2022, "Weapons"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #26, "All or Nothing, Part 1"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog #27, "All or Nothing, Part 2"
