| “ | Oh-ho-ho... Don't you worry, little one. I'll fix your little red wagon. Soon, I'll be fixing everything! | „ |
| ~ Mr. Tinker |
Mr. Tinker is the friendly alter-ego of the infamous despot, Dr. Eggman. Unlike his original persona, Mr. Tinker is a kind and helpful handyman who is happy to fix anything that is broken and enjoys spending time with children. He first appeared in the IDW Sonic the Hedgehog comic series.
Description[]
Appearance[]
Mr. Tinker's physical appearance is the same as before. However, he wears different clothing than his evil side; he wears a pink shirt, green overalls with a wrench and a screwdriver in the pouch, and slippers of similar colors.
Personality[]
In a stark contrast to the callous and wrathful Dr. Eggman, Mr. Tinker is compassionate and patient. Rather than use his skills for his own ambitions, he instead uses them to benefit everyone else around him.
Abilities and Powers[]
Mr. Tinker maintained his original persona's talent for mechanics. He even created a robot made almost entirely out of wood with actual emotions.
History[]
After Sonic Forces[]
After losing his war against the Resistance, Dr. Eggman was found unconscious by the citizens of Windmill Village and was immediately apprehended. The doctor remained incarcerated overnight until he managed to break out of his cell just so he could reinforce it. Confused by his behavior, the villagers questioned Eggman and discovered he had no recollection of his identity or past misdeeds. He also showed no signs of returning to villainy, which convinced the villagers he was no longer the vile person he had previously been and decided to take him in. As gratitude for their hospitality, the amnesiac Eggman helped the villagers by fixing anything they had in need of repair, which earned him the nickname Mr. Tinker.
The Fate of Dr. Eggman[]
Meanwhile, the Chaotix Detective Agency were actively searching for Eggman to make him answer for his crimes when they received a anonymous tip about the villain's whereabouts and soon learnt of what had occurred at Windmill Village. They asked Mr. Tinker their own set of questions to ensure he was not faking his condition. However, they eventually arrived at the same conclusion as the villagers and are uncertain on how to handle the situation. The Chaotix decided to call on Sonic the Hedgehog in hopes that he could think of a solution to their predicament.
At first Sonic was unsure on whether to really trust Mr. Tinker, but when the village is suddenly attacked by Badniks, the hedgehog was surprised to find him hastily constructing a blockade indoors while trying to reassure frightened children. Mr. Tinker begged Sonic to do something about the robots outside, showing genuine fear of them that convinced the speedster to leave him alone and focus on stopping the Badniks. Once the machines were destroyed, Sonic became certain that Mr. Tinker was not a threat, until the handyman brought up that he was building something called "Eggman Land". At that moment, Shadow and Rouge appeared with intent of destroying Dr. Eggman, but Sonic managed to convince Shadow to give the reformed villain a second chance before Mr. Tinker showed both hedgehogs that the Eggman Land he was referring to is an indoor amusement park created for children.
Battle For Angel Island[]
During the Resistance's battle against Metal Sonic for Angel Island, Mr. Tinker is kidnapped by the mercenary brothers Rough and Tumble and is taken to a facility where he is strapped into an advanced device. Terrified, Mr. Tinker pleas to his captors and offers to build anything they need if they let him go. This behavior prompts Tumble to question if their captive really is Eggman, but then his employer Dr. Starline appears to confirm that it is him and expresses his own intention to return the Eggman Empire to it's former glory by restoring Eggman's lost memories.
Their captive claims this to be is a mistake, saying he is Mr. Tinker and doesn’t want to be Dr. Eggman. Starline responds that Eggman would not want to be "Mr. Tinker" either and says to think about Eggman Land as he lowers a visor to the handyman's eyes before inducing him with electric shocks. Later, after Metal Sonic's defeat, Dr. Starline finishes the first part of his captive's treatment to help him regain his memories and asks him if he feels more like Dr. Eggman.
However, even after three treatments, Mr. Tinker showed no knowledge about his former identity. Starline theorizes that some sort of emotional or mental trigger was needed, prompting Orbot and Cubot to try and make their boss remember but to no prevail (although they started to question if they really wanted their old boss back). Suddenly, Metal Sonic enters the facility in rough shape, which gives Mr. Tinker concern. He offers to help the robot before memories of his time with Metal and his past life come flooding back to him. This finally reverts Mr. Tinker back into being Dr. Eggman again, although with no recollection of his more recent activities.
Legacy[]
Despite turning back into Eggman, Mr. Tinker left behind a legacy in the form of Belle the Tinkerer, a robot made almost entirely out of wood that was built by the handyman to assist him. He also rebuilt a Motobug with a much friendlier attitude, and left a final message addressed to Belle inside it.
Quotes[]
| “ | Just follow your dreams wherever you go! You're perfect in every way! I love to construct and make things go! There is no obstacle that stands in my way! | „ |
| ~ Mr. Tinker singing. |
| “ | To whomever finds this letter, it is for my daughter, Belle the Tinkerer. I hope that one day she might read it, unlikely as that may be. Though I am a captive, I do not seek rescue. It's too late for that. This is a confession, to ease an old man's conscience. I've lived a good life, bringing joy to those around me. Watching you become the wonderful woman you are. My captor is adamant that I am actually the would-be-despot, Dr. Eggman. The thought of it turns my stomach. Still, I cannot deny the logic of his evidence. I am not Dr. Eggman, but if I somehow lose myself to this nightmare... I am truly sorry. To you, and the world. I love you Belle. I always will. Goodbye. --Mr. Tinker |
„ |
| ~ Mr. Tinker's final message to his daughter, Belle the Tinkerer. |
Trivia[]
- The colors of Mr. Tinker's clothing are a reference to early concept art of Dr. Eggman when he was envisioned as possible protagonist for the SEGA Genesis game Sonic the Hedgehog.
- His role is similar to that of Dr. Ovi Kintobor, Robotnik's good self from the Sonic the Comic series by Fleetway.
