Sonadow

Sonadow is the slash ship between Sonic and Shadow from the Sonic the Hedgehog fandom.

Canon
In most canons, both Sonic and Shadow share an intense rivalry.

In main game canon, after Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic and Shadow have grown to be not only rivals, but as allies and friends as well.

Games
At first, these two would fiercely battle due to a conflict of ideals or to compete. However, as time moved on, Shadow has become more mellow and has since, besides a rival, became an ally and friend who would help Sonic in need. He is still shown to compete with Sonic in friendly races or competitions as seen in Team Sonic Racing and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

There is a mutual respect between them and over time, Shadow has become more confident about Sonic doing what is right, and Sonic has become more accepting of Shadow’s violent attitude as well.

Sonic Adventure 2
They first meet in Sonic Adventure 2 as enemies. Sonic is hostile towards Shadow for being the reason he got arrested, accusing him of being a fake. Shadow pays him no mind, having better things to do, and simply leaves after showcasing his Chaos Control ability and introducing himself. This leaves Sonic annoyed and curious about who he is, kickstarting their rivalry.

They meet a second time in the jungle of Prison Island, mutually annoyed with each other and believing the other to be a faker, causing their first battle. Shadow seems to gain some interest in Sonic and his ability, as later on the ARK, when he thought Sonic died, he was mildly disappointed that he turned out to be just a normal hedgehog.

Sonic and Shadow have their third encounter on the way to the Eclipse Cannon. Shadow is impressed that Sonic survived and shocked that Sonic managed to Chaos Control with a fake Chaos Emerald, realizing that there is more to the blue hedgehog than he thought. Despite this newfound respect with one another, the two still have opposing goals and proceed to have another battle.

Later, Shadow has a change of heart and decides to help Sonic and Knuckles stop the ARK’s crash course towards Earth. Sonic and Shadow activate their Super forms and team up to fight the Biolizard together. The two Chaos Control the ARK back to its place, and Shadow loses his power, falling to the Earth. Sonic solemnly breaks the news to the rest of the cast on the ARK. By himself, he muses about the Ultimate Lifeform’s purpose, though dismisses it as nothing when approached by Amy. He changes the subject by cheerfully declaring that they should go home now. When Sonic is the last one standing in the ARK, he looks inside, waves his hand, and says, “Sayonara, Shadow the Hedgehog.”

Sonic Heroes
The two encounter each other again while accompanied by their respective teams. Sonic is slightly surprised that Shadow survived, calling him stubborn and always full of surprises. In the Japanese version, he says that stubbornness is a saving grace for both of them, a reference to Sonic Adventure 2. Sonic and Shadow start a fight since the two teams don’t want the other to get in their way of finding Eggman. After their fight, Shadow wonders about the blue hedgehog he seemingly knew in his past, and what that means about his lost memories. In the end of the game, Shadow decides to buy some time against Neo Metal Sonic while Sonic activates his Super form.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
Sonic and Shadow cross paths in Sonic 06 when they and their teams are sent to a future ruined by Iblis. Shadow tells Sonic that in order to go back to their time, they'll need a space-time rift, and that his Chaos Control alone is not enough. Sonic nods, agreeing to work together. Once locating a second Chaos Emerald, Sonic warns Shadow not to be late, to which he bites back, "Same to you." With two emeralds, the pair perform a joined Chaos Control, and everyone goes back to the present, though Shadow last minute decides to stay behind once he sees Mephiles. Later, once Shadow is back to the present, he finds Sonic with Elise, being attacked by Silver. Shadow intervenes, allowing Sonic to escape. He gives Shadow a nod and thumbs up.

In the last act of the game, Mephiles manages to kill Sonic and release Iblis. Everyone is transported to a time-space rift, where they realize that Solaris means to consume all of time and that Sonic was killed, to which Shadow closes his eyes at in sorrow. Despite the hopelessness of the situation, Silver is determined to destroy Solaris across time, though Shadow replies that it would only be possible if Sonic were alive. Elise and Silver infer that they can bring Sonic back with the Chaos Emeralds, so everyone splits up to gather the emeralds and save Sonic. Sonic is then revived, transformed into Super Sonic. Silver and Shadow transform as well, and the three of them go off to defeat Solaris.

Comics
Their relationship is similar to the games. However, there was once a moment when Sonic felt sadness for his rival as Shadow had presumably perished after the destruction of Letter of Gabriel, but after the timeline was reset, Sonic immediately called and checked up on Shadow, and was elated to find him alive.

Sonic X
Their relationship is similar to the games, but the first time they met, Shadow showed interest in meeting Sonic, noting their similarities and mocking Sonic as a weak opponent upon defeating Sonic in combat. However, he later changed this view about Sonic after seeing Sonic use Chaos Control. Shadow became impressed by Sonic and respected him as a rival ever since.

Sonic Boom
In Sonic Boom, they are tense rivals. Unlike most other canons, the two never showed partnership even once. However, Shadow has a small degree of respect towards Sonic, and, in fact, fighting against him is one of the few things Shadow ever shows an interest in. This is seen in media where Shadow has appearances: Rise of Lyric, Shattered Crystal (under the control of Lyric), “It Takes a Village to Defeat a Hedgehog”, and “Eggman: The Video Game” (parts one and two).

Sonic Prime
Sonic mentions Shadow in his intro narration, though doesn't speak on him further, saying their relationship is "complicated." When Eggman tricks Sonic into delivering a high energy blast, Shadow feels it from afar, seemingly angry. As Sonic goes to check on the Paradox Prism, Shadow confronts him with a fight, questioning what he did. Sonic tries to deescalate the situation, though they keep fighting until they tire each other out.

Sonic notices a blast from where his friends are and tells Shadow he needs to go. Shadow cuts him off with a punch to the face telling him to focus. Once Sonic recovers, he pretends Eggman is behind Shadow and uses the distraction to spindash him into a pile of rocks, then leaves to help his friends. Shadow follows after him, arriving right before Sonic shatters the Paradox Prism. Shadow uses Chaos Control before the blast, landing him in the void of the Shatterverse, and he mutters Sonic’s name angrily.

In the New Yoke City Shatterspace, Sonic generates a large amount of energy and hears Shadow telling him that everything is broken. Sonic regards this as a hallucination, and has a flashback to their previous scuffle. Shadow communicates with Sonic a few other times while Sonic is speeding up, and Sonic subsequently travels to another Shatterspace each time. The first time this happens, Shadow tells Sonic that he’s lost in the void and that he needs to keep moving.

Sonic eventually meets Shadow face-to-face in the void. Mistaking him as an alternate version of Shadow, Sonic says he doesn’t have time for this and wants to go home. Shadow angrily tells Sonic that home doesn’t exist anymore because of him, and proceeds to punch him. Sonic tries to escape and return to Neo Yoke City to find Nine, but Shadow catches him up and stops him by smashing him on cristal shards. Sonic hugs Shadow, happy to see the "real" Shadow again, but Shadow angrily replies that there was not any other him. Sonic falls back and looks at Shadow with a sad face.

Shadow takes Sonic to places he visited, notably the yellow reality he could have entered. Inside, Shadow watches Sonic happy to return home before telling him that this reality is "crual and sad". He stands before Sonic, looking at him. By hearing Sonic's question about fixing the reality, Shadow sighs again. He takes Sonic to the Paradox Prism's chamber. While Sonic hesitates to enter, Shadow calls him to do it. Sonic then walks in fear. Shadow joins him by his side, sharing the view with him. They both think about their home world they want to to fix.

Sonic and Shadow then start arguing again about how to fix the reality, but do not have the same opinion. Shadow keeps blaming Sonkc for having shattered the reality and tries to steal Nkne's regulators. Sonic and Shadow fight for the regulators, which Shadow manages to take. Even without them, Sonic gets out of the Paraspace and catches Shadow. They starts fighting again, but cristal shards fall on them. They are knterrupted by the Chaos Council's spaceship which is heading to the Maze. Shadow tried to follow the Chaos Council, but is rejected again. As he is about to be crushed by cristal shards, Sonic yells Shadow's name, then rushes to save him. He keeps calling him, but doesn't get any answer. He finally sees Shadow being aspied by the black hole below and rushes to catch him. Sonic reaches Shadow out and takes him in his arms. He jumps to escape the black hole and take them to a safe place. When Shadow recovers, Sonic took back Nine's regulators. He then mockingly tells Shadow that he got him.

Shadow finally understand that only Sonic can enter the realities by himself and not because of the regulators, and thinks about working together with Sonic. The latter is surprised by that. Sonic walks to Shadow to make him confronting his true feelings about "needing" each other. Though Shadow disapproves and tells Sonic that he is the one who needs him, Sonic replies that he is honnest about that. He yhen jumps to the Maze, leaving Shadow behind. Instead of following him, Shadow just watches Sonic reaching out to the Paraspace. Before entering the Maze, Sonic looks at Shadow one last time with a smile. From afar, Shadow only moves his head, while Sonic say goodbye to him with his fingers and smile.

In the Maze, Sonic promises to Shadow not to let him down and will do everything to fix things. Shadow's face then appears in transparence as Sonic is running.


 * After defeating The Finalhazard: The Proto Type of the Ultimate Life, Sonic and Shadow clasp hands and nod in victory.
 * At the end, when Sonic returns to the ARK after saving the world with Shadow, he wears a serious expression. Rouge asks him, "Where is Shadow?" Sonic looks down and shakes his head. He then gives Rouge Shadow's limiter. Rouge further asks if the professor really created Shadow to carry out the revenge to those who lived on earth. As she asks this, Sonic stares at his hand that had clasped Shadow's. Sonic then replies, "He was what he was. A brave and heroic hedgehog who gave his life to save this planet. Shadow the Hedgehog." Rouge says, "I guess you're right," as Sonic clenches that same hand into a fist. A bit later, Sonic says to himself, "Created, the ultimate lifeform." He clenches his fist again and looks down in sadness. Amy asks him, "What's the matter, Sonic?" Sonic turns to her and replies, "Oh, it's nothing. C'mon! Let's go home! To the planet as cool and blue as me!" Before leaving the room, Sonic looks back and holds his right hand up saying, "Sayonara, Shadow the Hedgehog." He then lowers his hand and leaves.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

 * Shadow rescues Sonic from being killed by Silver, lets the blue hedgehog go, and fights Silver in his place.
 * When Sonic is dead, Shadow refuses to look at Sonic’s body and instead turns away, closing his eyes in sadness.

Sonic and the Black Knight

 * When Shadow’s doppelgänger of the World of Camelot encounters Sonic, he challenges him to a fight. While Sonic comments that Sir Lancelot is just like his world’s doppelgänger of Shadow.
 * After Merlina reveals her true colors, Sonic, Lancelot, and the other Knights of the Round Tale make their escape. In order to stop her, Sonic gives Lancelot back his sword.
 * After Caliburn informs Lancelot and the others that only the one true King can free him from his stone, he realizes that Sonic is the true King Arthur and bows before him.

Sonic Colors (Nintendo DS)

 * During the sixth world of the game, the player can choose to take on a mission from Shadow. Unlike a majority of the other mission-giving characters, instead of asking Sonic to complete some sort of task for him, Shadow gives him a mission under the pretense of wanting to check whether or not Sonic had "gone soft." After the mission is completed, Shadow will say to himself that he had no reason to be worried, prompting Tails to ask if Shadow was worried for his and Sonic's safety. Shadow does not reply to this, turning his back and harrumphing, but not denying it. In response, Sonic grins and says he'll take the gesture as a compliment.
 * If you are to retry any mission in the game and obtain an S-Rank, you will receive exclusive dialogue from the mission-giving character(s). If you do this for the third mission in Asteroid Coaster given to you by Shadow and Omega, the exclusive exchange will have Sonic gloat about his performance before being shooed off by Shadow to go deal with Dr. Eggman. Once he and Tails leave, Shadow will smile and chuckle to himself. Omega will then inquire about what Shadow's reaction is for, to which Shadow will reply, "Nothing. Nothing at all."


 * In Episode Shadow, Stage 3, Infinite confronts Shadow and hits him with his powers. After Shadow realizes it is an illusion, Infinite gloats about it and says, "Not even Sonic will be able to stand against me now! HahahaHAHAHAHAHA!" Shadow replies in concern, "Sonic?! What are you plotting?!" Explosions set off as Infinite laughs and flees. Shadow yells at him to stop to no avail and has to withdraw from the collapsing facility once Rouge informed him so.
 * In Stage 15, Sonic goes to Sunset Heights to investigate why "Shadow" (which is a fake illusion of Infinite's) is working for Eggman. When Sonic confronts the fake "Shadow," he asks him, "All right, Shadow! What's the deal?" The fake skates up to attack him and Sonic emits a whimper as he braces for impact. Before the fake can attack him, the real Shadow shouts, "Chaos Control!" to stop time and kick the fake before it could do any harm. Sonic is confused at the two Shadows and at the fake disappearing. Shadow then explains that it was a fake to which Sonic replies, "A fake? How?"
 * During Classic Sonic's farewell, Shadow is seen smiling, even when he holds up a hand in goodbye, until Classic Sonic leaves. After Classic Sonic leaves, Shadow resumes his usual neutral face.

Team Sonic Racing

 * In the beginning of the opening cutscene, Shadow can be seen glancing at Sonic. The two also glance at each other later during the Sky Road track segment.
 * In Chapter 3, Stage 3-2 or 3-6, Sonic volunteers to talk to Shadow to find out why he is there. Shadow says “I’m not here for you, and I’m not working with the Doctor. I’m here to put an end to his evil plans,” despite Sonic not having mentioned in any way or form that Shadow was there for him. After some banter, Sonic challenges Shadow to a race, to which he accepts. When the race starts, Tails asks, “Get anything from Shadow?” Sonic replies after a slight laugh, “Yeah, he thinks he’s faster than me.” After the race is over, Shadow states that perhaps Sonic would be useful in assisting him in thwarting the Doctor's plan. Sonic then says, "Wow, that's awfully big of you, Shadow. But I'm not sure it's just Eggman's plan we've gotta smash." To which Shadow agrees stating that Dodon Pa is a mystery as well as his loyalties and if Dodon Pa was working with the Doctor, he will crush him too.
 * In Chapter 3, Stage 3-4, Rouge asks Shadow if he and Sonic were finished with their little ego-competition and if so, if he thinks they could now address the real problem. Both Sonic and Shadow reply, "We’re far from finished!" Rouge then says, “Ugh, you boys.”

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

 * In Story Mode during the Final Chapter, The Final Showdown, the 100m is open to eight sprinters. Sonic ponders saying besides them four (Mario, Sonic, Eggman, and Bowser), another four sprinters could join in. He looks up to spot Shadow and asks him if he wants to race. Shadow nods and replies, “Hmph. You think you can best me? Very well, I’ll show you ultimate power.”

IDW Publishing comics

 * In issue 35, Shadow catches Sonic after he falls off the roller coaster track and carries him bridal style, stating that the blue hedgehog is an embarrassment for not being able to dodge. Sonic replies that it is nice to see him too. Shadow then lets the blue hedgehog get back on his feet, telling him to get out of his way. Sonic thanks him for the catch and asks if he was following the coaster too.

Sonic Prime

 * In Episode 2, Sonic taunts how powerful he is, asking if Shadow's jealous. Shadow replies, "You need to stop, Sonic, and listen for once."
 * In Episode 4, Shadow communicates with Sonic as he’s running, telling him that he is trapped in the void and that he has to keep moving. Sonic calls Shadow’s name in confusion, and is cut off from asking anything more when he trips on a vine.
 * In Episode 7, Shadow appears again while Sonic is running and says, "Keep going! Do not stop!".
 * When Sonic is running to save Dread in Episode 8, Shadow calls out his name briefly, and Sonic is so focused that he doesn’t acknowledge him.
 * In Episode 9, Sonic and Shadow spend the entire episode together. While Shadow is relunctant to let Sonic fixing things up by himself, Sonic is totally afraid of losing Shadow. As he failed to save him from being crushed by giant crystal shards, Sonic didn't want it to happen again to the point of risking his own life to save Shadow from being sucked into the black hole. As he reaches up to Shadow, he is holding him tightly in his arms to not let him go. Before leaving him, it's his turn to make Shadow confront his mistakes and fears.

Games
"Sayonara, Shadow the Hedgehog."

- Sonic,

"Shadow... Why...why are you siding with them?"

- Sonic,

"Sonic... Here I come."

- Shadow,

"At this point, I wouldn't mind Shadow lending me a hand."

- Sonic idle line,

TV Series
"Your shoddy craftsmanship brings shame on all hedgehog-kind. And for that, you shall perish!"

- Shadow, Sonic Boom episode 52 “”

Behind the Scenes

 * For a BumbleKast co-hosted by head writer Ian Flynn on June 30, 2023, the episode celebrated Pride Month by focusing on Sonadow.
 * The first question was, "How would you execute the character growth for Shadow and Sonic that would most help enable Sonadow?" The following is Ian's response:
 * "There would have to be an understood vulnerability to Shadow; He would have to open up to a degree that makes him more accessible at a personal level. And it doesn't take much; We've seen hints of it throughout his appearances, it would just need to become established. And from that I think is all you really need to build that bridge because Sonic is casual and accepting enough as he is, and he's going to allow Shadow to be who he is, which is kind of prickly and standoffish as you would have the occasional moment where Shadow lets his guard down and is more empathetic or emotionally available. But otherwise they would both play it fairly cool and aloof, I think."

Fanon
Sonadow is the most popular slash ship in the fandom and still has a large fan-following. Currently, on AO3, it is the most popular Sonic ship on the website. The main reasons the two are shipped is for their mutual understanding, underlying care for each other, mutual respect, and rivalry. Their connection is something words cannot describe and is conveyed mostly through action and subtleties.

People who dislike the ship believe that the two constantly fight or compete due to being bitter enemies, solely rivals, not friends, or due to hating each other. However, fans often point out in return that as the games progress, both Sonic and Shadow have grown to become allies and friends with the occasional friendly rivalry competition and possibly future fights due to disagreements or conflicting goals and ideals ("...both share the philosophy of following their hearts' desires, which makes them colliding with each other, crossing paths with each other, and sometimes dividing into friend and foe," as stated on the info under the Sonic x Shadow story on the Sonic Channel JP). Many fans have also picked up on tsundere-type behaviour on Shadow's end towards Sonic and co.

In 2017, Sonadow was first officially recognized in Twitter Takeover #3. Both Sonic and Shadow have been seen together more often in the years following after such as in Team Sonic Racing, the icon for Sonic Forces: Speed Battle app, the catch in the IDW Publishing Comics Issue #35, Sonic Dash pirate outfits in celebration of the 30th Sonic anniversary, the second half of the 30th Anniversary Symphony that featured I Am (All of Me) as well as the finale Live and Learn with cutscenes from Sonic Adventure 2, and the Sonic x Shadow Sonic Channel JP story. In general, especially during Sonic's 30th Anniversary year, Shadow has been appearing more often, such as in merchandise with his First 4 Figure statue and as a necklace by King Ice (along side Sonic, Tails and Knuckles necklaces), and as a playable character in the Sonic Minecraft DLC. This all has some fans scratching their heads as to why this is so. However, on September 15, 2021, during Twitter Takeover #5, the question, "What is everyone's most memorable adventure?" was asked by a Japanese user. Shadow's answer was, "Sonic reached out to save me before I fell to Earth from the ARK. If I hadn't waved him away, Sonic would have fallen with me. But his determination in trying...I'll never forget that. Until I did. But, we're not going to talk about that." Sonic said in response, "Shadow..." This moment got fans excited, touched, happy, and refueled.

Fandom
FAN FICTION
 * Sonic/Shadow on FanFiction.Net
 * Shadow/Sonic the Werehog on FanFiction.Net
 * Shadow/Sonic on FanFiction.Net
 * Shadow/Sonic on FanFiction.Net

FAN ART

INSTAGRAM

TUMBLR

TWITTER

WIKIS
 * on
 * Sonadow on the Sonic the Hedgehog! Amino
 * Sonadow on Urban Dictionary

Trivia

 * Referring to the ship as “Shadic” is incorrect, as this is the name used for the hypothetical fusion of Sonic and Shadow.
 * In the Team Sonic Racing opening cutscene, there is a Shadic balloon (or a Shadow balloon with downed quills) that appears near the left of the screen before Sonic and Shadow glance at each other and the lyrics of the song say, “Together!”
 * In almost all racing tracks in Team Sonic Racing, there are balloons of Sonic and Shadow in various locations.
 * In the 20th anniversary The History of Sonic the Hedgehog book, in Shadow’s Bio under Status, it states Shadow as an Anti-Hero, and Sonic’s rival and friend. Sonic is the only friend listed under Shadow's Bio in this book.
 * During Story Mode in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, besides Tails and Eggman, Shadow is the only other one from his franchise that Sonic talks to.
 * In Twitter Takeover #3, during the question “To Sonic, I have a challenge for you. Tell me how much you like Amy and what you like in her?” Sonic tries to avoid answering the question. Shadow and Eggman suggest that he is too embarrassed to answer. Eggman then receives a message from Infinite of a file called Sonadow to which Sonic replies, “No, don’t open that!” This is the first time Sonadow is officially acknowledged by SEGA.
 * Also in Twitter Takeover #3, the question “Shadow, what do you think about Sonadow?” was asked. Shadow replied, “One word, Cassidy... No.” This is the only question throughout the whole takeover where Sonic remained silent.
 * In Twitter Takeover #5, the question, What is everyone's most memorable adventure? was asked. Shadow's answer was, "Sonic reached out to save me before I fell to Earth from the ARK. If I hadn't waved him away, Sonic would have fallen with me. But his determination in trying...I'll never forget that. Until I did. But, we're not going to talk about that." Sonic said in response, "Shadow..."
 * In Sonic Forces, there is a DLC Shadow costume available for purchase. The avatar, who helps Sonic in some of the stages in the game, can look almost exactly like Shadow with this costume.
 * On May 11th 2021 SEGA Hardlight tweeted Pirate Sonic and Captain Shadow models for Sonic Dash. In their tweet it says, “Ahoy! Swashbuckling duo Pirate Sonic and Captain Shadow are preparing to make landfall in #SonicDash for a very special birthday celebration!” Some fans speculated that the term Swashbuckling was used on purpose because of its definition.
 * The Sonic Forces: Speed Battle mobile app icon is a picture of both Sonic and Shadow.
 * In the year 2021, Sonic Channel JP released stories and descriptions of Sonic×Shadow along with their themed calendar. For July, the month when Tanabata is celebrated, Sonic×Shadow (English translation) was released. In the story, Sonic visits Mission Street to view his favorite astronomical show of the ARK meeting the moon. There are many moments in this story like Sonic saying that people would be thankful to Shadow for rescuing them and Sonic pointing at himself after pointing out the divine sight of the moon reflecting off the Space Colony ARK to Shadow, to name a few. Just like during Tanabata where the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi meet once a year, so does the ARK and the moon in the story. This could also symbolize how Sonic and Shadow meet every once in a while and how those moments are Sonic's favorite.
 * A portion of the description under the Sonic×Shadow story translates to: “If there is one thing that can be said about Shadow and Sonic, it is that they are rare ones who can get up close and personal with each other. Because of the high performance of both Shadow and Sonic in terms of their physical abilities and their thoughts, there are not many who can keep up with them. Also, there are fewer still of the ones who, despite their rejection, are able to persist, to offer opinions, to meddle, or to stand in their way and try to stop each other like those two can. In fact, Sonic is perhaps the only person who can get so up close and personal with Shadow as he can and say something to him that reaches his heart (though it often does not). In a sense, Sonic’s kind of presence is troublesome to Shadow, but it is also one of the most important ones. However, while Sonic is receptive to hearing things that strike a little close to home, from Shadow’s point of view, Sonic is a real pain. Regardless of much of an impact they each have on each other, the two of them both share the philosophy of following their hearts’ desires, which makes them colliding with each other, crossing paths with each other, and sometimes dividing into a frenemy.”
 * On July 19, 2021, SonicOfficialJP tweeted the rough sketch of the Sonic×Shadow picture. The tweet roughly translates to: “We are giving away a #ソニック 2021 calendar & wallpaper sent in a two-shot series. ✨ Today in July, we’ve released a rough sketch of ‘Sonic & Shadow’! At this point, both of them have a cute mood~ 🎵 Still they are the same. 😎 ★ Download the completed version here! #sonicchannel”
 * A figure of Sonic and Shadow together based off of their Sonic Adventure 2 poses created by S-Fire was displayed at Wonderfest 2022 and advertised by @SEGA_OFFICIAL on Twitter (colored version here).
 * In Sonic Adventure 2, you can create a Neutral Run-Run Chao that resembles Sonic and a Dark Run-Run Chao that resembles Shadow in one of the three Chao Gardens. They are two of the three Unofficial Character Chao that can be created by giving a Chao green Chaos Drives and by being taken care of by either a Dark Character only (Shadow, Eggman, Rouge) [For Dark Run-Run Chao] or by being taken care of by both a Hero (Sonic, Tails, Knuckles) and Dark kind of character [For Neutral Run-Run Chao]. Since the two Run-Run Chao are not immortal like other Official Character Themed Chao (Ex: Tails, Knuckles and Amy) and Chaos Chao, they can mate/breed with each other. The animation for mating occurs when two Chao are both in their mating season or one is close to mating season and willing to mate with a Chao that is in mating season. The animation has the two Chao kiss/nuzzle each other with music playing in the background. After a bit, a Chao Egg appears between the two Chao in the circle of flowers that appeared when a Chao was ready to mate.
 * Also in Sonic Adventure 2 in the Chao Gardens, the two Run-Run Chao that resemble Sonic and Shadow (As well as any other Chao that aren't the Run-Run Chao), can interact with each other if put next to each other when one is doing an action learned from class. Sometimes the Chao sit in front of the Chao preforming with a pleased expression and nodding their head to the rhythm who then claps for the preforming Chao when they are done. Other times when a Chao is put next to the preforming Chao, they may join them in their performance if they have a skill they learned from class that can join. (Ex: The performing Chao may be playing the flute. If another Chao is put next to it, it could join the performing Chao by playing the flute too or by playing another instrument like the trumpet.)
 * There is a Sonic Adventure 2 keyboard that was created in the year 2022 by Higround with a main design of Sonic and Shadow on most of the keys along with a Sonic, Shadow, Chao, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy symbol on single keys. An advertisement for this keyboard was shown on @sonic_hedgehog's twitter. Other designs include Dreamcast and Green Hills themed boards. Higround is also selling Sonic Adventure 2 shirts and mats along with the keyboards.
 * A Team Sonic Racing shirt that has both Sonic and Shadow on it is sold on the online SEGA shop.
 * In a collaboration with Cospa, merch of a Sonic & Shadow hoodie along with a mug with Shadow on one side and Sonic on the other was created. Other merch in this collaboration includes Sonic hoodies and a shirt, a Sonic sticker, and a Shadow shirt.
 * For Halloween 2022, the SEGA Europe shop sold a Halloween shirt that has Sonic and Shadow on it surrounded by pumpkins and spiderwebs along with the phrase, "LETS GET SPOOKY."
 * Sonic and Shadow share the same vampire Halloween costume.
 * In an official 2021 Sonic themed calendar, the month of October has a picture of a Shadow and Sonic plushie with pumpkins in celebration of Halloween.
 * Hideki Naganuma, a video game composer who did the soundtrack for Sonic Rush, tweeted a picture of Sonic and Shadow captioned, "They are in love with each other."
 * In Twitter Takeover 6, Sonic and Shadow are asked the question: "To Shadow and Sonic, do you hate each other?" Sonic taunts Shadow to answer by saying, "Yeah, what do you say Shadow, do you hate me?" Shadow responds, "Hmm... Well, let's see. Your methods are usually annoying, your jokes fall flat, your skills lack discipline, you constantly see the best in people to your own detriment, and you have terrible taste in footwear. But no, I don't hate you." Sonic is baffled that Shadow says he doesn't hate him despite saying things that sound mean. But his friends and Eggman reassure him by reiterating Shadow's words of saying that he doesn't hate him, therefore implying that even if Shadow says things that sound mean, that he doesn't hate Sonic. (One can take this as it being implied that Shadow acts like a tsundere,)
 * Also in Twitter Takeover 6, Shadow was asked, "Shadow, will you marry me?" by RealShadowFan01. Shadow says he would, but under the condition that certain tasks were followed. Sonic is shocked and with a tint of distraught in his voice, asks Shadow if he was serious. He says he will marry, but that he has a strict set of rules to follow if he were to get married. He also says that he would propose himself. Shadow mentions one task saying, "I iron my linens every night. I refuse to go to bed in a wrinkled bedsheet. Anyone who wants to be my partner must be able to assist." Sonic responds in a slightly astounded tone, "Hey, a bit peculiar, but I can understand." Shadow then goes on to list two more tasks that a suitable partner for him will have to follow. He then says that if these tasks don't deter the person, that he will be waiting for them at the Ferris Wheel with a ring and a bouquet of lavender. (Shadow is implying that he would propose to anyone who can meet his conditions. Including Sonic. One can also take the person's name as a hint that Shadow would be willing to marry his real number one fan if the person meets him at the designated spot.) Shadow then thanks the person for the question. Sonic follows saying thanks as well, but in a very sad tone. (Because Sonic sounds so sad after asking if Shadow was serious, you can take it that Sonic is jealous and sad about Shadow being married off to someone other than himself. By how Sonic is acting, you can also assume that it is referring to Sonic being his fan or his number one fan. Meaning that Sonic also has a chance to ask for Shadow's hand in marriage if he wants to.)
 * Deven Mack (Prime Sonic) tweeted out a picture of a van with Sonadow fan art on it. Calling the ship "vanon", a play on the terms canon and van.
 * On June 30th 2023, Bumblekast did a mini episode where Ian Flynn answered questions that only had to do with Sonadow.

Variations

 * Sconadow — the polyship between Sonic, Shadow, and Scourge the Hedgehog
 * Sonadaze — the polyship between Sonic, Shadow, and Blaze the Cat
 * Sonadilver — the polyship between Sonic, Shadow, and Silver the Hedgehog
 * Sonadouge — the polyship between Sonic, Shadow, and Rouge the Bat
 * SonShadAmy — the polyship between Sonic, Shadow, and Amy Rose
 * Sonknuxadow — the polyship between Sonic, Shadow, and Knuckles the Echidna

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Sonadow Сонэдоу