The evolution of Shadow's smiles (2001-2024)

From the ultimate lifeform to the ultimate smirk! 😎 In this video, we dive into the evolution of Shadow the Hedgehog’s smiles over the years, tracing his iconic, rare grins and expressions from his debut in Sonic Adventure 2 (2001) to his latest appearances in Sonic X Shadow Generations (2024). Discover the nuances of his character development, how his subtle smirks and rare moments of softness have evolved, and why each smile says something unique about Shadow's journey. Whether it's a sly grin, a confident smirk, or a flash of warmth, these expressions tell the story of Shadow’s complex personality, shadow loves so much maria robotnik.

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[michaelb.]

Shadow rarely smiles, but when he does, he still looks cool

[Youngboy_SL]

Sonic x Shadow Generations is actually the first time where I see Shadow does a happy smile and not a smug smile it really brought a tear to my eye because it showed how happy he was able to talk to Maria again

[Silver_Varian]

That last one is the only really happy and non-arrogant smile, that's very sweet, obviously it's with Maria! :)

[supremeoverlord]

2:18 The way he slowly lets her hand slip out of his KILLS me. It's such a delicate, heartfelt motion that makes me all weepy feeling.

[mikdan]

Shadow: (smiles)
Maria: so you're not going to fight?
Shadow: let's say I'm going to... kill him with kindness

[AHappyBlackGuy]

2:10 Might have been the first happy Shadow smile as opposed to the smug arrogant one he normally does

[LostEngineProductions]

This is the first time i've seen Shadow make a genuine smile out of happiness instead of a devious one

[cyberrex]

The fact is that Shadow is smirking when Amy hugged him because he’s amused that she mistook him for Sonic. He’s pretty much laughing internally.

[BlustreakG]

I think when everyone got so hyped and happy for Shadow smiling in Sonic X Shadow Generations, was the fact that it was completely genuine. 2:10 His eyes widen and his smile pushes back on his cheek.

Whoever animated this scene probably really wanted to emphasize that this smile was different.

[brentvalliere]

He also smiles when he meets big the cat

[BenHuether]

2:10 It’s no secret that deep down Shadow has the biggest heart in the whole Sonic series. Seeing his true sweet and loving side come out after years of pent up anger and sadness is so precious to me 🥹.

[ImASonicFanEveryOne]

He's so cute when he's smiling!

[SwellStuff]

I kind of love how much of a troll Shadow was in Sonic X, I wish we saw that side of him more often

[WJune]

His smiles make me happy bc he’s always grumpy and frowning.

[vantablackecho]

Shadow smiling at Amy like “WTF are you doing 😀”

[xulnad]

He also smiles when he meets Big The Cat in Kingdom Valley

[mrmarben]

Its insane because ive never seen shadow genuinely smile in any of the games and when he does he looks like sonic so much. Its wild how such a little change can make a huge difference, i was always confused how ppl confused shadow and sonic and i understand it now.

[KJ_lol]

0:51 WHY DOES SHADOW’S SMILE LOOK SO UNCANNY IN THIS GAME 😭💀

[JeShi-o]

THE WAY I SQUEAL AND CURL MY TOES WHEN HE SMILES- 😭❤️ He's adorable

[kyurei]

The fact that this video is so short is the funniest thing.