IDW Publishing has hired writer Ian Flynn to take the blue blur and his friends in “a fresh, exciting direction” with Sonic the Hedgehog. The announcement was made this afternoon at New York Comic Con.

RELATED: SEGA Strikes Deal with IDW to Publish New Sonic Comics.

Flynn, who has previously written Sonic comics for Archie Comics, said he’s “overjoyed” to return to the character.

“I’ve been a Sega kid for life, and Sonic has been my career for over a decade,” he said in a statement. “I’m overjoyed to keep running with the little blue hedgehog, and especially excited to be expanding my relationship with IDW at the same time. I can’t wait to show you what I’m made of as we reach for the stars and explore the endless possibilities!”

Sega announced the end of its 24-year partnership with Archie in July, only to reveal a new deal with IDW mere days later.

The new Sonic series is set to launch in April with a four-week event; the artists will be named at a later date.

RELATED: Paramount Secures Rights to Sonic the Hedgehog Film.

Along with a new comic series, it was recently revealed that Paramount Pictures is developing a Sonic the Hedgehog movie with Deadpool director Tim Miller attached as a producer. Directed by Jeff Fowler, film features a script by Patrick Casey and Josh Miller. No release date has been announced.