Superheroes and cartoon characters have become integral parts of the electronic entertainment industry. Around the world, youngsters and guys who can't get dates spend countless hours in front of their computers and video-game systems.

With this in mind, I salute the meld of pop-culture character and Silicon Valley with a look at some

Comics plugged in

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games (Sega for DS, rated Everyone, $34.99).

Led by Nintendo's famed plumbing powerhouse and the speediest of blue hedgehogs, teams comprising some of the video industry's most-recognized characters compete to offer younger players a taste of the 2008 Beijing Summer Games.

About as important as "Battle of the Network Stars," the challenge incorporates 16 controllable characters, such as Yoshi, Peach, Knuckles and Dr. Eggman, in 16 finger-cramping events to win the gold.

Players can choose from either team's stable of stars, which are grouped by their strengths (speed, power, skill and stamina).

The obvious charm of the action is using the DS' touch screen and stylus pen in many of the events. For example, drawing a circular motion ever more quickly leads to a better hammer throw. In swimming, moving the stylus back and forth mimics how appendages move.

Modes available for competition in the game range from a single or series of events to one that requires matching a predetermined parameter (i.e., beating a certain character). A Gallery area also is tossed in to learn about the Olympics by winning a series of casual gaming contests.

However, the most fun will be found through the wireless multiplayer mode as up to four friends can beat their DS into submission without burning a calorie. (Each has a card or single-card downloads.)

Read all about it? Sonic the Hedgehog has been part of Archie Comic Publications since 1993 with his own monthly comic-book series ($3.99 each).
— Joseph Szadkowski