One of my favourite arcs and issues of the whole series. I truly got into the series during the search for Naugus arc. So when I think of Archie Sonic I mainly think of this era.
I thing you undersell how dumb the Victory over Nagus really was. Because If I recall correctly wasn't it just a random Eye laser it was Nate making a wish on a power ring in his monocle that banished Nagus to the zone of Silence. Which is stupid and will many issues latter come back both for the abysmal Nagus games as well for that one time Sonic wishes his father back to life.
Didn't this issue also mention that Sonic's and Tails' voices changed after absorbing those rings during their fight with Naugus? The heck was that about? I mean, what, so does that mean this was the point in time when Sonic's voice went from Jaleel White to Ryan Drummond? I don't get it. Or maybe it's just how my imagination interprets it and I'm just making stuff up. I dunno.
Given that an a few issues we get a explanation for Sonic gaining Green eyes and a buckle on his shoes wouldn't I even be surprise if this was for the coming sa1 adaption (mostly because I thing they didn't know Sonic would get a new voice)