I suggest reading the IDW collection releases, they include the minis and annuals in close to pub order making the reading experience as smooth as possible.

It's a completely fresh start with the only necessary previous continuity context necessary being it takes place directly after Eggman is defeated in forces. It takes a few issues to get rolling but once the first arc is over the ball really starts rolling.

I'm not much of an Archie guy I must admit so I can only really speak to the IDW comics but for my money IDW is the way to go (especially since that's where must fandom discussion is focused these days and the last few games signaling that the IDW continuity is more than just a side thing).

I'm not a huge fan of the second half of Shade (although I suspect I Read It Wrong), but I consistently think about how good Constantine is in this lil arc.