Comic Review...

Transformers: All Hail Megatron #6

Writer: Shane McCarthy
Artist: Guido Guidi

(Covers by Casey Coller, Trevor Hutchison and Guido Guidi)


Summary: Jazz and Kup deliberate on what to do next. Kup decides to be in charge. Elsewhere, Megatron takes out some jets while Starscream tries to grate on his nerves about the conflict and everything. Still elsewhere, Skywarp and Bombshell start a fight between the Seekers and the Insecticons, with the Seekers getting the upper hand ultimately, forcing the Insecticons to flee (the whole point of this scene is to explain that the Insecticons are some kind of bizarre science experiment of Megatron's and many of the failed attempts still reside on Cybertron as "the Swarm". These are hideous monsters). Back to Cybertron where Kup and Jazz talk some more and Kup explains how the Matrix is important and holy to them, hence he hasn't revealed to the masses about how Megatron now has it in his possession. He decides they must use their energon reserves to restore Optimus Prime--they need him now more then ever. Outside, Ironhide and Roadbuster discover one of the Swarm. It doesn't get to do much before Drift and Perceptor destroy it however. Back on Earth, Starscream taunts Megatron some more then leaves. Blitzwing arrives and Megatron tells him he wants to be alone for a while--to prepare (likely for the coming revolt that Starscream's been on about throughout the issue). In Versailles, the remaining world leaders decide to take out New York and the Decepticons new base.

Comments: It almost seems like there's a good story buried somewhere in this mess. The pacing that makes it twelve long issues however is ruining whatever intentions McCarthy originally had--it's just too padded to retain my interest. I like the odd flashes of characterization but I want some real story progression here. I have the feeling we'll hit the last couple of issues and get crammed with details and a quick unsatisfactory ending. The art is generally good (but Prowl's head crest is wrong. It needs some lines in the middle part, dammit!) But good art can only carry a lame story so far... This issue also explained what the Swarm is in the IDW context. The name makes sense but since that term was already used in G2 for something else, it's a bit confusing to a long time reader.


Mildly recommended.