Comic Review...

Cover "B" by Casey Coller

Transformers: Robots In Disguise #3

Writer: John Barber
Artist: Andrew Griffith

(covers by Andrew Griffith and Casey Coller)


Summary:  CYBERTRON IN CRISIS! An explosion in the middle of the capitol city strikes. Was it a DECEPTICON attack? Suspicions run high, and the uneasy peace unravels! Only Wheeljack can solve the puzzle--but will he do it before Starscream takes advantage of the AUTOBOTS weakness! The bold new direction in Transformers storytelling continues!

Comments:  This issue sees the introduction of a sixth Aerialbot. A short lived character called Barrel Roll (he becomes a green jet that vaguely resembles a SR-117). Unfortunately, he blows up in the story's introduction. I don't recall the Aerialbots getting much, if any, spotlight before now in IDW so I can accept another character on their team without being concerned about continuity issues.
   This issue sees more of the volatile relations between the Autobots, Decepticons and Neutrals. Someone is causing massive explosions on the planet, leading to terrible carnage and it falls to Wheeljack to figure how to stop it before it happens again. Right behind him, is Starscream. This was a good look at how Wheeljack fits into this new world. We also see more of Starscream's new direction...is he truly reforming or is this all some sort of elaborate play for power? A real reform would be more interesting but I am reminded of the Decepticons supporting Rodimus in the previous series and it ended up being a ruse. I guess time will tell...
   The artwork continues to look reasonably good. Prowl is even starting to look the right colors now (white and black instead of just black). Griffith has been the artist since the first issue and the consistency also helps this series. I hope he stays for the foreseeable future.
   I am interested to see if there is a long range plan for this series. Will the Decepticons eventually revolt? Or will everyone pull together? What about threats from the outside? There is a lot of potential no matter what direction they ultimately take.


Verdict:  Good. Worth a look...