Transformers '84: Secrets and Lies #4 Review...

Transformers '84: Secrets and Lies #4


Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Guido Guidi


Synopsis:  Megatron attacks Grimlock inside the Ark. He tackles the other and sends both of them tearing through the ship's wall, the volcano and all the way outside to where the Seekers are fighting the reanimated Autobots. Ramjet warns Grimlock that Megatron's eyes are strange because his anti-matter circuits are active and they connect him to the power of a Black Hole! The trio of jets escape for cover before Megatron's body can unleash its full power, leaving Grimlock to deal with him alone. 

Elsewhere, Punch relates how the Wreckers attacked the Decepticon stronghold where Project Dreadnought was underway. Abominus attacks them, forcing the team to scatter. Topspin and Twin Twist burrow underground while the others keep the Combiner busy.

Back on Earth, Grimlock deduces what's going on and rushes away from Megatron to confront AUNTIE. Punch loses his remote feed but deduces that Grimlock must have succeeded in shutting down the computer system and rendering Megatron's body inert once more. 

On Cybertron, the Wreckers have forced Abominus to separate and are combatting his Terrorcon components instead. Impactor loses his hand in this fight but the Autobots manage to hold their own. Top Spin and Twin Twist succeed in getting below ground and sabotaging the Decepticon operation. Afterward, the Autobots have renewed vigor, splitting their command between Ultra Magnus, Star Saber and Fortress Maximus.

In Polyhex, Thrust reports to Straxus (via comm channel) that his trio have located the Ark and the others but the Nemesis is damaged and can't return without help. Straxus agrees to send help on one condition: that the Seekers forget the Ark and the others are there and swear loyalty to him. They agree. 

On Earth, Punch assumes Grimlock found his situation hopeless, all alone and unable to affect change to save his fellow Dinobots, he most likely deactivated himself as well...

Thoughts: Honestly, I felt this story was a waste of time overall. Nobody was really clamoring for a "what really happened" story set before issue one of the Marvel Comic. I appreciate the artwork and the effort but this tale just didn't need to be told. It also raises further continuity questions (even Simon Furman did a "notes" section after each issue, trying to explain his rationale for the story decisions, page by page). I liked the story a little bit more when it got a bit off-track from the established history but it still wasn't enough to save the overall tale for me. I feel like this mini-series is a pass overall unless you really, really need to know. 

Verdict:  Average.

 

 

Transformers '84: Secrets and Lies #3 Review...

 

Transformers '84: Secrets and Lies #3


Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Guido Guidi

Synopsis:  Counterpunch recalls how in Optimus Prime and Megatron's absence, Straxus swiftly worked to gain brutal dominance over the Autobots. Along with Thunderwing and Scorponok the three Decepticon warlords carve up Cybertron into their own fiefdoms. Straxus privately consults Counterpunch and asks him if he thinks will respect their pact (to stay in their own territories). He replies, no. Straxus plots to take the whole planet, then the cosmos itself! He orders Counterpunch to make Project Dreadnought happen, no matter what it takes. Punch goes to the interim Autobot leader, Ultra Magnus, and tells him they must stop Straxus' machinations. Ultra Magnus feels overwhelmed by his responsibilities but gets some reassurance from Impactor and Roadbuster. Both of them volunteer to join in on Punch's proposed "wrecking crew" to stop Straxus.
  On Earth, Grimlock has apparently defeated Shockwave and is headed back toward the Ark on "autopilot", still mentally distant after his infusion of pure energon the last issue. AUNTIE, the Ark's computer is damaged and can't recognize him as a friendly so it commissions some clones of the Autobots to intercept him. Grapple, Hoist, Smokescreen, Tracks and Skids are dispatched.
  Meanwhile, aboard the Nemesis, the three conehead jets (Ramjet, Thrust and Dirge) ave recovered from Shockwave's attack and decide to go down to the surface for some payback. They reach the Ark first and engage the Autobots. Grimlock passes through them unfazed so Auntie activates some Guardian robots to stop him instead.
  Back on Cybertron, Star Saber fights valiantly against overwhelming odds until Deathsaurus confronts him. He orders his forces to kill the Autobot but he manages to escape. Ultra Magnus then contacts him and tells him to return to Autobase. He needs him for a critical mission. At Autobase, Impactor introduces Punch to his newly formed unit--the Wreckers!
  On Earth, Grimlock makes short work of the Guardian bots and begins to regain his senses. But, just then, we discover AUNTIE has reactivated Megatron!

Thoughts:  Like with the previous two issues, a lot of this story feels boring. Like stuff we've all seen before. However, this issue veers in to slightly new territory so it's not quite as bad. I don't feel like this story is the definitive canon version of the G1 comic (I prefer the original, slightly more vague rendition). It will be interesting to see how this is all resolved next issue. As usual, the art is excellent.

Verdict:  Average.

Transformers '84: Secrets and Lies #2 Review...

Transformers '84: Secrets and Lies #2


Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Guido Guidi


Synopsis: Counterpunch continues his narration, recounting as the Autobots return the ruined Dynobots to the Ark’s storage bay. Ratchet copies their memory engrams into the computer for safe keeping. Elsewhere, Perceptor shows Ultra Magnus that they were blown off course intentionally but Shockwave’s world engine. In Polyhex, Counterpunch sets Straxus up with a new base, explaining that he will be important in helping establish the new order once Megatron is gone. Straxus launches an attack on the remaining Autobots at his urging, keeping them distracted from doing anything further about Shockwave’s machinations. Shockwave is on the Nemesis overseeing Megatron’s attack on the Ark when the other vessel crashes into the Earth with all aboard. He is confronted by Ramjet, Thrust and Dirge (stragglers left behind to keep any Autobots from escaping the attack) and forced to neutralize them with a weapon of his own devising. He then transforms and flies to the Earth to try and make certain Megatron and the others are permanently deactivated. The Ark’s computer detects his presence and rebuilds the Dynobots into their new dinosaur forms then sends them out to confront him. Shockwave realizes the Earth is abundant in energy and could easily help them re-energize Cybertron itself. The Dinobots arrive and attack him but are easily bested. Grimlock gets some raw Energon from Swoop and uses it to power himself up. He strikes Shockwave and moves in for the kill...

Thoughts: Pretty much the same as last time. This is competently written but I find the subject matter a bit dull. We’re just retreading history here, time and again. There is the new take on the Dinobots versus Shockwave but... meh. Perhaps things will be more exciting as we approach the eventual conclusion of this mini-series?

Again, Guidi’s art is nothing short of fantastic looking. Easily the best reason to pick up this series!

Verdict: Average.

Transformers '84: Secrets and Lies #1 Review...

Transformers '84: Secrets and Lies #1

Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Guido Guidi


Synopsis: In 2019, IDW released a single issue called “Transformers ‘84" that chronicled the classic Transformers back story that happened before the Ark launched into space to defend Cybertron from the asteroid field. This summer, that issue has been followed up with “Secret and Lies” which continues onward with the back story.
    While the original issue followed the Autobots story from Punch’s perspective, issue #1 of “Secrets and Lies” follows the Decepticon side of the story from Counterpunch’s perspective. Shockwave and his scientists labour over “Project Dreadnought”, a plan to create world engines (called “turbines” in the story) to power Cybertron through the cosmos. Starscream and Skyfire ruminate over Megatron’s obsession with destroying Optimus Prime instead of worrying about the greater plan. Counterpunch arrives and tells Shockwave that Megatron demands his presence immediately. Megatron tells Shockwave to plan to take Stanix next so they can take the entire western hemisphere. Ratbat argues they are overstretched already but Megatron dismisses him. Later, a massive explosion sends Cybertron hurdling in the direction of the Stellae Cimeterium–a graveyard of stars. Shockwave suggests they finish the planetary turbines to correct the planet’s trajectory. Megatron says they have time to wait and gauge the Autobots response instead. Later, Ratbat speaks with Shockwave, suggesting perhaps the explosion wasn’t an accident and implies Shockwave did it intentionally, a fact he denies (although it’s obvious to the reader he was behind the incident). The Decepticons watch as the Nemesis, their new battleship designed to combat the Autobot’s Ark, stands ready to launch. The Autobots (Perceptor and the Dynobots), via Counterpunch, discover Shockwave’s treachery and go to the area in question to investigate. Skyfire, Shockwave’s associate, intercepts them there but he is taken out by Grimlock. Shockwave arrives shortly after and stops them in return (except for Perceptor, who hides and escapes his attack). Shockwave is recalled by the Seekers (Thrust, Ramjet and Dirge) to go see Megatron off on the Nemesis. Perceptor signals for backup who come and retrieve his damaged comrades...


Thoughts: This is a competently written story. Having said that, I don’t really find it all that exciting. It feels like we’re just retreading history here without really exploring anything all that interesting. Does it really matter if the Constructicons and Jetfire existed on Cybertron before we first saw them in the Marvel comic? Also, the first issue proposed that Optimus Prime purposely drew Megatron and his warriors off Cybertron to try and give whoever was left a chance to save their homeworld. It’s a different spin on things but not one that I really care for. I prefer the original way instead (a mission to save Cybertron that went wrong). Again, we’re not really covering any new ground storywise here and I don’t find it all that exciting. (After reading the two issues in question I find I’m having trouble even recalling what happened in them. Not a good sign for the future).
    The artwork here is excellent. Guidi does a phenomenal job recapturing Andrew Wildman’s early TF style at its best. The comic is worth checking out for that alone, even if the story itself is not all the exciting.


Verdict: Average.

Transformers: Drift: Empire of Stone


Writer: Shane McCarthy
Artist: Guido Guidi (pencils), Marcelo Ferreira (additional pencils, issue four), Stephen Baskerville (inks)
Format: TPB (collection of mini-series)
Price: 19.99 USD/24.99 CAD
Available: Now (Fall 2015)

Cover by Sarah Stone

Summary:  DRIFT RETURNS! After leaving the Autobots in disgrace, he’s now alone on a mission to clean up the darkest depths of the galaxy—until RATCHET shows up to try to bring him home! Also contains bonus content including creator interviews, behind-the-scenes info, an art gallery, and more!


Comments:  I read the Trade of Drift: Empire of Stone. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it (I'm just not a fan of the current crop of TF comics IDW is putting out). The art is reminiscent of Regeneration One (same art team) and features more traditional Transformers artwork (as opposed to the neo-G1 style employed in the MTMTE series).
  The story is fairly straight forward--Drift is on his own and still doesn't quite understand where he fits in it all. When Ratchet shows up, they get pulled in to a battle against Gigatron and his forces, a group bent on controlling an ancient weapon Deadlock (Drift) and Turmoil discovered centuries before on a forgotten world.
  The story introduces us to Gigatron in this continuity (although, sadly, he's mostly represented as a brute with little real character beyond what the story requires). We also meet the Decepticon Grit (an obscure Micromaster Combiner character!) who gets a bit more to do.
  Drift still feels like a Gary Stu in this story. He's unbeatable physically and his only real dilemma is a crisis of conscience. I didn't mind it too much though since it worked for the story being told. It also didn't really feel like Ratchet got much to do in this story other then be a sidekick (but again, this worked in context of the tale being told).
  The story's simplicity is what makes it work. It's a good versus evil morality tale and it doesn't try to aspire to some more complicated end. It knows what it wants to accomplish and takes us there with no real deviation. This can be a bad thing if the story isn't told well, but this one works very well for what it is so I enjoyed it.


Verdict: Very Good. Check it out!

Comic Review...

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman

Transformers Regeneration One #99

Writer: Simon Furman
Artists: Guido Guidi (breakdowns), Stephen Baskerville (finishes)



Summary:  THE WAR TO END ALL WARS! Can the Autobots prevail against JHIAXUS’ New Cybertronian Empire? The disastrous invasion ends in dramatic and shocking fashion with twists, shocks and surprises galore, and STARSCREAM right in the thick of things. Dark forces are stirring for the final chapter of the original TRANSFORMERS epic!

Comments:  One thing really stood out in my mind about this issue: it felt rushed. Starscream is apparently possessed by the Underbase and it uses him to track down and absorb Jhiaxus. Why? Who knows... Elsewhere, events seem to imply that either Primus has gone evil or the dark Matrix monster from before has taken control of him (which itself was an aspect of him). And is Galvatron now possessed by Unicron?
   Also, like all other storylines in this series up to this point, Jhiaxus' empire is abruptly over. We didn't get much of a sense of his personality (beyond preferring order and going to any means to get it). In the space of three issues, his empire attacked, was retaliated against, got the upper hand and is abruptly stopped by Shockwave and Starscream (with some help from the Wreckers).
   I blame IDW's "write for the trade" style for this. In the old Marvel series, stuff could percolate for ages in the background. While this series has had some of that, it hasn't had enough. I wish we could've gotten an issue from Jhiaxus' stand point. Discussing his imperative to create his empire and why he chose the whole "Hub" style for it. At best, we get snippets of this but not a true reason in the story that makes sense. Furman only had twenty issues and he doesn't really explain it beyond "genetic imperative" to create order.
    On a related note, we don't get much fallout from the other storylines either. Megatron is dead; his zombies are destroyed. Bludgeon's ship is destroyed and his play for power is done. Scorponok is apparently killed and we get barely a mention of the after effects. It all feels rushed to me and it could've been integrated much better overall. Instead of just "five issues and done", I would've preferred more story lines bleeding over and into each other, then wrap it all up at the end of the series. The way it's been done, it makes the overall story feel a bit, well, hollow.
   I still look forward to seeing the final issue next month and seeing exactly what Furman is going to do to end it all off. I just wish more planning had been put into the overall arc of this series.


Verdict: Good

Retailer Incentive Cover by Geoff Senior

Cover "B" by Guido Guidi

Comic Review...

Transformers Regeneration One #0

Writer: Simon Furman
Artists: Casey Coller. Geoff Senior, Jeff Anderson, Jose Delbo, Nick Roche
Covers: Andrew Wildman (A), Guido Guidi (B), Geoff Senior (RI), Casey Coller (RE)

Summary:  ZERO POINT! Adventure in the time stream, as HOT ROD desperately attempts to identify the rogue elements that are leading him, and the entire CYBERTRONIAN race, inexorably towards the catastrophic end of time itself. What hidden stories do the DEATHBRINGER, BOLTAX, BUSTER WITWICKY, and GALVATRON have to tell, and what—if any—solutions are there? Or is it already too late?

Comments: This was a cool gimmick issue, utilizing past popular TF artists to portray eras they were known for (Geoff Senior for the Deathbringer flashback, Jose Delbo for the Buster/Jesse story, etc.) The art styles clash and the differences are quite noticeable but I can see what they were trying to do here so I'll give that a pass. 
   We're not really given a clear reason in-story for why the timeline is fracturing. One would assume that it would be clearly "drawn" for the reader but instead all the reader gets is hints... something to do with the evil Matrix residue, Spike's guilt over the loss of family, Jhiaxus existence and plans, the alternate timeline where Galvatron and his Decepticons triumphed over the Autobots. It will be interesting to see how Furman draws these disparate plot points into something coherent in the final five issues that remain of this series (I hope we're not disappointed).
   I would also like to see some real explanation in-story for why Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime resembles Primus. Is he the ultimate Prime? Perhaps created to unite their kind once and for all, ending war for all time? If not... frankly, I'd be disappointed if he ends up being another Prime "just because".


Verdict: Very Good.


 

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman

Cover "B" by Guido Guidi

Retailer Incentive cover by Geoff Senior

Comic Review...

Transformers: Regeneration One #90

Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman (pencils), Stephen Baskerville (inks)
Covers: Andrew Wildman (A), Guido Guidi (B), Geoff Senior (RI)

Summary:  TOO LITTLE—TOO LATE! As Scorponok’s Dark Reign comes ever closer to spreading right across Cybertron, Grimlock launches a desperate counterstrike, in the face of almost innumerable odds. Does the Dinobot commander really have one last ace up his sleeve, or does his “plan” amount to a glorious—but doomed—last stand?


Comments:  This is still my favorite TF comic at the moment.
   This issue wraps up the Scorponok storyline by undoing the damage he's done and having the seemingly final confrontation between Grimlock and his nemesis. I still think they could've done a bit more with this storyline (I feel the need to package each storyline neatly into a TPB worked against the artistry of the story here) but the wrap-up is reasonably good as it is.
   We also get a bit more about Hot Rod and his sub-plot with the under-dwellers. He believes they are to be destroyed as this is what Primus wanted. But it's not what he is willing to do. I look forward to seeing how this plot thread turns out.
   The art is mostly good although, as mentioned before, Pounce and Wingspan--the clones--still look different. This issue seemed to have a few less anamolies this time around though overall. (Apparently, Guido Guidi will be taking over the art duties at some point which I'm torn on. He's a great artist--but it will be strange if Wildman doesn't complete this run).




















Verdict: Excellent! A must-buy!

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman

Cover "B" by Guido Guidi

Retailer Incentive Cover by Geoff Senior

Comic Review...

Transformers: Regeneration One #89

Writer:  Simon Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman (pencils), Steven Baskerville (inks)
Covers: Andrew Wildman (A), Guido Guidi (B), Geoff Senior (RI)


Summary:  DINOBOT WAR! Happy reunions are in short supply as Grimlock seeks out his Dinobots in a desperate attempt to salvage something from the mounting carnage in Iacon. But as far as they’re concerned, he’s a traitor who has brought shame on the Dinobot name—and if they’re going down, he’s coming with them!


Comments: I had trouble thinking of what to say about the story with this review. It continues on and, yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing where it all ends up. It seems like that's my sentiment with every issue to-date. It was nice seeing the other Dinobots finally (in the here-and-now) and the revelation that the "demons" are the first inhabitants of Cybertron was fairly obvious even from their first appearance waaaay back in TF #76.

   I had some art issues though. The last page shows what appears to be the Decepticon clones, Wingspan and Pounce.  They're supposed to have identical robot modes but here they have entirely different head designs (does someone not grasp the concept of clones?) Also, there is still the issue of the Autobot Headmasters heads looking wrong. And some of the background art could be better too--it's almost like Wildman's being a bit lazy this time (series) around. 

  

Verdict: Very Good.

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman

Cover "B" by Guido Guidi

Retailer Incentive cover by Geoff Senior

Comic Review...

Transformers: Regeneration One #88

Writer: Simon  Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman
(covers by Andrew Wildman, Guido Guidi and Geoff Senior (RI))


Summary:  WAR IN THE CITY! Anarchy reigns on the streets of Iacon as SCORPONOK’s grip tightens further, and those AUTOBOTS still willing and able to resist look to their absent leader--who is on an endangered list all of his own. Beneath the surface of CYBERTRON, HOT ROD runs for his life, locked on a collision course with his maker, PRIMUS!


Comments:  Scorponok, his Decepticons and converted Autobots overrun Cybertron while a select few characters evade his forces. Grimlock makes a short-lived stand against Scorponok but the other quickly shows him who is truly in-control. Elsewhere, Hot Rod flees the cyber demons beneath the surface, who give chase. Bludgeon and Soundwave make their own plans aboard the Warworld and it's insinuated Soundwave is alerted that Scorponok is on Cybertron remotely (via Spinister). And on Earth, Galvatron prepares to take the Ark (under control of the lobotomized Shockwave) to space. 
   The plot continues. The story is advancing slowly and, to be honest, I miss the old days when more stuff happened in one issue. It doesn't seem like all that much significant happens in this issue, just baby steps. But I like the overall plot so I can't really complain.
   In the bigger scheme, I would've thought that Bludgeon and company would've attacked first and then Scorponok would've shown up afterward to throw a spanner into things with his own plan. That sort of happens (in the sense that Soundwave makes the first move back in #80.5) but was a little surprised the Scorponok/Grimlock plot got priority (not that it really matters, of course).
   I also speculated that the Scorpy plot would've been complicated--that we would've gotten true neutral minded Transformers as opposed to just Autobots that now act like Decepticons. I feel like there could've been a lot more to that plot point and to see it executed so simply (we slap a device on you and boom! You're a Decepticon!) is a bit disappointing. It's not a game killing choice or anything, of course, but I wanted a bit more.
   Some online have commented that Andrew Wildman's art is a bit, well...lazy and I have to agree unfortunately. The primary characters and action looks fine but the background characters and settings have felt rushed and simplistic right from the get-go. If you've seen his earlier work (or Horizon, his graphic novel) then you know he's capable of more.
   I still like this series and will follow it through to the end. I just hope we get some more story surprises and depth before it's all over.

 Verdict: Pretty Good.

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman

Cover "B" by Guido Guidi

RI cover by Geoff Senior

Comic Review...

Transformers: Regeneration One #87

Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman
(covers by Andrew Wildman, Guido Guidi and Geoff Senior)

Summary:  WAR CRY! The conquest of IACON begins in earnest, as SCORPONOK's game-changing strategy threatens the very nature of what it means to be AUTOBOT... Or DECEPTICON! And HOT ROD begins his own personal odyssey to the very heart of CYBERTRON--where ancient forces are stirring!


Comments:  Grimlock and others arrive on Cybertron and begin killing or converting Autobots to their cause. Hot Rod goes to find Primus below the surface, unaware of the evil demon-y creatures down there. On Earth, Optimus Prime stays behind to try and help humanity rebuild (even though they previously said they don't want his help). Meanwhile, Galvatron and Starscream meet up and a plot their next move.
    I continue to enjoy this series. It's interesting to see Grimlock switch sides in order to help out his fellow Dinobots... but at what terrible cost?  Thanks to him, at least a few Autobots are already dead...and the others are acting like Decepticons. I do wonder why messing with their "C.N.A" automatically turns everyone into a Decepticon... it's an interesting idea but it would be better if they still had some self-control despite it. Otherwise, the net result is a bunch of good guys acting like they're brainwashed instead. It's a fine line and this issue crossed it a bit too easily.
   I also wonder why Optimus decided to stay behind on Earth. The humans don't want Transformers there and what can he really accomplish? (Other then being there to conveniently stop Galvatron's machinations--whatever they turn out to be). I also don't care for the return to his whiny, overly-introspective persona. Again, it's something that can be effective if used right in the story...but sometimes he reads like a Manic Depressive personality.
   There are several art mistakes/odd choices in this issue. All of the restored Headmaster head designs look wrong (off-model compared to the classic designs). Also, Grimlock's head is now wrong--he has his classic body but should still have his Action Master head (but doesn't!) Not sure if Wildman had the wrong reference art or tried to remember it from memory or what...it was weird and a tad distracting in an otherwise good issue. 

Verdict: Pretty Good. The series continues to be worth reading...

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman

Cover "B" by Guido Guidi

Retailer Incentive cover by Geoff Senior

Comic Review...

Transformers: Regeneration One #86

Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman
(covers by Andrew Wildman, Guido Guidi, Geoff Senior)


Summary:  DARK REIGN! The fallout from the devastation on Earth ripples outwards, all the way to Nebulos, where GRIMLOCK faces his own darkest demons and a fateful choice that may cost him his very Spark. The dark reign of SCORPONOK begins here, and nothing will ever be the same again! 

Comments:  To be honest, when this series was announced I had zero interest in what happened to the Headmasters' original heads on Nebulos (I had assumed they'd been disassembled and turned into the binary armor the Nebulans used). I am pleased to say I was wrong--the whole Scorponok sub-plot is beginning to take center stage now and I'm eager to find out what happens next. Now that the "Loose Ends" arc is over I want to get on to the meat of the story and this is clearly part of it. Will Grimlock change sides or is he playing Scorponok? Is Scorpy smart enough to know it? 
   And what is going on with the other Decepticons and Thunderwing's remains? (We find now that they possess some residual Matrix energy. Does that mean new Decepticon warriors? Or is something more sinister in store for our heroes).
   Bring on the next issue IDW!


Verdict:  Excellent.

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman

 

Cover "B" by Guido Guidi

Retailer Incentive cover by Geoff Senior

 

Comic Review...

Transformers: Regeneration One #85 

Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman
(covers by Andrew Wildman, Guido Guidi, Geoff Senior)



Summary:  ONE WILL FALL! As the first Regeneration One arc concludes, two Transformers legends clash-for the last time! This one’s so packed with triumph, tragedy and everything in between, we can’t say much more. If you’re a fan of titanic, all-out action, this is the one for you. If you’re of a sensitive disposition-look away now!



Comments:  This issue saw the resolution of the Earth storyline and I was kind of glad it got wrapped up with the finality it did. Unfortunately two of the covers really blew an important plot point but oh well. There was really only so many ways this could've wrapped up anyway.
   I didn't really feel like I needed to have Megatron, Ratchet and the Ark's fate revisited in this continuation since the original series did a fairly good job of wrapping it off. Still, Furman did a fairly good job of squeezing some mileage out of it all despite it. I also still wonder if we'll ever see Shockwave again or if he's going to get shorted from the series (it seems like everyone else made it when the ship crashed).
   The story is still entertaining overall. Unlike the other two titles, I don't feel so much like they're taking a threadbare concept and stretching it out far too much. It doesn't quite match up with the story compaction the old comic had but enough still happens to make it feel like each issue is reasonably satisfying on its own merits. The art is also still fairly good overall.

Verdict:  Excellent.  

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman

Cover "B" by Guido Guidi

 
 

Retailer Incentive cover by Geoff Senior

Comic Review...

Transformers: Regeneration One #84

Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman
(covers by Andrew Wildman, Guido Guidi and Geoff Senior)


Summary: LAST STAND! Things go from bad to worse as MEGATRON tightens his remorseless grip on planet Earth. Can the Wreckers save Kup? Can they reach the Ark in time? The odds have never been more stacked against them. But you know what they say: 'when all hope is gone...' And what exactly is up with Starscream?

Comments:  The Wreckers execute their two-pronged plan. Springer, Sandstorm and Whirl provide the distraction and try to reach Kup while the others aid the Humans in their attempt to get to the Ark and shut its defenses down. Elsewhere, Hot Rod has a vision and worries about the future to come. Blurr rushes in and tells him Soundwave has attacked and is after Thunderwing's remains! Springer is shot down Starscream (who is not as zombified as he seems. A part of his brain is trying desperately to get through the inhibitor Megatron put on him). He manages to communicate to Springer that he should "kill Ratchet". Optimus and his Autobots show up then and confront Megatron.
   It's obvious that Megatron and Ratchet still share their psychic bond. If one dies, the other one likely will as well. I'm thinking this will happen next issue (I guess we'll see). A decent issue so far and it seems like stuff is actually happening (still waiting to see when they pick up the Grimlock thread again). This issue was better in some respects in that it wasn't setting up quite as much as it was moving stuff along instead.
  
Verdict:  Good.

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman

Cover "B" by Guido Guidi

RI Cover by Geoff Senior

Comic Review...

Transformers: More Then Meets The Eye Annual 2012

Writer: James Roberts
Artists: Jimbo Salgado, Emil Cabaltierra and Guido Guidi
(covers by Tim Seely and Alex Milne)


Summary:  THE ORIGIN OF THE KNIGHTS OF CYBERTRON! Rodimus and the crew of the Lost Light finally reach Crystal City, home to the mysterious Circle of Light. But what they find waiting for them is going to change everything-and not necessarily for the better!


Comments:  It's a long and involved tale but a couple of the highlights of this story were the crew of the Lost Light finding a Metrotitan underneath Crystal City (colored, naturally, like the Metrotitan toy from Japan). I also appreciated Roberts doing something different and trying a new origin for Primus and the Transformers. That was the sort of thing I'd initially been hoping for when Furman first started doing TF comics for IDW. Take an old concept and try some new spins on them. For a long time, too many of the various writers struck to the established canon and I'm glad he took a chance and went in a new direction here (I also noticed he kind of glossed over whether or not Unicron exists in this continuity).
   I'd not heard of Salgado or Cabaltierra before but their art seemed fairly competent to me. I hadn't really noticed the retro coloring style in the flashback until the RID counterpart used it more extensively (then it became much more obvious).

   A fairly good story overall.


Verdict:  Good.

Cover "A" by Tim Seely

Comic Review

Transformers Regeneration One #83

Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman
(covers by Andrew Wildman, Guido Guidi and Geoff Senior) 


Summary:  The Wreckers are on Earth--and their fates rest in the hands of a human? A very particular human--Spike Witwicky, the Circuit Smasher! The AUTOBOTs learn what MEGATRON's been doing the past 20 years and OPTIMUS PRIME struggles to come to a decision about the future!



Comments:  We learn quickly about what's happened in the intervening twenty years on Earth. Megatron was accidentally reactivated and then laid waste to the planet, while using their nukes against them, reactivating a bunch of zombie Decepticons and taking out the remaining resistance (Fortress Maximus, the Neo Knights). Meanwhile, Optimus Prime loads up a force to go to Earth and get Megatron. We learn Bludgeon has a War World (G2, anybody?) and is in communication with Soundwave, who wants to retrieve the pieces of the ruined Thunderwing.
   I'm not sure why they're bothering to try and resurrect Thunderwing. He's dead and gone. Frankly, I didn't need every single character resurrected for no apparent reason. We also get a strong hint Shockwave is still alive and in Megatron's employ... so, is Galvatron the only one who stayed dead this time? (Or should we expect him to appear at some point too? :) I also wonder how on a revitalized Cybertron that Optimus Prime taking a strike force somewhere means that the entire planet will be unguarded against the Decepticons dastardly plan. Has he only got fourteen Autobots? It just seems like a bit of a stretch.
   I also wonder about why Optimus suddenly sees so much potential in Hot Rod (although I guess one could argue that there were aspects of it in the old series too). It feels a bit ham-fisted to me...does Optimus think he's going to die soon? Or perhaps retire somewhere and leave Hot Rod in charge? It could also just be set-up for Hot Rod leading the resistance against the Decepticons on Cybertron now that Optimus has left for Earth.
   Minor nitpicks aside, I've been mostly liking the series so far and can't wait to see where it goes from here. 

Verdict: Very Good.

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman

Cover "B" by Guido Guidi

Retailer Incentive Cover by Geoff Senior

Comic Review...

Transformers: Regeneration One #82


Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman
(covers by Andrew Wildman, Guido Guidi and Geoff Senior)

Summary: DINOBOT MONTH! And ex-Dinobot commander GRIMLOCK wishes it wasn't! His quest for a means to restore his ability to change modes takes him to Nebulos--a world off-limits to TRANSFORMERS, where a welcome that's more incendiary than warm awaits him. Plus, KUP and THE WRECKERS find themselves stranded, hunted and in a whole world of pain. Quite literally!

Comments: The story continues! Kup and the Wreckers struggle to survive on a ruined Earth against Megatron's forces while Grimlock goes to Nebulos in hopes of finding a new body that can transform once more. We learn Starscream is still alive (but apparently lobotomized) as is Ratchet. Still no sign of Shockwave or Galvatron yet (hopefully they'll turn up eventually in some fashion or the other).
   To be honest, I wasn't really expecting Furman to try and explain the fate of the lost Headmaster characters original heads in this story... I had assumed they'd been disassembled and built into the binary armor somehow. The original mini-series was vague on that detail so I guess this story turn can work too, but it really wasn't high on my list of concerns. I'm actually more interested in what the heck happened to Earth in the intervening twenty one years and wonder why none of the Autobots thought to try and monitor the world discreetly in any way.
   I do hope we get past the set-up stuff and into a good story shortly. Right now, it feels like we're catching up on forgotten story threads from the original comic (or perhaps that was the point all along? :)  It's fine to relive the forgotten stuff but I want to see him press forward into new territory too. G2 didn't get too caught up in irrelevance at the time and I hope Regeneration One doesn't wallow in it any longer then it needs to in order to get things going.

Verdict:  Very Good.

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman

Cover "B" by Guido Guidi

Retailer Incentive Cover by Geoff Senior

Comic Review...

Transformers: Regeneration One #81

Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman

(covers by Andrew Wildman, Guido Guidi, Geoff Senior, Dan Khanna)


Summary: The TRANSFORMERS comic that began it all—is back. With a vengeance! 21 years have passed since CYBERTRON was restored to its former glory, and finally there is peace. But, after millions of years of bitter civil war, can all ever truly be one? In a conflict this primal, this epic and far-reaching… There are always “Loose Ends”!

Comments: And so it begins... we're officially introduced to the Wreckers in the start of this issue (or reintroduced, depending on your perspective). Very quickly we discover some G2 characters--the G2 Decepticon jets take over a facility. Page 8, panel 1--Terradive and Afterburner's word balloons are either switched or somebody forgot which character was who. I thought it was cool we see the Deluxe Insecticons for the first time ever this issue (at least, in the US series anyway. Not sure about the UK stories). One of the Wreckers is also G2 Leadfoot. So, all in all, points for using a variety of characters in this.
   There is a brief mention of Unicron and I really, really hope he doesn't come back--ever. One of Furman's strengths was finding new and cool ways to move the story forward (the Swarm, Liege Maximo and Jhiaxus). We don't need to retread the same old ground constantly and I would much prefer something new and exciting as an overall villain in this. I was a little surprised by the story's ending but know we'll get some answers in the next issue most likely.
   The artwork is classic Andrew Wildman. You either love him or you don't. I feel it fits in fine with the original run. Some of the color choices were a bit interesting though--Ultra Magnus with a yellow visor just looks wrong to me. It needs to be blue or silver, imo. Hot Rod is also red now instead of fuscha (which strikes me as wrong even though it's technically right) and Soundwave is his proper blue (not purple) which I'm fine with. I got all three of the covers that were available here ("A", "B" and RI-A. The Khanna cover wasn't here--but I didn't care for it anyway). I think Wildman's cover is my favorite of the three. It looks cool and is story relevant. 
   I was impressed by the fact I read through the issue, reached the end and didn't think, "that's it?" to myself. There's enough plot and set-up for the future here that I was sufficiently satisfied and looking forward to more. I'm not saying it's the greatest TF comic ever or Simon Furman is some kind of genius for writing it but I found it sufficiently entertaining (like I did with his classic run). Whether or not Regeneration One will become part of the classic TF lore in time is uncertain. We don't have enough of it yet to really judge it as a whole and there's still the whole shock-of-the-new aspect to it. There needs to be some time for it to truly settle in and then we can look back and see if it still holds up against the older content or not. For now, I like what I see, so that's something at least.



Verdict:  Excellent/Highly recommended.

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman

Cover "B" by Guido Guidi

Retailer Incentive Cover "A" by Geoff Senior

Comic Review...

Infestation 2: Transformers #1

Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artist: Guido Guidi
(covers by Guido Guidi and Livio Ramondelli)

Summary:  The Infestation threat has broken the boundaries of time and the Lovecraftian monsters invade the world of Transformers: Hearts of Steel! It's a steam-punk world in the grips of panic as terrifying beings from the depths of the ocean corrupt both humans and Decepticons! Only one man knows how to stop the Infestation, and it's up to him to awaken the Autobots in time to prevent full-scale cataclysm!

Comments:  Infestation returns! This time, the Hearts of Steel universe is under attack. To be perfectly honest, I never followed the rest of this sort-of crossover IDW did the first time nor did I read any of this follow-up series. I don't really understand why these Lovecraftian monsters are attacking multiple comic concepts (obviously, to sucker fans into buying them. But I mean, why are they bothering in the story sense? Does anybody ever bother to explain that?)
   Dixon does an adequate job in the comic of explaining what's going on--at least, to a point. Since it's a small cog in a larger story, someone just tuning into this issue specifically has no idea what the broader context is (that would be me). The characters presented here--Bumblebee, Ironhide, Hound, etc. don't get any real characterization and even the humans--Tobias Muldoon and Nikola Tesla predominantly--exist to move the plot along with little development (incidentally, why does Tesla have to get into every damn story set in this era? He's always the mad scientist du jour in these things). Not a lot really happens either. Evil monsters are attacking and the Autobots must stop them before it's too late so they go up to the Artic (or some place cold) and try to resurrect Optimus Prime. End of issue one.

Cover "B" by Livio Ramondelli

   One minor little story note I liked--Dixon picked out a small Quebec town as a location near where the Autobot train is. Saint Felicien, Quebec--where my cousin lives in real life! I didn't think anyone had ever heard of the place other then me.
   The art is competent but not outstanding. So much of the story focuses on the human characters and they're drawn in a cartoony/anime kind of way (a la Dreamwave). I prefer a bit more detail then that and felt it subtracted from the comic's appeal. The "B" cover by Livio Ramondelli (which I got) is a pretty nice picture of Shockwave (who's not even in this issue).

Verdict: Pass.  The whole Infestation conflict is flawed. It dips into several comics but doesn't really focus on the same characters all the time and I feel that hurts the concept. We don't get a good feel for the whole scope of the story and thus don't really care. Also, Hearts of Steel, while conceptually cool was never fully explored like it could've been. It had some neat ideas but the story was shallow and ended up as mostly eye candy. Doing a two issue follow-up that does an even worse job doesn't help it's case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cover "A" by Guido Guidi

 (Special thanks to Zavian Sildra for the copy of this issue which I reviewed).