Comic reviews: IDW More Than Meets The Eye ongoing

[Sky Shadow]

A delight from first page to last.

Without doubt the best first issue of a Transformers comic since 1993, if not ever. Every character so far has a distinct personality (and they're almost all lunatics, so thank Primus they have a psychiatrist on board.) I care about Magnus and Cyclonus for the first time since the eighties - they're fantastic. And Roberts made me actually not hate Drift. I hope this series never ends.

I don't understand the complaints about the art - Roche does a much better job on art than any issue of a Transformers ongoing in years. And I can actually understand what's going on. The art in Chaos was... chaos.

Prowl is also back in fine form as the most manipulative and ruthless Transformer we've ever seen. I hope the writer of the other ongoing... whoever he is... manages to keep up Prowl's Machiavellian machinations. Unlike Mike Costa's abysmal Spotlight: Prowl. And speaking of that failure-of-a-previous-writer who lamented that he himself didn't know what he was doing - Costa: read More Than Meets The Eye #1. That's how you write Transformers with motivations and character.

"It's authentic. Check out the rubsign."

[kup]

I have read the first issue and I am impressed so far.

Yeah, the art is stylized and that can take some getting used to but unlike the previous year long streak of horrid art, you can tell exactly what is going on. Each Panel is used efficiently and flows much better than the confusing mess they had before. It is almost as if you are reading an older comic which focuses more on what is needed to carry the story forward rather than what would look fancy. This makes the story a much better read and much more inmersive.

It pretty much reads in the same style as Last Stand of the Wreckers, the story flows logically and efficiently. There is no wasted space and the character banters are enjoyable rather than cringe inducing as it was before. There is also a lot of care and understanding of the characters as it once again feels as if you are dealing with the original G1 characters rather than some poorly made facsimile as previously - It truly captures the spirit of how Transformers should be and the writers also throw in the odd obscure easter egg to keep hardcore fans happy.

Did anyone notice the Japanese Micromaster Launcher with Tailgate? That was cool.

This was a well thought out first issue which introduces several of the characters well enough to establish their personalities and mindsets but doesn't give away everything about them wanting you to know more which is fantastic.

This first issue is much better than any single issue that I have read since Last Stand of the Wreckers even if Drift is in it

I can't wait for the next!

[Doubledealer]

I think Roche and Roberts complement each other incredibly well, and I'm personally gutted that Roche won't be doing the art of MTMTE for much longer.

The writing will obviously be as good as ever but a large part of what makes MTMTE#1 and LSOTW is the amazing synergy of art and dialogue. With Roche gone will we love the characters as much? Will the humour have as much impact?

This first issue is such a masterpiece, they can't break up this team!

[kup]

I think Roche and Roberts complement each other incredibly well, and I'm personally gutted that Roche won't be doing the art of MTMTE for much longer.

The writing will obviously be as good as ever but a large part of what makes MTMTE#1 and LSOTW is the amazing synergy of art and dialogue. With Roche gone will we love the characters as much? Will the humour have as much impact?

This first issue is such a masterpiece, they can't break up this team!

I am still skeptical that quality will continue. I don't trust IDW given all the stupid decisions they have made in the last two years so I am not getting my hopes up too much.

[Sam]

I think Roche and Roberts complement each other incredibly well, and I'm personally gutted that Roche won't be doing the art of MTMTE for much longer.

Oh wow, that's rather disappointing to hear. Is Roche being put to do another title?

[Seraphim Prime]

Oh wow, that's rather disappointing to hear. Is Roche being put to do another title?

I think Roche has been on record about wanting to take a bit of a break. I think what he was doing on this first issue was helping the new guy into the swing of things. Take a look at the art credits and you'll see that it's Roche plus someone (can't remember who off hand) and they'll be taking over full time from issue 2 onwards, so we'll soon see how he works out.

RID is supposed to be written by John Barber, who is also the new TF editor. He wrote Sector7 and the movie prequels, which were all quite good.

[kup]

When is Robots in Disguise out?

[Paulbot]

When is Robots in Disguise out?

Next week. And the Digital-only Comic "Autocracy" is out this week.