IDW Transformers ongoing [spoilers]

[Paulbot]

The latest issue, the last of this story arc, feels a bit anti-climatic and doesn't flow that nicely from the last issue. At the same time it feels really rushed with many characters having very brief appearances despite their importance to the plot.

I find it hard to reconcile the two major characters facing off in this issue as the same robots we saw do the same years ago in the second IDW series.

I do look forward to the upcoming story arcs trying to make this feel like a more unified continuity.

[Paulbot]

I purchased and read Transformers 20 today and was pretty happy with it. It's the Hot Rod and Wheelie show again as a prelude to the Chaos story and it also picks up the story from the Ironhide limited series. Problem is if you haven't actually read that Limited series you'll be a bit in the dark as the recap occurs between panels. Or that silent panel is meant to have exposition-heavy speech bubbles!

I really liked Guido's art in this issue helped by the nice colouring. There's a Hot Rod transforms panel that's the highlight for me art wise. The "movie-esque" designs of the ongoing are gone, with the mix of Cartoon/Classics designs seen in All Hail Megatron back again. This might upset you if you need consistency, but many I think would be happy to see that look again (like I am).

Story-wise this is still prelude stuff so it's kind of missable and not essential, but the stuff being set up does make me excited for the Chaos arc's promises of tying up loose ends and plot lines.

Also, special mention must be made of the member of the swarm that debuts here. Dont want to say too much for risk of spoilers, but Fansproject should be putting one of those together.

[Paulbot]

Haven't had a chance to buy #21 yet but I had a look at the #22 preview Kup posted and think it looks awesome

A Variable Voltage Harness! The Black Hole thing! Xaaron! Cybertronian apartheid!

The few flashbacks in that preview and better than the entire Megatron Origin limited series.

[bowspearer]

Transformers 21 was great. I love the way they're handling Bumblebee's leadership and the way he's dealing with his insecurities while still pushing ahead with the job at hand.

The part where he says "I never had a chance, did I?" to Prime was just so perfect for the storyline.

Every issue they put out convinces me more and more that the biggest problem iwth the Live Action Movies is that they aren't more like the IDW comics.

[bassbot]

the past 4/5 issues have been building amazingly. I can't wait to grab #22 this arvo!!!

[liegeprime]

Nice, Just confirmed PZ at Parra still has some copies, might trek there this coming week once I feel better.

Hmmm reading Paulbot's comments... that would explain re: Ironhide in the ongoing, coz I only follow the ongoing and havent bought the limited series ones which is why it's got me confused. I bought also Heart of Darkness #4 (missed and searching #3) and I must say that this is really a different take on Galvy, not to mention that I really didnt like the art. It's like a grade schooler hired to do a pro comics.... The covers were awesome, but inside, ugh.... glad it was only 4 issues.

[Paulbot]

Transformers 21 was great. I love the way they're handling Bumblebee's leadership and the way he's dealing with his insecurities while still pushing ahead with the job at hand.

Optimus Prime didn't really give Bumblebee much respect. It's interesting.

Transformers 21 is all about getting the gang back together. It starts to reveal more of IDW Optimus Prime's character which is built upon more in the next issue. I liked the look Guidi gave all the Autobots, a mix between the early models from the ongoing and a more cartoony look. There's some really nice colouring too.

There's two stories in the issue. The first is slightly longer. The second focuses on the manipulative Prowl and sets up The Last Story On Earth, as well as putting a few other characters where they need to be. After several issues setting up the upcoming stories though there needs to be some more progression.

And then Transformers #22 comes along. Best Transformers comic I've read since LOTSW. No surprise that it's the same author. I mentioned in the acquisitions thread that the book is wordy. There's more to read in the issue than there has been in most other recent Transformers, and I love it. That James Robert is a fan, and a UK fan, comes through quite clearly in the choice of some of the characters and of course the VVH. [Those poor stubbies ].

But it's also because of the topics of discussion. There's not much action in this book, but it doesn't mean it's dull. There's a discussion between the Autobot High Command that's quite unique and where the stakes weren't what I expected. There's Prime interrogating Megatron which is just wonderful, and manages to be funny and depressing and surprising. And there's the flashbacks to an early Megatron interacting with familiar characters as we've never seen them before. The flashbacks may tie into Megatron Origin, but are much better than that whole series in my opinion.

Alex Milne's art is also really nice. He's got pre-war Cybertron, curious Autobots, holographic Autobots, a menacing but manacled Megatron, and a terrific montage of key events from the previous 100+ issues of the IDW saga.

I hope part two in #23 lives up to this issue. I strongly recommend buying this issue if you've previously given up on the ongoing series and giving it a go.

[bassbot]

Nice, Just confirmed PZ at Parra still has some copies, might trek there this coming week once I feel better.

Hmmm reading Paulbot's comments... that would explain re: Ironhide in the ongoing, coz I only follow the ongoing and havent bought the limited series ones which is why it's got me confused. I bought also Heart of Darkness #4 (missed and searching #3) and I must say that this is really a different take on Galvy, not to mention that I really didnt like the art. It's like a grade schooler hired to do a pro comics.... The covers were awesome, but inside, ugh.... glad it was only 4 issues.

Dude, if you out ur name for a standing order on Transformers at PZ you won't miss another issue! Certainly worth it for the next coming months and 2012!!!

I'll be dropping in tomorrow morning to grab #22, one for me and one for my library I think.

[Sky Shadow]

Definitely the best of the past 23 issues - thank you James Roberts for making IDW deserve my money again. This is a great read - so much so that I thought I'd already read a whole comic at page eleven and was then elated to realise I still had the second half to go. Even Alex Milne does a great job here - in his flashback scenes (particularly his generics) he seems to be channelling Geoff Senior (rather than his usual Pat Lee.) The highlight of an issue of highlights is Optimus's scene with Rodimus - the final frame of page 7 is priceless. A+

[kup]

Definitely the best of the past 23 issues - thank you James Roberts for making IDW deserve my money again. This is a great read - so much so that I thought I'd already read a whole comic at page eleven and was then elated to realise I still had the second half to go. Even Alex Milne does a great job here - in his flashback scenes (particularly his generics) he seems to be channelling Geoff Senior (rather than his usual Pat Lee.) The highlight of an issue of highlights is Optimus's scene with Rodimus - the final frame of page 7 is priceless. A+

It's this the issue where Impactor is having lunch with Megatron? If it is then that's awesome! I was hoping for that issue to be good and not the usual IDW mediocrity.