Transformers Spotlight: Blaster
It is my intention to begin reviewing the majority of comics that pass through the IDW stable in the hope of promoting comics. Understandably, the toys and their engineering are foremost of any collectors mind but of equal relevance I believe is the fiction behind these characters. These stories give them the spark that we find so alluring, that have capitvated us and helped us to return to the fold. It is these that have allowed G1 to transcend.
I'd like to also preface my reviews by saying that I will attempt to write these in a way that objectively weighs these stories up but as spoiler free as possible. This is b/c I don't want to take away the reading experience. I just want to give you enough of a peek, a taste, so that you can venture out there and decide for yourselves. Bare with me, I'm new at this and I'm fully aware of how hard it is to write as such.
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[BTransformers Spotlight: Blaster[/B]
By: Simon Furman (scribe), Emiliano Santalucia (artist)
Plot: Blaster embarks on a mystery to find out who orchestrated his assassination.
Appearances of Interest: Silverbolt, Blaster, Beachcomber, Bluestreak, Inferno, Trypticon, Predacon, Perceptor, Fortress Maximus.
Covers: Emiliano's cover really gives a G1 comic and toy vibe. There isn't as much happening in the background to give context like Milne's but that's because of the nature of the cover. Emiliano's given us a close up of Blaster in the background while in the foreground we have Blaster warily striding towards us.
The Milne Retail Incentive one resonates of a cartoon one. There is more atmosphere to Milne's cover because of the background work. I do like Milne's cover better but that's only because it features the cassettes and I'm partial to the G1 cartoon. I do believe that this is the work Milne is suited too. Covers. The vast majority of his covers are among the best IDW have offered to date. He's not far behind Don in my mind as a TF cover artist and this is a cover that proves it.
I notched up the Milne cover at $13. You should be able to find it for a bit more at a comic shop or a bit less online.
Art: Emiliano Santalucia is Brasillian artist whose landed his first TF gig. He is a major fan and his art really shows it. In his designs and selection of weaponry for the Transformers that grace this issue, there is a touch of G1 in it. There are modifications, yes, but Emiliano takes great care to incorporate the G1 elements necessary to identifying the characters as those we know and love.
He is one of the better artists in my opinion at IDW at the moment despite it being his first work. His Transformers are highly expressive and he works the angles very well. Look at the fight scenes in particular. You'll notice he handles it with an elegant grace that gives it a smooth transition from scene to scene.
Issue Review:
One of the key issues about Blaster is that he always appeared and was automatically dubbed the archnemesis of Soundwave. Given their alt modes, it was only natural. But therein lies the weakness. Just because their alt modes are both stereo systems does not mean they should be archenemies.
This Spotlight changes that.
What we have here is a cleverly spun tale from Simon Furman that not only gives life to these eternal enemies but gives context to the greater G1 story that Furman is telling in Infiltration/Escalation/Devastation. It is story that is excellent in its own right. However, in a Beast Wars type of way, because it is part of a larger universe, you feel there's a larger payoff if you've been following the IDW G1 mainstory.
Blaster's role amongst the Autobots is redefined. We learn that he is more than just the cheery old voice amongst the Autobot ranks. He is considered the "Voice". An inspirational, motivational and riveting member of the Autobot ranks that is a vital cog in the Autobot machinery of war. A war that has lasted for millions of years. It forces us to uncomfortably remember that though Transformers are robots, they too are not immune from the rigours of war. Even more so, they have been at it for eons. It cannot be easy. And Blaster's role is imperative.
So you can imagine when there is an attempt on his spark, the Autobots are thrown into disarray. And you can see why vitality is necessary and this war is not something to be just accepted. I think the concept of war in TF fandom isn't as pronounced as it is in other fiction. In my mind, this is in large part to the fact we're dealing with robots. Robots are supposed to endure. They may be casualities but they are one step removed from a glaring tale involving people. I think this issue helps to redefine that. It makes the Autobots "human".
In this vein, I'd like to see someone define this side of the Decepticons. What motivates them to persist with a war that has lasted for eons? It is more than just an unquenchable thirst for power. To fight a war for so long without achieving utter domination requires a lot of psychological strength.
Anyhow, enough of my diversions. Blaster recovers from his attack and begins a hunt for the assailant back by Silverbolt and Perceptor. The assailant isn't who you'd think it is though. And that's part of the fun. You. Won't. See. It. Coming.
And that's why this issue is wonderful. It breaks the conventional paradigms of what we expect to see when we hear a Blaster or Soundwave story. And I hope I haven't said too much.
There is also a brief appearance by the much revered Fortress Maximus that implies he's leading a force of Autobots. Something to look forward to in the IDW universe.
Quibbles:
I do take issue with the way in which the assassin is revealed. The backstory is awfully rushed and you can't at times help feel but it is slightly forced. Why in Primus did Silverbolt's squad not investigate the matter prior to Blaster recovering?
Overall: 8.5/10
The art is exceptional and the writing in this spotlight makes this as an individual story stand strongly on its own unlike other issues. What though is worth the price of entry is to have your preconceived notions of TF lore broken in a smart and intelligent way. Highly recommend.
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Originally Posted by STL
I think I pay $6.95 an issue but can't remember for sure as I pick up a few issues at a time
. I can remember when comics cost 12 cents each
.
