[ad_1]
4.0/5.0 StarsRating if the Book Were a Movie: PG-13
Creative Team:
Writer: Daniel Warren JohnsonArtist: Daniel Warren JohnsonColors: Mike SpicerLetters: Rus WootonCover: Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike SpicerEditor: Sean Mackiewicz and Jonathan ManningPublisher: Image Comics
Ratings:
Story: 4.0 StarsArtwork: 3.9 StarsCover Artwork: 3.8 StarsDialogue: 4.0 StarsMechanics: 4.0 StarsEditing: 4.3 Stars
About the Book:
In the second installment of this series Optimus Prime gives us a detailed explanation about the civil war on Cybertron, how they came to be on Earth, and how the Autobots just want to peacefully find a way to get back home. We also see that the Decepticons have wasted no time in finding an energy source and have engaged with human military forces in order to secure it.
Reader’s Notes:
I am enjoying how we’re getting more character development in this run of Transformers. In some of the earlier renditions humans were overlooked in favor of their metallic counterparts. Spike’s dad is eccentric and bitter about some things. I believe these characteristics make him more relatable. The seekers, which were always a bit brash, have taken it to another level. I’m all for it.
With any long standing franchise there will be some overlap in a reboot. It’s usually with the origin story. Somewhere along the way we’re going to read about how Peter Parker was bitten by a spider in a Spider-Man title or how Bruce Wayne’s parents were murdered in a Batman title. The same can be said for the Transformers and the civil war on Cybertron. We need it in the story for newcomers. Now that the origin has been established I want to see where the story takes us.
Starscream’s brief interaction with Duke has me wondering if we’re looking at a crossover with G.I. Joe right out of the gate. It makes sense because the two franchises both came from Hasbro and effectively dominated the toy aisle for about 7 years. Goodness knows there were a countless number of these epic battles in my living room growing up.
A crossover this early also worries me. This story has been done before. A lot. Some good stories have come from it. A couple that weren’t as good have also come from it. I’m hoping that this is going to be the jumping off point for a new G.I. Joe title rather than a full fledged crossover.
In my vision Duke tells his higher ups about his encounter with Starscream. When the brass heard what they have to say they’re in disbelief. They chalk the crash up to vehicle malfunction and move on to forming a special forces unit that Duke helps lead.
Duke then goes in search of the Transformers and is unable to find them. Then the unit gets so wrapped up in Cobra’s affairs that they forget about the robots in disguise. It’s too soon to tell if it will play out that way; but I can hope.
I enjoyed this cover. It’s eye-catching and creates intrigue. Seeing Starscream through a fighter jet’s cockpit is a new one for me. I applaud the originality. Moreover, I love that it’s relevant to the story.
The artwork on the interior pages is solid. There is plenty of attention to detail. I loved the look in Frosting’s eyes when he saw Starscream up close. My favorite panel was when we saw Spike’s dad in his fatigues.
The onomatopoeia in this book is outstanding. The way it’s done when Skywarp comes on the scene is a sight to behold. As amazingly well done as it was, it is a distant second to Starscream’s elimination of Frosting. I’m looking forward to seeing more of this quality of work!
As a geek on a budget I would say that Transformers #2 is well worth the price of admission. There is some recycled content that needs to be there for newcomers to the franchise. The way it’s done will help make those individuals into fans. The edginess that we’re getting in this rendition will make the longtime fans love it as well.
[ad_2]
