Transformers Lost Light #8 Review

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Anode, Autobots, comics, Cybertron, Cyberutopia, Decepticons, IDW Publishing, James Robers, Joana Lafuente, Lug, Megatron, Nautica, Optimus Prime, Priscilla Tramontano, Rodimus Prime, Tom B. Long, Transformers, Transformers Lost Light, Transformers Lost Light #8, Transformers Lost Light #8 review, Velocity

Transformers Lost Light #8

Review by Paul Bowler

The search continues in Transformers Lost Light #8 following their adventure in the parallel Functionist universe, which culminated with Megatron becoming separated from his crewmates, and Rodiums and Co departing from Necroworld. He’s found some new friends along the way too, including Anode, a blacksmith skilled in facilitating the Cybertronian birthing process, and her trusty sidekick, Lug. Now a trip to the lost property hub of the universe begins a new and ever eventful chapter in the Transformers saga as their quest to uncover the secrets of the Knights of Cybertron brings Nautica, Velocity, Anode, and Lug to the Howling Town…

From the opening flashback to Caminus, one thing that strikes you about this new issue of IDW Publishing’s Transformers Lost Light, is just how well it caters for both long-term Transformers fans and new readers. This skilfully crafted new story-arc by writer James Roberts quickly immerses us in events. Rodimus has dropped Nautica, Velocity, Anode, and Lug off on the planet Troja Major, a bustling intergalactic market-place where they hope to find a replacement map to Cyberutopia. Not everything is quite as Lug remembers it though, and it transpires Troja Major has been rebranded as the bereavement capitol of the galaxy.

While Nautica and Velocity lean some startling facts about clans of the Knights of Cybertron in a Museum of curios, Anode and Lug investigate a strange compound where they discover newly formed Transformers with some rather disturbing alt modes! This is Transformers at its very best. Roberts deftly brings all the strands of the plot together, it’s all deeply engaging and fascinating stuff, and the way that the Transformer characters different personalities all spark off each other as they bungle through their adventures is a joy to behold.

Similarly, the artwork by Priscilla Tramontano proves a delightful complement to James Roberts intricate scripting. The subtleties of the open and overlapping panel layouts effortlessly guide you through events as they unfold, each seamlessly flowing into the next, brooding revelations and frenetic action peppers the narrative at key intervals, and the level of detail Priscilla Tramontano crams into each panel is astonishing – especially in the market place and the museum. The colors by Joana Lafuente are rich and vibrant throughout, with bright shades and bold hues accentuating the finer nuances of Tramontano’s art beautifully, and the Transformers and their surroundings look even more impressive as a result

After a run in with a strange race of creatures packing some serious firepower, Anode and Lug bump into Wipe-Out and take refuge in a local bar where they compare notes, share intriguing new viewpoints, and settle their nerves with a swig or two of Engx. It seems someone has been hunting Blacksmiths, organics are in league with the Black Block Consortia in the middle of a turf war, but why do they need Blacksmiths? Whatever the Consortia’s reason might be, as this issue of Transformers Lost Light draws to a close, it looks like Anode and her friends will soon find out!

Bursting with exposition diligently lettered by Tom B Long, Transformers Lost Light #8 commands your full attention, and it does so with ease as the series continues to build on the rich legacy of insightful characterization and multi-faceted storylines of its illustrious forerunner – Transformers More Than Meets The Eye – with this issues terrific story by James Roberts and stunning art by Priscilla Tramontano. IDW is constantly knocking it out the park with their Transformers titles, Lost Light is another fine addition to the Cybertronian’s mythos, and Transformers Lost Light #8 is one of the most compelling and fun issues so far.

Publisher: IDW

Writer: James Roberts / Art: Priscilla Tramontano

Colors: Joana Lafuente / Letters: Tomb B Long

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Transformers #51 Review

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Aileron, All Hail Optimus, All Hail Optimus part 2, Andrew Griffith, Autobots, comics, Cybertron, Decepticons, Glavatron, IDW Publishing, John-Paul Bove, Josh Burcham, Josh Perez, Optimus Prime, Soundwave, Transformers, Transformers #51, Transformers 51 review

Transformers #51

Review by Paul Bowler

The bold new era continues in IDW’s Transformers #51 as All Hail Optimus: Part 2 sees the implications of Optimus Prime’s actions in the series’ landmark 50^th issue begin to unfold. After Optimus Prime and his new army of followers repelled Galvatron and his Decepticon forces in Shanghai, Optimus Prime decided to annex Earth and make the planet part of Cybertron’s Council of Worlds. Now, as a hostile world responds to the Autobots’ declaration, grievances begin to resurface, but it seems that Optimus Prime has other – distinctly more troublesome – concerns weighing on his mind…

Yes, that’s right, Optimus Prime is back to save the Earth, whether the people of Earth want it or not! Writer John Barber quickly builds on the startling outcome of issue #50 to steer IDW Publishing’s Transformers series in an entirely new direction; as the far reaching consequences of Optimus Prime’s annexing of Earth begins to cause major upheavals throughout the Transformers universe.

Numerous plot strands begin to develop in Transformers #51 as writer John Barber explores the repercussions of the Optimus Prime’s decision to annex Earth – particularly from the human’s perspective of their actions. All Hail Optimus Part 2: Edge of the Earth sees the Autobots busy doing “good deeds” around the world. EDC command director Marissa Fareborn is quick to point out to the President that Optimus Prime’s forces are trying to protect and help people, never retaliating, or allowing people to be harmed. Meanwhile, Spike Witwicky is briefly reunited with his mother before resuming his new duties as the EDC’s American Liaison, and Optimus Prime’s dreams continue to grow ever more ominous.

John Barber skilfully blends the disturbing aspects of Prime’s vision into the narrative of this issue. If anything, the dream actually proves quite prophetic, and it almost seems to feed the growing sense of unease and doubt that some Autobot’s are now openly expressing about the path Prime has chosen for them. However, when Aileron, who is still grieving after her best friend Sterling was killed by a tactical weapons satellite, decides to take matters into her own hands and make a very special house call, Optimus Prime is forced to intervene and it gives the EDC the opportunity they’ve been waiting for…

Andrew Griffith’s art in Transformers #51 is uniformly excellent throughout, with bold page layouts that relay events at a brisk pace, with overlapping panels often punctuating key moments in the action, that in turn collectively brings a real sense of drama and urgency to the issue as events build towards the violent face-off where Prime learns to his cost that words and understanding might not be enough this time. There is a highly impressive roll call of characters, humans and Transformers, this issue, and Griffith’s ensures everyone gets a moment in the spotlight. Josh Perez, Josh Burcham, and John-Paul Bove provide the colors for this issue, delivering a vivid blend of tones and shades to make every page reflect the time, place, and emotional context of events as they unfold across a myriad of locations.

The issue builds to a tense showdown for the Autobots and the EDC, fortunately back up arrives at a crucial point, and the ensuing coda which follows illustrates that the time for talking has indeed only just begun… Transformers #51 is another action packed, character driven issue by John Barber, which, together with the fantastic artwork by Andrew Griffith’s, continues to deliver stories with more than meets the eye as this IDW Transformers comic book series embarks on its most thrilling chapter to date.

Publisher: IDW / Writer: John Barber / Art: Andrew Griffith

Colors: Josh Perez, Josh Burcham, & John-Paul Bove / Letters: Tom B. Long

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Transformers #50 Review

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All Hail Optimus, All Hail Optimus Part 1, Andrew Griffith, Autobots, Casey W. Coller, Cybertron, Decepticons, Galvatron, IDW Publishing, John Barber, John-Paul Bove, Josh Burcham, Josh Perez, Optimus Prime, Shanghai, Transformers, Transformers #50, Transformers #50 review

Transformers #50

Review by Paul Bowler

A new era begins in Transformers #50 All Hail Optimus – Part 1!, as IDW Publishing’s Transformers comic book series reaches is 50^th issue! It seemed that Galvatron was triumphant, but with Optimus Prime – now supported by a new army of followers – declaring Earth will become part of Cybertron’s Council of Worlds, the citizens of Earth and the Decepticons are not about to let this go unchallenged! The new saga starts now in this landmark 50^th issue of IDW Publishing’s Transformers comic book series, as everything hangs in the balance, and the repercussions will change the Transformers universe forever…

Galvatron thought victory was within his grasp, with Garrison Blackrock’s schemes revealed, Soundwave double-crossed, the Transformers on Cyberstron rallying to Galvatron’s cause, and the Ark 7 crash landing in China. However, with the assistance of the new female combiner, Victorion, events on Cybertron took a dramatic turn. Now in Transformers #50 Optimus Prime and his army have arrived on Earth to confront Galvatron as his forces celebrate their victory over the Autobots at the crash site of Ark 7 in China. Optimus Prime has annexed Earth into the Cybertronian Council of Worlds, presenting a united front against Galvatron and declaring that war is now over – in a move which leaves the Decepticons and humanity astounded!

Following on from the Conquers surprise cliff-hanging finale, writer John Barber kicks off this giant-sized 50^th issue of Transformers with a short flash forward as Optimus Prime makes his addresses to the people of Earth, before immersing us in the non-stop action thrill ride that is All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth, backtracking to yesterday as the Autobots roll out to defend the Earth from Galvatron and the Decepticons. Optimus Prime really ups the ante to become like the Primes of legend in this issue, while Galvatron’s plan to use the humans Onyx Code to his own advantage reveals another element to Blackrock’s schemes. The epic scale of this issue sees the action unfolding on several fronts, with the face-off between Optimus Prime’s and Galavatron’s forces in Shanghai dominating the majority of scenes, while events at Earth Defence Command HQ on Bikini Atoll take a dramatic turn, and on Sanctuary Station orbiting Jupiter’s moon Io the Transformers of Soundwave’s communion are left reeling from Galvatron’s betrayal.

It’s great to see the Autobots going on the offensive against Galvatron’s forces in this issue, the action flows thick and fast, and it quickly becomes apparent that this time Prime is playing for keeps! There are some fun moments of humour interspaced between all the action though, including a heartfelt aside from EDC Director Marissa Fairborn about Thunder Cracker’s attempts at writing a screenplay being compared to his flying skills, and Glavatron’s sly dig about Soundwave’s commune of Autobot’s and “animals” certainly ruffles a few feathers!

When the Mindbomb is deployed the tide of the battle unexpectedly turns, giving the Autobots the chance they need to strike, but Galvatron still manages to keep one step ahead of everyone. The EDC have countermeasures of their own to deploy and the Peoples Liberation Army Mecha Force also attack with lethal force. Soundwave’s forces also enter the fray at a crucial moment, while Alleron and Cosmos must each face life changing decisions; Starscream does his best to maintain control on the other side of the Space Bridge, and with Victorion’s assistance Optimus Prime resolves to save the Autobots from the wreckage of the Ark 7!

Transformers #50 features some incredible artwork by Andrew Griffith, with colors provided by Josh Burcham, John-Paul Bove, and Josh Perez, with concise lettering by Tom B. Long & Chris Moway, and the “previously” artwork is by Sarah Pitre-Durdcher. With its huge roll call of Transformers every page of this issue is chock full to bursting point with Autobot and Decepticon action, the sweeping scale of the battles is glorious to behold, there are casualties along the way too, with events seamlessly switching between characters and the various locations, the Autobots press home their advantage in fine style, and Optimus Prime’s bizarre dream-like vision towards the end is both hauntingly mesmerising and impressively realized.

One of the most powerful and emotive scenes is the way Thundercracker and Optimus Prime employ the most basic Earth tradition of all. A temporary triage is established for those fallen in battle, before John Barber rounds this issue off with a great coda “New Worlds Order”, featuring pencils by Casey W. Coller, inks by Jamie Snell, and colors by Joana Lafuente. It is perhaps here that John Barber really brings all the plot threads together into a more cohesive whole, as the aftermath of Optimus Prime’s declaration ripples out across the Transformers universe. Get ready to witness some big changes on Earth involving the EDC, there’s also a new role for Spike Witwicky, while on Sanctuary Station Soundwave resolves never to be deceived again, discord is rife on Cybertron as Starscream and Bumblebee assess the situation, and back on Earth in his underwater base Galvatron and Mindwipe finally discover who Garrison Blackrock really is.

With an amazing regular cover for Transformers #50 by Andrew Griffith & Thomas Deer, there is a plethora of impressive variant covers to choose from by Jonathan Hickman, Mike Choi, Casey W Coller and John-Paul Bove, Alex Milne and Josh Perez, and Livid Ramondelli and Phases. Transformers #50 is a superb issue, its an absolute must buy Transformer fans, but it also serves as a good jumping on point for new readers as well, and it exemplifies the high levels of storytelling and impressive art which has made this IDW series so popular. Transformers #50 is a showcase for the entire range of Transformers comics and a brilliant celebration of everything John Barber and Andrew Griffith have done on Transformers together with Josh Perez, and the excellent guests artists along the way, to make this book everything that fans love and enjoy so much about the Transformers!

Publisher: IDW / Writer: John Barber / Art: Andrew Griffith

Colors: Josh Burcham & John-Paul Bove & Josh Perez

Letters: Tom B. Long & Chris Moway

“Previously” artwork: Sarah Pitre-Durdcher

Regular Cover: Andrew Griffith & Thomas Deer

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Transformers #48 Review

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Andrew Griffith, Autobots, Buster the dog, Conquerors Part 3, Cybertron, D.O.C, Decepticons, Galvatron, IDW Publishing, Jazz, John Barber, Josh Perez, Optimus Prime, Soundwave, Tom B. Long, Transformers, Transformers #48, Transformers #48 review

Transformers #48

Review by Paul Bowler

Optimus Prime’s quest into the Sea of Rust to find answers to his role as a Prime, saw him encounter a new female combiner, Victorion, who also had questions of her own for the Transformers new space messiah. Meanwhile, Galvartron and Soundwave took advantage of an opportunity that left Arcee and the other Autobots trapped on the Ark 7 fighting for their lives. Now in Transformers #48 the events unfolding back on Earth at the Earth Defence HQ may decide the outcome of the conflict in Conquerors Part 3! Yes, everything has been leading to this moment as the fate the Autobots, the human race, and post-war Cybertron all now rests with two of the Transformers greatest heroes: Buster the dog and D.O.C the drone!

Transformers #48 written by John Barber, with art by Andrew Griffith, and colors by Josh Perez, is the penultimate issue of this new story-arc for IDW’s Transformers comic book series, and this issue finds two of the most unlikely heroes of all helping out in the most extraordinary of circumstances as we race towards issue #50!

So, how can a tale about a dog and a drone be so pivotal to current events in the Transformers universe? Well, easy, when your have a writer of the calibre of John Barber at the helm. After all the all-out-action of previous issue, any preconceptions you might have had about this issue being little more than a fill-in before the main event are sorely mistaken, as Transformers #48 proves to be a thoughtful, moving, and beautifully written instalment. Buster and D.O.C the drone not only make the most adorable team, their adventure at the Earth Defence HQ is crucial to events as they get caught up in bigger plot-lines gradually unfolding around them, and its all skilfully handled by Barber in a way that makes every scene an absolute delight to read.

The art by Andrew Griffith’s captures every nuance Barber’s story perfectly, with crisp, clear layouts, every page is bursting with detail, and there are some clever uses of perspective to accentuate Buster’s and D.O.C’s viewpoints as well. The vision of writer and artist are as one in Transformers #48, I was completely engrossed in this story, the lovely bond that formed between Buster and D.O.C was genuinely heart-warming, the colors by Josh Perez enhanced every scene as events built towards a thrilling cliff-hanger, and special mention goes to the brilliant lettering by Tom B. Long who brought Buster’s and D.O.C’s personalities and quirky friendship to life so beautifully as their adventure took centre stage for this issue.

Several plot threads begin to slot into place as the issue draws to a close. Garrison Blackrock visit to Spike’s cell at the EDC HQ finally sees Blackrock’s schemes revealed at last, while Skylink, Jazz Jetfire, and Kup escape their gruesome predicament with some unexpected help in their most desperate hour of need.

Transformer #48 is another superbly written issue by John Barber, which, together with Andrew Griffith’s great artwork, this IDW Transformer series becomes even more exciting and action-packed with each successive issue, and with its shock-twist ending, Transformer #48 sets everything up a thrilling finale to this Conquerors story arc!

Publisher: IDW / Writer: John Barber / Art: Andrew Griffith / Colors: Josh Perez

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Transformers #43 Review

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Andrew Griffith, Autobots, comics, Cosmos, Decepticons, IDW Publishing, John Barber, Josh Perez, Soundwave, Transformers, Transformers #43 review

Transformers #43

Review by Paul Bowler

Cosmos takes centre stage as IDW’s Transformers #43 takes one misunderstood and undervalued Autobot, a recon mission to a Decepticon space station, and engineers a meeting between Soundwave and Cosmos… South of Heaven, written by John Barber, with art by Andrew Griffith, and colors by Josh Perez, takes this IDW series into new, and unexpected territory in Transformers #43 as Cosmos faces Soundwave alone…

Transformers #43 continues to build on the more interesting plot threads from The Combiner Wars and its aftermath. Sent by Arcee to investigate Soundwave’s new Space Station commune orbiting Jupiter, which also incidentally coincides with Onyx CEO Garrison Blackrock’s and Earth Defense Command Director Marissa Faireborn’s visit to the station. As the Decepticons and humans tour the facility, Cosmos’s stealth pant provides the necessary cover for the Autobot to get in close to the station, but Soundwave has exceptional hearing, and its not long before the Decepticon and Autobot are facing-off. But, as Cosmos soon discovers, there’s more than meets the eye going on here, because is seems Soundwave just wants to talk, and Cosmos certainly wasn’t expecting that!

John Barber really gets back to the core story elements and motives that drive the characters in this issue. Cosmos’ mission serves up a bizarre situation that has the Autobot expecting the worse to happen when Soundwave tracks him down, and their initial skirmish quickly gives way to a thought provoking and enlightening exchange between the Decepticon and Cosmos. I really like how Soundwave’s viewpoint uncannily resonates with Cosmos, and how some Autobots attitudes towards little drones like D.O.C are also unsettlingly mirrored by Soundwave’s opinion of his expedient human allies.

Andrew Griffith’s art is excellent, the Transformers are all incredibly detailed, and the humans are well defined too. The exterior scenes of the Space Station look stunning with Jupiter in the background, the interiors of the station are vast and gleaming, and the chase between Soundwave and Cosmos provides some great action sequences. The colors by Josh Perez complements Griffith’s art nicely, brining added definition and clarity to every page.

Although the scenes with Cosmos and Soundwave are undoubtedly the main highlight of the issue, there’s a lot going on in the background as well to keep the plot bubbling along. The fact Mr Blackrock’s Onyx computers and operating systems are based on code derived from old Cybertronian systems doesn’t exactly bode well, there’s also some really fun moments with Laserbeak and Buzsaw, and the issues conclusion turn out to be remarkably poignant.

Transformers #43 is another solid instalment, with its concise story by John Barber and impressive art by Andrew Griffith, this superb IDW Transformers title constantly goes from strength to strength, and remains a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable series.

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