Spotlight Back Issue Review: Transformers Infiltration #6

Kicking off the Transformers titles for IDW was the Generation One revamp dubbed Infiltration. It was written by long time Transformers scribe, Simon Furman, and drawn by E.J. Su. This series was the source of more controversy than just about any Transformers comic title in history. At first the series was well received by fans because of the slower, unique approach. But this optimism quickly gave way to cries of complaint. Fueling this "board war" was newcomer artist E.J. Su and his unusual art style. Some were fans of it and others were wanting the crisp, clean cut art of the Dreamwave days. So the reason I picked this issue for this week's spotlight review is because everything culminates here in the final issue. Was it all worth it or not?

First off, I have to say that this is by far the best issue. After months of waiting, (and for this reader, boredom,) we finally get an issue worth paying for! Megatron is ready to put his house in order, and willing to kill any who get in his way, i.e. Starscream. Furman presents us with one of the best battles in recent memory. After years, in the show and comics, of the whole Starscream vs. Megatron thing, we final get a battle worthy of the set stage. Just look at page sixteen and tell me that isn't one of the coolest things you've seen in a Transformers comic.

E.J. Su puts his best foot forward here, with the best pencils of any of the issues. But it still suffers from bad coloring and proportioning of the characters. All in all, this issue gives you your money's worth in awesome action and a halfway descent conclusion to a far too drawn out miniseries.

BW4E

Story: 7.75/ 10 Art: 6.75/10 Quick Verdict: Grab It/Hold It

Transformers Revenge of The Fallen Defiance #1 Review

War has influenced our history more than just about anything else. War has won independence, freed slaves, enslaved others, killed millions, among other things. But just as pivotal as the war itself are the events leading up to the war. The calm before the storm (or the not so calm.) These prewar elements in the Transformers movie universe have been left largely untouched. Until now. Chris Mowry has decided to dive in and sculpt an origin for the Transformers movie mythos. An interesting premise. But a premise and the finished product are two different things. So, how does the first issue hold up? Well, this seems to be a solid story so far. The campy feeling of Alliance is nonexistent in Defiance. It answers many questions and raises new ones, such as the true origin of Megatron. I've always loved these type stories and I like were this series seems to be headed. The main problem of this book, though, is the poor artwork. I don't want to rag on Khanna too much, because I know many fans love him, but the movie designs simply don't fit his style. This series will definitely improve when Don Figueroa takes the reigns. The first installment of Defiance is definitely worth picking up. But if you read comics for the art, this one you might want to skip.

BW4E

Story: 8/10 Art: 4/10 Quick Verdict: Grab It / Hold It

All Hail Megaton #6 Review

The half way point of All Hail Megatron has come. By now serious questions are being raised as to the direction this series has taken. Pacing, amount of focus on the Autobots, lack of focus on the Decepticons, all points of concern. Is this series worth it? Does this issue give a definitive answer? Wellllllllll.... those who hate the series won't care for this issue either. Focus is still on the Autobots, but the story is progressing, answering some looming questions. Those who are not as critical might find a lot to be had. Again, the story is progressing a little faster, but not much. The art is still top notch. Guido Guidi is quickly becoming one of my favorite Transformers artists. All in all, if you want a good read and really good art work, make sure and pick this one up. Just don't believe the whole 'best Transformers comic ever" thing IDW is trying pull. (If you are on the fence as to whether to drop this series or not, I would wait. I think something BIG is coming...)

BW4E

Story: 7/10 Art: 8.5/10 Quick Verdict: Hold It/Grab It