Spotlight Drift Review

The Spotlight series of oneshots has given us some of the best Transformers stories we have ever seen, and we have seen some duds. But this one is definitely a winner. Introduced in the All Hail Megatron series, Drift has been mysterious and stealthy. Little has been revealed about him except for his name. Finally we get some answers.

While Shane McArthy has been criticized for putting very little into each issue, this book is jammed full of awesome action and storytelling. Drift is given an interesting origin that I didn’t really expect. Not that it’s something we have never seen before, but it is interesting nonetheless. The pacing is spot on for a change, it flows neatly and is easy to follow. McArthy has never had trouble telling interesting stories, just how he went about them. Hopefully future work of his will be this well done.

The art work is superb and is some of the best quality coming out from IDW. This new artist needs more than a spotlight, he needs a miniseries at the very least. Kudos to the colorist as well, who did a magnificent job bringing the book to life.

While this issue should not be missed, it doesn’t really add anything to the ongoing story. It just tells the back story of a new character. But it is supremely well done and a must if you can afford it.

BW4E

Story: 9/10 Art: 9/10 Quick Verdict: Grab It

All Hail Breaks Loose: Transformers All Hail Megaton #7 Review

Another month has come and gone. We are that much closer to spring. Birds are singing. Children are playing. And another issue of "All Hail Megatron" has come, advancing the plot about five minutes. Don't get me wrong I love this series (mostly for the artwork.) But I can definitely see where others are starting to get upset.

This book was a fill in the gaps issue, showing us how everything went so horribly wrong, and explained some plot inconsistencies. Though, I get the feeling this issue was thrown together last minute to appease a complaining fan base. Now, I'm left wondering what story elements are going to get axed to make room. That said, I feel this issue was well done for what it really is. As much as I want to complain about the obvious faults, choppy storytelling, and focus on the Autobots (I thought this was All Hail Megatron,) I was left genuinely entertained. There is an interesting back story beneath it all. But as I said before, the main story is advanced very little, giving you not much more than a twist to the end (which I personally can't wait to see how the fans react to.) This instalment does raise new questions as to what happened in between "Revelation" and the story presented in this issue. Hopefully to be answered in the future.

The art department shined yet again throughout this issue. Guido Guidi did an amazing job, as well as E.J. Su, who found a descent colorist to make his work standout.

If you are still on for the ride, I hope it will be all worth it. But I'm even having doubts as to whether McArthy can pull together a descent story with the issues he has left...

BW4E

Story: 6.5/10 Art: 8/10 Quick Verdict: 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