Three issues in to the new Transformers Ongoing series, things are starting to settle down. No big surprises, no shocking twists, no gripping deaths. While this is fine (not every issue can be a soap opera) the events of the previous two issues made this one seem a little dull. While it is an enjoyable read, it feels as if not a lot is accomplished. It almost feels like an issue of Infiltration, not much happening. The dialogue is still tight and well structured. Several new story lines are set up. So hopefully we can get back to the action soon.

Don's art is still great. Though, I felt that the script didn't play to his strengths as an artist. Don does well with more wide-open panels and big spreads. This issue mostly is full of smaller dialogue boxes or super-close up shots of the bots faces. If you have the best TF artist known to man, use him to the full.

Overall, not a lot happens, but if you skip this issue you will likely be a little lost in the future. Plus, we get to spend some time with some bots we don't see every day, so you may want to pick this up.


Story: 7/10 Art: 9/10 Quick Verdict: Grab It

Transformers : Ongoing #2 Review

With a heck of a first issue, Mike Costa and Don Figueroa crafted an interesting and solid foundation for this new series. While controversy still abounds among the fandom, no-one can deny that this book is causing a lot of talk and dispelling many fears. How does the second issue stack up?

I think that this creative duo has hit this one out of the park. Again, Costa has the pacing dead on. The dialogue is still sharp. Even with the fairly large amount of new characters introduced, you never feel overwhelmed. The focus still remains on a small core cast, giving the characters that matter enough time to shine and the development they deserve. Even with a new leader being selected, it doesn't feel as if all the focus is on him. Again, same as the previous issue, the ending has you wanting more. Costa knows just how to hook the reader and reel them in.

The art keeps getting better and better. Don is really refining his style and making everything flow and feel more natural. Just looking at this art style when it was introduced in All Hail Megatron #13 and comparing it what we get two issues later, you can see the effort Don is putting in to get everything just right. The art is magnificent and will make you want to flip through this book again and again. Give it enough time and I'm sure everyone will come around. (Just like with Beast Wars, The Movie designs, and Animated.)

Overall, this issue keeps things moving and keeps it fresh and interesting. The art alone makes it worthy of picking up. Hopefully Mike and Don can keep it up. We just may be in for a series that redefines Transformers comics forever.

BW4E


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

Transformers: Ongoing #1 Review

With so much hype surrounding this series and this issue in particular, no one issue of a Transformers comic has ever been so important, so pivotal as this one. With the over abundance of previews and big reveals, the surprises seem to be spoiled, right? Nope! Some big surprises were left even after the previews. Again, IDW couldn't wait, so a day after the issue came out, they gave a press release spoiling the ending. So I'm pretty sure you know what has happened.

Ironhide is dead! Optimus quits! Okay, they ruined the surprise in every way possible, but there is still a great comic underneath the commotion. The story is paced very well, a problem IDW has been fighting since they got the license. The dialogue is sharp, mature, and very natural. Nothing seems too out of place or broken up. I particularly enjoyed the exchange between Optimus and Hot Rod, which could have been very cheesy and cliche.

The art department has been a heated subject among the fandom. I'll go ahead and tell you where I am. In my opinion, Don Figueroa can do no wrong. Everything he touches turns to gold. He is the best and always will be the best Transformers artist ever. You could definitely call this an artistic man-crush. The faces of the bots don't bother me at all, and the redesigns of the bots themselves are stunning! This is his best work yet in my opinion, and shining point of the issue.

Overall this is a great start to the new ongoing series. The premise is interesting and the ending leaves you having no idea where the next issue is going to take you. The art is simply breathtaking and makes this issue a must buy!

BW4E

Story: 7.5/10 Art: 9.5/10 Quick Verdict: Grab It (you won't be sorry)

Transformers Revenge of The Fallen Defiance #3 Review

This is the first time in a long time that a Transformers comic has made me sit back and go "WOW". You know, that giddy feeling in your stomach and you get that stupid grin on your face. Everyone asks you what you are smiling about and then you show them. Then they roll their eyes and tell you to get a life. That WOW. Chris Mowry has given us a very compelling tale in this issue, very up to par as to what has come so far. In fact, things are taken up a notch. We see Cybertron falling apart and a line being drawn. The war has begun. We are given our first look at the Fallen. And are shown a very interesting take on Megatron's origin. This series is taking on a very epic feel and I can't wait for the next issue!

While the past issues have suffered in the art department, Don Figueroa's return has breathed new life into this series. He gives the comic a dynamic that only he can pull off. No one's art inspires me like his. The details that the movie designs deserve are finally given justice. I only hope he plans on staying.

While Alliance suffers terribly, this series goes to prove that Mowry can write an incredibly engrossing and entertaining tale!

BW4E

Story: 9/10 Art: 9.5/10 Quick Verdict: GRAB IT!!!!!!

Mini Madness: Beast Wars The Gathering #3 Review

After an amazing first issue, this miniseries had a major slump with the second. Can Furman pull this one back out of the water and save a story with so much potential?

Yes he can! Again we are given a comic that draws you in and leaves you giddy with anticipation of the next issue. The story progresses at a fine pace setting up the final battle. Finally we get a glimpse of the TV show characters and how they fit in with this title. Furman makes sure that nothing is forgotten, bringing up story elements and tying up loose ends that I never would have remembered. The dialogue is very natural and well written to complement this incredible tale.

Figueroa's pencils are beautiful as always, with excellent shadowing that adds rich texture to the pages. Figueroa seamlessly blends organics and robotics unlike anyone else. Not that I'm ragging on the other artists, because they are drawing some wonderful covers (such as the one posted above), Don just has a real knack for it. Josh did another great job coloring, setting a great tone and tropical feel for the book. There are so many things to love about this miniseries, it's a shame that there are only four issues.

BW4E

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

Mini Madness: Beast Wars The Gathering #2 Review

Beast Wars: The Gathering had the best start of about any Transformers comic produced. An amazing and complicated story, brilliant artwork, and a wonderful coloring job worked together to build a masterpiece. But what of the second issue?

I can definitely tell you (as this is a retrospective review) that this issue is the series weak link. Not much happens here other than boring dialogue and mindless fighting. The art stays up to par, with smooth lines and fantastic shadowing. But the writing and the coloring seem a little off. That said, this issue is still better than most of the stuff IDW puts out. I can see why this issue was set in this direction, I just wish it was handled a bit better. The intrigue, the suspense are all lacking, until the very, very end. What made the first issue so amazing is missing here. All you are left with is a filler issue that sets up what is to come. And believe me, it's worth it.

BW4E

Story:6/10 Art: 9/10 Quick Verdict: Grab It/ Hold It

Mini Madness: Beast Wars: The Gathering #1 Review

Welcome to TF Zone's first edition of "Mini Madness." As explained in this month's newsletter, MM will be the place where past miniseries will be reviewed. Week by week the next issue will be reviewed. After the series is completed, a retrospective review of the series as a whole will be done. First up is Beast Wars: The Gathering to be followed by War Within Volume 1. This should be interesting for those who have read the series before and those who are new to it. Enjoy!

When Dreamwave collapsed many were disappointed. One of the biggest disappointments was that the promised Beast Wars series was seemingly never to come to light. But eventually IDW picked up the license and quickly announced the a Beast Wars miniseries was coming. And come it did with much anticipation from a rabid fan base. Was this comic book adaptation going to be as groundbreaking as the cartoon it was based off of? Well.... let's start at the beginning.

To put it simply, this issue is a masterpiece on every level. The story and script are brilliantly written and feature the lesser known characters that never made it to the show. Weaving a brilliant tale of politics, espionage, betrayal, and revolution, Simon Furman gives us the start to what seems to be one of the greatest Transformers stories told. And while this commanding story is being laid out, Don Figueroa brings his masterful pencils to the show. His talent with robotics and organics blend into a wonderful showpiece that accents an already amazing comic. Not that I usually mention the colorist, but Josh did some of his best work in this book, bringing lush colors and tones to this must read. Even if you never got past G1, you should seriously give this one a shot.

BW4E

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

Spotlight Back Issue Review: Transformers G1 V3. #10

Welcome to the first instalment of TF Zone's "Spotlight Back Issue Review." Here we will be taking a look at past issues of note and give a full review. This week's edition features the last issue of Dreamwave's ongoing G1 series: Transformers #10.

Up to this point this series was all over the place, with many sprawling storylines. But, here we find a certain resolution to some of them and the start of others. While not the best of stories and dialogue, (not to say it was terrible, but it could have been better,) this issue has many points of interest. The return of Megatron, for instance, was well handled and reaffirmed his right to command. The origin of the Decepticons was interesting as well. But the reason this issue is featured is for the showdown between Bruticus and Predaking! Who could ask for a better match up? This is reason alone to pick this up; besides the fact that they are presented in all their glory by none other than Don Figueroa. His pencils breathe life into these characters unlike any of the other Dreamwave artists at the time. And while the art is great, you can really see how far he has come as an artist at IDW, his style changes, ect. What this book lacks in true substance is made up for in triumphant returns, and amazing battle, and a cliffhanger ending, sadly, never to be resolved. So, if you see this in the back issue bin, be sure to pick it up!

BW4E

Story: 7/10 Art 9/10 Quick Verdict: Grab It

TRANSFORMERS TIMELINES: SHATTERED GLASS REVIEW

This installment in the annual Timelines series doesn't disappoint. Though the story has a kinda "been there, done that" feel to it, I think it was well executed within the confines of the set story. Great dialogue and great pacing make this story not just a flimsy reason to showcase Don Figueroa's art. Which leads me to the other side to this book. Don's pencils are breathtaking and better than ever. Several times while reading this issue I just sat and starred at the page for several minutes. With Don on current hiatus from Transformers, getting something he drew is reason enough to pick this one up. This book is quite limited, so get to your local comic shop quick. If they are sold out...there is always eBay. The shipping costs are well worth it.

BW4E

Story: 7.5/10 Art: 10/10 Quick Verdict: Grab It