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)