Transformers - ongoing series

[138 Scourge]

Since Brawn was my first Transformer ever, back in the day, I'm delighted to see him get a nice role in the story, whooping up on Starscream.

This statement puzzles the hell out of me. I see people do it with GI Joe, too. I mean...I've never grown especially attached to Powermaster Prime or Wheelie or Cosmos. (I have no idea which of those three are first.) Or Polar Claw or Optimus Primal, for that matter. (Well, okay, I'm attached to Polar Claw, but he's awesome.)

I sort of do this. I mean, I don't go nuts for Windcharger appearances or anything, but I still kind of like the dude. On the other hand, I still go nuts for Scourge, Predaking, Grimlock, and Piranacon, and I had all of them back in the day, but I got all of those guys back then because they were awesome, and don't necessarily think they're awesome because I got 'em.

Along similar lines, I have never felt much sentimental attachment to Ramjet, despite Ramjet being the only one of the original 6 planes I had while growing up.

That's half the reason I like Ramjet so much. The other half is his particular combat style. It's kind of funny and all, but if you think about it, that would be terrifying. Fighter plane not even bothering with shooting at you, and instead coming right at you full speed?

On the other hand, I never had the Stunticons, but always liked those guys.

[Dominic]

I will admit, seeing Windcharger, (my first legit TF), dead in the movie was kind of jarring.


Dom
-never quite recovered from that first 20 minutes of animation.

[andersonh1]

With Brawn, it's a case of nostalgia mixed with seeing a toy and character I enjoy get some time to shine, something that doesn't happen often enough. So when he does, I'm delighted to see it.

[Dominic]

Damn, was I wrong. Costa was just kicking things up.

Issue 17:
GeeWunners are going to whine and complain and cry more than they have since the beginning of the beast era. And, Costa is writing over their heads. Lots of good literary devices are employed in this issue, and they are used well. The plot advances credibly and plays off of the high concepts introduced over a year ago. But, most people are likely going to howl and cry about the last page. (I will not say which cover is which. But, one is literarly true, the other is idiomatically true.)
And, two words: HOLY CRAP!
Grade: A

[andersonh1]

I agree with Dom. The monthly series is firing on all cylinders now.

Issue 17
There are all sorts of nice touches to this issue, from Spike's continued panic about being trapped under the ocean in Prime's trailer for days, to Prime's comment to Megatron that "you haven't changed" when this is the first time Prime's seen the new look. Prime is referring to Megatron's character of course, and the very personal rivalry that the two share. I'm coming to the conclusion that that particular element is a key component to what makes any G1 book feel like G1. Wreckers and Drift were both really good in their own way, but there's no substitute for a good old fashioned Prime/Megatron confrontation.

And I'll say this for Costa: he doesn't mind offing or seriously incapacitating major characters. If you haven't read the book yet I won't spoil it, but someone I would never have expected gets a hole in the head, and it remains to be seen whether the character will survive or not. He's about as bad off as Springer was at the end of Wreckers.

And yeah, the last page is a big one. Things can only go downhill from here. It's going to be good to read.

Alex Milne draws the issue again this month, and thankfully he sticks with Don's character designs. We're finally getting consistent models from month to month, which is as it should be. I got the Marcelo Matere cover with Soundwave holding his gun to Ultra Magnus' head, and it's a good one.

Another strong issue. It's hard to believe this is the same book I was meh about six months ago.

[Dominic]

I almost did not pick it up at all when it first started.

I would say that Megatron has changed, as his tactics here are not something we have seen him use before, in or before IDW's run.


The fact I am not saying what happens on the last page should tell ya'll how big it is.

I will say again.

HOLY CRAP!


Dom
-

[Sydew]

I have to say it, this series is a very good series as a whole; specially this story arc. At first I Thought that Costa's plot structure was too sophisticated for Transformers and it wouldn't work but it does. He has definitely earned my respect. I'm sorry most people don't get that.

[Dominic]

Sadly Costa's writing is a bit too sophisticated for the franchise, by virtue of being too sophisticated for a goodly number of the fans.


Dom
-almost afraid to look at some of the other forums.

[Shockwave]

Dom was kind enough (after minimal prodding) to fill me in on the HOLY CRAP moment. I definitely need to track this down. I'll hit up another comic shop tonight.

[Dominic]

I am already sweating about the compilation.

Dom