IDW Transformers #30 Review

Thursday, June 3rd, 2021 4:58PM CDT

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What Do I Do Now?
A Review of Transformers #30

A Few Spoilers Within

Transformers #30 was released one week ago Wednesday digitally and the week before that, it was available in its printed monthly floppy form in local comic shops. As part of our review catch up here at Seibertron, we'll get into looking at whether or not it's any good.

I've got to start with a disclaimer that may save some readers time on this review, by freely and openly admitting that this series has lost me, with my last care evaporating about four issues ago. It's going to be a monumental task for it to overcome my ennui at this point, so keep that starting state in mind during this review. Of course, if you've been enjoying the series thus far, then you're safe to ignore this review - issue #30 is more of the same.

Chances Scatterspike is in the next several issues: 2%

One of the major problems in the series is a lack of maintained focus on, well, anything. In Transformers #29, Optimus Prime tells Perceptor they're not done talking about how Perceptor aided and abetted previous Primes' decisions about how to handle Titansparks. Instead of following up on that particular point, made memorable by its placement at the end of that issue, Perceptor does not appear. Instead it's time for yet another narrative thread among the already dozen of them in the series, this time with the Torchbearers.

Yep, it's IDW's Transformers 2.0. I can tell by the stairs and the talking.

Yes, the already over-booked cast gets even busier, with Pyra Magna joining the fray properly along with her "companions" as they're called at one point. This initially ends up being an invitation to lay down a few of Transformers (2019)'s greatest hits: Optimus Prime and Megatron arguing about an entirely pointless conflict, Optimus Prime and Megatron sucking the life out of everything on the page, and Optimus Prime and Megatron using a great deal of words to say nearly nothing at all. At this point, charisma parasites would be welcome over these two charisma vacuums.

Ok, this part was cool

Not everything is terrible, as the action scene in the middle of the issue (roughly speaking) is very well done and saved this from being a complete waste of time. Sunstreaker gets to look cool but gets upstaged by Windcharger being amazing. Sure, they ultimately just lay the smackdown on a couple of red-shirt seekers, but it was fun to witness them do so and it provided a timeless quip where Sunstreaker reminds everyone that Nacelle just plain doesn't matter. Whatever mojo was flowing for this part? More of that, please.

Optimus in "pearl-clutching politician" pose? C'mon man!

I can't fault Anna Malkova's art as some of my least favorite panels have everything to do with my dislike of the characters (or specific version of, in the above case) within and nothing to do with the actual quality or appropriateness. If I had to make one quibble, it'd be to stop drawing so many scenes on stairs. Add a roadway, flip them to alt mode, have them talk as cars - something like that. David Garcia Cruz handles the colors on this one and everything works pretty well, though Megatron would probably go for a more purple hologram than the pink present here. Jake M. Wood, our now-usual letterer, is back again and while mostly just fine, there's a page with a flashback to a space battle where the second through sixth bubbles feel like they belong on the left side of the page based on art and flow of the dialogue thereafter, but they're on the right. Based on their indentation, this could have been an actual mistake in production, but it's hard to tell.

Stefano Simeone provides the "A" cover which looks like it belongs to issue 29 based on its content, so this review's news story thumbnail image features Priscilla Tramontano's "B" cover since it depicts characters from the issue in a manner somewhat related to how they appear. A ten-copy retailer incentive cover by Blacky Shepherd and Sid Van Blu is also available on a limited basis from your local shop. As always, you can find all the cover images and full credits for the issue through our Vector Sigma Database page for Transformers #30.

Verdict

Then he noped out

Transformers #30 is another poor issue of what's become a stale comic series, which is saved from being a total disaster by one scene. In many ways it epitomizes the series itself, jumping from plot to plot, catching up with previously introduced characters before immediately introducing anywhere from 2-8 more of them all while putting you to sleep with pretentious dialogue. There's a small, anti-climactic payoff to some of Cyclonus' story in this issue which leaves him saying "What do I do now?" That short phrase and all its hopelessness is an appropriate symbol of how I felt after reading another issue of this slog of a series. I hope you enjoy it more than I did.

Final Score
.

½
out of

This issue is out now, and you can pick it up at the Seibertron.com eBay store or at your local shop, check here to find the closest shop to you.

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Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106418)
Posted by Toizarus on June 3rd, 2021 @ 5:28pm CDT

Hey Siebertron? Can we get someone who actually gives a crap about this comic to review it, please? Or at least try and present a counterpoint? For one of the two biggest news sites to be peddling this bored snark, featuring the same lame old cliches about "Stairs and talking ZZZZZZZZZZZZ" is just not doing the work of these two excellent creators justice. I mean, being told "if you enjoy this series stop reading" is no excuse for what's become a regular dose of sour invective. I enjoy a witty takedown of something horrible as much as the next 'Bot but there's none of that energy here, just words floating aloft on bored sighs.

I ask you, seriously: what is anyone's reason to keep reading these? If the reviewer admits they can't give a shit, what's the point of them putting any further words down or us continuing to read them? Let them go do something they enjoy, stop torturing your readers, and stop disrespectng the very hard work these creators are putting into this excellent (imo) book.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106427)
Posted by myke.prime on June 3rd, 2021 @ 7:02pm CDT

I must be the minority that is actually enjoying the build up of this universe. Sure it has been a little slow on some pages but its been amazing watching this universe building story take place. For me this is how it should have always been. When IDW first started transformers with the -ition series, that was great too. The war wasn't huge yet and we got some cool little moments while in space somewhere, something big was happening or at best, there was a lull in the conflict.

Here we have the political, the religious, the science, and social aspects of a society that was always either touched upon in flash backs in previous incarnations and it always seemed so all over the place fitting to what was currently going on in the story. This we are getting most of it right now and again building towards the great war we have all come and love in our transformers lure.

For me I feel the art has gotten better and since issue 25, it has really taken off for me. My only complaint thus far would be we still didn't see the true relationship between Orion and Megatron even though they gave us a nice little bit. This is a story that can go on for years just before they board the ark and crash on Earth. I'm enjoying this! It's amazing and issue 30 was pretty solid to me. The mass exodus of the autobots out of Iacon...I mean whoa. Seems very reminiscent of Moses leading the Hebrews into the wilderness.

Is it perfect, absolutely not, but for me, it's pretty darn good. Then the little side stories to show the more personal aspect of who and where are being felt by this genesis of the great war.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106428)
Posted by Randomhero on June 3rd, 2021 @ 7:03pm CDT

Toizarus wrote:Hey Siebertron? Can we get someone who actually gives a crap about this comic to review it, please? Or at least try and present a counterpoint? For one of the two biggest news sites to be peddling this bored snark, featuring the same lame old cliches about "Stairs and talking ZZZZZZZZZZZZ" is just not doing the work of these two excellent creators justice. I mean, being told "if you enjoy this series stop reading" is no excuse for what's become a regular dose of sour invective. I enjoy a witty takedown of something horrible as much as the next 'Bot but there's none of that energy here, just words floating aloft on bored sighs.

I ask you, seriously: what is anyone's reason to keep reading these? If the reviewer admits they can't give a ****, what's the point of them putting any further words down or us continuing to read them? Let them go do something they enjoy, stop torturing your readers, and stop disrespectng the very hard work these creators are putting into this excellent (imo) book.

100% agreed. The reviews are joke

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106429)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 3rd, 2021 @ 8:26pm CDT

Randomhero wrote:
Toizarus wrote:Hey Siebertron? Can we get someone who actually gives a crap about this comic to review it, please? Or at least try and present a counterpoint? For one of the two biggest news sites to be peddling this bored snark, featuring the same lame old cliches about "Stairs and talking ZZZZZZZZZZZZ" is just not doing the work of these two excellent creators justice. I mean, being told "if you enjoy this series stop reading" is no excuse for what's become a regular dose of sour invective. I enjoy a witty takedown of something horrible as much as the next 'Bot but there's none of that energy here, just words floating aloft on bored sighs.

I ask you, seriously: what is anyone's reason to keep reading these? If the reviewer admits they can't give a ****, what's the point of them putting any further words down or us continuing to read them? Let them go do something they enjoy, stop torturing your readers, and stop disrespectng the very hard work these creators are putting into this excellent (imo) book.

100% agreed. The reviews are joke

then one of you volunteer, by all means. As of 7 months ago (?) everyone single staff member had grown bored with the ongoing, and at that point there were only 3 people still reading it on staff anyway, and it was to keep up, not out of any enjoyment.

so no one on staff likes it. Volunteer and be that voice, talk about why you love it. Because the 2 of you seem to be the only voices of that kind here

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106444)
Posted by ScottyP on June 3rd, 2021 @ 8:59pm CDT

Toizarus wrote:Hey Siebertron? Can we get someone who actually gives a crap about this comic to review it, please? Or at least try and present a counterpoint? For one of the two biggest news sites to be peddling this bored snark, featuring the same lame old cliches about "Stairs and talking ZZZZZZZZZZZZ" is just not doing the work of these two excellent creators justice. I mean, being told "if you enjoy this series stop reading" is no excuse for what's become a regular dose of sour invective. I enjoy a witty takedown of something horrible as much as the next 'Bot but there's none of that energy here, just words floating aloft on bored sighs.

I ask you, seriously: what is anyone's reason to keep reading these? If the reviewer admits they can't give a ****, what's the point of them putting any further words down or us continuing to read them? Let them go do something they enjoy, stop torturing your readers, and stop disrespectng the very hard work these creators are putting into this excellent (imo) book.

You must have not read the part where I said: (edit: nope, chose to ignore it I see. Your loss.)

Of course, if you've been enjoying the series thus far, then you're safe to ignore this review - issue #30 is more of the same.

The other option was for there to be no review of the book. There hadn't been for several issues because there was nothing nice to say. Guess that was the correct decision.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106447)
Posted by william-james88 on June 3rd, 2021 @ 9:26pm CDT

ScottyP wrote:

Yep, it's IDW's Transformers 2.0. I can tell by the stairs and the talking.

lol, they just won't quit it :lol:

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106455)
Posted by Nexus Knight on June 3rd, 2021 @ 10:31pm CDT

Honestly, I'm enjoying the slow build up as well. It feels like building the world we're about to have our favorite robots smack down in. However, I do say this now that I can genuinely see some sort of direction that the series is taking. Honestly, I feel if it weren't so freaking slow at the beginning, these later issues would be taken with more (or at least some) enthusiasm.

And I agree. If I may offer a suggestion, instead of a full on counterpoint, ask the community for some positive feedback to balance out the boredom the staff feels for the book. Make guidelines so that the feedback is genuine and not just "it's great coz I said so". Add one or two of these comments to the end of the review, then encourage the community to voice their opinions at the end of the review. I feel this may provide some more positive and/or constructive conversation so that those that enjoy the books can feel that they're not wrong for having this opinion, without the staff feeling like they have to be forced to like something they genuinely don't.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106457)
Posted by Randomhero on June 3rd, 2021 @ 11:00pm CDT

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:
Randomhero wrote:
Toizarus wrote:Hey Siebertron? Can we get someone who actually gives a crap about this comic to review it, please? Or at least try and present a counterpoint? For one of the two biggest news sites to be peddling this bored snark, featuring the same lame old cliches about "Stairs and talking ZZZZZZZZZZZZ" is just not doing the work of these two excellent creators justice. I mean, being told "if you enjoy this series stop reading" is no excuse for what's become a regular dose of sour invective. I enjoy a witty takedown of something horrible as much as the next 'Bot but there's none of that energy here, just words floating aloft on bored sighs.

I ask you, seriously: what is anyone's reason to keep reading these? If the reviewer admits they can't give a ****, what's the point of them putting any further words down or us continuing to read them? Let them go do something they enjoy, stop torturing your readers, and stop disrespectng the very hard work these creators are putting into this excellent (imo) book.

100% agreed. The reviews are joke

then one of you volunteer, by all means. As of 7 months ago (?) everyone single staff member had grown bored with the ongoing, and at that point there were only 3 people still reading it on staff anyway, and it was to keep up, not out of any enjoyment.

so no one on staff likes it. Volunteer and be that voice, talk about why you love it. Because the 2 of you seem to be the only voices of that kind here

Then just stop doing reviews. If all you guys are doing if making it for views and feel like it’s a chore then what’s the point? Predictions for the next 6 months: didn’t like it. Well…then again Milne is doing the annual so I imagine that review will be “the arts great and reminds me of when I used to review MTMTE blindly and only gave that a positive review because it had jame Roberts name on it and I was inclined to give it a positive review because I refuse to believe James Robert can’t write a good comic so this reminded me of that so 2 out of 4” . It’s not like you guys are on the ball with them. The comic came out over a week ago but it’s nothing new for seibertron.com to be a week behind on anything anymore.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106462)
Posted by william-james88 on June 3rd, 2021 @ 11:35pm CDT

There is a far better alternative here. If anyone reading this feels passionate and dedicated enough to this series to write a review, you can contact Scotty P though a private message and organize yourselves to write the next review. One of the best perks is you get to read these issues you are looking forward to ahead of time (assuming IDW sends it to us ahead of time, that didnt happen last week).

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106468)
Posted by ZeroWolf on June 4th, 2021 @ 4:15am CDT

All I ask of reviews is that they are the honest opinion of the reviewer. These seem pretty honest to me. I also don't understand why you'd want someone who's enjoying them to review it, as that's replacing one bias with another. Have some one who's familiar with the source material review by all means but wanting someone to review it, who you'll know will like, just because you like it, feels very artifical to me.

Also complaining about us reviewing a comic we liked positively, just because we’re reviewing a comic you like negatively is hypocritical

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106474)
Posted by Bleak5170 on June 4th, 2021 @ 8:16am CDT

ZeroWolf wrote:All I ask of reviews is that they are the honest opinion of the reviewer. These seem pretty honest to me. I also don't understand why you'd want someone who's enjoying them to review it, as that's replacing one bias with another. Have some one who's familiar with the source material review by all means but wanting someone to review it, who you'll know will like, just because you like it, feels very artifical to me.

Also complaining about us reviewing a comic we liked positively, just because we’re reviewing a comic you like negatively is hypocritical

So much this. Reminds me of video game reviews where people on reddit immediately dismiss any review which doesn't agree with their own opinion. Like the classic "You can't spell ignorant without IGN." But then a month later when that same IGN positively reviews a game that person likes, they are a trusted and great reviewer!

If people are enjoying this book then more power to them. We all like different things. But for me personally it's one of the worst TF comics I have ever read in my life. I still buy the issues but I stopped reading a few months ago. That almost never happens with me and comics.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106478)
Posted by ScottyP on June 4th, 2021 @ 8:39am CDT

Bleak5170 wrote:
ZeroWolf wrote:All I ask of reviews is that they are the honest opinion of the reviewer. These seem pretty honest to me. I also don't understand why you'd want someone who's enjoying them to review it, as that's replacing one bias with another. Have some one who's familiar with the source material review by all means but wanting someone to review it, who you'll know will like, just because you like it, feels very artifical to me.

Also complaining about us reviewing a comic we liked positively, just because we’re reviewing a comic you like negatively is hypocritical

So much this. Reminds me of video game reviews where people on reddit immediately dismiss any review which doesn't agree with their own opinion. Like the classic "You can't spell ignorant without IGN." But then a month later when that same IGN positively reviews a game that person likes, they are a trusted and great reviewer!

If people are enjoying this book then more power to them. We all like different things. But for me personally it's one of the worst TF comics I have ever read in my life. I still buy the issues but I stopped reading a few months ago. That almost never happens with me and comics.

I'll be honest here since I was in the review - the folks trashing my review of TF 30 have a good point. It's really tough to be objective about a book when my starting point is "oh jeez, this again."

But it was nice to wake up to a bit of defense, so thanks for that

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106493)
Posted by Bleak5170 on June 4th, 2021 @ 11:06am CDT

Cheers mate. Even if you loved the book I would still defend what you wrote in regards to bias as it was spot-on.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106547)
Posted by Dark Ops on June 4th, 2021 @ 6:17pm CDT

There's good and bad about the series for me. First, my take on the bad:

I liked the direction of IDW v1 because it went to new places. The war finally ended. The same war we've been rehashing in one way or another since 1984. There was a new dynamic. New combinations, variations, and permutations on character interactions. And then v2 switched from something so new and forward-looking back to "Day One: Megatron Was Grumpy". And then killing off a fan-favorite from the prior series to make what seemed like a mean-spirited point was... well, it was certainly a start.

And then there's the fact that we know what's going to happen: the big picture is old. When it goes to the two leaders talking, we mostly know what they're going to say. Or at least the gist of it. It's foregone conclusion. This was not done any favors by the criticism of the Siege cartoon, which was again, a storm of cliche. Just one wrapped in portentious declarations and more pauses than a Pinter play.

That said... Inside the larger framework, there are some interesting ideas. I just wish we'd see more of it! This War of the Threefold Spark. Exarchon. The big players there. That The Companions elicit that kind of reaction from battle-hardened 'cons? There's a story there. The side stories with Hound and company trying to evacuate the planet's organic refugee population. Cyclonus and the demons in his mind. Offworld diplomacy and how Cybertronians interacted with the larger galactic community. Give us more of those, please. The list goes on, but Megatron and Prime dull it by comparison because we already know what's going to happen. Because we've seen them do it before. It's simply going through the motions, and it pulls out a lot of energy from what had been building up.

I don't think the talking is the problem. I liked Ironhide going over things with the security team, and spending time one-on-one with people like Javelin. I liked Wheeljack and crew trying to problem solve the moon. Geomotus geeking out about seismic disturbances in the Rust Sea. Glyph and Tap-Out on their mission. Nautica being excited and Road Rage being security.

To me the biggest problem is that the focus shouldn't be on Megatron and Prime. We know that story.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2106957)
Posted by Mr.MicroMaster on June 9th, 2021 @ 10:09am CDT

The Last of Her Kind
A Review of Transformers Annual 2021 by Mr. Micromaster

Spoilers Ahead

Editor's Note: Yes, as you saw in the title above this review is not authored by who its news posting says, but instead by guest reviewer Mr. Micromaster. With that out of the way, let's let him get to it. Thanks, Mr. Micromaster!

Overall, this book is an incredibly fun read with excellent art. If you have not been enjoying the current ongoing series you may want to pick up Transformers Annual 2021 because it has some of Brian Ruckley’s best overall writing in the series so far. Alex Milne as always delivers with the art.

Speaking of Milne’s art, lets talk about it first because it's just superb as per usual. The action scenes feel dynamic and well done. You can really feel the emotion on the characters faces especially, Lightbright's. John-Paul Bove’s excellent coloring helps Milne’s art feel different than his work in the previous IDW Transformers continuity. The lettering by Jake Wood is pretty good overall. One minor gripe with the lettering is that after Airachnid's introduction, most of a panel showing her new design is taken up by speech bubbles that maybe could have been moved around to show more of the art.

Ruckley’s writing is on point for this issue. The character moments are excellent this issue and everyone gets their chance to shine. Scattershot has a particularly epic moment where Thunderwing tries to intimidate him and Scattershot just is not having any of it. There are many other well written character interactions, including one where Lightspeed and Lightbright have a great moment together about what it is like to be a City Speaker. Another fun example is the interaction between the Technobots and Bludgeon which I found quite humorous. There is also an implied history between them. Probably one of the most interesting interactions is between Lightbright and her titan Lodestar, you can really feel that they have a deep connection.

The conversation between Lodestar and Vigilem is rather interesting. The two are starkly different, Lodestar is content with the present where as Vigilem longs for the glories of the past. In this respect Vigilem and Thunderwing are quite alike. In the past Thunderwing was a mighty figure during the expansionist days of Cybertron but now he is relegated to the backwater that is Hexagon. He is also someone who loves to hear the sound of his own voice, as Strafe puts it. Airachnid is a nice inclusion and even though she is on the cover I forgot about her, so her appearance came as a nice surprise to me. Here she is cast as a mad scientist which is an interesting take on the character.

The story is overall very engaging and kept me invested throughout. I never once checked my phone or opened another tab while I was reading. The emotional core of the book is Lightbright and Lodestar. We see their bond and how they're hesitant to hunt down and potentially kill another Titan. The ending is quite the gut punch, as while our heroes escape the clutches of Thunderwing and his cohorts, they do not escape tragedy.

Verdict

This annual is all around excellent. The writing, the art and the coloring are all top tier. That is not to say it is perfect. The fight between Lodestar and Vigilem should have gotten a bit more page real estate to truly invoke the sense of Lodestar's struggle to defeat Vigilem. The characters and concepts introduced in this issue were very fun to read about, but in an issue that feels like a side-story, without follow-up it ultimately will not matter, so here is hoping we pick back up on the threads introduced in the near future.

Final Score
.

out of

This issue is out today, and you can pick it up at the Seibertron.com eBay store or at your local shop, check here to find the closest shop to you.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2107014)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 9th, 2021 @ 8:38pm CDT

Love me some Technobots. From what I've heard, this was actually a pretty enjoyable story, I'll have to give this one a go

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2107394)
Posted by Mr.MicroMaster on June 14th, 2021 @ 9:41am CDT

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Love me some Technobots. From what I've heard, this was actually a pretty enjoyable story, I'll have to give this one a go

Same the Technobots are one of my favorite combiner teams. They have a lot of great moments in this issue.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2107405)
Posted by Dark Ops on June 14th, 2021 @ 11:38am CDT

This story kind of goes to what I was saying earlier about how IDW 2.0 has some nifty ideas, but you need to take the story away from Prime and Megs. They kind of drag the rest of the 'verse down around them. Ruckley can write a good tale, good action, good dialogue and characterizations, but Prime and Megatron seem less like characters and more like caricatures anymore.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2107493)
Posted by ScottyP on June 15th, 2021 @ 2:09pm CDT

Dark Ops wrote:This story kind of goes to what I was saying earlier about how IDW 2.0 has some nifty ideas, but you need to take the story away from Prime and Megs. They kind of drag the rest of the 'verse down around them. Ruckley can write a good tale, good action, good dialogue and characterizations, but Prime and Megatron seem less like characters and more like caricatures anymore.

I think the improvement in the action scenes for this issue is almost all on Milne. No way to prove that, but the fact that it's suddenly fun to visually read makes me think this.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2107708)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on June 18th, 2021 @ 4:33pm CDT

I think Transformers media needs to get away from Prime and Megatron altogether. Or at most keep them as background characters others talk about or refer to. I hate to say it, but they're getting old as the focal points of every story. It's like everything happens to them, and everyone else is just window dressing or a prop. The lore is full of interesting and colorful characters, as the previous IDW stories showed us, why can't we have more of that?

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2107977)
Posted by ScottyP on June 22nd, 2021 @ 2:29pm CDT

Among the pair of new Transformers comics available tomorrow is Transformers #31 which kicks off the series' "Lord of Misrule" story arc. The solicitation brief for this issue says to expect some adventure with Perceptor and Jumpstream, and is copied below.

Optimus Prime's Autobots are starting to fray. They need energon and supplies that they just don't have access to. But Perceptor has a plan-if he can supercharge Jumpstream's teleportation powers, the Autobots will have all sorts of new access to Cybertron. Of course, that relies on the experiment going right and things can never be quite so easy...

Check out the preview below and look out for this book digitally, at your local comic shop, or on the Seibertron.com eBay store tomorrow.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2107991)
Posted by Bounti76 on June 22nd, 2021 @ 3:42pm CDT

I'm getting IDW 2005 Brainstorm vibes from this version of Perceptor.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2108060)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on June 23rd, 2021 @ 5:22am CDT

Maybe this series would work better as prose? They're just not really doing all that much with the visual medium.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2108097)
Posted by Mr.MicroMaster on June 23rd, 2021 @ 12:25pm CDT

Into the Thick of It
A Review of Transformers #31 by Mr. Micromaster

Spoilers Ahead

Editor's Note: Yes, once again and as you saw in the title above this review is not authored by who its news posting says, but instead by guest reviewer Mr. Micromaster. With that out of the way, let's let him get to it. Thanks, Mr. Micromaster!

Transformers #31 is pretty good, the writing is good and the art is even better, it's great in this book. If you have not been enjoying the current IDW ongoing this issue probably will not change your mind, especially since this is another one of those issues that is pretty much all talking but it is probably the best execution of it.

Strongarm, Master of Foreshadowing

Let’s start with the story of this issue. As I mentioned beforehand this issue like many issues in this series is a lot of talking but this is by far the best execution of that story format. This is probably because it is not just one conversation happening but a variety of different conversations which pick back up on various threads from past issues, and their absence has been an issue in the past. It also has a new thread with a relatively new character in Jumpstream.

Picking up on the older threads provides several nice moments in this book. The opening text crawl of the book reveals it has been 40 cycles since the end of the last issue, which is about a month and ten days, give or take. The issue picks up right where TF #30 left off with Provoke who was one of the ghosts that Cyclonus was seeing, and it turns out she is actually alive and has been in stasis for nearly two mega-cycles (nearly two thousand years). This leads to a nice scene between Cyclonus and Flatline with some emotive facial expressions from artist Anna Malkova. Another welcome moment is the catch-up scene between Ultra Magnus and Optimus, which also serves to fill the reader in as well.

I'm back!

Sideswipe and Bumper are also back in action in this issue after taking a beating in issue #20. There is a fun moment between Bumper and Sideswipe where Bumper asks Sideswipe for an opinion on his new arm. There are also several interactions with Jumpstream and Preceptor in his lab that give you a better sense of who these characters are in this universe.

Looks like Scrounge has some competition

Now on to the art. Malkova’s art as per usual is good and is complemented nicely by David Garcia Cruz’s colors. Malkova’s faces are pretty expressive, for example, you can really see the sadness on Cyclonus’ face and the insanity dripping from Sunstorm. Her cityscapes are impressive as well. Angel Hernandez’s art is also good though personally I prefer Malkova’s art. I will say though that Runamuck’s proportions seem off, but Hernandez’s art does shine in the alternate Cybertron. Jake Wood’s lettering is good as per usual and no obvious issues stuck out.

You can find full credits for Transformers #31 in our Vector Sigma Database entry for this issue

Verdict

Overall, I enjoyed this issue. For me there were enough significant things happening in this issue to keep me interested throughout. I am legitimately interested to see what happens in the next issue.

Final Score
.

out of

This issue is out today, and you can pick it up at the Seibertron.com eBay store or at your local shop, check here to find the closest shop to you.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2108136)
Posted by ScottyP on June 23rd, 2021 @ 9:53pm CDT

This is going to look weird following the review on the front page, but again, I didn't write the review. Moving on.

The first half of this issue might have been, character-wise only, some of the strongest stuff in the run. With all the follow-up to various disparate plot threads, I thought it was leading to them coalescing in some cool way.

Instead the later part of the issue had an insultingly stupid twist to bring back a villain known only through reference and allusion, who we also learned isn't even a Cybertronian earlier in the issue.

Everytime I see hope, something else jumps in and further cements my opinion that this book is really bad. If there isn't a new writer after this arc, I'm dropping the main TF book from my pull list which is really hard to do as a collector. Only happened once before in late '09, was back in by mid-2011 for that huge turnaround so maybe they've got another one in 'em.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2108142)
Posted by Mr.MicroMaster on June 23rd, 2021 @ 10:41pm CDT

ScottyP wrote:This is going to look weird following the review on the front page, but again, I didn't write the review. Moving on.

The first half of this issue might have been, character-wise only, some of the strongest stuff in the run. With all the follow-up to various disparate plot threads, I thought it was leading to them coalescing in some cool way.

Instead the later part of the issue had an insultingly stupid twist to bring back a villain known only through reference and allusion, who we also learned isn't even a Cybertronian earlier in the issue.

Everytime I see hope, something else jumps in and further cements my opinion that this book is really bad. If there isn't a new writer after this arc, I'm dropping the main TF book from my pull list which is really hard to do as a collector. Only happened once before in late '09, was back in by mid-2011 for that huge turnaround so maybe they've got another one in 'em.

I definitely agree with you the first half of this issue is probably the best part. While personally I liked the plot twist at the end I understand where you’re coming from and if the plot twist falls flat next issue it will be a dud in my opinion. Honestly while I have been enjoying this book lately there have definitely been moments where I thought about dropping it. I agree with you honestly changing writers would not be a bad thing for this book. You could give Ruckley a Galaxies style book where he could tell smaller more contained stories I think he’d be great at that.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2108181)
Posted by ScottyP on June 24th, 2021 @ 11:56am CDT

^ Yeah I feel like Escape is touching more on the kind of story he wants to tell. Cybertronians interacting with dozens of alien species and the consequences of war removing that element from their culture is a neat thought, and I think he wants to get more into it, but as ANSR said above:

AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Maybe this series would work better as prose? They're just not really doing all that much with the visual medium.

The kind of story I suggested may also work better as prose. Though the stuff early on with Rubble going through that market-like area gave plenty of material to visually digest too, so who knows.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2108189)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on June 24th, 2021 @ 1:07pm CDT

Plenty to digest, sure. But it's not really as dynamic or interesting as it could or should be. I dug out and re-read issue one, the other day. In comparison to Infiltration #1, it really lacks a visual punch.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2108201)
Posted by shawnmct on June 24th, 2021 @ 3:14pm CDT

I loved this issue. I'm still constantly confused, as I think the series is tackling too many plots at the same time, but it's still really enjoyable.

It really looks like they're setting up a version of Sunstorm's Dreamwave arc. Which is one of my favorite arcs in all of Transformers, and why Sunstorm is one of my favorite characters.

I love Perceptor being front and center, but dislike the near cavalier attitude he's been displaying towards safety. But, he's still there.

How the end twist is executed will determine how I feel about it. Definitely caught my attention, though. I imagine we're about to get A LOT of backstory.

Also, during that 'universe jump' (my best description of Jumpstream's trip), what's with the black seeker?

Fun questions, now it will depend on what the answers are!

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2108227)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on June 24th, 2021 @ 6:05pm CDT

AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Plenty to digest, sure. But it's not really as dynamic or interesting as it could or should be. I dug out and re-read issue one, the other day. In comparison to Infiltration #1, it really lacks a visual punch.

So would that be the fault of the writer for not setting/describing the scene well enough or the illustrator for not executing said description?

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2108237)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 24th, 2021 @ 7:42pm CDT

I like that Perceptor. For some reason, I am hearing Star Wars Bad Batch Tech when he talks. Plus the yellow eyes are sharp looking

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2110160)
Posted by Mr.MicroMaster on July 14th, 2021 @ 10:16am CDT

Luckily, Nothing Came of It
A Review of Transformers #32 by Mr. Micromaster

Spoilers Ahead

Editor's Note: Yes, for a third time and as you saw in the title above this review is not authored by who its news posting says, but instead by guest reviewer Mr. Micromaster. With that out of the way, let's let him get to it. Thanks, Mr. Micromaster!

For the most part I have been enjoying the Transformers ongoing consistently since issue #20. Unfortunately, I found this issue to be rather disappointing. Personally, I was hoping this issue would reveal more backstory to Exarchon, but alas last issue’s plot twist was honestly disappointing thanks to this issue.

Action Master Bumble Bee Jetpack not included

Now let’s brighten up this review by talking about the only real positive of this book. That being the art. In the same vein as last issue, Anna Malkova and Angel Hernandez are on art duty for this issue. While Hernandez’s art style is not my favorite, he still delivers a plethora of dynamic action scenes in the beginning half of the book. The latter half of the book is drawn by Malkova who knocks it out of the park. David Garcia Cruz kills it on coloring with his colors working great with both Malkova and Hernandez art. Jake Wood’s lettering as always is done competently and doesn’t interfere with art.

You can find full credits for Transformers #32 in our Vector Sigma Database entry for this issue

Cyclonus seeking help to escape this lackluster book

I found the plot to be utterly lacking this issue. I felt like first half of this issue with Jumpstream could have been shortened to two or three pages, as it really didn’t amount to anything all that special or interesting. I feel like these pages would have been better spent exploring the ramifications of Jumpstream “cross overing” or more time with Cyclonus and Provoke. Something I had been enjoying about this series was its nice character moments, but this issue lacked those. I feel like the first half of this issue didn’t allow the rest of it to breathe.

Verdict

Unfortunately, the audience didn’t.

The plot this issue lacked anything to make it feel special or standout. This issue really felt like I was just reading banal dialogue rather than reading an enticing Transformers story. For me there was maybe one and half interesting moments from this issue. I also found the plot twist at the end of book rather unnecessary and uninteresting. The only saving grace of this issue is the art. Malkova and Hernandez did excellent and dynamic work this issue. I am hoping next issue will better than this one, it definitely sounds more interesting in the solicitation.

Final Score
.

½
out of

This issue is out today, and you can pick it up at the Seibertron.com eBay store or at your local shop, check here to find the closest shop to you.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2110163)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on July 14th, 2021 @ 10:31am CDT

Rodimus Prime wrote:
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Plenty to digest, sure. But it's not really as dynamic or interesting as it could or should be. I dug out and re-read issue one, the other day. In comparison to Infiltration #1, it really lacks a visual punch.
So would that be the fault of the writer for not setting/describing the scene well enough or the illustrator for not executing said description?

Weird that today was the first time a reply alert for this thread appeared :-?

Not knowing the illustrator's prior work, if they are new to the business or not. If it is the former, I would put it down to a lack of story boarding/scene setting by the writer.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2110202)
Posted by Moody magpie on July 14th, 2021 @ 1:17pm CDT

Is it worrying that I'm enjoying the Transformers/MLP more than the current ongoing series? Come back James Roberts all is forgiven!

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2110245)
Posted by Windsweeper on July 14th, 2021 @ 5:45pm CDT

I've just read this issue and actually enjoyed it.
The alternate world/future piqued my curiosity. Interesting to see Skywarp as an army builder though it's a shame the exclusivity of his Siege mold prohibits picking up a few of the figures.

Nice to see Powerglide make an albeit short appearance and Black Jack among the rebels.

I like Flatline's portrayal so far. He's not a stereotypical, sadistic, evil doctor. He seems to care about his patients.

Not a fan of Exarchon so far but that's because I don't like seeing Megatron enthralled.

I liked the mention of Nucleon and it's effects on Bumblebee's rebels as I loved the Actionmasters growing up.

It's a shame the reviewer didn't enjoy the issue but each to their own.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2110255)
Posted by ScottyP on July 14th, 2021 @ 10:29pm CDT

AllNewSuperRobot wrote:
Rodimus Prime wrote:
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Plenty to digest, sure. But it's not really as dynamic or interesting as it could or should be. I dug out and re-read issue one, the other day. In comparison to Infiltration #1, it really lacks a visual punch.
So would that be the fault of the writer for not setting/describing the scene well enough or the illustrator for not executing said description?

Weird that today was the first time a reply alert for this thread appeared

Not knowing the illustrator's prior work, if they are new to the business or not. If it is the former, I would put it down to a lack of story boarding/scene setting by the writer.

I know nothing if Angel Hernandez's career before Transformers, but TF 2019 #1 was his first work for TFs. He peaks early, goes away for a long time, then returns to draw the end of 31 and most of 32.

His parts of 32 are a sloppy mess. Spotlight: Thundercracker level bad art. Heart of Darkness level bad. Lumpy characters in wonky settings participating in clumsy action.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2110356)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on July 15th, 2021 @ 8:01pm CDT

I say this as someone who reads the wiki entries just to keep up, I have no interest in actually buying the main book (except the annual, I will discuss after this), I like the sounds of Exarchon. And that twist from the end sounds great. Exarchon is a breathe of fresh air that was needed, a real threat and a unique one at that. I like the idea of him being the true big bad and not Megatron, especially since Megatron kinda really sucks.

Now, the annual: I actually bought the annual, courtesy of Seibs, and it's my first actual book I bought of the new continuity. I plan to get Galaxies 1-6, but I'm still salty they didn't do those 6 together in a trade and bundled them with 6 other issues from the ongoing or something like that.

anyway, annual: I got it because Lodestar is cool, Milne was on art, Thunderwing, Bludgeon, Dirge, and Airachnid were antagonists, and Computron at long last shows up in something! I will admit, I liked the story, and I really did like the Technobots. The 1 thing I didn't like was the pacing: the fight between Lodestar and Vigilem was hardly a fight, and Computron appeared but barely. It feels like those big moments got less screen time then they should have.

Outside of that, I enjoyed it. I will enjoy reading it some more too

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2110523)
Posted by Mr.MicroMaster on July 18th, 2021 @ 8:23pm CDT

Windsweeper wrote:I've just read this issue and actually enjoyed it.
The alternate world/future piqued my curiosity. Interesting to see Skywarp as an army builder though it's a shame the exclusivity of his Siege mold prohibits picking up a few of the figures.

Nice to see Powerglide make an albeit short appearance and Black Jack among the rebels.

I like Flatline's portrayal so far. He's not a stereotypical, sadistic, evil doctor. He seems to care about his patients.

Not a fan of Exarchon so far but that's because I don't like seeing Megatron enthralled.

I liked the mention of Nucleon and it's effects on Bumblebee's rebels as I loved the Actionmasters growing up.

It's a shame the reviewer didn't enjoy the issue but each to their own.

I am glad you enjoyed it even though I couldn't. However I do agree with you that was nice to see Powerglide and the rebels being action masters was one of the more interesting things from the book.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2110524)
Posted by Mr.MicroMaster on July 18th, 2021 @ 8:55pm CDT

ScottyP wrote:
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:
Rodimus Prime wrote:
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Plenty to digest, sure. But it's not really as dynamic or interesting as it could or should be. I dug out and re-read issue one, the other day. In comparison to Infiltration #1, it really lacks a visual punch.
So would that be the fault of the writer for not setting/describing the scene well enough or the illustrator for not executing said description?

Weird that today was the first time a reply alert for this thread appeared

Not knowing the illustrator's prior work, if they are new to the business or not. If it is the former, I would put it down to a lack of story boarding/scene setting by the writer.
I know nothing if Angel Hernandez's career before Transformers, but TF 2019 #1 was his first work for TFs. He peaks early, goes away for a long time, then returns to draw the end of 31 and most of 32.

His parts of 32 are a sloppy mess. Spotlight: Thundercracker level bad art. Heart of Darkness level bad. Lumpy characters in wonky settings participating in clumsy action.

That's the weird thing about this series almost everyone involved has very little experiences in the comic realm. Hernandez probably having the most working for DC, then IDW starting with Star Trek and now TF. Next being Ruckley who wrote a handful of books for IDW before TF. Last but not least being Malkova with the TF series being her first ever work in comics.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2111666)
Posted by commander shockwav on July 30th, 2021 @ 9:38pm CDT

Okay, I haven't really read anything since the Lost Light stuff.

Tell me what you think is worth reading since then. Because I know most of it is probably fluff and am looking for something with some substance. I'm partial to the US/UK Marvel run and most of IDW's stuff up to the Lost Light.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2111747)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 1st, 2021 @ 5:38pm CDT

commander shockwav wrote:Okay, I haven't really read anything since the Lost Light stuff.

Tell me what you think is worth reading since then. Because I know most of it is probably fluff and am looking for something with some substance. I'm partial to the US/UK Marvel run and most of IDW's stuff up to the Lost Light.

Read issues 1-6 of Galaxies and the 2021 annual. those are the good stories so far

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2111848)
Posted by Big Grim on August 2nd, 2021 @ 1:42pm CDT

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Read issues 1-6 of Galaxies and the 2021 annual. those are the good stories so far

I agree with this. During a sale, I picked up the on going and got up to date. It's terminally slow story pacing featuring boring versions of characters you love walking every where.

Galaxies 1 - 6 and the Annual were absolutely stonking reads though.

~ Grim

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2111911)
Posted by Mr.MicroMaster on August 3rd, 2021 @ 11:01am CDT

The Middle Man
A review of Transformers #33 by Mr.Micromaster

Spoilers Ahead

I found this issue to be a definite step up from the last issue. It was a joy to read rather than a chore. Issue 33 is a simple and humorous read with a seemingly important character moment for a particular character.

Gobots Rule Transformers Drool

This issue does its job well and manages to squeeze in a smattering of humor. It delivers a story about a rescue mission that also helps set up the next arc of the series. We also get a glimpse of what it is like in occupied Iacon, well at least for the decepticons anyway. This issue like many in the past has a lot of enjoyable character moments. Charger and Firebeast were a personal highlight for me. That is not to say this issue’s plot is perfect though, as the emotional moments in this issue lack depth.

You can find full credits for Transformers #33 in our Vector Sigma Database entry for this issue

That’s another character for obscure character bingo

The art for this issue is done by Bethany McGuire-Smith. McGuire-Smith illustrates a myriad of emotive faces and competent action scenes. McGuire-Smith’s art is competent and well done and suits this issue well. There are a lot of interesting illustrations in this issue such as bots dancing and wrestling. David Garcia Cruz’s colors compliment McGuire-Smith’s art well. Jake Wood’s lettering is on point as per usual.

Verdict

Join us on the next exciting episode of the Transformers

Overall, this issue is very well rounded with competent art and a nicely structured story. While this issue won’t win any awards, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but there are a few things that hold it back from soaring to above average heights, such as emotional moments that lack feeling.

Final Score
.

out of

This issue is out today, and you can pick it up at the Seibertron.com eBay store or at your local shop, check here to find the closest shop to you.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2111949)
Posted by ScottyP on August 3rd, 2021 @ 2:55pm CDT

IDW's 2019 reboot of Transformers continues tomorrow with the latest chapter of the "Lord of Misrule" story as its 33rd issue hits local comic shops and digital marketplaces. Here's what they tell us to expect in the issue:

(W) Brian Ruckley (A) Anna Malkova (CA) Ed Pierre
"Lord of Misrule: Swindle's II". Bumblebee is a lot of things-an ex-Ascenticon spy, a wanted fugitive, and currently working as a go-between for Swindle and Optimus Prime's Autobots. With Swindle and his crew's help, Bumblebee's got a chance to free the long-captive Elita-1 and finally finish his search for justice for Rubble's murder by bringing down Barricade. But when working with criminals, even the best laid plans are destined for trouble.

IDW Publishing has shared a five page preview of this issue, which you can check out below.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2114762)
Posted by ScottyP on August 31st, 2021 @ 5:44pm CDT

As of tomorrow we'll have hit Transformers #34 in IDW's new-ish Transformers comic continuity and this time around it looks like we'll be catching up with Termagax, Landmine and Geomotus for the first time in months, at least if this five page preview is anything to go on. The publisher's synopsis for this issue says:

(W) Brian Ruckley (A) Anna Malkova (CA) Winston Chan
"Sea of Rust," part one! Megatron has learned that his former mentor, Termagax, holds a key artifact that could tip the scales of the war firmly in the Decepticons' favor, eliminating the Autobots once and for all. The first order of business, of course, is finding Termagax's House, a mobile building on the run. And as tensions erupt between Megatron's Decepticons and his old mentor, the Autobots put themselves in the crossfire!

You can check out the five page preview provided by IDW Publishing below.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2114764)
Posted by ScottyP on August 31st, 2021 @ 5:46pm CDT

Wingstun calls the blue one Space Case, then they mention Nacelle, then "Space Case" transforms and looks like Nacelle. Huh? :BANG_HEAD:

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2114766)
Posted by Mr.MicroMaster on August 31st, 2021 @ 5:58pm CDT

ScottyP wrote:Wingstun calls the blue one Space Case, then they mention Nacelle, then "Space Case" transforms and looks like Nacelle. Huh?

Don’t worry Scotty that got me as well.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2114770)
Posted by Randomhero on August 31st, 2021 @ 6:46pm CDT

ScottyP wrote:Wingstun calls the blue one Space Case, then they mention Nacelle, then "Space Case" transforms and looks like Nacelle. Huh?

No he turns into a seeker that shares G2 space case’s colors even down to his yellow/orange missiles. Not that hard to follow but I guess if you’re reading it to find something to complain about…

ED71CA67-4F66-4527-A023-5FBDB657C95B.jpeg

Guys will find anything to gripe about in the comics

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2114772)
Posted by Mr.MicroMaster on August 31st, 2021 @ 7:10pm CDT

Randomhero wrote:
ScottyP wrote:Wingstun calls the blue one Space Case, then they mention Nacelle, then "Space Case" transforms and looks like Nacelle. Huh?

No he turns into a seeker that shares G2 space case’s colors even down to his yellow/orange missiles. Not that hard to follow but I guess if you’re reading it to find something to complain about…

ED71CA67-4F66-4527-A023-5FBDB657C95B.jpeg

Guys will find anything to gripe about in the comics

To be fair both Nacelle and Space Case share the same colors.

Re: IDW Transformers #30 Review (2114773)
Posted by ScottyP on August 31st, 2021 @ 7:31pm CDT

Randomhero wrote:
ScottyP wrote:Wingstun calls the blue one Space Case, then they mention Nacelle, then "Space Case" transforms and looks like Nacelle. Huh?

No he turns into a seeker that shares G2 space case’s colors even down to his yellow/orange missiles. Not that hard to follow but I guess if you’re reading it to find something to complain about…

ED71CA67-4F66-4527-A023-5FBDB657C95B.jpeg

Guys will find anything to gripe about in the comics

I kinda see it, still a bit off but that's probably unfamiliarity with seeing Space Case in a G1-ish seeker body. Thanks, and please try to be polite about it next time.

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