Burn wrote:Burn Reviews Transformers:Robots in Disguise
So I guess this job falls to me after having watched the two-part "Pilot".
First and foremost, from what I've seen of the series from the initial character designs, through to a few short videos, and then the toys, I wasn't expecting much from the series.
Suffice to say, I've been pleasantly surprised.
The show, may be ... fun. There's a number of moments where you just have to laugh. Put that down to the characterisation, all of the characters are incredibly unique. So let's run through them!
THE CHARACTERS Bumblebee - The veteran, reluctantly thrown into the leader position of a bunch of misfits. It's so weird hearing him talk ...
Strongarm - The ride-along, a stickler for the law. She quotes the rules more than Red Dwarf's Rimmer quoted Space Corps directives. Young and out to impress her ranking officer.
Sideswipe - The perp, reluctantly dragged into the mix when arrested by Strongarm. Very little respect for authority, but being one of the good guys, he'll fall into line eventually.
Fix-It - The mini-con, in charge of a prison transport ship that has crashed to Earth. Currently suffering glitches which you could describe as dyslexia. Not really living up to his name ...
Denny - The father, a collector of ... things ...
Russell - The son, not a collector, typical cartoon human kid
Grimlock - The Dinobot, an escaped prisoner from the transport ship, a little amnesic over a few details, not a fan of Underbite. Also nothing like previous Grimlocks.
Which brings us to ...
Underbite - The Chompazoid, the first escaped prisoner we meet. The Popeye of the Transformers world (his spinach is anything metal), a body builder type personality who loves his muscles ... a lot. Fun and interesting character. And not a Dinobot.
Oh and then there's that other guy who's dead ... kinda ... he's still preachy.
THE ANIMATIONI liked it. The aesthetic may not be my preference, but it worked quite well for my liking.
THE STORYIt was different, it was unique. This isn't your usual "Optimus Prime and his team are out to stop Megatron and the Decepticons with help from the humans". This is a whole new team with only one character we know well. It's a bold new move, and it works. It proves we don't need established names to enjoy a Transformers cartoon. Just give it a good story. As I said, there's little bits of comedy. Underbite, despite being the bad guy, is a character you can get behind.
OVERALLIt's good. It's worth watching. It's got potential. Some series you watch "just so you can join in the conversation", this one is WORTH watching because I think many will enjoy it, and so you can join in the conversation, right here, on the Energon Pub forums!