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AND ONE SHALL RISE! Yep, a there’s a new Prime on the block (and the old one isn’t gone yet), and just in the nick of time too, as Cybertron shudders and reels under the dual assault of BLUDGEON and his WarWorld and a spitting mad GALVATRON. But is the advent of RODIMUS PRIME a boon for Cybertron or one more dark domino falling in the headlong rush to universal armageddon?
That's ..a good indication of it, yeah
Story
So here we are, final issue of the second-to-last arc 'Destiny', Bludgeon's mighty plan to take down Cybertron's dwellers, concocted with Soundwave and the remaining Decepticons on the planet. They've all been fighting all along, now Hot Rod is back as Rodimus Prime, Grimlock is back as, well, Grimlock, and here's where it ends.
Unless... it never ends
Rodimus Prime became his proper self in ReGeneration One #0, revealing a glitch in the time-space continuum bound to destroy everything if not rectified. Though it seems here that his newly found power may have deeper ramifications, and the end of the series will truly be eventful.
Heh
Among the returning cast, Grimlock retakes his spotlight on the main stage, commanding the primal creatures from the planet's core, clearly due to the brief experience with Primus' possession. Furman seems keen on dragging every character introduced to far into the issues that remain - not that we're complaining!
There is a lot going on in here, though most of it is fighting, bashing, thumping, fighting and hinting at 'there is more'. And yes there definitely will be more, but for now, it's extremely enjoyable to see a Rodimus in action, Bludgeon's deluded speeches and a Grimlock worth of Furman's deepest desires.
Art
The artwork duties are still taken on by Guido Guidi, at least on the pencil side of things. And whoah. There is so much going on in this issue, in terms of action and fight scenes, that it can be really hard to figure out what is going on - but it isn't, because it all looks so fluid, also thanks to Baskerville's inking work.
..as a coarsing river..
JP Bove is still at it with his rainbow of magic crayons, making everything look so crisp yet with that throwback feeling about it. Some of the action scene renderings in colour are just stupidly amazing, with motion blur added to the already highly dynamic linework.
KLUD indeed
The lettering doesn't get in the way of the artwork, but does complement it nicely - Shawn Lee really has stepped up quite a few notches in his work since the beginning, and it's a pleasure to see him working on Furman's effects so.. effectively. As always, the artistic team are a bundle of pretty pretty joy. (And the covers are worth a look at too! Wildman and Cardy and Senior and Burcham keep doing some magnificent work.)
Thoughts Spoilerish ahead
Furman has a lot of fun playing with two of his favourite characters, and his baroque prose in Bludgeon's speeches just shines through. There isn't too much in terms of story or depth in this particular issue, but it does give a satisfying end to the arc, whetting our appetites for more.
It'll be so epic, even the explosions go DOOM
Artistically, it's hard not to adore what Guidi, Baskerville, Bove and Lee have been able to do in this final issue of the penultimate arc. The sense of frenzy, hectic buildup to climactic scenes and the confrontation between Rodimus and Bludgeon are the perfect sauce for Furman's (vast) eloquent (predatory) script.
THE RETURN! In the early days of the war on CYBERTRON… MEGATRON’s journey into the abyss is over. OPTIMUS PRIME’s grip on the planet is slipping. GRIMLOCK and the DINOBOTS hold onto sanity by a thread. Now, all the threads draw together… and the world will shudder.
That's some good world-shuddering there
Story
The final issue, the end of the beginning, the beginning of the end. Monstrosity, the sequel to Autocracy, reaches its printed conclusion with this fourth issue - until the trade, that is. We were left with Megatron en route to Cybertron, Optimus moping and Scorponok unleashing the Kraken Trypticon from beneath the surface.
Hello, beastie
All the storylines do, in fact, finally merge, more or less successfully. After getting a minor roundup on the various plots. Optimus has another chance to mope, this time to different audiences, the Dynobots keep their word about helping out and Megatron gets to er.. have a chat with Scorponok.
What, no party?
And then they all have a giant 'let's smash the big bad bot' competition. Admittedly, the story is pretty thin, due to the giant cataclysm of action scenes taking more or less place around, under, above and even within Trypticon itself. But some of the interactions are still enjoyable.
See? The dialogue here is magnificent
As I said, the story is not highly convoluted or overly developed, but it does set up the scene nicely for some good prolonged action sequences and even addresses most of the issues raised in the other plotlines so far. Nice acknowledgement of The Guiding Hand's Mortilus, too.
Art
Livio Ramondelli's work in this final issue is really pretty good, managing to distract readers from minor flaws with giant sweeping splash panels and pages. I've always maintained that Ramondelli really shines on big scaled scenes, action sequences and spreads - and the issue is full of them, so really a feast for the eyes!
Yep, that's big
What is really impressive about the issue, though, is the collaboration between Ramondelli and Tom B. Long, the letterer. Some of the panel work is brilliantly creative, showing off the sheer scale of the character and the sounds it makes, and the ones of the action taking place around it.
How is that not genius?
So yes, definitely a good looking book, and makes up for concerns I've had on previous issues about Ramondelli's artwork and colouring. Long is still the letter magician I thought he was, but it's the product of the two artists working together that really makes some of the panels stand out here.
Thoughts Spoilerish ahead
Once again, not the best story ever, with some interesting references to other aspects of the franchise and a little pandering to older fans (but that was expected, the writing team being who they are). The artwork picks up again this time round, and the scale and sound of the action is brilliantly executed in panels and lettering.
Title check! Title check!
As a series, it's enjoyable enough to pick up the trade. Some of the plotlines are weaker than others, but the finale acts as a good counterpart to the lesser interactions between some of the characters. And if we had any doubts about a third chapter coming...
PRIMEVAL PREDATORS! The DINOBOTS have stumbled upon some of SHOCKWAVE’S old experiments… now they are running rampant across the Cybertronian underground. It’s up to GRIMLOCK and SWOOP to subdue the enemy! But with pressure mounting and his foes wreaking havoc, can GRIMLOCK keep his own rage in check?
See? Rampant running
Story
Final review of the day/week, it's been a busy one this time round! We end on a smashing, thumping, powing, crunching, punching note, with the conclusion to the second Beast Hunters story arc, written once again by Mike Johnson (on ideas by both Johnson and Mairghread Scott). Ready? Fight!
Roar
We left Swoop and Grimlock last month to deal with a bunch of organic, very much alive-looking Earth-like dinosaurs, and the fight spills over into this issue. For the entire issue. Seriously. All of it. One giant, metal-meets-meat dino fight.
Oh, and this guy. Briefly.
There is some sort of plot, mostly resolved in the final pages, but it really does just revolve around the menacing encounter between the Dinobots and their organic copies. There is, however, Swoop's voice running through the issue, but I haven't seen it lead anywhere particularly relevant.
Except for MAJOR PLOT POINTS
I'm still not convinced about Johnson's style, and I'll be waiting for his next arc before passing any type of judgement. These two issues have been a little disappointing compared to the opening two, but this one has very slightly brought it up a smidge, removing some of the poor Swoop dialogue.
Art
If anything, the really really really really really really long fight scenes have helped artist Agustin Padilla, who shines in heavily action-packed and dynamic scenes. In fact, the artistic troubles I had with the previous issue seem to have disappeared from this one, only to show up in the final pages.
Sketchy, but still cool-looking
Colour duties are not only with Priscilla Tramontano, but also with some assistance by Josh Burcham and Thomas Deer! While there may not seem to be that much going on in terms of chromatic contrasts, the lighting and shading, especially on the beasts, is stunning.
HROOONK
As usual, Tom B. Long's lettering is brilliantly creative, and Johnson does get points for introducing more dino-noises that I thought were possible, for Long to play with. Extra mention also goes to Ken Christiansen, and his amazing cover art of Grimlock and the Insecticons.
Thoughts Spoilerish ahead
Abandoned plot for action, sideline characters completely kept to the side, inner monologue captions and I'm not sure where this is going. But the artwork is well worth the comic, really. It's up to you if you'd like to have some good-looking but senseless bashing between beasts.
Will we ever get there?
I am definitely looking forward to the next issue, but mostly because these last two have disappointed in the wake of Scott's arc, and she's back on actual writing duties next month. Shame, really, as this issue isn't bad, it's just not that good, except for the artwork - especially next to the other two titles coming out this week.
CYBERTRON UNDER SIEGE! As BLUDGEON’s Blitz Engines wreak havoc, the AUTOBOTS struggle to muster a response to a threat that feels all too close to home! But their “greatest warrior," ULTRA MAGNUS, has problems of his own… in the shape of a fighting mad GALVATRON. It’s the clash of titans you’ve (almost) never seen before!
Variations on a couple of themes
Story
Readers of the UK iteration of the old Marvel comics might get quite the kick from this issue, as it's Ultra Magnus versus Galvatron all over again on Cybertron's surface! Bludgeon does things in space, or rather, just above Cybertron. Meanwhile, closer to the planet's core, Hot Rod and the Dinobots have encountered a Primus-possessed Grimlock.
Me Grimlock god
And actually, that last part, as much as it's extremely smirk-inducing, is resolved very quickly, setting one of the scenes for next month's ReGeneration One #0. We still have to wait a couple of months for Hot Rod's fate and the Dinobots' reunion. The main story takes place with the Autobots' greatest (reluctant) warrior and the mad reincarnated time-traveller.
Seen it
The Autobot's -ah- reaction plan isn't exactly original, or particularly effective, from both an in-story and storytelling perspective, and is kind of squeezed in at the very end, though it doesn't detract too much from the issue. Same can be said for Bludgeon's own machinations, as most of the exposition is done from the Autobot side.
The protracted fight scene is executed well enough, though, to forgive the other plots being left a bit too much to the side, and the Cybertronian reaction intertwines with Magnus' fight, so it can be worked into the plot too. And the art serves the story well, see below.
Art
Guidi's artwork on the issue is a real knockout, especially with the extremely high number of fight sequences and dynamic poses. Baskerville's inks on Guidi's work are just the cherry on a sundae so good-looking you want to keep it in a frozen glass case.
Look, fan favourites!
As per usual, JP Bove's magical technicolour paintbrush (pen?) makes everything that Guidi and Baskerville shine, sparkle and glitter - unless it has to be dark, moody, and gorey. The skies are always my personal favourite, but
Passed with flying colours
I am also pleasantly impressed by Shawn Lee's newly creative lettering, with some excellent font work mixing well with Furman's onomatopoeias and soundwords. All in all, the issue is absolutely gorgeous, and it's hard to pick out anything that doesn't really work that well from a visual aspect.
Thoughts Spoilerish ahead
Some fairly clever visual storytelling manages to weave all the threads together, and leaves us with an image that I want to show because it's absolutely stunning and actually spoils nothing. Up to you to figure out the winner of the clash.
HE'S ON FIRE
I really really really enjoyed this issue, the fight sequences weren't too dragged out, it nodded continuously to old material without rehashing it or being too obviously a cliché-fest, it has God Grimlock and some excellent swearing. Book, good - you, read. Next month, some stalling, maybe minor plotting, and we're back on schedule in October!
MEGATRON UNCHAINED! In the early days of the war, MEGATRON—exiled on JUNKION—battles to reclaim the throne of CYBERTRON. But the TERRORCONS have other ideas… Meanwhile, GRIMLOCK and the DINOBOTS threaten OPTIMUS PRIME’s fledgling republic!
Seeing eye-to-eye
Story
This is the penultimate issue of the digital-first series, being released as four prints before they're collected in the trade. The actual series ended just a couple of weeks back, so this review may not come as news to all readers! We're dealing with Megatron 'surviving' on Junkion, Optimus struggling on Cybertron and the Dynobots kind of thrown in for good measure, with Scorponok gloating in the background.
And these two, helping to recap
The three main plots are still standing, though the Megatron story is getting repetitive and I have no idea what it's trying to lead up to at this point. Optimus' dealings with the population of Cybertron trying to escape is worked out a little better, but it's the giant monster in the basement that is clearly supposed to be the kicker.
Remember him?
The rest of the story is a bit lacklustre, with some not particularly good dialogue. Scorponok and Megatron suffer from Bond-villain syndrome, and Pentius has some very weird moments. Optimus manages to save himself at times, and Grimlock has some good moments too, but not enough to make up for the rest, even in light of his own sub-plot.
What, no Star Trek quotes?
The multiple plots do seem to be reaching a touching point, if anything, and it looks like issue 4 will have a lot to deal with in terms of storylines and loose ends. I am quite curious to see how they will be executed, and am hoping for something a little better than this issue.
Art
As much as Ramondelli's work has improved, massively, since early work, and I really enjoyed it in issues 1 and 2, this one has too much going on to be able to figure out the actual happenings, at times. Megatron's battle with the Terrorcons is a big mess of faces and smoked colours, unfortunately, and there are some bad perspective issues here and there.
A bad case of rubber nosecone
Where Ramondelli does shine is in organic-looking and big creatures - and we get some of that here. What I'm also a big fan of, once again, is the letter work by Long and Lee, which adds to the 'monstrous' concept of the overall story, and is terribly enjoyable.
RARGH
It's a shame to see the artwork slipping after two fairly successful issues, and now that we're this close to the end. Unfortunately, it can't do much to pick up the story either, and there are some errors in speech-bubble placing that further hinder full enjoyment.
Thoughts Spoilerish ahead
So yes, the third issue does not strike as well as the previous two, even with some good shots of Grimlock's problem (and an explanation!) and the final creature from the deep. Megatron's plot is apparently solved, though I feel we haven't gained that much from it except for some bashing and a cape.
..er..
I am curious to see how it will end, if there'll be some more reasoning behind Megatron and Scorponok's actions,
Thanks to YouTube reviewer Peaugh, we get a better look at the Platinum Edition Grimlock vs Bruticus pack! The two figures are the regular releases with different paint applications, Bruticus sporting a deco similar to the SDCC 2012 one, and closer to the Fall of Cybertron videogame, and Grimlock having metalized gold paint on his chest area. Check out the embedded video below!
THE BEAST WITHIN! After the Fall of CYBERTRON, GRIMLOCK and his DINOBOT allies are tasked with protecting the last remaining Cybertronians from the dangers of the demolished planet. But as time passes, GRIMLOCK grows more and more uneasy with the rage and power that he’s forced to hold back. Can the AUTOBOT leader learn to control his power or will the beast take over?
Hm. Let's take a guess
Story
Last issue concluded the two-part story arc with cyber-vampires and robo-betrayals, written by Mairghread Scott. With this issue, writing duties pass on to Mike Johnson (though both plot the series and stories together), for another two-part arc, as stated at BotCon - with a bit of a tie-in in around issue 6.
Yep, that's the one
First impression on the writing, though, is not as happy as the previous two issues. The dialogue appears to be flat, somehow, and there's a lot of it when Swoop's involved, it seems. The exchanges between other characters further on in the story seem flatter, too, which really clashes with the story they're trying to tell.
Says so himself
The story is decent, dealing with the aftermath of previous issues, the previous Rage of the Dinobots series, references to the animated Prime series, and seeding for more to come, either next issue or further down the line. It will be interesting to see how the plot will fit in just two issues, as there are some pretty big (ha!) developments in this one, though not entirely surprising.
Oooh, what could it be?
Overall, not a bad plot, but the dialogue really detracts from its full enjoyment, in my opinion. It may be the case that reading it again once the next issue is out may enhance it again, but so far, a little disappointed.
Art
Agustin Padilla is still on artwork, and I have to say, there are some moments where it feels a little rushed, which is a shame - when Padilla is good, he is really good. And you can see that when the big (ha!) revelations take place in the issue. Really good.
But I won't show you
The credit, though, also goes to colourist Priscilla Tramontano. Most of the story takes place underground, and playing with lights and darkness does not look easy, especially not with some of the wider shots. And, as usual, Tom B. Long on letters delivers, conveying the bestiality (cf. Monstrosity) of some of the characters when needed, and playing beautifully with soundwords.
Indeed
A bit of a drop in consistency at times, but the artwork is good, with some real gems here and there. The darker tone of the first two issues has yet to be fully re-established, but the whole artistic team do a sterling job of getting it across with shots and shades.
Thoughts Spoilerish ahead
The dialogue seems to have dimmed a little, and the artwork feels strangely rushed in places, though the organic creatures in the story are beautifully crafted and coloured. I wasn't as blown away until I reached that section of the story, in all honesty, so give it a shot!
I spy, with my little eye...
I'm a little disappointed after being pleasantly surprised with the first two issues, though the story does seem to be working towards something really big (ha!). And the panel on the first page - hinting at something else to come, or past events we've seen? Next month might tell!
Seibertron.com member kenshen gives us a look at the upcoming Voyager Grimlock fromt recently announced Platinum Edition Grimlock vs. Bruticus set. Check out the all the chromey goodness below.
MEGATRON—DEFEATED? Never! The DECEPTICON leader battles through SHARKTICON hordes, while on CYBERTRON, OPTIMUS PRIME struggles to unite his people—and GRIMLOCK and his rogue DINOBOTS go on a rampage!
Oh dear, Ratchet's worried
Story
We left the whole cast last issue in the middle of a refinery job, among Dynobots, Autobots, Decepticons and passer-bys. And Megatron being a 'really tough guy, no really, he's super bad-ass' on Junkion, with Pentius literally in tow.
The cavalry, for once, arrives at the beginning
That's exactly where we start off again in this issue, very suddenly. All the plots, Megatron exluded, seem to clash together and work alongside each other in this second issue, which sees the Dynobots as catalyst for most of the events.
Yes
The Megatron plot is still developed, though only minimally, and I think the story benefits from the subsumed parallel storyline here - we get a much better luck at Optimus Prime's struggle with Cybertronian powers and bringing order back to the planet.
I wonder where this will go
The story definitely works better than the previous one, in my opinion, and I believe it's due to fewer Megatron scenes. The ones that are present seem to develop the character a little, rather than dump qualities on him, which is a definite welcome change.
Art
I'm not sure I can find more to say about Ramondelli's work, in general, but this issue has highlighted some of his bigger strenghts. He works really really well with light/dark contrasts, vaguely organic-looking creatures and savage characters and landscapes. And there's some really good panel storytelling too.
How to use a white panel successfully
But my favourite part of the comic, I have to admit, is the lettering. Seriously, Tom B. Long's magic is ..magic. The work he does, especially with the soundwords, is incredible. I have never seen such beautiful KRA-KOOM, SHRONNG and GRAAING-KREENGs.
Point in case
So yes, aesthetically this issue really does shine (or not, as it's mostly dark to go with the tone), and the Ramondelli-Long pairing works really well, with the latter really building on the former's own colouring. And there's some big beasties that look quite beastly in there, too.
Thoughts Spoilerish ahead
I enjoyed it a lot more than the previous one! The pacing works, the artwork is good, the lettering is amazing and it all blends in perfect synergy. I'm not sure what is so different from the previous issue, but it works.
Same here!
I would suggest picking this one up, but you do need to have read the previous print issue for it to make any sense, due to its abrupt start. Issue 2 has definitely raised my expectations, and sets up what's to come in an intriguing way. Pleasantly surprised.
THE WORLD BELOW! Deep beneath the surface of CYBERTRON, the last vestiges of life struggles to survive. Their only protectors: GRIMLOCK and his loyal DINOBOTS — who find themselves at the center of a dark mystery!
So dark, it's mostly shadows
Story
The first issue of this new series introduced us to some new characters and settings, all very different from the other IDW ongoings, and even from the Prime animated series. The Dinobots are in charge, Grimlock leading them, energon is scarce, and there are a lot of issues to be dealt with - including the piles of bodies found by Last Spark inhabitant Firestar.
CSI: Cybertron
Even though the synopsis talks about Grimlock, it's Sludge that is the real protagonist here - and a well deserved spot it is - with Snarl in tail (ha! Tail!). Mairghread Scott seems to take some cues from Barber's style, working with previous continuity issues and patching them up, and also by having a running internal monologue through captions.
He didn't die!
The tone of the issue, and the series so far, is a fairly dark and gritty one. A lot of deaths (though several off-panel), including quite graphic ones, talk of cannibalism and vampirism, betrayal and extreme survival. It's really quite engaging.
Killing, not eating. Oh that's ok then.
I am very pleased with the attention given to minor characters in the Dinobot ranks, and it was time for Sludge to shine. Dealing with the Last Spark Autobots is also a really good idea, as it allows to work outside of the usual cast (who are currently engaged on Earth, as part of the animated series).
Art
The artwork is also really good, though at times it can look a bit overcrowded. Agustin Padilla, who also worked on Spotlight: Hoist as well as Rage of the Dinobots, does a nice job of adapting game designs to comics-style, in my opinion, and they all really fit the tone quite well. As I said, there is the risk of some panels feeling overcrowded, but overall, the result is good.
And I mean good
The colours are faultless, but I was expecting nothing less from the likes of Priscilla Tramontano. They really help out those parts where the art may have been a little hard to manage. And Tom B. Long's lettering does its usual amazing things, too, with some really nice soundwords and font matching.
Vertical chooming
The artistic team works really well with the storyline, and I think Padilla, while still having room for improvement, is definitely the best bet for the series. I would like to see him on other titles again, too. Colours and letters really help out too, in a complementary ensemble that conveys the full range of the story. The covers by Ken Christiansen are excellent, too!
Thoughts Spoilerish ahead
I really enjoyed it. I have yet to properly read its predecessor, but Beast Hunters has me intrigued to the point that I'm adding it to my must read list for the coming months. There are hints at the past, with the games, and hints at the present/future, with the animated series, but still lives and works perfectly well by itself.
Visual pun!
All in all, a very pleasant surprise. There are some minor flaws, but they can be overlooked in view of the full experience, and they really do not detract from the enjoyment of the issue. If you haven't read issue 1, pick it up as soon as you can, and sink your teeth into this well fleshed-out new series.
. out of
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