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CRISIS ON CYBERTRON! A whole society, wounded and reeling after SCORPONOK’s genetic manipulations, teeters on the edge of anarchy and uprising, a situation SOUNDWAVE is only too happy to exploit! When the newly recovered BLASTER uncovers the truth, he finds himself on the endangered species list—courtesy of the all-new, all-deadly MAYHEM ATTACK SQUAD.
You know, these guys
Story
We left issue 91 with shattering revelations about everything ever in the universe in its totality and more. We've had Jhiaxus show up, we've had Grimlock die with Scorponok, we've had all sorts of chaos. So the set up looks pretty promising, but it has a lot to live up to.
So let's start with unrelated things, shall we?
The first storyline we encounter is a bit of an abrupt start: Optimus Prime being attacked by Spike Witwicky/Circuit Smasher, then he isn't, because he has something to say, but the humans don't like him anyway, but maybe they do, oh it's confusing, but maybe not. Anyway, let's skip to Cybertron, shall we?
Oooh, will they fight?
The second, however, is the one that takes up the focus of the entire issue, for once abandoning the multi-plot device for the length of the issue - though repercussions of other narratives are clearly at work here. This is the Nucleon-infused bots' time to shine, as something seems to keep affecting everyone in Cybertron. And Blaster is with no doubt the main player here.
And then there's these guys
As I mentioned, the focus on just one storyline gives it more time to work, but I'm no sure it does that much in any case. The issue at hand is resolved pretty quickly, and the Mayhem Attack Squad are disappointingly introduced for the sole purpose of a fight, it seems. Though I will not say anything as to how it resolves.
Art
This is Wildman's final issue on the series for now, and he has not confirmed whether he will be back or not before issue 100, or the rumoured issue 0. The artwork, inked by Baskerville, is the usual goodness, and by now we've come to recognise the style - it'll be interesting to see what Guidi will do with it. Some of the characters are really well done too, and Bludgeon has yet to be replaced as my top pick from Wildman's work.
He ain't half bad
I apologise for repeating myself every time, but I really do like (Bradley-)Bove's colours in this series, and I will pretty much always gush a little about them. Especially skies and backgrounds. In addition, there is a lot to be said for various aura-like details, such as Spike's glowing energy, the 'red mist' and Blaster's sonic er.. stuff.
Op op gadget Sky Lynx arms!
The artwork is good, as always, and the colours are still my favourite part of the series. It just makes everything looks so much prettier. Or darker. Or whatever it's supposed to look like, even in the midst of heavy action fights, such as in this issue. And the final page is stunning.
Thoughts Spoilerish ahead
You might guess that I wasn't that much of a fan of this issue, again, and mostly because not that much happened. It felt very similar to the previous one, but without the kick at the end - though there is a minor, if a tad confusing, bringing-in-a-character-we-hadn't-seen-yet moment.
Oh, yeah, they're still doing stuff too
The artwork is as good as usual, and it is the saving point of an otherwise enjoyable but not crucial issue. It addresses the Nucleon issue, and furthers the Earth plot, brings in various spacecraft to Cybertron but seems to forget the revelations from 91. The action is quite nice though, and we get some interesting looks at some of the neglected characters this far.
Seibertron.com Moderator Supreme Convoy has been kind enough to provide us with a review of IDW Publishing's Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters Issue #1. Enjoy his review found below:
Supreme Convoy wrote:Transformers: Prime – Beast Hunters #1 is a follow up to the Rage of the Dinobots mini-series and set before the events of Transformers: Prime.
Sludge encounters Firestar who is being attacked by Insecticons. After the attack, Firestar reveals to Grimlock that the Last Spark city is under attack by the Insecticons and needs help. Grimlock remembers the previous encounter with Airwave and refuses to help. Sludge feels that it’s wrong to leave the city in dire need and decides to help along with the Snarl’s aid, they search for the Insecticons lair.
The Rage of the Dinobots creative team of writers Mairghread Scott and Mike Johnson with art by Agustin Padilla return for this mini-series. It’s a strong first issue. I enjoy the fact that this issue isn’t Grimlock centric and gives a spotlight on Sludge and Snarl. Though I’m sure Grimlock will play a major role towards the end of this story. I had to look up Airwave who was a Decepticon Micromaster. I thought it was an interesting choice to have lead this group of survivors.
Agustin Padilla’s style doesn’t quite fit in the Prime universe look but he draws great robots and dinosaurs. I like the way he draws these characters and hope he does more Transformers after the mini-series is over.
Overall, I enjoyed this issue. I’m a big fan of “last stand” stories so I can’t wait to see how the Dinobots get out of this situation.
NOTE: This issue may or may not be available this week. IDW has it scheduled for this Wednesday, but most distributors list the next as its release date. Here at Seibertron.com we receive our information directly from IDW, and follow their release guidelines, which is why the review is available today.
Synopsis
THINGS FALL APART! The very fabric of the TRANSFORMERS’ universe begins to unravel, as huge and ancient cosmic forces take note of CYBERTRON’s (and the CYBERTRONIANS’) descent into chaos and anarchy. As HOT ROD struggles to hold things together, still reeling from his own game-changing wake-up call, competing destructive forces inch closer to a cataclysmic confrontation. The end begins here.
Dealing with the aftermath
Story
So, Scorponok's gone, Grimlock with him, Megatron's gone, Galvatron's back, Optimus is on Earth worried. Hot Rod is on Cybertron, worried. A lot of bots are also worried, about Hot Rod and Cybertron, but don't worry, there's still ten issues to go.
Worried Hot Rod is worried
As usual, there are several plotlines running through, and Hot Rod's this time is the major one: he has to deal with the revelations from the basement, the new angry Cybertronian population, who may not be Decepticons any longer, but have apparently tapped into other emotions. And that is bad (?).
Angry mob is angry
At the same time, Optimus is concerned about having seen Galvatron flying off towards Cybertron (because, other than Nebulos, there are no other planets in the universe apparently), but can't really do much. And elsewhere Soundwave and Bludgeon are up to no good, preparing the usual ultimate machines of final destruction
Scheming 'Cons are.. oh, you get it
You may have noticed my tone so far, and I'm not too impressed. It all feels like a big recap, a lot of exposition and setting up what is going to happen. And admittedly, it looks like it's going to be big. Especially with the final pages, which are a massive kick. More about that below.
Art
Wildman and Baskerville work their usual stuff, and there's nothing too off this time, either. Hot Rod is understandably troubled, and his expressions show it perfectly. There are some nice parallels between Bludgeon and Galvatron, and some of the flashbacks with Cybertron are stunningly detailed.
I can see my house from here!
All is made even more pleasing to the eye by Bove's magic colours, once again helped out by Stayte. There's a lot of conversations happening in space and in open spaces, and the skies are gorgeous. Mowry on letters does a good job as always, but nothing particularly exciting.
Sponsored by the Iacon Tourist Board
Overall, this issue looks amazing. I have no problems with the artistic team at all. Some of the wider, planetary shots are excellent, the colouring is brilliant, Bludgeon's face is still pretty cool and the final pages are --not going to spoil it, but they're good.
Thoughts Spoilerish ahead
As I've said above, the whole issue doesn't do that much to me. It's not bad, at all, it just really feels like a giant recap of all that has happened so far in both the Marvel run(s) and ReGeneration One. BUT. There are so many references to Furman's previous work, that I could not stop giggling.
Like a vast, predatory bird...
And the final reveals are just.. Ok, I'll admit it. I squealed with delight. The visual references, the in-story references, the convoluted plot, it's an all-round Furman-fest. I am very intrigued at where this will end up going, although it looks like there'll be a lot of planetary exploding. But then it'll all be over-- finished.
With volume two of ReGeneration One coming out this Wednesday, we decided to go back and make sure all the issues contained in the trade have been reviewed! Read all the already written ones: ReGeneration One #86, ReGeneration One #88, ReGeneration One #89 and ReGeneration One #90. And now, for the missing one: ReGeneration One #87.
Synopsis
WAR CRY! The conquest of IACON begins in earnest, as SCORPONOK’s game-changing strategy threatens the very nature of what it means to be AUTOBOT... Or DECEPTICON! And HOT ROD begins his own personal odyssey to the very heart of CYBERTRON—where ancient forces are stirring!
So. That's the plot
Story
So Grimlock has accepted Scorponok's offer, and is on his way to Cybertron. After a demonstration of what the Gene Key can do, at least. He's back in his old body, happy as larry, bashing and gnashing, and he has a plan to carry out.
Grimlock, you scoundrel
Meanwhile, Optimus decides that he'd rather stay on Earth and think things through, thank you very much. I suppose this could have been a worse decision, but it does seem to slow down things a lot. Every other character on the planet(s) keeps asking 'what would Optimus do?' - apparently, nothing. Just go for a stroll. Good to know.
But you can abandon everyone on Cybertron. Cool, cool.
And of course, Hot Rod tried keeping everything under control back at home. Even though Grimlock is a bit of a trouble-maker, Scorponok's vanguard has arrived, and there's definitely something going on in the basement.
O hai Primus
The idea of Scorponok changing the moral compass of all Cybertronians is intriguing, but the execution is a bit puzzling. What exactly does the Gene Key do, and why does it even work? If morality is not a black-and-white thing, as they explicitly said in these issues, surely the result would not be this one? Or would it?
Art
Again, it's Wildman and Baskerville on pencils and inks, respectively, and there's quite a wide cast this time round. Some have complained about the three headmasters not looking like their usual selves, or at least previous incarnations, but they do resemble their toys in this form. The usual concerns about expressions do arise, but there's something particularly off with Perceptor.
Percy..?
Bove really shines in this issue though, especially when the skies are concerned. Something I didn't notice on the first read: the Cybertronian sky progresses through this story arc, from a very very dark night to something else for its conclusion, following the pacing of the events. A nice touch, JP.
Pretty lights
The artwork seems to work a lot better in this issue! Yes it's Andrew 'Screaming Robots' Wildman, but the human facial expressions have more of a variety this time, and really help convey what is going on in the story. And I like screaming robots, anyway.
Thoughts Spoilerish ahead
The issue is enjoyable actually, and it does a lot more than the previous one. There are some concerns both in terms of plot devices and artwork, such as the exact functioning of the Gene Key and Perceptor. Poor poor Perceptor. But overall, the story works.
Contemporary cultural reference!
There are some extra bits I haven't mentioned in the review, about some other characters still on Earth, of whom Starscream is one and the others are ..well, I'll leave it to you to find out. Overall, not a bad issue, a good read, still fairly slow but appropriately so this time. Let's see what Scorponok has in mind for next month, shall we?
Synopsis
TOO LITTLE—TOO LATE! As Scorponok’s Dark Reign comes ever closer to spreading right across Cybertron, Grimlock launches a desperate counterstrike, in the face of almost innumerable odds. Does the Dinobot commander really have one last ace up his sleeve, or does his “plan” amount to a glorious—but doomed—last stand?
Best laid plans of dinos and bots
Story
So this is the conclusion to the second arc of the conclusion to the whole shebang, started way back when in the Marvel US run. I have to say, a definite improvement to the previous issue, in my opinion! (Not that it was particularly bad, mind you, just a bit slow, and felt as though something was lacking.)
Do something! Anything!
This issue finally completes the gene key-cum-Grimlock-versus-Scorponok plots, as well as setting up the next one. With Shockwave, Galvatron and Starscream, in all likelyhood. And Magnus' team. And Rodimus. Rodimus still doesn't seem to know what he's going to do, though. Magnus and the Wreckers have yet to reach Cybertron. Galvatron and Starscream are on the Ark with Shockwave, who is now connected to the ship.
Coming out of the woodwork
So all attention is pointed towards Grimlock and his gang of adorable misfits, and Scorponok’s conquering mania via activating the planetary gene-key. The concern I had about the story is that the outcome is pretty much expected, even though we were (sort of) proven wrong with Megatron's death earlier on in the series. I know the Autobots are going to win, so I expect Furman to give us a little more than that.
Wait for it...
And, in a way, I think he did. I will not spoil the issue for anyone, but there are a couple of minor twists, and if anything, they left me with a smirk on my face. I do believe, however, that the best parts of the issue are Galvatron, Starscream and Shockwave's moments, with the addition of a fourth player.
Art
Wildman and Baskerville are good together. There is a lot of difference between the pre-80 and ReGeneration One, even though Wildman worked both then and now, and I like what they're doing with an old-but-new style. I'm not too sure about some facial expressions, as they seem to be rather limited in range of emotions, but I also won't complain too much about them, either! Mowry on lettering does add some nice touches though, especially with Grimlock rampaging all over the place.
Jeff Goldblum would love it
The colours are always my favourite part of ReGeneration One, and this time round, John-Paul is helped by James Stayte. They really do pop, and that to me is a very very good thing. It separates the series from the other two ongoings, and helps the new-ness of the old-but-new, and really does help some of the bigger action shots.
Oh the paratext the paratext
And, I have to say, I love the frames in this issue. They work with the action, they work with time-scale, the flashback ones are excellent, from right angles to rounded ones, jagged edges for particularly incisive moments, and they don't always follow the grid.
Thoughts Spoilerish ahead
I enjoyed it! There were some issues with it, and it still feels a little rushed, trying to tie up all loose ends, but I think it's setting up the coming story-arcs nicely. My biggest problem with it was how quickly the Grimlock-Scorponok diatribe is resolved. Also, some of the various “twists” in the story were not exactly mind-blowing, but did the trick. And come on Hot Rod, do something.
Or next month, we're flexible
But all in all, a good issue. Nice artwork and paratextual stuff, excellent colours, the story runs well and we get some really juicy hints at what might happen next. We're halfway there, and Furman has made it clear more than once that this is it, so buckle up, and wait for next month's cataclism. It looks to be a big 'un.
(Spoiler free, just ask mind-controlled Perceptor)
The Transformers: Regeneration One is nearing its half-point in its twenty issue tenure. Much has happened in the previous issues, unfortunately to the chagrin of the Autobots. Always outgunned and out-manned, the odds are against them as Scorponok's Gene Key has made its way throughout the majority of their forces. RGO #89 is not the most face paced issue of the series, however it helps connect the dots and raise the bar for issues to come. While a handful of characters make their appearances in one page snippets, the issue mainly focuses on Grimlock and Hot Rod.
Grimlock has been a rather overused character in recent months ever since the release of Transformers: Fall Of Cybertron. I appreciate that RGO has shed a different light on the character of Grimlock, as he is more independent and critical of his actions. This is much better rather than being the unintelligent, animalistic one-dimensional goof he has been in other Transformers Media. Sure, he may show signs of that behavior, but it isn't a gimmick. The same could be said about the other Dinobots, as they are not being used as a gimmick, rather I feel that they have a personality that is unique to themselves.
Looking at Hot Rod, he is a character, regardless of whatever Transformers series it is, that I love to follow. All of the action seems to surround him, and that does not differ in RGO #89. This issue he faces a choice between two relics from Cybertron's past. The way that this scene is done artistically, and dialogue wise is a very nice touch and probably the highlight of this issue for me.
In other character camps, we have appearances by Optimus Prime and Shockwave as well as Ultra Magnus and his crew. Scorponok's plans and the events that occure in #89 are setting up the upcoming issues for some intense action.
Transformers: Regeneration One #89 is available today, and if you are a fan of the series, there is no doubt that you will be happy with this issue.
The month of February brings an end to the latest IDW four issue Transformers series, Rage of the Dinobots. For those who have been enjoyed the 'of Cybertron' video games series, is a fan of the Transformers Prime universe, or likes the Dinobots in general, then Rage has been decent series. While not exactly at the same echelon as MTMTE or RID, Rage extrapolates the story left behind in Fall of Cybertron, although the series itself has been reminiscent of Movieverse comics.
Enter Shockwave. The Decepticon mastermind has been silent in the past three issues, with his goons doing most of the work to Ultra Magnus and the Dinobots. His characterization is much like the one in FoC, cold, calculated and always having a backup plan up his sleeve.
It is a shame that there has yet to be a signal of the Prime cartoon adding more Autobot characters to their roster, as Grimlock, the Dinobots, or even Ultra Magnus would add an even greater dynamic to the show.
I think one of the bright points of the entire series is the unmasking of Grimlock. Just a really nice touch by the artists.
Overall, Rage of the Dinobots has been a generic series that provides a link between the events of Fall of Cybertron, and to our current cartoon. I think from first glance it is easy to tell whether or not this is your cup of tea - the paperback will be released in May.
As worn out as the first arc of REGENERATION made me in trying to review, analyze, and decode; I found Issue #88 a pleasant, fun story (and it’s lead issue 87) to return to.
As I dig into Grimlock making a cliché ‘deal with the devil’ to receive a new body and get his fellow Dinobots restored to full health as well, I can’t help but think about all the previous versions of Grimlock there are in the fiction, and what kind of a metamorphosis he underwent throughout Simon Furman’s work with him. Back on topic- Grimlock’s deal.
This deal my friends is what steers the course for Scorponok’s adventure to Cybertron. Like the classic Transformers tales of nearly 30 years ago, whether it be in comic or cartoon form, this issue oozes magnificent world domination scheming reminiscent of cartoon Megatron, and one trick devices that look to turn the tide for one side or another along the lines of ‘THE HATE PLAGUE’, ‘THE ULTIMATE DOOM’ or ‘MEGATRON’s MASTER PLAN’.
The best thing is, for me, that was part of the excellence of Transformers from my youth, the unbelievable plans, the crazy inventions and devices that just happen to come into being with each new story or episode. The gullible-ness (innocence?) of many of the characters to be misled.
This issue takes me back as fan-favorite Scorponok sans his former headmaster partner Zarak, looks to take back Cybertron for the Decepticons. He plans to do this by making all the inhabitants into Decepticons using a gene key that will unlock the ‘warrior gene’ in all the Autobots, basically taking away their inhibitions, and morals -- for all purposes making them Decepticons as well. The device is first used on a small scale so that Scorponok and his partners can set up the large planet-sized key that will do the work a lot more quickly.
Grimlock, meanwhile, is back on Cybertron as well, aiding Scorponok as little as possible, but not trying to put a stop to his efforts either. Grimlock’s mind is trapped on his fellow Dinobots, and the whole Nucleon experience that he put them through.
And there are plenty of side plots to help keep all the characters moving somehow: like Hot Rod’s search for the Primus chamber; Optimus cleanup on Earth; Starscream, Shockwave, and Galvatron re-united; and Soundwave’s scheme with Bludgeon, all of which could be linked to Scorponok’s current bid for dominance of Cybertron, and possibly... the universe!
It’s nice to feel this way again. I mourn the loss of Springer before he really even got started in this NEW (old) series, but find myself now that we are past that whole big, huge Optimus versus Megatron event, able to enjoy REGEN again.
Site sponsor Kapow! Toys has graciously supplied us with a video review of the highly anticipated Transformers Generations: Fall of Cybertron Voyager Class Grimlock! Enjoy the review performed by our Seibertron.com member Transformermegazord embedded below.
Scorponok. Scorponok and his plans for Cybertron. Or is it Soundwave’s plans for Thunderwing’s remains? How about the AFTERMATH of the EPIC battle for Earth?
“One shall stand, one shall fall!” (not used in the last issue surprisingly...)
Last issue Optimus did it, he killed Megatron. Spoiler alert by the way. It’s really not one though, he’s done it before, and chances are he’ll end up having to do it again somehow. So how do you come back next issue and beat that?
In this issue, Optimus is dealing with his short-sighted 21 year error (a blink to Transformers, right?) and it’s effect on Earth. He and the Transformers are being told to get out. No ‘thank you’s, no ‘see you later-thanks for the freedom’, just ‘we want you gone’. Can you blame the humans for having this attitude? The Autobots have been very irresponsible, and even though they cleaned up their mistake with heavy casualties of their own, counting Springer and Ratchet amongst their dead, and deactivated; the humans do not once again count them as friends or allies. The humans want no help, they simply want to be left alone to start again. I’m so cool with that story element from the book. Less humans and Earth the better in my Transformers fiction.
“It’s a shame you Autobots die so easily, or I might get some satisfaction out of this...”
Another piece of the story in this book has Grimlock dealing with his nucleon birthed guilt. Of course, he has some help in this as Scorponok explores the halls of Grimlock’s mind, inducing more guilt, and ultimately, getting Grimlock to help him in his current plans for Cybertron. I’m good with this part as well. Dinobots are excellent characters to exploit, I mean use.
“Me Grimlock kick butt....”
Meanwhile at the Hall of Silence, the justice league of Autobots has been dealing with Soundwave trying to get Thunderwing’s remains out from the sacred, impenitrable hall, and Hot Rod has to make a command decision to stop him, which Soundwave is counting on... I’m not yet interested in this ‘stuff’. Not at all. Well, maybe slightly.
"Insert Harry Potter line here"
This issue is enjoyable. It’s sad when a favorite character dies, be it Megatron, or Springer, or any of the Decepticon zombies. But, I don’t feel either/any death in this series has a huge impact. The story has been slow building, and 5 issues in we lose two major characters? It’s like, “See you later Megatron, Springer, we barely knew ya’.”
Which is oddly reflected in the Autobots burial and subsequent destruction of the ‘zombies’. This part had me scratching my head. No real emotion shown as they dump piles of bots in a hole to then be vaporized. Really? I had to assume none of the Autobot dead were put in the pit (although Monstercons are mentioned as being a part of the Decepticon hordes, oops), so I’m not sure that they would feel much towards bots they already thought were dead--and they were enemies nonetheless, I suppose--it just felt oddly handled. Situations like this are rarely perfect, so I guess I can give it a pass. In either case, I really feel like the lack of emotion by everyone else, is foiled by Optimus over-emotional reaction to EVERYTHING going back to last issue where he beat Megatron to death. And it’s a comparison that is not needed. Autobots in general are supposed to feel, care, etc. They should all be super-depressed (or at least somewhat) after what they have seen and experienced. I guess they are, but just not remorseful toward the Decepticons, which is causing my uncomfortable itch, I suppose.
“I thought you were made of sterner stuff...”
Okay, over-analyzing aside, if you’ve been reading the issues you’ll grab this and not bat an optic, read it, consume it, and wait until a few issues down the line where Springer and Megatron, and others will be brought back to life (death is never final in comics...except in GI JOE, right?). Fine, this time they are dead, and Prime may have a nervous breakdown, and Thunderwing’s remains may or may not be vaporized too, which means no more creation matrix pieces... I guess. Hot Rod will lead and somehow become Rodimus and Unicron will return even though he was destroyed and eat Cybertron as Scorponok tries to stop him for the second time, because he has his own dastardly plans for Cybertron.
A word on the art. I think it’s getting better.
“Me Grimlock need new strategy...”
Me read book, and forget next day... Time to play with my toys. Enjoy next issue that comes out, when comes out. You could do worse. But could you do better? I am sure as REGEN goes, I probably can't.
I am a fan of Transformers fiction and toys. Seibertron.com generously allows me to continue to try to share ideas and opinions about this fiction, even though I have no other qualifications. I’m full of inconsistencies, and overlapping ideas and opinions. Please excuse my grammar and thought errors as this is done on my ‘free’ time to create conversation amongst collectors and readers. -tt24
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