IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review

Wednesday, December 14th, 2016 2:31AM CST

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Posted by: Kurona Views: 66,331

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The Old Man's Back Again

Somewhat-spoilery review for Lost Light #1. A little spoilery. Spoiler-ish.

Synopsis

Five years ago, Rodimus and a collection of traumatised, lovelorn and/or sarcastic Autobots set off on a quest to find Cyberutopia. So far, they've made a right hash of it. They've misplaced their map. They've lost their ship, the Lost Light, to a mutinous escapologist. Oh, and they're dead.

Story

Well guys, it's been a painful few months with only Fort Max's Titans Return cross-sell and the Scavengers' little mini-issue to tide us over, but finally we're back! Rodimus, Megatron, Ultra Magnus, Ratchet, Drift, Nautica, some dead bodies, a legislator and a whole slew of new and returning characters! The main story! A bunch of lonely losers gallivanting around the galaxy who barely ever transform or fight but we still love for some reason!

Yes, we're finally back to the main focus after that nail-biting cliffhanger at the end of #55 from... Primus above, July. It has been a long time. As more and more details about its continuation came out with each one decidedly confusing us - why the re-branding? They're dead? Why did Rodimus get replaced with his Shattered Glass toy? Who's this new 'Anode' character, why are they partnered with Hosehead's Headmaster and what gender are they? - we finally get all the answers.
Well, most of them.
We know Anode's a girl, at least.

Talking of Anode, she takes up quite a bit of the issue; stepping into the newcomer-for-the-benefit-of-the-reader's-experience role. She's fun, obviously has a lot to her than she's letting on, and is delightfully quirky with a number of one-liners to drop here and there. Her partner, Lug - who, as noted, some might remember as being Hosehead's headmaster in the original G1 toyline and Marvel comics but bears no such role here - plays the straight man were they a comedy duo, but don't fret, they're not simply comic relief. That's as much as I'll say about them though; you'll have to read the issue for the rest. I'm such a tease. But make no mistake, after just a single issue, I'm in love with them.

That's quite a lot about Anode and her not-Headmaster companion, but there's no need to worry - the old Lost Light crew most certainly wrestle the spotlight from them soon enough.
And in a series built around them, it shouldn't surprise you to know that there's a lot of great character moments this issue. The whole gang gets their time to shine with laughs and berating and mourning their companions, but the ones who stands out in particular are Megatron and new addition Terminus; their long-standing intrigue taking center stage. In simply a few panels you really get the feeling this is going to be one of the most interesting dynamics of the book, but all the fuss over the newcomers does not come without an important homage to those lost.

The whole gauntlet of emotional expression is represented excellently partly through aid of a beautiful, elegant flow - one never feels as if one scene stops too soon or goes on longer than it should; nor does one feel the transitions are too jarring. The pacing is just as on-point as it's always been.

This issue is largely a breather and recollection of what happened before we get going again. A pit stop, if you will - but with some new faces among your usual crew of mechanics. As expected, this is very character-driven - not a whole lot moves forward in terms of plot, aside from some very spoilery stuff at the end. And I'll remind you this isn't a very spoilery review, just spoiler-ish.

Art

If you've been following Lost Light news for the past few months, you might have heard tell of the new art duties - Alex Milne is still aboard, but his duties in the art department are now shared with newcomer Jack Lawrence. And it's this issue he makes his debut; both with the comic itself and with the main cover. How does he do?

Well, a better job than Drift. In all seriousness, he's a perfect fit. He manages to bring his own unique flare and style to the issue, yet at the same time it still has that... special feel MTMTE did. That sort of balance between simplicity and complexity that allows for fantastic variety and emotional expression; that balance that allows us to believe these are still giant space robots who turn into cars yet are fluid and human in their motions and activity. There's also one scene in particular that's... rather breathtaking, but it's also very spoilery. And since this is once again, just a spoiler-ish review, I'll simply say the page after Drift & Anode

Final Thoughts

If there's one particularly good way to sum this issue up... it's by calling it MTMTE #58. Or #59 if you count the Scavengers' little Revolution adventure. It's the perfect continuation of MTMTE and has everything you could want in there with nothing feeling off or awkward or like someone's lost their touch; with only a new art direction perhaps being a tad distracting (though in a delightfully good way; Lawrence expertly captures the simplicity yet complexity of both design and character)... but that wonderful positive is also the issue's biggest negative - and it's something pretty important that needs to be addressed.

It's not called MTMTE #58/#59. It's called Lost Light #1.

Remember this?

This is seemingly through no fault of any of the creative team; as best as I can tell it's a re-branding mandate from someone up high. But no matter the reasons why, the fact is this is an Issue #1 and hence has a responsibility to be a decent jumping-on point for new readers. And were I a new reader? I would be extremely confused. Putting a lot of the issue behind a newcomer's eyes (Anode) helps a lot, but you still feel really lost. Magnus' short explanation of the prior events is hardly enough.

And clearly the Lost Light team felt the same way because there's a massive 5-page summary of the entire MTMTE series after the main comic story. Yeah, this isn't something I mentioned in the review, but it's there and it's huge and it REALLY gives off a vibe of "we didn't want to be an issue #1 but this is here if this is your first issue". For a returning reader this is a good refresher of what happened and helps you catch up in case you forgot anything - though with one notable error; the main villain of Dark Cybertron was apparently D-void, who knew? - but for a new reader I get the feeling it'd be an overwhelming turn-off.

However... this is my only big criticism of the book. It's still the comic, story and characters we know and love (with a few new wonderful additions). It's still arguably the best Transformers comic to have ever been. It's still MTMTE. But because of that last bit, it's not something new readers should start with.

Basically? If you want to continue MTMTE, read this comic; it's wonderful and still the same comic you know and love. If you're a new reader? ... start with MTMTE #1. Then MTMTE #2. Then the rest of the series. If you start here, it's going to be just a little confusing and overwhelming.

Final Score:

1/2 out of

Credit(s): IDW, Kurona

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Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847132)
Posted by Big Grim on December 14th, 2016 @ 3:02am CST

Lug's face there as he pinches the bridge of his nose is perfect!

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847133)
Posted by Kurona on December 14th, 2016 @ 3:13am CST

Big Grim wrote:Lug's face there as he pinches the bridge of his nose is perfect!

Lug is a wonderful character. I didn't talk about him much because there's a lot more focus on Anode with Lug basically being her sidekick, but he's great for her to play off of. I can't believe IDW made me love Hosehead's headmaster.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847138)
Posted by Randomhero on December 14th, 2016 @ 5:37am CST

Wasn't a bad issue at all the only thing I'd say I felt disappointed with was the reveal of what happened in remain in Light. That was a hell of an ending and the reveal of what the Geo Bomb did felt like it took away that climactic ending.

that being said I wasn't expecting anyone to die in the slightest but what happened made say "oh well alright then.

wasnt expecting them to wind up in the functioning universe. Can't say I'm looking forward it them returning but it may finally reveal what Rung is or give us some huge clues. Fells that reveal should be with Prime Rung however.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847163)
Posted by RNSrobot on December 14th, 2016 @ 9:16am CST

Anode sucks.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847167)
Posted by Randomhero on December 14th, 2016 @ 9:46am CST

I love the subtle jab at the fandom with what anode found on Alina 2

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847172)
Posted by Big Grim on December 14th, 2016 @ 10:40am CST

Randomhero wrote:I love the subtle jab at the fandom with what anode found on Alina 2

You mean the special snowflake?

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847174)
Posted by Randomhero on December 14th, 2016 @ 11:08am CST

Big Grim wrote:
Randomhero wrote:I love the subtle jab at the fandom with what anode found on Alina 2

You mean the special snowflake?

That was hilarious

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847203)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 14th, 2016 @ 3:35pm CST

I'm not going to lie: I felt slightly underwhelmed by the read. I really did, which is sad to me.

I find it hard to describe how to say it underwhelmed me though. It just felt... boring. It may have been the underwhelming ending to the Geobomb threat at this moment, or the art didn't feel like previous works and didn't feel... good to me, or that the functionist universe is now back in play.

I did like Drift's vision, along with Rung's part with Skids, but the whole felt lesser somehow.

I think Lawrence does a good job with art, but it didn't feel appropriate so to speak for most of the book. I didn't like it for the story it is set. It may be I'm adjusting to a new artist, but I didn't like it that much.

The geobomb was another big letdown. Literally the big climax ending of MTMTE was the bomb, yet it fizzles out with only a shudder. That.. kinda made me upset.

I also didn't expect the functionist universe again, but I don't like it. I can't explain why, but it feels wrong them ending up there. It's just... off.

I'm sorry to those who love it and how this is #1 and is selling good apparently, but it didn't feel up to par to me. Personally, :SG-CONS:

1/2 out of :SG-CONS:

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847214)
Posted by MrBlack on December 14th, 2016 @ 4:56pm CST

I find it interesting that most of the crew is sporting a grey Autobrand to honor Skids except for Tailgate, Brainstorm, and Megatron. I can see Brainstorm and Megatron not doing it because it smacks of sentiment and spirituality, but Tailgate?

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847216)
Posted by Kurona on December 14th, 2016 @ 5:02pm CST

MrBlack wrote:I find it interesting that most of the crew is sporting a grey Autobrand to honor Skids except for Tailgate, Brainstorm, and Megatron. I can see Brainstorm and Megatron not doing it because it smacks of sentiment and spirituality, but Tailgate?

Oddly enough, Tailgate's sporting a consistently black Autobot symbol like most others during the beginning of the issue,

But after his rest it's consistently red. Maybe it's a side effect of him resting but I'm more tempted to say error.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847222)
Posted by ScottyP on December 14th, 2016 @ 6:51pm CST

Randomhero wrote:Wasn't a bad issue at all the only thing I'd say I felt disappointed with was the reveal of what happened in remain in Light. That was a hell of an ending and the reveal of what the Geo Bomb did felt like it took away that climactic ending.

I still think that it wasn't a Geobomb, and that it was something else. The kind of something else that caused their transport into the Functionist Universe. The coordinates for Cybertron were right, they just won't ever get to the one they were expecting because they've been 'sploded through the fabric of spacetime.

On an unrelated note, that splash page with Pharma facing down Grimlock, Rodimus, and Drift, coupled with the "Prepare, Confront, Repel" message scratched into something. Holy crap. I can't wait for more.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847227)
Posted by Randomhero on December 14th, 2016 @ 7:31pm CST

ScottyP wrote:
Randomhero wrote:Wasn't a bad issue at all the only thing I'd say I felt disappointed with was the reveal of what happened in remain in Light. That was a hell of an ending and the reveal of what the Geo Bomb did felt like it took away that climactic ending.
I still think that it wasn't a Geobomb, and that it was something else. The kind of something else that caused their transport into the Functionist Universe. The coordinates for Cybertron were right, they just won't ever get to the one they were expecting because they've been 'sploded through the fabric of spacetime.

On an unrelated note, that splash page with Pharma facing down Grimlock, Rodimus, and Drift, coupled with the "Prepare, Confront, Repel" message scratched into something. Holy crap. I can't wait for more.

Except that we saw the Geo bomb in the final issue of Remain in light and Nightbeat also recognized it. I was more or less expecting it to go off, Branstorm does what he does and transports nighbeat and Rung back and the Necroworld would end up looking not unlike Junkion. It's now just a chunk of the planet.

Or that the Geobmb went off and the nercoworld is hollow and so big that its explosion wouldn't have caused much damage to begin with. While it's never been stated, Crybertron from the past version(except the cartoon) is the size of Saturn so this world being a mold would make it huge. With the geo bomb going off inside with nothing to grab on to, it wouldn't cause much damage. Be like an underwater explosion of a missed going off in the sky.

If what we saw wasn't the geobomb which 100% believe it's was, than that mean atheist Council is still up in orbit and will launch it. Wouldn't matter if everyone left the planet but half main cast is still on that planet.

It is an experimental technology so maybe it did fizzle which IMO Is "meh" to a good cliffhanger.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847228)
Posted by Bounti76 on December 14th, 2016 @ 7:33pm CST

I suspect I'm not the only one, but I found Anode completely and thoroughly annoying. Almost every line she spoke was a "witty" quip of some sort that only served to make me hate her more with every panel she appeared in. I was glad when Swerve told her off and she seemed to feel some tiny bit of remorse. It was the only thing in the issue she did that gave her any sort of depth.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847229)
Posted by Randomhero on December 14th, 2016 @ 7:33pm CST

Kurona wrote:
MrBlack wrote:I find it interesting that most of the crew is sporting a grey Autobrand to honor Skids except for Tailgate, Brainstorm, and Megatron. I can see Brainstorm and Megatron not doing it because it smacks of sentiment and spirituality, but Tailgate?

Oddly enough, Tailgate's sporting a consistently black Autobot symbol like most others during the beginning of the issue,

But after his rest it's consistently red. Maybe it's a side effect of him resting but I'm more tempted to say error.

Or tailgate is just a 4 year old ignorant kid more into his own super power hype than mourning. He has become extremely vain after all.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847232)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 14th, 2016 @ 7:59pm CST

Wild theory: what if the geobomb did go off and the planet did seemingly die to those in the regular universe, but in reality it just transported the planet to another dimension?

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847233)
Posted by ScottyP on December 14th, 2016 @ 8:02pm CST

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Wild theory: what if the geobomb did go off and the planet did seemingly die to those in the regular universe, but in reality it just transported the planet to another dimension?

That's uh, kinda what my post on the last page said. Or at least what I was trying to say :???:

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847234)
Posted by Randomhero on December 14th, 2016 @ 8:14pm CST

Bounti76 wrote:I suspect I'm not the only one, but I found Anode completely and thoroughly annoying. Almost every line she spoke was a "witty" quip of some sort that only served to make me hate her more with every panel she appeared in. I was glad when Swerve told her off and she seemed to feel some tiny bit of remorse. It was the only thing in the issue she did that gave her any sort of depth.

Shes no different than Swerve or Brainstorm or Nightbeat.

what is Swerve doing in that very scene? hes trolling her, something weve seen him do many times to new members.

personally shes no different than any other character Roberts creates.

the only scene with her i didnt like is the opening scene with the revelation of the bracelets they sold. her saying "yes the teleportation bracelets...ah" we seen that joke numerous times in MTMTE and its just Roberts writing the same jokes over and over and over and over and im like "okay stop writing everyone the same.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847235)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 14th, 2016 @ 8:18pm CST

ScottyP wrote:
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Wild theory: what if the geobomb did go off and the planet did seemingly die to those in the regular universe, but in reality it just transported the planet to another dimension?
That's uh, kinda what my post on the last page said. Or at least what I was trying to say

...I went back. for some reason, after my post, I didn't get an email notification of another post until the one at the very bottom of the last page, so I missed 5 posts in there. weird

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847236)
Posted by Kurona on December 14th, 2016 @ 8:19pm CST

It could be any number of things, really. IIRC Dying of the Light didn't explicitly say the Galactic Council did have a Geobomb - only that some of the characters had heard they did, and that Nightbeat and Rung recognized the object they ran into as a Geobomb.
Doesn't mean it IS a Geobomb. Whatever it actually is may have in fact functioned as it was supposed to.
And, of course, little wonder characters would have heard rumours of the council owning a Geobomb if what they actually did own looked exactly like a Geobomb.

Bit confused that everyone's calling it an anticlimax with no payoff as if the object being a Geobomb was the only possibility and as if a Geobomb fizzling out is indeed what happened. Might have been what happened, but we really don't know yet.

I personally loved Anode. I suppose there's an argument to be made that she's too quirky and one-linery, but hey; Swerve started off just like that and he's wonderful. And there's already some pretty interesting set-up with her and Velocity, as well as her (apparently) doing something to Drift... I find her intriguing already.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847241)
Posted by Randomhero on December 14th, 2016 @ 9:13pm CST

Kurona wrote:It could be any number of things, really. IIRC Dying of the Light didn't explicitly say the Galactic Council did have a Geobomb - only that some of the characters had heard they did, and that Nightbeat and Rung recognized the object they ran into as a Geobomb.
Doesn't mean it IS a Geobomb. Whatever it actually is may have in fact functioned as it was supposed to.
And, of course, little wonder characters would have heard rumours of the council owning a Geobomb if what they actually did own looked exactly like a Geobomb.

Bit confused that everyone's calling it an anticlimax with no payoff as if the object being a Geobomb was the only possibility and as if a Geobomb fizzling out is indeed what happened. Might have been what happened, but we really don't know yet.

I personally loved Anode. I suppose there's an argument to be made that she's too quirky and one-linery, but hey; Swerve started off just like that and he's wonderful. And there's already some pretty interesting set-up with her and Velocity, as well as her (apparently) doing something to Drift... I find her intriguing already.

Roberts confirmed it was a geobomb in a interview he did in September.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847244)
Posted by RevTibe on December 14th, 2016 @ 9:25pm CST

Now, call me crazy (DO IT), but has anyone noticed how, after prominently not quite reaching Anode's hand for the time-jump, no cast member besides Anode directly interacts with Lug? He makes plenty of comments, but every other character just seems to react to/look at Anode. Are we going to discover that Bruce Willis is a ghost, again?

Randomhero wrote:Roberts confirmed it was a geobomb in a interview he did in September.

Hasn't he twisted the truth before, when answering a question to which "I won't answer that one right now!" would be too telling? (Didn't he say Getaway knew the DJD would be on the Necroworld, when it's later revealed he didn't?)

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847245)
Posted by Randomhero on December 14th, 2016 @ 9:30pm CST

RevTibe wrote:Now, call me crazy (DO IT), but has anyone noticed how, after prominently not quite reaching Anode's hand for the time-jump, no cast member besides Anode directly interacts with Lug? He makes plenty of comments, but every other character just seems to react to/look at Anode. Are we going to discover that Bruce Willis is a ghost, again?
Randomhero wrote:Roberts confirmed it was a geobomb in a interview he did in September.
Hasn't he twisted the truth before, when answering a question to which "I won't answer that one right now!" would be too telling? (Didn't he say Getaway knew the DJD would be on the Necroworld, when it's later revealed he didn't?)

No he never did, he left it open to interpretation till it was revealed getaway had nothing to do with the DJD. When're asked he wouldn't answer or say keep reading. Roberts hasn't ever lied to throw people off.

There's a different between skirting around the truth, offering clues and red herrings and full blown lying. You can't lie to your readers because it damages not only your reputation but also the company's.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847264)
Posted by KorsO on December 15th, 2016 @ 12:25am CST

Hello all.

1st post for a follower since 2005.

Just got a copy of my TF: Lost Light #1

It was a Nice issue. Was smiling n building giggling along as more pages was read.

Everything about it was awesome. Except for one. Art was just good. But that's the thing, it was just Good but Not awesome

...
Dont get me wrong, its gorgeous. But i think a book that is picking up from the caliber of MTMTE S1 & S2 needs, *edit* DESERVES, to be equally Awesome in terms of its art/visual storytelling.

I just did not get the epic vibe and feel as i did with Death of Op, MTMTE #01 and MTMTE Dawn of the Autobots (the issue immediately after the Dark Cybertron Finale. Just PURE Epicness worthy of Jame's script.)

Jack's style for this issue is just too cartoony and it kinda made me struggle abit to keep my excitement level up in my second read .. :/

Via his deviantart page under the name Jackedemus, i know Jack is quite capable of more detailed style of his current approach. I really do hope the minimal cartoony look is not the final style Jack is sticking to for his whole run. *I know wishful thinking.

Sad to say, the art did cost me the excitement and anticipation of the Functionist paralel universe reveal. Don't get me wrong, i was stoked, but not God Damn WOWW stoked like what Milne did.

Sorry, i guess I'm a visually driven person when it comes to TF's.
James work deserves a Epic art to go with it. E.g., Like Olivier Coipel's run for Marvel's SIEGE, or David Marquez for Marvel's Civil War 2, etc.. & of course, Milne's.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847280)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on December 15th, 2016 @ 2:32am CST

Just to be clear, "Lost Light" #1 is a direct continuation of MTMTE #55 and the issues of "Titans Return" have nothing to do with what's going on? So if I never read "Titans Return" and pick up "Lost Light" I won't miss anything?

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847283)
Posted by Bounti76 on December 15th, 2016 @ 4:44am CST

Rodimus Prime wrote:Just to be clear, "Lost Light" #1 is a direct continuation of MTMTE #55 and the issues of "Titans Return" have nothing to do with what's going on? So if I never read "Titans Return" and pick up "Lost Light" I won't miss anything?

Exactly right. MTMTE #s 56 and 57 have NOTHING to do with the main storyline. The only way it connects with the book is by the inclusion of former regular cast members Fortress Maximus and Red Alert in the story.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847293)
Posted by Randomhero on December 15th, 2016 @ 6:33am CST

Bounti76 wrote:
Rodimus Prime wrote:Just to be clear, "Lost Light" #1 is a direct continuation of MTMTE #55 and the issues of "Titans Return" have nothing to do with what's going on? So if I never read "Titans Return" and pick up "Lost Light" I won't miss anything?

Exactly right. MTMTE #s 56 and 57 have NOTHING to do with the main storyline. The only way it connects with the book is by the inclusion of former regular cast members Fortress Maximus and Red Alert in the story.

I disagree. I say 56 and 57 are extremely important because it's James roberts and you never know when something he writes will come back into play. Those issues might just be as important to the whole of MTMTE as the few issues of the scavengers in the series. While the scavengers haven't interacted with the crew, that big splash page of drifts vision is full of stuff we've seen in the scavengers stories so I would say no, do not skip those issues.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847305)
Posted by Randomhero on December 15th, 2016 @ 9:18am CST

The thing that really peaked my interest is that Megatron is about to see a world where didn't exist and that Functionalism took complete control. The entire reason for the war was him trying to stop it. This story could be a turning point for him to say "yes what I did was terrible but look what happened when I wasn't around. Look what we've become" I'm not saying he'll throw off that badge and put the old one on but it may show that in his own perspective he wasn't entirely wrong.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847308)
Posted by Big Grim on December 15th, 2016 @ 9:23am CST

Randomhero wrote:This story could be a turning point for him to say "yes what I did was terrible but look what happened when I wasn't around. Look what we've become" I'm not saying he'll throw off that badge and put the old one on but it may show that in his own perspective he wasn't entirely wrong.

Oof! That's a damned good point!

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847314)
Posted by Kurona on December 15th, 2016 @ 10:44am CST

Rodimus Prime wrote:Just to be clear, "Lost Light" #1 is a direct continuation of MTMTE #55 and the issues of "Titans Return" have nothing to do with what's going on? So if I never read "Titans Return" and pick up "Lost Light" I won't miss anything?

Teeeeeechnically. Titans Return doesn't follow the main cast at all but arguably could provide set-up or have important details for future comics. In the same vein, we've had issues that focused only on the Scavengers and DJD which were important to read to understand future issues just as any other; simply because an issue doesn't focus on the main crew doesn't mean you can easily skip it.

Still, it's not needed to read Lost Light #1. Just saying it could be important later, especially due to a certain cast addition...

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847316)
Posted by MrBlack on December 15th, 2016 @ 11:15am CST

I wonder...

Cyclonus getting beaten up, we can assume by Fangry and/or Rapidfire, doesn't really add up, given his own fighting prowess. Something else is obviously going on, and he obviously doesn't want Tailgate to jump to the obvious conclusion.

We saw that Cyclonus wasn't pleased with Tailgate's showboating, particularly because so many had died in the battle. Cyclonus is unaligned, after all, and he values Decepticon lives as highly as Autobot ones (however high or low that may be). He knows Decepticons present are unhappy with the situation they are in, and as the bot in charge, he knows he has to do something about it.

I wonder if he let the Decepticons beat him up in order to allow them to work off some steam. He's trying to keep the peace between the disparate factions present so things don't erupt into an all out fight. Tailgate running off to attack Fangry threatens to throw a wrench into that, which is why Cyclonus is so concerned about what Tailgate is doing.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847319)
Posted by Randomhero on December 15th, 2016 @ 11:23am CST

MrBlack wrote:I wonder...

Cyclonus getting beaten up, we can assume by Fangry and/or Rapidfire, doesn't really add up, given his own fighting prowess. Something else is obviously going on, and he obviously doesn't want Tailgate to jump to the obvious conclusion.

We saw that Cyclonus wasn't pleased with Tailgate's showboating, particularly because so many had died in the battle. Cyclonus is unaligned, after all, and he values Decepticon lives as highly as Autobot ones (however high or low that may be). He knows Decepticons present are unhappy with the situation they are in, and as the bot in charge, he knows he has to do something about it.

I wonder if he let the Decepticons beat him up in order to allow them to work off some steam. He's trying to keep the peace between the disparate factions present so things don't erupt into an all out fight. Tailgate running off to attack Fangry threatens to throw a wrench into that, which is why Cyclonus is so concerned about what Tailgate is doing.

Yeah but Cyclonus isn't the kinda guy to let himself get beaten up by thugs for the sake of letting them vent. He lives by honor and was a dude who made vow to murder a guy for just picking a fight with him.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847322)
Posted by MrBlack on December 15th, 2016 @ 11:48am CST

Randomhero wrote:
MrBlack wrote:I wonder...

Cyclonus getting beaten up, we can assume by Fangry and/or Rapidfire, doesn't really add up, given his own fighting prowess. Something else is obviously going on, and he obviously doesn't want Tailgate to jump to the obvious conclusion.

We saw that Cyclonus wasn't pleased with Tailgate's showboating, particularly because so many had died in the battle. Cyclonus is unaligned, after all, and he values Decepticon lives as highly as Autobot ones (however high or low that may be). He knows Decepticons present are unhappy with the situation they are in, and as the bot in charge, he knows he has to do something about it.

I wonder if he let the Decepticons beat him up in order to allow them to work off some steam. He's trying to keep the peace between the disparate factions present so things don't erupt into an all out fight. Tailgate running off to attack Fangry threatens to throw a wrench into that, which is why Cyclonus is so concerned about what Tailgate is doing.

Yeah but Cyclonus isn't the kinda guy to let himself get beaten up by thugs for the sake of letting them vent. He lives by honor and was a dude who made vow to murder a guy for just picking a fight with him.

I could see him doing it if he felt it was a way for them to honor their fallen (thus tying into his own honor as a warrior). He would be willing to offer himself because he has been put in charge, and because he's the toughest around and can take a simple beating.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847323)
Posted by ScottyP on December 15th, 2016 @ 11:51am CST

Rodimus Prime wrote:Just to be clear, "Lost Light" #1 is a direct continuation of MTMTE #55 and the issues of "Titans Return" have nothing to do with what's going on? So if I never read "Titans Return" and pick up "Lost Light" I won't miss anything?

In my opinion, TR must be read by anyone trying to follow TF comics. It's not all throwaway. There's even a revelation about a MTMTE character in TF 56 or 57. Plus the MTMTE issues are set on Luna 1, which is always something that comes back around.

Red Alert paranoia in the good way? Check. Pacific Rim Fort Max? Check. Sentinel Prime being a complete dick? Check. Plot advancement for both (and now all three) ongoings? Check.

All that and Prowl doing the dishes at the end. Read em and have fun.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847359)
Posted by unexistance on December 15th, 2016 @ 5:16pm CST

Since I love the functionist universe, I don't have to say more

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1847696)
Posted by Kurona on December 18th, 2016 @ 6:56am CST

Turns out that this week on Comixology in North America; Lost Light #1 was the highest-selling non-DC non-Marvel comic! Hell yeah!

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1848925)
Posted by Ironhidensh on December 26th, 2016 @ 7:31pm CST

Rodimus Prime wrote:Just to be clear, "Lost Light" #1 is a direct continuation of MTMTE #55 and the issues of "Titans Return" have nothing to do with what's going on? So if I never read "Titans Return" and pick up "Lost Light" I won't miss anything?

TR in MTMTE was nothing more than a cheap 2 issue toy commercial for the sentinel Prime figure.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1848926)
Posted by Kurona on December 26th, 2016 @ 7:38pm CST

Honestly, it was the best of the IDW crossovers so far. That's admittedly not saying a lot when Dark Cybertron was a boring slog, Combiner Wars was really boring and Revolution was almost Machinima Combiner Wars bad; but I found there was quite a bit to enjoy in Titans Return and it was quite a nice read. And of course it's pretty much necessary to read for when we eventually go back to Luna 1.

Certainly not some of the best of MTMTE - arguably it's near the bottom - but nothing terrible.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1849975)
Posted by Va'al on January 1st, 2017 @ 11:35am CST

Let's start the new year with some contemplation and good art, with two new incentive covers for upcoming issues of IDW Publishing Transformers comics - the second, companion piece to the Optimus Prime one is the Lost Light #2 retailer incentive cover, also by Joana Lafuente, showing Rodimus in the same pose, new colours, and possibly the Necroworld mirroring Earth. Check it out below via Previews World!

Transformers: Lost Light #2
(W) James Roberts (A) Jack Lawrence (CA) Joana Lafuente
Rodimus and Co. find themselves in a dangerous place. Even more dangerous than on a planet that exploded from the inside. That's already pretty dangerous. But where they are now? Oh boy.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1850269)
Posted by snavej on January 3rd, 2017 @ 1:10pm CST

They're in Trump Tower! :twisted:

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1850635)
Posted by partholon on January 5th, 2017 @ 8:47am CST

is anyone else having a basted of a time finding this book ?

ive got two issues of Optimus Prime now but no lost light and seeing as in my locak comic store OP would be the FAR fewer seller im lost to figure out why.

even the online store i used to get it from doesnt have a listing for it.

is there a delay on the physical book i dont know about? (im in ireland for those intrested)

if this keeps up ill just have to go trade on it.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1850637)
Posted by Ironhidensh on January 5th, 2017 @ 8:59am CST

Buy a digital copy.

Boy, did Lost Light #1 ever suck me right back in. Ever since the time hopping arx, I've been wanting some more functionist story. Wish granted!

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1851224)
Posted by Va'al on January 8th, 2017 @ 9:12pm CST

partholon wrote:is there a delay on the physical book i dont know about? (im in ireland for those intrested)

if this keeps up ill just have to go trade on it.

Where in Ireland? The thing about this book is that it was heavily pre-ordered, so you may have to ask for a re-stock/re-order, or indeed get a digital copy as Ironhidensh suggests!

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1851608)
Posted by partholon on January 10th, 2017 @ 1:52pm CST

im in Dublin.

plenty of comic shops here and i havent seen it in any of em. i usually go to the forbinden planet where i can still pick up the revolution tie in if it wanted it but no sign of the new ongoing.

MTMTE wouldve been the biggest seller there of the 3 books so im at a loss as to how its not on the shelves as they'd deffo oversuscribe it.

TBH guess it means i just missed it so ill wait till the first arc is over and get the trade instead.

no way am i getting a digital copy. i like me comics "Real".

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1851613)
Posted by Ironhidensh on January 10th, 2017 @ 2:30pm CST

Just sayin', a couple more years and digital will be the only option you have. Embrace the future. >:oP

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1851643)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on January 10th, 2017 @ 4:36pm CST

I agree with paper comics, actual hard copies. The digital ones, I don't like reading. I always enjoy more and catch more when I have the comic in my hands and not on my screen

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1851655)
Posted by Va'al on January 10th, 2017 @ 5:11pm CST

partholon wrote:im in Dublin.

plenty of comic shops here and i havent seen it in any of em. i usually go to the forbinden planet where i can still pick up the revolution tie in if it wanted it but no sign of the new ongoing.

MTMTE wouldve been the biggest seller there of the 3 books so im at a loss as to how its not on the shelves as they'd deffo oversuscribe it.

TBH guess it means i just missed it so ill wait till the first arc is over and get the trade instead.

no way am i getting a digital copy. i like me comics "Real".

Ask Big Bang, they're probably the best retailer around there and have personal ties to Nick and a lot of other Irish artists/creators.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1851682)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on January 10th, 2017 @ 8:15pm CST

Va'al wrote:
partholon wrote:im in Dublin.

plenty of comic shops here and i havent seen it in any of em. i usually go to the forbinden planet where i can still pick up the revolution tie in if it wanted it but no sign of the new ongoing.

MTMTE wouldve been the biggest seller there of the 3 books so im at a loss as to how its not on the shelves as they'd deffo oversuscribe it.

TBH guess it means i just missed it so ill wait till the first arc is over and get the trade instead.

no way am i getting a digital copy. i like me comics "Real".

Ask Big Bang, they're probably the best retailer around there and have personal ties to Nick and a lot of other Irish artists/creators.

To go off this, check This out. The comic completely sold out

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1852449)
Posted by william-james88 on January 15th, 2017 @ 9:38am CST

Courtesy of the listing page on itunes we have been provided with a preview of IDW's Transformers Lost Light issue #2. Below is the description, followed by the preview - head back in a couple of weeks for more.

Rodimus and Co. find themselves in a dangerous place. Even more dangerous than on a planet that exploded from the inside. That’s already pretty dangerous. But where they are now? Oh boy.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1852467)
Posted by Bounti76 on January 15th, 2017 @ 12:56pm CST

The story seems good, but Lawrence's art is reminding me (unfavorably) of Corin Howell. Goofy, cartoony facial expressions, and though characters are distinctive, none seem imposing or threatening. Twelve of Twelve (?) reminds me of Professor Princess from Animated. Just not a good style for this book, I'm afraid.

Also, Lug is also a fembot? Cool.

Re: IDW Transformers: Lost Light #1 Review (1852471)
Posted by ricemazter on January 15th, 2017 @ 1:30pm CST

If non-living machines serve no purpose how can any Cybertronian have a redundant alt-mode? They exterminated the laser pointers, I assumed, because they had a mechanical replacement. Now we find out they don't have laser pointers at all anymore. So they don't have a way to call attention to large scale presentations?

Having finally read the first issue, I'm more confused than ever about the colonies and Cybertronian history. The colonies were lost, right? So what are a couple of Camiens doing hanging around decepticons? How did they get off world while their resources were running out? How were they able to get back to Cybertron at all when they were separated by a space-bridge?

Also, I hope Anode becomes more likeable. As of now she's kind of a very archetypal "Roberts" character.

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