IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016 8:04AM CDT

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Posted by: D-Maximal_Primal Views: 29,290

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Rage, Rage

Synopsis
MASSACRE! The battle between the DECEPTICON Justice Division and MEGATRON's AUTOBOTS reaches its nerve-shredding climax. Pray for your favorites—because not everyone makes it out of this issue alive.

Like I said: Rage, Rage

Disclaimer

To anyone who hopes to read this review and not have some spoilers, whether they be major or minor, I would highly suggest reading the comic before this review.

You have been warned. And for space for you to stop, have a battle scene featuring Nautica:

Spoiler Alert: Milne can draw a badass Nautica. And I bet you thought intellectuals couldn't look that awesome

Enough time to stop reading for spoiler fears? Good, cause here we go.

Story

Well, we have come to the end of the road. The Dying of the Light really is meant to be read as a TPB, in the same way Shadowplay was meant to be read as a 3-parter in complete sequence. But in the same way Shadowplay had different parts that were each unique in storytelling and action sequences, so too does Dying shape up that way. 50 was the catalyst, 51 was the hopelessness setting in, 52 was the attempt to stop the inevitable, 53 was the final countdown, and 54 is the war. And a war that is held. But that part was always expected. Just maybe not in the manner that it was played out.

All credit to James Roberts: he can spin an outlandish storyline that can make even the smallest, random act become the all-powerful MacGuffin and it all still make sense. And sure enough, he uses one to give the Autobots that fighting chance they needed. But it is here that I really became fuzzy with everything. It has been really hard to articulate my thoughts regarding the MacGuffin, and honestly, I'm not sure this is what the story deserves. It gave the Autobots the boost they needed to stand a chance, but it really didn't feel like the boost that the story deserved. Now, that is not saying I didn't like it, but it still felt... off a bit.

A similar thing happens with "MacGuffin #2" (term used loosely here), which brings salvation to the now MacGuffin-deprived Autobots in the form of Megatron. But again, it doesn't feel completely right, but at the same time it is good and likable. Both of the above comments lower the storyline a bit for me, but lets face it: the main part of the story this issue is the action:

He really can't deal with your jokes right now

This is where the story truly shines. Action! Excitement! Death! Terrible Swerve jokes mid-battle! This issue excels in the combat. It really did turn into the all out war that was promised, and it did not disappoint. Now, some readers might be a bit disappointed in the pacing, seeing as how quickly the issue seems to go by with all the fighting, but at the same time: "Times flies when you're having fun!" In the moments leading up to the battle, the timing was a bit slow and cumbersome, but after that whole scene inside the Fortress, things picked up. This was what Dying needed, and it provided in spades. Heck, we even got some 1986 movie references and some 2009 movie references (betchya didn't see that coming huh?).

Overall story-wise: I was impressed and adored it. This was a great issue to read and it provided the action needed for the thrilling next-to-last issue in the volume. The only complaints I have would be the slight pacing issue and the Power of being in control all along/super boost, but those are hardly enough to deter the main focus, which leads us right into the next (and for this issue most important) section:

Art

Alex Milne takes this issue entirely by himself, and boy does himself deliver. It is one thing to actually right a whole issue that is a giant battle, but it's a whole other thing to have to draw it. And Milne takes it all in stride. In all honesty, I would love to show off some panels here that show Milne at his absolute best (looking at you Megatron) but alas, you need to get the comic to fully comprehend and enjoy the art. But, for point of reference, have a panel:

Now I will say 2 things about the art: Megatron, Deathsaurus and Skids show off all that can be good with this comic. Those 3 make the art great and show off just how good Milne is. But there is a tiny point of "eh" though: Nickel. This is just the one character the Milne and Sakamoto can't seem to sync up on. Nickel is just a teensy bit weird art-wise, but other than that the art is flawless.

This guy has become my favorite for facial expressions. Easily

Joana Lafuente has once again provided excellent colors to compliment Milne's artwork. Just look at the lighting on some of the images above. And also don't forget those 3 characters I said nicely showed off the art for the story. The colors just shine with those 3 (more or less).

Tom B. Long is joined by Christa Miesner for the lettering duty, and they did not disappoint. Every word appears as you would expect, every scream, every whimper, every howl in pain, every bit of it all. It not only makes the lines gorgeous to admire and the colors gleam with eye-catching visuals with its articulation the of action performed, but it so perfectly articulates the scenes that are taking place, from fighting for your life to letting it slip away.

Final Thoughts

Pretty much my face for not only several panels, but also just trying to write this

This series truly is best read as a whole, all 6 issues lined back to back for a good couples hours of read time. But this has proven to be an issue worth standing out by itself. If you wanted action, you got it. Easily and a thousand times over (which I admittedly did). If you wanted characters facing hard choices and realizing who they all were and never realized, it was provided. If you wanted characters to see the end of their arcs and finally face then end of their time, you got that as well.

But in addition to those comments, I have a few more to make. The first would be Overlord. Can we please just look at how dark and emotionless he is? There can be no one that likes him. He is cold, his is insane, he is the definition of dark. And all that understandably upsets some people, not that I blame them, but at the same time, having that character who is devoid of any weakness in those regards makes thing all the harder, and it makes him that much more hate-able and only makes me wish harder that he had stayed dead.

The second comment would be the References to previous material. Someone, SOMEONE finally allowed Magnus to say his line in a manner that makes complete sense and is truly befitting the character. Now, no one is allowed to say that phrase for awhile again. The 86 movie and Revenge of the Fallen get some callbacks, as does the Marvel comic run (Megatron and Ratchet make a great pair). Well done on the callbacks. I can respect a book so much when it does stuff like that.

Finally, I long for next issue. I want to finally see the end of the lights' dying. We are at 5 of 6, and we need 6 so the final bookend can be placed. And we are left with such huge questions: the fate of some Autobots, both not shown and very clearly shown, the final panels, the wide eyes, the sense of insanity and loss of respect creeping in. And where the Hell are Nightbeat and Rung???

This issue was a great one, but once again I am left longing for the next. But at least I have some very good material to read over and admire in all its battle glory for the next month.

out of

Credit(s): D-Maximus_Primal

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Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799484)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:07am CDT

Vos's only speech bubble translates into "Bears love sushi." Eh??

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799485)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:08am CDT

So, yes.

Skids was very sad. He was one character I had predicted to die, but it still is sad that he did, and he didn't even die in battle. He died because he tried, despite how weak he was, to find and try to apologize to Brainstorm. His was a sad death in many regards.

As for the chooms! at the end, I have 4 theories for that:
1) Magnus and crew who are not in the room
2) Rung and Nightbeat and whatever the heck they found/did
3) Deathsaurus turning on Tarn
4) Protectobots (who remember, are just out in space trying to catch up to the Lost Light. they were not there for the mutiny)

And the fact that a whole page was dedicated to Megatron's dramatic entrance. That is the best panel of the whole book.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799487)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:09am CDT

Randomhero wrote:Vos's only speech bubble translates into "Bears love sushi." Eh??

Maybe bears do love sushi :lol:

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799504)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:34am CDT

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:So, yes.

Skids was very sad. He was one character I had predicted to die, but it still is sad that he did, and he didn't even die in battle. He died because he tried, despite how weak he was, to find and try to apologize to Brainstorm. His was a sad death in many regards.

As for the chooms! at the end, I have 4 theories for that:
1) Magnus and crew who are not in the room
2) Rung and Nightbeat and whatever the heck they found/did
3) Deathsaurus turning on Tarn
4) Protectobots (who remember, are just out in space trying to catch up to the Lost Light. they were not there for the mutiny)

And the fact that a whole page was dedicated to Megatron's dramatic entrance. That is the best panel of the whole book.

Agreed. I didn't hate this issue as I have for the past couple but I am very done with this story. 3 issues setting up the storm shield and then deciding not to use it. It's not a bad issue it's quite good but I'm finding myself feeling a lot of apathy for this story and just saying "alright let's move on"

im gonna raise one more theory to your list, the lost light returning and realizing what they did was wrong. 200 autobots on that ship, characters we all know and have some personally connection with certain ones betrayed them and led them to slaughter. 5 issues later and I till don't like the idea that characters like hound, huffer, gears, percepter, etc would do that. I think we can all agree megatron isn't killed, I think the best bet is Magnus, swerve, rewind, tailgate and Cyclonus. They never went back.

The full page of megatron walking up was lovely and is now my background on my iPad. Skids was sad and I was just talking to someone about if there's more to him and well, no. All that was left was him gaining his memories. That being said I don't thinks he's gone for good. There's still the mystery of what he saw when he entered a tyrest's portal and -cough! BRIEFCASE! cough!-.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799506)
Posted by Big Grim on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:35am CDT

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:To anyone who hopes to read this review and not have some spoilers, whether they be major or minor, I would highly suggest reading the comic before this review.

For a fellow who warns of spoilers, there are precious few in your reviews, and I appreciate that. I generally have longer to wait to get my issues in the UK but I do like to read the reviews. Your reviews are great because there are so few spoilers.

Thanks! ;)^

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799509)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:41am CDT

Randomhero wrote:Agreed. I didn't hate this issue as I have for the past couple but I am very done with this story. 3 issues setting up the storm shield and then deciding not to use it. It's not a bad issue it's quite good but I'm finding myself feeling a lot of apathy for this story and just saying "alright let's move on"

im gonna raise one more theory to your list, the lost light returning and realizing what they did was wrong. 200 autobots on that ship, characters we all know and have some personally connection with certain ones betrayed them and led them to slaughter. 5 issues later and I till don't like the idea that characters like hound, huffer, gears, percepter, etc would do that. I think we can all agree megatron isn't killed, I think the best bet is Magnus, swerve, rewind, tailgate and Cyclonus. They never went back.

The full page of megatron walking up was lovely and is now my background on my iPad. Skids was sad and I was just talking to someone about if there's more to him and well, no. All that was left was him gaining his memories. That being said I don't thinks he's gone for good. There's still the mystery of what he saw when he entered a tyrest's portal and -cough! BRIEFCASE! cough!-.

I can agree about the Lost Light. I was very disturbed when Roberts mentioned that in issue 50, the entire crew did know that the exiles were on the same planet as the DJD knowingly. I hate that characters like Hoist, who had his roommate killed by one, would do that.

And you are right about the whole issue 21 thing. I'm not sure what they will do about that. I have been thinking that at the end of this arc, the exiles would hunt down their ship, or pursue the quest themselves, and eventually meet up again with the Lost Light and do battle for their ship. So, them coming back would be surprising and cool.

Big Grim wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:To anyone who hopes to read this review and not have some spoilers, whether they be major or minor, I would highly suggest reading the comic before this review.

For a fellow who warns of spoilers, there are precious few in your reviews, and I appreciate that. I generally have longer to wait to get my issues in the UK but I do like to read the reviews. Your reviews are great because there are so few spoilers.

Thanks!

Well thank you very much

I try not to spoil stuff until the comments section, but occasionally you really can't. But at least they aren't as bad as I think :lol:

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799512)
Posted by MrBlack on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:46am CDT

Randomhero wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:So, yes.

Skids was very sad. He was one character I had predicted to die, but it still is sad that he did, and he didn't even die in battle. He died because he tried, despite how weak he was, to find and try to apologize to Brainstorm. His was a sad death in many regards.

As for the chooms! at the end, I have 4 theories for that:
1) Magnus and crew who are not in the room
2) Rung and Nightbeat and whatever the heck they found/did
3) Deathsaurus turning on Tarn
4) Protectobots (who remember, are just out in space trying to catch up to the Lost Light. they were not there for the mutiny)

And the fact that a whole page was dedicated to Megatron's dramatic entrance. That is the best panel of the whole book.

Agreed. I didn't hate this issue as I have for the past couple but I am very done with this story. 3 issues setting up the storm shield and then deciding not to use it. It's not a bad issue it's quite good but I'm finding myself feeling a lot of apathy for this story and just saying "alright let's move on"

im gonna raise one more theory to your list, the lost light returning and realizing what they did was wrong. 200 autobots on that ship, characters we all know and have some personally connection with certain ones betrayed them and led them to slaughter. 5 issues later and I till don't like the idea that characters like hound, huffer, gears, percepter, etc would do that. I think we can all agree megatron isn't killed, I think the best bet is Magnus, swerve, rewind, tailgate and Cyclonus. They never went back.

The full page of megatron walking up was lovely and is now my background on my iPad. Skids was sad and I was just talking to someone about if there's more to him and well, no. All that was left was him gaining his memories. That being said I don't thinks he's gone for good. There's still the mystery of what he saw when he entered a tyrest's portal and -cough! BRIEFCASE! cough!-.

I don't think we're going to see the Lost Light again for a little while. After the "Aftermath" issue (which is a finale, not an aftermath, Roberts!), we get some Titans Return tie-ins, and the latest solicit seems to imply that Fortress Maximus may finally be getting a more familiar form.

My guess is that Team Rodimus teams up with a newly Titan-sized Fort Max, and begins the search for the Lost Light, which leads into the newly renumbered series which appears to be coming.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799514)
Posted by Autobot N on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:48am CDT

Hoping for a Defensor-ex-machina. Although, Deathsaurus turning at the last minute would be pretty cool.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799517)
Posted by ricemazter on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:52am CDT

I really, really hope that no one helps Megatron with the triple choom It'd be a real shame to have some deus ex character arrive in the nick of time to save the day. I know everyone would be excited for the protectobots to show up or something, but I'd prefer a Megatron character piece instead.

How about if the shot noises are actually Megatron's fists as he beats down tarn and overlord, proving the only thing holding him back was his own fear? He could be afraid to be without a gun, but not for the reasons the other cons assume. Another thing for him to use to keep his brutality in check.

Though I do have to wonder what the heck thunderclash is doing. I have a hard time believing he would go along with getaway's mutiny given everything we know about him.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799529)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 22nd, 2016 @ 9:22am CDT

ricemazter wrote:I really, really hope that no one helps Megatron with the triple choom It'd be a real shame to have some deus ex character arrive in the nick of time to save the day. I know everyone would be excited for the protectobots to show up or something, but I'd prefer a Megatron character piece instead.

How about if the shot noises are actually Megatron's fists as he beats down tarn and overlord, proving the only thing holding him back was his own fear? He could be afraid to be without a gun, but not for the reasons the other cons assume. Another thing for him to use to keep his brutality in check.

Though I do have to wonder what the heck thunderclash is doing. I have a hard time believing he would go along with getaway's mutiny given everything we know about him.

Based on the shocked expression on Megatron's face and Rodimus', I doubt Megatron lashes out initially. Something else gets his attention, makes the noise, and then hell breaks loose. At least I'm thinking

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799533)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 9:41am CDT

I hate to break into the real world but let's be honest. Hasbro does have final say in who dies and megatron has a nice new Titans Returns toy coming out and ITS MEGATRON! Lol he is more invincible than Optimus. Optimes can die but he's gotta come back. Even the movies have followed a trend of killing him, resurrecting him, killing him resurrecting him.

Should we even talk about Tarn? I know I've said Im done with the unmasking and I've read some other reviews that have followed my feelings but as this story has gone on does it matter who he is anymore? Whether he's Roller, senator Proteus, or hell it could be even Bulkhead from Monstrosity at this point, does it matter. He is Tarn and he will die as Tarn-if he dies-. I've said many times because the clues of roller are so blatant and right in front of us and that's not how Roberts writes, the roller clues are nothing but red herrings but for me it doesn't matter anymore because whoever he used to be, he is now tarn.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799535)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 9:52am CDT

Nice call back to Maximun Dinobots with Rodimus doing his best human torch impersonations it was driving me nuts asking "where has done this before? I know he has done this." It was when he got captured by the Machination

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799544)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 22nd, 2016 @ 10:04am CDT

Randomhero wrote:Nice call back to Maximun Dinobots with Rodimus doing his best human torch impersonations it was driving me nuts asking "he has done this before has he done this?" It was when he got captured by the Machination

It was actually a question asked on twitter too! Someone asked if Rodimus would do that again and Roberts said "I gotta find the right set of circumstances." and lo and behold, we have a flame out

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799551)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 10:15am CDT

I know people are hoping for fort max to team up with Rodimus as a new Titan but come on, Prowl is in that issue. He's taking fort max to cybertron to even the playing now field in his favor.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799555)
Posted by DaRonin on June 22nd, 2016 @ 10:24am CDT

As for the cliffhanger in this issue, one of two things are going to happen. Either those three shots we heard were megatron firing from the cannon on his back, or it was Ultra Magnus to the rescue as, now that he has his upgrade, deserves a rematch with overlord while Megatron settles things with Tarn.

Also, I really hope Ravage isn't dead. I like him a lot.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799557)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 10:26am CDT

DaRonin wrote:As for the cliffhanger in this issue, one of two things are going to happen. Either those three shots we heard were megatron firing from the cannon on his back, or it was Ultra Magnus to the rescue as, now that he has his upgrade, deserves a rematch with overlord while Megatron settles things with Tarn.

Also, I really hope Ravage isn't dead. I like him a lot.

I'm sure he'll be fine. He's got like 8 more lives

There's a great call back from Skids calling himself scum. Back in issue two while first trying to figure out his name he guesses his name is Scum

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799558)
Posted by RevTibe on June 22nd, 2016 @ 10:28am CDT

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Randomhero wrote:im gonna raise one more theory to your list, the lost light returning and realizing what they did was wrong. 200 autobots on that ship, characters we all know and have some personally connection with certain ones betrayed them and led them to slaughter. 5 issues later and I till don't like the idea that characters like hound, huffer, gears, percepter, etc would do that. I think we can all agree megatron isn't killed, I think the best bet is Magnus, swerve, rewind, tailgate and Cyclonus. They never went back.

I can agree about the Lost Light. I was very disturbed when Roberts mentioned that in issue 50, the entire crew did know that the exiles were on the same planet as the DJD knowingly. I hate that characters like Hoist, who had his roommate killed by one, would do that.

I'd say that's highly unlikely. Remember, at the start of Dying of the Light we see various characters receiving the stranded crew's last words, they specify that this message took three weeks to reach Optimus, Starscream, and the Scavengers, and then Optimus discovers that the Lost Light is radio silent, following Getaway deactivating comm.s post-mutiny. Theoretically, the LL could show up and then have a handwaved reason for being radio silent for a month, but eh, I'm a bit too optimistic to expect a cop out of that degree.

That said, I'm a bit suspicious of Thunderclash's place in the mutiny, especially since Roberts went out of his way to establish that he was forced into a coma when he showed up on the Lost Light, and remained in a coma until after Getaway and Atomizer were arrested. He may be playing along, but the coma seems to be a deliberate attempt to avoid having Thunderclash be "vetted" by Atomizer, Getaway and his nudge gun.

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:And you are right about the whole issue 21 thing. I'm not sure what they will do about that. I have been thinking that at the end of this arc, the exiles would hunt down their ship, or pursue the quest themselves, and eventually meet up again with the Lost Light and do battle for their ship. So, them coming back would be surprising and cool.

My pet theory is that the "subspace mailbox" introduced post-Combiner Wars will play into this - crew will have a Titans Return adventure, wind up on Luna 1, use Luna 1 tech to stretch out subspace mailbox.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799561)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 10:32am CDT

RevTibe wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Randomhero wrote:im gonna raise one more theory to your list, the lost light returning and realizing what they did was wrong. 200 autobots on that ship, characters we all know and have some personally connection with certain ones betrayed them and led them to slaughter. 5 issues later and I till don't like the idea that characters like hound, huffer, gears, percepter, etc would do that. I think we can all agree megatron isn't killed, I think the best bet is Magnus, swerve, rewind, tailgate and Cyclonus. They never went back.

I can agree about the Lost Light. I was very disturbed when Roberts mentioned that in issue 50, the entire crew did know that the exiles were on the same planet as the DJD knowingly. I hate that characters like Hoist, who had his roommate killed by one, would do that.
I'd say that's highly unlikely. Remember, at the start of Dying of the Light we see various characters receiving the stranded crew's last words, they specify that this message took three weeks to reach Optimus, Starscream, and the Scavengers, and then Optimus discovers that the Lost Light is radio silent, following Getaway deactivating comm.s post-mutiny. Theoretically, the LL could show up and then have a handwaved reason for being radio silent for a month, but eh, I'm a bit too optimistic to expect a cop out of that degree.

That said, I'm a bit suspicious of Thunderclash's place in the mutiny, especially since Roberts went out of his way to establish that he was forced into a coma when he showed up on the Lost Light, and remained in a coma until after Getaway and Atomizer were arrested. He may be playing along, but the coma seems to be a deliberate attempt to avoid having Thunderclash be "vetted" by Atomizer, Getaway and his nudge gun.

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:And you are right about the whole issue 21 thing. I'm not sure what they will do about that. I have been thinking that at the end of this arc, the exiles would hunt down their ship, or pursue the quest themselves, and eventually meet up again with the Lost Light and do battle for their ship. So, them coming back would be surprising and cool.
My pet theory is that the "subspace mailbox" introduced post-Combiner Wars will play into this - crew will have a Titans Return adventure, wind up on Luna 1, use Luna 1 tech to stretch out subspace mailbox.

The reason why thunderclash was part of the mutiny is simple. megatron. 200 autobots covertly decided to mutiny because megatron was being allowed to live and be part of the crew. Getaway even says "not him, he is not allowed to be forgiven" 4 million years of war is reason enough to for some I'm not saying all but for some to do something about it. no doubt that's plenty reason for thunderclash.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799564)
Posted by RevTibe on June 22nd, 2016 @ 10:37am CDT

Randomhero wrote:
RevTibe wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Randomhero wrote:im gonna raise one more theory to your list, the lost light returning and realizing what they did was wrong. 200 autobots on that ship, characters we all know and have some personally connection with certain ones betrayed them and led them to slaughter. 5 issues later and I till don't like the idea that characters like hound, huffer, gears, percepter, etc would do that. I think we can all agree megatron isn't killed, I think the best bet is Magnus, swerve, rewind, tailgate and Cyclonus. They never went back.

I can agree about the Lost Light. I was very disturbed when Roberts mentioned that in issue 50, the entire crew did know that the exiles were on the same planet as the DJD knowingly. I hate that characters like Hoist, who had his roommate killed by one, would do that.
I'd say that's highly unlikely. Remember, at the start of Dying of the Light we see various characters receiving the stranded crew's last words, they specify that this message took three weeks to reach Optimus, Starscream, and the Scavengers, and then Optimus discovers that the Lost Light is radio silent, following Getaway deactivating comm.s post-mutiny. Theoretically, the LL could show up and then have a handwaved reason for being radio silent for a month, but eh, I'm a bit too optimistic to expect a cop out of that degree.

That said, I'm a bit suspicious of Thunderclash's place in the mutiny, especially since Roberts went out of his way to establish that he was forced into a coma when he showed up on the Lost Light, and remained in a coma until after Getaway and Atomizer were arrested. He may be playing along, but the coma seems to be a deliberate attempt to avoid having Thunderclash be "vetted" by Atomizer, Getaway and his nudge gun.

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:And you are right about the whole issue 21 thing. I'm not sure what they will do about that. I have been thinking that at the end of this arc, the exiles would hunt down their ship, or pursue the quest themselves, and eventually meet up again with the Lost Light and do battle for their ship. So, them coming back would be surprising and cool.
My pet theory is that the "subspace mailbox" introduced post-Combiner Wars will play into this - crew will have a Titans Return adventure, wind up on Luna 1, use Luna 1 tech to stretch out subspace mailbox.

The reason why thunderclash was part of the mutiny is simple. megatron. 200 autobots covertly decided to mutiny because megatron was being allowed to live and be part of the crew. Getaway even says "not him, he is not allowed to be forgiven" 4 million years of war is reason enough to for some I'm not saying all but for some to do something about it. no doubt that's plenty reason for thunderclash.

That could certainly be the case, but the fact that valuable text and pagespace was dedicated to establishing he lapsed into a second coma right at the time he would have been vetted by Getaway and Atomizer, and only awoke after they could not, has me suspicious. I really doubt that secondary coma was entirely pointless.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799569)
Posted by shauyaun on June 22nd, 2016 @ 10:50am CDT

I want to get into the transformers comics but I have no idea where to start I read till all are one issue one last night and I had no idea what was going on can anyone tell me how to start reading and what comics are related like I know robots in disguise and combiner wars are in the same time line(I think) I don't know.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799573)
Posted by MemphisR56 on June 22nd, 2016 @ 11:02am CDT

Shauyaun wrote:I want to get into the transformers comics but I have no idea where to start I read till all are one issue one last night and I had no idea what was going on can anyone tell me how to start reading and what comics are related like I know robots in disguise and combiner wars are in the same time line(I think) I don't know.

There are 2 main timelines... sort of... it's now 3.

rubbish.png

Most people recommend starting at 'Death of Optimus Prime', this is what IDW officially considers the start of "Phase 2"

EDIT: Now with fancy flowchart

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799577)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 11:10am CDT

MemphisR56 wrote:
Shauyaun wrote:I want to get into the transformers comics but I have no idea where to start I read till all are one issue one last night and I had no idea what was going on can anyone tell me how to start reading and what comics are related like I know robots in disguise and combiner wars are in the same time line(I think) I don't know.

There are 2 main timelines... sort of... it's now 3.

EDIT: making an image to go here because text formatting sucks.

Most people recommend starting at 'Death of Optimus Prime', this is what IDW officially considers the start of "Phase 2"

As a hardcore comics fan, it's my media now with Tranformers, start from the beginning. Start with infiltration, use tfwiki as your guide and start from where it all began. It's worth it. Physical copies would be difficult to get, the big books are fine but I appreciate rwading everything in order of release than order of continuity(it's not that hard to follow). if you have a tablet just buy on comixology. It's all there and the old stuff is pretty cheap now on there.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799578)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 22nd, 2016 @ 11:11am CDT

Shauyaun wrote:I want to get into the transformers comics but I have no idea where to start I read till all are one issue one last night and I had no idea what was going on can anyone tell me how to start reading and what comics are related like I know robots in disguise and combiner wars are in the same time line(I think) I don't know.

Depends how early you want to start. I you have the time and money, start at the very beginning by getting the large hardcover books like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-IDW ... +hardcover?tag=seibertron07-20&

The first 8 take you through the end of the war and everyone returning to Cybertron. (It really helped me understand everything). Then comes the whole Death of Optimus Prim and RiD/MTMTE series, with a couple crossovers and miniseries thrown in there.

I recommend the beginning, but if you can't or don't want to, do what Memphis said and start at Death of Optimus Prime (which is easier and cheaper to buy MTMTE volume 1 as it includes it and the whole volume is cheaper than getting Death of OP as a single issue)

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799579)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 11:24am CDT

The problem with starting with RID and MTMTE in my opinion is the fact the first couple years leading up to Dark Cybertron are very heavy with stuff that happened in Simons -ation series. Both books do a lot of call backs to what came pre all hail megatron and RID post dark cybertron deals with a lot of what happened during all hail megatron and costas ongoing.

If anything no matter what you need to read spotlight shockwave very first.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799583)
Posted by MemphisR56 on June 22nd, 2016 @ 11:30am CDT

MemphisR56 wrote:
rubbish.png

Based on the fact I left out stuff like Drift: Empire of Stone, LSotW, SotW and Spotlights, I may make a revised version of this later on tonight trying to encompass the whole of the timeline. Can I call on a bit of help from other people? since I started with Death of optimus prime and bled backwards as I moved forwards, so I'm not sure on the canon timeline of the earlier IDW stuff.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799590)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 11:45am CDT

MemphisR56 wrote:
MemphisR56 wrote:
rubbish.png

Based on the fact I left out stuff like Drift: Empire of Stone, LSotW, SotW and Spotlights, I may make a revised version of this later on tonight trying to encompass the whole of the timeline. Can I call on a bit of help from other people? since I started with Death of optimus prime and bled backwards as I moved forwards, so I'm not sure on the canon timeline of the earlier IDW stuff.

Megatron origin
Infiltration
Spotlight vol1
Stormbringer
Escalation
Spotlight vol2
Devastation
Spotlight vol3
Revelation/spotlight vol4
Maximum Dinobots
All hail megatron vol 1-4

That's the order I give friends when they want to start getting into the comics.

I skip travafotmers vs avengers because nobody should read that

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799591)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 22nd, 2016 @ 11:47am CDT

Dr. Va'al has a whole thread dedicated to the timeline somewhere...

the-transformers-idwverse-a-chronology-t105238.php

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799593)
Posted by MemphisR56 on June 22nd, 2016 @ 11:48am CDT

Randomhero wrote:
MemphisR56 wrote:
MemphisR56 wrote:
rubbish.png

Based on the fact I left out stuff like Drift: Empire of Stone, LSotW, SotW and Spotlights, I may make a revised version of this later on tonight trying to encompass the whole of the timeline. Can I call on a bit of help from other people? since I started with Death of optimus prime and bled backwards as I moved forwards, so I'm not sure on the canon timeline of the earlier IDW stuff.

Megatron origin
Infiltration
Spotlight vol1
Stormbringer
Escalation
Spotlight vol2
Devastation
Spotlight vol3
Revelation/spotlight vol4
Maximum Dinobots
All hail megatron vol 1-4

That's the order I give friends when they want to start getting into the comics.

I skip transformers vs avengers because nobody should read that

Interesting order for the fact that Megatron Origin is up first, but it was published later.

Should I do a recommended read order, a publishing order, or an actual timeline, since if we're doing that, things like Chaos Theory and Shadowplay will be all over the shop. Individual spotlight issues will the same story.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799595)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 11:49am CDT

After that I recommend

drift
Ongoing vol1 stop halfway, read bumblebee
Ongoing vol2
Ongoing volume 3
Ironhide miniseries
Vol4-6
MTMTE vol 1
RID vol1

Then just do that motion of both volumes of both RID and MTMTE because some of them mingle with each other till dark cybertron

Skip autocracy, monstrosity and primacy. They're not needed and contribute nothing to IDWs universe as part of yeah big picture.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799596)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 11:51am CDT

I always recommend megatron origin first. It's not a great book but it is the foundation of the universe and sets up a lot of what megatron is and James contributes in MTMTE

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799598)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 11:57am CDT

I wouldn't recommend reading chaos theory and shadow play of their order in MTMTE and ongoing because that's all flash backs and story telling. It has a present day component in the the story its not a period piece like the autocracy trilogy or megatron origins

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799601)
Posted by Fenrir Prime on June 22nd, 2016 @ 12:07pm CDT

Personally I feel likeDeathsaurus is at least partially a source of the "chooms". He specifically told Tarn how much he detested Megatron for using soldiers as fodder and what did Tarn just do?

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799607)
Posted by MemphisR56 on June 22nd, 2016 @ 12:19pm CDT

Fenrir Prime wrote:Personally I feel likeDeathsaurus is at least partially a source of the "chooms". He specifically told Tarn how much he detested Megatron for using soldiers as fodder and what did Tarn just do?

And especially whenMegatron just marched into battle for the sole reason of wanting to protect his crew and specifically ravage, a lower caste cybertronian. Your theory is not without merit! Not at all.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799608)
Posted by MrBlack on June 22nd, 2016 @ 12:24pm CDT

Fenrir Prime wrote:Personally I feel likeDeathsaurus is at least partially a source of the "chooms". He specifically told Tarn how much he detested Megatron for using soldiers as fodder and what did Tarn just do?

Agreed.

Plus, he just saw Megatron rescue an injured comrade and order his other troops out of danger. I think we will end up seeing Deathsaurus, Megatron, and the remaining members of Team Rodimus versus Overlord and the DJD next issue.

Rung and Nightbeat are still MIA too...

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799611)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 22nd, 2016 @ 12:44pm CDT

MemphisR56 wrote:
Fenrir Prime wrote:Personally I feel likeDeathsaurus is at least partially a source of the "chooms". He specifically told Tarn how much he detested Megatron for using soldiers as fodder and what did Tarn just do?

And especially whenMegatron just marched into battle for the sole reason of wanting to protect his crew and specifically ravage, a lower caste cybertronian. Your theory is not without merit! Not at all.

My thoughts to a T

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799613)
Posted by Fenrir Prime on June 22nd, 2016 @ 12:51pm CDT

MemphisR56 wrote:
Fenrir Prime wrote:Personally I feel likeDeathsaurus is at least partially a source of the "chooms". He specifically told Tarn how much he detested Megatron for using soldiers as fodder and what did Tarn just do?

And especially whenMegatron just marched into battle for the sole reason of wanting to protect his crew and specifically ravage, a lower caste cybertronian. Your theory is not without merit! Not at all.

Exactly! Tarn just acted like how Megatron used to during the war, at his worst; while Megatron actually embodied the ideals he originally stood for.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799627)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 1:38pm CDT

Fenrir Prime wrote:
MemphisR56 wrote:
Fenrir Prime wrote:Personally I feel likeDeathsaurus is at least partially a source of the "chooms". He specifically told Tarn how much he detested Megatron for using soldiers as fodder and what did Tarn just do?

And especially whenMegatron just marched into battle for the sole reason of wanting to protect his crew and specifically ravage, a lower caste cybertronian. Your theory is not without merit! Not at all.

Exactly! Tarn just acted like how Megatron used to during the war, at his worst; while Megatron actually embodied the ideals he originally stood for.

Chooms actually used to be shockwaves signature fun sound in comics. Now almost everyone's weapons make the noise so don't let that be clues

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799628)
Posted by ebonyleopard on June 22nd, 2016 @ 1:44pm CDT

Nobody is going to mention the real stars of the issue. The Autobot badges? I swear the facial expression Easter eggs of the badges crack me up each issue. I want Reprolables to make badges like that.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799629)
Posted by Noideaforaname on June 22nd, 2016 @ 1:45pm CDT

Gotta love that new eBay rover making a mockery of spoiler tags...

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799632)
Posted by MemphisR56 on June 22nd, 2016 @ 1:49pm CDT

Noideaforaname wrote:Gotta love that new eBay rover making a mockery of spoiler tags...

QFT. While annoying, ot's sort of only picking out names though, so it's not having a huge impact.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799634)
Posted by DarkEnergon on June 22nd, 2016 @ 1:54pm CDT

Shauyaun wrote:I want to get into the transformers comics but I have no idea where to start I read till all are one issue one last night and I had no idea what was going on can anyone tell me how to start reading and what comics are related like I know robots in disguise and combiner wars are in the same time line(I think) I don't know.

Well, while there is a long chronology that is very satisfying to read, if you aren't ready to jump in with both feet, or, you don't have unlimited time and money, I'd suggest starting with some of the books after the Dark Cybertron event - megatron turns good, starscream wrests control of cybertron (mostly), earth starts getting involved, windblade introduced, etc. etc.

Also, use tfwiki to help confirm what comes next, or get some context. Here's a great sequence for grasping combiner wars:

http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Combiner_Wars

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799641)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 22nd, 2016 @ 2:19pm CDT

Ebonyleopard wrote:Nobody is going to mention the real stars of the issue. The Autobot badges? I swear the facial expression Easter eggs of the badges crack me up each issue. I want Reprolables to make badges like that.

I personally think Milne does a far better job with the badges than anyone else. they are all hand drawn whereas pretty much everyone else prints them on. The expressive badges are really awesome and now I regret forgetting to mention them in at least a review

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799647)
Posted by shauyaun on June 22nd, 2016 @ 3:08pm CDT

GOD!now I'm more confused then before cuz I thought it was gona be quite straightforward but man I've learned ALOT including the fact that I know so little!
Thanks for all your help.
I've got time it's SUMMER and "only in summer time" can I really show my love for Tramsfomrers!
Thanks again

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799653)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 3:27pm CDT

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Ebonyleopard wrote:Nobody is going to mention the real stars of the issue. The Autobot badges? I swear the facial expression Easter eggs of the badges crack me up each issue. I want Reprolables to make badges like that.

I personally think Milne does a far better job with the badges than anyone else. they are all hand drawn whereas pretty much everyone else prints them on. The expressive badges are really awesome and now I regret forgetting to mention them in at least a review

I only noticed the one when when Rodimus is on fire but didn't think to much of it. I just asked Alex on Twitter, he said they've always been very expressive

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799668)
Posted by Big Grim on June 22nd, 2016 @ 4:23pm CDT

Thank you to everyone using spoiler tags! Looking forward to re-reading this thread once I've read the comic!

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799688)
Posted by Mr Skram on June 22nd, 2016 @ 5:36pm CDT

I'm gonna have to come back and re-read this arc as a whole for sure. It does nothing for me issue by issue other than mostly annoy me. Plus Skids' death bummed me out and I couldn't get into the rest of the issue.
I suppose I did get into the series at a time when there was a very large backlog and I could read large chunks at a time. Probably just more to do with that being my preferred method of reading than anything else.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799703)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 6:32pm CDT

Mr Skram wrote:I'm gonna have to come back and re-read this arc as a whole for sure. It does nothing for me issue by issue other than mostly annoy me. Plus Skids' death bummed me out and I couldn't get into the rest of the issue.
I suppose I did get into the series at a time when there was a very large backlog and I could read large chunks at a time. Probably just more to do with that being my preferred method of reading than anything else.

It'll be a good read once it's complete but as a month to month story it's been difficult for me too. I've been saying a lot of highlights I liked but as a whole I've been very disappointed with the over pace of it.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799709)
Posted by AlphaBass on June 22nd, 2016 @ 7:12pm CDT

Fenrir Prime wrote:Personally I feel likeDeathsaurus is at least partially a source of the "chooms". He specifically told Tarn how much he detested Megatron for using soldiers as fodder and what did Tarn just do?

True. Also, when you consider how Kaon died last issue, plus Overlord's comments.

Although, I would not be surprised if Overlord and Deathsaurus both shot Tarn.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799723)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:12pm CDT

Randomhero wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Ebonyleopard wrote:Nobody is going to mention the real stars of the issue. The Autobot badges? I swear the facial expression Easter eggs of the badges crack me up each issue. I want Reprolables to make badges like that.

I personally think Milne does a far better job with the badges than anyone else. they are all hand drawn whereas pretty much everyone else prints them on. The expressive badges are really awesome and now I regret forgetting to mention them in at least a review

I only noticed the one when when Rodimus is on fire but didn't think to much of it. I just asked Alex on Twitter, he said they've always been very expressive

Man, why can I never get a response from him? I've tried.

And yes, the badges have always been that way, and it is really awesome. Someone, I think Mkall, has Megatron in his sig with the Autobot insignia showing the same grimace his face is.

Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #54 Review (1799733)
Posted by Randomhero on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:35pm CDT

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Randomhero wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Ebonyleopard wrote:Nobody is going to mention the real stars of the issue. The Autobot badges? I swear the facial expression Easter eggs of the badges crack me up each issue. I want Reprolables to make badges like that.

I personally think Milne does a far better job with the badges than anyone else. they are all hand drawn whereas pretty much everyone else prints them on. The expressive badges are really awesome and now I regret forgetting to mention them in at least a review

I only noticed the one when when Rodimus is on fire but didn't think to much of it. I just asked Alex on Twitter, he said they've always been very expressive

Man, why can I never get a response from him? I've tried.

And yes, the badges have always been that way, and it is really awesome. Someone, I think Mkall, has Megatron in his sig with the Autobot insignia showing the same grimace his face is.

Tarns gave me a chuckle when he goes all revenge of the fallen bumblebee.

Honestly it's the first time he's ever responded to me

I've always liked Nicks. Especially LSOTW symbols. I'd like some reprolables of those. They made dons god awful war within ones

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