IDW Transformers ReGeneration One #0 Review

Synopsis

ZERO POINT! Adventure in the time stream, as HOT ROD desperately attempts to identify the rogue elements that are leading him, and the entire CYBERTRONIAN race, inexorably towards the catastrophic end of time itself. What hidden stories do the DEATHBRINGER, BOLTAX, BUSTER WITWICKY, and GALVATRON have to tell, and what—if any—solutions are there? Or is it already too late?



Story

Taking a step sideways from the events of issue 94, #0 looks at Hot Rod's journey through time to figure out what in Primus' name is happening on Cybertron, now that all seems lost. And what does he find out? A Furman fan-gasm of references, allusions and hints at other continuities, characters and what's to come.



From the teasers, I initially thought it would be disconnected stories focusing on different plotlines and loose ends - turns out Furman had a better idea, and let Hot Rod run through all of them as a witness, learning how to help Cybertron in its time of need. Like a vast, predatory bird, really.



I don't want to spoil the stories at all, even though there is little to spoil for most of them, but Furman's device is really quite good in showcasing and bringing in some of the other projects he's worked on (and so have others) for the franchise.



The overall storyline, connecting the different sections, is actually quite predictable. Which is a shame, considering how much thought has gone into everything else for this issue. The way in which old stories are concluded and explanations given almost makes up for it though.

Art

There are five artists: Coller, Senior, Anderson, Delbo, Roche. One inker, Baskerville, for two of the artists (Anderson and Delbo). Does it work? Yeah. Yeah it does. Coller and Roche are the newest additions to the team, and Roche's style in particular does stand out more in the issue - but it's such a fan-fest that you'll keep on drooling over the pictures anyway.



And how to make the five-course fan-meal even more appetizing? JP Bove is here to sauce it up. The colours on the different sections are absolutely astonishing, capturing the essence of each artist's style and their location in the Transformers' comics timeline. Senior looks like Senior, Roche like Roche. And the skies look beautiful.



Mowry's lettering is also pretty good, working in with the spiralling timescape of Furman's story, Wildman's actual spiral design and the various artists in the issue. Yes, Wildman and Guidi are also here, in covers A and B. I mean, come on.

Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead

As I said above, the overarching storyline isn't amazing, and is a little predictable. The re-introduction of Jhiaxus is a nice touch, and tying up some loose ends from the old run definitely pays off. But you're not getting this issue for the story, you're getting it for the art and the colours.



Because it looks amazing. Seriously, one of the best looking issues so far, with enough newness to counterbalance the oldness, while keeping everything fresh at the same time! So yes, definitely pick this one up, even if you're not reading the series - it's a real treat for new and old fans alike.