Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6
Wednesday, April 26th, 2017 3:33AM CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews, Site ArticlesPosted by: Va'al Views: 31,223
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Optimus ..Fine?
(Spoiler free-ish)
(Spoiler free-ish)
Synopsis
“NEW CYBERTRON”—CONCLUSION! As the Junkions reveal their ultimate plan, Optimus Prime makes a decision that will define the relationship between Earth and Cybertron for all time... but will Arcee be able to live with the fallout?
Good memory, kids
Story
The first arc of Optimus Prime, the big core book at the heart of the Hasbro Universe (take that, Crown Jewel), comes to a close in this sixth issue, and we get some closure indeed on the multiple threads dangling through the story - and some more are left to unravel for the future...
Oooh juicy
We know John Barber's propensity for the caption technique, to aid with the narration and provide some 'behind the scenes' commentary for what is actually happening in the gutters between panels - but this time, despite the very good writing, it's perhaps the very first time I've found it clash a little with the story itself. Having Optimus Prime narrate his own arc just felt ..off, at times.
shots fired
The other stories, the other faces, the other characters around which the issue and the arc revolve, on the other hand, are still really quite pleasing. There is a lot happening all in one place (if you want a hand in catching up on the roles, our database entry might help!), both in the past and in the present, and it's all satisfyingly tantalising for more story threads from here.
token human panel
The way in which Optimus is perceived on the many sides of the issues, from the colonist recruits to Aileron and Pyra Magna, to Soundwave and Jetfire's past and present outlook and opinions, to how Earth sees him as coloniser and invader - the story is in no way at its end, if anything we have a new fraught beginning of a much bigger story to be told. And then there's that last page...
Art
Kei Zama is still so much joy to follow through the pages, be it for organic, Cybertronian, Cybertrorganic, landscapes, battles, dialogue or face-offs - be they blasting or verbal, in the present or past - and I'm extremely pleased to see the variations across the Sharkticon ranks as well and variety in humans, who do not obviously have designs as distinctive as the robot protagonists.
I MEAN
The issue also relies a lot on heavy visual cues for resolutions - as well as the trademark time shifts and parallels - allowing for more of Josh Burcham's effective colouring to blend with Zama's linework. The lighter moments, not necessarily in tone, are impressive where the writing may not reach, and any lingering shadow is that much darker for it.
FLASH (aahhaaa saviouroftheuniverse)
As for the lettering, I am still in awe at how Tom B. Long manages to juggle so many things at once in pages that can be extremely busy, between visuals and text. Never mind some of the fight scenes, the ink work and dynamism - we still follow narration; top marks. And cover wise, while the veteran roster of Zama/Burcham (SkyLynx rider), Coller/Bove (face-off), Griffith/Perez (Sharkpile) is a wonder to behold, I'd like to congratulate Jin Kim on some really solid output with IDW covers this month - see thumbnail for proof.
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
I was somehow expecting more from a conclusion, at this stage. Not that what we got wasn't a good one, mind you, but something felt a little underplayed - which might be beneficial for the wider game in the long run, and future stories, but leaves a little anticlimactic here. Soundwave's role, the explanation of his presence by Megatron's side, Jetfire's role in particular, feel well rounded enough to allow it, sure, but Optimus' actions are a bit.. whelming.
irony
Things I am looking forwards to, nonetheless: Jazz and the exploration of his 'getting to know Earth' storyline, so very much. More Thundercracker in an active role. More challenges to Optimus, even - in spite of - apparent changes of heart/mind. Ramifications of his role in the eye of the new recruits. THAT ENDING PAGE.
. 
- out of
- out of Credit(s): IDW
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Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1877370)
Posted by Bronzewolf on April 26th, 2017 @ 5:26am CDT
Just a bot, with a bot's courage...
A+ referencing you got there.
I love the colouring in this. It's SO ink-heavy and way saturated and shadowed that it screams vintage comic to me. I can't pin point exactly to What it reminds me of, though. But it's so cool. Very different from the gundam-looking style we normally see.
Posted by Bronzewolf on April 26th, 2017 @ 5:26am CDT
Va'al wrote:
FLASH (aahhaaa saviouroftheuniverse)
Just a bot, with a bot's courage...
A+ referencing you got there.
I love the colouring in this. It's SO ink-heavy and way saturated and shadowed that it screams vintage comic to me. I can't pin point exactly to What it reminds me of, though. But it's so cool. Very different from the gundam-looking style we normally see.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1877371)
Posted by Rainmaker on April 26th, 2017 @ 5:40am CDT
Is this post sarcastic? If not, it's a homage to Sharknado probably.
Posted by Rainmaker on April 26th, 2017 @ 5:40am CDT
Nexus Knight wrote:WreckerJack wrote:I need sub cover B! How do I get it specifically? Gotta have my sharkies
Is cover a homage to something? It looks familiar...
Is this post sarcastic? If not, it's a homage to Sharknado probably.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1877375)
Posted by Kurona on April 26th, 2017 @ 6:13am CDT
Posted by Kurona on April 26th, 2017 @ 6:13am CDT
I'm somehow only just noticing since Roulette's toy had a very different face, but do all the colonists have a faceplate and eyes and hence Primus Apothesis? That's a pretty sweet touch.
This was an excellent issue and arc that really proves OP isn't just that other comic that's happening alongside LL; it's a fantastic story with fantastic characters in its own right. God I love being a Transformers fan right now
I also really like that little colony at the end. Seems like that's making sure they can do crossovers with the rest of the Hasbro universe without having to interfere with Optimus. Sure there's no major characters there yet but we'll see...
This was an excellent issue and arc that really proves OP isn't just that other comic that's happening alongside LL; it's a fantastic story with fantastic characters in its own right. God I love being a Transformers fan right now
I also really like that little colony at the end. Seems like that's making sure they can do crossovers with the rest of the Hasbro universe without having to interfere with Optimus. Sure there's no major characters there yet but we'll see...
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1877376)
Posted by Big Grim on April 26th, 2017 @ 7:51am CDT
It's something of a golden age I feel. Three quality comics, fantastic toyline (though I no longer collect main lines, even MPS are slowing down for me) and thanks to Takara and 3P, excellent Masterpiece figures. Dunno about cartoons though.
Posted by Big Grim on April 26th, 2017 @ 7:51am CDT
Kurona wrote:God I love being a Transformers fan right now
It's something of a golden age I feel. Three quality comics, fantastic toyline (though I no longer collect main lines, even MPS are slowing down for me) and thanks to Takara and 3P, excellent Masterpiece figures. Dunno about cartoons though.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1877381)
Posted by ScottyP on April 26th, 2017 @ 8:26am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on April 26th, 2017 @ 8:26am CDT
While it hasn't been verbally stated to be PA, 2 (or maybe 3) has a short scene with them taking off the faceplates, and that made it seem pretty apparent that PA is what's up! I like it, indeed.Kurona wrote:I'm somehow only just noticing since Roulette's toy had a very different face, but do all the colonists have a faceplate and eyes and hence Primus Apothesis? That's a pretty sweet touch.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1877442)
Posted by Va'al on April 26th, 2017 @ 1:18pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on April 26th, 2017 @ 1:18pm CDT
Some more Optimus Prime news from IDW Publishing comes in the form of some cover art for issue #7, tentatively due in May, courtesy of both artist Kei Zama's Twitter account and the PreviewsWorld listing here. Zama has included clean lineart, plus Josh Burcham's coloured version, and Andre Griffith takes on the other cover seen for the issue, à la Thundercracker - check them out below!
With the Junkion invasion resolved peacefully, Optimus Prime takes a moment to plan the Autobot's next move on earth.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1877448)
Posted by Kurona on April 26th, 2017 @ 1:31pm CDT
Posted by Kurona on April 26th, 2017 @ 1:31pm CDT
That beach cover is the friggin' best. I love Thundercracker so much
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1877450)
Posted by Randomhero on April 26th, 2017 @ 1:46pm CDT
Posted by Randomhero on April 26th, 2017 @ 1:46pm CDT
My god...that damn dog has floaties...
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1877481)
Posted by DeadCaL on April 26th, 2017 @ 4:19pm CDT
Posted by DeadCaL on April 26th, 2017 @ 4:19pm CDT
I like the beach cover, but eeesh, is that pain or joy on her face? 
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1877484)
Posted by Va'al on April 26th, 2017 @ 4:24pm CDT
I like Andrew Griffith. I really do. I have more art by him than anyone else in my collection.
But his human faces sometimes are just.... off.
Posted by Va'al on April 26th, 2017 @ 4:24pm CDT
DeadCaL wrote:I like the beach cover, but eeesh, is that pain or joy on her face?
I like Andrew Griffith. I really do. I have more art by him than anyone else in my collection.
But his human faces sometimes are just.... off.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1877486)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 26th, 2017 @ 4:54pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 26th, 2017 @ 4:54pm CDT
BUSTER HAS FLOATIES
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1877759)
Posted by Va'al on April 27th, 2017 @ 3:12pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on April 27th, 2017 @ 3:12pm CDT
This is fun. Not news, but definitely fun.
Burcham playing with colours.
Burcham playing with colours.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1881348)
Posted by william-james88 on May 12th, 2017 @ 11:42pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on May 12th, 2017 @ 11:42pm CDT
iTunes has a preview up for the upcoming Optimus Prime 7 comic.
Here is a description followed by the preview, enjoy!
Here is a description followed by the preview, enjoy!
Description
With the Junkion invasion resolved peacefully, Optimus Prime takes a moment to plan the Autobot's next move on Earth.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1882205)
Posted by WreckerJack on May 16th, 2017 @ 11:32pm CDT
Posted by WreckerJack on May 16th, 2017 @ 11:32pm CDT
Preview World has posted Transformers: Optimus Prime #8 incentive cover and subscription cover B. We have posted them below so you can have a look to decide which cover you'd like before they become available.
The summary tells us that Jazz will have a leading role in this issue:
The incentive cover has Optimus Prime and the Subscription cover features Jetfire. these comics will be available on June 14th, 2017.
The summary tells us that Jazz will have a leading role in this issue:
“Jazz confronts his past-and the Autobot’s future-in front of millions of television viewers. But will he make the people of Earth understand Optimus Prime’s mission… or turn against it?”
The incentive cover has Optimus Prime and the Subscription cover features Jetfire. these comics will be available on June 14th, 2017.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1882234)
Posted by Kurona on May 17th, 2017 @ 5:34am CDT
Posted by Kurona on May 17th, 2017 @ 5:34am CDT
You know when you've recently fallen in love with a character who hasn't had the best past and/or recent history, so seeing them smiling in a peaceful situation by themselves doing something they probably enjoy makes you happy?
God I love that Jetfire cover.
God I love that Jetfire cover.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1882379)
Posted by Va'al on May 17th, 2017 @ 3:06pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on May 17th, 2017 @ 3:06pm CDT
This is a really interesting analysis of Zama's layout work.
http://refinedrobotco.blogspot.it/2017/ ... -zama.html
http://refinedrobotco.blogspot.it/2017/ ... -zama.html
Zama deploys some of those tools mentioned to work within the tight spaces of the page, to create tension and demonstrate space or a lack thereof. I want to break down two of my favourite pages from issue two. The interrogation of Jetfire by Prowl, two pages, one room.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1882968)
Posted by Va'al on May 20th, 2017 @ 5:34am CDT
Posted by Va'al on May 20th, 2017 @ 5:34am CDT
With the embargo broken by the regular sites, we can also share the preview directly from IDW for next week's Transformers comic Optimus Prime #7! Check out the full preview below, and let us know what you think of the book so far - while we prepare the review for its release!
Optimus Prime #7
John Barber (w) • Priscilla Tramontano (a) • Kei Zama (c)
With the Junkion invasion resolved peacefully, Optimus Prime takes a moment to plan the Autobot's next move on Earth.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1882993)
Posted by Va'al on May 20th, 2017 @ 1:10pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on May 20th, 2017 @ 1:10pm CDT
With issue #7 hitting the stands next week, artist Kei Zama has shown off (after Previews World revealed it) the art for the following book in the Optimus Prime ongoing series from IDW Publishing - in which Casey Coller and JP Bove take on art duties! Lineart by Zama, and colours by Josh Burcham, you can check it out mirrored below.
(W) John Barber (A) Casey W. Coller (CA) Kei Zama
Jazz confronts his past-and the Autobot's future-in front of millions of television viewers. But will he make the people of Earth understand Optimus Prime's mission... or turn against it?
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1883024)
Posted by steve2275 on May 20th, 2017 @ 5:20pm CDT
Posted by steve2275 on May 20th, 2017 @ 5:20pm CDT
love all the arts
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1883037)
Posted by budmaloney on May 20th, 2017 @ 6:33pm CDT
Posted by budmaloney on May 20th, 2017 @ 6:33pm CDT
I think the IDW Transformers series stopped being worth it as Combiner Wars started and the Titans Return finished. They felt so all over the place and IDW topped it off with Revolution which made no sense to me and just completely divested me from the series. MTME was the only thing I found made sense. It may be just me, but fragmenting the characters and stories with the Hasbro Universe became really confusing and difficult to follow. I haven't read Optimus Prime, and I'm not sure I will, but if Pyra Magna becomes the next leader of the Autobots or carries the matrix, I'd probably jump in. For now it's the long wait for Lost Light. Keep going strong Roberts.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1883039)
Posted by Kurona on May 20th, 2017 @ 6:40pm CDT
Posted by Kurona on May 20th, 2017 @ 6:40pm CDT
I'd say that's a shame because if anything, Optimus Prime and Till All Are One have managed to supersede and be much better than their predecessors; creating probably some of the best Transformers stories period. Till All Are One in particular is what I'd consider to be the greatest of the three ongoings this year, but Optimus Prime is not far behind at all.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1883040)
Posted by budmaloney on May 20th, 2017 @ 6:48pm CDT
Posted by budmaloney on May 20th, 2017 @ 6:48pm CDT
The very last comic I read other than Lost Light, was the Titans Return Sentinel Prime and Optimus Raising Metroplex from the ground. So if I wanted to jump in, should I go with TAO since you recommend it? Then go Optimus? But won't I be lost with the whole ROM , Micronauts thing? Or will there be a trade coming out that consolidates the important connections.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1883042)
Posted by Kurona on May 20th, 2017 @ 6:56pm CDT
Right now the Hasbro Universe has been done how a shared universe should in theory be done best - you don't need to read ROM or GI Joe or whatever to follow what's going on in the one comic you actually want to read. They will provide extra details and context on what's going on in other places in the world; but thankfully, all the comics - including Optimus Prime - can act independently of each other. Essentially all you need to know is that G.I. Joe has replaced EDC - and even then the team seen interacting with Prime's team is largely made up of characters that were in ex-RiD; Spike, Talon etc.
So yeah, you can jump right in. You could read Revolution for a bit of extra context if you want, but to be honest it's not a very good story and I'd recommend just looking at a wikipedia article summary instead.
Come to think of it, your concerns aren't exactly uncommon - I'm not surprised that Revolution would make you hesitant to jump in, nor can I blame you; shared universe deals are always a bit iffy especially when a lot of people have grown tired and fatigued of constant events in a lot of comics. Maybe I should write up an article on this...
Posted by Kurona on May 20th, 2017 @ 6:56pm CDT
budmaloney wrote:The very last comic I read other than Lost Light, was the Titans Return Sentinel Prime and Optimus Raising Metroplex from the ground. So if I wanted to jump in, should I go with TAO since you recommend it? Then go Optimus? But won't I be lost with the whole ROM , Micronauts thing? Or will there be a trade coming out that consolidates the important connections.
Right now the Hasbro Universe has been done how a shared universe should in theory be done best - you don't need to read ROM or GI Joe or whatever to follow what's going on in the one comic you actually want to read. They will provide extra details and context on what's going on in other places in the world; but thankfully, all the comics - including Optimus Prime - can act independently of each other. Essentially all you need to know is that G.I. Joe has replaced EDC - and even then the team seen interacting with Prime's team is largely made up of characters that were in ex-RiD; Spike, Talon etc.
So yeah, you can jump right in. You could read Revolution for a bit of extra context if you want, but to be honest it's not a very good story and I'd recommend just looking at a wikipedia article summary instead.
Come to think of it, your concerns aren't exactly uncommon - I'm not surprised that Revolution would make you hesitant to jump in, nor can I blame you; shared universe deals are always a bit iffy especially when a lot of people have grown tired and fatigued of constant events in a lot of comics. Maybe I should write up an article on this...
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1883731)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 23rd, 2017 @ 7:39pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 23rd, 2017 @ 7:39pm CDT
This comic has made me really like Jetfire. I love what they did with his background, and this is where he and the Technobot's relationship starts! Yay!
I think those 6 go well together, and I'm glad the technobots are actually going to be in a comic again.
I think those 6 go well together, and I'm glad the technobots are actually going to be in a comic again.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1883734)
Posted by Kurona on May 23rd, 2017 @ 7:46pm CDT
It's also kind of nice that they're continuing the theme of use-the-dead-guys in flashbacks. First Outback, then Horri-Bull, and now Nosecone. It's like Skids' flashbacks in MTMTE #48 and #49 where all those dead Predators and such showed up - I'm not sure if I should look into any deeper meaning here or if it's just kind of a cool thing.
Posted by Kurona on May 23rd, 2017 @ 7:46pm CDT
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:This comic has made me really like Jetfire. I love what they did with his background, and this is where he and the Technobot's relationship starts! Yay!
I think those 6 go well together, and I'm glad the technobots are actually going to be in a comic again.
It's also kind of nice that they're continuing the theme of use-the-dead-guys in flashbacks. First Outback, then Horri-Bull, and now Nosecone. It's like Skids' flashbacks in MTMTE #48 and #49 where all those dead Predators and such showed up - I'm not sure if I should look into any deeper meaning here or if it's just kind of a cool thing.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1883738)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 23rd, 2017 @ 7:51pm CDT
we'll say cool thing. Cool things are cool
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 23rd, 2017 @ 7:51pm CDT
Kurona wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:This comic has made me really like Jetfire. I love what they did with his background, and this is where he and the Technobot's relationship starts! Yay!
I think those 6 go well together, and I'm glad the technobots are actually going to be in a comic again.
It's also kind of nice that they're continuing the theme of use-the-dead-guys in flashbacks. First Outback, then Horri-Bull, and now Nosecone. It's like Skids' flashbacks in MTMTE #48 and #49 where all those dead Predators and such showed up - I'm not sure if I should look into any deeper meaning here or if it's just kind of a cool thing.
we'll say cool thing. Cool things are cool
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1883941)
Posted by Va'al on May 24th, 2017 @ 2:47pm CDT
Synopsis
With the Junkion invasion resolved peacefully, Optimus Prime takes a moment to plan the Autobot's next move on Earth.
Look at this panel and smile
Story
As we saw last month, the first arc of the new ongoing series focusing on Optimus Prime - but really on Earth after Optimus annexed it to the Council of Worlds (yay space neocolonialism) - and the rebuilding phase is starting. Quite literally. But is everything as it seems in the newtopia of Little Cybertron?
..then this one, and weep
The usual John Barber device of captions to help the narration along is foregone here, in favour of the established parallels with flashbacks, and actual breathing space in character interactions, starting with Optimus and the President of the US, and Jazz's role in the next issue (but also the past). A change of pace, for sure, and a welcome one given the themes addressed in the book.
lol sex joke
Not only do we have parallels drawn between violence, guns and ostracism (in particular between Jetfire of the past and Optimus of the present), there are some less than subtle political commentaries on discrimination based on appearance or 'build', if you will - without ever getting preachy or entirely overt. More on this below.
Functionism. Casually
In terms of plot advancement, then, there is A LOT happening in the book too. A very nice balance achieved in using the characters and their actions/words to seed where the story might be going from here, with Arcee, the colonist recruits, Jazz - and most of all, of course, Pyra Magna.
Art
Taking the reins from Zama, Priscilla Tramontano shines as the artist on the book - and working on both lineart and colouring for the issue - especially in one specific case I want to address: the faceplateless Optimus. That, right there, is part of visual storytelling: Optimus at his non-warring, non-fighting, but coming face-to-face with his realisation from last issue, and as he speaks to humanity on a more common level.
How accessible does he look, right here?
Not the sole point to highlight about the art, of course, but one I wanted to reiterate nonetheless. Colour-wise, I found it fascinating how Tramontano was able to mimic Burcham's take so far, with the grainier texture, and add some extra light for the superficially lighter tone of the book, like a vibrant comma in the long sentence that is the ongoing series.
(though Rust Dust is missing a little red)
The lack of that many captions, though still some snarky name tags float around, means that we don't have as much from the hands of Tom B. Long - though there is a very good KRUNG if you wait for it. As for covers, we've seen all of them previously, bar Tramontano's own (in the thumbnail), featuring the Junkion-Optimus monument by Casey Coller and JP Bove, and its parody by Andrew Griffith and Josh Perez, plus of course the regular cover by Zama and Burcham. All can be seen in our database listing here!
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
There is a lot more that can be said about this issue, for which I have very little time and space - but some of my thoughts on it are bounced off the Twincast in episode 175 of the podcast, due soon. In the meantime, I wanted to point out that of the many interactions we see in the book, I was glad to have something dealing with Arcee, and Aileron's role is still one that I'm intrigued about.
Am I the only one hearing ominous-ness here..?
Pyra Magna is still, however, the biggest presence outside of the titular character, even by just looking at the covers. There is a lot of talk not only about politics but also about faith (again, more thoughts in the podcast episode) in how her and OP interact and confront each other, and there is a lot - a lot - more to come out of this series.
Posted by Va'al on May 24th, 2017 @ 2:47pm CDT
The Heart in the Machine
(Spoiler free-ish)
(Spoiler free-ish)
Synopsis
With the Junkion invasion resolved peacefully, Optimus Prime takes a moment to plan the Autobot's next move on Earth.
Look at this panel and smile
Story
As we saw last month, the first arc of the new ongoing series focusing on Optimus Prime - but really on Earth after Optimus annexed it to the Council of Worlds (yay space neocolonialism) - and the rebuilding phase is starting. Quite literally. But is everything as it seems in the newtopia of Little Cybertron?
..then this one, and weep
The usual John Barber device of captions to help the narration along is foregone here, in favour of the established parallels with flashbacks, and actual breathing space in character interactions, starting with Optimus and the President of the US, and Jazz's role in the next issue (but also the past). A change of pace, for sure, and a welcome one given the themes addressed in the book.
lol sex joke
Not only do we have parallels drawn between violence, guns and ostracism (in particular between Jetfire of the past and Optimus of the present), there are some less than subtle political commentaries on discrimination based on appearance or 'build', if you will - without ever getting preachy or entirely overt. More on this below.
Functionism. Casually
In terms of plot advancement, then, there is A LOT happening in the book too. A very nice balance achieved in using the characters and their actions/words to seed where the story might be going from here, with Arcee, the colonist recruits, Jazz - and most of all, of course, Pyra Magna.
Art
Taking the reins from Zama, Priscilla Tramontano shines as the artist on the book - and working on both lineart and colouring for the issue - especially in one specific case I want to address: the faceplateless Optimus. That, right there, is part of visual storytelling: Optimus at his non-warring, non-fighting, but coming face-to-face with his realisation from last issue, and as he speaks to humanity on a more common level.
How accessible does he look, right here?
Not the sole point to highlight about the art, of course, but one I wanted to reiterate nonetheless. Colour-wise, I found it fascinating how Tramontano was able to mimic Burcham's take so far, with the grainier texture, and add some extra light for the superficially lighter tone of the book, like a vibrant comma in the long sentence that is the ongoing series.
(though Rust Dust is missing a little red)
The lack of that many captions, though still some snarky name tags float around, means that we don't have as much from the hands of Tom B. Long - though there is a very good KRUNG if you wait for it. As for covers, we've seen all of them previously, bar Tramontano's own (in the thumbnail), featuring the Junkion-Optimus monument by Casey Coller and JP Bove, and its parody by Andrew Griffith and Josh Perez, plus of course the regular cover by Zama and Burcham. All can be seen in our database listing here!
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
There is a lot more that can be said about this issue, for which I have very little time and space - but some of my thoughts on it are bounced off the Twincast in episode 175 of the podcast, due soon. In the meantime, I wanted to point out that of the many interactions we see in the book, I was glad to have something dealing with Arcee, and Aileron's role is still one that I'm intrigued about.
Am I the only one hearing ominous-ness here..?
Pyra Magna is still, however, the biggest presence outside of the titular character, even by just looking at the covers. There is a lot of talk not only about politics but also about faith (again, more thoughts in the podcast episode) in how her and OP interact and confront each other, and there is a lot - a lot - more to come out of this series.
. ½ out of
½ out of
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1884001)
Posted by Randomhero on May 24th, 2017 @ 7:44pm CDT
Posted by Randomhero on May 24th, 2017 @ 7:44pm CDT
I really enjoyed this issue. It was a "after the dust has settled" issue. It was nice to see nosecone pop up for a flashback since the poor guy has been dead for 6 years.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1884289)
Posted by ScottyP on May 25th, 2017 @ 5:50pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on May 25th, 2017 @ 5:50pm CDT
I despised the crosshatching texture, or at least my eyes did. Dizzying in a weird sort of way.
That aside, really darn good issue and the direction Pyra Magna is going in is fantastic fun to behold.
That aside, really darn good issue and the direction Pyra Magna is going in is fantastic fun to behold.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1884302)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 25th, 2017 @ 6:34pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 25th, 2017 @ 6:34pm CDT
Now mind you I think it is a good thing for the book, but damn does Pyra piss me off! I'm not sure what it is about her, but she makes me grumpy and generally Brawn-y when I see her and hear her voice (if you call it that, since we now have a voice actor for her), but it's good this time! It adds some tension to the book for me and adds that somewhat good character who also makes her pages more interesting. Slide will totally be her slidekick too when she tries to overthrow Prime (which I still believe will lead into the IDW Power of the Primes thingy, we all know it's coming).
Also, Sideswipe. I know he comes back in 2 issues, but I love what they have done with him and Arcee. I feel like she will be crucial in his "recovery" (based on the cover if you can call it that) too, using her experience coupled with with Aileron's words
Also, Sideswipe. I know he comes back in 2 issues, but I love what they have done with him and Arcee. I feel like she will be crucial in his "recovery" (based on the cover if you can call it that) too, using her experience coupled with with Aileron's words
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1884305)
Posted by Kurona on May 25th, 2017 @ 6:46pm CDT
Wait, what? Who?!
Posted by Kurona on May 25th, 2017 @ 6:46pm CDT
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:hear her voice (if you call it that, since we now have a voice actor for her)
Wait, what? Who?!
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1884307)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 25th, 2017 @ 6:49pm CDT
Marissa mentioned that Pyra sounds like Elizabeth Taylor
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 25th, 2017 @ 6:49pm CDT
Kurona wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:hear her voice (if you call it that, since we now have a voice actor for her)
Wait, what? Who?!
Marissa mentioned that Pyra sounds like Elizabeth Taylor
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1884309)
Posted by Kurona on May 25th, 2017 @ 6:51pm CDT
Oooh right, durr. That's fun~
Posted by Kurona on May 25th, 2017 @ 6:51pm CDT
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Kurona wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:hear her voice (if you call it that, since we now have a voice actor for her)
Wait, what? Who?!
Marissa mentioned that Pyra sounds like Elizabeth Taylor
Oooh right, durr. That's fun~
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1884349)
Posted by ScottyP on May 25th, 2017 @ 11:12pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on May 25th, 2017 @ 11:12pm CDT
It's all fun and games until the pungent scent of White Diamonds perfume hits your noseKurona wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Kurona wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:hear her voice (if you call it that, since we now have a voice actor for her)
Wait, what? Who?!
Marissa mentioned that Pyra sounds like Elizabeth Taylor
Oooh right, durr. That's fun~
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1884367)
Posted by Va'al on May 26th, 2017 @ 3:34am CDT
I can see how that might affect some readers, actually, now that you mention it.
I thought it was a very good way of blending Tramontano's glossier colouring style with Burcham's texture.
Posted by Va'al on May 26th, 2017 @ 3:34am CDT
ScottyP wrote:I despised the crosshatching texture, or at least my eyes did. Dizzying in a weird sort of way.
I can see how that might affect some readers, actually, now that you mention it.
I thought it was a very good way of blending Tramontano's glossier colouring style with Burcham's texture.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1884500)
Posted by ScottyP on May 26th, 2017 @ 4:38pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on May 26th, 2017 @ 4:38pm CDT
I appreciated the intent and it kind of worked for the Cybertron scenes, but when it carried over to the Earth stuff I got a bit disoriented. No big deal, went and picked up my last few weeks of pulls and it isn't as bad on ink and paper as on a screen.Va'al wrote:ScottyP wrote:I despised the crosshatching texture, or at least my eyes did. Dizzying in a weird sort of way.
I can see how that might affect some readers, actually, now that you mention it.
I thought it was a very good way of blending Tramontano's glossier colouring style with Burcham's texture.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1884504)
Posted by Kurona on May 26th, 2017 @ 4:58pm CDT
Posted by Kurona on May 26th, 2017 @ 4:58pm CDT
Crosshatching?
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1884590)
Posted by Va'al on May 27th, 2017 @ 3:46am CDT
Square pixel grains in the backgrounds, across the whole issue.
Posted by Va'al on May 27th, 2017 @ 3:46am CDT
Kurona wrote:Crosshatching?
Square pixel grains in the backgrounds, across the whole issue.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1886010)
Posted by Va'al on June 1st, 2017 @ 5:23pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on June 1st, 2017 @ 5:23pm CDT
In yet more comics news, but probably the last for now, from iTunes, we have a three-page preview of Optimus Prime #8 - aka the Jazz-centric issue with art by Casey Coller and colours with JP Bove! Check it out below, and head back in a couple of weeks for more.
Jazz confronts his past—and the Autobot’s future—in front of millions of television viewers. But will he make the people of Earth understand Optimus Prime's mission... or turn against it?
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1886011)
Posted by Randomhero on June 1st, 2017 @ 5:32pm CDT
Posted by Randomhero on June 1st, 2017 @ 5:32pm CDT
Man I love Caseys Art. Always have. I get why he doesn't do interiors but I wish he did.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1886017)
Posted by Kurona on June 1st, 2017 @ 5:42pm CDT
Posted by Kurona on June 1st, 2017 @ 5:42pm CDT
Oh, we're back to this art! Fantastic! Zama's style grew on me and I do recognise how it was appropriate for the story, and Tramontano I'm also a fan of; but Casey's is my absolute favourite for this book and helped make ex-RiD so great.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1886048)
Posted by Randomhero on June 1st, 2017 @ 7:17pm CDT
Posted by Randomhero on June 1st, 2017 @ 7:17pm CDT
I think Johana is a better for his line art however. Josh is a good colorist but his coloring is just too inconsistent anymore. With Guido he uses a very realistic modern comic style. With Alex and Zama is uses too much of a old school dot color style and with Casey Nick and Andrew its just so saturated. feels joyless sometimes. its a little jarring at times.
It's nice to see John doing some more coloring though it's very flat
It's nice to see John doing some more coloring though it's very flat
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1886116)
Posted by ScottyP on June 1st, 2017 @ 10:24pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on June 1st, 2017 @ 10:24pm CDT
Dear IDWGodJesusAllahXenuJosephSmithKrishnuMosesCthuluITriedAndHopeYourDeityOfChoiceOrNoChoiceWasListed,
Please put Casey Coller on an ongoing.
That is all,
Scotty.
Please put Casey Coller on an ongoing.
That is all,
Scotty.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1886141)
Posted by Bounti76 on June 1st, 2017 @ 11:51pm CDT
Posted by Bounti76 on June 1st, 2017 @ 11:51pm CDT
Can we please get rid of the damn captions? Anyone reading this book knows who everyone is.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1886150)
Posted by Nexus Knight on June 2nd, 2017 @ 1:32am CDT
Uh, no? Considering some monthly readers may not be as into Transformers as others and have to live a life, it's not hard to see how they could forget the names of some of these lesser known bots.
Posted by Nexus Knight on June 2nd, 2017 @ 1:32am CDT
Bounti76 wrote:Can we please get rid of the damn captions? Anyone reading this book knows who everyone is.
Uh, no? Considering some monthly readers may not be as into Transformers as others and have to live a life, it's not hard to see how they could forget the names of some of these lesser known bots.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1886153)
Posted by Bounti76 on June 2nd, 2017 @ 3:20am CDT
How about, yeah? If it's a book you subscribe to every month, regardless of how fanatical you are about Transformers, wouldn't you care enough about your monetary investment to follow along with the narrative and learn the names of the characters in the book you're paying for? Lost Light doesn't caption every single issue. Till All Are One doesn't. I genuinely don't understand why OP has to do it all the time, considering all three are books with relatively large casts (TAAO's being the smallest).
Posted by Bounti76 on June 2nd, 2017 @ 3:20am CDT
Nexus Knight wrote:Bounti76 wrote:Can we please get rid of the damn captions? Anyone reading this book knows who everyone is.
Uh, no? Considering some monthly readers may not be as into Transformers as others and have to live a life, it's not hard to see how they could forget the names of some of these lesser known bots.
How about, yeah? If it's a book you subscribe to every month, regardless of how fanatical you are about Transformers, wouldn't you care enough about your monetary investment to follow along with the narrative and learn the names of the characters in the book you're paying for? Lost Light doesn't caption every single issue. Till All Are One doesn't. I genuinely don't understand why OP has to do it all the time, considering all three are books with relatively large casts (TAAO's being the smallest).
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1886280)
Posted by Nexus Knight on June 2nd, 2017 @ 10:36am CDT
Not everyone has a good memory. Paying for something doesn't mean you instantly remember everything you read/watched. I know people who care a lot about their stories, but sometimes have to be remind even what the heck is going on.
Posted by Nexus Knight on June 2nd, 2017 @ 10:36am CDT
Bounti76 wrote:Nexus Knight wrote:Bounti76 wrote:Can we please get rid of the damn captions? Anyone reading this book knows who everyone is.
Uh, no? Considering some monthly readers may not be as into Transformers as others and have to live a life, it's not hard to see how they could forget the names of some of these lesser known bots.
How about, yeah? If it's a book you subscribe to every month, regardless of how fanatical you are about Transformers, wouldn't you care enough about your monetary investment to follow along with the narrative and learn the names of the characters in the book you're paying for? Lost Light doesn't caption every single issue. Till All Are One doesn't. I genuinely don't understand why OP has to do it all the time, considering all three are books with relatively large casts (TAAO's being the smallest).
Not everyone has a good memory. Paying for something doesn't mean you instantly remember everything you read/watched. I know people who care a lot about their stories, but sometimes have to be remind even what the heck is going on.
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1886283)
Posted by Kurona on June 2nd, 2017 @ 10:41am CDT
Posted by Kurona on June 2nd, 2017 @ 10:41am CDT
I think it would be better if there was a page before the story that showed pictures of characters, with their names and a tiny description below.
Like, for instance...
Like, for instance...
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1888537)
Posted by Va'al on June 10th, 2017 @ 2:22pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on June 10th, 2017 @ 2:22pm CDT
The third and final preview for next week's releases from IDW Publishing Transformers comics comes in the form of Optimus Prime #8, out this Wednesday - which is when our review will be going up too. Read more below courtesy of CBR, and enjoy Casey Coller's return to interior art!
Jazz confronts his past—and the Autobot’s future—in front of millions of television viewers. But will he make the people of Earth understand Optimus Prime’s mission… or turn against it?
Re: Review of IDW Optimus Prime #6 (1888540)
Posted by Randomhero on June 10th, 2017 @ 3:05pm CDT
Posted by Randomhero on June 10th, 2017 @ 3:05pm CDT
Hector Ramirez...because why not. This is awesome.
