Views
Review by Ruel S. De Vera
I'm sorry, Dreamwave, I know I complained that Sunssome of the characters were getting way too much face time, but did you really have to go on and do that? Anyway, just read this issue to find out exactly what I'm talking about.
After a delay, Transformers Generation 1's most protracted storyarc
concludes this issue with "Atonement." Incidentally, the writer previously known as Brad Mick (G1, MTMTE) now appears under his full name of James McDonough. Adam Patyk is still Adam Patyk and the incredibly talented Don Figueroa is, thankfully, still present and himself.
After the events of last issue, Prowl meets with the Autobots for a possible return of their forces to Earth following their discovery of Sunstorm's flight to Earth. Prowl wants to set up more of their forces on the planet. Meanwhile, Warpath and Bumper, together with the inert bodies of Jazz and company, remain in the custody of the Earth Defense Force, presumably in the same underground base where the remains of the Constructicons are being
studied.
But the big bash is the final throwdown between Sunstorm, Jetfire, Bumblebee and the ever-deceitful Starscream underground. Here, where more TF secrets are set to be uncovered, two characters will emerge somewhat functional and two others will not. It is, by all measure, a mighty surprise and a rabbit punch by the writers. After all the robotic violence of the last few issues, the violence and detsurction actually is ratcheted up in this one. The last few panels, a quiet reqiuem for a fallen warrior, will stay in your heads for a long time.
I know I complained about how long this arc was going but damn what an ending. Take a bow guys. But did you really have to... Aw, well. Pay homage to the fall of G1 gladiators with "Atonement," a great issue from a great creative team.
Hardcore TF tidbits:
1) In the fourth page is a whole buncha TF winks. In the first panel, you can clearly see Cybertron's two moons, yes, yet to be devoured by Unicron as per movie continuity (which of course, is no longer applicable, but still it's a fun fact).
2) Same page, second panel. On the tower in the middle of the panel can be reconigzed (in the pseudo-English Cybertronian sigils favored by War Within) the fan-favorite Tf website named "TFW2005,"
3) Same page, same panel: Inside the room with a view on the right, two G2 Autobots can be seen at the table, Volt and Electro. I'm not sure but I surmise that the red and black 'bot to the the left is Gunrunner, the Japanese Roadhandler repaint which came with the Takara Groundshaker tank. Anyone have a clue who the two bots to the right are?
4) In the meeting between the Autobots, once again we see the traditional characterization brought back itno focus: Bluestreak is brash but wants to return to Earth. Gears and Huffer don't want to, and Mirage is depicted pretty much as a prissy aristocrat--which he is.
5) Just my little preference, but I love the conversation between
Cliffjumper and Omega Supreme. I mean, they actually wind up agreeing--and I've often wondered what a conversation with OS would be like. I guess this is as good as it gets.
6) The constant side-switching done by Starscream may be confusing, but it is certainly true to character. And his act of doing something he clearly doesn't want to do but does anyway (saving somebody) reminds me of those scenes in the TV series where he would whine but comply anyway.
7) Just have to say. That last page. Four panels. Two words. "The end." Wow.
Comments :
Post a Comment