TF Escalation #3: *spoilers*

I must say E.J. Su's artwork gets better and better with each issue. Also the coloring seems better than usual this issue. This issue we get Megs and company starting a rift in foreign land Brasnya. Megatron mass shifts into a gun small enough for a human (facsimile) to hold in what apparently is the first time in a long time in the IDW universe. Megs is also juiced up on ORE-13 and packing quite a wallop. I liked the strategy talks between Prowl and Optimus in this issue, and the arguing between Ironhide and Prowl. The table is set for a showdown between Optimus vs Blitzwing and Astrotrain for next issue. Also the Spotlights start to make more sense as Nightbeat, Hot Rod, and Hardhead make cameos at the end and prepare to enter the fray. Pretty good issue, can't wait for a nice robotic throwdown next issue.

Really loved this issue so far! It's nice to see the "robots in disguise" theme maintained very well with a nicely weaved and interconnected universe. The explanation for Gun Megs and the teleportation of Prime's trailer were also great touches on Simon's part.

Looking forward to more tension next issue with Blitzwing's sight on Ops.

Eh, I haven't been very impressed. The story is just going way to slow for my liking.

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Yeah, I did love the trailer & mass displacement explanations. The story is really solid so far, and I'm glad to see that no further politics have entered the plot yet (though they haven't followed up yet on the subplot that pissed me off last issue, anyways).
And facsimiles= teh rok.

Last updated November 10th
(This update: 5 new TF Universe 2.0 toy reviews, 2 more of VBBN's toy reviews)

Read it.

Solid issue, but read kinda short.

Nice little bits and pieces added to the overall story, such as the tension between Prowl and Ironhide, Prime's trust in Prowl, the concept of mass-displacement, more info on the human constructs, and the arrival of the new bots. However, the overall story seems to be moving a bit slow for my taste.

I particularly like the way Simon is taking well known concepts from the past, in this case "mass displacement", and putting a new spin on it. As he did with the Pretender and Headmaster technologies, Simon puts some newfound signficance on mass displacement, making it something not of the ordinary, but rather, something likely to be achieved with only the greatest of resources (in this case, Ore-13). I can't wait to see what Furman has in store for us with the concept of Micromasters.

I think Simon is doing the right thing focusing on the same cast, all the while adding a trickle of new characters to the mix. As Transformers fans, we want our cake and want to eat it too. In other words, we ask for character development, but demand to see new players enter the game all the time. Bob Budiansky can tell you all about what that does to the sanity of a Transformers comic writer. I think Simon has struck a nice balance here with the cast.

However, like the last two issues, I'm a little concerned about the overall pacing of the story. It may be treading a little bit in the 'slow' department for some fans.

Again, a solid issue, with some pacing problems. A "B-".

Dammit dammit dammit, I was hoping to see Hardhead and Hotrod with Earth modes. (and by earth mods I mean REAL contemporary vehicles, like and Abrams and a Trans Am)

I like the nod to Prime's trailer but,,,,, why didn't he use it? It beamed down in trailer mode then changed to a base while all the Autobots turned into cars. Then Prime leaves it?

What's the deal with Prowl and Ironhide? Ironhide undercut Prowl in some way? Anyway Prowl's being a dick, he seems to be a proto-G1 Magnus. I guess after having a wild card like Grimlock under your command for so long Prime needs a yes man for a bit. I know Optimus was mentoring Prowl but there were a few scenes where Prowl almost looked to be ordering Prime. Perhaps this will lead to something?

Shades of the late G1 comic. Prowl is a good soldier, but not necesarilly a good leader. Just because you're a loyal Lieutennant doesn't make you President when 'your turn' comes.

Which is a shame, I've always liked Prowl, but he can be so stiff. And often he's portrayed as an uptight asshole.

Agreed.

And this issue take home the gold for me if for no other reason than the bit with the trailer.

Love this story and love the new G1 Universe.

Originally Posted by Midnight What's wrong with some fun nerd debate on the internet? I thought that was one of it's prime uses aside from porn.

Perhaps they haven't reformatted yet? They were just told by Nightbeat that their orders were to "sit tight until we get our berings", that could include reformating... however, Hot Rod is brushing Nightbeat and the orders off, so who knows?

you know, in issue 4 of infiltration i was printed because i thought the story was moving slow, and i didnt like the designs. the designs have grown on me, but the story is still just a little slow. it seems like it shoulda been 4 or 5 issues, but then IDW wanted to extend it out just a little bit, which hurts the book. im still digging it, and its cool to see the oneshots start tying in. one of my regular TF customers didnt pick this up last night, cuz he didnt like the 1st arc either, but liked stormbringer, and i said they all tied together eventually, and he hadnt seen it, so he was dissapointed. but i guess thats how it goes. maybe he'll pick it up later....

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Got it last night after work. Read it and I was very impressed! I love it.
Can't wait to get # 4.