[preview]TFW2005 Comic Reviews have arrived! The first of many comics to be reviewed is Transformers #3 by IDW Publishing, which will be released in comic book stores tomorrow – Wednesday, January 13th. Check out the review and a few new images from the issue by clicking on the Title Bar or thumbnail to the left.[/preview]Transformers #3
Credits
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Written by: Mike Costa
Art by: Don Figueroa
Colors by: J. Brown
Letters by: Chris Mowry
Editor: Andy Schmidt
Associate Editor: Denton J. Tipton
Covers
Cover A – Art by Don Figueroa and Colors by J. Brown
Cover B – Art by Andrew Wildman
Retailer Incentive – Art by Don Figueroa
Review
Transformers #3 continues IDW’s first set of story arcs for the Transformers ongoing comics series, with the issue’s events occurring after the events of (the upcoming) Last Stand of the Wreckers Issue #1 and before the events of Bumblebee Issue #1. The issue follows three separate storylines: Ultra Magnus on Earth at the Autobot base investing the events that lead to Ironhide’s death and Optimus Prime’s surrender to the humans, Hot Rod continues to seek a way off of Earth under a newfound partnership, and Spike Witwicky seeks answers through any means possible.
Writer Mike Costa inherited quite a bit of back stories through IDW previous mini-series as well as ongoing side stories in the current Bumblebee mini-series and the upcoming Last Stand of the Wreckers mini-series. Transformers #3 shows the strength in his writing, demonstrating how he has balanced the back stories as well as the content from the recently released Bumblebee #1. He also handles the three storylines in the issue quite well, offering seamless transitions between the stories through the use of a common phrase said in the last panel of the one storyline and the first panel of the next. Additionally, his portrayals of long-time characters haven’t strayed far from the familiar. Characters such as Hot Rod may be characterized slightly differently but not so differently that the character has been completely altered in terms of personality. The development of Spike Witwicky, however, is far different than any portrayal in the past. Whereas Issue #2 portrayed Spike as a womanizer, Issue #3 shows his manipulative side. Although it still feels as if they are setting him up for redemption, his character is getting less and less likable with each issue.
Don Figueroa’s art in Issue #3 is consistent with that featured in the previous issue, with no change in the movie-style of Transformers design. If you’re a fan of the movie-inspired designs, you’ll continue to not be disappointed. Don also has a chance to show off a few new designs with Autobots such as Beachcomber, Huffer and Seaspray and provide fans a better look at his Jetfire and Ultra Magnus redesigns. The new redesign of Hoist re-enforces the notion that the new designs are inspired by the movie and toyline, as his redesign features elements of both the Hoist and Dropkick movie toys along with other common features.
Transformers #3 continues to build on the excitement featured thus far in the ongoing. Although the issue did not featuring anything in the way of huge revelations, it does a great job of teasing several large events coming up within the storylines. This issue is a recommended pick up, although it’s becoming more apparent that you may also need to pick up the Last Stand of the Wreckers and Bumblebee mini-series as they are released to be fully cognizant of what is going on with the contents of this issue and the ongoing series.
Lumpy
yeah, he seems very much like animated magnus so far, just rigid in his job and not what's really going on… i can't wait to see what's going on with him as this progresses…
yeah, that scene was awesome as Blurr bolted… i love when they actually use the special things about each transformer… using Skywarps teleportation powers, mirage's invisibility etc… its great…
Black Oracle
Got my copy today. Costa's definitely building something up here. And each issue has had me wondering what'll happen next. So he's doing his job of getting us interested and curious imo.
Alot of you have been saying that Optimus suddenly now seems to have a plan or reason for having surrendered to Skywatch. I'm not so sure really. Yes, he's not giving anything away about his Autobots, but that was to be expected. And he is obviously prepared to accept punishment as a willing prisoner. But i'm not sure where the signs are that he's got some ideas, other than maybe a few knowing glances at Spike and giving him stubborn responses. If OP really does have a plan, maybe it involves speaking to General Witwicky?
Spike, i've said it before and i'll say it again, he's been rather a jerk in this series so far hasn't he? One minute he's trying to exert authority over Prime telling him he's not in a position to object to him, the next, he completely changes his tune and says he's trying to help him. Obviously can't be trusted to do anything other than serve his own desires. Hmph.
Ultra Magnus seems rather unhelpful and unsympathetic. Sorry 'Bee, you ain't gonna get any help from him. I wonder what Hot Rod will have to say when Magnus finds him?
The bit with Swindle pointing and grinning at Mirage was cute!
The art is still of a high standard, so how can i complain? I think tho' that there's been a change in how the TFs' teeth have been coloured white as opposed to grey before. I think that seems to have softened the bots' faces a bit more.
Coeloptera
In a few, short panels, Prime suddenly goes from "whining surrender-monkey" to "seemingly more cunning than anyone else in the room".
His responses to Spike just seemed far too calculated to be anything but part of some plan. I liked the reaction shots of Spike as he realized that things weren't going to be easy.
He really is a douche though, isn't he? It's hard to imagine how he can possibly be redeemed at all. As I said, he has no real redeeming qualities.
Magnus's behavior is definitely a little odd. He's so caught up in his specific duties he seems to be missing the big picture. Yes, the alt-mode is nice, but from the comments here, I was expecting something a bit different. This is pretty much just a car-carrier. A nice one, but still.
I enjoyed the fact that they overtly referenced the fact that Blurr is just that much more insanely faster than everyone else. What with the whole "Blurr can just cover it in a few hours" remark. Then, of course, the awesome nonplussed reaction of the Skywatch soldiers as he breaks the sound barrier while running.
I must again say, this is much better work than IDW was giving us recently. Apparently they can be taught!
– Coeloptera
Gingerchris
Maybe Prime's plan is to get all the Autobots captured so they'll be in the human base already and then turn off those inhibitors and trash the place. A sort of Trojan Horse thing.
Lumpy
i finally got all caught up on the last 4 or 5 issues of AHM, and the first 3 issues here… i'm digging this series alot so far, its pretty rad so far, and i am loving DON's art… its just so beautiful… the story is pretty good, Spike is a dick and prime isn't giving up any dirt… but he's gotta have some plan, there's no way he'd just leave i think…
few things that don't make sense though, thundercracker was with Swindle's group… so why is the next issue a big deal about his return? and when Breakdown attacked the power station, the humans were on top of him asap… but when Hot Rod and co start fighting Swindles group and Omega Supreme is going uber crazy, there's not sign of the humans at all… that doesn't make sense to me… but still, this is fun…
as for BB, it kinda makes sense that he's the leader… the other bots know he's noble and tries like Prime… and its because he's so popular from the movie…hence why he's got his own mini now, which i need to go read…
Irv Gotti
Welcome to the DARK SIDE.
Glad to see you've had a change of heart. I also had my reservations at first, but the writing kept hooking me. Even the highly mechanized look of the transformers is starting to grow on me. Props go to Don for using Blur's TFA design. It was a Bad Ass idea.
I can actually picture Costa's Spike stating "Greed is good." I am hoping that Breakdown gives Spike a really harsh reality check.
ORIO
LMFAO. That's awesome. But totally ok, cuz I love Wolvie and the X-Men.
And this is the FIRST IDW series to get me to buy individual issues since Infiltration. So, I would recommend it!
And Sideswipe80, glad ya had a change of heart and its most certain that Breakdowns gonna give Spike what's coming to him.
And on that topic, I love that Costa is making Spike a dick. We've always hated Spike. But now we have a good reason
Wheeljack_Prime
I'd like to see Hasbro try to make a toy based on Magnus' appearance here. I really like his design.
UltraMagnus3786
it couldn't come sooner!
and props to costa for creating such a manipulative character. if spike were a civilian, he'd be working on wall street.
Angelwave
The similarity is so striking, isn't it?
Oh I have a feeling that he will end up getting that "kick in the ass" very soon.
Sideswipe80
LOL, yeah had a change of heart. But man I hope a Con gets their hands on Spike and scares him straight. He's so smug!
AniProwl
Hmmm.
Where have I seen that before?
Anyway, I'll look forward to the PB rather than single issues.
UltraMagnus3786
sideswipe80 is that really you? actually enjoying how IDW handles something transformers related? =P
i kid bro. glad you're enjoying it, i am too. hope they can keep it up.
Sideswipe80
I love how Prime was playing Spike with his answers, LOL. I'm liking this ongoing. I really hope a Con gets a hold of Spike. He's such a tool. Costa is doing a good job but having us the reader not like him. Prime looks sad sitting on the last page, makes me feel bad for the big guy. I can't wait till issue 5 when the Stunticons return. I hope Breakdown terrorizes Spike.
Beastbot X
It's looking like this will be better than AHM, but worse than the -ation series, IMO. About middle-ground. Some good, intriguing bits, some "wha?" moments (like the appearance of Beachcomber).
ORIO
That's my point, why didn't Jazz step up? And why did the elect BB? I'm guessing its just to help drive the characters popularity but it doesn't make any sense storywise.
Jazz is there, we saw him in issue 2. No reason he shouldn't have just been leader by default.
Coeloptera
That's not legitimate. That's still being a self-serving prick.
Really, he's coming off as just a terrible person. Apparently he is only great in combat. His decision-making skills outside of it are apparently sub-par, at best, and he's also deliberately hunting down a faction of beings he knows for a fact mean no harm to Earth or humanity and trying to strong-arm them when diplomacy might work a lot better…and all to impress his dad, as opposed to actually giving a shit about his duty.
I'm really wondering what Magnus' alt-mode is, now. I'll find out tomorrow.
– Coeloptera
DarthCrusher
BB wasn't the second-in-command. He was chosen through a vote.
Enjoyed this issue, and I agree with others that that Swindle panel is just priceless and totally in character.
Chevluh
I like Magnus' angle on the situation here – I hadn't considered Ironhide's demise may have happened differently from what we've first been told, but now I wonder if it's just Magnus being overly suspicious or if someone may deliberately have wanted Prime to freak out.
UltraMagnus3786
i'm definitely itching for this story to get moving, it's been such a good tease for the upcoming stuff. i'll spare a graphic analogy, but you get my drift.
it's interesting that this story takes place before bumblebee #1 since at the end of that story BB's crew was told to hunt down blurr. i'm looking forward to the mindfu*k of these stories overlapping at different times and revealing spoilers / clearing things up in other stories. with 3 books in the mix, things are heating up. maybe we'll see who's been in contact with magnus and who sent him in 'the wreckers.'
i'm also hoping that at some point someone– it doesn't matter if it's autobot or decepticon– F's up some humans.