I do understand that criticism. But that is also the strength of Dreamwave. They got one thing very right about Transformers and that's how to make the toys look cool and impressive. Something the cartoon was also very good at. DW ( and especially Don) was very good at depicting battle scenes and making them look cool/epic. This arc (even though there's more to it) seems to be build around setting up epic fights. Car bots versus combiner, Minibots versus combiner, combiner versus super powered bot. Jetfire versus super powered bot, Omega versus super powered bot. That's a lot of eye candy. And I personally like that in a TF comic. It doesn't need to take itself too serious. Just serious enough. I think McDonough and Patyk got that balance right. At least to my taste.

 

It didn't ruin my enjoyment or anything; it's just a bit of a bummer that, with hindsight, we know we are only getting four or five more issues more and the first six probably would have been better served being a four issue arc. You definitely get pretty pictures with Don at the helm

 

Dreamwave Transformers Generation 1 Issue #6​

Up for review starting on 5-19-2023 is issue #6 of Dreamwave's Transformers Generation 1 ongoing series. It was originally released on July 4 ,2004 and had a cover date of June 2004. It was written by James McDonough, and Adam Patyk, drawn by Don Figueroa inked by Elaine To, colored by Espen Grundetjern, and lettered by Ben Lee.

The TFWiki link to Dreamwave's Transformers Generation 1 Issue #6 is below for more available information about the issue as a whole.

Atonement - Transformers Wiki (tfwiki.net)​

The Comichron sales chart for the month of April 2004. Transformers Generation 1 issue 6 is in 49th place with 36,213 units sold.

Comichron: July 2004 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops

Follow the rules (see this first post in this thread if you need to review them) be as critical, or as complimentary as you like, and don't hold anything back! Have fun everyone, and remember NO SPOILERS FOR FUTURE ISSUES​

Reviews of previous issues in this thread begin at the numbers below.

#14, #35, #51, #68, #82. #102, #133, #154, #164, #175, #187, #194, #216, #235, #265, #272, #284, #300, #315, #324, #334, #341, #361, #376, #397, #411, #422, #429, #434, #447, #465, #470, #485, #495, #514

Cover



2005 Calendar



Prime Transmissions



Wavelengths




Gi-Joe and The Transformers



Weekly Autobot Profile Spotlight
(The 1986 Autobot Mini-Vehicles)


Weekly Decepticon Profile Spotlight
(Reflector)




Weekly Transformers Bonus Section
(Rodimus Prime, Wreck-Gar, Sky Lynx)



(The Autobot Mini-Cassettes)



Let's Transform And Read Out!

Only 4 Issues Left!​

 

It's the one VERY BIG thing that IDW and Furman's "ation" series got VERY wrong about Transformers. Well, maybe not wrong, but I definitely felt like I was on valium while reading the "ation" series. We went from Don's greatness and Mick's action and adventure approach to a slow burn of a comic. The burn was so slow that I got so bored, that I stopped reading. Also, the IDW art style was meh.

While I was reading this it hadn't occurred to me, but you definitely have a point. It could have been streamlined to four issues. I think the next issue is the end of the Sunstorm arc. I do remember one issue that I read after that.

 

The other day I watched Chris McFeely's video about Dark Energon. A concept originated in the BW II show. Can't help but think that is what McDonough and Patyk had in mind for the purple goo sealed away on earth. And reading issue #6 if that's the case it makes sense that it clashes with Sunstorms Vector Sigma/Primus energy and why it could work on a Decepticon like Starscream.

Really wish McDonough and Patyk shared ome of their thoughts/plans for the series. Anyway review of issue 6 will follow soon!

 

Same here!

 

Transformers: Generation 1 #6 "Atonement"​

Overall Impression: Another solid issue! Though I don't believe Jetfire is dead for an instant, not until I see the body.

General Thoughts and Commentary:

• Sometimes it feels like Starscream doesn't actually know what he wants and is just stabbing people in the back out of habit.
• I really can't blame any of the Autobots for not wanting to go back to Earth. Humans will inevitably stab the Autobots in the back, it's almost a law of the universe.
• So are Cliffjumper and Omega Supreme going to be relevant again or what?
• Getting pretty sick of Sunstorm, just fucking die already! You're boring, you're boring everybody, quit boring everybody!

Questions and Continuity Concerns:

• Did Jetfire just...die?
• Was Starscream on his way to back up Jetfire? I can't tell if he was in orbit or still in the atmosphere, so it could be either one.

What I Liked:

• Starscream continues to be the MVP of this ongoing!
• Jetfire's (ambiguous) sacrifice.
• The art is actually good.

What I Disliked:

• Sunstorm is boring.
• More hemming and hawing on Cybertron.

Final Verdict: 8/10​

 

Transformers Issue 6
​

Comic: Starscream has Bumblebee in a precarious position and is about to eliminate him. Bumblebee questions Starscream about what is really going on. To that Starscream responds "You ready don't know do you?".

Review: So, Starscream really does know more about this situation entire than he initially let on. I still have no idea what's going on. Which isn't a bad thing.

The pit that Sunstorm fell into looks an awful lot like a mechanized version of the Alien Hive from the movie Aliens.

Comic: Prowl holds court in the war Room. They know that the missing clone is on Earth. They also know that since its arrival on Earth that they cannot contact The Ark or The Orion. Prowl tells everyone in attendance that they are going to be headed back to Earth in order to sort all of this out. This meets with protests from Huffer and Mirage. Which leads to Hound and Trailbreaker stating their beliefs as to why they all need to return to Earth. There is a bit of heated debate, but it is pretty much shut down by Prowl.

Review: First things first! When we reach Cybertron If you look at the second panel from the top one of the buildings actually says TFworld 2005! How awesome is that?! I didn't know that this site was that old. If it isn't it's a pretty cool coincidence. If anyone knows how the Autobots in that shot are let me know. I don't recognize any of them. They look like Micromasters.




The banter between the Autobots is well written. I can actually hear their cartoon voices while I am reading what they have to say. The only one who is a bit different is Prowl, and that's because of how much he is talking. So, I just hear Duke from Gi Joe. They were the same voice actor anyway.

By this point in the series Prowl has really come into his own as both a character and as a leader. I have stated it before, but this is by far and away the best characterization of him up to this point. However, I am wondering what Ultra Magnus is up to. I do remember some of what is coming up in the next issue. So, I do have a feeling I know where Ultra Magnus was going to end up had the series continued.

Comic: Bumper, Warpath and the deactivated Autobots (Jazz, Windcharger, Wheeljack, Sunstreaker and Sideswipe) have been taken prisoner by E.D.C. and are enroute to what appears to be an underground military base.

Review: Bumper is cool. I don't know if IDW did much with him, but I am really digging him as a character. he comes across as very young, very inexperienced, but also very levelheaded and observant. I think this is only his fourth appearance and I have a very good feel for his character. meanwhile Warpath still gets in a couple of "Yow!"s but they happen at the right time. I wrote about this in my last review too. They over did the "Blam, Zang, Pow, Yow!" aspect of his character in the original cartoon. Of course, it wasn't annoying hearing that as a child, but as an adult it's a bit grating. This is obviously a more subdued version of the character that was written for 20 somethings who grew up on him.

E.D.C. actually being a powerful military unit is a good thing, and given the Transformers War on Earth, it's also a believable situation. It's safe to say that hypothetically speaking if large robots were waging war on each other on Earth that some Earthers would study Transformer technology and adapt it in a way to protect our planet. Now, I'm not saying it would be a good organization. Mr. Lazarus definitely wasn't a good person. However, we still don't know much about this version of E.D.C. The Earth is not a one world government yet. So, who are they working for?

Comic: Cliffjumper and Omega Supreme share their worries about their comrades with each other, and how they feel that they should be there with them. Unfortunately Omega Supreme is still mostly inactive.

Review: Not much to review here so I will mention how much more detail has been given to Omega Supreme's face in this comic than was ever given in the cartoon. The backgrounds are done really well, and in typical Dreamwave fashion the snow looks cold, and you can tell by the color of the sun like it is late in the day. Those Dreamwave colors are no joke!

Comic: Starscream is gloating at Bumblebee for being foolish about Sunstorm. He explains to Bumblebee that he is actually a lot like Sunstorm, as Sunstorm thought that everything he was doing was for the greater good. Then Sunstorm reemerges from the pit that he fell into. He begins attacking Starscream and Bumblebee. He tells Bumblebee that the Oracle has favored him and that he will never know its intentions for him because now Sunstorm is going to terminate him. Then Sunstorm's skin begins to bubble. He blames Starscream and fires at him and at the last second Jetfire saves Starscream. Sunstorm's face starts melting and he blasts out of the cave. Jetfire goes after him, but he tells Starscream that he owes him one. Which translates to get Bumblebee out of the cave. Starscream begrudgingly takes Bumblebee with him as he too departs the cave.

Review: At first when Sunstorm began melting he looked like the left over remains of Stripe at the end of Gremlins. Then he looked like the innards of a Terminator from the movie The Terminator. I'm not sure if these observations were intentional or not, but since Don grew up in the 1980s, I wouldn't doubt it.

Starscream has an interesting dynamic with both Jetfire and Bumblebee. He has flat out told Bumblebee that he kind of likes him. I am wondering where all of these relationships would have gone had this comic continued. Up to this point there wasn't much in the way of dynamic relationships between Autobots and Decepticons. For the most part they were on opposite sides and as a result fought each other. Previously there had been the Marvel Optimus Prime/Scorponok dynamic which was amazing and Skullgrin the human lover, but that was about it. There's more at play here than simple good and evil. There are motives, mysteries, and odd allegiances.

Comic: Starscream leaves Bumblebee on a beach and rockets off to see what is happening between Jetfire and Sunstorm. Sunstorm has been corrupted by something and his energy levels are going off the charts (an increase from 100% to 127%) Jetfire grabs him and launches them both into earth orbit. As a result of Sunstorm's energy increase it appears that they both explode just beyond Earth's orbit. Bumblebee see's the explosion from Earth and salutes his lost friend and walks solemnly away.

Review: The ending was right out of The Underbase Saga. Although it was changed just enough to not be an outright rip off. So far, there have been lots of obvious nods to the TV series in this comic, this is one of the first nods to the original Marvel Comic. However, it did fall a bit flat for me. Not that it was bad. It was fine. What fell flat is that I know that neither of them are dead. had the comic continued I am 100% certain that Jetfire would have returned and that eventually Sunstorm would have too.

Final Thoughts: Sunstorm referred to the Oracle. So, now we have the Oracle, Vector Sigma, The Matrix, The Quintessons, Alpha Trion (where did he go?) Sunstorm, Primus, and Unicron. So, what I want to know is how do all of those factor together? Sadly, I don't think we will ever find out.

This issue was okay, but for me it has been the weakest of the G1 ongoing run which is a disappointment. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either.

Final Verdict: 7/10

Noticeably absent from this issue is the Prime Transmissions page. I am wondering if the reason for that is all of the problems that were going on within the company. Also, it's pretty cool to see all of the conventions that were listed in the back of the comic book. Back then it was always hard to find out exactly when things were happening. I have some old Starlog magazines that I bought off of eBay back in 2010. I got issues 1-100 for almost nothing. In the back of each issue there were tons of lists for all of the con-like shows that were going on all over the world. It must have been REALLY hard to find out about those back then. I don't think many of the ones listed in those issues even exist anymore.

Anyway, onward to issue number 7.

 

Dreamwave Transformers Generation 1 Issue #7
​

Up for review starting on 5-26-2023 is issue #7 of Dreamwave's Transformers Generation 1 ongoing series. It was originally released on August 25,2004 and had a cover date of August 2004. It was written by James McDonough, and Adam Patyk, drawn by Don Figueroa inked by Elaine To, colored by Espen Grundetjern and Jong-Im Lee and lettered by Ben Lee.

The TFWiki link to Dreamwave's Transformers Generation 1 Issue #7 is below for more available information about the issue as a whole.

Infestation (Dreamwave) - Transformers Wiki (tfwiki.net)​

The Comichron sales chart for the month of August 2004. Transformers Generation 1 issue 7 is in 57th place with 34,756 units sold.

Comichron: August 2004 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops

Follow the rules (see this first post in this thread if you need to review them) be as critical, or as complimentary as you like, and don't hold anything back! Have fun everyone, and remember NO SPOILERS FOR FUTURE ISSUES​

Reviews of previous issues in this thread begin at the numbers below.

#14, #35, #51, #68, #82. #102, #133, #154, #164, #175, #187, #194, #216, #235, #265, #272, #284, #300, #315, #324, #334, #341, #361, #376, #397, #411, #422, #429, #434, #447, #465, #470, #485, #495, #514, #523


Cover



Prime Transmissions
(with fan art by Silas Zee)




Wavelengths




Gi-Joe/Transformers Divided Front



Dreamwave Pockets




Weekly Autobot Profile Spotlight
(Broadside, Sandstorm, Springer, Metroplex)



Weekly Decepticon Profile Spotlight
(The Terrorcons)
(Rippersnapper, Blot, Sinnertwin, Cutthroat, Hun-Gurrr, Abominus)



Weekly Transformers Bonus Section
(The Monsterbots)
(Repugnus, Grotusque, Doublecross)



Let's Transform and Read Out!

Only 3 Issues Left!​

 

Hahahahaha, that jab about Sunstorm doesn't seem entirely off base

 

TRANSFORMERS G1 ONGOING
ISSUE #6​

General Thoughts and Comments: It’s time for the great showdown: Sunstorm versus everybody else, but mainly Jetfire. Of course kicking Sunstorm into that purple goo pit wasn’t enough. And by kicking Sunstorm into the pit the ‘chaotic’ energy intended for Starscream is now absorbed into Sunstorm and clashes with whatever was uploaded into him from Vector Sigma. Add to that Starscream’s altered nullrays countering Sunstorm’s regenerative capabilities... Suddenly it has become a very explosive situation. Jetfire does what needs to be done and... gone is Sunstorm and gone are all opportunities to discover what the hell he was after.


Things that caught my eye:

• The ‘chaotic’ pre-historic energy sealed away on Earth is probably Dark Energon or Angolmois energy. A concept introduced in the BWII cartoon: Dark energy originating from Unicron. Of course it’s unclear what it’s intended to be here exactly, but the fact that Unicron is attracted to it, it has a similar energy signature as Scourge and is compatible with Decepticons makes a good cases.
• There is some higher purpose for Bumblebee. According to Sunstorm there’s some connection to the Oracle. I guess that’s where the conversion/upgrade to Goldbug comes into play. MTMTE hints that Goldbug isn’t just a rebuild Bumblebee. Also if I remember correctly MTMTE states that Goldbug has no known physical weakness. So one day in this continuity Goldbug might be super powered like Sunstorm?
• The ‘in the meantime on Cybertron’ bit was entertaining. In the original cartoon you didn’t really get to know much about the group dynamic of the ark crew. In just a few pages with minimum dialogue per character I think Mick manages to give us a little insight. Augmented by Don of course, who put in some great details like grumpy Gears. Dialogue and body language is really well done here by the both of them.
• Bee realizing he may have made a mistake in judgement in regards to Sunstorm. He just thought he was another Seeker and responded as such. I can understand Bee blaming himself for what happened and opts out.
• The dynamic between Jetfire and Starscream. Like some of you mention, it has a Prof. X – Magneto vibe. I think it works and works way better for them than on Prime and Megs in more recent fiction. I also like how Starscream does get Bee out of the pit. There must have been a good friendship between Jetfire and Starscream before the war or when they where both Decepticons in the WW era (though that Starscream feels way too psycho for this kind of compassion). I do wonder if Starscream was flying towards Jetfire to help him out after he dropped off Bee or if he was fleeing. The way it's drawn it can be both ways. Guess you can never be certain with Starscream.
• The art was phenomenal in this issue again. From Don’s pencils to the inking and the coloring.

Another solid issue!

Final verdict: 8/10​

 

Three of them are Motorvators, late Euro G1 Transformers (Turbomasters era). I think they were released as Brainmasters in Japan and were able to combine as well.

And the other two are Electro and Volt (G2 laser rods).

 

TRANSFORMERS G1 ONGOING
ISSUE #7​

General Thoughts and Comments: After the epic events of previous issue things slow down a bit in this issue and we get a change in focus of the cast. A very welcome change because it’s finally time for Jazz to shine in the DW universe. He hasn’t been really used much up until now. Also in this issue the proper introduction of the EDC and Marissa Faireborn. Teaming up Jazz with Marissa was a good move. We never got to see these work together in the cartoon; they’re a natural fit. I also always liked the character in the cartoon. Marissa>Spike very much. Two other characters that didn’t get much shine time previously now also get the spotlight. I think McDonough and Patyk also nail the Sunstreaker - Sideswipe dynamic. The banter between the two is great.

I do think the art isn’t as good as it was previous arc. Especially in the first part of the issue. The moment we arrive in San Desto everything is back on track, but some EDC bits weren’t as good. Especially Marissa’s face. My only nitpick this issue is that the cover spoils the build up completely. They should’ve saved this for next issue. Apart from that this is a solid start of a new arc.

Some random other thoughts about this issue:

• Enter the Nightbird! Always nice seeing her in fiction, even if it’s fiction within fiction.
• Bumper is adorable. I like how he really looks up to Jazz and the others. And a bit like Bumblebee wants to shows his worth to these guys.
• Silent Soundwave. With Starscream you always know he’s scheming and what his ambition is. Soundwave on the other hand is a complete mystery. I know some people don’t like this silent Soundwave, but I think it really fits his character profile. Who did he call?
• Even though I think the first couple of pages aren’t as strong, Don does some amazing stuff at certain places. The detail in Starscream’s hand when he slabs Rumble is awesome and clever. So much better than the ‘organic metal’ take of the cartoon. Takara must've liked it too; all the early MP figures have hands like this.
• We get a very quick reminder that the EDC still has Scourge in custody. Wonder what they’re up to with him.
• So apparently the Insecticons, or at least their clones, don’t run on mech fluid?! Interesting!

Final verdict: 8/10​

 

Transformers: Generation One #7, "Infestation"
​

Overall Impression: What a neat issue! I've always loved the EDC and Marissa Fairborn, so this is right up my alley. This series is probably the best Starscream has ever been in Dreamwave.

General Thoughts and Commentary:

• Before I even get started, that soldier has HUGE eyes. We are indeed at the peak of the Anime Boom of the turn of the century.
• Nightbird is back...in movie form! I lowkey wish they'd revisit her roots and have Nightbird be a human-built robot again.
• Primus, all these soldiers have giant anime eyes!
• And now they're dead!
• Sunstreaker is a real piston in this issue!
• Wheeljack and Windcharger offline side by side, where have I seen that before?
• If I didn't know better, I'd say Starscream...is actually grieving over Jetfire.
• Careful Starscream, people might mistakenly start thinking you have a conscience!
• Are the Decepticons holed up in an aquarium, or did Rumble and Frenzy just take a bunch of fish and put them in a container to shoot at?
• I like how Starscream has his hands firmly planted on his hips, someone's in a grumpy mood!
• FINALLY SOME REASONABLE FUCKING HUMANS! I'm not expecting humans and Autobots to be all buddy buddy all the time, but they can at least act like they have an IQ in the double digits and not antagonize a potential ally.
• Jazz is really hitting it off with Marissa, it's so refreshing not having any artificial conflict.
• Wow, the artist is really thirsty for Marissa, she is getting some choice fanservice shots.
• That one panel of Sideswipe and Sunstreaker under moonlight is magnificent!
• Game over man, game over! That is a lot of insecticons!

Questions and Continuity Concerns:

• How did Bumper fit through the theater doors?
• Also, his size keeps shifting from panel to panel.
• Is Marissa's trenchcoat part of the uniform, or is she just special?

What I Liked:

• Starscream having a bit of introspection.
• Marissa and the EDC being a rare breed of intelligent humans.
• Jazz taking charge.
• The writer remembering Sunstreaker exists.

What I Disliked:

• HUGE ANIME EYES have aged like milk, it's like I'm back in middle school!

Final Verdict: 9/10​

 

Transformers: Generation One #7
​

Cover: Okay, right off the bat I am getting a serious 1986 Aliens vibe. That's a good thing. The Insecticons were always some of my favorite Transformers. So, I was always pretty miffed about how they were used in the original Marvel comic book. The only one that ever did anything of note was Bombshell. Even then, his biggest claim to fame was bugging Optimus Prime's brain and having a cerebro shell overpowered by a human's love for his family. I'm not complaining about those story arc's as I like them both, but beyond that he didn't do anything else.

​

Comic: Two army men are watching a movie in a movie theater in a deserted town. They are shot in the back to their heads with Bombshell's cerebro shells.

Review: Here we are in a new story arc and another mystery. The military is investigating an abandoned town. They have no idea where the inhabitance have gone. I am wondering if the Insecticons have taken over the entire population of the town via cerebro shells.

So, the film that they are watching is called "Enter the Nightbird". An obvious pun on the famous Bruce Lee film "Enter the Dragon" and the name of her debut episode in season 2. I like the Nightbird cameo, but I would have rather that she had become an actual character in the series. I didn't care for a lot of the season two episodes (to me a lot of the standalone episodes were too much like advertisements for toys). However, I always liked that aforementioned episode. She was the first ninja in the Transformers. I always wanted her to come back.

The theater lists two movies to view. the first is "Enter the Nightbird" the second is called "The Swamp". I'm not sure what the second film is referring to. That wasn't really a buzz word back in 2004 like it is now.

Comic: Jazz, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker have been brought back online by EDC. They are being briefed about the situation that is going on in the abandoned town. They pass through an alien screening zone and meet up with Bumper and Warpath. Unfortunately, Wheeljack and Cliffjumper are still offline.

Review: Okay, with all of the talk about how Aliens are screened whenever they come to Earth, I am getting serious "Men in Black" vibes. that's not really a bad thing either. The original MIB was goofy, but enjoyable.

Marrisa Fairborn talks about how her Grandfather founded EDC and asked jazz what he thought about him. Jazz had no answer. So, in the cartoon Flint (from Gi-Joe) was Marissa's father. I am guessing that in Dreamwave comics Flint is Marissa's grandfather instead.

It's odd seeing Sunstreaker behave like a complete jerk. He was always kind of jerky, but here he comes across as completely unlikeable. warpath even refers to him as a psychopath.

I'm still happily amazed at how well Bumper meshes in with the rest of the cast. I wish he had been in the original cartoon with this characterization. he would have been great as a mid-season two character. It would have been an interesting dynamic to have an Autobot who looked up to Bumblebee. I like this guy a lot.

Comic: Rumble and Frenzy are blasting fish out of a porthole in the bottom of the Nemesis. Starscream arrives and Rumble tries to stall him while Frenzy goes to alert Soundwave that Starscream is back. Rumble fails to stall Starscream and Starscream makes it to Soundwave at almost the same time as Frenzy does. Soundwave turns off his computer monitor and turns to face Starscream.

Review: It took me a second to figure out what Rumble and Frenzy were doing. It's a pretty neat little pastime that they have going on there. Simple things like showing what Decepticons do on their downtime is a rare occurrence. I enjoy it. It was like watching Skywarp and Thundercracker while they were just B.S.ing on Cybertron during "War and Peace". Good stuff!

I am wondering what Soundwave was looking at on the monitor. Was he researching something? Was he talking to someone? If so, perhaps it was Megatron or maybe even the other guy...

Soundwave still hasn't uttered a single word in this comic. It hasn't really phased me. He still feels like Soundwave. I'm just wondering what version of him this is. Is he loyal to Megatron? to Shockwave? Or only to himself. the only loyal to himself version of the character had never been present in any Transformers media up to this point. In the comic he was loyal to Shockwave. in the cartoon he was loyal to Megatron. I doubt if there are enough issues left to get an answer...

Comic: Marrisa is using a monitor with multiple screens in order to brief Jazz and company about where they are going and what they are getting into. For a brief second one of the monitors displays Scourge being worked on, but it quickly goes away and shows Wheeljack and Windcharger being worked on. Sideswipe is the only one who notices it.

Review: So, EDC is keeping it a secret that they have Scourge. I am wondering how much more they are keeping secret.

Comic: Jazz, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe and Bumper are being airlifted along with Marissa and a team of EDC night troopers to the deserted town. they are dropped in the dead of night and arrive at the town that has an estimated population of nine thousand, but the streets are empty.

Review: The banter in the Airship made me think of the same scene from the movie Predator. Sunstreaker is acting kind of similar to Jessie Ventura's character from that film. It kind of occurred to me that during that scene that this version of Sunstreaker is an Alpha Dog. Yeah, he's vain and all, but he really views himself as being the best of the best. He seems to be depicted like a 1980s action hero. He's big, he's tough, he's arrogant, and he's completely aware of what he is capable of. This is only a few pages away from where I said that I didn't like him, but now I am starting to like him. The scene where he saves Bumper shushes him and them calls him Bumbler was great! And it was right out of the film Predator! So far, this issue is completely badass!

During the arrival Jazz tells Sunstreaker and Sideswipe to fan out and stay frosty. This was yet another Aliens reference. There are so many references to action films, but it works. It's not overly fanwanky. It's done at the right times and if I hadn't seen the aforementioned films many, many times I wouldn't know any better.

I should comment on the art. When jazz and company are standing in front of the Sushi restaurant everything is perfect and glowing. The design of the EDC troopers is really cool, Marissa looks like she is scanning the area, and the Autobots look massive.

They don't realize it, but they are being monitored. The slime that is all over the monitors is pretty nasty. It was a good addition for these characters. They are bugs, and should be nasty. Bombshell is, after all a dung beetle.

Comic: Bumper leads a group of EDC soldiers into the theater. As they venture further inside the building, there is a constant ticking sound somewhere in the distance. they find the source of the ticking and it appears to be humans that are trapped in some kind of orb-like structure.

Jazz and Marissa are checking out a local hospital while Sunstreaker and Sideswipe are monitoring the streets. While this is happening something or someone is targeting Marrisa and also appears to be targeting Jazz.

Gunfire breaks out at the theater. Jazz, Marissa, Sunstreaker and Sideswipe rush to the theater. Only two of Bumpers unit make it back and they have slime on them. They say that the entire unit and Bumper were captured or perhaps worse. Sideswipe walks into the theater and it caves in in the process. Then jazz and company realize that they are surrounded by hundreds of Insecticons.

Review: I have to wonder if the inhabitance of this town are still alive and if the ticking sound was indeed them. It seemed like it was, but I don't know for sure. What was the orange-like orb that had handprints on it? If the townspeople are still alive what are the Insecticons holding them for? Do the Insecticons in this universe eat humans? if they did that would be brutal!

Sunstreaker comments that the slime on one of the troopers was not mech fluid. If it isn't mech fluid, then what is it? And if it's coming from the Insecticons then what exactly are they in this universe?

I enjoy Bumpers level of self-doubt. He is really brutal on himself throughout this entire issue. It's also interesting that he was placed in change of a platoon, and he knew that they had more training than he did. This was another plot point that was taken from the Aliens film.

Final Thoughts: This was a really cool issue. A lot of it was taken from action and Sci-Fi films from the 1980s but it was fused together in a way that worked.

What are the Insecticons in this universe. they seem to be very different than your average Transformers and if they are, how did they get that way. They were simple Transformers in the War Within series, but here they are creepy and insect-like. Here they seem to be actually closer to organic bugs then Transformers. Where are the Deluxe Insecticons? I was thrilled to see them in The War Within series, but so far, they are absent here. I want to know what their relationship is to the original Insecticons.

Sunstreaker is unlikeable, but likeable all at the same time. I like the dynamic between he and his brother. They are good, and they know that they are good. They seem like the type of Bots that Grimlock would like.

What happened to Bumper? What happened to the EDC platoon that he was leading? What is the slime? Where are the towns people? What's up with Scourge? Who is Marissa's Grandfather? Who was Soundwave talking to, or what was he doing? What is EDC in this universe? Are they an Amercian outfit? Do they work for the U.N.? Will the E-hobby red Insecticon clones show up?

Sadly, with only three issues left, I don't think that many of my questions will be answered.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10

 

Dreamwave Transformers Generation 1
Issue #8
​

Up for review starting on 6-2-2023 is issue #8 of Dreamwave's Transformers Generation 1 ongoing series. It was originally released on September 29,2004 and had a cover date of September 2004. It was written by James McDonough, and Adam Patyk, drawn by Don Figueroa inked by Elaine To, colored by Espen Grundetjern and lettered by Ben Lee.

The TFWiki link to Dreamwave's Transformers Generation 1 Issue #8 is below for more available information about the issue as a whole.

Extermination - Transformers Wiki (tfwiki.net)​

The Comichron sales chart for the month of August 2004. Transformers Generation 1 issue 8 is in 76th place with 31,940 units sold.

Comichron: September 2004 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops

Follow the rules (see this first post in this thread if you need to review them) be as critical, or as complimentary as you like, and don't hold anything back! Have fun everyone, and remember NO SPOILERS FOR FUTURE ISSUES​

Reviews of previous issues in this thread begin at the numbers below.

#14, #35, #51, #68, #82. #102, #133, #154, #164, #175, #187, #194, #216, #235, #265, #272, #284, #300, #315, #324, #334, #341, #361, #376, #397, #411, #422, #429, #434, #447, #465, #470, #485, #495, #514, #523, # 529

Cover



Prime Transmissions
(With fan art by Jarri and Zaki Hasnian)



Wavelengths



Weekly Autobot Profile Spotlight
(The Technobots)



Weekly Decepticon Profile Spotlight
(Sixshot, Slugslinger, Triggerhappy, Misfire, Scorponok)



Weekly Transformers Bonus Section
(Thunderwing, Bludgeon, Octopunch, Stranglehold, Skullgrin, Submarauder)



Let's Transform And Read Out

Only Two Issues Left


​

 

Dreamwave Transformers Generation 1 Issue #8
​

Cover: I have no idea what to make of that cover. I see Grimlock-like teeth, an Insecticon being torn, or punched, or bitten to pieces and perhaps a giant claw arm breaking everything that I just listed.... Is this a Don cover? His name isn't on it, so I am going to venture a guess that it isn't his work.

Comic: Jazz, Marissa and Dory and Cruz are surrounded by Insecticons and Insecticlones. They begin blasting the Insecticons and much to their surprise when they are blasted open, they have gooey green insides. Dory and Cruz are captured or perhaps eaten by an Insecticon that grabs them and flies away. Jazz Transforms grabs Marissa and takes off to find Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.

Review: So, I am assuming that the clones are the ones that have the gooey insides, but if so, then why. It's nasty and gross and oddly enough, it works. I like the idea of these clones being creepy gross things. I think that Dory and Cruz were probably grabbed by an actual Insecticon and not a random clone.

Now that Rojixus has brought up GIANT human eyes, I can't stop noticing them.

Comic: Sunstreaker and Sideswipe are underground and they find a large area that has hundreds of Insecticon eggs waiting to hatch.

Review: This is interesting. So, in this universe the Insecticons lay eggs to make clones, or are the eggs something else?

I am expecting a giant Insectiqueen to come out of nowhere.

Comic: Bombshell is working on Bumper's brain while talking to Shockwave on a monitor screen. Shockwave states that the Insecticons have been on Earth for a long time and it has impacted their judgment. Shockwave tells Bombshell that he is endangering the mission by letting the clones hatch too soon. Bombshell ends the conversation by shutting off the monitor. Bombshell leaves Bumper, who then escapes with ease.

Review: This part is a bit of a letdown only for the fact that the Shockwave reveal should not have happened via a monitor screen. Bombshell should have been talking to someone, but we (the reader) should not have been aware of who it was. Of course, we would know, but the actual reveal of Shockwave should have been a grand experience. A full-page reveal of awesomeness that would rival the "Are All Dead" cover that Shockwave is famous for.

The Insecticons have been on Earth for 3,984,000 years? Um, what have they been doing for all of that time? That would have been enough time to enter the Ark and destroy everyone on board. I'm sure that Brad Mick is planning something that will make sense as to why the Insecticons didn't do that. Sadly, we probably won't find out what the reasoning is.

Bumper is obviously going to have a cerebro shell implanted in his head. He was allowed to escape. It's very obvious.

Comic: Bumblebee pulls up in front of Spikes house and he, along with his wife Carly and their son Daniel are taking groceries out of their car. Bumblebee tells Spike that he is quitting the War.

Review: I didn't expect to see Carly (rocking the Blonde Bob) and Daniel. It's actually kind of nice to see them. This comic (aside from Prime Directive) has been very low on Transformer/ human interaction. Up until the last issue the humans had been mostly in the background doing all sorts of reconnaissance and assorted shady stuff.

I don't believe that Bumblebee is going to quit the war. yeah, Spike is cool and all, but he's no Charlene!

So far Marissa Fairborn, Spike, Carly and Daniel have shown up. I wonder if Chip and Buster will show up. I know Buster was in prime Directive for a second, but he hasn't been seen since. That feels like a million years ago.

Comic: Sideswipe and Sunstreaker begin investigating the eggs. The eggs have odd insect-like mechanical larvae growing inside of them. The Insecticons crack open a hole in the celling and begin attacking. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker try to fight them off, but they are blinded by a bright light and then Shrapnel electrocutes them.

Review: There's a nice Aliens reference (actually the entire comic is an Aliens reference) made by Sideswipe when he starts shooting and asking 'Yeah, you want some too?". "Um, Hudson Sir, he's Hicks". If you haven't seen Aliens you aren't going to get it. I think most of the living world over 20 has seen that movie.

So, what are the larvae? Are they Insecticons? Or are they something else?

Where did the bright light come from? Was it from Shrapnel's Electricity?

In Micromasters it is implied that the Insecticons turned to cannibalism. It appears that here, in the present, they still are cannibals

Comic: Jazz and Marissa make it to the area that once housed the movie theater, but it is infested by Insecticons. Jazz speeds away and they find sanctuary in a garage. In the garage are mutilated cattle parts. Jazz asks Marissa to be honest about all that she knows about the situation. Marissa explains that cattle mutilations have been occurring for a long time, and that they are the work of the Insecticons. Jazz knows about these Transformers but claims that they didn't have any of these abilities when he last saw them and that many millions of years ago the Dinobots made short work of them and that he thought they had been destroyed. Then the Insecticons break into the garage. Marissa and Jazz flee underground. There they find hundreds of eggs, and Jazz uses his blowtorch to destroy them.

Review: It's kind of neat that real-life cattle mutilations are being used in this comic. Not that cattle mutilations are cool- they aren't, but it brings real-world events into a fictional comic. I always liked when comics did things like that. This is actually an interesting take on those horrific mutilations.

So, the Dinobots came looking for the Ark. I always liked the Marvel take on the Dinobots better than the cartoon one. The Dreamwave take on the Dinobots is a bit different, but as long as they landed on Earth when the dinosaurs were still alive it makes sense. I am glad to see the Dinobots batting the Insecticons. I have been wanting to see that battle since 1984!

The Dinobots battled the Insecticons and there were only three of them and they finished them off pretty quickly, but then what happened? There are so many plot lines that will never be answered. It sucks.

So, how did the Insecticons survive, come back online and gain all of these new abilities?

Comic: The Insecticons have Sideswipe and Sunstreaker held captive. Kickback and Shrapnel argue about how Bombsell seems to be taking away more and more of Shrapnel's leadership of the Insecticons. Then an alarm goes off and Kickback and Shrapnel head to the egg chamber (the brood chamber). they leave and Bumper arrive and rescues Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. He tells them Bombshell is controlling the town with cerebro shells and that he needs to be taken out. Then Bumper leaves them to go and do so by himself.

Review: Bumper appears to be compromised. However, he did help out Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, so a part of him is not compromised, or Bombshell wanted him to free the other Autobots for some unknown reason.

I did notice that so far it feels like Bombshell is the leader of the Insecticons and not Shrapnel.

I didn't like Kickback's use of the phrase 'How the mighty have fallen." THAT was way to fanwanky. It's only one instance so it's not too bad. I have to remember that this was THE FIRST comic to do it, and at the time it was cool.

Comic: Sideswipe and Sunstreaker find Jazz and Marissa and then Shrapnel finds all of them and tells them that they must pay for eliminating the brood chamber.

Review: By this point I'm getting serious romance vibes between Jazz and Marissa. Heck, it worked in Blade Runner... and "The Girl who Loved Powerglide" UGH!

Comic: Bumper runs into an Insecticlone that was about to eat Cruz and Dory. They quickly say that they are glad that each other are still alive and then Cruz says to Bumper that the Insecticlone that took them was looking to eat them. Then Bumper becomes wide eyed and seems to space out a bit.

Review: Bumper is obviously compromised. So, why is Bombshell letting him do all that he is doing. He's destroying Insecticlones, saving Autobots and saving EDC members. It seems like a bit much, but I am guessing that Bombshell/Shockwave want to get a spy into the Autobot ranks. It's the only reason that I can come to.

How did Dory and Cruz survive? They were grabbed by an Insecticon when then flew away with them. Is it possible that Dory, Cruz and Bumper have all been cerebro shelled? It would make sense that the Decepticons would want spies in both the Autobot and EDC ranks.

Comic: The battle between Sideswipe and Sunstreaker find Jazz and Marissa has spilled out onto the main roads of the town. Sunstreaker takes out Kickback with a barrage of missiles while Sideswipe uses his piledrivers to take down a building in order to take down Shrapnel. Then the townspeople appear, and their minds are being controlled by Bombshell. They are about to Attack the Autobots, but then Bumper uses one of Bombshell's cerebro shells to free the townspeople. Bombshell sees what happens and is angry at Bumper, but then he doesn't appear to do anything.

Review: I think that I might be missing a page of my scan. I went to TFwiki and it says that Bumper placed one of Bombshell's cerebro shells onto Bombshell and it put all of the Insecticons into stasis lock. Okay, that's better than how my scan ended. I should note that I don't have any of the Dreamwave Volume 3 ongoing in physical comic form. I could never find them. I could probably get them off eBay. These days is there much of a demand for old Dreamwave comics? if anyone wants to post the 'possible" missing page in their review I'd appreciate it.

Final Thoughts: I liked this arc, but the ending felt rushed. Whereas the Sunstorm arc was a couple of issues too long this arc felt like it could have been a couple of issues longer. Also, the Shockwave reveal was a BIG let down. He has been missing sever since he fell down a chasm like The Emperor in "Return of the Jedi" and Skeletor in the "Masters of the Universe" movie. His return should have felt more epic.

What was up with Bumper escaping so easily? He acted really odd in places and is obviously compromised to some degree, but he was able to take out the Insecticons and save the day. Was this entire situation manufactured just to get some spies into the Autobot and EDC ranks? If so, it seems a bit extreme.

It seems like the Insecticlones lack the ability to Transform in this universe. Which leads me to believe that the red E-hobby Insecticlones would have made an appearance at some point and that there would have been more to them than just being simple clones. sadly, we will never know.

I've been waiting since 1984 to see the Dinobots duke it out with the Insecticons. I now know that in the Dreamwave Universe that it happened, but I didn't really get to see it. 

Is it just me or am I picking up some serious human/Transformer romance vibes between Jazz and Marissa? I guess it's not that odd. If someone made me a robot of copy of Scarlett Johansson, I would definitely die a very happy man  

Final Verdict: 7.5/10

Profile Spotlight Notes: It's kind of funny that they made Lord Zarak into an evil far right-wing politician. Now, for the rest of my life I will never again be able to look at Zarak without thinking that (LOL). I wonder if we'll get an evil left-wing Limousine Liberal too at some point. If anyone has any ideas as to who that could be please let me know. LOL. I'd say Tux, but he's a Go-Bot...

Here's Waldo!

And all those issues ago when I said be on the lookout for Waldo. Well, he finally showed up!
He's right in the center!​

 

I am WAY behind, but I'll see if I can get less so. I have not read these issues in years, and it's been great to break them out and read them again.

Transformers #3
Writer: Brad Mick Pencils: Don Figeroa Inks: Elaine To

Voila... instant portable Decepticon. All the "evil" energy emissions, none of the annoying lip.

Sunstorm continues to be a stock "religious nut" cliche of a character. It didn't bother me on first reading, twenty years ago, but it irritates me constantly now, every time he opens his mouth. Like General Hallo, another cliched character from the first mini-series, maybe I've just seen too many of these in entertainment over the years. Too much circular feedback with writers maybe, where they just recycle what they watch or read over and over. I don't know. I did enjoy Jetfire's quips in response to Sunstorm's pompous pronouncements, and any writer who allows a character to use the thrusters in his feet or the guns mounted on his helmet is doing something right. So I'm giving Brad Mick mixed grades as a writer at this point. Most of his plot and characterization is good, but Sunstorm really should be something other than the one-note irritant that he's been written as.

Another point in Brad Mick's favor: the Autobots sitting around a table with Starscream trying to understand just what Sunstorm is, along with the mistrust of Jetfire by the other Autobots that we saw in War Within 2. Characters on opposite sides who have to band together to face a bigger threat can often make for interesting drama. Ratchet creating a lure for Sunstorm out of Starscream's "genetic sample" and Jetfire getting to be a scientist who figures out what makes Sunstorm tick are great scenes.

Back on Cybertron, the Autobots are in charge again, with Prowl finding it stressful dealing with the civilian population. The Kremzeek cola is a fun easter egg, and it's good to see Prowl, Ironhide and Kup sitting around discussing their status in the world. For me, nothing beats seeing members of the first year G1 cast as long-time comrades in arms, facing problems together, and Kup is always a good character to throw into the mix. The same applies back on Earth, where I love seeing Brawn get a prominent part in the storyline.

So the plan works, Sunstorm is lured in and despite some damage taken by the Autobots, including major damage to Jetfire's armor, the inhibitor is attached to Sunstorm in the hope that his energy can be drained and he can be handled. Plan formulated, plan executed successfully, at least up until now. The cliffhanger involves Sunstorm tracking the actual Starscream to Alaska, saying that he's dying, with a mysterious someone that Jetfire summoned making his presence known. Solid issue, 8.5 out of 10. Negatives for Sunstorm as a character, but positives for everything else.

Transformers #4
Writer: Brad Mick Pencils: Don Figeroa Inks: Elaine To

Nice Flashback to the first War Within to open this issue. I'm not sure it was necessary for the narrative, but it was nice to see why Starscream survived after how much he ruined Megatron's plans in that story. The real opening splash showing just how massive Omega Supreme is compared to Starscream is great. I love it. Omega Supreme another of my favorites, and I remember loving his appearance here. Brad Mick doesn't hold back with fan favorite characters, he just puts them in the story and makes them awesome, which is the right approach as far as I'm concerned. Sadly Starscream is more afraid of Omega than he is of Sunstorm, so he destroys the energy siphon that they worked hard to devise, build and put into place last issue. Starscream as written here comes across as someone who doesn't so much plan ahead as someone who is constantly reacting and trying to stay one step ahead of paying for his actions.

Prowl is investigating Sunstorm, though he doesn't realize who it is I think, just that it's an "energy anomaly". Seems like information from Vector Sigma is part of Sunstorm's makeup. It's as good an explanation for his extreme power levels as anything, and Prowl's attempted analysis is a good method of exposition for the reader. Seems like he and Jetfire need to get together and compare notes, they each have a piece of the puzzle, albeit unknown to the other.

So back on Earth Bumper and Warpath have retrieved Jazz and his crew, only to be arrested by Marissa Faireborne and the EDC. I had completely forgotten they were part of the story, so we have our first real major departure from the animated series-derived timeline, since these guys were twenty years in the future in that continuity. Don Figeroa's humans look very anime to me, with huge eyes, and I can't say I like them as much as I like his Transformers, but they get the job done.

And finally, back to the Sunstorm versus Omega Supreme fight, and it's pretty awesome. Even Omega Supreme is impressed by Sunstorm's power levels, if not his dialogue, which remains as painful to read as ever. Sunstorm does seem to potentially turn the tables on the last panel when Omega Supreme raises his visor to see better, but still... great six pages of flaming massive combat between two powerhouses, exactly the type of thing I enjoy seeing in a Transformers comic. I'll go 8 out of 10 for this issue, not quite as good as last time, but still a strong chapter in the story.

20th Anniversary Summer Special
"Welcome to the Jungle"
Story: Brad Mick, Adam Patyk Art: Pat Lee, Joe Ng, Edwin Garcia Inks: Rob Armstrong

Someone pointed out how rare it is that we get a look into Megatron's thoughts, but here we do as he has gone after the Predacons and is taking on Razorclaw, whose identity circuits have been damaged so that he and the other Predacons have forgotten who they are and are acting like actual animals. Megatron takes some major damage during the fight, but he's enjoying the struggle, and enjoying enforcing his will on Razorclaw. He even drops his arm cannon and heads into the jungle alone, without his drone escorts, which takes some backbone. Whatever else he is, Megatron is not written as a coward here, which is as it should be.

We never see the other Predacons over the course of the story, oddly. Not even when Megatron is apparently the one that engineers them with the ability to combine into Predaking. Again, nice to see these great G1 characters not held back and teased for some far future story (that we know will never happen since Dreamwave folded), but brought into the plot early. Sometimes a slow burn works, sometimes you just need to throw the cool stuff at the reader and let him or her enjoy.

The story is short and functional. I can't say I really enjoyed seeing Pat Lee's (and others!) art again after enjoying Don's so much, but it gets the job done. It doesn't feel like this rates a high score, not because it's poor, but because it feels like it should have been a subplot in a larger issue rather than a full story all it's own. All the other beasts appear for a panel and then vanish, so there seems to have been no point in them being there, and never seeing Divebomb, Tantrum, Rampage and Headstrong (except on the cover) feels like a major omission. I'm going 6 out of 10 for this one.

 

Transformers #5
"Original Sin"
Writer: Brad Mick & Adam Patyk Pencils: Don Figeroa Inks: Elaine To

The cover is a bit odd. We don't usually see characters reacting and not see what they're reacting to. It does feel like it leads right into the opening of the story, where Bumblebee, Cliffjumper and Jetfire find the fallen Omega Supreme with dismay. And who can blame them, because if their strongest can't stop Sunstorm, who can? Nice to see the story tie in with Micromasters and explain what Jetfire and Omega Supreme were doing and how they ended up on Earth. There is some nice backstory here (though I have to wonder how they have the time if Sunstorm needs to be immediately pursued) that also explains Scourge on Earth from the second mini-series (which looks more and more like the first six issues of the ongoing in many ways, since it's all part of the same ongoing storyline).

And on Cybertron, Prowl and Perceptor are figuring out more and more just what the missing clone that is Sunstorm actually is, and why he's fixated on Earth. Sunstorm, who was a blank slate of a clone mind, is operating as best he can on a highly simplified version of some of Vector Sigma's vast amount of information. When we cut back to Earth we find that there's another seaon there, no doubt meant to remind us of the seal of Primus from War Within 2. For some reason only Starscream can open it. Sunstorm understand why, but we only get hints before Jetfire attacks and the seal is opened, revealing a pit with a glowing purple energy that cannot be identified. Great fight sequence between Bumblebee, Jetfire, Starscream and Sunstorm, and I have to say that I think Brad Mick's Jetfire and Starscream are probably my favorite version of both characters. I really like the way both are written.

Good story progression, nice filling in of some of the missing backstory of whatever larger plot that Brad Mick's been writing all this time, and more great Don Figeroa art. The issue doesn't feel as big and epic as the last two have, but not every issue can be. I'll go with 8 out of 10 for this one. This whole storyline has been interesting with solid characterization, aside from Sunstorm himself.

Transformers #6
Atonement
Writers: James "Brad Mick" McDonough and Adam Patyk Pencils: Don Figeroa Inks: Elaine To

Okay, we didn't need the cover to tell us that Sunstorm isn't dead yet, whatever Bumblebee thinks, but after five issues of nothing and no one managing to kill the guy, I sure didn't believe that Starscream had managed to do it. On Cybertron, Prowl is rallying the troops to pursue "the escaped clone" to Earth, fearing for the safety of the Autobots there since contact can't be established with them. Despite some objections and some discussion, in the end everyone is apparently agreed. Bumper, Warpath and Jazz's group are in the custody of the EDC. Omega Supreme and Cliffjumper discuss the situation (and there's two characters we've rarely ever seen interacting before!). McDonough touches base on all the ongoing plotlines before he dives into the finale of the Sunstorm storyline.

Starscream shows here that he can think things through and pick up on things that others miss. But even he can't believe that Sunstorm is still alive. Sunstorm's dialogue here indicates that he knows the plot, even if no one else does, but even he is surprised when he starts coming apart at the seams. So much of the dialogue here gives us glimpses of whatever this whole plot is about, and it really makes me regret that we never got the answers. I'm hopeful that it would all have made sense in the end.

Starscream gets one more layer added to his characterization as he actually saves Bumblebee by removing him from the pit, so his past friendship with Jetfire still means something, somewhere. It's a gesture that doesn't erase all the immoral, backstabbing things he's done, but it makes him slightly more complex as a character. It's a good choice in a book filled with mostly good character choices. In the end, Sunstorm self-destructs as a result of mixing with whatever that energy source underground is, taking Jetfire with him, though Jetfire has pushed him high enough into space that the Earth is spared. Bumbleebee has had enough, and drops his gun, walking away.

Overall, it's a good ending. It would be easier to judge if the way that was used to finally kill the unkillable Sunstorm was a good one or not if I actually knew what the energy beneath the Earth's surface was meant to be. I don't think I had ever caught just how Prowl's investigation explained a lot of Sunstorm's power levels and his view of the world, or else I had just forgotten that part of the story, so it's nice to see that the Earth and Cybertron-based plot threads were more closely related than I had realized. Excellent use is made of Jetfire and Starscream's past friendship, and I think this may be the best either of them have ever been written. Bumblebee gets his first command, long before he was elevated to the second most important Autobot in the franchise, as he has been in recent years. As far as it goes, if I look at this as the third G1 "modern day" storyline that Dreamwave published, the overall plot may not be as self-contained and as strong as "War and Peace", but it's a solid story with a challenging if cliched villain, that suffers mainly from the fact that answers were clearly meant to be given down the road, and with Dreamwave's collapse, we never got them. 8/10 for the issue, and for the Sunstorm storyline overall.

 

The Transformers: Generation 1 #8, "Extermination"​

Overall Impression: A perfectly serviceable issue that wraps up the Insecticon subplot. The fight scenes weren't all that good, and the art is extremely dated, but it's a decent enough conclusion.

General Thoughts and Comments:

• What's going on with Marissa's speech bubbles? Why are they transparent?
• GAME OVER MAN! GAME OVER!
• I forgot about Marissa's giant anime eyes!
• Sideswipe also has the giant anime eyes.
• Bumblebee wants to leave the Autobots?! DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!!!
• Yes Sunstreaker, placing your face right up against that glowing green egg can only lead to good things!
• Marissa's pupil is ridiculously dilated, is she on drugs?
• In another example of Dreamwave's disjointed storytelling, Grimlock battles the Insecticons in a issue that doesn't exist because Dreamwave imploded. Maybe instead of Micromasters, we could have had that.
• We got mind-slaves! Naturally, they really have giant anime eyes!
• And Bumper conveniently saves the day!

Questions and Continuity Concerns:

• Why are the Insecticons mutilating cattle instead of just eating them?
• How the hell does the top of a building fall at a 90 degree angle?

What I Liked:

• Jazz needs to be in a position of leadership more often.

What I Disliked:

• Goofy-looking art drawn by someone who clearly just discovered manga and tried to cash in on the anime/manga boom of the early 21st century.
• The Insecticons just aren't compelling in general, let alone as the main antagonists.

Final Verdict: 6/10​