Transformers #4
Written by Mike Costa
Art by Dan Figueroa
Alternate cover by Andrew Wildman
Let me just say this up front – after last week’s onslaught of mediocre or flat-out unenjoyable books, Transformers #4 is a breath of fresh air that reminded me why I read comics in the first place. As much fun as Atomic Robo was, it was just that – fun. I plan to read more, but it’s nothing I was invested in going into it. Transformers, on the other hand, is one of my childhood favorites and a series I’m currently very involved in. Therefore, each and every issue that comes out has high expectations to meet. Each issue has done this with grace, but the latest obliterates even the loftiest hopes I could ever have had for this series.
What makes issue four so great? It starts and ends with a monologue from Thundercracker that sums up the overall theme of this series so far. These book ends elevate and evolve the character in a very new and interesting way. And it is that very same evolution that is the main theme here, working its way into every nook and cranny of the book. Costa does such an amazing job of making each plot and character point be – in some way, shape, or form – an allusion to the central theme, and even Figueroa’s art carries that theme forward visually.
But don’t worry if the thought of matching monologues seems a bit dull to you – they’re interesting enough on their own but the plot points that make up the meat of this sandwich should be sufficient to keep even the shortest of attention spans held in rapt anticipation of what’s to come. Hot Ro… uh, Rodimus Prime… may have played it smart by keeping the Consctructicons in separate corners, but after Swindle’s laundry list of misdeeds, I suspect the Stunticons’ reunion may be more menacing than anybot anticipates.
Transformers #4 blew me out of the water with a full 5 out of 5 violations of the Tyrest accord
Is this a good starting point for the series since I missed the first 3? I’ve been thinking of buying this since my LCBS just started to getting it.
I’d honestly wait to try and get them in trades or get the back issues. This is a great issue, but you’re right in the middle of the building story arc, and trying to pick it up here would mean missing the awesome build-up to this point.
That, and, I don’t really think what takes place in this issue would have much impact or make much sense without reading the prior issues.
I should also point out, people who have been reading ALL of the IDW Transformers books will get an extra special treat here, as there’s a great reference to Spotlight Ultra Magnus, as well as numerous other bits of continuity.
Wow. Who knew I could ever care about Thundercracker like that?
I really liked this issue. I’m still a little lost on a lot of things (this only being the second issue of a Transformers comic I’ve ever read), but I still liked it a lot.
I HIGHLY recommend tracking down the Ultra Magnus Spotlight issue. That’ll help. A LOT.
Beyond that, the most important thing to know is that in the IDWverse, there are only two “successful” combiners so far – Monstructor and Devastator. the Predacons were driven mad by the bonding process and locked away. Years later, however, the ‘Cons got their hands on the technology for the process and created Devastator. Any of the other groups, like the Stunticons, are just basically factions within the Decepticons. This is why Hot Rod was willing to accept more Stunticons in their little group, but not more Constructicons. That said, Magnus mentions Swindle having stolen combiner tech, so I fully suspect The Stunticons have been modded out to form Menasor without anyone realizing it.
Any other questions, just ask.
Thanks for that information. Do you remember what Spotlight the Ultra Magnus one was in? I own most of them and probably read it, but it has been a while..
LC – I just remember it being Spotlight: Ultra Magnus. Not sure what number, exactly. This may help:
http://panelsonpages.com/?p=2365&page=3
JM – Prime led the Autobots against the Decepticons to save Earth, but in the process, caused all sorts of damage and most importantly, scared the shit out of humans. In the aftermath of the battle, he’s come to realize there’s no sense in carrying on the way they have. He doesn’t know what the Autobots’ next step should be, but he wants to earn the humans’ trust. So he surrendered.
The group split because some Autobots want to get the hell off of Earth, while others feel it’s their job to stay here, build an alliance with the humans, and retrieve Prime. The two factions are now led by Hot Rod and Bumblebee respectively.
@Kerouac: I’ll try and track down that issue. Thanks for the info, it helps. I do have a question, why exactly did Optimus Prime surrender himself to the humans? Oh, and why are the Autobots split up right now?
^Thanks a bunch. That helps a LOT.