This page contains affiliate links. We may earn commissions when readers interact with or purchase items through these links. For more information, see our affiliate disclosures here.

Seibertron.com reviews IDW Transformers: Robots In Disguise issue 2

Discuss anything about the Transformers cartoons and comics! You can discuss anything from G1 to Cybertron as well as the comics from Marvel, Dreamwave, IDW and more!

Seibertron.com reviews IDW Transformers: Robots In Disguise issue 2

Postby Psychout » Wed Mar 07, 2012 5:26 am

Motto: "This post clearly was meant to offend, and if you are affected by it in any way please close your browser and discuss it with someone who knows not to take the internet seriously."
Weapon: Black Magic
Better late than never eh?

Long live the Senator!!

(SPOILERS!)


For those of you who read our review of the first issue of RID, you’ll know that this is the more serious and in-depth of the two current Transformers stories. This tale of intrigue and political machinations based firmly on Cybertron initially lacked the pace of its sister publication and looked to take itself too seriously for some readers. In this second issue the dark tone of the series remains but the pace has, thankfully, very much increased.

Image
Friends, Cybertronains, countrymen, lend me your horns...


Recapping the final actions of the first book – the death of Horri-Bull – this time from the Decepticons' point of view, this story starts to build its momentum in a glorious 2-page spread which is a rogues gallery of tertiary colours and a great way for Andrew Griffith to showcase his designs, iconic and crisp, and a balance of the more detailed styles that have been prevalent in the comics since the big screen movies forced upon us that 'flexible metal skin' just isn’t acceptable these days. The various Constructicons, and Shockwave especially, stand out as hybrids of the old and new styles that work, but it is a style that doesn’t flatter everyone as Starscream's cluttered design will take some getting used to whilst a pivotal moment at the end is almost spoiled by some inexplicably awful character design on what is an iconic fan-loved character that really hasn't survived the transition to IDW very well.

Image
¿sıɥʇ ǝʞıן ʞooן ǝnboןɐıp s,ʇɐqʇɐɹ ʇ,upןnoɥs


John Barber keeps the intricacies of the story enjoyable, exploring the strain and distrust within the Autobot ranks towards the ‘pacified’ Decepticons, and brings out a side of Bumblebee that we haven’t really seen before, shown in his treatment of Starscream – an interesting role reversal from the days of old - an obvious indication that the pressures of command really do change a man. With this, and the staple internal struggle for power within the Decepticons themselves, one begins to see the depth of the writing within this book and can almost see the countdown to a return to civil war being the biggest enemy here.

Image
Metalhawk, don't be a dick.


Again, this is not a light hearted read. Character banter is minimal and the narration is complicated and twisting, but the slow burning story from last month is definitely beginning to gain momentum. Can the Autobots gain the trust of the Metalhawk and the NAILS, how will the Decepticons respond to Starscream's and Ratbat's power struggle and, as the comic ends in an assassination attempt and another high profile death, how are Barber and Griffith going to top this?

Image
I think we'd all prefer he just shot Metalhawk...


For those who like a more grown up theme to their alien space robots, Robots In Disguise is turning out to be a weighty political thriller with the stage being set for what the Decepticons do best which may not work for the casual fan, but for those looking for a bit of meat in a story, this is a very palatable entrée.

Image
Let's see Metalhawk do that!


I would really not want to be Bumblebee right now.
Last edited by Psychout on Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:21 am, edited 2 times in total.
Reason: Thanks to Va'al for the proof read!
Image
“I like to think that my arrogance, impetuosity,
impatience, selfishness and greed are the qualities
that make me the lovable chap I am.”
Psychout
HMW Moderator
Posts: 9687
News Credits: 42
Joined: Tue Aug 17, 2004 7:04 am
Location: Vatican City
Alt Mode: Cassette. The 80s ROCKED
Strength: 1
Intelligence: 1
Speed: 1
Endurance: 1
Rank: 10
Courage: 1
Firepower: 1
Skill: 10

Re: IDW Transformers: Robots In Disguise issue 2 review.

Postby JazzMusic » Wed Mar 07, 2012 11:34 am

As Bumblebee changes the artist on his ipod mini.
JazzMusic
Mini-Con
Posts: 13
Joined: Sat Feb 19, 2011 3:42 pm
Buy from JazzMusic on eBay

Re: IDW Transformers: Robots In Disguise issue 2 review.

Postby Fires_Of_Inferno » Wed Mar 07, 2012 6:13 pm

Motto: "I wish I could hate you to death."
Weapon: Venom Blaster
JazzMusic wrote:As Bumblebee changes the artist on his ipod mini.


Good first post man.

I should get into the comics more. Havn't gotten anything for comics since Last Stand Of The Wreckers.
TheLocalBard! My Twitter account: https://twitter.com/TheLocalBard

Groovy
User avatar
Fires_Of_Inferno
City Commander
Posts: 3908
News Credits: 18
Joined: Wed Nov 08, 2006 8:34 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta. Canada
Alt Mode: Transmetal Insect and Helicopter
Strength: 4
Intelligence: 6
Speed: 3
Endurance: 9
Rank: 1
Courage: 7
Firepower: 3
Skill: 7

Re: IDW Transformers: Robots In Disguise issue 2 review.

Postby #Sideways# » Wed Mar 07, 2012 6:20 pm

Motto: "Wake up. Wake up and smell the ashes."
Weapon: Dual Compression Cannons
JazzMusic wrote:As Bumblebee changes the artist on his ipod mini.

:APPLAUSE:

Looks good, this and the More Than Meets the Eye are connected, I assume?
Check out my YouTube for my Transformers Trading Card Game lists, gameplay and general thoughts on the game!
User avatar
#Sideways#
Godmaster
Posts: 1596
News Credits: 62
Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2010 2:18 pm
Location: Planet X
Watch #Sideways# on YouTube
Alt Mode: Motorcycle
Strength: 5
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 9
Endurance: Infinity
Rank: ???
Courage: 7
Firepower: 7
Skill: 7

Re: IDW Transformers: Robots In Disguise issue 2 review.

Postby dirtysock47 » Wed Mar 07, 2012 6:55 pm

:CON: :CON:dude this is awesome i would love a copy
Psychout wrote:Better late than never eh?

Long live the Senator!!

(SPOILERS!)


For those of you who read our review of the first issue of RID, you’ll know that this is the more serious and in-depth of the two current Transformers stories. This tale of intrigue and political machinations based firmly on Cybertron initially lacked the pace of its sister publication and looked to take itself too seriously for some readers. In this second issue the dark tone of the series remains but the pace has, thankfully, very much increased.

Image
Friends, Cybertronains, countrymen, lend me your horns...


Recapping the final actions of the first book – the death of Horri-Bull – this time from the Decepticons' point of view, this story starts to build its momentum in a glorious 2-page spread which is a rogues gallery of tertiary colours and a great way for Andrew Griffith to showcase his designs, iconic and crisp, and a balance of the more detailed styles that have been prevalent in the comics since the big screen movies forced upon us that 'flexible metal skin' just isn’t acceptable these days. The various Constructicons, and Shockwave especially, stand out as hybrids of the old and new styles that work, but it is a style that doesn’t flatter everyone as Starscream's cluttered design will take some getting used to whilst a pivotal moment at the end is almost spoiled by some inexplicably awful character design on what is an iconic fan-loved character that really hasn't survived the transition to IDW very well.

Image
¿sıɥʇ ǝʞıן ʞooן ǝnboןɐıp s,ʇɐqʇɐɹ ʇ,upןnoɥs


John Barber keeps the intricacies of the story enjoyable, exploring the strain and distrust within the Autobot ranks towards the ‘pacified’ Decepticons, and brings out a side of Bumblebee that we haven’t really seen before, shown in his treatment of Starscream – an interesting role reversal from the days of old - an obvious indication that the pressures of command really do change a man. With this, and the staple internal struggle for power within the Decepticons themselves, one begins to see the depth of the writing within this book and can almost see the countdown to a return to civil war being the biggest enemy here.

Image
Metalhawk, don't be a dick.


Again, this is not a light hearted read. Character banter is minimal and the narration is complicated and twisting, but the slow burning story from last month is definitely beginning to gain momentum. Can the Autobots gain the trust of the Metalhawk and the NAILS, how will the Decepticons respond to Starscream's and Ratbat's power struggle and, as the comic ends in an assassination attempt and another high profile death, how are Barber and Griffith going to top this?

Image
I think we'd all prefer he just shot Metalhawk...


For those who like a more grown up theme to their alien space robots, Robots In Disguise is turning out to be a weighty political thriller with the stage being set for what the Decepticons do best which may not work for the casual fan, but for those looking for a bit of meat in a story, this is a very palatable entrée.

Image
Let's see Metalhawk do that!


I would really not want to be Bumblebee right now.
dirtysock47
Mini-Con
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Mar 06, 2012 9:42 am

Re: IDW Transformers: Robots In Disguise issue 2 review.

Postby NatsumeRyu » Wed Mar 07, 2012 7:05 pm

Motto: ""'Camshaft' See, they said my name!""
Weapon: Null-Ray Rifle
Like. This will get a TPB, right?
I take commissions!
2014-Officer Vi-Senketsu & Junketsu-Silver Knight-Origami Cyclone
13-Terminus Armor-Megaman-Lord Death-Tali
12-WfC Brawl-Gurren Lagann-Doc
11-Reaper Conduit-Rampage
<10-Brawl-Camshaft-Jazz-Blackout-Starscream-Bumblebee
User avatar
NatsumeRyu
Combiner
Posts: 401
News Credits: 3
Joined: Sun Aug 01, 2010 1:53 pm
Buy from NatsumeRyu on eBay
Strength: 4
Intelligence: 8
Speed: 2
Endurance: 3
Rank: 5
Courage: 10
Firepower: 6
Skill: 7

Re: IDW Transformers: Robots In Disguise issue 2 review.

Postby Psychout » Wed Mar 07, 2012 7:11 pm

Motto: "This post clearly was meant to offend, and if you are affected by it in any way please close your browser and discuss it with someone who knows not to take the internet seriously."
Weapon: Black Magic
I would imagine that it's a certainty.

#Sideways# wrote:
JazzMusic wrote:As Bumblebee changes the artist on his ipod mini.

:APPLAUSE:

Looks good, this and the More Than Meets the Eye are connected, I assume?

The two stores run concurrently, RID on Cybertron and MTMTE out amongst the stars looking for some lost heroes of legend, although the RID lot think the MTMTE crew are dead after the end of issue 1.

Also, Jazzmusic - I wish I'd thought of that line, I laughed for a good 10 minutes! :lol:
Image
“I like to think that my arrogance, impetuosity,
impatience, selfishness and greed are the qualities
that make me the lovable chap I am.”
Psychout
HMW Moderator
Posts: 9687
News Credits: 42
Joined: Tue Aug 17, 2004 7:04 am
Location: Vatican City
Alt Mode: Cassette. The 80s ROCKED
Strength: 1
Intelligence: 1
Speed: 1
Endurance: 1
Rank: 10
Courage: 1
Firepower: 1
Skill: 10

Re: IDW Transformers: Robots In Disguise issue 2 review.

Postby Prime Evil » Wed Mar 07, 2012 7:32 pm

Motto: "No Good Deed Goes Unpunished"
Weapon: Dark Saber Sword
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:I should get into the comics more. Havn't gotten anything for comics since Last Stand Of The Wreckers.


If you liked LSOTW, you will love MTMTE which is written by James Roberts who co-wrote LSOTW. RID is great as well however, I just really love what is going on over on MTMTE. I'm not sure if you like reading issue by issue or by trade paper back, but for me, when both of these titles come out via trade, I will be getting both.
Image
facebook
PSN:Kalibr3Fyre
Transfandom's resident Junglist
Botcon Twitter re: Botcon 2012, "This set is not TFA" :D

Fans Project- Highly Recommend any and all products
Hasbro- Need more Generations toys peas
HeadRobots- Awesome, looking fwd to more good products
Perfect Effect- OK, looking fwd to more lil bots.
User avatar
Prime Evil
Godmaster
Posts: 1629
News Credits: 23
Joined: Mon Mar 25, 2002 10:22 am
Location: West Chester, PA
Strength: 8
Intelligence: 8
Speed: 8
Endurance: 8
Rank: N/A
Courage: 10
Firepower: 7
Skill: 7

Re: IDW Transformers: Robots In Disguise issue 2 review.

Postby TheForgottenTaxi » Thu Mar 08, 2012 12:11 am

You say that this "may not work for the casual fan." But man, when I finished this issue, I told my girlfriend to read it immediately, and despite only recognizing a handful of the characters (Bumblebee, Starscream, and Arcee I believe), she loved it. Mind you, she hadn't read the first issue, or indeed, any Transformers comic except for Roberts' unbelievable Optimus Prime/Megatron flashback two-parter. Still loved it and wanted more.
I have feelings about robots. They are mostly here. -> https://isgardtheterrible.wixsite.com/rankingrobots
TheForgottenTaxi
Micromaster
Posts: 94
Joined: Sat Jun 30, 2007 8:40 pm

Re: IDW Transformers: Robots In Disguise issue 2 review.

Postby El Duque » Thu Mar 08, 2012 9:10 am

Motto: "I ain't got time to bleed!"
Weapon: Gattling Gun
I really need to get to my local comic shop, they've got MTEME and RID 1 and 2 on hold for me.
User avatar
El Duque
Matrix Keeper
Posts: 9760
News Credits: 5749
Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2007 8:57 pm
Location: tornado alley


Return to Transformers Cartoons and Comics Forum

Transformers and More @ The Seibertron Store

Visit our store on eBay
These are affiliate links. We may earn commissions when you purchase items or services through these links.
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "DETRITUS Transformers Legacy Evolution Deluxe Hasbro 2023 New"
DETRITUS Transform ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "WFC-K21 SOUNDWAVE Transformers War for Cybertron Kingdom Core Hasbro 2021 New"
WFC-K21 SOUNDWAVE ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "OPTIMUS PRIME + BUMBLEBEE Transformers Legacy Core Class G1 Trailer 2023 New"
OPTIMUS PRIME + BU ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BULKHEAD Transformers Legacy Voyager Class Prime Universe Hasbro 2022 New"
BULKHEAD Transform ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "THUNDERTRON Transformers Legacy United Voyager Class Prime Hasbro 2024 New"
THUNDERTRON Transf ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "KNOCK-OUT Transformers Legacy Deluxe Prime Universe Hasbro 2022 New"
KNOCK-OUT Transfor ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "NEMESIS PRIME Transformers Legacy Evolution TL-37 Core Class G1 Takara Tomy New"
NEW!
NEMESIS PRIME Tran ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "LEO PRIME Transformers Legacy Evolution Voyager Maximal Hasbro 2023 New/IN STOCK"
LEO PRIME Transfor ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "SILVERSTREAK Transformers Buzzworthy Bumblebee Legacy Hasbro 2022 New"
SILVERSTREAK Trans ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "TRANSMETAL II MEGATRON Transformers Legacy Evolution Leader Beast Wars New"
TRANSMETAL II MEGA ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BEACHCOMBER +PARAKEET Transformers Legacy Evolution TL-43 Deluxe Takara Tomy New"
NEW!
BEACHCOMBER +PARAK ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "WFC-K26 TRACKS Transformers War for Cybertron Kingdom Deluxe 2021 New"
WFC-K26 TRACKS Tra ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "CHASE Transformers Legacy United Deluxe Class Rescue Bots Hasbro 2024 New"
CHASE Transformers ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "WFC-K33 SLAMMER Transformers War for Cybertron Kingdom Deluxe Hasbro 2022 New"
NEW!
WFC-K33 SLAMMER Tr ...
* Price and quantities subject to change. Shipping costs, taxes and other fees not included in cost shown. Refer to listing for current price and availability.
Find the items above and thousands more at the Seibertron Store on eBay
Transformers Podcast: Twincast / Podcast #346 - Gas Station Jamboree
Twincast / Podcast #346:
"Gas Station Jamboree"
MP3 · iTunes · RSS · View · Discuss · Ask
Posted: Saturday, March 23rd, 2024

Featured Products on Amazon.com

These are affiliate links. We may earn commissions when you purchase items or services through these links.
Buy "Transformers Authentics Bumblebee" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Exclusive Cyber Battalion Class Shockwave Figure" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Authentics Optimus Prime" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Generations Power of The Primes Voyager Terrorcon Hun-Gurrr" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Deluxe Ratchet Action Figure" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Generations Power of the Primes Titan Class Predaking" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Generations Power of The Primes Evolution Optimal Optimus" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Toys Megatron Cyberverse Ultimate Class Action Figure - Repeatable Fusion Mega Shot Action Attack Move - Toys for Kids 6 and Up, 11.5-inch" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Bumblebee -- Energon Igniters Power Plus Series Bumblebee" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Titans Return Titan Master Hyperfire and Blurr" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Titans Return Voyager Class Broadside and Blunderbuss" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Titans Return Voyager Class Optimus Prime and Diac" on AMAZON