The Energon Pub

[Va'al]

Also from iTunes, we have a second preview of an upcoming Transformers comic issue - The Transformers #53, dealing with a not-creepy-at-all Galvatron on the main cover, as more and more things keep unravelling. Check out the Priscilla Tramontano art below, and head back in a couple of weeks for more!

ALL HAIL OPTIMUS part 4! It’s all-out war as OPTIMUS PRIME’s forces move on GALVATRON’s DECEPTICONS—with Earth caught in the middle! Unusual alliances have formed… and secrets will be revealed.

[Randomhero]

I'm really starting to wonder if there's more to Buster than just your average pup. He was giving to Thundercracker by the EDC who had a secret Cybertronian that looked human in their employment. I don't think Bob should hate him as much as he does.

[Va'al]

I'm really starting to wonder if there's more to Buster than just your average pup. He was giving to Thundercracker by the EDC who had a secret Cybertronian that looked human in their employment. I don't think Bob should hate him as much as he does.

Buster's female, based on Barber's dog Charlie!

[Randomhero]

I'm really starting to wonder if there's more to Buster than just your average pup. He was giving to Thundercracker by the EDC who had a secret Cybertronian that looked human in their employment. I don't think Bob should hate him as much as he does.

Buster's female, based on Barber's dog Charlie!

I know I've seen johns tweets. Aside from my error of gender, I'm starting to think might not actually be a dog.

[Va'al]

I'm really starting to wonder if there's more to Buster than just your average pup. He was giving to Thundercracker by the EDC who had a secret Cybertronian that looked human in their employment. I don't think Bob should hate him as much as he does.

Buster's female, based on Barber's dog Charlie!

I know I've seen johns tweets. Aside from my error of gender, I'm starting to think might not actually be a dog.

The things you say about something else going on are definitely worth considering, given this preview. Though it would also feel a little weak, with Blackrock already outed as non-human..

[Randomhero]

I'm really starting to wonder if there's more to Buster than just your average pup. He was giving to Thundercracker by the EDC who had a secret Cybertronian that looked human in their employment. I don't think Bob should hate him as much as he does.

Buster's female, based on Barber's dog Charlie!

I know I've seen johns tweets. Aside from my error of gender, I'm starting to think might not actually be a dog.

The things you say about something else going on are definitely worth considering, given this preview. Though it would also feel a little weak, with Blackrock already outed as non-human..

It would but these comics arnt perfect. It just seems a little weird to continue having this gag going. First time was awesome and funny. Second time have you a smile third time it's starting to make be go "you can't keep doing this gag because it did so well the first. Maybe I'm reading way too into it and more than likely I am but it does make you think maybe there's more to Buster.

I forgot to mention the art is really great! At first I thought it was Sara Pitre-Durocher and I kind rolled my eyes. She's a good artist but I follow her on Twitter and after seeing all her cyclonus/tailgate slash-fic art I'm kinda put off by her but it's Priscilla! I like her and I'm glad that after over 6 years of coloring and her stint with New RID she's doing more line art

[D-Maximal_Primal]

I have to agree, Doc, Buster and Bob are making for an interesting trio that are just not your normal characters.

And I hope they do something about Prime. Please. Since combining he has gotten less Optimus and more Sentinel, but this preview kinda irritated me with the way he's talking, moreso than the other issues. Something needs to change here, and it has to be addressed up front considering Barber has made this a major story point.

[Randomhero]

I've started to wonder if Mneumosurgery can cure the side effects of combining. If prime is affected by combining I'd really like to see Chromedome leave MTMTE for a story arc and come to earth to help prime remove the others from his mind.

[HilltopOfKaon]

Is it just me or is this series starting to feel "endgame" like? Is IDW looking at finally putting and end to the earth wars? Just a thought.

[Randomhero]

Is it just me or is this series starting to feel "endgame" like? Is IDW looking at finally putting and end to the earth wars? Just a thought.

I think it's just you. This is now the Earth book. Till all are one is taking on cybertron and the politics(should be by John if that's what it is) but there's plenty of earth stories to be told. We got a giant under the ground after all.

They've been on earth now for almost 25 issues, doesn't feel like it but they have. Two years ago when it was announced they were going back to earth I think I can speak for a lot when we all thought it was going be 6 to 12 issues then back home to Cybertron but that didn't happen. Back then I was certainly hoping we'd head back to Cybertron because I loved the politics John barber was doing but after a couple of years of being back on earth I'm totally with it because the stories are just insane and I'm having a blast.

[Va'al]

It's been a while sans comics, hasn't it? But fear not, IDW Publishing has sent out the full previews for their Transformers releases for the coming week, starting with The Transformers #53. You can find it below for your viewing enjoyment with correct credit to the issue's artist Priscilla Tramontano - review coming on day of release!

Transformers #53
John Barber (w) • Priscilla Tramontano (a) • Andrew Griffith (c)
ALL HAIL OPTIMUS part 4! It’s all-out war as OPTIMUS PRIME’s forces move on GALVATRON’s DECEPTICONS—with Earth caught in the middle! Unusual alliances have formed… and secrets will be revealed.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:
The best underwater fighting since Thunderball! But this time—they’re giant metal aliens with lasers!
GALVATRON’s secret weapon comes alive!
Variant cover by Priscilla Tramontano!

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Sideswipe has light in his eye in that last panel! He will come online before this arc ends!

[Rodimus Prime]

2 questions, both only somewhat related:

Till All Are One will be a separate series, not part of Transformers?

I just got Transformers Robots in Disguise Volume 6: Dawn of the Autobots TPB in the mail. Apparently there's a lot of stuff missing between volumes 5 and 6. Can someone point me to what I need to read between these 2 to be all caught up? I'm guessing Windblade is 1 series. Any others?

[Va'al]

2 questions, both only somewhat related:

Till All Are One will be a separate series, not part of Transformers?

Yep, a new series, part of the larger TFverse. Continuing from the story in Windblade vol. 2 and The Transformers. So far not sure whether MTMTE will have impact to follow up too.

I just got Transformers Robots in Disguise Volume 6: Dawn of the Autobots TPB in the mail. Apparently there's a lot of stuff missing between volumes 5 and 6. Can someone point me to what I need to read between these 2 to be all caught up? I'm guessing Windblade is 1 series. Any others?

Windblade is actually concurrent to Dawn of the Autobots! You're missing Dark Prelude - not necessary, but has Spotlight Hoist and Trailcutter, which are great - and the two Dark Cybertron volumes.

More info here!

[Rodimus Prime]

More info here!

Thank you. I think I will pick up Dark Cybertron and skip the rest...

[ScottyP]

You're ridiculous, Sky-Byte

Spoiler Warning! The contents of this review may, and likely will, spoil significant parts of this book, and possibly others in the IDW Transformers meta-series. "Trade paperback only" readers should wander away now! This is your one and only warning.

Synopsis and Credits
ALL HAIL OPTIMUS part 4! It's all-out war as OPTIMUS PRIME's forces move on GALVATRON's DECEPTICONS—with Earth caught in the middle! Unusual alliances have formed… and secrets will be revealed.

Full creator credits can be found in our Vector Sigma Database page for this issue.

Skydiving Poetry Slam

Story
The story of All Hail Optimus continues with this week's release of The Transformers #53 from IDW Publishing, otherwise known as the book just about every Transformers fan is still calling Robots in Disguise. We join our heroes, I guess, back on Earth where they just did a thing and got attacked by humans and Prime lost an arm or something. Oh, and then he blackmailed some peace seeking Decepticons into joining what amounts to an Optimus Prime led invasion force using some wicked, cunning, downright messed up appeal to Soundwave's more logical side. That part of issue number 52 last month was really good, so I was excited to dive into this next chapter.

Still a fascinating pivot.

The story of Optimus Prime's descent to the dark side of The Force has been really fascinating to witness. While I still foresee some shenanigans on the horizon with a certain police car, if I go with the benefit of the doubt and Prime's head isn't being messed with (this book hasn't earned this benefit over the years, but I'm feeling generous) the subtlety of the character work has been pulled off pretty brilliantly. The normally consistent Optimus has become quite unpredictable, with each new move feeling more desperate even if the end goal is probably as ambiguously defined to this character as it is to readers.

A far less interesting pivot.

On the other hand, we have the leader of our "bad guys" for this arc in Galvatron. Galvatron has been a character in IDW that has been all over the place literally and figuratively. Right now, he feels about as inconsistent as ever. The wise, cunning, eugenics-endorsing guardian of Primus' will (albeit a possibly twisted version of it) has, for reasons I honestly cannot figure out, become an "80's Cartoon Supervillain" to borrow the words of your regular comics reviewer, Dr. Va'al.

Galvatron has gone from Beast Machines Megatron mixed with Armada Galvatron, with the full on David Kaye voice accompaniment, to the bizarre, shrill voiced G1 Season 3 version of the character with a higher pitched Frank Welker madman voice. It's been a quick pivot that is hard to follow and it's been one of the most disappointing aspects of this arc thus far. Sometimes there are shades of it all being a ruse, like during the excellent fight scene with Arcee earlier in the arc, but trust me when I say that really goes out the window in this chapter. See: Cobra Commander Level Cheesy Plan.

Please, make it end.

This book is in dire need of a bad guy with motivation, and he's standing right there making me want to punch him in the face. Just by standing there. I legitimately dislike this character. I read every issue of The Transformers rooting for him to die in the worst way possible. That has little to do with this exact issue of the book, but the fact that he's in there taking up space while the plot wanders in odd directions around him reeks of either poor planning or plans changed by someone in an office in Rhode Island.

Seeds of intrigue, perhaps?

There definitely is some planning going on, with characters that we know will be front and center in the Titans Return toyline (and presumably, story arc) getting some choice moments in this issue as well. Barber manages to get these characters in through smart, unobtrusive methods that a non-toy collector reader won't be caught off guard by. Yes, Mindwipe is around and yes, he's getting a toy soon but were he not, I don't think I'd read the book any differently.

While the majority of the Synergon™ is strong in this book, there are some moments towards the end (including the last page) that warrant mention, though I'll stop short of spoiling them. I'll just mention that I was interested in getting some official canon to go behind some more recent Transformers toy releases, this looked like it was going to deliver, but I ended up with disappointment instead.

Stay tuned next time for more Wacky Races!

Just like some members of Optimus' crew, this book alternates between serious and cartoonish, dramatic and funny, and even has a plot that advances forwards and backwards. I honestly can't say that the plot of this arc feels like it's moved forward much at all, and it's really falling victim to the trade paperback format pitfalls that IDW had previously done a tremendous job at avoiding. The glacial pace of progress continues to be just that for this part of the larger story, whether that feeling is intentional or not.

Art
The art is handled in this issue by Priscilla Tramontano with colors by Josh Burcham and letters by series regular Tom B. Long, and it's definitely a highlight of this issue.

Maybe they just want to report about your silver arm?

From wisely used effects like those found in this panel, to purposeful stylistic differences in the pencils/inks based on the environment in which the action takes place (more on this shortly), the book has a style that is sure to please a majority of Transformers fans. It alternates between serious detail and cartoon-like sketchiness freely, and in some cases you may not even notice the jumps.

There was one case where I was first jarred by the changing depiction of certain characters from panel to panel, and that was with the Combiner characters once they go underwater. Initially, I thought this was just a product of deadlines being a thing that exists, with art that just had to get done at some point, and I was disappointed. Later, I thought this may have been a stylistic choice meant to evoke the original Transformers cartoon series. Upon investigating that train of thought further, I noticed that all of the details in the underwater scenes are more "cartoon-like", for better or worse. At least it's consistent with this, even if I'd prefer some more detail. It seems to fit with the back and forth tonal nature of this issue as well, so that's another thing going for it.

One great, moody page

Burcham's colors lend more to the tone of the story than perhaps the words themselves in this issue, with multiple instances where he takes what could be more instances of inconsistency and makes them a harmonious, fun to look at product. Between work here and on Sins of the Wreckers, comics fans continue to get a look at a colorist at the top of his game.

Final Thoughts
While the plot's overall direction and progress disappointed me, with this issue ending at a point of rising action just like the last countless many issues of this series, the art and many of the character beats pick this issue up from a potentially boring place.

Why not Zoidberg Tidal Whale?

That said, this book needs to resolve some plot threads soon, and find a more consistent voice. Solicits make me think it's going somewhere at long last, but I've been fooled by those plenty of times before. The more cartoon-styled look is not on accident, as the story reads like a Saturday morning show in many parts as well. I don't mind that, and it's a ton of fun, but what happens when this book wants me to take it seriously again? There are points within this issue where that seems to be the case, but it's a difficult, almost jarring shift in mood. That's probably intentional, and while I appreciate the inherent goofy side of Transformers and like the fun ways this issue uses that side, this feels like a weird place in an arc that was almost all serious business up to this point for that to come into the picture.

I'm conflicted by this issue, as there are parts I love and parts my eyes will just wander over when I pick up my physical copy this afternoon. I'll give this two different ones since different readers will likely find very different levels of appreciation of The Transformers #53

For readers looking for drama and serious plot advancement:

. and 1/2 - out of

For readers that like a fun tone interspersed with a looser overall plot:

. - out of

[Randomhero]

I liked it alot. It was a fun issue but I was confused with the end was skyreign threatening superion or coming to his aid. The dialogue and direction was a bit wonky for me. Doesn't make sense he's help the deceptions but he is being forced to combine.

This issue is what I wanted from Combiner wars. Just ridiculous combines and everyone getting to play,

[Windsweeper]

I really want to see a new writer for this book.

[Moody magpie]

Compared to MTMTE this issue was a train wreck!

[Allenspurs]

I give up,it's just a glorified toy catalogue now....that only wants to sell you the crap reprints that nobody wants.

Wow rewind two years and these comics were the best I've ever read,now they are just.....trash thrown out by hasbro to sell some toys

[D-Maximal_Primal]

This issue was all over the place. This did not feel like Barber. This felt like a big commercial. there really wasn't that good a storyline, and the ridiculous combining showdown in the end was just crazy. half the guys with names in the fight suddenly combined. And Galvatron, the fact that he hates combiners yet is perfectly ok with just throwing random cybertronians together just wasn't right. It wasn't his character. Scotty said it best: Galvatron felt like his season 3 fellow, not the IDW guy we've gotten used to.

MTMTE definitely beat out this comic this month, no question. This was a bit of a train wreck

[D-Maximal_Primal]

I give up,it's just a glorified toy catalogue now....that only wants to sell you the crap reprints that nobody wants.

Wow rewind two years and these comics were the best I've ever read,now they are just.....trash thrown out by hasbro to sell some toys

What's interesting though is that the combiner names and 2 of the 5 Sky Reign guys are the only things connected. Most of those guys were not even made toys in CW

[Randomhero]

I give up,it's just a glorified toy catalogue now....that only wants to sell you the crap reprints that nobody wants.

Wow rewind two years and these comics were the best I've ever read,now they are just.....trash thrown out by hasbro to sell some toys

What's interesting though is that the combiner names and 2 of the 5 Sky Reign guys are the only things connected. Most of those guys were not even made toys in CW

Exactly. It's John doing his own thing and God forbid a comic based on an entire franchise that was founded on selling toys actually does that (which its not doing here)

[Randomhero]

This issue was all over the place. This did not feel like Barber. This felt like a big commercial. there really wasn't that good a storyline, and the ridiculous combining showdown in the end was just crazy. half the guys with names in the fight suddenly combined. And Galvatron, the fact that he hates combiners yet is perfectly ok with just throwing random cybertronians together just wasn't right. It wasn't his character. Scotty said it best: Galvatron felt like his season 3 fellow, not the IDW guy we've gotten used to.

MTMTE definitely beat out this comic this month, no question. This was a bit of a train wreck

Johns IDW Galvatron is very season 3 at some points. He's threatened to kill astrotrain for just being there when he meets up with Arcee last year and him using combiners is fine. Yeah he hates them but if it gets the results done sure he'd use them.

Even megatron planned on killing the Constructicons/devastator once his usefulness was done in all hail megatron. Sometimes you have to do stuff you have to get the job done.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

This issue was all over the place. This did not feel like Barber. This felt like a big commercial. there really wasn't that good a storyline, and the ridiculous combining showdown in the end was just crazy. half the guys with names in the fight suddenly combined. And Galvatron, the fact that he hates combiners yet is perfectly ok with just throwing random cybertronians together just wasn't right. It wasn't his character. Scotty said it best: Galvatron felt like his season 3 fellow, not the IDW guy we've gotten used to.

MTMTE definitely beat out this comic this month, no question. This was a bit of a train wreck

Johns IDW Galvatron is very season 3 at some points. He's threatened to kill astrotrain for just being there when he meets up with Arcee last year and him using combiners is fine. Yeah he hates them but if it gets the results done sure he'd use them.

Even megatron planned on killing the Constructicons/devastator once his usefulness was done in all hail megatron. Sometimes you have to do stuff you have to get the job done.

At the same time though, he has been very particular about what happens and very thoughtful and strong in his beliefs. He wanted to destroy the enigma, but is now using it. It doesn't feel like the serious and particulate Galvatron that we have had. He just didn't feel right in this issue. And the combiners just felt like they were overdoing it. Like, yes we had Optimus Maximus, but now these 2, it feels wrong, feels rushed, feels a bit too random for what Barber normally does, and that is where I feel disappointed