The Energon Pub

HUGE, and I mean HUGE SPOILER ALERT....As in read this only if you've read the book, or don't mind having the entire story given away kind of SPOILER ALERT!!

With that warning now out of the way...
Greetings everyone! I’m sort of new here. Mine's a familiar story; occasional site visitor, and relative noob to the forums (and getting back into TFs after a long haitus). I’ve just read the Transformers Exodus novel, and wanted to post some thoughts and (what I hope amounts to) constructive criticism on it. I should note that the only other TF story I've read in the last umpteen years is IDW's Stormbringer TPB, which I quite enjoyed. Also, after BM, I'd not watched any cartoon series until TF: Animated.

So, EXODUS! These are the points that stuck out to me most and that I'd felt strongest for commenting on...

I enjoyed the beginning, especially in having the chance to get into the heads of classic characters, particularly Megatron, and Soundwave, and old fav-obscurities like Alpha Trion. The whole idea of a caste-system on Cybertron came as a bit of a surprise though, and I'm a bit mixed on it. On one hand I thought it added some interesting depth to why the war had started in the first place. It makes sense that this is a way that sentient machines would organize themselves in a society, each with a specific function, for balance and order, much like the Machines of the Matrix mythos. However, on the flip-side this whole notion of essentially making the Autobots white-collar descended and Decepticons blue-collar descended adds an odd sense of empathy reversal. On the questions of freedom and equality and self-determination, how is the reader to emphasize most with those who had more rights and privileges in the first place, and not overly empathize with those who had far less? Especially this day in age? This question had me scratching my head the whole way through.

Megatron as a former worker-bot and then Gladiator…to be honest, I’m still processing that one. After a lifetime of imagining that the Decepticons were originally the military bots of Cybertron, with Megatron being their General, created to be powerful, and programmed in military strategy, tactics etc….well, yeah, it was a surprise. Meg’s worker-bot origin thing didn’t jive, but in some ways the Gladiator angle seems appropriate. There’s something about it still that seems a bit too ignominious a beginning for the great and terrible leader of the Decepticons, but perhaps that’s the point. And, perhaps that’s just what happens when an oldschool fan-dude is faced with a new story angle after decades of leaving it to the imagination.
Now, Megatron as a Revolutionary leader, arisen from the next-to lowest class of Cybertronian life, and uniting the downtrodden…that is cool! Very cool idea! It adds a refreshingly interesting angle to him, and made me think of Spartacus combined with Stalin. It added a surprising bit of humanity to him as well, and I quite liked it.

Orion Pax/ Optimus is another matter. I’ll be straight up, I didn’t like the way that Optimus was characterized in this story. His somewhat humble beginnings weren’t a surprise, given his origin as told in the G1 cartoon. However, in this story I found him to be uninteresting at first (the whole point I suppose?), but then increasingly annoying as the story progressed. His position in the castes, while limited, was still a position of some privilege within the system. He had a name, he was well educated, and lived in relative safety and even with a hint of some prestige imo, working next to the chief archivist of their society. While still limited in his choices, the most he’d ever really suffered under the caste-system was in his not being able to ride the Roller-coaster at Six Lasers over Cybertron (Oh, the humanity!!)
This, when added to his emerging attitude towards Megtron(us) and the former’s ideas made Orion seem annoyingly self-righteous and somewhat patronizing. In fact, it embodied the problem with the Autobots throughout the novel. Why should we care about them, when they had more to start with, and in most cases thrived off the enjoyment of the bloodsports of the those who had nothing, not even names? Why should we care about the Autobots, when many of them were the oppressors to begin with? What weight does their desire for self-determination and freedom have when contrasted with the desires of those who were essentially a slave caste?
It's strange to have that impression of the Autobots, but this is the result from the white-collar versus blue-collar caste distinction.

In the case of a repressive social system, Orion’s/ Optimus’s story and eventual message would have been far more compelling if he had renounced and abandoned his caste-status upon learning of the Megatron’s movement. Have him join them in the lowest ranks (rather than just visiting on occasion) and even learn to fight and suffer as a Gladiator in the pits of Kaon too. What better way to understand the message of freedom and equality than by experiencing life as one with fewer rights than you? No name, no identity, only a numerical designation and a life of thankless toil. The bottom line is that if he knows firsthand the pains of those who are really suffering and/ or have nothing, then and only then can he know the full value of just what it is that he is fighting for. That way, when Optimus says that “Freedom is the Right of all Sentient Beings,” it means something, because he’s knows what it’s like to truly be oppressed.

Furthermore, in this light, Orion/ Optimus could attract followers from the Gladiator ranks, all ranks and castes no matter how high or low, because that's what true leaders do, they unite. Orion/ Optimus would have been a greater inspiration for other Cybertronians to rally around. The message being “If this simple guy can do so-and-so, then so can I!” That’s also what great leaders do, they inspire.

In Exodus, we’re only told that Optimus inspires later on, and aren’t really shown it, and in story-telling, that’s a no-no. And speaking of showing/ not showing things, when we’re introduced to Orion Pax in the beginning, as a G1-era fan, I just assumed that he looked like the Orion Pax that was in the old cartoon. I therefore found myself distracted often in Optimus’s story once the war started, wondering when he was going to get reformatted into his bigger, stronger, warrior-body. This was never mentioned though, so did Orion/ Optimus always look like a hulking battle-bot with a large, powerful vehicular alt-mode while still a mere Data Clerk? A minor thing there, but distracting all the same.

As for how the war started…I liked it. The council scene was tense; it was good drama and enjoyable to read. But, here, I actually found myself empathizing a bit more with Megatron, despite his deeds, and even seeing how he really could feel betrayed by Optimus. Megatron is the self-made man/ bot, rising up to challenge a cliquey, biggoted status-quo that would otherwise have him toiling away for the rest of his life in the foundries underground. Who doesn’t admire the self-made man? Even when Megatron obliterated the lead Councilor, I couldn’t help but seeing it in a way as though he was ‘stickin it to the Man,’ instead of (Megatron’s) committing an act of cold-blooded murder. Granted, this could just be my own bias sneaking through here, because Megatron was my very first TF toy away back when.
I enjoyed the portrayal of the supporting characters for the most part, and felt that they were true to form. I especially enjoyed getting into Soundwave’s head the odd time. That was an especial treat speaking as one from the G1 generation. Give Soundwave his own novel series I say! Shockwave was great, perfect even in terms of his characterization. I liked the extra bit of backbone they gave to Starscream as well in that he’s not as cowardly, especially toward Megatron. The same goes for Jetfire, my second most favourite character in all TFs. I really liked the extra edge to him, the confidence and the willingness to stand toe-toe with Optimus and tell him what he thinks, regardless.

Regarding Bumblebee….Okay, I’m aware that there was an issue for him in the first Bay film in that he couldn’t talk properly. That makes some sense if we’re talking about a being that came crashing to Earth as a meteor instead of (and more logically?) on a starship. But, having his vocoder being an issue for who knows how many years previously on Cybertron?? Yes, they can’t fix vocoders properly on Cybertron, but they can build advanced weapons for themselves? (Assuming that every pre-war bot wasn't already armed with the latest hi-tech weapons). City-sized starships can be built, Omega supreme can essentially be rebuilt after being reduced to a heap of scrap metal almost, but not a vocoder on a relatively ordinary-sized bot? I don’t think I can be constructive here, it’s just a poor idea. This whole notion of making Bumblebee an occasional mute at the expense of the most basic logic is just plain silly. Someone at Hasbro must really, really like that idea, I suppose.

Primus and the Thirteen….I dig this concept too. I don’t know which series the whole ‘Thirteen’ comes from, but it’s cool. It has an epic sound and vibe to it, and I feel it’s a far better origin story for the TFs than their being created by Quintessions. (I liked the idea too of the Quints being invaders that were set on enslaving Cybertron, long ago).

And Dark Energon… I’ve got some issues with this, and they can be quickly summed up in that the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Dark Energon is..."if once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will as it did Obi-wan’s appre..," right, wrong franchise there! Seems like it serves some kind of purpose in the game, but creating this element where the Decepticons are now essentially craving the TF answer to the Dark side of the Force, and that Unicron is essentially the devil for Cybertronians…It feels, well it’s dark magic in Tfs; it doesn't belong, imo. Constructively speaking, we just didn’t need to go there, because first, George Lucas has all already done it better than anyone else. And second, the concept has the vibe of drug-addiction. Extremely uncool. A key part to what made this franchise so popular is characterization. The badguys were all unique and interesting characters, good and enjoyable villains. Fun villains. Now they’re all on the verge of becoming substance addicted monsters, and brutes? Not only does that rob the villains of depth, it's just too ugly a place to go for something like TFs.

Lastly, there’s the issue of Optimus and the Autobots being 'commanded' to leave Cybertron in order for it to heal. First, it doesn’t make much sense, because with a bunch of Darkside..or, ‘Darkened’ Decepticons left running around to tear into each other after all the remaining Autobots were destroyed, wouldn’t that just take longer for the planet to heal? Suppose the Decepticons never manage to wipe each other out? It’s a weak idea, and imo, it further demeans the character of Optimus by essentially making him run. While the author went to some lengths to make the command to leave seem reasonable, despite much in the way of Autobot misgivings, I just couldn't buy it; it still to me felt like cowardice on Optimus’s part. The search for more Energon was a better plot device than this, but by far the best plot-reason for the Autobots having to voyage out into space only to get lost/ marooned on Earth, is the external threat factor, as depicted waaaaay back in Marvel’s issue #1 of the 4-part mini-series.
Granted, that was our Solar-system’s asteroid belt, but in that idea lies the key to a better and more satisfying reason for the Autobots heading into space. Cybertron could still be shaken loose from it’s orbit, (a point that is still an excellent way of demonstrating just how terrible and destructive this conflict between giant robots actually was) and be threatened by an asteroid belt in their own star-system. Like in the G1 comic, Optimus leads a squad of his best to deal with this threat that looms larger than their enemy. The Decepticon ambush ensues afterward, a warp-hyper drive or whatever is activated accidentally, and off they go.
The original plot device of the external threat gives Optimus back his spurs. It shows just how he courageous he is in leading his best into space to save their world from being pulverized, knowing full well that Megs will capitalize on it. Going out to meet a threat head on is a more compelling story than cutting and running with no plan for how to defeat your enemy.

I had some other quirks, namely that I didn’t get the sense of a planet-spanning conflict from the story (more like they were battling in a few cities that were fairly close-by). I’d have preferred to see a much larger story, with interconnecting tales of campaigns spread out all over the planet, with groups who didn’t necessarily know each other but fought for the same cause. Autobots who didn’t know Optimus in person, but were devoted enough to his vision still to fight. Same thing with the Decepticons. I’d have also preferred a longer story in order that the rise of both movements could have been given more time, and even get the perspective of the bots who wouldn't take sides. In the end, while I did still enjoy parts of the book, the flaws I’d pointed out were hard for me to get past, namely the disappointing characterization of Optimus, and the lack of moral depth in the Autobot cause.
As is, Megatron comes across as an Anti-hero, who still did a better job uniting more Cybertronians from all castes, whereas the Autobots just aren't endearing heroes, who sulk, and then run away when things get really tough.

These, along with the shortness and somewhat rushed feeling of the book prevents it from truly being the epic history-tale that Transformers so rightfully deserves.

I haven't read it yet (still waiting on it to come in the mail), but from what i read on TFwiki.net is that Optimus Prime was in favor of abandoning the caste system, just as much as Megatron, but did not felt that strength should replace the core ideals of society, but rather wisdom and compassion. Also, being a clerk meant that he was a house slave, not a free bot. Granted he wasn't mining in the fields/planation like Megatron, but he was a well dressed slave that did the work his masters couldn't be bothered with, like filing. So his entire life to that point was getting slapped in the face with the freedom that he wanted, but was never being able to free. So close, but yet so far.

Also, don't forget, the Decepticons still wanted to kill everybody, but Autobots, as always, wanted to simply live in peace. In addition, by having strength being the core of the society like the way Megatron wanted, it meant that every one was a slave to the guys with the best whip. Autobots feel that if they're a job out there, than may the best bot have it, and be free to get it.

im almost halfway through i think its pretty boss

Chupacabra Convoy wrote:I haven't read it yet (still waiting on it to come in the mail), but from what i read on TFwiki.net is that Optimus Prime was in favor of abandoning the caste system, just as much as Megatron, but did not felt that strength should replace the core ideals of society, but rather wisdom and compassion. Also, being a clerk meant that he was a house slave, not a free bot. Granted he wasn't mining in the fields/planation like Megatron, but he was a well dressed slave that did the work his masters couldn't be bothered with, like filing. So his entire life to that point was getting slapped in the face with the freedom that he wanted, but was never being able to free. So close, but yet so far.

Also, don't forget, the Decepticons still wanted to kill everybody, but Autobots, as always, wanted to simply live in peace. In addition, by having strength being the core of the society like the way Megatron wanted, it meant that every one was a slave to the guys with the best whip. Autobots feel that if they're a job out there, than may the best bot have it, and be free to get it.

Hnnn...Not sure how to respond to this, mate, since you've not read the book, yet. I'd prefer not to give anymore info away, but...since you're still here, and you were duly warned...
You bring up some good points about OP, however, they only serve to further highlight the problems of character empathy that I'd listed above. If we're to believe that Orion was a slave in the truest sense, then we should have been shown it. On the contrary, he seems to have no issues with his job on it's own; it seems more like a 9-5 that he may be getting bored with. There's no one breathing over his shoulder, no one threatening him to get the files filed or else be thrown in the junk heap. He's not overworked. Furthermore, he's not really all that limited in his movements, he's allowed to go out and have drinks with his friends who occupy a higher caste level. Also, he's educated, and most importantly, he has a name and an identity. He's not been dehumanized in any significant way; no one is 'slapping him in his face' as it were.
Again, all we're really told is that he can't ride the roller coaster. Frustrating, sure, but the way it's written, it may just as well be that he's simply not old enough to ride it yet. There's some noting that he may not be able to go to such and such place, but there's not really any sense of threat for him, nothing really stopping him from going and no sense of tangible danger if he's caught. Again, it can more easily come across that he's a teen out past curfew.
So, again, for the white-collar bots, there isn't the same sense of oppression. It's a rigid system, no doubts there, but the people we're supposed to empathize most with don't really have it so bad compared with others.

Consider the notion of not even having a name. A name gives one a sense of identity, of individualism, of belonging in some cases. If we're supposed to empathize with the Autobots more, we should have been shown the way they were languishing under the system too. For Orion, we should have seen someone breathing over his back, reminding him that he'd be easily replaced. We should have seen that his job was nightmarish to deal with in some manner, we should have seen him denied in a more significant way, maybe only low quality energon for those of his caste, etc. Any number of ways to make us genuinely feel bad for this character.

Lastly, the final point you made has more to do with Megatron than what the Autobots believed...though you will have to read the book for that info!

what continuity is it wfc or movieverse

Seems like its trying to be both.

Seems like its trying to be both.

UM Prime wrote:what continuity is it wfc or movieverse

Rodimus the Prime wrote:Seems like its trying to be both.

It's has been stated that it is NOT movieverse, but a new foundational continuity that begins with WFC and Exodus, and continues with the upcoming TF:Prime cartoon.

@Rodimus the Prime - I have read all through the book (as well as the apocryphal "Bumblebee at Tiger Pax" follow-up story), and must say that you do bring several good and interesting points.

Though, you say that you found it difficult to sympathize more with the Autobots and felt sympathy with the Decepticons. I understand your reasonings, but I must say that, no matter how they were portrayed, I felt it very difficult to sympathize with the Decepticons, period. Mainly, due to going into the book knowing the heartless monsters that they would become later on. Not once did I feel any real sincerity in any of Megatron's dialogue. From the moment I heard him speak, I could tell from his first lines in the book that he was plotting something devious. Now while he definitely was not "evil" at that point in the story, one does not have to be evil to have "evil thoughts". What also did not help me gain any sympathy for the Cons was when, during the time before the war had fully begun, some of those who were loyal to the Decepticon cause were commiting acts of terrorism and vandalism to get their message across. Even though Megatron claimed to be unaffiliated with these attacks, he still did little to nothing to stop them. It seemed to me that he found these acts of violence and disorder to be pleasing to him, showing no concern with losses of lives that result from these events. His reasons for wanting a caste-free society seemed to hint at him glorifying his own image and so be worshipped by Cybertronians as some sort of savior or idol, which would undoubtly make his ascension to being a tyrannical despot flow all the more swimmingly. I could not pity the Decepticons as much as I felt I could, what with knowing the kind of future paths they would take. Knowing this, the foreshadowing of the vile nature they would take on was very apparent to me.

Okay, I got yesterday, finished it this morning, and wow, I loved it, but it could just be from the fact I never read a prose TF story before.

While it does set a new universe for WFC and TF:P, it does read more like "The best stories on Cybertron" in some parts. It takes a long look of the history of brand and chooses the best elements to put together, while at the same time it did create a lot new reference itself.

Changes I liked:

1: Mini-cons: I now have a healthy respect/fear for them. Seriously, they'll gut you or blow you up. They're now a countless horde of suicide bombers. I don't think any were mentioned on being on the Autobot's side though. It could just be that the Autobots didn't want to waste their lives like the cons did.

2: Starscream: Probably the best version of the character to date. Gone was the sniveling coward form the original cartoon, and instead we a got a true to form version. You know how the only reason he was kept around was that he was allegedly too good of solider to be wasted, but you always had problems with that idea? Not anymore, especially when you see things from both Meg's and Starscream's point of view.

3: Optimus Prime/Orion Pax and Megatron/ Megatronus: I really liked how they were together when this all started, and it was them that got the ball really rolling. Also, It was great to see them fight on the philosophical level for a change. I mean seriously, they embody their respective armies, they should be able to fight each other on every level because of that. I loved how they started on the same side, but you actually see the moment they split apart.

4: Alpha Trion: Not the dotting old man from the cartoon and neither the crazy coot from IDW, so bonus.

5: Jazz and Prowl: From the looks of it, they're both cyber ninjas now, which is6: cool.

6: Any time with Soundwave is just awesome. Shockwave was certainly freaky. Like the abyss is starring at you and you even didn't stare into it first.

7: Appartently there were way more combiners on cybertron then originally presented. Granted not 5 man team style at first, but enough to settle the Fandom's imagination for kitbashing and fanfics.

8: All the little things that really fleshed out not just Transformer culture, but the individuals as well.

My biggest problem is that there was no Grimlock what so ever. While the Lighting Strike Collation was mentioned, Grimlock had no role or mention in the story. This disappointed me the most, since there a lot of history thanks to DW that revolves around Grimlock on Cybertron. I mean he was retro actively made into the first badass turncoat, and I think it would've been awesome to bring it here.

Second Problem: No Kup. Kup would've been fun as well. Also, Thundercracker and Skywarp were reduced to cameos.

I'll post more later.

I've said this before - I didn't hate the book. Though I felt like the author was trying to cram a bunch of continuities together in a way that made sense - I think it fell short. The first part of the book I really liked, but as it went on I felt like the story kinda fizzled. When I set the book down after the final sentance, I wasn't satisfied. I really, really want a mainstream auther charged with writing a TF story to take it more seriously and delve into all the universe has to offer for a truly unique story and perspective.

I had compassion for Megatron's cause in the beginning and I liked how it opened up Orion Pax's mind to the possibility that there was more to life than what he was told to accept. I really liked how Alpha Trion and Starscream were portrayed. There was some cool stuff in the book, but after the council meeting, I feel the author just wanted to book to be done with.

Sabrblade wrote: I understand your reasonings, but I must say that, no matter how they were portrayed, I felt it very difficult to sympathize with the Decepticons, period. Mainly, due to going into the book knowing the heartless monsters that they would become later on. ...........I could not pity the Decepticons as much as I felt I could, what with knowing the kind of future paths they would take. Knowing this, the foreshadowing of the vile nature they would take on was very apparent to me.

I agree. However I do appreciate that the writer attempted to unify the varying origin stories into something that made sense...


(warning: spoiler relating to the game)




















Ok, so I gather that there could be more than one prime at a time, right? That's what that thing seemed to suggest at end of the Autobot's campaign in War for Cybertron.

The issue in the book is very similar to what's presented in the game.

Rodimus the Prime wrote:The issue in the book is very similar to what's presented in the game.

Even though the book and the game are highly contradictory to each other on a whole.

Even though the book and the game are highly contradictory to each other on a whole.

Are they really? At what points do they contradict? (I've not played the game actually, even though I love it, lol; I've watched the cinematics and gameplay) Oh, don't worry about spoiling anything!

Rodimus the Prime wrote:

Even though the book and the game are highly contradictory to each other on a whole.

Are they really? At what points do they contradict? (I've not played the game actually, even though I love it, lol; I've watched the cinematics and gameplay) Oh, don't worry about spoiling anything!

Just about the entirety of both are contradictory. There's barely any resemblance betwen the two (why, Optimus predecessor isn't even the same: book - Sentinel Prime, game- Zeta Prime*)
One of these days I plan to jot down each and every discrepency between Exodus and WFC, as well as Exodus and the G1 cartoon, and Exodus and whatever else it contradicts.


*Note that Hasbro attempted to rectify this by retconning to the two into the same person as "Sentinel Zeta Prime" - not off to good start for this continuity, huh.

Sabrblade wrote:

Rodimus the Prime wrote:

Even though the book and the game are highly contradictory to each other on a whole.

Are they really? At what points do they contradict? (I've not played the game actually, even though I love it, lol; I've watched the cinematics and gameplay) Oh, don't worry about spoiling anything!

Just about the entirety of both are contradictory. There's barely any resemblance betwen the two (why, Optimus predecessor isn't even the same: book - Sentinel Prime, game- Zeta Prime*)
One of these days I plan to jot down each and every discrepency between Exodus and WFC, as well as Exodus and the G1 cartoon, and Exodus and whatever else it contradicts.


*Note that Hasbro attempted to rectify this by retconning to the two into the same person as "Sentinel Zeta Prime" - not off to good start for this continuity, huh.

Heheh, no, not exactly. Truth is, I'm not so sure this new mega continuity thing is such a great idea. I think the franchise's freedom to reinvent itself every time could be one of the things that has helped it survive for so long. But yeah, definitely not the greatest start when the game and book are already contradicting one another.

Well, I just got through reading the book a second time, and I've more to add.

The initial chapters introducing Orion Pax, Alpha Trion and Megatron(us) were pretty good. A lot went on in those chapters (1-6) and kept me interested in what was going to happen next.

However, by the time Orion and Megatron meet and begin to work together, things began to get kinda boring fast. Nothing interesting really happened from the time that Orion and Megs first discuss their methods, to the point when their meeting with the High Council commences (7-11). There was just so much dull conversation going on in these chapters. Too much "saying" and not enough "doing".

The only chapter in this section that seem kinda cool was 9 (when Altihex Casino is attacked and Sentinel Prime goes missing), but even that seemed kinda weird with it being told from the perspective of Armorhide, who wouldn't appear again anywhere in else in the book after the first half of chapter 9.

Chapters 12-15 picked back up with the High Council meeting (which I read alongside the WFC comic issue that adapts these chapters). The meeting kinda ran a little long, but a lot of what was said here was kinda cool.

Then, the excerpt from the Covenant of Primus was easier for me to read this time around, because I split up each battle by location. First Fort Scyk, then the Hydrax Plateau, then Crystal City, then Kalis, Vos, Tarn, Praxus, Nova Cronum, Iacon, the Tagan Heights, and then finally Tyger Pax.

After this, I paused from reading the book and read the apocryphal Bumblebee at Tygar Pax story. though, I think it may have been a better idea to read it within the pages of the Covenant passage instead of after it, as there's a place between the Covenant's pages that it would fit somewhat nicely into. However, while reading these two, I noticed that several lines in the Covenant were repeated in BBaTP (mostly the conversation between Optimus and Alpha Trion and when Optimus walks out to find all of his Hall of Records peers waiting to greet and salute him).

The rest of the book mostly involved the events that parallel (or, at least, are supposed to parallel) those of the War for Cybertron console game.

Chapters 16-19 were very bland chapters. Megatron's actions towards acquiring Dark Energon couldn't have been any more SLOWER than they were. I mean, in went like this:

• Chapter 16 - Megatron learns of Dark Energon's existence.
• Chapter 17 - Megatron wants to see the Dark Energon.
• Chapter 18 - Megatron takes control of Trypticon Station behind the scenes, but has still not yet gotten the Dark Energon.
• Chapter 19 - Megatron has the Dark Energon tested and then finally get some for himself.

Good grief! Dude, once you first hear about it, cut to chase and just take it! Test it out if you want, but don't wait around to be brought to see it first and then do nothing with it once it's yours for the taking!

And what are the Autobots doing in these chapters? Talking. That's it. A Q&A with Alpha Trion about Dark Energon and a description of how scared A3 was of the stuff.

Chapters 20-21 were a little hard to get into, as their events coincided with none of the WFC game's events. At least, not until the end of 21, where Megs learns of the Geosychronous Energon Bridge.

It was chapter 22 that felt the most like its game counterpart. Almost everything that occurred in this chapter matched up with the second level of the game. Though, there were some descriptive differences, like no fight with Sentinel and the Energon Bridge being stored in a bottomless abyss beneath Crystal City. And most all of, Starscream led a whole team of Seekers instead of just Skywarp and Thndercracker.

23 also seemed iffy, as it too paralleled nothing in the game. Though, it did do a good job at leading up to chapters 24-27, which involved Megs going after the Code Keys, fighting Sentinel Prime, and Omega Supreme stopping him from stealing the Plasma Energy Chamber. Though, I wish that the book had given a better description of what Teletraan-1 (instead of "Teletraan I") looked like. At times, it seemed like it was its own building structure, while other times made it seem like the base of a larger building complex. Neither description seemed to jive with its iconic supercomputer look.

28-29 had Omega Supreme beaten too easily by the Seekers, and he was severely underpowered in the battle that ensued. 30 was the aftermath of this battle and seemed to ignore the events of the first level of the game's Autobot campaign altogether (since neither Iacon nor Omega Supreme were captured in the book).

31 and 32 dealt with rescuing Sentinel Prime and... it was very uneventful. I mean, 31 has the Autobots bicker over whether or not they should go save the former leader, and 32 had them do so with little-to no resistance. The game had an elaborate plan set out to save him and even included an exciting boss battle with Soundwave. Here: nothing. What a crock.

33 and 34 were a little more exciting as the Autobots went down to purge the Core of Dark Energon. The effects of Dark Energon are really emphasized here as being so mind-warping and trippy, distorting the Autobots' percepticons of reality and whatnot. If only it had included the space slugs that were in the game. I mean, these things were giant slugs with turrets mounted on their backs! How awesome is that?

Chapter 35 felt a lot like some ofthe earlier chapters where the Autobots discuss their options. It was this chapter that lead me to realize a key aspect of these Autobots: they talk too much. They sit around in the Hall of Records bickering so much that it gets boring fast. It's really only when Jazz jives in to make a joke or a sarcastic remark that the conversations become even somewhat amusing. But, for the most part, all these debates really should have been toned down a bit in favor of giving these Autobots more active and less passive roles.

With chapter 36 came some confusion for me. Why were the Autobots trying to launch a fleet of small transport ships to the Space Bridge? They know the Ark is being built, so why not wait for it to be finished (like they ultimately wind up doing)? It would certainly spare the lives of those Autobots who died when their ships were destroyed by the blasts fired from Trypticon Station. They're all launching and I'm going, "What about the Ark?"

37 had the Autobots bring down Tryption and, boy, is Trypticon's interior spooky! This book did a good job at giving it a frightening appearance with freakish mechs spawning from the very structure of the station and Minicon (instead of "Mini-Con") swarms going all Jason Voorhies on the Autobots.

38 had Trypticon fall and impact Cybertron, and then emerge as the Ark was about to launch. What was really cool is that Jetfire, the Wreckers, and Omega Supreme were all going to go face Trypticon to let the Ark get away... BUT, we don't even get to bear witness to this fight! What a ripoff! Then again, it might not have been much of a fight since Trypticon rose up into the sky, turning into the Nemesis and pursuing the Ark.

39 concluded with Megatron giving Optimus a Hannibal Lecture, Optimus giving him a "Shut up, Hannibal!" response, the two ships passing through the Space Bridge, becoming separated, and then the Autobots going after the AllSpark thjat they have detected. This would have been a very cool ending if not for the closing line: "We will wage our war to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons wherever it may take us. And one day, we will come home."

That first sentence. Was. So. FORCED! There is no way that could have been spoken in any manner to make it sound natural! It was a completely forced line that served no other purpose than fanservice! And it doesn't even work since it's making a call back to the G1 cartoon when this book doesn't even fit with the G1 cartoon. Fail! That. Line. Was. FAIL! There is nothing wrong with originality and creativity. Shoving in that line was neither of these.


And, as I read it, there were several instances that felt like the book had reached its conclusion, only to turn around and go, "But wait! There's more!"

• Orion Pax becomes Optimus Prime and Megatron breaks off their friendship. Oh wait, that's just the starting point of the war.
• The AllSpark is launched, shutting off the Well. Oh wait, that't just a set back in the war before it reaches its climax.
• Omega Supreme is defeated. The Autobots have lost their greatest weapon. Oh wait, Megs spares Iacon and leaves Omega to be fixed up.
• Optimus cures the Core and receives the Matrix. Oh wait, now they gotta go leave the planet.
• The Autobots begin to leave Cybertron. Oh wait, the Ark isn't done, so let's have Trypticon shoot them down.
• Trypticon is brought down and crashes to the planet below. Oh, wait, he's okay. He got better.
• The Ark blasts off for the Space Bridge. Oh wait, It's pursued by the Nemesis.
• The Ark and the Nemesis become separated and the AllSpark is detected. Oh wait, it's... No! This is finally the ending!

But, despite it's flaws, it was a decent read (if kinda slow at times). All in all, I give it a solid 7.5/10 stars.






Addendum--

Though, thinking about it more, the relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron in this story really seemed similar to the relationship between Moses and Rameses in the Dreamworks film The Prince of Egypt. And, astonishingly, there are characteristics of both character in Optimus and Megatron.

Like Moses and Rameses, Optimus and Megatron were once close friends, almost like brothers. At least one of them (Megatron/Rameses) seemed destined for greatness that was to come in the near future, and the other (Optimus/Moses) was in full support of the his excellence. However, circumstances tear their friendship apart and they become each other's greatest rival and enemy.

Optimus evokes Moses when he is selected by the High Council to become the next Prime and seek out the Matrix of Leadership. As Prime, Optimus was carry out the will of Primus and lead Cybertron to a new age of freedom, like how Moses was chosen by God to carry out His will and lead the Hebrews free from their bondage in Egypt. Both Optimus and Moses eventually overcome the oppression brought on by their former brothers and free their people from each's tyranny.

However, he is also like Rameses in a way. When Rameses became Pharaoh, was obligated to uphold his father's vision of a great dynasty, yet, he still wished for Moses to be his friend once again and disliked having to stand against the one he once called "Brother". Optimus is the same way with Megatron, wishing for Megatron to end his hatred of Optimus and return to his original sincerity of wanting free will for every Cybertronian. Sadly, this simply cannot be.

Megatron resembles Rameses in that they each trusted their former friend to a point where each had felt betrayed by him (Optimus was made Prime instead of Megatron, and Moses demanded that Rameses free the Hebrews from their slavery). In both cases, Megatron and Rameses believe that Optimus and Megatron were intentionally trying to condemn them, hardening their hearts to the point where Megatron and Rameses looked like the bad guys (which they eventually wound up being) instead of Optimus and Moses.

Yet, Megatron is also like Moses in that he thinks of himself as a revolutionary freeing an oppressed people (the lower castes) from the dominance of an oppressor (the caste system). The main difference here being that, while the caste system is indeed brought down, Megatron becomes more like a despot rather than a savior like Moses was. Moses's actions were righteous, whereas Megatron's were selfish. But, ethics aside, Megatron did succeed in granting the voices of the lower classes to be heard, just as Moses declared how his people had suffered under the rule of the Egyptians.

The movie itself includes one particular song called "The Plagues" that pretty wonderfully illustrates the conflicting relationship between Moses and Rameses, and the same can be said for Optimus and Megatron. Just imagine Optimus singing Moses' lines (in blue) and Megatron singing those sung by Rameses (in gold). I guess, if you wanted to, you could imagine a very angry (at Megatron) Primus singing God's lines (in white).

Nice write-up Saberblade! I like the Ramses/ Moses relationship analogy too! Never even thought of that. It fits very well, in fact! It just goes to show that this book really deserved to be longer. I would have loved for that Ramses/ Moses style relationship to have been expanded on, to give it more depth and feeling. In the WFC novel, I never got the sense that Megs and Orion were truly friends, so their split had far less emotional impact.

Not much else I can really add to your points overall. I agree with what you said about the story missing key conflicts with some aspects being forced, while other scenes/ scenarios were good and really interesting.

Overall, while I'm not a fan of this new continuity Hasbro is trying to create, given the two versions of the story, I still much prefer the story as it's told in the game and game cinema-scenes.

This makes me want to finnish the book. I got to page 100 or so and just got bored. I hate how they put the TFs in some sort of caste system, I think that's BS. And I always liked to think of Optimus and Megatron as ACTUAL brothers. So, this book shat on what I loved about Transformers. That doesnt mean I can't like it or finnish it though. So, I'm gonna read it. It may take me a few years, but I'm gonna finnish it!

Rodimus the Prime wrote:Overall, while I'm not a fan of this new continuity Hasbro is trying to create, given the two versions of the story, I still much prefer the story as it's told in the game and game cinema-scenes.

There are technically now SIX version of the story:

• WFC (console game) --> millions of years pass --> Prime (graphic novel) --> Prime (cartoon)
• WFC comic --> WFC (console game) --> millions of years pass --> Prime (graphic novel) --> Prime cartoon
• WFC timeline --> WFC (console game) --> millions of years pass --> Prime (graphic novel) --> Prime (cartoon)
• WFC (DS game) --> millions of years pass --> Prime (graphic novel) --> Prime (cartoon)
• Cybertron Adventures --> millions of year pass --> Prime (graphic novel) --> Prime cartoon
• Exodus --> millions of years pass --> Prime (graphic novel) --> Prime (cartoon)

NOTE: Red arrows symbolize an impossible connection. I also left out both the WFC sequel and the Exodus sequel until we have more info on them than what we already have.

SlyTF1 wrote:This makes me want to finnish the book. I got to page 100 or so and just got bored.

I know exactly how you feel, man. There are TONS of bored moments in the book that make reading it feel tedious. But, if you want the whole story, you gotta force yourself to keep going at it (like I did).

SlyTF1 wrote:I hate how they put the TFs in some sort of caste system, I think that's BS.

Well, it's kinda interesting how they did that so that Cybertron society would be already messed up before Optimus's time as Prime. Him becoming Prime would be the first step to fixing society's problems. And with Megatron already wanting such glory by fixing it himself, for Optimus to be the one given the position Megatron wanted was the perfect set up to send Megatron down the path of darkness and view Optimus as a traitor.

SlyTF1 wrote:And I always liked to think of Optimus and Megatron as ACTUAL brothers.

Though, that concept was unheard of until the Movies. So, it's still a fairly new idea. All other series in the past had them as being unrelated acquaintances.

Still, at least they did try to reintegrate the "brothers" concept in with them having been "friends as close as brothers".

SlyTF1 wrote:So, this book shat on what I loved about Transformers. That doesnt mean I can't like it or finnish it though. So, I'm gonna read it. It may take me a few years, but I'm gonna finnish it!

LOL. I wouldn't put it down that badly. It does do a good job at conveying the history of the Transformers: Prime cartoon, though. As I watch the cartoon and see what all of the past they talk about, I'm seeing more and more connections to this book (however vague) being made.

The way the Exodus novel handled their status as 'brothers' was perfect to me, because I didn't like the movie notion of them being related. Well, to be frank I don't jibe with anything about the movies, but, that's another discussion.

Any how, six versions of the story is getting a bit...well, truth is it seems like business as usual in Transformerdom, and not really a new unifying continuity that it was said to be.

Rodimus the Prime wrote:Any how, six versions of the story is getting a bit...well, truth is it seems like business as usual in Transformerdom, and not really a new unifying continuity that it was said to be.

It's best to think of it more as an "Aligned Continuity Family", with the Prime cartoon drawing influence from BOTH the book and the games (like how Beast Wars drew from both the G1 cartoon and the G1 Marvel Comics).