The 'Wait, whut?' Issue
(Spoiler free-ish)
Synopsis"DON'T LET THEM TAKE SKIDS!" The crew of the Lost Light left CYBERTRON before they could hear those words—part of a message from the future warning of terror and catastrophe and a threat to the entire Cybertronian race. Can the AUTOBOTS do anything to stop the beginning of the end?
Skids, being observant StoryRodimus is still telling his story to Ambus, as the crew we know of seem to be stuck in a room, or a cell. And we've reached the point at which we actually start finding out what has happened - at least, as much as Roberts will let on within the span of a single issue.
Tick tock At the same time, though, the part of the crew left on the ship, all of the parts of the crew left on the ship, are fighting off the legion of Legislators that have invaded The Lost Light. Swerve and Skids, Whirl and Cyclonus, Trailcutter, Dipstick, Hoist - everyone. And Ratchet faces Pharma. Mad Doctor Pharma.
Yeah, that guy I will not spoil anything about this issue, because saying anything will ruin, in my opinion, the reading experience. I will not hold back on spoilers if this keeps happening though. What I will say is: There is one big reveal, a startling one and silent yet massive one. Oh, and a minor shocking one.
This might be one of them - sort of There is a distinct feeling that Roberts has been trying to cram a lot of things into this issue, and I think that detracts from the full enjoyment of the story. That said, it's still a fun, fast-paced, swift-turning read, and plenty enjoyable.
ArtMilne is definitely back, since last issue, and his style just shines through. Shearer's work on inks really makes it show, as well. There are some amazing-looking panels, including the Metrotitan graveyard, and there are so many action shots that it's incredible he can keep everything working at the same time. But it works. He manages to drop in some cameos too.
STEVE(S)! There are some seriously amazing things being done with colour and lettering too. The Metrotitan graveyard shot is nothing short of gorgeous, with Burcham's toned-down grey and brown and the sheer sense of scale of these things. And Tom B. Long gets a double round of applause for his My First Blaster singing-bubbles.
Customisers everywhere go in a frenzy What can I add, the artistic team on this issue does a fantastic job. Milne and Shearer do great linework, Burcham adds his colour magic and Long rounds it off with amazing lettering. Seriously, I have nothing to say on top of that!
ThoughtsSpoilerish aheadSo the issue is well paced, shifting almost seamlessly between narration, multiple action scenes and present-time happenings. It looks gorgeous, and there are some wide shots which are truly breathtaking. Why do I feel there's a but coming, then? Too many revelations.
I bloody well hope so I know, people will complain because I'm complaining about new things happening, but as I said before, I think too much has been thrown into a single issue, something that had happened already with the Overlord battle. It's a little too packed to score a perfect ten (well, five) but it's an amazing issue, and you'd be a fool not to pick it up.