Purple Reign
(Spoiler free, just ask Starscream)
With 2013 signalling the rebirth of the Spotlight issues, it is fair to say that IDW's character driven one-shots are phenomenal so far. The events that occur in past and current Ongoing series broaden the possibilities for the Spotlight series, and with a myriad of talented Transformers gurus at IDW HQ, we are in for a treat. Enter the third issue of the new era of Spotlights, and covers aside, Nick Roche, well known for his work with the Last Stand of the Wreckers, is a one man wrecking crew, providing the artwork and the written component for Spotlight: Megatron.
What amazes me is that it took this long into IDW's tenure for a Megatron spotlight to be released! Albeit, many of the issues prior to this one, in series such as the previous Ongoing and the All Hail Megatron series, dive deep into Megatron's character. Yet as much as I do want to know even more about Megatron with an extrapolation of the Transformers (Ongoing) #22, (Ongoing #23 spawned Orion Pax stories in RID, MTMTE's Shadowplay and his own spotlight) this issue is as much about Megatron, as it is about Starscream.
The more I stop to think about, the more I realize that much like Megatron and Optimus Prime - Megatron and Starscream are just as inseparable. I believe we know all of this as Transformers fans, but Roche shines new light to this. Much like his compatriots in Roberts and Barber, he is able to twist and turn our heart strings, and bring emotion to play. In this issue alone, he makes us feel compassionate not just for Starscream, but for Megatron as well.
In context, this comic happens before the events of Ongoing #13. The significance is more or less Starscream's actions in the comics we have read from #13, up to this point. Stylistically, I have to say, wow, Megatron's new alternate mode has so much meaning to it. Well done IDW.
Overall, Roche provides a stunning display of story and artwork that far exceeds expectations of a characterization for the renowned Decepticon leader. Worth the price of the issue!