It’s been a few months since
James Roberts’ and
Nick Roche’s highly-regarded Transformers comic series,
THE LAST STAND OF THE WRECKERS ended with surprise and fury. Sad for the end and what we were left with, readers wanted more from the duo, continuing Wrecker tales, or a sign of a new
TRANSFORMERS project.
Unfortunately, there is no news of a new project yet, but this week coming to comic book retailers is the collected trade of
THE LAST STAND OF THE WRECKERS mini- series.
You either love a trade or you hate it. You love it because you waited for the collection, and did not pick up the individual issues, or you hate it, because trades usually include an extensive art gallery with alternate covers, artist sketches, or other such extras that readers may find interesting--but who will very begrudgingly lay down more cash to get in only the most special cases.
Guess what? If you waited patiently for the collection book, congratulations, your patience is about to be rewarded. If you are on the other side, and already bought the issues, well you
might find yourself needing to buy this set regardless. What would convince you to lay down your hard earned money again when you already paid to read the original story as it was released month after painstakingly long between issues month?
How about a
LAST STAND OF THE WRECKERS prequel?
Issue #0 if you will? Interested yet? I hope that my short review of this new story written by series co-writer James Roberts can help you to make that tough decision.
Expect their to be SPOILERS from the series, and from the new prose in my review. Yes friends, there be SPOILERS afoot.
‘Bullets’ is a narrative with no images. Sorry Roche fans, but this prequel is for reading only, no images for salivating over, unlike the case with LSOTW. Savvy and inspired artists will no doubt divide the story up and create their own book, or images, but for now you must employ your imagination.
Anyone who was a fan of the MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE-type,
AUTOPEDIA PERSONAL DATA REPOSITORY entries at the end of certain issues will certainly appreciate this new writing. The
11-page story actually fleshes out the characters’ backgrounds and where the details in the
AUTOPEDIA originate from.
I’m going to try not to gush here, but it was refreshing to read this style, and these characters brought to life again (some quite literally for those who read the high body count LSOTW). I may be a bit influenced already based on my previous experience with the series, and wanting to see more. Okay, I am. Deal.
This chronicle is not Garrus-9 based, although G-9 does get a little bit of a mention. This account takes us to Ironfist’s workshop, the ethics committee room, various Autobot bases, squad locales, and Autobot medical facilities.
For those looking for a lot of Decepticon here, it’s not happening. This is an Autobot-based story, and the Decepticons are only rarely mentioned as the antagonists who the Autobots are reacting to.
This is not a story of physical battles like in the series. There are a lot of mental battles taking place, and a focus on what happens before the Garrus-9 incident to members of the Autobot army in different positions.
First off, we see what Pyro, Guzzle, Ironfist, and Rotorstorm were doing previous to their enlistment with the Wreckers. A whole extra angle is approached here as we get introduced to many familiar and unfamiliar supporting characters who help to tell their tales. Staying true to their portrayals in LSOTW, these characters gain more depth and more detail as we read through what appears to be unrelated stories from each bot, up to the point where they meet to be picked up by the Wreckers.
The leader, Pyro wants to prove himself, and be as inspiring as his idol. The weapons engineer wants to be a part of his idols' experiences instead of just writing about it. Two soldiers are looking to take care of some personal ghosts involved with their different previous assignments.
Ironfist's partner in weapon creation, Skyfall, as well as, Xaaron, Flattop, First Aid, and Trailbreaker will be some of the many names you will recognize while reading through this story of war, agendas, and yes, betrayal.
From Garrus-9 to Gideon’s Glue, and even Grindcore, elements and details are explored, and brought together in ways that the series readers may not have really predicted, and should find fascinating at the very least, in a fun way.
If you want answers to some of these questions, then it is definitely worth the purchase:How did Ironfist’s fatal condition come about?
Where were the‘noticeably absent’ from the Wreckers’ last stand bots: Whirl, Roadbuster, Sandstorm, and Broadside? You know, the guys we recognize as being ‘The Wreckers’ mainstays.
Why is First Aid closely checking Autobot symbols on patients in the emergency medical ward?
Why does an old myth scare so many Autobots?
What kinds of weapons had Ironfist and others created for the Autobot cause? What kind of regulations were set for the creators, or the weapons' uses?
What happened on Babu Yar and how did it effect the soldiers battling there?
Which new Wrecker experienced an abusive relationship with a commanding officer, early on in his career, perhaps causing his high regard for himself?You may not have known you wanted answers to these questions, but after reading this tale, you may actually go back and read your issues of
THE LAST STAND OF THE WRECKERS (conveniently included in the trade) a little differently. Details will stand out to you now, that may not have before. Again, experiences will vary.
In my opinion, this is an excellent addition to the already known story. Was it needed? Nope, the story told originally was absolutely complete without it. Does it add something more to the experience of the series...ABSOLUTELY!
Ultimately, I am one purchaser of the original series, who also happens to have been lucky enough to read the extra bit without having to buy the trade. But, I will also be one of those purchasing the trade to have a nice, complete story for my shelf to pick up and read periodically as I wait for other IDW TRANSFORMERS books to find their way.
While Fisitron was famous for ending his Wrecker entries with the saying,
“It’s over. Finished.” I know I speak for quite a few Transformers fiction readers, and all I have to say is, I sincerely hope not.
THE LAST STAND OF THE WRECKERS paperback collection is due to hit stores this week, tomorrow for most, later for some.
Man I wanna read this soooo bad 
