IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review

Saturday, May 23rd, 2015 11:00AM CDT

Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews, Site Articles
Posted by: Va'al Views: 41,296

Topic Options: View Discussion · Sign in or Join to reply

Orange is the New Green
(Spoiler free-ish)

Synopsis
DESPERATE ACTIONS! As the SPACEBRIDGE reaches across the stars, will anyone stand against STARSCREAM? The answer is yes—but the cure might prove worse than the disease.

Maybe he actually cares! (...)

Story

The IDW Transformers Combiner Wars Mairghread Scott/John Barber crossover arc switches back for its fourth chapter to The Transformers ongoing, and its writer Barber, with the current playing field riddled by ruins, frustrated Cybertronians, understandably scared Camiens, ambiguous pretty much everyone else, and several schemers on the loose, of course.

Quick recap, thanks

If Starscream is made to be the most explicit in his intentions for the future of Cybertron (and its problematic status of 'homeland' or 'centre of the universe') - and he does get to play a lot with all his little, and not so little, secrets - the real focus in this issue is undoubtedly Prowl, and the enormous quantity of turmoil he carries with him.

And Bob, obviously

Baggage that he has carried for a very very long time, admittedly, and always bubbling just beneath the surface. The long conversation, the effective backbone of this book, between Prowl and Optimus Prime, is a very good example of the type of emotional level that Barber can tap into in more serious storylines, and reveals a Prowl with actual feelings, disguised under a veneer of cold calculation.

That's.. quite a list

A possibly slower issue in its first acts, with some expected combiner fights as it progresses, an entirely expected twist at the very end (though one I am very curious as to how it will play out, and well executed nonetheless) and some well staged tension between the various characters used at the centre of the story, and a very good addition to the event so far.

Art

As Livio Ramondelli keeps to interior art duties, we see a massive difference from the previous, supposedly rushed, issue - the lines and colours for the characters, especially in their expressivity (both in body language and facial), are stunningly executed, and work really effectively for the serious tones and rising tides of the story and their interactions.

A mighty fine Windblade, right there

I will have a little moment here, as there is a wonderful chromatic game being played out in the issue, with the big opposition of darkened reds (cells and optics) and blues (Spacebridge and shadows) - with some almost unexpected yellows. And they serve as backdrop for the different scenes, ultimately exploding in a much brighter, much open landscape in the finale, under the aegis of the Spacebridge.

Not shown here - have some sky instead

Tom B. Long provides the usual masterful font and lettering work, grounding the dialogue and the locations in where the reader needs them to be, and gets some fun moments in transitions, too. As for the covers, we get the magnificent Emperor Starscream by Casey Coller/Joana Lafuente, a first half of Ramondelli's Optimus Prime poster cover, and the thumbnailed (perhaps another Marcelo Matere piece? Hasbro - credits please) Optimus Maximus.

Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead

As I've said above, the issue plays a very interesting, if initially slower, game of revealing tensions and starting to prod at them without exploding until the very very end. And it was a strategy that, for me, really paid off - it shows Prowl's inner workings in a lot of ways, without removing the build-up he has received so far, and shows just how much of Optimus' influence can sway the game (and the franchise, really).

It's.. still.. coming.

We get even more on how combiner technology may not just be a technology of combination, but something a little deeper, and the beginnings of some serious power plays on all sides involved in this sudden, strange, large-scale war. And it all plays out across some closed spaces that quickly become uncomfortable for readers and characters alike - though in a good, captivating way. Next, the sort of conclusion!

out of

Credit(s): IDW, Va'al

News Search

Got Transformers News? Let us know here!

Most Recent Transformers News

Leaked Gameplay Footage of Transformers Reactivate

Posted 1 day ago

Transformers #15, Hot Wheels Optimus Prime, SS Swoop, SDCC Death's Head + more @ Seibertron Store

Posted 2 days ago

Pre-order Links for all New Age of the Prime Transformers Toys and Sonic X Over Set

Posted 3 days ago

First Look at Optimus Prime Cab solo Release in 2025 Hot Wheels Mainline

Posted 5 days ago

Official Images for Age of the Primes and Sonic Crossover Reveals

Posted 7 days ago

Holiday Sale, Sectaurs, SDCC Death's Head, new Transformers and more at the Seibertron Store

Posted 8 days ago

More Images and Reveals from Cybertron Con: Star Convoy, Heatwave, Sky Byte, Prima, Solus and More

Posted 8 days ago

First Look at Extra Kibble that comes with AOTP Silverbolt to make Superion Frame and More

Posted 9 days ago

Click here to post your comment about this news story!

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689445)
Posted by Bounti76 on May 23rd, 2015 @ 11:25am CDT

I was wondering when this post would show up.

I quite enjoyed this issue, and even Livio's art wasn't distracting until all the combiners started fighting. It was hard to figure out what was happening to which combiner in the last few pages.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689449)
Posted by Va'al on May 23rd, 2015 @ 11:34am CDT

I have been silly busy. And sleep deprived.
Finally had time to finish the review.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689486)
Posted by Flashwave on May 23rd, 2015 @ 1:23pm CDT

Va'al wrote:I have been silly busy. And sleep deprived.
Finally had time to finish the review.

Sleep is for Pansies!

Sincerely,
A Pansy.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689511)
Posted by Starsaber468 on May 23rd, 2015 @ 2:31pm CDT

the ending confirms combiner wars ironhide, prowel, mirage, and sunstreaker but that combined mode in the fomics my gosh that is what we should of gotten

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689516)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on May 23rd, 2015 @ 2:44pm CDT

Some good thoughts, Va'al. They help me to appreciate Prowl suddenly becoming a limb for optimus better. I look forward to the conclusion in the hopes that they don't abandon his plot threads.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689532)
Posted by TGS1985 on May 23rd, 2015 @ 3:56pm CDT

Something that's really been bothering me for a while is how Scoop is back on Team Starscream. I thought after Dark Cybertron he realized the prophecy had Starscream as a destroyer, not a savior. Yet here he is stealing the Enigma of Combination and now joining Devastator on Starscream's orders. All the while it's obvious that Scoop doesn't even like Starscream anymore since he had him locked up. Just makes no sense to me, so I wonder if I missed something...

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689538)
Posted by Va'al on May 23rd, 2015 @ 4:05pm CDT

Nemesis Maximo wrote:Some good thoughts, Va'al. They help me to appreciate Prowl suddenly becoming a limb for optimus better. I look forward to the conclusion in the hopes that they don't abandon his plot threads.

If you look at the Enigma scene, Prowl is the one to initiate the whole thing.
He knows people will follow Prime. He doesn't trust Prime.
He knows what he can do as a Combiner, and he's admitted that it's almost addicting.

And he wants to terminate Cybertron's interference with the universe.

All of this is making me wonder who is actually in control.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689574)
Posted by RevTibe on May 23rd, 2015 @ 7:32pm CDT

TGS1985 wrote:Something that's really been bothering me for a while is how Scoop is back on Team Starscream. I thought after Dark Cybertron he realized the prophecy had Starscream as a destroyer, not a savior. Yet here he is stealing the Enigma of Combination and now joining Devastator on Starscream's orders. All the while it's obvious that Scoop doesn't even like Starscream anymore since he had him locked up. Just makes no sense to me, so I wonder if I missed something...

I've been reading it is he still views Starscream as the chosen "Conqueror" whose control/victory is preordained - sort of a halfway between blind(ish, since prophecies have a way of happening in Transformers) faith and wanting to be on the winning team.

Va'al wrote:If you look at the Enigma scene, Prowl is the one to initiate the whole thing.
He knows people will follow Prime. He doesn't trust Prime.
He knows what he can do as a Combiner, and he's admitted that it's almost addicting.

And he wants to terminate Cybertron's interference with the universe.

All of this is making me wonder who is actually in control.

Yeah, we're seeing Prowl trying to get his worldviews behind Optimus's marketable face. The Constructicons influenced Prowl's behavior when he lead Prowlestator, Blackjack's anger issues are messing with Menasor and Scoop's belief in the Chosen One controls Devastator. If deeply held beliefs of a single component can so heavily influence the combiner, it seems likely that Combiner Prime will carry a Cybertronian Isolationist view.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689578)
Posted by TGS1985 on May 23rd, 2015 @ 7:41pm CDT

RevTibe wrote:I've been reading it is he still views Starscream as the chosen "Conqueror" whose control/victory is preordained - sort of a halfway between blind(ish, since prophecies have a way of happening in Transformers) faith and wanting to be on the winning team.

Ah so his personality has taken a hit due to current events, as he used to be the goody-two-shoes super charitable type. Okay, just seem like such a drastic change for the character.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689589)
Posted by RevTibe on May 23rd, 2015 @ 8:23pm CDT

TGS1985 wrote:
RevTibe wrote:I've been reading it is he still views Starscream as the chosen "Conqueror" whose control/victory is preordained - sort of a halfway between blind(ish, since prophecies have a way of happening in Transformers) faith and wanting to be on the winning team.

Ah so his personality has taken a hit due to current events, as he used to be the goody-two-shoes super charitable type. Okay, just seem like such a drastic change for the character.

Yeah, he's bit grumpier/more cynical. In the beginning of this issue we see a handful of Decepticons volunteering with repairs on Caminus while Scoop stands alongside Starscream, watching - he's not the same guy who founded the Construction Patrol to help people out of the goodness of his spark, now.

I suppose this could be a 'Your Mileage May Vary' thing, his development isn't given as much attention as the big names get. Personally, I feel like there are enough indicators of his arc to tell the story without being on the nose.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689592)
Posted by TGS1985 on May 23rd, 2015 @ 8:27pm CDT

RevTibe wrote:I suppose this could be a 'Your Mileage May Vary' thing, his development isn't given as much attention as the big names get. Personally, I feel like there are enough indicators of his arc to tell the story without being on the nose.

Oh I wasn't complaining. A lot of bigger things going on with this series both, figuratively and literally, so makes sense those would get all the focus. I agree with most that this was a much better issue than the last, although not quite at the MTMTE level yet.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689660)
Posted by Heckfire on May 23rd, 2015 @ 11:38pm CDT

Hell, I'm just glad to learn that my favorite TF character, Rattrap, turned out to actually be a deep cover agent for Prowl instead of the...um...what's an appropriate TF word for "@$$hole?" "Exhaust pipe" doesn't have the right impact...that IDW had seemed to be portraying him as.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689673)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on May 24th, 2015 @ 12:30am CDT

Heckfire wrote:Hell, I'm just glad to learn that my favorite TF character, Rattrap, turned out to actually be a deep cover agent for Prowl instead of the...um...what's an appropriate TF word for "@$$hole?" "Exhaust pipe" doesn't have the right impact...that IDW had seemed to be portraying him as.

I'd say maybe "Aft-hole," or "borehole" for LSotW fans.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689676)
Posted by TGS1985 on May 24th, 2015 @ 12:33am CDT

Heckfire wrote:Hell, I'm just glad to learn that my favorite TF character, Rattrap, turned out to actually be a deep cover agent for Prowl instead of the...um...what's an appropriate TF word for "@$$hole?" "Exhaust pipe" doesn't have the right impact...that IDW had seemed to be portraying him as.

I'm with the Twincast Podcast in that it's almost a beautiful thing that Starscream is finally getting what he always wanted. That said I'm with you in that I don't like how cocky he's become about it. It's not that it's out of character for Starscream, heck far from it, it's just he was more compelling when he pretending to be all good and humble, well to others faces at least.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689677)
Posted by King Kuuga on May 24th, 2015 @ 12:37am CDT

Heckfire wrote:Hell, I'm just glad to learn that my favorite TF character, Rattrap, turned out to actually be a deep cover agent for Prowl instead of the...um...what's an appropriate TF word for "@$$hole?" "Exhaust pipe" doesn't have the right impact...that IDW had seemed to be portraying him as.

Actuator
Afterburner
Boron Compressor
Exhaust Port
Hard Drive
Magna Fuse
Reactor Linkage
Skidplate
Solenoid
Tailgate
Tailpipe
Rear Thruster
Waste-disposal unit

Transformers fiction has been rather creative with its anatomic euphemisms.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1689974)
Posted by Heckfire on May 24th, 2015 @ 6:42pm CDT

That Bot wrote:
Heckfire wrote:Hell, I'm just glad to learn that my favorite TF character, Rattrap, turned out to actually be a deep cover agent for Prowl instead of the...um...what's an appropriate TF word for "@$$hole?" "Exhaust pipe" doesn't have the right impact...that IDW had seemed to be portraying him as.

Actuator
Afterburner
Boron Compressor
Exhaust Port
Hard Drive
Magna Fuse
Reactor Linkage
Skidplate
Solenoid
Tailgate
Tailpipe
Rear Thruster
Waste-disposal unit

Transformers fiction has been rather creative with its anatomic euphemisms.

"Skidplate" works for me in this instance, even if it also works as a name, too.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1690085)
Posted by King Kuuga on May 24th, 2015 @ 9:28pm CDT

SPOILERS FOR CW part 4

Between the personality bleed from non-Constructicon members of Devastator (seen in Prowl), Scoop's recruitment into their ranks, and Starscream's seemingly offhand but potentially foreshadowing remark about giving him a new paint job, plus the CW Devastator toy being based on the classic format and how closely the comics adhere to the toy designs..... who thinks Scoop is going to be rebuilt into Scrapper 2.0?

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1690114)
Posted by TGS1985 on May 24th, 2015 @ 10:11pm CDT

That Bot wrote:SPOILERS FOR CW part 4

Between the personality bleed from non-Constructicon members of Devastator (seen in Prowl), Scoop's recruitment into their ranks, and Starscream's seemingly offhand but potentially foreshadowing remark about giving him a new paint job, plus the CW Devastator toy being based on the classic format and how closely the comics adhere to the toy designs..... who thinks Scoop is going to be rebuilt into Scrapper 2.0?

I can see it. Scoop has definitely shown to have the willpower to control Devastator off the bat. But no way it would be a long time solution as I doubt the rest of the Constructicons are going along with it as willingly as they would be if it was Prowl.

Speaking of which I kind of still on board with Crosscheck's theory that Scrapper's conscience is hidden deep in Prowl's mind and that Prowl is either going to turn into Scrapper or somehow separate from Prowl based on Prowl's strange mannerisms and increasing size which has had him gone from a Nissan 370z to a full blow armored SUV.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1690133)
Posted by King Kuuga on May 24th, 2015 @ 10:50pm CDT

Well my theory is that the personality bleed will affect Scoop to the point where Scrapper mentally revives inside of Scoop and eventually rises to dominance, suppressing Scoop and causing him to adopt green and purple.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1690142)
Posted by TGS1985 on May 24th, 2015 @ 11:12pm CDT

Ah so you think Scraper's personality is still in Devastator where as I think it jumped ship into Prowl. Guess we'll find out if Scoop starts acting strange in the upcoming issues.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1690148)
Posted by King Kuuga on May 25th, 2015 @ 12:13am CDT

Since Scrapper is a part of Devastator, I think it sticks with Devastator. Certainly, it influences Prowl, and it's definitely eating at him, but I don't think that precludes it infesting Scoop as well. Only, since Scoop fits Scrapper's physical design more (4 wheeled front loader that turns into a foot), I think he's destined to become the new Scrapper's body, regardless of what they do with Prowl.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1690155)
Posted by TGS1985 on May 25th, 2015 @ 12:46am CDT

Marketing wise you're probably right, but story wise IMHO it be better with Prowl, unless they go the route that Scoop's influence steers Devastator more towards neutrality.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1690163)
Posted by King Kuuga on May 25th, 2015 @ 1:12am CDT

I kind of agree, but I also think Prowl is too big of a player to off him.
Then again I would have said the same about Bumblebee, so we'll see what happens.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1691489)
Posted by ZeroWolf on May 28th, 2015 @ 7:07am CDT

Hmmm not going to lie, I was dreading this story element as this could mean bad things in store for cyclonus.

is it wrong that I want prowl to eventually turn into an antagonist?

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1691530)
Posted by King Kuuga on May 28th, 2015 @ 9:14am CDT

Devastator, Defensor, Superion, Menasor, and Ultra Prime are all the combiners we're seeing in the storyline. Galvatronus is, for now, toy-only. No need for concern.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694708)
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on June 4th, 2015 @ 10:10pm CDT

Guys i think swindle just got fucking murdered.

Swindle done goofed; and got rekt.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694732)
Posted by King Kuuga on June 4th, 2015 @ 10:56pm CDT

It's so good to see Sarah Stone's art again. But damn, poor Swindle (not words I thought I'd ever say). He's just been used by Starscream repeatedly and all he wants is his due. His methods aren't great, but then, he's tried to get help before and just been spurned. So inciting a riot to move to Caminus or other worlds and then getting shot, well..... that's just unfortunate, although he's probably still alive since they need to make Bruticus eventually.

Also:

(I'm not sorry)

Seems that the implication of Prowl controlling Ultra Prime (for now) were correct. Meanwhile Devastator seems to be having an identity crisis, with Scoop's goals clashing with the hive mind that just wants devastation. Speaking of Scoop, he's apparently gotten that new paint job in the (nonexistant) time since last issue, since we can see Devy's right leg is green instead of orange.

And at last, we have all our combiners in one place, ready to throw down. Hopefully it's a good conclusion.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694736)
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on June 4th, 2015 @ 11:00pm CDT

That Bot wrote:Speaking of Scoop, he's apparently gotten that new paint job in the (nonexistant) time since last issue, since we can see Devy's right leg is green instead of orange.

Thinking about it, TAV Roadblock may have 3 potential places in someones collection, Adventures roadblock, Neo-Classics G2 Roadblock, and IDW Constructicon green Scoop.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694751)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 4th, 2015 @ 11:20pm CDT

Are we sure this is Sarah Stone? This does not look completely like her art and she was supposed to do a previous issue but needed replaced. This doesn't look like her to me.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694753)
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on June 4th, 2015 @ 11:21pm CDT

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Are we sure this is Sarah Stone? This does not look completely like her art and she was supposed to do a previous issue but needed replaced. This doesn't look like her to me.

Neither Burcham nor Stone; it's Marcelo Ferreira and Corin Howell

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694754)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 4th, 2015 @ 11:23pm CDT

SW's SilverHammer wrote:
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Are we sure this is Sarah Stone? This does not look completely like her art and she was supposed to do a previous issue but needed replaced. This doesn't look like her to me.

Neither Burcham nor Stone; it's Marcelo Ferreira and Corin Howell

Where is she? I've greatly missed her art and I was really hoping her fantastic style could lay out a great finale. I'm kinda sad now...

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694755)
Posted by King Kuuga on June 4th, 2015 @ 11:24pm CDT

I stand corrected. It looked enough like her that I was fooled, I guess. Or maybe I've just forgotten what anybody who isn't Ramondelli looks like.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694762)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on June 4th, 2015 @ 11:44pm CDT

WE WANT STONE!!! WE EANT STONE!!!

Come on guys, chant with me.

WE WANT STONE!!!

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694763)
Posted by King Kuuga on June 4th, 2015 @ 11:48pm CDT

I want Stone, but at least I got this.

(since I added that after the fact, some people may have missed it the first time)

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694765)
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on June 4th, 2015 @ 11:48pm CDT

Nemesis Maximo wrote:WE WANT STONE!!! WE EANT STONE!!!

Come on guys, chant with me.

WE WANT STONE!!!

If we sacrifice Shane McCarthy can we have stone do most of the comic art? (I'd rather see him go than romandeli)

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694817)
Posted by Va'al on June 5th, 2015 @ 3:27am CDT

Thanks to a tip from fellow Seibertronian SW's Silverhammer, we have the iTunes sneak peek at next week's conclusion to the IDW Combiner Wars arc, in Transformers: Windblade #3! We also learn that the delay in the release of the issue is due to having artists replace the announced Sarah Stone - the pages you see below are by Marcelo Ferreira (of Angry Birds Transformers fame) and new regular for the series Corin Howell. Check them out!

FINAL BATTLE! The last of the Combiners face off… but who is in control of the ultimate combiner? And who will emerge with the key to dominating the galaxy?

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694856)
Posted by prjkt on June 5th, 2015 @ 7:00am CDT

looking forward to reading this, see how Prime copes with being a combiner

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694874)
Posted by Yweggo on June 5th, 2015 @ 7:40am CDT

Glad to Mensor is no longer an inarticulate rage monster.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1694897)
Posted by MrBlack on June 5th, 2015 @ 8:25am CDT

And there is Optimus Maximus, with Prime inexplicably white after last issue.

Art foibles aside, I'm interested in seeing how all this plays out, particularly where Optimus and Prowl end up by the conclusion of this. I hope that Prowl will finally see some consequences for his actions. Optimus really needs to take a step back and try to reign in his natural inclination to take charge. He is a good leader, but if he truly wants a democratic government he needs to let the people choose him rather than either impose his will through a military government (Bumblebee's mistake) or by allowing himself to be seen as a religious figure (the mistake he is making now).

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1695011)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on June 5th, 2015 @ 12:26pm CDT

So then...is Sarah Stone no longer with the franchise? Having a new regular artist sounds that way to me. Does anybody know what for?

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1695028)
Posted by ScottyP on June 5th, 2015 @ 1:14pm CDT

I don't like the art. No, seriously, that style could be ok, but not given how the rest of Combiner Wars has looked. In the context of this story, I passionately dislike how this looks.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1695084)
Posted by MrBlack on June 5th, 2015 @ 3:52pm CDT

Nemesis Maximo wrote:So then...is Sarah Stone no longer with the franchise? Having a new regular artist sounds that way to me. Does anybody know what for?

Workload issue perhaps? Keeping up with a monthly can be very difficult for a lot of artists, especially as comic art has gotten more detailed in recent years.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1695085)
Posted by MrBlack on June 5th, 2015 @ 3:54pm CDT

ScottyP wrote:I don't like the art. No, seriously, that style could be ok, but not given how the rest of Combiner Wars has looked. In the context of this story, I passionately dislike how this looks.

Both styles are a better match to Sarah Stone's work in the first issue, but are a marked contrast to Livio Ramondelli's work on the majority of the event.

Still, I like this much more than Livio's work.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1695096)
Posted by Shuttershock on June 5th, 2015 @ 4:08pm CDT

Nemesis Maximo wrote:So then...is Sarah Stone no longer with the franchise? Having a new regular artist sounds that way to me. Does anybody know what for?

She might be back for the next miniseries. I think we can agree that, in spite of the subline, these issues of Combiner Wars haven't really been about Windblade.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1695103)
Posted by King Kuuga on June 5th, 2015 @ 4:18pm CDT

Shuttershock wrote:
Nemesis Maximo wrote:So then...is Sarah Stone no longer with the franchise? Having a new regular artist sounds that way to me. Does anybody know what for?

She might be back for the next miniseries. I think we can agree that, in spite of the subline, these issues of Combiner Wars haven't really been about Windblade.

Windblade is now an ongoing, not just a miniseries. If Stone is gone, she's gone for a while.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1695106)
Posted by Va'al on June 5th, 2015 @ 4:24pm CDT

The ongoing has Corin Howell on art duties.

I am not sure what has happened to Stone, but will report if/when I find out.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1695199)
Posted by sabrigami on June 5th, 2015 @ 7:05pm CDT

Va'al wrote:The ongoing has Corin Howell on art duties.

I am not sure what has happened to Stone, but will report if/when I find out.

is Corin responsible for the more cartoony pages? If so I won't complain. I love the expressions. Shame Stone bowed out though. hope she comes back someday

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1695210)
Posted by TGS1985 on June 5th, 2015 @ 7:28pm CDT

Va'al wrote:The ongoing has Corin Howell on art duties.

I am not sure what has happened to Stone, but will report if/when I find out.

According to her blog/website "Monster Boys and Robots" looks like she hasn't been feeling well as of two weeks ago. Doesn't seem like anything serious but might explain her recent absence.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1695308)
Posted by Va'al on June 6th, 2015 @ 3:57am CDT

TGS1985 wrote:
Va'al wrote:The ongoing has Corin Howell on art duties.

I am not sure what has happened to Stone, but will report if/when I find out.

According to her blog/website "Monster Boys and Robots" looks like she hasn't been feeling well as of two weeks ago. Doesn't seem like anything serious but might explain her recent absence.

Yeah, that's all I have on it too.

sabrigami wrote:
Va'al wrote:The ongoing has Corin Howell on art duties.

I am not sure what has happened to Stone, but will report if/when I find out.

is Corin responsible for the more cartoony pages? If so I won't complain. I love the expressions. Shame Stone bowed out though. hope she comes back someday

Yes! Pages one and two of the preview are Ferreira, the Swindle one is Howell.

Re: IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars #4 - The Transformers #41 Review (1695510)
Posted by steve2275 on June 6th, 2015 @ 4:37pm CDT

who is the right arm?
nevermind
its prowl

Click here to view additional comments about this topic at the Energon Pub Forums ...