IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #42 Review
Wednesday, June 24th, 2015 3:54AM CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews, Site ArticlesPosted by: Va'al Views: 38,141
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(Spoiler free-ish)
Synopsis
“We should’ve known. Being happy: always a sign that somebody was about to die.” —From Knight Quest: The Quest for the Knights, by SWERVE of Helex.
Story
Hitting the 42nd issue, More Than Meets the Eye also reaches the conclusion of the first arc post game-changing Elegant Chaos, and the two heavy pauses in between - but beyond the puns involving murder on the dance floor and other Sophie Ellis Bextor lyrics, what horrors does the Vis Vitalis hold? Read on!
James Roberts's script takes some time in this issue to use a previously trodden ground and path to actually send us in a new direction, at least for some of the characters involved. If space thrills are part of the manifest plot, it's the latent threads that really shine through, with a series of twists that are more humorous than horrorous.
Nautica in particular gets some very nice development, and we're enabled to see her in action and in her own element even when facing the multiple, very different moments of clash with other characters (threating or not) in the issue. Nightbeat is another spotlighter, and one that reveals how MTMTE actually operates after all.
However, the issue does not feel as though it reaches the full throttle of what the arc could've done, despite what it does do. Not entirely sure what I was expecting, and this was definitely not it of course, and welcome though it may have been, *something* felt off. Perhaps the shortness of the arc? More below.
Art
Visually, the horror is palpable. Even with the opening dance scene, we are plunged back into the Alien-esque side of story; and forget the Sparkeater from early on in the series, the creatures that Alex Milne conjures up in this issue are the stuff of someone's twisted, shifting yet somehow strangely enticing nightmares - despite, or perhaps also because of, the barnacles.
In fact, there is a wonderful echo of the recently cancelled Hannibal series, also due to the stunningly elaborate colour work by Joana Lafuente, giving all the hues of terror - and its complete opposite in the resolution of the plot-thread, as we enter the final act of the story.
Tom B. Long, as seen above, just keeps shining, too. Some of the highest peaks of tension in the story, and their consequences, just look great in the voices that he helps shape out with the lettering. And on the cover front, the main Milne/Josh Perez variant sets one tone, the vibrant Nick Roche/Josh Burcham Nautica (thumbnail) sets the other, Naoto Tsutshima and Yamaishi capture the atmosphere of the latter part of the issue, and we get SDCC exclusive Combiner Hunter Chromia, by Sara Pitre-Durocher.
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
The concluding issue to this post-Elegant Chaos arc undoubtedly has a lot of heart and charm (perhaps charisma, too?) in its doings, both from a character perspective, and pacing for invested readers, particularly in the concluding act. It does also, however, feel very quick, and perhaps pleasingly so - leaving a small blip of satisfaction in a wider comedown from the Ratchet issue (eventually, I know). I am still unsure as to what it is that did not convince me as much.
While things do happen, especially in the character-developing and relationship establishing sections, I cannot shake the feeling that this may have been the most 'filler' arc we have seen so far in the MTMTE series. However, there is just enough lightness and much needed self-undermining and humbling humour to create a dangerously uneasy feeling of content, as we subtly Swerve into the next arc...
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Posted by Randomhero on June 24th, 2015 @ 6:24am CDT
It did nothing honestly and well, like a lot of Roberts stories pre dark Cybertron, was rushed to get to the ending only to find out doesn't have enough time to give a satisfying ending. I said before with the preview that 3 pages to tell us Camiens are forced to have friends and nautica can dance. There is way too much dialogue and dialogue boxes to tell what is going on during "action" scenes.
I was really turned off a third way on.
Posted by Amelie on June 24th, 2015 @ 6:47am CDT
Really need to catch up with getting all the IDW issues, too
Posted by Tigertrack on June 24th, 2015 @ 7:36am CDT
The finale was less than satisfying to me.
I'm also chuffed at the way Countdown (and other characters less established) were thrown in for fodder and quickly disposed of. But I always wanted someone to pick up the old golden disc plot from long, long ago, and continue it. Now, at least, Countdown's piece of that possibility is gone. Which I suppose is good because it's another nail in that coffin of possible expectation for me. Although in comics, death is rarely ever a permanent condition.
As always Va'al thank you for your review and wordsmithing.
Posted by ebonyleopard on June 24th, 2015 @ 8:47am CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 24th, 2015 @ 9:42am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on June 24th, 2015 @ 10:14am CDT
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:I do admit the resolution did seem a bit strange, it worked. not completely but it worked and it was kinda funny. I'm also happy we have new Lost Lighters, though how Rodimus and Thunders work together may get interesting. Also, WTH happened to Swerve?!? Next issue deals with a disappearing Swerve and a new cyclonus avatar and a planet chasing the ship! Things about to get real
The thing with Swerve was a quantum leap reference. It's how that how would end an episode. Also it's Luna one
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 24th, 2015 @ 10:33am CDT
Randomhero wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:I do admit the resolution did seem a bit strange, it worked. not completely but it worked and it was kinda funny. I'm also happy we have new Lost Lighters, though how Rodimus and Thunders work together may get interesting. Also, WTH happened to Swerve?!? Next issue deals with a disappearing Swerve and a new cyclonus avatar and a planet chasing the ship! Things about to get real
The thing with Swerve was a quantum leap reference. It's how that how would end an episode. Also it's Luna one
How do we know it's Luna 1? I haven't heard or seen a thing. It only says a planet. It could be anything. And how do we know for certain that it is just a cute joke and not Swerve legitimately disappearing? For all we know, this is a new planet and Swerve was kidnapped by that planet
Posted by TGS1985 on June 24th, 2015 @ 11:01am CDT
Other than that, damn the art is so good! Like when Megs and Rodimus show up and anything involving neon party lights...
Also, I can really appreciate the influence music has with Robert's work, but at same time find it frustrating because we have such drastic tastes in music. During the end I was literally like, "Who? Huh? Whatza? Ok I'm might have heard of them... No idea. Ah! Heuy and the News. I know of them! Aaand now you lost me again..." I don't know if it can be all chalk up to a UK/USA thing but I wouldn't mind see a few more main stream (but not necessarily modern) musical references.
Overall I felt it was a nice 2 part filler, but I too am ready to get back on the search for the Knights and for more action. Especially considering how behind MTMTE is having not even caught up to the now completed Combiner Wars.
Randomhero wrote:The thing with Swerve was a quantum leap reference. It's how that how would end an episode.
KNEW IT! Love it.
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on June 24th, 2015 @ 12:00pm CDT
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Randomhero wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:I do admit the resolution did seem a bit strange, it worked. not completely but it worked and it was kinda funny. I'm also happy we have new Lost Lighters, though how Rodimus and Thunders work together may get interesting. Also, WTH happened to Swerve?!? Next issue deals with a disappearing Swerve and a new cyclonus avatar and a planet chasing the ship! Things about to get real
The thing with Swerve was a quantum leap reference. It's how that how would end an episode. Also it's Luna one
How do we know it's Luna 1? I haven't heard or seen a thing. It only says a planet. It could be anything. And how do we know for certain that it is just a cute joke and not Swerve legitimately disappearing? For all we know, this is a new planet and Swerve was kidnapped by that planet
Well let's think about this, the solicit said there's a planet chasing them. Last time I checked, Luna-1 was a satellite, not a planet. It could be something new that is just being introduced. However what's more likely is that its Deathsaurus and the DJD's "Warworld" a literal fucking planet that was cyberformed into a command carrier.
Posted by Flashwave on June 24th, 2015 @ 12:01pm CDT
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Randomhero wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:I do admit the resolution did seem a bit strange, it worked. not completely but it worked and it was kinda funny. I'm also happy we have new Lost Lighters, though how Rodimus and Thunders work together may get interesting. Also, WTH happened to Swerve?!? Next issue deals with a disappearing Swerve and a new cyclonus avatar and a planet chasing the ship! Things about to get real
The thing with Swerve was a quantum leap reference. It's how that how would end an episode. Also it's Luna one
How do we know it's Luna 1? I haven't heard or seen a thing. It only says a planet. It could be anything. And how do we know for certain that it is just a cute joke and not Swerve legitimately disappearing? For all we know, this is a new planet and Swerve was kidnapped by that planet
Luna 1 was my first guess, but I bet it's the Warworld from a few books back.
Posted by Randomhero on June 24th, 2015 @ 12:04pm CDT
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Randomhero wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:I do admit the resolution did seem a bit strange, it worked. not completely but it worked and it was kinda funny. I'm also happy we have new Lost Lighters, though how Rodimus and Thunders work together may get interesting. Also, WTH happened to Swerve?!? Next issue deals with a disappearing Swerve and a new cyclonus avatar and a planet chasing the ship! Things about to get real
The thing with Swerve was a quantum leap reference. It's how that how would end an episode. Also it's Luna one
How do we know it's Luna 1? I haven't heard or seen a thing. It only says a planet. It could be anything. And how do we know for certain that it is just a cute joke and not Swerve legitimately disappearing? For all we know, this is a new planet and Swerve was kidnapped by that planet
I think you read the solici wrong. It's not a planet chasing ship but a planet chasing the ship(lost light) and it doesn't help that Roberts confirmed fortress Maximus will be returning this year. What's max got right now? A giant moon with engines. Also there only 6 issues left this year. Enough for a big story arc to finish the year and the return of Luna one makes sense
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on June 24th, 2015 @ 12:09pm CDT
Randomhero wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Randomhero wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:I do admit the resolution did seem a bit strange, it worked. not completely but it worked and it was kinda funny. I'm also happy we have new Lost Lighters, though how Rodimus and Thunders work together may get interesting. Also, WTH happened to Swerve?!? Next issue deals with a disappearing Swerve and a new cyclonus avatar and a planet chasing the ship! Things about to get real
The thing with Swerve was a quantum leap reference. It's how that how would end an episode. Also it's Luna one
How do we know it's Luna 1? I haven't heard or seen a thing. It only says a planet. It could be anything. And how do we know for certain that it is just a cute joke and not Swerve legitimately disappearing? For all we know, this is a new planet and Swerve was kidnapped by that planet
I think you read the solici wrong. It's not a planet chasing ship but a planet chasing the ship(lost light) and it doesn't help that Roberts confirmed fortress Maximus will be returning this year. What's max got right now? A giant moon with engines. Also there only 6 issues left this year. Enough for a big story arc to finish the year and the return of Luna one makes sense
SW's SilverHammer wrote: Last time I checked, Luna-1 was a satellite, not a planet.
Posted by Randomhero on June 24th, 2015 @ 12:20pm CDT
SW's SilverHammer wrote:Randomhero wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Randomhero wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:I do admit the resolution did seem a bit strange, it worked. not completely but it worked and it was kinda funny. I'm also happy we have new Lost Lighters, though how Rodimus and Thunders work together may get interesting. Also, WTH happened to Swerve?!? Next issue deals with a disappearing Swerve and a new cyclonus avatar and a planet chasing the ship! Things about to get real
The thing with Swerve was a quantum leap reference. It's how that how would end an episode. Also it's Luna one
How do we know it's Luna 1? I haven't heard or seen a thing. It only says a planet. It could be anything. And how do we know for certain that it is just a cute joke and not Swerve legitimately disappearing? For all we know, this is a new planet and Swerve was kidnapped by that planet
I think you read the solici wrong. It's not a planet chasing ship but a planet chasing the ship(lost light) and it doesn't help that Roberts confirmed fortress Maximus will be returning this year. What's max got right now? A giant moon with engines. Also there only 6 issues left this year. Enough for a big story arc to finish the year and the return of Luna one makes senseSW's SilverHammer wrote: Last time I checked, Luna-1 was a satellite, not a planet.
Moon planet satellite whatever. Doesn't matter, to say moon would give it away instantly. It's a solicite.
It's not the djd and their warworld. That's leading up to MTMTEs event Dying Light which isn't kicking off till the end of the year.
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on June 24th, 2015 @ 12:29pm CDT
Randomhero wrote:SW's SilverHammer wrote:Randomhero wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Randomhero wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:I do admit the resolution did seem a bit strange, it worked. not completely but it worked and it was kinda funny. I'm also happy we have new Lost Lighters, though how Rodimus and Thunders work together may get interesting. Also, WTH happened to Swerve?!? Next issue deals with a disappearing Swerve and a new cyclonus avatar and a planet chasing the ship! Things about to get real
The thing with Swerve was a quantum leap reference. It's how that how would end an episode. Also it's Luna one
How do we know it's Luna 1? I haven't heard or seen a thing. It only says a planet. It could be anything. And how do we know for certain that it is just a cute joke and not Swerve legitimately disappearing? For all we know, this is a new planet and Swerve was kidnapped by that planet
I think you read the solici wrong. It's not a planet chasing ship but a planet chasing the ship(lost light) and it doesn't help that Roberts confirmed fortress Maximus will be returning this year. What's max got right now? A giant moon with engines. Also there only 6 issues left this year. Enough for a big story arc to finish the year and the return of Luna one makes senseSW's SilverHammer wrote: Last time I checked, Luna-1 was a satellite, not a planet.
Moon planet satellite whatever. Doesn't matter, to say moon would give it away instantly. It's a solicite.
So say planet, an entirely false moniker for a celestial body, that is in fact a satellite. Even if it's spoilers, Roberts would've said moon or satellite, or left it vague; planet's pretty damn specific. Your thought process implies that: James Roberts doesn't know how astronomical objects are classified; doesn't understand the difference between a moon and a planet; believes his readers are ignorant of Astronomical sciences, and is "dumbing it down"; or just holds active contempt for the part of his reading base that has two brain cells to rub together. Oh, but that could just be orbital wobble. Also, if it were Luna-1, why would the solicit say "chasing"? Chasing is a synonym of "pursue"; to follow (someone or something) in order to catch or attack them. If it were luna-1 why would Fort max be chasing the Lost light, why wouldn't it be "following", or "approaching" them? The only thing that's large enough to classify as planet, or at least a dwarf planet that would be chasing them, is the Warworld, why would they be chasing the Lost light? Because they want them fucking dead (again).
Posted by Dimsheep on June 24th, 2015 @ 12:31pm CDT
Posted by Randomhero on June 24th, 2015 @ 12:39pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 24th, 2015 @ 1:01pm CDT
And as for this being a "filler" episode, it is actually very important to the quest: They have no map; the goal since #28 has been to find Thunderclash and get a map; Thunders is now part of the crew with some others, increasing the size and command structure. This was a very important issue, and they still need to have Ratchet and Drift return, the protectobots and Mirage leave and find the Scavengers and Grimlock. I feel the DJD will come after all that has happened and they are either fully loaded or very underhanded.
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 24th, 2015 @ 1:08pm CDT
Posted by ctrlFrequency on June 24th, 2015 @ 2:19pm CDT
My thoughts are this: Cybertron had a functionalist society for awhile, remember the time chase for Brainstorm? The almost foreshadowing alternate ending with Rung being tortured? In that reality he wasn’t a scientist and he is ornamental. The arts seemed to suffer on Cybertron during the majority of they're history, when the colonies were severed, Cybertron took a more utilitarian air and didn't promote artistic endeavors, where Camian did?
Posted by Randomhero on June 24th, 2015 @ 2:40pm CDT
Plus Rung isn't a scientist in any universe. He's hes a psychiatrist.
Posted by ctrlFrequency on June 24th, 2015 @ 3:18pm CDT
And yes, I made a slip up, though Psychiatry is considered a science, no, a psychiatrist is not considered a scientist.
Posted by TGS1985 on June 24th, 2015 @ 6:35pm CDT
Posted by Noideaforaname on June 25th, 2015 @ 12:51am CDT
I'm particularly disappointed in how the least interesting lady bot joined the Lost Light (not the cyclops nor the giant nor the "lesbian" couple), and how Thunderclash sacrificing some of his life to type a grammatically correct "you're" didn't seem to amount to anything.
And 3 recap pages?! Come on.
Also, Comixology made this a pain in the butt to read.
But! I absolutely died at "but now they're ON FIRE!"
Posted by Noideaforaname on June 25th, 2015 @ 12:52am CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 25th, 2015 @ 7:50am CDT
Noideaforaname wrote:Hmmm, this issue seemed very... "everything wrong with MTMTE." Too much exposition, lackluster resolution, prominently advertised characters not really doing anything, threats that are supposed to be clever but just come across as stupid, hi-and-die characters, robots acting a bit too humanly, too much self-indulgence on the author's part, adding even more characters to an already bloated cast, yet another cliffhanger...
I'm particularly disappointed in how the least interesting lady bot joined the Lost Light (not the cyclops nor the giant nor the "lesbian" couple), and how Thunderclash sacrificing some of his life to type a grammatically correct "you're" didn't seem to amount to anything.
And 3 recap pages?! Come on.
Also, Comixology made this a pain in the butt to read.
But! I absolutely died at "but now they're ON FIRE!"
You have basically described most of MTMTE, but there really isn't anything wrong. That's what makes it so fun. Remember: this is a civilization, they have lots of our ideas and concepts. We seem to forget that they can do things other than make war. WE need to move beyond that. And its is a SPACESHIP! You need a large crew, and the new members are actually helpful! Thunderclash is the one with the dreams, and Rodimus is the one without a map! They needed this! And the silliness and humor works. it was actually a really fun little series.
And virtually every comic ends with a cliffhanger. It leaves you thirsting for more!
Posted by Deadput on June 26th, 2015 @ 2:01pm CDT
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:You have basically described most of MTMTE, but there really isn't anything wrong. That's what makes it so fun. Remember: this is a civilization, they have lots of our ideas and concepts. We seem to forget that they can do things other than make war. WE need to move beyond that. And its is a SPACESHIP! You need a large crew, and the new members are actually helpful! Thunderclash is the one with the dreams, and Rodimus is the one without a map! They needed this! And the silliness and humor works. it was actually a really fun little series.
And virtually every comic ends with a cliffhanger. It leaves you thirsting for more!
There is a difference between the enjoyable Mtmte issues and the last two awful ones I don't hate these two issue but without a doubt they are the weakest MTMTE issues so far..
The only relevant events in the last two issues were Thunderclash and a nobody joining the Lost Light and the introduction of a bunch of female characters due to complaints honestly its the only reason why their there.
Oh and the fact that Countdown's dead and pretty much ruining any chance of another guy joining the Lost Light but seriously his death was my biggest issue part of it having to do with owning his toy (the newer one with the giant cannon)
And I'm sick of Roberts shoving in his British culture in the recent issues (The music in the end is an example) not all the readers are British I'm okay with subtle references but lately he has been overloading the comics dialogue with it I think Roberts's trying to hard with the writing.
Punny does not always mean funny.
Also the Endura crap needs to stop it was a good concept and I liked it when it was not in the spotlight but now their just overusing it as some sort of plot device.
Sorry for the rant but I want to get this off my chest even if its garbled or doesn't make sense.
Posted by Deadput on June 26th, 2015 @ 2:03pm CDT
And I like dancing scenes.
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on June 26th, 2015 @ 2:11pm CDT
I'll admit, these rather scary looking enemies were defeated too easily, although I thought it was genuinly hilarious how they did it. They died of charisma overload because Rodimus AND Megatron entered the room at the same time. It's the kind of cheeky stuff Roberts loves.
And then at the end, with Cyclonus and Tailgate, and then there's Getaway. Man, when he's busy being a likeable enough action hero, you almost forget how slimy he can be between those two.
Posted by Deadput on June 26th, 2015 @ 2:22pm CDT
Nemesis Maximo wrote:It's better to read these last two issues together.
I'll admit, these rather scary looking enemies were defeated too easily, although I thought it was genuinly hilarious how they did it. They died of charisma overload because Rodimus AND Megatron entered the room at the same time. It's the kind of cheeky stuff Roberts loves.
And then at the end, with Cyclonus and Tailgate, and then there's Getaway. Man, when he's busy being a likeable enough action hero, you almost forget how slimy he can be between those two.
Ok I admit that was funny and one of the good things in this issue.
And Getaway is seriously making me concerned due to him being really creepy lately mostly when it comes to Tailgate.
Posted by Va'al on June 26th, 2015 @ 2:58pm CDT
mirageandjazz1197 wrote:And I'm sick of Roberts shoving in his British culture in the recent issues (The music in the end is an example) not all the readers are British I'm okay with subtle references but lately he has been overloading the comics dialogue with it I think Roberts's trying to hard with the writing.
Yeah.
I mean, it's not like US culture has a fair shot at being represented in comics.
mirageandjazz1197 wrote:Sorry for the rant
Apology accepted.
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on June 26th, 2015 @ 3:25pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on June 26th, 2015 @ 3:27pm CDT
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on June 26th, 2015 @ 3:33pm CDT
Va'al wrote:He's a bit of a monster on the scene, too. That behaviour is very very unsettling, viscerally so.
I also get the feeling, that the more tailgate is with getaway, the more their conversations will end with getaway saying "don't tell anyone or we'll both get in trouble. "
Posted by Va'al on June 26th, 2015 @ 3:51pm CDT
SW's SilverHammer wrote:Va'al wrote:He's a bit of a monster on the scene, too. That behaviour is very very unsettling, viscerally so.
I also get the feeling, that the more tailgate is with getaway, the more their conversations will end with getaway saying "don't tell anyone or we'll both get in trouble. "
That seriously makes me sick.
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 26th, 2015 @ 3:51pm CDT
And forcing British culture? Really? And Americans haven't forced stuff on us? Besides: this comic goes to many countries, many of whom will not get the references.
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on June 26th, 2015 @ 3:56pm CDT
Va'al wrote:SW's SilverHammer wrote:Va'al wrote:He's a bit of a monster on the scene, too. That behaviour is very very unsettling, viscerally so.
I also get the feeling, that the more tailgate is with getaway, the more their conversations will end with getaway saying "don't tell anyone or we'll both get in trouble. "
That seriously makes me sick.
I know right? The buffalo bill thing might've been a messed up joke on my part, but I seriously get that creepy "don't tell anyone" vibe from getaway. Like if and when tailgate and cyclonus separate, and tailgate goes with getaway, then the bad things start happening.
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 26th, 2015 @ 3:58pm CDT
Posted by Deadput on June 26th, 2015 @ 6:03pm CDT
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:I still enjoyed them. You have a good reason to not, but I still did. If anything my least favorite MTMTE comics (ok, still loved but to a lesser degree) were #34 and #22.
And forcing British culture? Really? And Americans haven't forced stuff on us? Besides: this comic goes to many countries, many of whom will not get the references.
Other people can explain it better.
It's the references to Earth T.V such as Doctor Who I can barley stand anymore I use to love these references but lately they have not been used cleverly like the past and more in your face.
Were not even on Earth so I don't understand when the Lost light crew consistently discuss Earth culture I mean once in awhile its cool but there are even Autobots who as we know so far have never been too Earth and are still talking about it anyways I'm mostly thinking of Swerve here.
And in regards to the American comment I also say the following a lot in real life and not just for Transformers:
"Just because someone does something doesn't mean another should do the same thing."
Posted by Va'al on June 26th, 2015 @ 6:09pm CDT
Shame you don't enjoy them, I thought the music titles (while not always my type of music) worked really well with the scene. Being a dancing party and all.
That closing quotation, however, makes no sense. This is not Roberts' attempt to reclaim.. wait. Yes. Yes it is. We're taking back all the colonies, by infiltrating them with indie mopey music, silly sci-fi and robots with feelings. kthxbai
Posted by Deadput on June 26th, 2015 @ 6:17pm CDT
Va'al wrote:It's been established that Swerve and Tailgate are fascinated by Earth culture. Swerve in particular.
Shame you don't enjoy them, I thought the music titles (while not always my type of music) worked really well with the scene. Being a dancing party and all.
That closing quotation, however, makes no sense. This is not Roberts' attempt to reclaim.. wait. Yes. Yes it is. We're taking back all the colonies, by infiltrating them with indie mopey music, silly sci-fi and robots with feelings. kthxbai
I just feel like there should be a balance that's all even if my posts make me look angry or something.
I only have some of the mtmte comics since i mostly buy the volumes from book stores (When they actually bother to have them) Other wise I read the comics from wiki descriptions and tumblr posts these last two issues are the first actual comic issues I have bought since finding a comic book store recently.
So in other words I don't know everything about IDW Transformers and I just share my opinion based on what I have seen.
I also don't understand what you mean on the last point of your post starting from: This is not Robert's.
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on June 26th, 2015 @ 6:37pm CDT
Va'al wrote:That closing quotation, however, makes no sense. This is not Roberts' attempt to reclaim.. wait. Yes. Yes it is. We're taking back all the colonies, by infiltrating them with indie mopey music, silly sci-fi and robots with feelings. kthxbai
Oh my god, Gay robots are infiltrating our country from the U.K and Corrupting our youth culture! I propose we form a task force against this! hmm,
League Against Beasts Infiltrating America? No, hmm Brotherhood United To Tirelessly Satisfy Ethical Xenophillia. Perfect!
Posted by Noideaforaname on June 26th, 2015 @ 6:38pm CDT
Posted by Deadput on June 26th, 2015 @ 6:43pm CDT
Noideaforaname wrote:It's very strange an alien would suddenly become obsessed with the culture of a planet he's never even been on. It's even stranger that, upon somehow viewing literally everything that other species ever created within just a few short weeks, said alien only ever seems to reference an incredibly tiny, contemporary, dare say hipster pool of works. Doesn't matter if it's British or American or any other nationality, the entire scenario just comes across as the author really wants to give shout-outs to his current interests.
Yup this is what I mean I just couldn't explain it
(seriously explaining things is one of things I'm horrible at)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on June 26th, 2015 @ 11:47pm CDT
SW's SilverHammer wrote:Va'al wrote:That closing quotation, however, makes no sense. This is not Roberts' attempt to reclaim.. wait. Yes. Yes it is. We're taking back all the colonies, by infiltrating them with indie mopey music, silly sci-fi and robots with feelings. kthxbai
Oh my god, Gay robots are infiltrating our country from the U.K and Corrupting our youth culture! I propose we form a task force against this! hmm,
League Against Beasts Infiltrating America? No, hmm Brotherhood United To Tirelessly Satisfy Ethical Xenophillia. Perfect!
oh my God, dude. I burst out laughing. I'd quote that, but...yeah...
mirageandjazz1197 wrote:I just feel like there should be a balance that's all even if my posts make me look angry or something.
I just feel like you put way too many spaces between all your paragraphs. There, I said it.
Posted by Va'al on June 27th, 2015 @ 3:23am CDT
Noideaforaname wrote:It's very strange an alien would suddenly become obsessed with the culture of a planet he's never even been on. It's even stranger that, upon somehow viewing literally everything that other species ever created within just a few short weeks, said alien only ever seems to reference an incredibly tiny, contemporary, dare say hipster pool of works. Doesn't matter if it's British or American or any other nationality, the entire scenario just comes across as the author really wants to give shout-outs to his current interests.
Perhaps, yes. But from my reading of it, they're really not obtrusive at all: they show up in captions, in non-plot advancing scenes, sometimes for humorous purposes (which we also discussed during the podcast interview). As for the hipster thing -
And I'm not surprised that an author who essentially sees the entirety of the Transformers universe stemming from a briefcase part of his own plots would like to make more of his personal tastes known.
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 27th, 2015 @ 5:30pm CDT
And I like how the lost lighters are studying and fascinated with alien culture. some of them just really love it and it's cool. adds some good humor too, even for those who do not get it. (me among them on occasion!)
Posted by TGS1985 on June 28th, 2015 @ 1:09am CDT
mirageandjazz1197 wrote:And I'm sick of Roberts shoving in his British culture in the recent issues (The music in the end is an example) not all the readers are British I'm okay with subtle references but lately he has been overloading the comics dialogue with it I think Roberts's trying to hard with the writing.
That's the thing though, I don't feel this comic has a distinctive "British" feel to it. At least when I read it, the majority of the characters voices don't have any accent in my head. I honestly forget that Roberts is a British writer until I run into the occasional "arse" or "colour", which doesn't seem to happen often. And please don't interpret that as saying having a British feel to the book is a bad thing as so much as I think he's still does a pretty good job keeping it pretty neutral for the English speaking nations which in turn makes the book more relative for more readers.
Va'al wrote:SW's SilverHammer wrote:Va'al wrote:He's a bit of a monster on the scene, too. That behaviour is very very unsettling, viscerally so.
I also get the feeling, that the more tailgate is with getaway, the more their conversations will end with getaway saying "don't tell anyone or we'll both get in trouble. "
That seriously makes me sick.
Holy crap guys, am I the only one who thinks what's going on with between Getaway and Tailgate is NOT that horrendous? For me I get the strong impression Getaway got a major beef with Cyclonus, to the point that he not above sabotaging Cyclonus relationship with Tailgate by getting involved himself. Definitely a major dick move but nowhere near "bad touch" levels... Or am I missing something? Been a while since I reread some of the older issues but that said I never really got that creeper vibe that many others have mentioned here.
Posted by Syn_13 on June 28th, 2015 @ 5:40am CDT
Noideaforaname wrote:It's very strange an alien would suddenly become obsessed with the culture of a planet he's never even been on. It's even stranger that, upon somehow viewing literally everything that other species ever created within just a few short weeks, said alien only ever seems to reference an incredibly tiny, contemporary, dare say hipster pool of works. Doesn't matter if it's British or American or any other nationality, the entire scenario just comes across as the author really wants to give shout-outs to his current interests.
In the same way that people who have never been to say, Japan for example, get entirely obsessed with their culture? Or people who are exposed to dozens of genres of music decide that they want to focus on one particular genre, as it's what they identify with the most?
I don't see the problem in this. Swerve clearly loves and identifies with human culture, and likes British Indie music as a result. It's obviously no coincidence that it's because the writer himself is British. You're opinions and taste will always influence your writing. I'm sure an American writer would throw in more US pop culture references, as that is what they're comfortable and associate with.
I'm English, so I personally like the British culture references. It's a nice break to reading or watching shows with countless US references. Not saying that they're bad, but it's nice for me to have something I can relate to (even if I bloody hate Doctor Who). Also, it helps make the comic what it is. I'm biased of course, but I much prefer British humour in entertainment to US humour (sitcoms beign a massive example of this), so I'm glad this series is being written by a Brit. It's what makes it my favourite comic. If I were writing this comic I'd be doing the exact same thing.
Also, Roberts gets a +1 from me for throwing in "How Soon Is Now" by The Smiths. Great track.
Posted by ctrlFrequency on June 28th, 2015 @ 10:20am CDT
I was going to stay out of the cultural debate but I don't think I can. Just too much my thing I guess.
I didn't find anything culturally slanted expecially in the music selection. A few bands I heard of, a few I didn’t, but that didn’t make it too British. It made me out of the loop not because I'm American, but because it's not my style.
On this Internet age, we get exposure to more music and more culture. Because of it, I listen to bands that I would never have heard before both from the US and (especially) from outside of the US.
Dr Who is just as popular in the US as in Britain (trust me, it is).
We are becoming more of an international culture as we come more in contact with each other on a mass and daily basis. But don't feel excluded by it, use it as an opportunity to expand your world.
I felt the story was rushed. It felt like there was more but Roberts was unable to spend time doing a really great plot.