IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review
Wednesday, March 30th, 2016 12:59AM CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews, Site ArticlesPosted by: Va'al Views: 41,566
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Always Two There Are...
(Spoiler free-ish)
(Spoiler free-ish)
Synopsis
"If you want to break someone—mentally, physically, emotionally—wait until they're happy. Let them live and love and thrive. Once they recognize the value of a life well lived... THAT'S when you move in for the kill. Because you can't take anything from someone who has nothing to lose." --Tarn
Promises
Story
There is one big story being told here, and it's quite clear who the main character is - despite what Rodimus may think, what the various pairings have brought, this is now Megatron's tale, and his relationship with the Decepticon credo, its precepts, its inception, its ultimate corruption and downfall, and how all that reflects back onto him through his greatest admirer and follower: Tarn.
Sorry Rodders
If the main story concerns Megatron, his decisions and his past and present colliding, there are so many other spotlights allowed across the entire cast, especially on the Lost Light/Team Rodimus side. Swerve and Ten, in particular (but not just them), get some excellent advancement in their own personal arcs, especially the latter.
Ten, ten ten, Teeen
And then we have the other side, the freakily, scarily, horrifyingly charismatic leader of the DJD, and the expression of what Megatron has been in the eyes, minds and lives of innumerable lives across the galaxy: Tarn. We begin - begin - to see what will be coming soon in the arc, and the tension is really just kept to build and strain.
Ooh, morbid!
The moments are heartfelt, there are tough choices and decisions, and even tougher talks to be had. The tension is still building up, and there is no resolution as yet of course, but this issue takes the story into some heavy territories, while drawing on some narrative beats we have encountered before in James Roberts' writing, and this series in particular.
Art
Alex Milne brings some excellent composition to the table, for the issue. We have several shots of ensembles, but the solo poses are probably some of the best in a while in this run, and not just for the major players in the game. We get magnificent layouts, linework, plus strained cheerfulness for Swerve, some actual affection shown among the crew, and some of the saddest/most mortified Megatrons around.
All together now!
The emotional turmoil running through Megatron and the Lost Lighters, even with Swerve and Whirl, is particularly highlighted by the impressive colouring and lighting contrasts, deftly deployed by Joana Lafuente. Once again, and yes, I'm falling into repetition, Tarn and Megatron get some nice specular and parallel treatments, in terms of how shadows fall (and who casts them), and the whole book carries the weight of it.
Ominous shadowwwwsss
While a lot of the action is contained to the initial pages, even just the title page is a wonderful example of what Tom B. Long's good lettering can do to a book. I mean, look at the first image of this review. There are a number of instances where the font and letters make or break a panel, again, still, always. As for covers, I am still wondering where the colourist credit for the Andrew Griffith (gorgeous) Tarn variant, but we also get Livio Ramondelli's first venture in DJD territory (thumbnailed) and the regular, terrifying slot with Alex Milne and Josh Perez.
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
You will have noticed, I have used mostly images from the public preview in this review - there are some many excellent pages and panels that I'd rather readers took time and space to enjoy themselves, I didn't want to ruin the experience. One passage in particular is almost moving, and the writing and visuals are a masterful blend to convey the number of emotions (particularly on one side of the spectrum) in the book.
Still not showing - have an explosion
As fellow critical comics reader ScottyP said to me, as I was preparing the review: The Hype Was Real. This is a truly well done, well thought out, well crafted book, touching on all the major themes that the series has explored so far, and venturing into a new one altogether, with some returning elements that were almost left to one side, and some that have been a long way coming.
. 
- out of
- out of Credit(s): IDW, Va'al
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Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776435)
Posted by Crosscheck on March 30th, 2016 @ 2:34am CDT
Posted by Crosscheck on March 30th, 2016 @ 2:34am CDT
Yay, Drift and Ratchet to save the day. I really hope Ten makes it, he is actually a pretty fun character.
So he was showing that the Storm Shield Generator plus the flowers equals Trailbreaker. Obviously, it is a reference to using the flowers to power the generator to create a shield.
So he was showing that the Storm Shield Generator plus the flowers equals Trailbreaker. Obviously, it is a reference to using the flowers to power the generator to create a shield.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776445)
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 30th, 2016 @ 4:21am CDT
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 30th, 2016 @ 4:21am CDT
Well, that was an increasingly disapointing issue. 
Only thing I think I liked in the whole issue was the last page.
Only thing I think I liked in the whole issue was the last page.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776455)
Posted by Va'al on March 30th, 2016 @ 6:06am CDT
How so? I'm intrigued.
Posted by Va'al on March 30th, 2016 @ 6:06am CDT
Ironhidensh wrote:Well, that was an increasingly disapointing issue.
How so? I'm intrigued.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776457)
Posted by 1984forever on March 30th, 2016 @ 6:14am CDT
Posted by 1984forever on March 30th, 2016 @ 6:14am CDT
If I had to spend money to read MTMTE #51 I would feel ripped off right now. A good portion of the story was wasted debating on what to do with the Necrobot's meat locker. The most disturbing part of the book was not Milne's decision to continue drawing Rodimus as a fembot, but Roberts putting in a letters page so people could heap praises upon his fanfic and talk about how it saved their life 
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776459)
Posted by Randomhero on March 30th, 2016 @ 6:16am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on March 30th, 2016 @ 6:16am CDT
I thought it was pretty well done. It's certainly not perfect. The reason for nobody using the quantum transport door I don't feel was the best executed. In a situation like this someone should have gone through. That thing can go anywhere in the galaxy and can link up to anyone's spark signature. We know space bridges and quantum engines can work in sync. Low power or not there's not good excuse that can't make a jump to Cybertron, let the council know what is transpiring and send every damn soldier and combiner to that planet and fight. Just my personal opinion.
Glad with the last page. It's been almost 3 years for drift and 1 for ratchet. Don't know how they knew to go there since they've only been on that planet for a couple hours and would have needed to be in the area and everything but it's fine. Things are happening.
Glad with the last page. It's been almost 3 years for drift and 1 for ratchet. Don't know how they knew to go there since they've only been on that planet for a couple hours and would have needed to be in the area and everything but it's fine. Things are happening.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776462)
Posted by Randomhero on March 30th, 2016 @ 6:32am CDT
Again for someone who does nothing but complain about how much they don't like IDW, you sure do read the books and know all about them and their continuity extensively.
Here's a suggestion, don't read them. They're not for you. Move on to another media. Grow up.
Posted by Randomhero on March 30th, 2016 @ 6:32am CDT
1984forever wrote:If I had to spend money to read MTMTE #51 I would feel ripped off right now. A good portion of the story was wasted debating on what to do with the Necrobot's meat locker. The most disturbing part of the book was not Milne's decision to continue drawing Rodimus as a fembot, but Roberts putting in a letters page so people could heap praises upon his fanfic and talk about how it saved their life
Again for someone who does nothing but complain about how much they don't like IDW, you sure do read the books and know all about them and their continuity extensively.
Here's a suggestion, don't read them. They're not for you. Move on to another media. Grow up.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776473)
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 30th, 2016 @ 7:28am CDT
I'll give you a good post, worthy of you, later. I'll need free time when I'm off of work, plus we need to let the foul taste of 1984s post Leave our mouths.
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 30th, 2016 @ 7:28am CDT
Dr Va'al wrote:Ironhidensh wrote:Well, that was an increasingly disapointing issue.
How so? I'm intrigued.
I'll give you a good post, worthy of you, later. I'll need free time when I'm off of work, plus we need to let the foul taste of 1984s post Leave our mouths.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776478)
Posted by Randomhero on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:14am CDT
I think it's a strong 4. It's not perfect and personally I can see where some people would be a little disappointed with it. It's very 'standing around with a mcguffin that can get us all out of here but we're staying and going to die. Why? Because'
Reason I say that is because Megatrons speech about organics is a little bit contradictory to how the Cybertronians have been portrayed in IDW. At the beginning with the -ation series it very much stated that organic life is not important to the autobots or Decepticons. The infiltration protocol for the autobots was "try and stop the decepticons" TRY. Optimus during escalation even says they may not be able to save earth. Their duty is to stop the decepticons but if they can't, then they bail out and try another time on another planet. We saw the wreckers even bail out and consider a planet a lost cause. One of Optimus most memorable and controversial lines in Simons run was "earth will have to fend for itself" it wasn't till the end of all hail megatron for Optimus to realize they need to change their outlook and we saw that in costas run, not everyone shared his feelings about working with and helping organics. We still are seeing that in johns book.
Personally I wasn't comvinced that everyone would share that idea of saving 60 organics because right now they still think they're all going to die when they decide to stay. By that point they're not saving anyone. Honestly the DJD were already in the nectobots home and didn't find that room, they could just lock it up and hope they don't find it and leave, it was buried pretty deep.
Posted by Randomhero on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:14am CDT
Ironhidensh wrote:Dr Va'al wrote:Ironhidensh wrote:Well, that was an increasingly disapointing issue.
How so? I'm intrigued.
I'll give you a good post, worthy of you, later. I'll need free time when I'm off of work, plus we need to let the foul taste of 1984s post Leave our mouths.
I think it's a strong 4. It's not perfect and personally I can see where some people would be a little disappointed with it. It's very 'standing around with a mcguffin that can get us all out of here but we're staying and going to die. Why? Because'
Reason I say that is because Megatrons speech about organics is a little bit contradictory to how the Cybertronians have been portrayed in IDW. At the beginning with the -ation series it very much stated that organic life is not important to the autobots or Decepticons. The infiltration protocol for the autobots was "try and stop the decepticons" TRY. Optimus during escalation even says they may not be able to save earth. Their duty is to stop the decepticons but if they can't, then they bail out and try another time on another planet. We saw the wreckers even bail out and consider a planet a lost cause. One of Optimus most memorable and controversial lines in Simons run was "earth will have to fend for itself" it wasn't till the end of all hail megatron for Optimus to realize they need to change their outlook and we saw that in costas run, not everyone shared his feelings about working with and helping organics. We still are seeing that in johns book.
Personally I wasn't comvinced that everyone would share that idea of saving 60 organics because right now they still think they're all going to die when they decide to stay. By that point they're not saving anyone. Honestly the DJD were already in the nectobots home and didn't find that room, they could just lock it up and hope they don't find it and leave, it was buried pretty deep.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776479)
Posted by Quint on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:18am CDT
Posted by Quint on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:18am CDT
Assuming that Prime and Megatron have remained the same height over these years, barring Megatron's time as a B2 stealth bomber, they've been roughly equal to each other in the time, haven't they?
Therefore Tarn's current height is substantially shorter than Roller's was.
Height wise: Roller > Megatron / Prime > Tarn
Significant?
Bearing in mind Alex Milne himself has defined the above scales, this should be a fair test.
Excellent issue this month, although the ceasefire was a bit of a clunky conceit.
Therefore Tarn's current height is substantially shorter than Roller's was.
Height wise: Roller > Megatron / Prime > Tarn
Significant?
Bearing in mind Alex Milne himself has defined the above scales, this should be a fair test.
Excellent issue this month, although the ceasefire was a bit of a clunky conceit.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776480)
Posted by Va'al on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:26am CDT
Entirely convincing? No.
But as ScottyP pointed out to me, look at the parallels with the Sparkeater arc at the very start - basically same situation, same resolution. And you have a much more diverse cast this time round, too, though all 'loyal' (ironic, given Brainstorm's in there) to the cause at this stage.
I think the dialogue, the speeches, the tension between the different characters made up for what the story lacked, and that is my minus in the score.
Also, my favourite panel of them all, which I will share tomorrow for a fair chance for other readers.
Posted by Va'al on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:26am CDT
Randomhero wrote:Ironhidensh wrote:Dr Va'al wrote:Ironhidensh wrote:Well, that was an increasingly disapointing issue.
How so? I'm intrigued.
I'll give you a good post, worthy of you, later. I'll need free time when I'm off of work, plus we need to let the foul taste of 1984s post Leave our mouths.
I think it's a strong 4. It's not perfect and personally I can see where some people would be a little disappointed with it. It's very 'standing around with a mcguffin that can get us all out of here but we're staying and going to die. Why? Because'
Reason I say that is because Megatrons speech about organics is a little bit contradictory to how the Cybertronians have been portrayed in IDW. At the beginning with the -ation series it very much stated that organic life is not important to the autobots or Decepticons. The infiltration protocol for the autobots was "try and stop the decepticons" TRY. Optimus during escalation even says they may not be able to save earth. Their duty is to stop the decepticons but if they can't, then they bail out and try another time on another planet. We saw the wreckers even bail out and consider a planet a lost cause. One of Optimus most memorable and controversial lines in Simons run was "earth will have to fend for itself" it wasn't till the end of all hail megatron for Optimus to realize they need to change their outlook and we saw that in costas run, not everyone shared his feelings about working with and helping organics. We still are seeing that in johns book.
Personally I wasn't comvinced that everyone would share that idea of saving 60 organics because right now they still think they're all going to die when they decide to stay. By that point they're not saving anyone. Honestly the DJD were already in the nectobots home and didn't find that room, they could just lock it up and hope they don't find it and leave, it was buried pretty deep.
Entirely convincing? No.
But as ScottyP pointed out to me, look at the parallels with the Sparkeater arc at the very start - basically same situation, same resolution. And you have a much more diverse cast this time round, too, though all 'loyal' (ironic, given Brainstorm's in there) to the cause at this stage.
I think the dialogue, the speeches, the tension between the different characters made up for what the story lacked, and that is my minus in the score.
Also, my favourite panel of them all, which I will share tomorrow for a fair chance for other readers.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776484)
Posted by Randomhero on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:31am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:31am CDT
And I totally respect yours and Scottys thoughts. As I said I did enjoy this book. And I think for past couple reviews you guys can tell that if I have a problem, unlike some people, I will explain very thoroughly why I have a problem and am totally willing to hear anyone defense on it.
Great review by the way as always. Sorry I didn't say that early
Great review by the way as always. Sorry I didn't say that early
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776489)
Posted by Va'al on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:38am CDT
I never look for the compliments, no need to apologise! I enjoy the chats we're allowed to have in these forums once comics come out. Sitting on the review copy since the previous Friday is hard, as it's usually me, ScottyP and one other person's thoughts we keep bouncing around.
So thank you for taking the time to type out thoughts longform, it is much appreciated, and makes the comics work on the site all the more worth it.
I had three moments, at least, on my third read, that still made me feel things. That has not happened in a while with this book (last time was Pipes, Chromedome, Rewind, Overlord issues, or maybe Ratchet's goodbyes), and I think it fully deserved me recognising those moments.
Posted by Va'al on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:38am CDT
Randomhero wrote:And I totally respect yours and Scottys thoughts. As I said I did enjoy this book. And I think for past couple reviews you guys can tell that if I have a problem, unlike some people, I will explain very thoroughly why I have a problem and am totally willing to hear anyone defense on it.
Great review by the way as always. Sorry I didn't say that early
I never look for the compliments, no need to apologise! I enjoy the chats we're allowed to have in these forums once comics come out. Sitting on the review copy since the previous Friday is hard, as it's usually me, ScottyP and one other person's thoughts we keep bouncing around.
So thank you for taking the time to type out thoughts longform, it is much appreciated, and makes the comics work on the site all the more worth it.
I had three moments, at least, on my third read, that still made me feel things. That has not happened in a while with this book (last time was Pipes, Chromedome, Rewind, Overlord issues, or maybe Ratchet's goodbyes), and I think it fully deserved me recognising those moments.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776491)
Posted by Randomhero on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:41am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:41am CDT
I'm not too worried about ten. As for as we know he doesn't have a spark that we know. You could hopefully just cut his head off and put him in a new body. I'd hope so at least.
My wow moment was the ending, it was what Ten wrote on the floor. I had to pause for that one.
As happy as I am to see ratchet and drift, they are kind of standing in front of Kaon and Helex who magically disappear once they show up...
My wow moment was the ending, it was what Ten wrote on the floor. I had to pause for that one.
As happy as I am to see ratchet and drift, they are kind of standing in front of Kaon and Helex who magically disappear once they show up...
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776492)
Posted by Randomhero on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:43am CDT
I can totally tell when you have a copy too. Once the full preview is posted, you go quiet and don't contribute to the discussions much or at all. Which I respect, I don't think I could hold myself back
Posted by Randomhero on March 30th, 2016 @ 8:43am CDT
Dr Va'al wrote:Randomhero wrote:And I totally respect yours and Scottys thoughts. As I said I did enjoy this book. And I think for past couple reviews you guys can tell that if I have a problem, unlike some people, I will explain very thoroughly why I have a problem and am totally willing to hear anyone defense on it.
Great review by the way as always. Sorry I didn't say that early
I never look for the compliments, no need to apologise! I enjoy the chats we're allowed to have in these forums once comics come out. Sitting on the review copy since the previous Friday is hard, as it's usually me, ScottyP and one other person's thoughts we keep bouncing around.
So thank you for taking the time to type out thoughts longform, it is much appreciated, and makes the comics work on the site all the more worth it.
I had three moments, at least, on my third read, that still made me feel things. That has not happened in a while with this book (last time was Pipes, Chromedome, Rewind, Overlord issues, or maybe Ratchet's goodbyes), and I think it fully deserved me recognising those moments.
I can totally tell when you have a copy too. Once the full preview is posted, you go quiet and don't contribute to the discussions much or at all. Which I respect, I don't think I could hold myself back
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776495)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 30th, 2016 @ 9:27am CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 30th, 2016 @ 9:27am CDT
The last page was definitely a hell yeah moment for me. And Ten's personification in this book was very excellent and I really enjoyed it. And the deal with the transport chamber was well handled, though I had hoped at least 1 character would have gone through.
Overall, my thoughts mirror Va'al's and Scotty's. This was a very solid issue and the arc is living up to its potential and its hype. They are channeling all the critical reception from the past year and have made something very worthwhile with this. Now we have the wait to see what happens next.
And I would say there were about 3 big moments for me too, things I did not see coming or things that really just touched me. I'll wait for spoilers reasons.
Overall, my thoughts mirror Va'al's and Scotty's. This was a very solid issue and the arc is living up to its potential and its hype. They are channeling all the critical reception from the past year and have made something very worthwhile with this. Now we have the wait to see what happens next.
And I would say there were about 3 big moments for me too, things I did not see coming or things that really just touched me. I'll wait for spoilers reasons.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776500)
Posted by DarkEnergon on March 30th, 2016 @ 10:07am CDT
Posted by DarkEnergon on March 30th, 2016 @ 10:07am CDT
It both satisfied and frustrated. I had to do an immediate reread, and didn't understand ten's drawing til I came here 
For every resolution we get, four more questions!
For every resolution we get, four more questions!
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776517)
Posted by sabrigami on March 30th, 2016 @ 10:42am CDT
Posted by sabrigami on March 30th, 2016 @ 10:42am CDT
Was going to wait and read this arc in one go. But The review made it sound good and I have no willpower. So here I am...
Things are lining up great. I liked this and the last issue a lot. All my faves are in one place having great moments so I can't complain. I have been very lukewarm about this season thus far. It finally feels like things are picking up and getting back to the basics again.
Poor Ten...while I have to give Ravage credit for being a quick thinker, I was cringing at the abuse the poor guy it taking. I hope he makes it and gets a little more respect and praise after this is over. I'm also glad to see the odd couple again! Not sure if I'm feeling Drift's new design though. I liked the old one better.
I liked this issue but I didn't love it. It's hard for me to want to get to deeply into this yet because I know this is only a small part. It was a good taste. I hope the main course is just as good
Things are lining up great. I liked this and the last issue a lot. All my faves are in one place having great moments so I can't complain. I have been very lukewarm about this season thus far. It finally feels like things are picking up and getting back to the basics again.
Poor Ten...while I have to give Ravage credit for being a quick thinker, I was cringing at the abuse the poor guy it taking. I hope he makes it and gets a little more respect and praise after this is over. I'm also glad to see the odd couple again! Not sure if I'm feeling Drift's new design though. I liked the old one better.
I liked this issue but I didn't love it. It's hard for me to want to get to deeply into this yet because I know this is only a small part. It was a good taste. I hope the main course is just as good
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776522)
Posted by ScottyP on March 30th, 2016 @ 11:12am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on March 30th, 2016 @ 11:12am CDT
Aww, y'all talking bout me in here. 
I'll be on to chat more later, busy day at work. But yeah, I thought this one rocked the house.
And that last page, sure it wasn't the biggest shock but it was so full of hope and awesome. Great moment.
I'll be on to chat more later, busy day at work. But yeah, I thought this one rocked the house.
And that last page, sure it wasn't the biggest shock but it was so full of hope and awesome. Great moment.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776555)
Posted by 1984forever on March 30th, 2016 @ 2:00pm CDT
a guy on a toy forum telling me to grow up.
I'm one of those people who hate the comics, movies etc but will still read and watch them. I was one of those kids who had their relatives search stores and face down Black Friday style mobs before there was a Black Friday for the original Transformers. People like me made Transformers into a worldwide phenomenon and I feel entitled!
Posted by 1984forever on March 30th, 2016 @ 2:00pm CDT
Randomhero wrote:1984forever wrote:If I had to spend money to read MTMTE #51 I would feel ripped off right now. A good portion of the story was wasted debating on what to do with the Necrobot's meat locker. The most disturbing part of the book was not Milne's decision to continue drawing Rodimus as a fembot, but Roberts putting in a letters page so people could heap praises upon his fanfic and talk about how it saved their life
Again for someone who does nothing but complain about how much they don't like IDW, you sure do read the books and know all about them and their continuity extensively.
Here's a suggestion, don't read them. They're not for you. Move on to another media. Grow up.
a guy on a toy forum telling me to grow up.I'm one of those people who hate the comics, movies etc but will still read and watch them. I was one of those kids who had their relatives search stores and face down Black Friday style mobs before there was a Black Friday for the original Transformers. People like me made Transformers into a worldwide phenomenon and I feel entitled!
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776556)
Posted by Va'al on March 30th, 2016 @ 2:08pm CDT
Welcome back!
Posted by Va'al on March 30th, 2016 @ 2:08pm CDT
sabrigami wrote:Was going to wait and read this arc in one go. But The review made it sound good and I have no willpower. So here I am...
Welcome back!
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776616)
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 30th, 2016 @ 9:21pm CDT
It was a knee jerk reaction made literally within 5 minutes of reading the book.
It didn't last.
That's not to say I wasn't disappointed, just that my disappointment lies with my own expectations, and not with the book itself. It was a good book, and I enjoyed it. I feel like I got my moneys worth, and at the end of the day, that is what counts.
Now, to explain my expectations, we have to note 4 things first. The 4 things that really underline my issues with the story direction. They are:
Rodimus
Ultra Magnus
Cyclonus
Whirl
Now, the DJD is no joke, especially with Deathsaurus' army behind them. Are hero's are right to fear for their lives, but not to the extend that they just accept death as a foregone conclusion. The 4 listed lost lighters are no JV team members. Frankly, the Decepticons should be just as scared.
Rodimus and Magnus are members of high command. Not to mention, two of the Autobots best warriors. Cyclonus stood side by side with Galvatron and Nova Prime. Whirl is a psychotic death bringer. For God's sake, Whirl and Cyclones took on an army of legislators by themselves. They should be preparing to die in a blaze of glory, not in Hopeless defeat. The further the book went on, the further from fighting back the went, and that was the source of my disapointment.
I also was hoping for some follow up from the Lost Light mutiny. I want more details from that storyline. Are Preceptor and Thunderclash in on it? Are all of these Autobots actually okay with abandoning their comrades to certain death? Oh dear, sweet, underused Blaster, how could you?
My other big non-issue issue was with Megatron, but I'll adtess that one in my Megatron thread, later.
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 30th, 2016 @ 9:21pm CDT
Dr Va'al wrote:Ironhidensh wrote:Well, that was an increasingly disapointing issue.
How so? I'm intrigued.
It was a knee jerk reaction made literally within 5 minutes of reading the book.
It didn't last.
That's not to say I wasn't disappointed, just that my disappointment lies with my own expectations, and not with the book itself. It was a good book, and I enjoyed it. I feel like I got my moneys worth, and at the end of the day, that is what counts.
Now, to explain my expectations, we have to note 4 things first. The 4 things that really underline my issues with the story direction. They are:
Rodimus
Ultra Magnus
Cyclonus
Whirl
Now, the DJD is no joke, especially with Deathsaurus' army behind them. Are hero's are right to fear for their lives, but not to the extend that they just accept death as a foregone conclusion. The 4 listed lost lighters are no JV team members. Frankly, the Decepticons should be just as scared.
Rodimus and Magnus are members of high command. Not to mention, two of the Autobots best warriors. Cyclonus stood side by side with Galvatron and Nova Prime. Whirl is a psychotic death bringer. For God's sake, Whirl and Cyclones took on an army of legislators by themselves. They should be preparing to die in a blaze of glory, not in Hopeless defeat. The further the book went on, the further from fighting back the went, and that was the source of my disapointment.
I also was hoping for some follow up from the Lost Light mutiny. I want more details from that storyline. Are Preceptor and Thunderclash in on it? Are all of these Autobots actually okay with abandoning their comrades to certain death? Oh dear, sweet, underused Blaster, how could you?
My other big non-issue issue was with Megatron, but I'll adtess that one in my Megatron thread, later.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776617)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 30th, 2016 @ 9:29pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 30th, 2016 @ 9:29pm CDT
Care to share the thread link for your Megatron thread Iron? And is there a general MTMTE thread somewhere? I feel like there is and should be one
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776620)
Posted by ScottyP on March 30th, 2016 @ 9:44pm CDT
This run of issues 50-55 is going to be a call back to arcs like Remain in Light and many of the Furman IDW stories. That is, this one's built for the trade first as it relates to resolving certain things, so might be a month or even four before some of what you're hoping for comes out.
If you have a thematic thread such as Ironhidensh's Megatron thread, or my wacky didn't-come-true-at-least-not-yet "Issue 50 stories" thread, then by all means have at it!
Posted by ScottyP on March 30th, 2016 @ 9:44pm CDT
I understand your points, I really do. It can be patience-trying to want to see plot points resolved and have to wait for longer than you feel is necessary.Ironhidensh wrote:Lots of stuff, snipped to not make quote annoyingly long.
Rodimus and Magnus are members of high command. Not to mention, two of the Autobots best warriors. Cyclonus stood side by side with Galvatron and Nova Prime. Whirl is a psychotic death bringer. For God's sake, Whirl and Cyclones took on an army of legislators by themselves. They should be preparing to die in a blaze of glory, not in Hopeless defeat. The further the book went on, the further from fighting back the went, and that was the source of my disapointment.
I also was hoping for some follow up from the Lost Light mutiny. I want more details from that storyline. Are Preceptor and Thunderclash in on it? Are all of these Autobots actually okay with abandoning their comrades to certain death? Oh dear, sweet, underused Blaster, how could you?
This run of issues 50-55 is going to be a call back to arcs like Remain in Light and many of the Furman IDW stories. That is, this one's built for the trade first as it relates to resolving certain things, so might be a month or even four before some of what you're hoping for comes out.
The comics forum has done just fine with single issue threads. No need for the megathread concept. We can discuss more in staff email if you'd like, of courseD-Maximus_Primal wrote:And is there a general MTMTE thread somewhere? I feel like there is and should be one
If you have a thematic thread such as Ironhidensh's Megatron thread, or my wacky didn't-come-true-at-least-not-yet "Issue 50 stories" thread, then by all means have at it!
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776621)
Posted by MrBlack on March 30th, 2016 @ 9:46pm CDT
In all fairness, the DJD are no joke. We already know that they're capable of taking out everyone on the Lost Light, including Whirl, Cyclonus, and Ultra Magnus, without much in the way of difficulty. All three are probably well aware at this point of what they're facing, from both the incident with the quantum duplicate Lost Light and the history of the DJD.
I'd like to know more about the mutinous Lost Light crew, but the story right now is the cast abandoned on the Necrobot's planet. Give Roberts time and I'm sure he'll reach that story, the same way he did with Brainstorm's motivations to become a double-agent (something which, at the time, I was upset that he didn't address during the main Elegant Chaos event).
Posted by MrBlack on March 30th, 2016 @ 9:46pm CDT
Ironhidensh wrote:Dr Va'al wrote:Ironhidensh wrote:Well, that was an increasingly disapointing issue.
How so? I'm intrigued.
It was a knee jerk reaction made literally within 5 minutes of reading the book.
It didn't last.
That's not to say I wasn't disappointed, just that my disappointment lies with my own expectations, and not with the book itself. It was a good book, and I enjoyed it. I feel like I got my moneys worth, and at the end of the day, that is what counts.
Now, to explain my expectations, we have to note 4 things first. The 4 things that really underline my issues with the story direction. They are:
Rodimus
Ultra Magnus
Cyclonus
Whirl
Now, the DJD is no joke, especially with Deathsaurus' army behind them. Are hero's are right to fear for their lives, but not to the extend that they just accept death as a foregone conclusion. The 4 listed lost lighters are no JV team members. Frankly, the Decepticons should be just as scared.
Rodimus and Magnus are members of high command. Not to mention, two of the Autobots best warriors. Cyclonus stood side by side with Galvatron and Nova Prime. Whirl is a psychotic death bringer. For God's sake, Whirl and Cyclones took on an army of legislators by themselves. They should be preparing to die in a blaze of glory, not in Hopeless defeat. The further the book went on, the further from fighting back the went, and that was the source of my disapointment.
I also was hoping for some follow up from the Lost Light mutiny. I want more details from that storyline. Are Preceptor and Thunderclash in on it? Are all of these Autobots actually okay with abandoning their comrades to certain death? Oh dear, sweet, underused Blaster, how could you?
My other big non-issue issue was with Megatron, but I'll adtess that one in my Megatron thread, later.
In all fairness, the DJD are no joke. We already know that they're capable of taking out everyone on the Lost Light, including Whirl, Cyclonus, and Ultra Magnus, without much in the way of difficulty. All three are probably well aware at this point of what they're facing, from both the incident with the quantum duplicate Lost Light and the history of the DJD.
I'd like to know more about the mutinous Lost Light crew, but the story right now is the cast abandoned on the Necrobot's planet. Give Roberts time and I'm sure he'll reach that story, the same way he did with Brainstorm's motivations to become a double-agent (something which, at the time, I was upset that he didn't address during the main Elegant Chaos event).
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776636)
Posted by DarkEnergon on March 30th, 2016 @ 11:49pm CDT
Posted by DarkEnergon on March 30th, 2016 @ 11:49pm CDT
Question 1: Are they aware they can (probably) teleport and escape?
Answered? YES
Question 2: Why did they make those "what to do with my remains" videos?
Answered? NO
Question 3: Who is Tarn?
Answered? NO
Question 4: Will our heroes get away?
Answered? NO
Question 5: What will happen to Megatron?
Answered? NO
Question 6: Do the other 'nice' autobots on the Lost Light really know what they have done?
Answered? NO
(Unasked) Question 7: Where are Drift and Ratchet?
Answered? YES
NEW Question 8: What are those organics?
Answered? NO
NEW Question 9: Will DJD go all "Lost Light Crazy" when they see Drift and make his dramatic return very short-lived?
NEW Question 10: What will Ravage do?
NEW Question 11: What are our heroes going to do with a strong force field?
NEW Question 12: Why can't our heroes use the flowers to add more power to the teleporter and GTFO with the organics?
NEW Question 13: Why wouldn't maybe just one of the autobots teleport and radio for help?
Answered? YES
Question 2: Why did they make those "what to do with my remains" videos?
Answered? NO
Question 3: Who is Tarn?
Answered? NO
Question 4: Will our heroes get away?
Answered? NO
Question 5: What will happen to Megatron?
Answered? NO
Question 6: Do the other 'nice' autobots on the Lost Light really know what they have done?
Answered? NO
(Unasked) Question 7: Where are Drift and Ratchet?
Answered? YES
NEW Question 8: What are those organics?
Answered? NO
NEW Question 9: Will DJD go all "Lost Light Crazy" when they see Drift and make his dramatic return very short-lived?
NEW Question 10: What will Ravage do?
NEW Question 11: What are our heroes going to do with a strong force field?
NEW Question 12: Why can't our heroes use the flowers to add more power to the teleporter and GTFO with the organics?
NEW Question 13: Why wouldn't maybe just one of the autobots teleport and radio for help?
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776638)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 30th, 2016 @ 11:54pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 30th, 2016 @ 11:54pm CDT
Question 12: they won't teleport since the organic pods cannot fit in the teleporter. That is why they will not leave. Now question 13 is a whole new animal that begs an answer cause that is strange not one would try to leave to radio for help
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776655)
Posted by Va'al on March 31st, 2016 @ 2:14am CDT
Posted by Va'al on March 31st, 2016 @ 2:14am CDT
Question 9 is a very good one indeed: the former highest traitor on the list, or the new highest traitor on the list?
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776688)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 31st, 2016 @ 8:45am CDT
I would think no matter what, Megatron is the top goal. Drift will just be considered a side dish to killing and torturing Megatron
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 31st, 2016 @ 8:45am CDT
Dr Va'al wrote:Question 9 is a very good one indeed: the former highest traitor on the list, or the new highest traitor on the list?
I would think no matter what, Megatron is the top goal. Drift will just be considered a side dish to killing and torturing Megatron
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776810)
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 31st, 2016 @ 5:21pm CDT
www.seibertron.com/energonpub/we-need-t ... p#p1776673
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 31st, 2016 @ 5:21pm CDT
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Care to share the thread link for your Megatron thread Iron? And is there a general MTMTE thread somewhere? I feel like there is and should be one
www.seibertron.com/energonpub/we-need-t ... p#p1776673
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776889)
Posted by Va'al on April 1st, 2016 @ 5:15am CDT
Posted by Va'al on April 1st, 2016 @ 5:15am CDT
From Alex Milne: IDW Lugnut!
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1776897)
Posted by Ironhidensh on April 1st, 2016 @ 6:34am CDT
Posted by Ironhidensh on April 1st, 2016 @ 6:34am CDT
I likey.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1777004)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 1st, 2016 @ 1:10pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 1st, 2016 @ 1:10pm CDT
I really likey. Lugnut! Glorious!!!
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1777273)
Posted by Va'al on April 2nd, 2016 @ 12:05pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on April 2nd, 2016 @ 12:05pm CDT
Days have passed.
My favourite panel from this issue, a testament to layout and colouring synergy.
My favourite panel from this issue, a testament to layout and colouring synergy.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1777300)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 2nd, 2016 @ 2:41pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 2nd, 2016 @ 2:41pm CDT
It was an awesome image. I honestly never pegged that one as your favorite, but I can see why.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1777415)
Posted by Ironhidensh on April 2nd, 2016 @ 9:46pm CDT
Posted by Ironhidensh on April 2nd, 2016 @ 9:46pm CDT
My favorite is where Rodimus lays his hand on Megatron's sigil. One image, a thousand words.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1777425)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 2nd, 2016 @ 10:55pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 2nd, 2016 @ 10:55pm CDT
the panel with Ten's drawing of Trailcutter with the flowers and generator stuck with me. that was a powerful image
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1777510)
Posted by Crosscheck on April 3rd, 2016 @ 2:37am CDT
Posted by Crosscheck on April 3rd, 2016 @ 2:37am CDT
Every image of Megatron on the scooter makes me want to yell "Scooty-Puff Jr. SUCKS!"
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1777533)
Posted by Va'al on April 3rd, 2016 @ 6:00am CDT
Posted by Va'al on April 3rd, 2016 @ 6:00am CDT
Let's show and tell, shall we?
Ironhidensh wrote:My favorite is where Rodimus lays his hand on Megatron's sigil. One image, a thousand words.
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:the panel with Ten's drawing of Trailcutter with the flowers and generator stuck with me. that was a powerful image
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1777663)
Posted by Va'al on April 3rd, 2016 @ 3:12pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on April 3rd, 2016 @ 3:12pm CDT
Let's talk final pages and redesigns, too.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1777711)
Posted by Ironhidensh on April 3rd, 2016 @ 6:05pm CDT
Posted by Ironhidensh on April 3rd, 2016 @ 6:05pm CDT
Drift gonna whip some mechanical ass.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1777738)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 3rd, 2016 @ 7:06pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 3rd, 2016 @ 7:06pm CDT
Thanks for sharing the images we described Va'al. Appreciate it! 
Now as for the redesigns: That is my favorite IDW Drift design to date. That is an awesome look, with some nice black thrown in there and a little more beef to his lower legs. Yet he also looks sleek and powerful. Plus, as confirmed by Roberts/Milne on twitter, The face paint is meant to pay respect to Dai Atlas as Drift now knows he has passed.
Ratchet: A little beefy for my taste, but still awesome. I love the new Prime inspired head, and Milne also said Prime was his favorite Ratchet, so I see that clearly here.
Overall, I am very happy with both new designs. I was actually about to share them as I had just found them on Twitter
Now as for the redesigns: That is my favorite IDW Drift design to date. That is an awesome look, with some nice black thrown in there and a little more beef to his lower legs. Yet he also looks sleek and powerful. Plus, as confirmed by Roberts/Milne on twitter, The face paint is meant to pay respect to Dai Atlas as Drift now knows he has passed.
Ratchet: A little beefy for my taste, but still awesome. I love the new Prime inspired head, and Milne also said Prime was his favorite Ratchet, so I see that clearly here.
Overall, I am very happy with both new designs. I was actually about to share them as I had just found them on Twitter
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1778127)
Posted by snavej on April 5th, 2016 @ 8:04am CDT
Posted by snavej on April 5th, 2016 @ 8:04am CDT
The DJD members depend on a special secret energy source to maintain their strength. Megatron knows all about that source. He probably knows how to counteract it. He might also be able to turn it against the DJD and their allies, e.g. in a powerful explosion.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1778128)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 5th, 2016 @ 8:36am CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 5th, 2016 @ 8:36am CDT
I thought of something last night. I got the MTMTE Volume 8 and was reading and Skids talked about, in issue 44 the Necrobot issue, "rage, rage against the dying of the light." I wonder if that has anything to do with this arc considering some of the parallels from that issue to this issue, such as Censere commenting on how he found a "shell of a planet" and it turns out this planet is actually hollow as found out last issue. Some funky stuff going one here
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1778130)
Posted by snavej on April 5th, 2016 @ 8:42am CDT
Posted by snavej on April 5th, 2016 @ 8:42am CDT
A hollow planet is very unlikely. [Crazy hollow Earth theory, anyone?!] It would collapse under its own gravity, unless there was something really powerful maintaining its shape, e.g. gigantic antigravity generators or some kind of god being.
'It happened'? OK, but there should be an explanation. Otherwise, it is basically a fairy story.
'It happened'? OK, but there should be an explanation. Otherwise, it is basically a fairy story.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1778138)
Posted by Ironhidensh on April 5th, 2016 @ 9:13am CDT
Posted by Ironhidensh on April 5th, 2016 @ 9:13am CDT
Actually, I believe it was stated that Tarn didn't tell Megatron, as he was out of contact when Tarn discovered it.
Re: IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Review (1778142)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 5th, 2016 @ 9:33am CDT
But last issue they did teleport inside the planet, so it is hollow. They even say that there are thousands of miles of open space on either side before solid matter, forming a sphere around them, and then they teleport to the surface, and boom there they are. So the planet is hollow and there is some other stuff and hints going on. The "Dying of the light" quote by Skids may have just been a foreshadow to the events of this arc though, but still cool
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 5th, 2016 @ 9:33am CDT
snavej wrote:A hollow planet is very unlikely. [Crazy hollow Earth theory, anyone?!] It would collapse under its own gravity, unless there was something really powerful maintaining its shape, e.g. gigantic antigravity generators or some kind of god being.
But last issue they did teleport inside the planet, so it is hollow. They even say that there are thousands of miles of open space on either side before solid matter, forming a sphere around them, and then they teleport to the surface, and boom there they are. So the planet is hollow and there is some other stuff and hints going on. The "Dying of the light" quote by Skids may have just been a foreshadow to the events of this arc though, but still cool
