IDW Transformers: Revolution: More Than Meets The Eye Review
Wednesday, December 7th, 2016 5:52PM CST
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews, Site ArticlesPosted by: ScottyP Views: 66,693
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A Review of Revolution: Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye
Story
Spoiler-heavy, but only with fake spoilers
Me Grimlock say this not happen in these stapled picture squares!
Let's get one thing straight right off the bat when it comes to this final Revolution tie-in one-shot: it's of extreme importance to both the Transformers as well as the shared Hasbro universe being created by IDW. There are stakes, meaningful actions with meaningful consequences, and more snooker references than you can fit in your pocket.
Now that the forewarnings have been tabled, let's take a quick snapshot of where our heroes are at the start of this issue. They are all probably, definitely, almost irrevocably dead, and definitely not coming back next week in a new issue number one. Definitely not.
With Prowl hanging out with Cerebros, Fortress Maximus, and Red Alert, that leaves the Scavengers to pick up the plot and go to Earth. Crankcase is getting set to meet up with an online chat room friend, and the Energon Goodies are chalked and ready.
What they find waiting for them ends up being more than they bargained for, closing back in on a plot from the Furman-era of IDW that was long thought to be over, finished. Right on cue, things ricochet in completely unanticipated ways.
It can't be understated how significant the main reveal of this Revolution edition of More Than Meets The Eye is. Not only does it bring back a popular but fearsome character, it neatly ties together every aspect of the crossover, closing up plot-holes and nicely calling its shot for the last ball that clears the rack and readies this universe for what's to come.
There are more amazingly well placed references to other franchises than you can shake a stick at, with immediate fan favorite G.I. Joe character MP3 being assigned one of the most famous and ubiquitous of Action Force gadgets. It's moments like this one that show how well studied both authors, Nick Roche and James Roberts, are when it comes to the franchises involved in this incredibly well received event series.
One of my college buddies claims to have invented the slang "obvs". To date, he has not been proven wrong since I cannot go back in time to see who else may have said it first.
The tremendous pacing of the issue allows the story time to work, with the scope of events being illustrated effectively in a way that brings some genuine emotion. For the people of Earth, things may never be the same again, especially since this is the first time any city in the United States has ever been destroyed in any way in the IDW Transformers fiction.
Just when things can't seem to get any worse, the power of the crossover comes full force. The organic yet infinitely complex details of the years long build to Revolution pay off in a big way, and in one masterstroke of plotting, the entire purpose of this three month long, 13 issue event becomes as clear as the right angle for a corner shot.
On a lighter note, Alex Milne's art is crisp throughout, with panels like the one below this paragraph conveying a fantastic sense of motion. This is not the only example of the dynamic framing and posing that takes place, and Joana Lafuente's colors help define the settings in distinctive ways. Chris Mowry handles the letters for this book, and has not only done well, but really really well in one particular instance dealing with a dire wraith. Full credits and images of all the covers are available at this link for the book in our Comics Series Resources.
There's a reason this writing team is held in such high regard, and this issue again makes it clear exactly why that is. They'll always be held to the gold standard of their own creation, but will they ever come close to capturing that magic again?
I think they did, and they may have even surpassed their past achievements. We won't soon forget this one. Hold on to your butts and call your loved ones - Transformers, nay, comics themselves just changed forever.
(Actual review: this issue is a fantastic work of comic relief that manages to move along one major Transformers character's story line in a meaningful way. Be prepared going in to have a good time and you certainly will. Readers should also know that this issue stands alone in a way where no prior reading of other Revolution books is required. The paragraph about the art above is genuine, it's really good. 5 out of 5 is also the real score.)
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Posted by Kurona on December 7th, 2016 @ 6:06pm CST
Revolution was worth it for this.
Posted by ricemazter on December 8th, 2016 @ 3:11am CST
On a positive note, this is one of those times where Robert's meta narratives really work. Unlike the last time with "swearth," the fact that this was a one shot means we aren't missing out on progress while the writer, for lack of a better word, vents. That sounded a lot more negative than I wanted it to.
Posted by MrBlack on December 8th, 2016 @ 9:14am CST
ricemazter wrote:I really liked this issue, only one of the Revolution series I've read, but there was one tiny sour point. I was kinda disappointed at the end when they left poor mp3 by himself, really surprised fulcrum has had any contact with humans.
On a positive note, this is one of those times where Robert's meta narratives really work. Unlike the last time with "swearth," the fact that this was a one shot means we aren't missing out on progress while the writer, for lack of a better word, vents. That sounded a lot more negative than I wanted it to.
In defense of the Swearth issue, we did get a fair bit of character development out of Swerve, Cyclonus, and Megatron in that issue, which was more than we got out of the Thunderclash funeral two-parter, which is my personal low water mark for the series.
As for this, I think a gag issue was the perfect way for MTMTE to deal with the Revolution crossover. It's the perfect epilogue to the whole event.
Posted by Big Grim on December 8th, 2016 @ 9:34am CST
MrBlack wrote:which was more than we got out of the Thunderclash funeral two-parter, which is my personal low water mark for the series.
Aw. I liked that one. It was cool seeing Skids and Nautica (sp?) dancing and chatting, Nightbeat being a cocky detective and then the aliens being beaten by an overdose of charisma for the combined power of Rodimus and Megatron. It was fun.
Posted by Kurona on December 8th, 2016 @ 10:17am CST
... unless we're, ah, counting Dark Cybertron. If we are that's... that's easily the worst part. No question.
Posted by MrBlack on December 8th, 2016 @ 11:41am CST
Big Grim wrote:MrBlack wrote:which was more than we got out of the Thunderclash funeral two-parter, which is my personal low water mark for the series.
Aw. I liked that one. It was cool seeing Skids and Nautica (sp?) dancing and chatting, Nightbeat being a cocky detective and then the aliens being beaten by an overdose of charisma for the combined power of Rodimus and Megatron. It was fun.
It wasn't bad, it just felt like it should have been a single issue story rather than two. I thought the Swearth story did the contrived pop culture story better.
Kurona wrote:MTMTE is one of the few fictional series I really can't pinpoint a story arc or character I didn't like. If you asked me who my least favourite character was I'd say Velocity, but only because we haven't seen that much of her compared to the other characters - I still love her!
... unless we're, ah, counting Dark Cybertron. If we are that's... that's easily the worst part. No question.
I really enjoyed the second half of Dark Cybertron, but the first half really dragged.
Posted by Big Grim on December 8th, 2016 @ 12:39pm CST
MrBlack wrote:It wasn't bad, it just felt like it should have been a single issue story rather than two. I thought the Swearth story did the contrived pop culture story better.
A fair enough assessment!
Posted by no-one on December 8th, 2016 @ 1:31pm CST
Your ass just got sacked
Anyway, I'm excited to get to the revolution. I've recently had the chance to get mostly caught up with the current comics and they've gotten very interesting and I can't wait for more
Posted by Hydrargyrus on December 8th, 2016 @ 2:34pm CST
Kurona wrote:... unless we're, ah, counting Dark Cybertron. If we are that's... that's easily the worst part. No question.
No wonder...
That turns out to be the first and only IDW G1 story arc I've read (I kind of got back into Transformers around Thrilling 30). I finished it and decided IDW wasn't for me. Then I read all this great stuff and researched the story lines, and the only thing I really dislike is Optimus' fall from grace (I do like Megatron's rise, though. It somehow feels right). Now, I read this and it all makes sense. I have terrible timing.
Posted by Kurona on December 8th, 2016 @ 2:40pm CST
MagicDeath wrote:Kurona wrote:... unless we're, ah, counting Dark Cybertron. If we are that's... that's easily the worst part. No question.
No wonder...
That turns out to be the first and only IDW G1 story arc I've read (I kind of got back into Transformers around Thrilling 30). I finished it and decided IDW wasn't for me. Then I read all this great stuff and researched the story lines, and the only thing I really dislike is Optimus' fall from grace (I do like Megatron's rise, though. It somehow feels right). Now, I read this and it all makes sense. I have terrible timing.
Heh, yeah - I know what you mean. General rule of thumb is that Modern IDW is great but it just can't do crossovers. There's a noticeable dip in quality with Dark Cybertron, Combiner Wars and ESPECIALLY Revolution. Titans Return sort of turned out fine for me, though. I dunno, kinda liked it.
Thankfully Dark Cybertron and Titans Return are the only crossovers MTMTE is involved in (aside from this Revolution one-shot which just features a different group of characters from the main cast). MTMTE is the one people praise the most (and is the one that has Megatron; the other ongoing has Optimus) so if Optimus and the crossovers are what bothers you... MTMTE has neither of those barring Dark Cybertron. Totally give it a shot.
Posted by ebonyleopard on December 8th, 2016 @ 6:05pm CST
Posted by ScottyP on December 8th, 2016 @ 8:35pm CST
I was between that thumbnail and asking the timeless question of "Who wants a body massage?" (Also yay, finally someone got it )carytheone wrote:I always enjoy your writing Scotty, but this was the best part of the review...
Your ass just got sacked
Anyway, I'm excited to get to the revolution. I've recently had the chance to get mostly caught up with the current comics and they've gotten very interesting and I can't wait for more
Revolution is much better if you know all of the lead in material. Problem is, that's still not enough for ROM to be much more than he is, Action Man is barely in the event, and some of the least developed characters (MASK) show up a great deal. I still can't recommend Micronauts enough though. Issue 7's been the only 'eh' one so far, and that comes in right after Rev (or close to it.)
Posted by Kurona on December 8th, 2016 @ 9:00pm CST
ScottyP wrote:I was between that thumbnail and asking the timeless question of "Who wants a body massage?" (Also yay, finally someone got it )carytheone wrote:I always enjoy your writing Scotty, but this was the best part of the review...
Your ass just got sacked
Anyway, I'm excited to get to the revolution. I've recently had the chance to get mostly caught up with the current comics and they've gotten very interesting and I can't wait for more
Revolution is much better if you know all of the lead in material. Problem is, that's still not enough for ROM to be much more than he is, Action Man is barely in the event, and some of the least developed characters (MASK) show up a great deal. I still can't recommend Micronauts enough though. Issue 7's been the only 'eh' one so far, and that comes in right after Rev (or close to it.)
The thing is, a comic arc - especially one like this that exists partly to promote these comics and get people into them - should be able to stand alone without any pre-existing context. If your story absolutely requires you go through a reading list of previous material as if you're preparing for an exam, it's not a strong story.
And even then I went into it having read most of IDW's Transformers and understanding most of it; as well as all of Action Man, ROM and Micronauts. And since this is also MASK's debut the only context I hadn't read for it was G.I. Joe. And I still felt it was absolutely terrible. The only difference is that if I hadn't read the previous comics I would have no idea what was going on; but now I have I know exactly why it's bad and it feels frustrating that they've all dropped a level of quality. I understand where you're coming from, but I don't agree with "it's better if you've read the other stuff" as to me this is still the absolute low point (even below AHM) of IDW's Transformers.
Posted by ScottyP on December 8th, 2016 @ 10:09pm CST
Keep in mind I'm not saying it makes it good all around, but knowing a bit about the character of Action Man (as one example) adds some enjoyment to his one-shot. Why is he doing this? Because he can. It's a cool thing to do this evening. And that's so him. Plus Salmons in one panel bitching about not being in the crossover? Also a small, fun detail that enhances the series - but yeah, agreed I guess that it doesn't fix its problems.Kurona wrote: I understand where you're coming from, but I don't agree with "it's better if you've read the other stuff" as to me this is still the absolute low point (even below AHM) of IDW's Transformers.
Posted by Kurona on December 8th, 2016 @ 10:32pm CST
ScottyP wrote:Keep in mind I'm not saying it makes it good all around, but knowing a bit about the character of Action Man (as one example) adds some enjoyment to his one-shot. Why is he doing this? Because he can. It's a cool thing to do this evening. And that's so him. Plus Salmons in one panel bitching about not being in the crossover? Also a small, fun detail that enhances the series - but yeah, agreed I guess that it doesn't fix its problems.Kurona wrote: I understand where you're coming from, but I don't agree with "it's better if you've read the other stuff" as to me this is still the absolute low point (even below AHM) of IDW's Transformers.
Oh the one-shots themselves are...almost all good in my opinion, I was just referring to the main series. But Transformers and TAAO were both great, G.I. Joe was... alright, Micronauts and Action Man were also cool and MTMTE couldn't be better if it tried.
I think that really pins down what was wrong with this event and why I have hope for Revolutionaries. All the one-shots (aside from MASK) showed the writers could really work well with a smaller group of characters in a simple, off-to-the-side story that did tie into the big event but was allowed to be it's own little thing. The main Revolution comic forced them to cram every single character and every single big plot point into a "THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT WORLD-SHATTERING EVENT EVER YOU MUST BE INVESTED" thing that currently plagues blockbuster movies and event comics. The one-shots are a good example of how the writers actually are good at their job and do love and respect the source material - at least to the extent to do well with it - as long as they aren't pidgeonholed into an event. That's the thing with IDW - went left to their own devices the writers for the most part can write incredible stories. It's just when a toyline tie-in from Hasbro forces them out of their comfort zone or when they try an event like Dark Cybertron or Revolution that's too big for their boots that things fall apart. And honestly, in their position, it's hard to imagine that going any differently. It's like asking an engineer to stop working on bridges for a few weeks to work in first-aid before going right back to their usual job.
Why do I keep writing essay-long posts about how the writers on Revolution are good but Revolution itself was not something they were prepared for
Posted by Kurona on December 8th, 2016 @ 11:56pm CST
Posted by 1984forever on December 10th, 2016 @ 10:50am CST
Posted by ScottyP on December 10th, 2016 @ 11:03am CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 11th, 2016 @ 10:46pm CST
Posted by Kurona on December 11th, 2016 @ 10:53pm CST
ScottyP wrote:Y'all know there were two writers on this one, right?
Whoops... I always default to thinking it's just Roberts when it's MTMTE and not a direct crossover. My mistake, sorry Roche ^^;
Posted by Kurona on December 14th, 2016 @ 4:52pm CST
... hhhhhhhhuh. Not sure how to feel about that one.
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 14th, 2016 @ 4:57pm CST
Kurona wrote:So in case anyone else was confused on where the heck Skywarp was in the latest issue after the G.I. Joe spinoff clearly showcased him at the end - I know I was confused - apparently he's going to be a part of the core cast in the next G.I. Joe comic.
... hhhhhhhhuh. Not sure how to feel about that one.
I don't like it.
Yeah, they set up that story, but come on, I have no interest in GI Joe, and I don't want Skywarp away from the Transformers comics
Posted by Kurona on December 14th, 2016 @ 5:05pm CST
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Kurona wrote:So in case anyone else was confused on where the heck Skywarp was in the latest issue after the G.I. Joe spinoff clearly showcased him at the end - I know I was confused - apparently he's going to be a part of the core cast in the next G.I. Joe comic.
... hhhhhhhhuh. Not sure how to feel about that one.
I don't like it.
Yeah, they set up that story, but come on, I have no interest in GI Joe, and I don't want Skywarp away from the Transformers comics
Same, honestly.
Plus, for G.I. Joe it means that they lose a bit of their identity due to having to share their comic with someone who is blatantly from the other main franchise. Sure there will doubtless be some minor crossing over in each of these comics now, but it should be like when Optimus met with the President in OP #1 and her defences included G.I. Joe vehicles - very subtle and just kind of there instead of being a main part.
Posted by Va'al on January 1st, 2017 @ 5:27am CST
Posted by Kurona on February 6th, 2017 @ 2:10pm CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on February 6th, 2017 @ 2:39pm CST
Kurona wrote:So... refresh my memory, did we ever find out what happened to Blitzwing? Or was his being disassembled while Mayhem practically twirls his moustache the last time we saw the dude?
Last time we saw him. As far as we know, he's still partially dismembered somewhere
Posted by Va'al on February 6th, 2017 @ 3:20pm CST
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Kurona wrote:So... refresh my memory, did we ever find out what happened to Blitzwing? Or was his being disassembled while Mayhem practically twirls his moustache the last time we saw the dude?
Last time we saw him. As far as we know, he's still partially dismembered somewhere
Argh, I need to catch up on MASK. May have an answer there - unless Scotty swoops in first!
Posted by Targetmaster Kup on February 6th, 2017 @ 3:46pm CST
Posted by WreckerJack on February 7th, 2017 @ 9:11am CST
Meanwhile in the Microspace, the evil Baron Karza searches for a magical ancient relic that is rumored to be ultimate power of all existence. His search leads him to the Transformers Universe! Baron Karza's plan is to attack the Transformers’ leader…OPTIMUS PRIME! How can he do this? He’s so tiny and the Autobots are so huge! Never underestimate his micro power of evil
Product Details
Age Range: 7 - 10 years
Grade Level: 2 - 5
Series: Revolution
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: IDW Publishing (October 24, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1631409875
ISBN-13: 978-1631409875
Posted by Nexus Knight on February 7th, 2017 @ 2:23pm CST
Remember Revolution, the crossover that often seemed like its purpose was to throw your childhood at you without care for story? Well, now you can buy this book to confusing the ever living daylights outta your kids! Now you and your family can sit around wondering, "what the hell did I just read?", together!
Posted by Va'al on February 7th, 2017 @ 2:25pm CST
Nexus Knight wrote:True product definition-
Remember Revolution, the crossover that often seemed like its purpose was to throw your childhood at you without care for story? Well, now you can buy this book to confusing the ever living daylights outta your kids! Now you and your family can sit around wondering, "what the hell did I just read?", together!
But it'll be cute and evil cute and angry cute in the process!
Posted by Kurona on February 7th, 2017 @ 3:04pm CST
Posted by Va'al on February 26th, 2017 @ 3:15pm CST
The long preamble is to introduce a pretty cool variant cover for M.A.S.K. #3, artist edition by Ron Joseph, featuring Dinobot Grimlock! Who does not appear in the issue. As the cover says. Check it out below nonetheless!
Posted by BumbleDouche on February 27th, 2017 @ 6:17am CST
Somebody call Magnus so he can punish IDW!
Posted by VanOscuro on February 27th, 2017 @ 4:12pm CST
Posted by Va'al on March 7th, 2017 @ 2:57am CST
Revolution: Heroes
Brandon Easton, Cullen Bunn, Chris Ryall, Christos Gage, Aubrey Sitterson, John Barber (w) • Tony Vargas, Chris Panda, Ron Joseph, Giannis Milonogiannis, Paolo Villanelli (a) • Brandon Peterson (c)
The Revolution spreads across the world of M.A.S.K., Micronauts, Rom, G.I. JOE, and Action Man! The origin of M.A.S.K.! The Micronauts make a HUGE discovery that will transform everything! The Dire Wraiths stalk a lone stranger! G.I. JOE is back, led by Scarlett and joining the fray! And, the U.K.’s top field agent tracks down the mystery of ORE-13! Collects the M.A.S.K., Micronauts, Rom, G.I. JOE, and Action Man Revolution One-Shots.
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 120 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-841-0
Bullet points:
IDW’S biggest event continues with this collection of heroes tales from REVOLUTION!
Posted by Va'al on March 7th, 2017 @ 2:58am CST
Revolution: Transformers—SPOTLIGHT
Mairghread Scott, James Roberts, John Barber, Nick Roche (w) • Andrew Griffith, Naoto Tsushima, Alex Milne, Corin Howell, Kotteri, Josh Burcham (a) • Marcelo Matere (c)
The Revolution continues in The Transformers! Thundercracker and Buster save the World! A White House under siege by Dire Wraiths! Windblade on Earth! And a date with destiny for Krok, Crankcase, Fulcrum, Spinister, and Misfire! Collects The Transformers, More Than Meets The Eye, and Till All Are One Revolution One-Shots plus the 2015 Holiday Special.
TPB • FC • $17.99 • 104 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-842-7
Bullet points:
Don’t miss the REVOLUTION. All TRANSFORMERS stories are collected here!
Posted by Kurona on March 7th, 2017 @ 4:06am CST
Posted by dragons on March 7th, 2017 @ 7:15am CST
Transformers crossover transformers, gijoe crossovers changes things up for time to time fan of action man and mask
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 7th, 2017 @ 6:37pm CST
Posted by Amelie on March 8th, 2017 @ 9:06am CST
Va'al wrote:[center][url=https://static.seibertron.com/images/comics/uploads/1488834590-reh1.jpg]
I'd love the Scarlett part of this cover as a poster.
Posted by Va'al on March 14th, 2017 @ 4:30am CDT
G.I. JOE #3
Aubrey Sitterson (w) • Giannis Milonogiannis (a) • Aaron Conley (c)
Roadblock and the Joe field team set out to free Inner Mongolia from the grip of the Dreadnoks and Crystal Ball's eldritch abilities, as Lady Jaye & Gung-Ho run up against a familiar enemy in Athens. Plus, a startling revelation about one of the Joe team's oldest, most revered members–one that changes absolutely everything!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
Spinning directly out of the events of IDW’s Revolution event!
It's the Crown Jewel of the Hasbro Universe, from the critically acclaimed creative team of Aubrey Sitterson and Giannis Milonogiannis!
Variant cover by Brandon Graham!
Posted by Va'al on March 14th, 2017 @ 4:36am CDT
M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand Annual #1
David A. Rodriguez (w) • Andrew Griffith (a & c)
The M.A.S.K and G.I. Joe teams are put to the ultimate test as they join forces in a desperate, world-spanning, quest to keep V.E.N.O.M from harnessing the power of a stolen meteorite before its strange power can be used to dominate the world!
FC • 48 pages • $7.99
Bullet points:
The Annual Offensive is here!
Re-imagining the original television pilot, “The Deathstone”, for the new comic book age!
The origin of Cliff Dagger revealed!
Posted by ScottyP on March 14th, 2017 @ 6:23am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on March 14th, 2017 @ 6:48am CDT
Posted by YoungPrime on March 14th, 2017 @ 8:12am CDT
-Heroic Autobots going out of their way to save stupid, ungrateful, humans.
-Decepticons with ongoing connection with humans become big dumb oafs who have turned a new leaf.
OR
-Sunstreaker, Ramjet, Dirge, Blitzwing, SkyWarp and now Astrotrain becoming some uninteresting human Tyrant or boring team of human's new pet weapon's plot, in order to...blah, blah, blah!
I get that it's Earth and you can't rule out humans completely but this was crap that put people off during Costa's era, making RID and MTMTE based on cybertron and outer space a breath of fresh air.
Now they're back on Earth and overdoing it with crossovers with human characters I couldn't care less about killing or picking apart popular Autobots and Decepticons characters I actually do like!
Posted by Kurona on March 14th, 2017 @ 8:22am CDT
And while I generally share the same view a lot of the time, I actually feel that RiD/Transformers/OP is handling things in a very interesting way since there are humans who are legitimately in favour of Optimus and the Autobots... and those that do have concerns mostly have them for very good reasons considering both AHM and the sort of person Optimus has become and is becoming.
The biggest problem has been just how forceful the Revolution event was, but I think OP has handled it in the best way so far - essentially just using G.I.Joe as a way to give some identity to the military that inevitably gets involved; and absorbing their own staple human characters (Talon, Spike etc.) into those G.I. Joe ranks along with a couple actually established Joes. It makes it feel less like a forced crossover and more just, "this is what our military interacting with Optimus is like now and you can find out more about them in their own book".
At least it doesn't feel the need to have Jetfire or Stormclash say "Look, guys! We've got the CROWN JEWEL OF THE HASBRO UNIVERSE incoming!"
Posted by Va'al on March 14th, 2017 @ 8:25am CDT
Kurona wrote:At least it doesn't feel the need to have Jetfire or Stormclash say "Look, guys! We've got the CROWN JEWEL OF THE HASBRO UNIVERSE incoming!"
Just you wait.
Posted by Sabrblade on March 14th, 2017 @ 9:11am CDT
Thankfully we have the IDW Hasbro Wiki to help out with that.Va'al wrote:We may not be offering full coverage of the Hasbro Universe over at IDW,
Posted by Amelie on March 14th, 2017 @ 9:55am CDT
Though I'm of a similar disposition when it comes to a lot of other comic books as well - once things become a cooking pot of several titles it just feels like any suspension of disbelief gets tossed out the window as a merry-go-round of heroes carousel around the story.