IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO

Wednesday, July 6th, 2016 11:50AM CDT

Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews, Site Articles
Posted by: Va'al Views: 31,429

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

Mobbing Along
(Spoiler free-ish)

Synopsis
PANIC ON THE STREETS OF CYBERTRON! As STARSCREAM’S secret police continue on their rampage, IRONHIDE is caught between the BADGLESS and a population looking for retribution!

Yyup

Story

We're back on Cybertron once more, as the second issue of the new Transformers: Till All Are One ongoing series from IDW Publishing hits the stands (be they digital or physical) - and there is little time lost since last month's issue, as the streets boil, the 'law' is questioned, and Starscream looks on, apprehensive.

In his own way

We had already seen Ironhide as being one of the major players in the first issue, but it feels like he's more of an instrument of the new orders trying to establish themselves than anything fully agent - though time will tell on this front. He is charismatic, and his dialogue works better now that emotion runs a little higher, too.

See? Charming

Who really gets the spotlight this time round though, are the Combaticons, with Onslaught and Blastoff in particular hogging all of the spotlight. Mairghread Scott has not only tapped into their 'original' writing, but has given them an extra spin in the new post-colonial, post-war, post-combiner, and the interactions all show their individual voices, in both clash and rapport.

Con-raderie?

While Starscream is a pleasure to read in this new take on his dry approach to life, the weariness and edge to his voice is palpable, and an interesting way to see where it might all go. Add that to the fact that Obsidian is obviously planning things with Elita One, and you got yourself the political intrigue we were (/I was) looking for. More thoughts below.

Art

In how many ways can one Starscream be depicted as bored, despondent, scheming and trying to feign superiority? Sara Pitre-Durocher manages quite a few, with a truly entertaining and impressive array of facial expressions. That, and some really effectively used cinematographic techniques in the more fraught discussion and scenes, create a palpable sense of underlying tension across the whole book - as there should well be.

Mob. Tense

Much like last issue, again, Priscilla Tramontano bring some clean, crisp colouring to the linework, and gives some nice depth to the larger crowd scenes, picking out details where needed, and making the mob more mob-like on the other side of the coin. The glow of the various optics is a nice touch, too, and one I keep going back to admire.

New Instagram Filter - DOWNLOAD NOW

Tom B. Long, despite not having the space to have too much fun with the fonts, does a great job, and my quibbles with last month's issue are nowhere to be found this time. I have also tried showing off the multiple covers in previous stories, with the regular, and powerful Pitre-Durocher Windblade taking the main stage, followed by her collaboration with Thomas Teyowisonte Deer on the ROM variant, and finally, this review's thumbnail variant, by Carlos Valenzuela.

Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead

Allow me an excursus: I have some ideological concerns with the direction that some of the story is taking, especially in terms of handling powers and justice systems - trying not to spoil anything here - but am also willing to see how it's employed in the larger picture. The political drama being set up (the multiple stages, even) are promising something fairly big, and I don't just mean another combiner.

While a little slower than the previous issue, this month's TAAO brings the set-up that the new status quo on Cybertron probably needs, from a fictional standpoint, and it does it well; it also manages to sneak in a number of issues that can easily be found in our own reality, and that is where I am really interested in their handling and development, hoping for a critical evaluation of sorts, really. Plus, it all looks So Good.

½ out of

Credit(s): IDW, Dr Va'al

News Search

Got Transformers News? Let us know here!

Most Recent Transformers News

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

Posted 6 hours ago

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

Posted 2 days ago

Official Images for Age of the Primes and Sonic Crossover Reveals

Posted 4 days ago

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

Posted 5 days ago

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

Posted 5 days ago

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

Posted 6 days ago

First Look at Art for Solus Prime, G2 Grimlock, Wasp and More from Age of the Primes

Posted 6 days ago

New Images from China's 2024 Cybertron Con

Posted 6 days ago

Click here to post your comment about this news story!

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1803658)
Posted by Randomhero on July 6th, 2016 @ 12:15pm CDT

I liked this issue but the 4 page prelude was my favorite. It's four pages that explains how GI Joe and MASK are in this universe and its makes complete sense. I read it and said "alright that works for me"

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1803831)
Posted by Randomhero on July 7th, 2016 @ 2:15pm CDT

Did no one else read this it is there just nothing to discuss about it?

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1803918)
Posted by Va'al on July 8th, 2016 @ 3:56am CDT

I read it!

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1803922)
Posted by Ironhidensh on July 8th, 2016 @ 4:20am CDT

Randomhero wrote:Did no one else read this it is there just nothing to discuss about it?

With revolution coming, I've kinda lost interest in the comics.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1803925)
Posted by Va'al on July 8th, 2016 @ 4:30am CDT

Ironhidensh wrote:
Randomhero wrote:Did no one else read this it is there just nothing to discuss about it?

With revolution coming, I've kinda lost interest in the comics.

I think that's not ideal right now, there's definitely good stuff happening before the event hits. I mean, I get what you're saying, but I'm still sticking to it until it burns (if it does, that is).

I may have to go update the Revolution thread, actually.. :-?

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1803940)
Posted by Randomhero on July 8th, 2016 @ 7:24am CDT

Revolution should not be anyone's reason to stop reading the comics. Like I've said and others have, there is a preview story in TAAO and it's good! It makes sense! Please people! Have faith. This isn't marvel and DC with over a dozen editors that don't follow they're own stuff. It's a small group of people that are communicating and making this work.

People are so worked up about MTMTE getting ruined and James has said so many times "stop worrying, I'm still writing what I always had plans for"

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1803980)
Posted by Sunstar on July 8th, 2016 @ 11:37am CDT

I can see the sort of world weary of Starscream. I am not sure if it is why the artist seems to draw Starscream with his head frequently tilted to the right - this lends an extremely fatigued sense.

I don't think bumblebee is a hallucination, I am starting to think he is actually there, as a spectre, trying to help Starscream rule their world. I am liking the artwork.

I am curious as to where this comic goes, I almost feel like Starscream is dying.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1803987)
Posted by Randomhero on July 8th, 2016 @ 12:04pm CDT

Sunstar wrote:I can see the sort of world weary of Starscream. I am not sure if it is why the artist seems to draw Starscream with his head frequently tilted to the right - this lends an extremely fatigued sense.

I don't think bumblebee is a hallucination, I am starting to think he is actually there, as a spectre, trying to help Starscream rule their world. I am liking the artwork.

I am curious as to where this comic goes, I almost feel like Starscream is dying.

The head tilt is actually a thing with starscream. He does it a lot in fiction

It's a sign of arrogance

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1803989)
Posted by Sunstar on July 8th, 2016 @ 12:10pm CDT

Yeah, that as it may be, this is not the same. he has life in those pics, he lacks life in the comic. its as if his head is too heavy to hold and he just wants to lay down and die type position. There is no life or power in his drawings. Only just extreme fatigue.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1803990)
Posted by Randomhero on July 8th, 2016 @ 12:15pm CDT

Those are just two quick examples I found online. I just typed in starscream in Google and there's examples of him tilting his head. It's a small thing not many notice or discuss. He did it even back in 1986 when he tossed megatron out of astrotrain. He said "how it pains me to do this" and then tilts his head.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1803995)
Posted by Va'al on July 8th, 2016 @ 12:44pm CDT

Sunstar wrote:Yeah, that as it may be, this is not the same. he has life in those pics, he lacks life in the comic. its as if his head is too heavy to hold and he just wants to lay down and die type position. There is no life or power in his drawings. Only just extreme fatigue.

I agree on the fatigue (the whole point of this issue, as I hoped to highlight in the review, was that he's kind of had enough of things - he caught the car, now he's getting bored of it) but I disagree on the lack of life or dynamic art. I think both Sarah Stone and Sara Pitre Durocher have had and are having a lot of fun with the expressive elements of the body language that these characters can have.

Look at him sitting into his place at the Council - look at how weary and tired he looks:

Then compare to his nonchalant pose at the beginning of the issue:

Starscream has always been a favourite for fan art, too, and - on my part - I see the appeal is in the 'aloof', 'not caring', 'bad boy' vibes that his character has brought to the fiction. His power is sleek, subtle and lean, he is not a bulky, strong, imposing Megatron, in that sense.

Randomhero wrote:Those are just two quick examples I found online. I just typed in starscream in Google and there's examples of him tilting his head. It's a small thing not many notice or discuss. He did it even back in 1986 when he tossed megatron out of astrotrain. He said "how it pains me to do this" and then tilts his head.

And I quote this as an example. There is so much art about Starscream tilting, and one panel in particular in issue two captured his character wonderfully, I thought (same tilt and position as first image I just used, but look at the overhaul that comes from the expression change and bold font):

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1803998)
Posted by Kurona on July 8th, 2016 @ 1:16pm CDT

One thing to comment on,

This is a complete lie. Screamer's totally hot for Onslaught

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1804009)
Posted by Sunstar on July 8th, 2016 @ 1:50pm CDT

I am not saying its drawn with a lack of life.... HE has a distinct lack of life... its drawn well. Other pics of him shows intensity of life, but he has that sort of intense depression. the art is well done and portrays his exhaustion.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1804037)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on July 8th, 2016 @ 2:54pm CDT

I loved the Ironhide bits. He is my character to watch for this storyline. Enjoying him being back in the spotlight

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1804039)
Posted by Va'al on July 8th, 2016 @ 2:56pm CDT

Sunstar wrote:I am not saying its drawn with a lack of life.... HE has a distinct lack of life... its drawn well. Other pics of him shows intensity of life, but he has that sort of intense depression. the art is well done and portrays his exhaustion.

Oooooh, I get you now, sorry! Misread your post.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1804373)
Posted by Sunstar on July 10th, 2016 @ 11:21am CDT

Dr Va'al wrote:
Sunstar wrote:I am not saying its drawn with a lack of life.... HE has a distinct lack of life... its drawn well. Other pics of him shows intensity of life, but he has that sort of intense depression. the art is well done and portrays his exhaustion.

Oooooh, I get you now, sorry! Misread your post.

sometimes my working can be clunky. Its a side of Starscream we don't usually see.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1804519)
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on July 10th, 2016 @ 11:17pm CDT

Kurona wrote:One thing to comment on,

This is a complete lie. Screamer's totally hot for Onslaught

I still want Blackarachnia and Starscream to hook up

(he's so not into it, but she is)

Though thinking about it, it would be an interesting plot development if Starscream had to get a Conjunx Endura for political purposes; provided he stays ruler which i hope he does.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1804871)
Posted by Kurona on July 12th, 2016 @ 11:08am CDT

Finally got around to reading this - had to get through ex-RID and Windblade first, but now I've actually caught up on all of them and MTMTE.

I just have one thing to ask... what's the thing everyone was talking about that 'explains' Revolution? I couldn't find anything about that.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1804885)
Posted by ZeroWolf on July 12th, 2016 @ 11:54am CDT

It was a short story but not all issues had it with some having a preview of ROM instead.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1804886)
Posted by Kurona on July 12th, 2016 @ 11:59am CDT

Hmmm. Is there anywhere I can read it?

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1804941)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on July 12th, 2016 @ 1:28pm CDT

Randomhero wrote:People are so worked up about MTMTE getting ruined and James has said so many times "stop worrying, I'm still writing what I always had plans for"

That doesn't necessarily makes it a good thing. What if what he planned to write all along is garbage? I hate to say it, but Dying of The Light has been a disappointment so far. Maybe if I'll read it all together it'll come off better, but I expected more from someone who's supposedly the best TF writer in the game right now. After DoTL, I will probably put down MTMTE for a while, at least until it's well into the Revolution story, so I can refresh my view on it and get back to it with renewed enthusiasm. Same with Transformers, even though I think Barber has done better than Roberts.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1812038)
Posted by Va'al on August 4th, 2016 @ 10:38am CDT

A week light on comics from IDW Publishing still brings some Transformers news, in the form of a new iTunes preview for Till All Are One #3 - check out the three pages mirrored below, and come back in a couple of weeks for the full preview/review combo on Seibertron.com!

WINDBLADE TURNS TRAITOR?! With the rise of the COMBATICON threat, STARSCREAM issues an ultimatum to WINDBLADE: do his—or everyone on Cybertron will learn her darkest secrets!

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1812042)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 4th, 2016 @ 10:43am CDT

Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1812043)
Posted by Kurona on August 4th, 2016 @ 10:45am CDT

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

Another prediction: this happens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PkqSl2o8h8

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1812048)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 4th, 2016 @ 10:51am CDT

Kurona wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

Another prediction: this happens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PkqSl2o8h8

Oh damn, if they manage to homage that.... :michaelbay:

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1812050)
Posted by Sunstar on August 4th, 2016 @ 10:55am CDT

well, Starscream is already leader, but... loved watching that. that episode was fun.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1812067)
Posted by Randomhero on August 4th, 2016 @ 12:01pm CDT

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

My first was was "you really think that will happen this soon?" Then I realized this is just a 4 issue story arc.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1812226)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 4th, 2016 @ 8:08pm CDT

Randomhero wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

My first was was "you really think that will happen this soon?" Then I realized this is just a 4 issue story arc.

Lest we forget that epic attack on titan cover for next issue

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1812228)
Posted by Kurona on August 4th, 2016 @ 8:21pm CDT

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Randomhero wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

My first was was "you really think that will happen this soon?" Then I realized this is just a 4 issue story arc.

Lest we forget that epic attack on titan cover for next issue

Which is weird to me when Starscream's got Devastator before Ironhide... but we'll see.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1812230)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 4th, 2016 @ 8:28pm CDT

Kurona wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Randomhero wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

My first was was "you really think that will happen this soon?" Then I realized this is just a 4 issue story arc.

Lest we forget that epic attack on titan cover for next issue

Which is weird to me when Starscream's got Devastator before Ironhide... but we'll see.

But remember how well Devastator worked last time? He's the reason onslaught and brawl escaped anyway

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1812238)
Posted by Kurona on August 4th, 2016 @ 8:43pm CDT

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Kurona wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Randomhero wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

My first was was "you really think that will happen this soon?" Then I realized this is just a 4 issue story arc.

Lest we forget that epic attack on titan cover for next issue

Which is weird to me when Starscream's got Devastator before Ironhide... but we'll see.

But remember how well Devastator worked last time? He's the reason onslaught and brawl escaped anyway

Still better than nothing.
Maybe.
They haven't been the same since Prowl left. Now they've got some preaching nut

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1812776)
Posted by Va'al on August 6th, 2016 @ 1:31pm CDT

The second IDW Publishing listing on online retailer Amazon is for the first volume of the new ongoing Transformers: Till All Are One, by partners in crime Mairghread Scott and Sara Pitre-Durocher, expected for release in December 2016, and collecting the first story arc (issues 1-4) of the series. Check it out below, and here for the listing!

Starscream rules Cybertron. He and Windblade vie for control of the Council of Worlds, each aligning themselves with as many long-lost colonies as they can. But Starscream's secret police keep increasing the tension, destablizing the fragile peace that has been established. Collects issues #1-4.

Paperback: 100 pages
Publisher: IDW Publishing (15 Dec. 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1631408089
ISBN-13: 978-1631408083
Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 26 cm

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1812980)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on August 7th, 2016 @ 7:45am CDT

So far, I'm not impressed with the series, but if it has a good ending, I'll get the TPB. It's good to see the Combaticons getting some focus. I really don't like that cover, though, I hope they change it. The one with all the Combaticons standing next to each other with the silhouette of Bruticus above them is great. That should be used.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1813306)
Posted by King Kuuga on August 8th, 2016 @ 1:38pm CDT

There's going to be 2 or 3 variant covers as always. Hopefully there will be one you like.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1814534)
Posted by Va'al on August 12th, 2016 @ 3:37am CDT

That Bot wrote:There's going to be 2 or 3 variant covers as always. Hopefully there will be one you like.

Not for the trades, unfortunately! Though the one we newsed is preliminary, it's highly likely that it will be the one that sticks, given it was the main artist's main cover for the first issue. We'll see.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1814775)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 12th, 2016 @ 9:58pm CDT

Newsarama has uploaded their second preview of the week, this time in the form of Till All Are One issue 3! In this issue, Windblade takes on the combaticons and the hunt for Swindle continues! Check out the full preview below and stay tuned next week for the Seibertron.com review!

Transformers: Till All Are One #3
Mairghread Scott (w) * Sara Pitre-Durocher (a & c)
WINDBLADE TURNS TRAITOR?! With the rise of the COMBATICON threat, STARSCREAM issues an ultimatum to WINDBLADE: do his-or everyone on Cybertron will learn her darkest secrets!
FC * 32 pages * $3.99
Bullet points:
* Will WINDBLADE betray her own ideals and become STARSCREAM's crony?
* Is ONSLAUGHT really the threat to world peace that STARSCREAM claims?
* And where in the name of the Primes is SWINDLE?!
* Sets the stage for next month's REVOLUTION!
* Variant cover by Thomas Deer!

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1814830)
Posted by Va'al on August 13th, 2016 @ 4:10am CDT

I need to greet all new News Staff like Ironhide does.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1814919)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 13th, 2016 @ 11:55am CDT

Dr Va'al wrote:I need to greet all new News Staff like Ironhide does.

Huh

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1814935)
Posted by Va'al on August 13th, 2016 @ 12:56pm CDT

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Dr Va'al wrote:I need to greet all new News Staff like Ironhide does.

Huh

If you like me now, you won't once I'm done with you.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1814937)
Posted by Kurona on August 13th, 2016 @ 12:58pm CDT

Huh, I just noticed Tall Tankor still has his Decepticon symbol - he hasn't renounced his faction. Interesting...

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1815014)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 13th, 2016 @ 4:33pm CDT

Dr Va'al wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Dr Va'al wrote:I need to greet all new News Staff like Ironhide does.

Huh

If you like me now, you won't once I'm done with you.

Kurona: run. run fast.

And I love the Ironhide Police Boot Camp

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1815862)
Posted by Va'al on August 16th, 2016 @ 2:57pm CDT

Some dude I follow on Instagram!

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1815874)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 16th, 2016 @ 3:05pm CDT

Now if only we had a WFC Ironhide with which to recreate Issue 4's cover...

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1816050)
Posted by Va'al on August 17th, 2016 @ 6:10am CDT

Full Metal Hackin
(Spoiler free-ish)

Synopsis
WINDBLADE TURNS TRAITOR?! With the rise of the COMBATICON threat, STARSCREAM issues an ultimatum to WINDBLADE: do his - or everyone on Cybertron will learn her darkest secrets!

*mumblegrumble*

Story

The shift from 'Windblade' to 'Till All Are One' is one that perfectly adapts to and suits the way in which the story, plots and cast are handled in this new series. The various characters each have their own path, and while they do cross at multiple intersections, it's refreshing to see them work both with and against each other so subterfugey.

What is her rooollleee??

There are some key players of course, in terms of how Mairghread Scott approaches the script, playing pivotal roles in the issue - especially the Combaticons. Individuals, well-rounded, well-scripted voices and characters that operate well on their own and as a team (when necessary), even with the Blast Off ...play from last issue.

Aw diddums

The other excellent written bot is Ironhide, who seems to be channelling a lot more of his past/future self from the miniseries, Pax Cybertronia, and possible connections with the other comic out this week (and the one not out at all until the end of the month). Whatever is going to happen, and still with my tentative dislike of the ideology behind it, he's doing it well, and it's a good hook and tease.

Va'al, training news staff

The one thing I was not too keen on, and worth pointing out here, is the slight confusion with timelines and where this fits in the greater picture of the IDWverse. Even that, however, was solved again once reminded that the book was supposed to start in March, pre-Sins of the Wreckers. Brawl leaving the AHO arc makes sense again, as do other enigmatic events, and EVERYTHING IS FINE again.

Art

Sara Pitre Durocher does some fantastic work in laying out some of the parallel scenes, between fighting and hacking, more fighting, some talking, a bit of fighting, and tensions running just a little higher between one of sides in the book. Plus, we get an actual montage. A training montage. With Ironhide and Blast Off. A Montage.

Not shown: the Montage

The colours are really well played too, in the vibrant approach that Joana Lafuente brings to the linework and layouts. The nice contrasts between night/day and under/overground have some great touches to them, too, and the fight scenes - as a juxtaposition to the Metroplex scenes with Chromia and Windblade - are given an added layer of dynamism.

Red is the colour of VIOLENCE

The fighting and training, along with Metroplex scenes, allow for some nice space in terms of lettering too, and Tom B. long delivers his neon magic once more (keep an eye out for the location/setting captions, too). As for the covers, we've seen the hauntingly good main one by Pitre Durocher for a while now, but both Alex Milne/Josh Perez and Thomas Teyowisonte Deer (this one thumbnailed) play around with the tone of the book, pitting the pawns under Starscream's control on the game board.

Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead

Things I have yet to figure out: Elita One's role in all of this. Obsidian is still a menacing presence, but much more in the background - what is the plan behind things? Rattrap - what does he have to do with everything? because he's stuck in the middle of it, always. Things I really enjoy: the Combaticons, all of them. More please. The breaking point that Windblade seems to be reaching with both Starscream and Chromia, on two different sides.

It aLL MAkses SNSE

The book may have been a slow burner at first, but it's paying off, significantly, already. More tension, more political play, more teasing of something MUCH BIGGER (and maybe not even entirely intentional, going by my own speculation from the cover of #4), and more humour where you might not expect it. And a training montage, you guise.

out of

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1816145)
Posted by Va'al on August 17th, 2016 @ 1:17pm CDT

The Milne/Perez cover, as shared by IDW.

And my favourite Vortex in the issue.

He don't like you.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1816149)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 17th, 2016 @ 1:19pm CDT

Despite the faceplates, the combaticons have been really emotive

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1816842)
Posted by Kurona on August 19th, 2016 @ 5:22pm CDT

Swindle is brain-dead = Bruticus has a cripple for a leg. Discuss.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1816846)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 19th, 2016 @ 6:04pm CDT

Kurona wrote:Swindle is brain-dead = Bruticus has a cripple for a leg. Discuss.

I'm wondering how that will work.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1816920)
Posted by Brakethrough on August 20th, 2016 @ 6:10am CDT

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
Kurona wrote:Swindle is brain-dead = Bruticus has a cripple for a leg. Discuss.

I'm wondering how that will work.

We've seen from Prowl's run with the Constructicons that combining with others can lead to a sort of shared point of view and sympathy, maybe the hope Onslaught has is that combining with Swindle will jumpstart his brain module, using all of their memories of him much like how Rewind's storytelling group helped Rung in MTMTE.

Re: IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 Review #TAAO (1816928)
Posted by Kurona on August 20th, 2016 @ 7:04am CDT

There is, funnily enough, a similar situation that happened with IDW Devastator - the constructicons combined... when Scrapper was still dead. Devastator literally had a dead leg and was crippled because of it.

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