IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #51 Full Preview

Still leaning towards Tarn being Proteus.

Randomhero wrote:Still leaning towards Tarn being Proteus.

Wouldn't proteus have been executed by starscream with the rest of the senate?

ricemazter wrote:

Randomhero wrote:Still leaning towards Tarn being Proteus.

Wouldn't proteus have been executed by starscream with the rest of the senate?

Never saw him get shot. Only saw starscream pointing a gun at his head.

Randomhero wrote:Still leaning towards Tarn being Proteus.

I'm in the Roller camp. In the time travel arc we see Roller using performance enhancers just to keep up with the outliers. In the DJD arc we see Tarn almost overdose on Performance enhancing energon. Also the side of his head is the same.

LE0KING wrote:

Randomhero wrote:Still leaning towards Tarn being Proteus.

I'm in the Roller camp. In the time travel arc we see Roller using performance enhancers just to keep up with the outliers. In the DJD arc we see Tarn almost overdose on Performance enhancing energon. Also the side of his head is the same.

Starscream and his team used Ore-13 as performance enhancing energon back in the -ation series. just because 5 dudes also use it doesn't link to Roller, just means a lot of guys use an enhancement for more power.

see, that story was lousy with fingers pointing to Roller being Tarn. He was practically wearing a sign that says "hi! im going to be Tarn" how often does that happen in MTMTE? When is something spelled out like that? never. not once has that ever happened. Roberts did all that because ever since Roller's first appearance in Shadow Play hes gotten tweets, comments and messages regularly from people saying Tarn is Roller.

Roller knew Skids very well. they were part of Orion's first team of Autobots. Its heavily implied Tarn never met Skids until Grindcore prison. plus, Tarn is an extremely intelligent, poetic sadist. When have we ever seen Roller act like how Tarn acts? never. Ive never believed for once the hype that Roller is Tarn.

Lets not kid ourselves, the reveal of Tarn isnt going to be the masses saying "WE ALL KNEW IT FOR 3 YEARS!" its going to be the Minimus Ambus reveal that no one saw coming.

Randomhero wrote:

LE0KING wrote:

Randomhero wrote:Still leaning towards Tarn being Proteus.

I'm in the Roller camp. In the time travel arc we see Roller using performance enhancers just to keep up with the outliers. In the DJD arc we see Tarn almost overdose on Performance enhancing energon. Also the side of his head is the same.

Starscream and his team used Ore-13 as performance enhancing energon back in the -ation series. just because 5 dudes also use it doesn't link to Roller, just means a lot of guys use an enhancement for more power.

see, that story was lousy with fingers pointing to Roller being Tarn. He was practically wearing a sign that says "hi! im going to be Tarn" how often does that happen in MTMTE? When is something spelled out like that? never. not once has that ever happened. Roberts did all that because ever since Roller's first appearance in Shadow Play hes gotten tweets, comments and messages regularly from people saying Tarn is Roller.

Roller knew Skids very well. they were part of Orion's first team of Autobots. Its heavily implied Tarn never met Skids until Grindcore prison. plus, Tarn is an extremely intelligent, poetic sadist. When have we ever seen Roller act like how Tarn acts? never. Ive never believed for once the hype that Roller is Tarn.

Lets not kid ourselves, the reveal of Tarn isnt going to be the masses saying "WE ALL KNEW IT FOR 3 YEARS!" its going to be the Minimus Ambus reveal that no one saw coming.

So you think that "Tarn" is just a suit of armor? Interesting.

Ironhidensh wrote:

Randomhero wrote:

LE0KING wrote:

Randomhero wrote:Still leaning towards Tarn being Proteus.

I'm in the Roller camp. In the time travel arc we see Roller using performance enhancers just to keep up with the outliers. In the DJD arc we see Tarn almost overdose on Performance enhancing energon. Also the side of his head is the same.

Starscream and his team used Ore-13 as performance enhancing energon back in the -ation series. just because 5 dudes also use it doesn't link to Roller, just means a lot of guys use an enhancement for more power.

see, that story was lousy with fingers pointing to Roller being Tarn. He was practically wearing a sign that says "hi! im going to be Tarn" how often does that happen in MTMTE? When is something spelled out like that? never. not once has that ever happened. Roberts did all that because ever since Roller's first appearance in Shadow Play hes gotten tweets, comments and messages regularly from people saying Tarn is Roller.

Roller knew Skids very well. they were part of Orion's first team of Autobots. Its heavily implied Tarn never met Skids until Grindcore prison. plus, Tarn is an extremely intelligent, poetic sadist. When have we ever seen Roller act like how Tarn acts? never. Ive never believed for once the hype that Roller is Tarn.

Lets not kid ourselves, the reveal of Tarn isnt going to be the masses saying "WE ALL KNEW IT FOR 3 YEARS!" its going to be the Minimus Ambus reveal that no one saw coming.

So you think that "Tarn" is just a suit of armor? Interesting.

No. It's going to be the same as minimus in shock value. I think Tarn is a shadow played or Stockholm syndrome Senator Proreus.

That random con on page 2.... IDW Lugnut!!

Also, I still think Tarn is Dominus Ambus. That is still my thought. Roller is, as said, way too obvious.

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:That random con on page 2.... IDW Lugnut!!

Also, I still think Tarn is Dominus Ambus. That is still my thought. Roller is, as said, way too obvious.

Only reason I don't I don't think he's Dominus is due to rewind interacting with the DJD on the lost light. Also depends on if Dominus and rewind were still off planet during skids time in grindcore when he was interacting with Tarn.

Randomhero wrote:Only reason I don't I don't think he's Dominus is due to rewind interacting with the DJD on the lost light. Also depends on if Dominus and rewind were still off planet during skids time in grindcore when he was interacting with Tarn.

I feel that Skids encounter came later in the war, whereas Dominus went missing earlier in the war. Also, the reason Rewind survived that alternate lost light may be because of Dominus recognizing him, and since Dominus and Minimus both are piloting larger armors, Dominus knew to slice off the hand of Magnus so he could not recall and thus actually die. Not to mention now we are on the Necroworld, and Tarn could see that Dominus is dead but the whereabouts are unknown, and it will be dramatic like "He is dead, as he became me" sort of deal.

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:

Randomhero wrote:Only reason I don't I don't think he's Dominus is due to rewind interacting with the DJD on the lost light. Also depends on if Dominus and rewind were still off planet during skids time in grindcore when he was interacting with Tarn.

I feel that Skids encounter came later in the war, whereas Dominus went missing earlier in the war. Also, the reason Rewind survived that alternate lost light may be because of Dominus recognizing him, and since Dominus and Minimus both are piloting larger armors, Dominus knew to slice off the hand of Magnus so he could not recall and thus actually die. Not to mention now we are on the Necroworld, and Tarn could see that Dominus is dead but the whereabouts are unknown, and it will be dramatic like "He is dead, as he became me" sort of deal.

Well Dominus isn't a load bearing spark. He is a point one percentor(maybe, we only know minimus is, it's probable spark brothers can be different) but it's never been mentioned that he's the same as Minimus and he has a tiny guy inside of him. Especially since we saw him in the alternate universe and his head was a screen. If he was a little guy in there he could just remove that suite and talk to everyone.

I don't know. Think the Dominus story will come later on and be a full blown arc in itself. Seems like that would be more appropriate for that character.

Randomhero wrote:

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:

Randomhero wrote:Only reason I don't I don't think he's Dominus is due to rewind interacting with the DJD on the lost light. Also depends on if Dominus and rewind were still off planet during skids time in grindcore when he was interacting with Tarn.

I feel that Skids encounter came later in the war, whereas Dominus went missing earlier in the war. Also, the reason Rewind survived that alternate lost light may be because of Dominus recognizing him, and since Dominus and Minimus both are piloting larger armors, Dominus knew to slice off the hand of Magnus so he could not recall and thus actually die. Not to mention now we are on the Necroworld, and Tarn could see that Dominus is dead but the whereabouts are unknown, and it will be dramatic like "He is dead, as he became me" sort of deal.

Well Dominus isn't a load bearing spark. He is a point one percentor(maybe, we only know minimus is, it's probable spark brothers can be different) but it's never been mentioned that he's the same as Minimus and he has a tiny guy inside of him. Especially since we saw him in the alternate universe and his head was a screen. If he was a little guy in there he could just remove that suite and talk to everyone.

I don't know. Think the Dominus story will come later on and be a full blown arc in itself. Seems like that would be more appropriate for that character.

Eh, it could be, But i'm fairly convinced that both spark brothers can be load bearers. They never mentioned it, but it is a possibility. However, they do need to resolve the Dominus, Roller and Terminus arcs throughout the story (not this arc but the overall story) and one of them could and should be solved in this arc

I never figured they'd have the same kind of spark type due to the fact that identical twins can have different blood types. Especially since forged sparks apparently "grow" I'd figure minimus was small like his name and Dominus was big like his name.

I'm just not convinced he's Roller. I feel that's a story that needs Optimus guest starring or even ratchet. Nobody else has a relationship with him. Skids was with Orion's team with roller but skids doesn't have memories of that time. He doesn't know who roller is and I don't think Rodimus's jump to past to say "hi" essentially counts as a relationship to roller.

Randomhero wrote:I'm just not convinced he's Roller. I feel that's a story that needs Optimus guest starring or even ratchet. Nobody else has a relationship with him. Skids was with Orion's team with roller but skids doesn't have memories of that time. He doesn't know who roller is and I don't think Rodimus's jump to past to say "hi" essentially counts as a relationship to roller.

Hummmmm....

Randomhero wrote:I never figured they'd have the same kind of spark type due to the fact that identical twins can have different blood types. Especially since forged sparks apparently "grow" I'd figure minimus was small like his name and Dominus was big like his name.

I'm just not convinced he's Roller. I feel that's a story that needs Optimus guest starring or even ratchet. Nobody else has a relationship with him. Skids was with Orion's team with roller but skids doesn't have memories of that time. He doesn't know who roller is and I don't think Rodimus's jump to past to say "hi" essentially counts as a relationship to roller.

I can see the first part of your answer. I have been assuming that they both are the same load-bearers. they could possibly not be both load bearers.

now as for the second part: I agree. Roller is just too obvious. and yeah, Skids may be the only one who can be said to have a relationship with Roller, but the memory thing makes things tricky.

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:

Randomhero wrote:I never figured they'd have the same kind of spark type due to the fact that identical twins can have different blood types. Especially since forged sparks apparently "grow" I'd figure minimus was small like his name and Dominus was big like his name.

I'm just not convinced he's Roller. I feel that's a story that needs Optimus guest starring or even ratchet. Nobody else has a relationship with him. Skids was with Orion's team with roller but skids doesn't have memories of that time. He doesn't know who roller is and I don't think Rodimus's jump to past to say "hi" essentially counts as a relationship to roller.

I can see the first part of your answer. I have been assuming that they both are the same load-bearers. they could possibly not be both load bearers.

now as for the second part: I agree. Roller is just too obvious. and yeah, Skids may be the only one who can be said to have a relationship with Roller, but the memory thing makes things tricky.

It feels like Tarns reveal needs to not just be for fans. It needs to be for the audience in the book as well.

If it's Roller, whose that for? A bunch. Guys that shared one miner adventure with him and one character saying "Roller? Wasn't that Primes buddy from 4 ,ill ion years ago?!" Doesn't leave much of an impact with the groups. Fan? Yes, the characters in he book? No, not really.

Dominus Ambus. That does have repracusions for Rewind, Chromedome and Magnus.

Senator Proteus. That has repracusions for everyone. Everyone knew who he was, everyone kind of hated him because he was the physical empbidment of corrupted Cybertron. I can everyone in the book shocked about that since everyone thinks he's been dead since the war started.

I can see both Dominus and Proteus just because they both can leave an impact with the group.

I'm not gonna say that Proteus is not an option, but this is something can never be resolved until that mask comes off

Randomhero wrote:

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:

Randomhero wrote:I never figured they'd have the same kind of spark type due to the fact that identical twins can have different blood types. Especially since forged sparks apparently "grow" I'd figure minimus was small like his name and Dominus was big like his name.

I'm just not convinced he's Roller. I feel that's a story that needs Optimus guest starring or even ratchet. Nobody else has a relationship with him. Skids was with Orion's team with roller but skids doesn't have memories of that time. He doesn't know who roller is and I don't think Rodimus's jump to past to say "hi" essentially counts as a relationship to roller.

I can see the first part of your answer. I have been assuming that they both are the same load-bearers. they could possibly not be both load bearers.

now as for the second part: I agree. Roller is just too obvious. and yeah, Skids may be the only one who can be said to have a relationship with Roller, but the memory thing makes things tricky.

It feels like Tarns reveal needs to not just be for fans. It needs to be for the audience in the book as well.

If it's Roller, whose that for? A bunch. Guys that shared one miner adventure with him and one character saying "Roller? Wasn't that Primes buddy from 4 ,ill ion years ago?!" Doesn't leave much of an impact with the groups. Fan? Yes, the characters in he book? No, not really.

Dominus Ambus. That does have repracusions for Rewind, Chromedome and Magnus.

Senator Proteus. That has repracusions for everyone. Everyone knew who he was, everyone kind of hated him because he was the physical empbidment of corrupted Cybertron. I can everyone in the book shocked about that since everyone thinks he's been dead since the war started.

I can see both Dominus and Proteus just because they both can leave an impact with the group.

Proteus is essentially a nobody. If the mask comes off and it's him the vast majority of the fandom will go "who?" He's a background character who's name doesn't carry enough weight for Tarn's big reveal.

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:I'm not gonna say that Proteus is not an option, but this is something can never be resolved until that mask comes off

wouldnt it be so anticlimactic if its just a nobody? its bumper! he survived megaton stepping on his head in Megatron Origins and was rebuilt as Tarn lol

aside from the Tarn talk I am starting to worry about this story. its ten damaged autobots and not even their best warriors against not just five stupidly over powered psychopaths that killed two hundred autobots on a duplicate Lost Light but five stupidly over powered psychopaths that killed two hundred autobots on a duplicate Lost Light and FIVE HUNDRED decepticons. for all intended purposes, theyre all dead. 10 or so damaged autobots should all die but this isnt the end and we know maybe one might die.

Could Drift and Ratchet or the Protectobots or both show up and help out? maybe but 1. none of them know where the Necrobots planet is because they all already left before anyone found it and I doubt Crosscut will tell them where it is.

the only way i see this ending is the dicks that mutinied having a change of heart and the Lost Light showing up to save them. just starts bombing the Decepticons with those missiles that took out overlord. that was my biggest problem with how this story started. everyone on the lost light was okay with dropping Rodimus and crew on a planet with the DJD and expecting them to be unharmed if the deliver Megatron. Riptide saw what happened to the other lost Light. Personally i dint it hard to believe guys like Hoist, Blaster, Mainframe and especially Perceptor would be okay with this.

I am hoping that some members of Deathsaurus is actualy loyal to Megatron and is waiting to start stabbing the DJD in the back. probably wont happen.

I do kind of wanna see Tailgate fight Lugnut. Im not really fan of the DJD as a group, they're 4 over powered generics led by another overpowered generic that has only finally been given character in the past 12 months but LUGNUT! GLORIOUS!!!!

LE0KING wrote:

Randomhero wrote:

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:

Randomhero wrote:I never figured they'd have the same kind of spark type due to the fact that identical twins can have different blood types. Especially since forged sparks apparently "grow" I'd figure minimus was small like his name and Dominus was big like his name.

I'm just not convinced he's Roller. I feel that's a story that needs Optimus guest starring or even ratchet. Nobody else has a relationship with him. Skids was with Orion's team with roller but skids doesn't have memories of that time. He doesn't know who roller is and I don't think Rodimus's jump to past to say "hi" essentially counts as a relationship to roller.

I can see the first part of your answer. I have been assuming that they both are the same load-bearers. they could possibly not be both load bearers.

now as for the second part: I agree. Roller is just too obvious. and yeah, Skids may be the only one who can be said to have a relationship with Roller, but the memory thing makes things tricky.

It feels like Tarns reveal needs to not just be for fans. It needs to be for the audience in the book as well.

If it's Roller, whose that for? A bunch. Guys that shared one miner adventure with him and one character saying "Roller? Wasn't that Primes buddy from 4 ,ill ion years ago?!" Doesn't leave much of an impact with the groups. Fan? Yes, the characters in he book? No, not really.

Dominus Ambus. That does have repracusions for Rewind, Chromedome and Magnus.

Senator Proteus. That has repracusions for everyone. Everyone knew who he was, everyone kind of hated him because he was the physical empbidment of corrupted Cybertron. I can everyone in the book shocked about that since everyone thinks he's been dead since the war started.

I can see both Dominus and Proteus just because they both can leave an impact with the group.

Proteus is essentially a nobody. If the mask comes off and it's him the vast majority of the fandom will go "who?" He's a background character who's name doesn't carry enough weight for Tarn's big reveal.

oh I disagree. fans of IDW and mostly MTMTE know exactly who Proteus is. Hes one of the main reasons Megtron is who is and what he became and he is the reason Shockwave became what he was. He was the main villain in Chaos Theory's flashbacks and Shadow Play. Proteus holds plenty of weight because he is one main people who was responsible for the war starting.

He's like the emperor in Star Wars. He is not required to show up in panel all the time, his presence is felt.

Randomhero wrote: oh I disagree. fans of IDW and mostly MTMTE know exactly who Proteus is. Hes one of the main reasons Megtron is who is and what he became and he is the reason Shockwave became what he was. He was the main villain in Chaos Theory's flashbacks and Shadow Play. Proteus holds plenty of weight because he is one main people who was responsible for the war starting.

He's like the emperor in Star Wars. He is not required to show up in panel all the time, his presence is felt.

I don't mean to sound like a jerk here, but I think you're playing up a character you like (dislike) Besides unless shadow play was involved, (possible I guess) the guy's personality and build are just too different.

And even if I accepted him as The Emperor archetype, it'd be like finding out tr-8r was the emperor in disguise. Difficult to believe to say the least.

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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.

Well, that was an increasingly disapointing issue. Only thing I think I liked in the whole issue was the last page.

Ironhidensh wrote:Well, that was an increasingly disapointing issue.

How so? I'm intrigued.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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'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...

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:And is there a general MTMTE thread somewhere? I feel like there is and should be one

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 course

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!

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).

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?

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

Question 9 is a very good one indeed: the former highest traitor on the list, or the new highest traitor on the list?

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