Seibertron.com Reviews IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #3

Close Encounters of the Robocarnivore kind.

This is the 3rd issue in an ongoing series and, just like the previous issues, it is dialogue driven, fast paced and an excellent read, but you already knew that as you bought issues 1 and 2 so know what to expect.



This series' main advantage - focusing solely on a contained group - allows the individual quirks and personalities to shine. It's clearly not an accident that many of the characters featured in this arc have had limited appearances (if at all) in previous books as this allows James Roberts freedom to really flesh out his creations, to nurture and guide them as they react to the perils of being lost in deep space. Incredibly, he still manages to further develop the better known characters, Rodimus being the most obvious example - the brash, impetuous hero willing to take that risk because he knows he really is that good, is a welcome change from his post-AHM petulance and selfishness, and how most will have imagined him for many years whilst being left disappointed until now.



Alex Milne uses his art, attention to detail and ability to set a dramatic scene to compliment the story perfectly, directing your attention to the smaller details such as Tailgate's transformation jam, Brainstorm's short but important scene and the contents of Skid's right hand - explained almost entirely through the art, using visual clues to compliment a story that doesn't require weighty narrative as your eye automatically searches them out.



Where am I going with this you may ask? The clue is in the title. On first glance, MTMTE is a comedic jaunt through space. Rodimus' response to the news of the ship's unwanted guest and the unlikely Chromedome and Rewind double-act are both executed effortlessly, as are all the light hearted interactions between the various brash and bold Lost Light crew members, but scratch beneath the surface here and there is a much deeper tale to tell with subtleties and hints that, upon closer inspection, show there is definitely more to this comic than just a shallow comedy romp through space – and not just Drift's new 'enlightened' philosophy. Brainstorm's briefcase. Skid's memory gaps. The Duobots' actions in the engine room. Rung's part in ...well, everything.
All these little details cued up and ready to be answered.



In an effort to avoid too big a spoiler, I won’t go into too much detail on the 'Sparkeaters' but for many of you there will be a clear - and no doubt intended - parallel with what is arguably one of the best sci-fi/horror movies ever made. This only serves to further raise the expectations for the series, and I really hope Roberts has this planned to the finest detail, as it would be a tragedy to see the story get lost in the minutiae.



Without doubt though, this is a superb comic, entertaining, enthralling, exciting, and certainly much more than meets the eye.