This book gives us a mirror universe concept known to stalwart fans, Optimus and the Autobots are evil tyrants bent on creating an ordered society at the cost of all freedom. The Decepticons are freedom fighters and agents of chaos in a world which badly needs them. Danny Lore takes this premise and uses a character that lives in the gray to give the world nuance and real stakes.
As dramatically different as this universe is, Lore takes the time to explore characterizations and make the individuals and conflicts feel real. Add to this the ridiculously talented Guido Guidi who is the best modern day Transformers artist out there. His work complemented by the inks of John Wycough and incredible colors of John-Paul Bove truly stands out as an achievement.
This issue focuses on Blurr, who is a bounty hunter in a world controlled by autocratic Autobots. He stakes his territory as the best bodyscrapper in Gold City, running jobs for the sadistic doctor Ratchet. The book does a great job using Blurr’s cynical view of the society to define the world divided between territories run by Gold Bug, Prime and Prowl. Ratchet gives Blurr his next target, the perfectly used Starscream.
Blurr spends the issue pulling Starscream away from other scrappers and using wordplay to draw him into a trap. But the issue ends perfectly, with Starscream reminding us just what a deadly operative he can be. Blurr overplays his hand and ends up the prey. Starscream leaves him encased in lava and sets out to find Megatron.
Every panel of this book just sings with action, color and motion. The limited cast allows us to focus on characterization and what begins as a study of Blurr is clearly simply a feint as the issue showcases how deadly Starscream is in any reality.
Writing: 5 of 5 stars
Art: 4.9 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.8 of 5 stars
Overall: 4.9 of 5 stars
Writer: Danny Lore
Art: Guido Guidi
Inks: John Wycough
Colors: John-Paul Bove
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Author Profile
- M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.
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