Sunday, August 19, 2012

Transformers: Chaos TPB

James Roberts, Mike Costa bring the ongoing series to a close, and they do it with a bang. It took awhile as the line lost its way, but I’m firmly back in the TF fold after reading this and Police Action. While Bumblebee, Prowl, and his crew are dealing with human problems on Earth, Optimus, Ratchet, Rodimus, Iron Hide, and Drift (blerg) are back home dealing with BIG problems.

I have to say the story is fairly confusing, and you know that’s the case when characters in the actual story need help understanding the plot. There is a scene where a bunch of Autobots (I think it’s the Technobots and some of the Headmasters) are puzzling out Galvatron’s master plan, while Arcee and Hardhead try to explain it to them. It doesn’t make a lot of sense, to be honest, and the whole Chaos crossover as a whole is a failure. I mean, it hasn’t made sense from the start, so I think the creative team did the right thing in acknowledging the problems, then just barreling ahead.

Solid action. THAT’S how you can deal with a poor plot. With lots of smashing, shooting, and characterization. There are tons of ‘bots getting a moment in the sun here. We all know Optimus and his main crew (listed above) is going to get the spotlight, but Sunstreaker, Megatron, Cliffjumper (!), and Wheelie (!!) actually get moments! Devastator comes back, the familiar Decepticons make an appearance (it’s too brief, but at least I understand it.) It must have been pretty hard bringing the disparate storylines together, but Arcee and Hardhead do make a bit of a difference in the battle with Galvatron. Again, the greater plot is lacking, but the character moments make this thing work.

Livio Ramondelli has a nice, painted look. The battles are impressive at times (try to find Silverbolt leading the flying Autobots up into space against Cyclonus and the Sweeps). Powerglide, Cosmos, Tracks, it’s got every flying good guy on the roster and looks fantastic. Megatron’s new form is enormous and fun. Devastator is horrifying, bum leg and all. Now, the giant Chaos monster? Blah. I’m ignoring that bit.

I’m excited for the next stage of the IDW books. I want to see what happens to these characters. It’s nice when the plot is driving things along and enhancing the book, but to be honest, handle the characters well and consistently, and that’s enough.

Good

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