Transformers #28 // Review
Arcee is getting a new body. This is a really complicated process that's going to take some time. Optimus Prime is aasking Ultra Magnus if it’s really a good idea to transfer his duties onto another Autobot. He’s certain that his decision is final. Still...Prime wants him to consider maintaining his status as a Magnus as there is quite a bit of danger on the horizon in Transformers #28. Writer Robert Kirkman continues to play with the toys of the 1980s on the contemporary page and panel. Artist Dan Mora is allowed-in on the fun with colorist Mike Spicer.
Elsewhere, Megatron is being held down by the Constructicons. He’s understandably upset about the situation. To make matters worse, things with the Deceptacons are in a state of disarray. Firecracker hasn’t returned and Soundwave has been captured. Rather then making attempts to secure defenses, Megatron sees this as an opportunity to flex his muscle. He’s going to launch a strike team right into the heart of the Autobots’ base and rescue Soundwave. Arcee is a new Magnus tasked with helping defend the Autobots...there might be some instability, but she IS aided by Ultra Magnus, so any assault is going to be met with quite a bit of force.
Kirkman takes the opportunity to give the old property a little bit more darkness. There is some pretty intense brutality around the edges of the traditional action fantasy that the franchise is known for. Of particular note is the darkness within Megatron as he seems to be at least sort of somewhat kind of cornered to at this stage. So he's getting particularly brutal. And it's not just an opportunity for Kirkman to work with that property. As this is the Energon Universe, there is a quick, little check-in with G.I. Joe and the emerging M.A.S.K.-based elements that are coming into view.
Mora and Spicer deliver action and drama that is almost completely over the top. To their credit, however, the more intensely amplified drama of the issue it is largely reserved for the Transformer end of the issue. Some of the more human ends of the issue are allowed to play-out with a bit more nuance. Spike has a chance for a personal moment away from the Autobots and even General Flagg’s encounter with Miles Mayhem allows for some emotional intricacy.
Kirkman is working with inter-franchise architecture that's been around for several years now. The crossovers compromise the integrity of an issue that could have theoretically explored a lot more with respect to the title characters. There's a lot that's being drawn into the complex complexity of all of the different elements of the.Energon Universe. It may be a little bit more than a single issue can handle. Kirkman DOES modulate the script and keep the action moving with a degree of balance. It just isn't terribly satisfying for anyone who might be particularly interested in any one of the franchisees being brought to the page here.
