Today’s Comic> Transformers #5

"Anyone see where I parked?"

The Transformers #5

IDW Publishing (March 2010)

WRITER: Mike Costa

ARTIST: Don Figueroa

COLORIST: J. Brown

LETTERER: Chris Mowry

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Denton J. Tipton

EDITOR: Andy Schmidt

At the Skywatch base, Spike continues to grill Optimus Prime, who explains why he gave himself up. Deciding to take a drive in the “suppressed” Breakdown, he is attacked by two other Stunticons who rescue their comrade. Meanwhile, Ultra Magnus drafts Bumblebee’s team of Autobots to arrest Rodimus’ Autobot/Decepticon team, but Swindle betrays the Autobots by unleashing the Stunticons’ new ability–combining into Menasor!

What they got right: It’s been a slow start for Costa, but it looks like he may be getting this franchise back to telling a war story that happens to involve giant robots. While I otherwise don’t like seeing Ultra Magnus portrayed as a big jerk (at least it’s not Prowl for a change), he is still an interesting character and serves his purpose well. The conversation between Spike and Optimus is one Autobots (and fans) have needed to hear–too bad the Autobots don’t get to hear it, as it is a perfectly good and in character reason for his surrendering.

What they got wrong: Since I need something here, I’m still not crazy about the movie aesthetics in otherwise toy-based designs (not counting Bumblebee and Ultra Magnus’ alterations). Otherwise, there are some great visuals here. Not so much the covers, as you either get Ultra Magnus standing around or the Stunticons just hanging out. Not bad, just not very interesting.

Recommendation: The ongoing series is working it’s way to finally being one I can recommend, but I’m still a bit on the fence. At least I’m a bit more hopeful now that my favorite franchise may be in good hands.

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Tomorrow’s Comic: Superman 80-Page Giant–yes, I actually bought a DC Universe-based comic after declaring it dead to me. Was it worth it?