Today’s Comic> Transformers Timelines #6: The Stunti-Con Job

"What, are you guys trying out to become Headmasters?"

Transformers Timelines V2 #6

Fun Publications (Fall, 2011)

This is the Diamond version of this year’s Botcon comic, originally distributed at the convention.

Set in the Transformers: Animated universe, the prologue shows how Cheetor got busted down to street duty. In the main story, he is pared with Sideswipe, an officer looking forward to his retirement. However, the two have stumbled upon what they thought was simply an illegal mods operation, but turns out to be an attempt to free Megatron from prison. With a little help from Optimus Prime (and no help from Sentinel Magnus), the two officers expose the plan and capture some new Decepticons for Megatron to hang out with. However, the other cons may have a new plan, hinted at in the Almanac.

Here’s how these comics work: The Botcon organizers come up with a series of older Transformers molds to become new character that are exclusive to the convention. The Timelines comics then put them into a comic story.

What they got right:  I like the “Lethal Weapon” approach to Sideswipe and Cheetor. They play off each other well. The art in the main story is dead-on for the cartoon this world is set in. The two show characters that do make an appearance, Optimus Prime and Sentinel Prime/Magnus, are spot-on for their portrayal in the show, although that praise is based on a limited appearance.

What they got wrong: Optimus’ smile is kind of goofy. The various cameos are good, but I personally would have liked to have seen more of an appearance by Optimus’ old teammates.

Recommendation: A good showing for fans of Transformers: Animated and worth keeping an eye out for.