Shockwave collects the freakiest things.
Transformers: Robots In Disguise #17
IDW Publishing (May, 2013)
“Dark Cybertron” prelude “Shockwaves” WRITER: John Barber ARTIST: Livio Ramondelli SELECTED COVER ART: Casey W. Coller (artist) and Joana LaFuente (colorist) LETTERER: Tom B. Long EDITOR: Carlos Guzman
More of Shockwave’s origin is revealed, how the former scientist and student of Jhiaxus became a senator, and then a scientist again under Megatron. But he secretly seeded many planets with 13 different kinds of ore…and 14th on Cybertron that can resurrect the dead!
What they got right: Filling out the backstory from the More Than Meets The Eye “Shadowplay” story arc, plus working in the previous events involving Shockwave plays into Barber’s strengths. He does a good job seamlessly merging the bits and pieces we’ve learned about Shockwave through different writers since the early days of the IDW TFU and forms a definite backstory to our favorite one-eyed diablo.
What they got wrong: Ramondelli again? Look, guys, let him do the covers but enough of this painted art style. Most of the time I can’t tell who’s who and frankly character designs are too similar to begin with. What’s wrong with the toy design on Dai Atlas?
Recommendation: A must have for Shockwave fans and a good story overall despite my issues with the current state of the IDW TFU. Worth picking up, although no moment story or artwise gets a Best Scene nomination.
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