Today’s Comic> The X-Files Conspiracy: Transformers

Early scrapbooking.

The X Files/Transformers: Conspiracy

IDW Publishing (February, 2014)

“Conspiracy” appears to be a replacement for the “Infestation” crossovers. This time the Lone Gunmen have been investigating a lethal virus outbreak that somehow led them to secret legends. Already they have met the Ghostbusters (who I never thought was all that secretive) and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Now their investigation has led them to the Autobots, namely Bumblebee and Optimus Prime, who are seeking their fellow Autobot, Ratchet. What part does Ratchet play in the bad guys’ plans, can the Autobots and Gunmen save them, and where will the trail lead next? (To the Crow, actually, which is where the story continues.

What they got right: As much as I’m not into the show, I could kind of see a variation of the Transformers existing in the X-Files Universe. I’m not sure how much buildup was made to this story but it’s a fair, if rushed, issue.

What they got wrong: I haven’t been following this story since I was never an X-Files fan but this one didn’t have zombies so I checked it out. It does sound like a decent mystery but with the Lone Gunmen being the ones doing stuff, and they’ve had their own show, why name the comic after the show with the stars who are cameoing? This doesn’t appear to be any of the normal Transformers universes so while I didn’t like this version of Bumblebee it comes down to personal preferences. What I don’t like, however, is the art style. It feels like (and remember I’m more into writing that art–which explains by drawing skills) simulating the painted style and not the best aspect of it. The visuals are kind of dark and hard to tell who anyone is, especially the Gunmen.

Recommendation: Based on this issue alone I don’t really seeing myself pushing this comic but for someone out there it might be worth a look as part of the larger story. I’m just not interested enough in the larger story and this issue didn’t do anything for me.