Okay, I admit the Shakespeare reference was unavoidable.
Transformers: Generation Two #5
Marvel (March, 1994)
WRITER:Simon Furman PENCILER: Manny Galan INKER: Jim Amash LETTERER: Richard Starkings & Gaushell EDITOR: Rob Tokar “The Power And The Glory” COLORIST: Chia-Chi Wang “Tales From Earth” part 2 COLORIST: Sarah Mossoff
The main story is strangely not the cover story, but has Furman adding to the origin of the Transformers…and every time he does it gets worse. At least the Unicron/Primus origin wasn’t too bad. But this? Okay, let me start at the beginning. Autobots in robes strap Optimus to a point underground Cybertron that somehow resonates with part of the Matrix energy that remains in him. It’s through this that he gets a bit more insight into his vision and boy is it a doozy. Apparently the first Transformers came out of some pool like they were organic beings, which further convinces me Furman doesn’t know how to write mechanical lifeforms. But wait, it gets worse. Some of these Transformers start pushing out the same goo out of their chests, forming Jhiaxus’ band of Decepticons, which Prime takes issue with as some affront to Primus’ design. Just the fact that Transformers can apparently do this is kind of dumb. Basically Transformers came from the ooze and can secrete other Transformers, a form of robo-asexual reproduction. That brings up so many questions about this franchise, like the times Transformers built new bodies and used the Creation Matrix…but they’re actually formed from goo, either from Primus or from themselves? What?
Anyway, Prime ends his vision in anger since secreting new beings yourself is against the laws of Primus and robot or something, missing the fact that the residue goes flying off into space, and is probably the threat Prime’s been having visions about. Meanwhile, Jhiaxus visits another cyberforming project wondering why the Autobots aren’t attacking, with the Autobots having wargame practice wondering the same thing. Overall, this is one addition to Transformers origins that I am so glad they avoided, although it could be a seen as a precursor to the protoform. So maybe they did? Ah crud!
Back on Earth for the second story, Megatron kills Bludgeon in two pages and regains command of the Decepticons. I’m supposed to be impressed but as the G.I. Joe story showed us Megatron is so ridiculously overpowered now that it hardly matters.
Overall, I think I hate this comic for adding something highly unnecessary and highly stupid to the origin of the Marvel Transformers, and the effects will continue throughout this story. This issue is one of the reasons Transformers: Generation Two is my least favorite of the Transformers comic universes, if not all Transformers universes. Even ReGeneration One and the Bay films didn’t disappoint me as much as this thing.
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