“No, doctor, I don’t think it’s just heartburn!”
Transformers: The War Within #4
Dreamwave (January, 2003)
WRITER: Simon Furman PENCILER: Don Figueroa INKER: Elaine To COLORIST: Rob Ruffolo COLOR ASSISTS: Alan Wang LETTERING: Dreamer Design GRAPHIC DESIGN: Kevin Lee ASSISTANT EDITOR: Matt Moylan
As Megatron and Optimus continue to battle deep within Cybertron, Prowl sends Grimlock’s team to go underground and prepare the rebellion while trying to find out what cause the ships to be destroyed, which Prowl thinks is connected to Megatron, Optimus, and the Matrix. Meanwhile, Starscream discovers that there is a second layer of Cybertron that can be used to “repair” the damage of war, and plans to use it as a weapon against the Autobots. Back within Cybertron, Megatron gains access to the Matrix, which gives the two leaders a vision of a planet with cities and green trees. I’m sure you can guess what planet that is.
What they got right: Why is it the things I took issue with during Furman’s Marvel run work so much better here? The mystical elements, the darker tones, an indecisive Optimus…it all works better in this story. He’s also writing Prowl better in this story. I’d say he’s improved, but the IDW stories prove me wrong. Prowl was a jerk when he was writing the early IDW G1verse and ReGeneration One was as “bloody” body count laden (Transformers AND humans) as his Marvel run.
What they got wrong: See what I mean? I have no complaints about this issue. The mysteries set up are fascinating, Starscream is a lot more interesting than he had been in years, and Prowl was actually written better than in any Furman story before or since.
Recommendation: I’m starting to wonder if Furman had this ghostwritten or something, in light of what’s coming and my previous reviews. Yes, I’m actually still recommending a Simon Furman Transformers story. Don’t get used to it, though.
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