“Is that Michael Bay? Get him!”
Transformers: Generation One #2
Dreamwave (May, 2002)
WRITER: Chris Sarracini PENCILER: Pat Lee INKER: Rob Armstrong BACKGROUNDS: Edwin Garcia COLORISTS: Ramil Sunga, Gary Yeung, & Alan Wang FLATS: Kenny Li LETTERING: Dreamer Design
General Hallo needed Spike to reactivate Optimus Prime. Before they launched, Optimus gave Spike a piece of the Matrix as part of his proof he’d bring Sparkplug home safe. (Then the explosion happened.) Spike uses the piece to restart the Matrix and bring Optimus back, and he uses the Matrix to resurrect the Autobots Lazarus hadn’t found yet. Speaking of which, he sends the reprogrammed Soundwave, Grimlock, Bumblebee, Starscream, and Prowl to attack an Arctic base, killing everyone, as part of his demonstration to the terrorist customers. However, when he reveals Megatron as the opening item, Megatron shows himself to be not under Lazarus’ control, as he seizes him and takes over the base, destroying the returning helicopters.
What they got right: It’s understandable that Spike is a bit hesitant to restart Optimus after what happened to his father. And yet he is also smart enough to realize they need his help with Megatron back (unaware of Lazarus’ plan, which went south anyway). A nice little moment. Megatron being active is something I would have called last issue after Lazarus failed to get Megatron to bow to him (which is probably what awoke Megatron’s mind, but that’s a guess on my part) but it’s still a well done reveal.
What they got wrong: The characters still lack expression, and I swear one of the workers looks like Lazarus. There is also reuse of panels with General Hallo, which just looks weird, and the continued use of webdings in place of drawing the Autobot symbol on Optimus. Look, I have trouble with the symbol as well but I would at least TRY! And while I think this is explained later, why are the Aerialbots in Superion form? How big WAS the inside of this ship?
Recommendation: I’m lukewarm to this story but as we’ll see next issue the real problems start besides the artwork. It’s not worth the trouble finding this one unless you want the complete run.
