Post by grahamthomson on Jun 9, 2009 17:39:39 GMT
"Prelude: Optimus Prime"
“Prelude: Optimus Prime”, the first UK-originated comic strip to tie in with the Transformers (2007) film, is much like a reunion for its creative team. The kids that Titan Magazine’s new Transformers comic is aimed at might not recognise the creative team, but twenty year veterans of the franchise certainly will.
Kicking off with a full-page retina bruising firefight, “Prelude: Optimus Prime” charges through ten pages of action with no pause for breath.
Geoff Senior’s artwork, coupled with the unorthodox (at least in terms of recent years’ Transformers comics) colouring by Robin Smith, is incredibly energetic, matching the quick pace of the script.
Simon Furman’s script hits the ground running, making sure that while the action is non-stop, there’s enough exposition to keep readers, new and old, in the know. And with just ten pages to work with, he also provides a welcome (but brief) insight into Prime’s character.
Much like the Transformers (2007) film, this strip is loud, brash and attention-grabbing. In other words, the perfect launch pad from which to fire a new comic/magazine.
Verdict: three stars out of five.
“Prelude: Optimus Prime” (10 pp) was originally published by Titan Magazines in Transformers #1 (August 2007)
“Prelude: Megatron”
After last issue’s self-contained introduction, “Prelude: Megatron” reads more like a new chapter in an ongoing storyline. It’s almost as if “Prelude: Optimus Prime” was the pilot and this is the first commissioned episode. Continuing the action directly after last issue, “Prelude: Megatron” dives right into Megatron’s reaction and also introduces the reader to the rest of the Autobot cast from the Transformers (2007) film.
Simon Furman’s script, almost as fast-paced as last time, furnishes the Autobots and Megatron’s Pet Weapon of Mass Destruction with some snappy, charismatic dialogue. Coupled with Nick Roche’s on-form artwork, this story imbues warmth to the characters to continue the magazine’s hook on the readers.
The designs of the Autobots and Decepticons from the Transformers (2007) film do not translate easily to the printed page, but Nick Roche’s artistic prowess here handles them admirably.
There’s a lot of reading pressed into ten pages and, what with the deployment of a (pause to gasp dramatically) Foldspace Warhead (and that’s sadly not the cover-mounted free gift), the plot rolls swiftly towards a very effective cliff hanger.
Titan’s Transformers magazine continues its promising start. Here’s to more!
Verdict: three stars out of five.
“Prelude: Megatron” (10 pp) was originally published by Titan Magazines in Transformers #2 (September 2007)
“Lost in Space (Part 1): Ratchet”
After last issue’s heart-stopping cliffhanger, “Lost in Space (Part 1): Ratchet” slows right down to a weak, almost imperceptible pulse. The story continues its Spotlight-like focus on one character at a time; this issue it’s Ratchet. The clue is in the title.
While it was all very exciting to see the Allspark launched into space and Megatron giving chase in the first two issues, this unnecessary diversion seems to highlight that writer Simon Furman might not yet have seen the finished Transformers (2007) film at the time of writing or scheduling logistics mean that the readers won’t have at the time of publication. Either way, the plot is treading water.
On the surface of things, Ratchet’s story and newfound circumstances would make for a compelling and intelligent political commentary. But a story requiring such depth is not suited for a 10-page strip, and so the interesting stuff is glossed over in favour for a quick, facile punch up.
Andrew Wildman’s artwork, frustratingly, is as bland and sparse as the alien desert setting Ratchet finds himself in. With very little in the way of backgrounds and environments, the characters are literally lost in space. And where the script calls for action, the artwork fails to answer. The colouring, too, is muted and featureless.
“Lost in Space (Part 1): Ratchet” is a disappointing start to the magazine’s first multi-part story, with a lot of potential that just isn’t realised. Hopefully this diversion is only temporary.
Verdict: two stars out of five.
“Lost in Space (Part 1): Ratchet” (10 pp) was originally published by Titan Magazines in Transformers #3 (October 2007)
“Lost in Space (Part 2): Devastator”
Devastator (or Brawl, if you collect the toys) received zero characterisation in the Transformers (2007) film. He was chattel with a rotating turret and nothing more. So it falls, then, to subsidiary fiction like Titan’s Transformers magazine to fill in the blanks. And in that regard, “Lost in Space (Part 2): Devastator” delivers.
Writer Simon Furman injects an otherwise lifeless character with thuggish charm as Devastator bulldozes his way through the 10-page strip. The plot itself is nothing new or particularly engaging (alien world… cryptic artifact… anyone in contact becomes more violent…), but it’s the Decepticon’s reactions to it all that is the appeal here.
Decepticons rarely get the exposure they deserve, so the falling spotlight on Devastator is very much appreciated.
Don Figueroa, familiar to Titan’s readers as the artist on their backup reprint of IDW’s “Movie Prequel”, gets a turn on the artwork. His translations of the film designs look less generic that his IDW work, perhaps because of Robin Smith’s brighter styled colouring.
“Lost in Space (Part 2): Devastator” is an entertaining little vignette, demonstrating that Transformers can be engaging characters when the action dies down, and a welcome insight into one of the Decepticons from the film’s cast.
Verdict: three stars out of five.
“Lost in Space (Part 2): Devastator” (10 pp) was originally published by Titan Magazines in Transformers #4 (November 2007)
“Lost in Space (Part 3): Ironhide”
The spotlight this issue falls on everyone’s favourite cannon-toting, parricidal Autobot from the Transformers (2007) film; Ironhide. Like his fellow Autobots, and as suggested by the story’s title, Ironhide is lost in space.
As with previous issues, the purpose of these introductory stories is to expand upon the characters seen in the film. But “Lost in Space (Part 3): Ironhide” does more than that. Yes, it explores Ironhide’s personality (and his past), but it also gives an eye-opening and all-too-fleeting revelation about the ever-elusive Allspark.
The 10-pages per month format, while making for a faster-paced, action-oriented story, limits any storylines that might require more depth. A longer page-count would easily accommodate writer Simon Furman’s ideas for these new characters and their adventures. But things being what they are, stories have to be short, sweet and quick to wrap until confidence in Titan’s Transformers magazine reaches a healthy level.
Guido Guido is this month’s artist who, providing his own interpretations of the film’s designs, draws the Transformers larger than life. It’s a bold choice and certainly a most welcome one. Colours by Jason Cardy are striking, and are the perfect accompaniment to the art.
“Lost in Space (Part 3): Ironhide” is the first real highlight of Titan’s Transformers magazine, inserting some much needed and unadulterated enjoyment to the series.
Verdict: four stars out of five.
“Lost in Space (Part 3): Ironhide” (10 pp) was originally published by Titan Magazines in Transformers #5 (December 2007)
“Lost in Space (Part 4): Jazz”
Meet Jazz: Curious, cool, and clearly concerned only with himself. While Ratchet and Ironhide want nothing more than to get home, Jazz sees being lost in space as the perfect opportunity to remove himself as much as possible from the war on Cybertron.
“Lost in Space (Part 4): Jazz” does what Simon Furman is best at; getting underneath the armour of a Transformer and showing the reader just what makes them tick. And, in the case of Jazz, it’s not always a pretty picture.
This issue’s script is thrifty, covering a lot in its ten pages. It wraps up the 4-part “Lost in Space” storyline, provides some fascinating character development on Jazz, and delves into a high concept (if a little similar to last issue) plot.
Artist Marcelo Matere, much like Guido Guidi last issue, provides confident and towering artwork. Everything is clear-cut with storytelling that’s easy to follow. Liam Shalloo’s colours, bright and colourful, fit the artwork just right.
The “Lost in Space” arc ends on a high. While it’s been clear that the magazine’s editorial is waiting for the Transformers (2007) film itself before it can plan its stories around it, what could have been an empty diversion has flourished into an entertaining tale.
Verdict: four stars out of five.
“Lost in Space (Part 4): Jazz” (10 pp) was originally published by Titan Magazines in Transformers #6 (January 2008)
“Prelude: Optimus Prime”, the first UK-originated comic strip to tie in with the Transformers (2007) film, is much like a reunion for its creative team. The kids that Titan Magazine’s new Transformers comic is aimed at might not recognise the creative team, but twenty year veterans of the franchise certainly will.
Kicking off with a full-page retina bruising firefight, “Prelude: Optimus Prime” charges through ten pages of action with no pause for breath.
Geoff Senior’s artwork, coupled with the unorthodox (at least in terms of recent years’ Transformers comics) colouring by Robin Smith, is incredibly energetic, matching the quick pace of the script.
Simon Furman’s script hits the ground running, making sure that while the action is non-stop, there’s enough exposition to keep readers, new and old, in the know. And with just ten pages to work with, he also provides a welcome (but brief) insight into Prime’s character.
Much like the Transformers (2007) film, this strip is loud, brash and attention-grabbing. In other words, the perfect launch pad from which to fire a new comic/magazine.
Verdict: three stars out of five.
“Prelude: Optimus Prime” (10 pp) was originally published by Titan Magazines in Transformers #1 (August 2007)
“Prelude: Megatron”
After last issue’s self-contained introduction, “Prelude: Megatron” reads more like a new chapter in an ongoing storyline. It’s almost as if “Prelude: Optimus Prime” was the pilot and this is the first commissioned episode. Continuing the action directly after last issue, “Prelude: Megatron” dives right into Megatron’s reaction and also introduces the reader to the rest of the Autobot cast from the Transformers (2007) film.
Simon Furman’s script, almost as fast-paced as last time, furnishes the Autobots and Megatron’s Pet Weapon of Mass Destruction with some snappy, charismatic dialogue. Coupled with Nick Roche’s on-form artwork, this story imbues warmth to the characters to continue the magazine’s hook on the readers.
The designs of the Autobots and Decepticons from the Transformers (2007) film do not translate easily to the printed page, but Nick Roche’s artistic prowess here handles them admirably.
There’s a lot of reading pressed into ten pages and, what with the deployment of a (pause to gasp dramatically) Foldspace Warhead (and that’s sadly not the cover-mounted free gift), the plot rolls swiftly towards a very effective cliff hanger.
Titan’s Transformers magazine continues its promising start. Here’s to more!
Verdict: three stars out of five.
“Prelude: Megatron” (10 pp) was originally published by Titan Magazines in Transformers #2 (September 2007)
“Lost in Space (Part 1): Ratchet”
After last issue’s heart-stopping cliffhanger, “Lost in Space (Part 1): Ratchet” slows right down to a weak, almost imperceptible pulse. The story continues its Spotlight-like focus on one character at a time; this issue it’s Ratchet. The clue is in the title.
While it was all very exciting to see the Allspark launched into space and Megatron giving chase in the first two issues, this unnecessary diversion seems to highlight that writer Simon Furman might not yet have seen the finished Transformers (2007) film at the time of writing or scheduling logistics mean that the readers won’t have at the time of publication. Either way, the plot is treading water.
On the surface of things, Ratchet’s story and newfound circumstances would make for a compelling and intelligent political commentary. But a story requiring such depth is not suited for a 10-page strip, and so the interesting stuff is glossed over in favour for a quick, facile punch up.
Andrew Wildman’s artwork, frustratingly, is as bland and sparse as the alien desert setting Ratchet finds himself in. With very little in the way of backgrounds and environments, the characters are literally lost in space. And where the script calls for action, the artwork fails to answer. The colouring, too, is muted and featureless.
“Lost in Space (Part 1): Ratchet” is a disappointing start to the magazine’s first multi-part story, with a lot of potential that just isn’t realised. Hopefully this diversion is only temporary.
Verdict: two stars out of five.
“Lost in Space (Part 1): Ratchet” (10 pp) was originally published by Titan Magazines in Transformers #3 (October 2007)
“Lost in Space (Part 2): Devastator”
Devastator (or Brawl, if you collect the toys) received zero characterisation in the Transformers (2007) film. He was chattel with a rotating turret and nothing more. So it falls, then, to subsidiary fiction like Titan’s Transformers magazine to fill in the blanks. And in that regard, “Lost in Space (Part 2): Devastator” delivers.
Writer Simon Furman injects an otherwise lifeless character with thuggish charm as Devastator bulldozes his way through the 10-page strip. The plot itself is nothing new or particularly engaging (alien world… cryptic artifact… anyone in contact becomes more violent…), but it’s the Decepticon’s reactions to it all that is the appeal here.
Decepticons rarely get the exposure they deserve, so the falling spotlight on Devastator is very much appreciated.
Don Figueroa, familiar to Titan’s readers as the artist on their backup reprint of IDW’s “Movie Prequel”, gets a turn on the artwork. His translations of the film designs look less generic that his IDW work, perhaps because of Robin Smith’s brighter styled colouring.
“Lost in Space (Part 2): Devastator” is an entertaining little vignette, demonstrating that Transformers can be engaging characters when the action dies down, and a welcome insight into one of the Decepticons from the film’s cast.
Verdict: three stars out of five.
“Lost in Space (Part 2): Devastator” (10 pp) was originally published by Titan Magazines in Transformers #4 (November 2007)
“Lost in Space (Part 3): Ironhide”
The spotlight this issue falls on everyone’s favourite cannon-toting, parricidal Autobot from the Transformers (2007) film; Ironhide. Like his fellow Autobots, and as suggested by the story’s title, Ironhide is lost in space.
As with previous issues, the purpose of these introductory stories is to expand upon the characters seen in the film. But “Lost in Space (Part 3): Ironhide” does more than that. Yes, it explores Ironhide’s personality (and his past), but it also gives an eye-opening and all-too-fleeting revelation about the ever-elusive Allspark.
The 10-pages per month format, while making for a faster-paced, action-oriented story, limits any storylines that might require more depth. A longer page-count would easily accommodate writer Simon Furman’s ideas for these new characters and their adventures. But things being what they are, stories have to be short, sweet and quick to wrap until confidence in Titan’s Transformers magazine reaches a healthy level.
Guido Guido is this month’s artist who, providing his own interpretations of the film’s designs, draws the Transformers larger than life. It’s a bold choice and certainly a most welcome one. Colours by Jason Cardy are striking, and are the perfect accompaniment to the art.
“Lost in Space (Part 3): Ironhide” is the first real highlight of Titan’s Transformers magazine, inserting some much needed and unadulterated enjoyment to the series.
Verdict: four stars out of five.
“Lost in Space (Part 3): Ironhide” (10 pp) was originally published by Titan Magazines in Transformers #5 (December 2007)
“Lost in Space (Part 4): Jazz”
Meet Jazz: Curious, cool, and clearly concerned only with himself. While Ratchet and Ironhide want nothing more than to get home, Jazz sees being lost in space as the perfect opportunity to remove himself as much as possible from the war on Cybertron.
“Lost in Space (Part 4): Jazz” does what Simon Furman is best at; getting underneath the armour of a Transformer and showing the reader just what makes them tick. And, in the case of Jazz, it’s not always a pretty picture.
This issue’s script is thrifty, covering a lot in its ten pages. It wraps up the 4-part “Lost in Space” storyline, provides some fascinating character development on Jazz, and delves into a high concept (if a little similar to last issue) plot.
Artist Marcelo Matere, much like Guido Guidi last issue, provides confident and towering artwork. Everything is clear-cut with storytelling that’s easy to follow. Liam Shalloo’s colours, bright and colourful, fit the artwork just right.
The “Lost in Space” arc ends on a high. While it’s been clear that the magazine’s editorial is waiting for the Transformers (2007) film itself before it can plan its stories around it, what could have been an empty diversion has flourished into an entertaining tale.
Verdict: four stars out of five.
“Lost in Space (Part 4): Jazz” (10 pp) was originally published by Titan Magazines in Transformers #6 (January 2008)
