This page contains affiliate links. We may earn commissions when readers interact with or purchase items through these links. For more information, see our affiliate disclosures here.
Free of any explicit spoilers, but be forewarned some are implied. Next time on Dr. Katz...
Lost Light 11 picks up right where we left off, still on the book's namesake ship with a crew collectively known as "The Mutineers". If issue 10 was about First Aid, then this chapter is best described as being about Getaway. The latest captain is the focus this time around, in a very densely plotted, continuity rich installment. The expected James Roberts character work is accompanied by Jack Lawrence, Joana Lafuente, and Tom B. Long on (most) visuals, and series followers anxiously await more detail and resolution to long lingering questions. Does this latest entry of Lost Light deliver the goods? Read on to find out!
He's like The Love Boat, but worse
Transformers fans have been chomping at the bit to hate Getaway at every turn. While it's a small disappointment to see a direction chosen that really does feed this contempt, there's a commitment to the decision that comes through on the page. Getaway is caught up in his own b.s. in such a complete, deep, hopeless way that the Megatron parallels seen both in word and deed weren't something I found to be a detriment - though as another perspective is valuable, it should be said that some on site staff feel the parallels might be a bit too on the nose.
Lost Light 11 shows Getaway managing a complex plan with constant obstacles tripping things up, with a desperation taking hold informing some less than scrupulous choices. One lie leads to another, with existing personality traits perpetuating a supercilious attitude that steadily gets worse. The emotion of doubling-down on a bad decision comes across as genuine, and while reading the book there's still a feeling that somewhere within the repressed secret agent style exterior is at least a faint tinge of regret with a side dish of remorse. Nothing feels cartoon-like with this villain work, and that's very welcome. Even Getaway's darkest moment in the story (well, a few come to mind) were closer to "James Bond is about to do something very bad that he shouldn't but whatever, he's James Bond" than "Megatron is going to blow up Sherman Dam, oh no!"
Talking for too long rarely does go well
Despite the tight focus on Getaway, there are still other central elements to the story that provide satisfying perspective on events while moving the plot forward. Thunderclash provides a warrented presence that feels natural while framing chosen past events through a new set of eyes. This lends an accessibility to the book that I think is effective. Admittedly, I'm so deep into Fanboy Land at times with this series it's also possible that the continuity is so deeply entrenched at this point into my subconscious that this issue could be totally inaccessible and I wouldn't even know it, so bear this in mind. Exposition does occur but isn't too heavy for too long, and literally reprinted pages from a past issue are placed in appropriately to help catch up new or casual readers without taking any space from anything else. In other words, if hearing about reprinted parts worries you, there's no cause for concern because there are still 20 new story pages in the issue.
"Atomizer, I think I see your tiny house over here!"
Thunderclash isn't the only perspective that comes as a welcome part of the story. As many will recall, in More Than Meets The Eye #50 Getaway was the apparent driving force behind a mutiny that left Megatron and "Team Rodimus" stranded and at the mercy of three terrifying villains: Overlord, the Decepticon Justice Division, and an army of 500 other Decepticons commanded by Deathsaurus. The crew of maybe-complicit-maybe-not mutineers was comprised of several Autobots that many fans couldn't bear to see in that position. After all, Hoist has a Rodimus Star! Riptide and Hound seem so nice! Perceptor couldn't have been in on it, he's Perceptor! Blaster!? He's too cool! Grapple lifts things!
Without giving things away, readers waiting for the endless speculation on certain character motivations to end should be pleased with this issue. Not every question gets answered, but there's a lot here to keep fueling, say, your posts here on the Energon Pub Forums about why Hound did nothing wrong for many weeks to come.
Find someone who looks at you the way Joyride looks at Thunderclash
It took quite a while to figure out what to critique here, but it's probably fair to say that some subtlety in the book's political commentary would have been welcome. One of the moments in question almost comes across as an unintentional gag, whereas a touch of nuance could have helped convey a more focused message. Then again, perhaps given the situation at hand, the lack of even trying to hide swipes at today's real world attempts at hegemony is exactly what was called for.
Uh oh, not those meddling kids again! Just kidding, it's really not like that.
Jack Lawrence is once again the main line-work artist for this installment, and this may very well be his best output yet. The considerable cast roster experiences one twist after another turn after another meeting around the furniture, but at no point do the facial expressions feel inappropriate or overdone. The tight environmental focus provided by the setting, that being the interior of the Lost Light itself, might help some readers notice the exemplary body language conveyed more than in earlier installments. Joana Lafuente's colors provide a brightness to the proceedings that help establish tone appropriately in the less than bright moments, with nothing ever coming across as washed out or out of focus. Tom B. Long's letters are indeed swoon-worthy, with no question as to which speech bubble comes next despite the presence of a high word count.
This week brings four covers, with the three order-able versions coming through the stalwart, steady teams of Lawrence and Lafuente, Nick Roche and Josh Burcham, plus fan favorites Alex Milne and Josh Perez. The thumbnail to this story features the Lawrence cover, for the sole reason of it having a "Getaway Star". As always, you can find images of all of those covers and full credits for the issue in our Vector Sigma Database page for Transformers: Lost Light #11, but do note it does contain a character appearance list that will spoil some of this issue's surprises!
Verdict Or a faint signal? No? Aw, ok.
Everything comes together in Lost Light #11 to yield a tight package that accomplishes so much in 22 pages that it's astounding. This series is on an upward trajectory and continues to surprise just when everything seems figured out. Only a couple small things are holding me back from assigning our rare, vast, predatory bird known as a perfect score for this installment, one of them being a lingering concern that some readers are unlikely to catch many of the details that make the story magic for me. I don't think anyone should skip this one due to that, just know that it might not have as much impact if your familiarity with the series has slipped or isn't there to begin with.
Between this and last week's Optimus Prime #13, Roberts and franchise co-creator John Barber are hitting a stride not seen in quite some time. As a long time reader, my excitement for the coming months is at a fever pitch once again, and it's an excellent time to get on board with IDW's Transformers comics.
. out of
Bonus! James Roberts' soundtrack suggestions for this issue:
The Stone Roses - "I Am the Resurrection"
Longpigs - "Lost Myself"
The Rolling Stones - "You Can't Always Get What You Want"
WOAHHH WE'RE HALF WAY THERE, WOAH-OH! LIVIN' ON A PRAYER.
That's right! Somehow we're already almost half way through the second Machinima Transformers series, Titans Return. The episode brings new threats, the loss of old freinds, and the appearance of some new ones. So, heat up some Turkey Day leftovers, and let's dive into the fourth episode of Transformers Titans Return!
We open with the Mistress of Flame in her Prayer chamber, where she prays to the original 13 Primes. This scene, again, is sort of teasing the next animated series, Power of the Primes, with the name dropping of the Primes and the use of their symbols on the floor. I'd prefer this method of tying the shows together over throwing it in at the last second like the previous series did with the Titans.
Her meditation is interrupted by who she thinks is Megatron, but is really Overlord, a new addition to the series. It is then we are introduced to one of the biggest issues with this episode...
...SPLIT FRAMES!!!
They're so bizarre and out of place, and haven't been used at all in this show (or the previous show, if memory serves), but are suddenly in every other shot. They're not very well framed, either, with the direction of each section being really confusing and not focused on a specific thing. They're quite distracting and I hope this isn't a running change.
Anyway, back to the plot. Overlord arrives, bringing his extremely goofy voice with him. It's this weird sort of Colonel Sanders/New Orleans accent mix that is just so ridiculous for this character it almost kind of works.
He sounds like he's about to play some ragtime in the steamship down by the Bayou,
or offer the Mistress a 5 dollar Fill-Up
The Mistress tells this new threat he's not supposed to be in the sacred chamber, and then just gets punted across the room. She retrieves her hammer and just starts wailing on him to no avail. It is by far the funniest moment of the series so far, and, matching Overlord's character overall, is just ridiculous and incredible at the same time.
This is the equivalent of that old Cartoon cliche where the bigger character yawns while holding the smaller character back with a hand on their forehead
She finally gets one good hit in, but then returns to the inconsequential wailing. She calls in some security drones, but their shots do nothing. I understand what kind of fight scene they were going for here, sort of a Star Wars-like "Bad-ass new villain character comes in and just dominates other character who makes their final stand against him" scene, but it just doesn't work. Whether that's because I'm unable to take it seriously, or some of the direction, lines of dialogue, and movements are just a beat or two off, I don't know. I think it would have been a more emotional scene had we actually seen the Mistress getting injured. Every time she gets tossed around, she just gets back up, looking good as new. Some damage here or there, some energon dripping our of her mouth, anything like that would have gotten the emotion and tone I think they were trying to convey across.
Overlord tosses the Mistress into the light of the Prayer Chamber, which electrocutes her, and she eventually dies, in a pool of Energon, on the floor.
Ooh, she's smokin' and crispy, just like my Nashville Hot chicken tenders, with 11 herbs and spices!
While this is all going on, it's revealed that the missile launched by Fort Max actually has Emissary inside of it. He jumps off the rocket and takes control of Metroplex, telling the titan he's here to help. Metroplex says he's too late to aid in the battle, but Emissary insists, giving him LASER EYES. No, seriously
All I want is Metroplex with frickin' LASERS coming out of his eyes.
While the battle rages on anew, the combiners are still working to fix up Fort Max. Computron discovers that, while all his weapon systems are functioning, his Transformation cog is destroyed. Victorion decides to fire all weapons systems at Trypticon, even though they have the potential to hurt or kill Metroplex in the process. While the lasers are sill soaring through the air, the episode ends.
This episode was...interesting to say the least. I'd be inclined to call it the worst episode so far, but I honestly don't think it is. I mean, sure, it's goofy and ridiculous, but it at least feels like there's something actually happening. That's a quality that past episodes have been lacking, and I've mentioned that all through-out the reviews. When looking at the episode as a whole, the pacing is by far the best of the series. Everything chugs along, with a satisfying amount of action, conflict, and story. New characters are making their way into the story which is a nice change, as well. Very little felt awkward or unnatural. The split screens were annoying, yes, but they're tolerable. It will be interesting to see where the plot goes from here.
...and that's episode four! Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving, and I'll see you in December following the release of episode 5! Thanks for reading!
It's only been a handful of days since the new Transformers Generations 2018 book was released, and already we have a full video breakdown of it! The video, while in Chinese, shows off the catalogue in its entirety very nicely, and gives us some good looks at the latest and greatest toys from Hasbro and Takara! Almost (if not) every figure from the past few months is shown to some degree in the book, including Grand Maximus, Masterpiece Dinobot and Sunstreaker, and Legends Greatshot! The book also features some neat behind the scenes shots of the design process of toys like Titan Class Trypticon, Six Shot, and Overlord! We've taken some screenshots of the video, but they only show a fraction of the content included, so we recommend watching the nearly feature-length tour through the book embedded directly below!
Much like for the Optimus Prime figure, newsed with its review here, we have recently seen in-hand images of the latest figures from Hasbro's Transformers Power of the Primes line, as shown in Hong Kong and Shanghai events with fans of the toys and the franchise. Once more via YouTuber Kevin Liu now we also have a full review (in Mandarin, and in addition to the previously seen clip by Liu) for the newest Voyager version of the Elected Supreme Ruler of Cybertron, the Chosen One, and general fan-favourite: Starscream.
The full video can be seen embedded below, but we've also included a couple of screenshots for those unable to watch right away, showing comparisons in jet mode with Masterpiece Starscream, and in robot mode with wave mate Grimlock, plus a look at all the stickers on the figure, the transformation, Prime Master compatibility, Prime Armor, torso mode, and a preliminary combination with Dreadwind and Aerialbots from the previous line of Combiner Wars. Check it all out!
We have recently seen in-hand images of the latest figures from Hasbro's Transformers Power of the Primes line, as shown in Hong Kong and Shanghai events with fans of the toys and the franchise - but thanks once more to YouTuber Kevin Liu - who first brought us looks at the Dinobots, Volcanicus and Starscream - , we have a full review (in Mandarin) for the first of the two Leader class characters in the first wave: Optimus Prime, evolving from Orion Pax!
The full video can be seen embedded below, but we've also included a couple of screenshots for those unable to watch right away, showing the truck mode for both parts of the figure, the robot modes, the evolution gimmick, the Matrix feature, and the ion blaster, plus comparisons with other iterations of the same character, including MP10 and Age of Extinction Evasion Mode. Check it all out!
Fellow Seibertronian chuckdawg1999 has reviewed all of the Wave 1 Prime Masters from Transformers Power of the Primes. These include Liege Maximo and Skullgrin Decoy Armor, Micronus and Cloudburst Decoy Armor, and Vector Prime and Metalhawk Decoy Armor. These retail for either $4.99 or $5.99 depending on the retailer, and they have so far only been found at Hasbro Toy Shop but other stores should be stocking these within the coming month. For info on what is coming out next for this Prime Master class, please check the full list of what we know here.
chuckdawg1999 wrote:The Prime Masters are the small figures that the line are sorta built around. They can stand in Pretender shells, ride in/on Legends, and attach to the armor of deluxe figures. Oh, they can also be used as heads, on Titans Return figures and interact with Titan Master drones and bases. One negative is that a lot of the uniqueness of a Titan Master is lost with Prime Masters, and the Pretender shells transform the same way thus far. For five bucks USD though, you really can't go wrong.
Synopsis
As the consequences of the First Strike event reverberate, Optimus Prime ventures into the wilderness of Cybertron to search for the first new Cybertronian life to emerge in four million years!
Getting the truck outta here
Story
We leave First Strike almost entirely behind with this issue of the ongoing Optimus Prime series from IDW Publishing, though there are clear echoes at the start of the comic for sure - some louder than others - but the real accomplishment of the comic overall is just how much story it packs in one single issue.
THAT is an Arcee facesculpt expression
You will remember the Throttlebots in the IDW universe only if you were with the publisher's output since the Spotlight days, and specifically Spotlight: Metroplex, and we really had heard nothing from them since - the way in which Barber catches everyone up is admirable, and doesn't fall into the expodump traps it could've, still leaving a lot to be inferred or imagined being left out.
Really though, poor things
On the other side, we also have a continuation of the Dynobot trilogy, or Redemption of the Dinobots, with some additional information as to what went down after that story 'ended' and what may or may not have happened to the new sparks being discovered and activated, yet again leading to more questions answered and other not at all.
Arcee is still the best
And finally, we have some references to both Rom vs Transformers: Shining Armor - which will see its final issue next week - and the First Strike event, which this comic serves as one of the consequences of in terms of the general frame. And it's a frame that makes perfect sense, once you take into account how the stories have crossed paths, and who shows up in the multiple scenes that you will enjoy spending time identifying - or just using our database for (warning, spoilers obviously).
Art
The art by Livio Ramondelli adds a nice touch of continuity with the Redemption of the Dinobots story, as the writing does for First Strike and the others - and it's one of his best efforts yet, with some true standouts when another returning character appears in his machinations, and some seriously eery scenes looming over pretty much the entire book.
WHO
Ramondelli obviously also provides his own colours, and much like for the Dinobot one-shots, the choice of palette and tones used in different scenes fit perfectly to the surprisingly very dark issue that Barber's script has laid out. The flames on one side, the cold metal on the other, it does feel like the heart of something is weighing heavy, all the way through.
"Botanica" indeed
The lettering is once more in the hands of capable Tom B. Long, and his combinations with Ramondelli's style always stands out a little more than usual - usually thanks to the hues of the backgrounds - but that's never a bad thing. The cover used for the thumbnail is the exercise in empathic emotion, with Casey Coller and John-Paul Bove taking on the surviving Throttlebots at their most vulnerable yet resilient; all others can be found in the Database entry for the issue here.
Thoughts Spoilerish ahead
If you've read through me trying to highlight a couple of strands present in the issue, you make have one of two takeaways: there is a lot going on - perhaps too much, and it can get overloading or overbearing after a certain point, especially as a newer reader; there is a lot going on, and that's the best thing we could've had from a story like this, merging together threads that had been almost liminal so far. I veer on the latter, but entirely understand the former.
Still social commenting
The visual side of the book fits the tone and hits the spot exactly for the issue, and it helps deliver an intricate set-up and build of that merging I just mentioned - what I am concerned about, if anything, at this stage, is the landing. We'll see next issue how Barber and the others conclude this incursion into contemporary Hasbroverse, after such a strong take-off. But if you liked the Spotlight era, the Dinobots, the science experiments, and certain unlikeables - and a lot more about Arcee, which is never turned down as an offer - this book is for you.
Welcome back (and to those just joining, welcome) to another Machinima Titan's Return review! Last week saw the release of the first two episodes of this new series, (you can catch up on my review for those here and here) and this week we finally get the resolution to some of the cliffhanging plot threads left over from last week. Let's get straight to it and take a look at Titan's Return Episode 3!
So, we pick up where we left off in episode 2, with Trypticon in the middle of rampaging through Cybertron and Metroplex coming to meet him. And then, finally, we get the big (literally) fight scene between the two titans. It's actually fairly well done and entertaining to watch. Windblade again tries to get Metroplex to stand down, but he knows he must to defend the city. Mmmm, hot giant robot-on-giant robot dinosaur action
Thanks to a random bit of purple smoke that comes out of Trypticon's mouth(?), we hear Starscream's voice, and Windblade and Metroplex discover that Starscream is the one controlling Trypticon. Bluhh, sorry, I had Chipotle
We cut away from the fight for a moment to catch up with Perceptor and the Mistress of Flame, who make contact with Hot Rod. He asks how the evacuation is going, even though we've seen no one but the main cast in this entire city. Hot Rod informs them he'll be arriving shortly to aid with the fight.
We then cut to the Matrix of Leadership, now in the hands of the 13 Primes, who send a message to Optimus Prime. He stops, heeding the sign from the Matrix, and realizes what has happened in the city he's left behind. He travels back to the fight, and then, finally, we get the reappearance of Megatron. He remains the greatest, best-acted character in the entire two series, and the dialogue and exposition between he and Optimus in this scene is really good. He gives us some foreshadowing about the next series, Power of the Primes. AW YISSSS
But all good things must come to an end, as, like a thief in the night, Megatron leaves as soon as he arrived. He decides not to go with Optimus to save the city, but I'd assume this is not the last we'll see of him through the rest of the series.
While this is all happening, we find the Mistress of Flame and Perceptor trying to contact the combiners on their quest to find Fortress Maximus, which they are unable to do. "[Trypticon] could want one thing, or everything!" .....What?!?!? What is this writing??
After watching the battle for a few moments more, she sends Perceptor to turn on the castle's defense systems, while she goes to her "Prayer Chamber".
#thoughtsandprayers
Perceptor then makes it to the basilica control room, and turns the defenses on.
Orchestrated by Daft Punk, apparently.
The combiners finally make it to Fortress Maximus and attempt to activate it. We hear Youtuber Matpat in the role of Computron for the first time, and there's kind of a unique, fun dynamic between all the combiners hinted at here. Menasor fires off a missile by accident, with no idea where it will land. With that, episode 3 ends.
It's ya boy, DJ P3rcy P, spinning some fresh hits for ya all night long...
This was, again, a good episode. It was nothing exceptional, but the Metroplex/Trypticon battle scenes were very well done, and makes up for some pacing, timing, and writing issues that are pretty regular in this series so far. I honestly think it's biggest issue currrently is that, even though you had a pretty constant amount of action in this episode, it still feels pretty dull. It just doesn't grab you and make you feel like you're involved or invested in these battles you're seeing. The pacing issues coupled with the wide, steady, far out camera angles I think really detach you from the situation, which is not how you should feel. It just makes everything seem inconsequential, when it really isn't. This is still a huge improvement over the last series, though, because we've move on from being "Oh this is just bad" to actual critique, dissecting the actual occasional flaw that presents itself.
Well, that's it this week. What did you think? Watch the new episode over on Go90, and then come back and tell us in the Energon pub forums below! Happy Thanksgiving to you all if you celebrate it, and I'll see you next Tuesday!
Once more via fellow Seibertronian bacem, we have a video review of the third member of the Autobot side of the first wave of Transformers Power of the Prime appearing at US retail this week: Windcharger! An old favourite of previous toylines, namely Reveal the Shield with the Scout class gems, then again to less success in Combiner Wars, Windcharger had a small spotlight in the IDW comics prior to the Dark Cybertron event (as a member of the X-Men Outliers helping Orion Pax), and is now back in plastic form in this new toyline.
Compatible with Prime Masters and Titan Masters alike, you can check out the clip embedded below, via YouTube reviewer Long's Toys. Reviews of fellow Legend class wavemates Beachcomber and Slash can be found back in this news post here, too. Enjoy!
Thanks to several Seibertronians, such as bacem, for pointing out to us that we now have reviews for Transformers Power of the Primes legends class Beachcomber and Slash. Both are part of the first wave of legends class toys and have appeared at Target in the US (and no where else in the world so far). They both come two per case, as can be seen in an image of an opened case below. Their wave mates are Skrapnel, a slight redeco of the previously released Generations Skrapnel, and Windcharger, who is a completely new mold. All new molds can have a Titan/Prime Master pilot them.
If any of you find thse interesting and hope to find one at Target, please check this article which specifies the product (DCPI) code for the class and how to use it to check if those products are in stock.
bacem wrote:Found a video review of beachcomber and slash.
gotta say, beachcomber's transformation is a bit more complex than I imagined. Liking him now.
Goto Page: <<1, 2, 3, 4 ... 22, 23, 24>> 235 total news articles in this section, 10 per page.
* Price and quantities subject to change. Shipping costs, taxes and other fees not included in cost shown. Refer to listing for current price and availability.
out of 
![[Valid RSS]](/images/rss/valid-rss.png "Validate Seibertron.com's RSS feed"){kind=small}
