I was thoroughly impressed with the first issue of Transformers: Generation 1 a few months back, but the debut chapter of Armada didn't live up to the same expectations. So with this new Transformers limited series, I wondered whether or not I was getting another G1 or another Armada. Turns out I got neither. This book falls somewhere in between, and its strengths stem from an emphasis on characterization.
Centuries ago, civl war raged on the Transformers' homeworld of Cybertron. The Decepticons, led by Megatron, were determined to take the planet for themselves, and the Autobots -- ordinary citizens like merchants forced into the role of soldiers -- were at a loss with the death of their leader, Sentinel Prime. It was time for a new prime to be selected, and a quiet archivist with no taste for war is chosen. And thus was created Optimus Prime. But he has more than the Decepticons to worry about; there's also some dissention in the ranks of the Autobots.
Figueroa's artwork on this book is not unlike what we've seen on other Transformers titles. It's richly detailed and full of energy. Mind you, that doesn't mean that if you've seen one Transformers comic, you've seen 'em all. Figueroa's work is markedly different from what we've seen on other books in the line. I can't really put my finger on it, though. I'm not saying it's better or worse... just refreshingly different. The computer colors go a long way to bring out the power and chaos of the story as well.
Easily the most interesting aspect of this script is the origin of Optimus Prime, and I'm not just talking about how he became the powerful leader of the Autobots. Furman explores who he was before briefly, and that he was not someone who thought fighting back is the best option. I'm not all that familiar with or attached to the world of the Transformers, but I welcomed this character-driven script.
Another aspect I found quite intriguing was Grimlock, who's set up as something of a Brutus to Optimus Prime's Caesar. His character is all about violence, all about retaliation, but what's more interesting is that he's not entirely wrong. He knwos that simply giving the enemy what he wants -- as Prime suggests -- isn't going to put an end to the threat. Prime's initial plan puts him in another comparable historical role... that of Neville Chamberlain.
