Luke Owen reviews the latest issue of The Transformers Spotlight…
As easily the most recognisable Transformer of all time, any story about the origins of Optimus Prime are bound to be interesting. This Spotlight issue of The Transformers however isn’t all that great. In fact at times, it’s pretty lousy.
For starters, the characterisation of Orion Pax is pretty poor and your enjoyment of the issue boils down to whether you want to read the man who will soon be Optimus Prime sound like an annoying bratty teenager. For those who prefer the noble Prime will find some niggles in his flip-flop attitude and character – something that was a major distraction while reading.
Secondly, the plot line for the issue is boring to say the least. With medical officer Ratchet captured by the Decepticons, Orion Pax along with Nightbeat and Transformers legend Alpha Trion arrange a captive exchange in the Rust Spot. This leads to an almost inevitable attack, an even more predictable comeback and an ending that seemed to be taken from the Roger Moore James Bond films. The whole thing is pretty lame, uninspiring and downright dull.
The Transformers Spotlight: Orion Pax does however have some shining moments. I really like the art work which is a stark contrast the ongoing series in terms of tone and I always love the Transformers discussing just how their bodies work – something that was always skipped over in the cartoon. There is also a nice issue-long joke about Orion Pax losing his faceplate when given his new body which I had to admit did raise a smile from me during the final panel.
But overall, this is not a comic that is worth picking up. Transformers enthusiasts will probably enjoy some aspects of it but those who want to see more of Orion Pax before he was Optimus Prime will find little on offer here.
Luke Owen is a freelance copywriter working for Europe’s biggest golf holiday provider as their web content executive.
Originally published December 12, 2012. Updated April 10, 2018.
