Ricky Church reviews Transformers #13…
If there was any indication needed that Brian Ruckley is inching closer and closer to all-out war on Cybertron, Transformers #13 is it. Featuring a great balance of plot progression, character development and exposition, the latest issue of IDW’s reboot is nicely focused on the growing Ascenticon movement (sporting the classic Decepticon symbol) and how many pieces are at play as Bumblebee begins putting clues together. It’s just another sign of how much Ruckley has been improving on the series lately with its intriguing developments.
Much of the story centres on the various investigations into The Rise and the Ascenticons’ ties to them with Bumblebee pushing from within the movement. He and Elita-1 get some nice moments together as Bee urges her to help and it’s good to see him take charge again instead of wallowing in his guilt over Rubble or angst against the Autobots (though it is a sight to see him adorned with the Decepticon logo). Bee’s initiative was a step in the right direction for the character and Ruckley has shown the growth he’s underdone in recent issues quite well. And while Elita-1 hasn’t been given a whole lot of material throughout the series so far, her potential team-up with Bumblebee and her won misgivings are quite promising. She’s becoming more of her own character rather than just another spokesman for Megatron and his Ascenticon Guard.
A good chunk of Transformers #13 also dealt with Sideswipe and Springer investigating and ultimately coming into conflict with Rise members. Springer’s introduction to the series was another welcome addition and Ruckley captures his voice pretty well, though he’s a little more reckless than he’s usually presented. The action scenes between the two groups was entertaining and is clear to follow while also upping the ante by putting the two Autobots in some serious jeopardy. Though it might feel a little repetitive given the amount of Rise battles various Autobots have been in lately, Ruckley has made each encounter unique. It’s served to show just how dangerous and far-reaching Megatron’s plan is, feeding into the tension as Cybertron marches inevitably to all out war.
Despite the move to a monthly annual instead of bi-monthly, it seems the series will still utilize two different artists in each issue as it has throughout most of its run so far. Transformers regular Angel Hernandez focuses on the action with The Rise while Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye veteran Alex Milne does Bumblebee’s story as well as a few other beats with various Autobots. Though Hernandez makes some easy-to-follow action and good character work, its difficult putting him and Milne together as Milne does such great work with the franchise. There is so much detail in Milne’s pages and quite a few cameos from several bots that you’ll want to go back and look at his art again to discover more. Joana Lafuente and Josh Perez’s colours make for a vibrant issue, whether its a quick look at a seedy Cybertronian bar or the sprawling vista of the planet’s landscape. The art from the whole team was just great throughout the issue.
Transformers #13 was another step in the right direction with its perfect balance of character development, plot progression and action. Bumblebee and Elita’s growing unease around the Ascenticons is built nicely, making it feel natural Elita is now starting to become suspicious of events. The art from Hernandez, Milne, Lafuente and Perez display great character work and a nice mix of colours. With the cliffhanger of Springer pinned down and more familiar Decepticons ready to make their debut, this latest arc of Transformers is already quite captivating.
Rating: 8/10
Ricky Church – Follow me on Twitter for more movie news and nerd talk.
