Ricky Church reviews Optimus Prime #19…
Optimus Prime continues to fire on all cylinders as Shockwave continues to make his big move that’s been millions of years in the making. Optimus Prime #19 makes great use of Shockwave’s return and emphasizes Starscream’s role in whatever the former Decepticon is planning, showing how much of a tool he really is in both senses. Much like the previous issue, it again raises the bar on how great a villain Shockwave now is all on his own.
Despite Shockwave’s prominence as the antagonist, it is Starscream who gets explored the most in this issue. John Barber writes a good take on Starscream as he watches events unfold and tries to use them to his advantage, believing more and more in his divine purpose. Starscream has always been a bot out for himself and through Barber’s story, dating all the way back to the beginning of Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye, Starscream has merely used the circumstances at hand, such as the population’s hate of Autobots or their belief in him being the Chosen One (a fact he never even believed in) to gain power. It’s interesting that he himself is finally starting to believe that.
Of course, it’s precisely why Starscream can never see beyond his own goals that Shockwave chose him. The best moment of the issue was when Shockwave tore Starscream down, revealing that he used his knowledge of history and Starscream’s character to entirely make up the Dark Cybertron prophecy just because he needed “a fool” to be in charge of Cybertron. It’s a great and compelling scene, especially since 10 seconds before that Starscream seemed to really embrace and accept his new role. Barber examines the dichotomy of how much yet how little Starscream has changed while building up Shockwave’s villainous role.
The other characters don’t get to do too much as the issue focuses more on Starscream and Shockwave than anybody else. Arcee and the other Autobots with her regroup to fight Devastator and Shockwave’s minions while Optimus discovers a startling secret after being thrown into the black hole, leaving a tantalizing cliffhanger. It’s some nice set-up for the the final issues to this story and how everyone will try stopping Shockwave and Barber moves them about in good fashion.
Sara Pitre-Durocher’s art is well done throughout the issue. Her work on the transformers’ bodies is nice, making each one look well-detailed and defined. There’s not much action to be had, but Pitre-Durocher does show some good movement with the characters in and between the panels. Nothing feels stagnant when looking at the images. Josh Burchman’s colours also help the visuals pop, using a good mixture of colours that makes the area around Metrotitan’s body look and feel like a desolate landscape. There is also some good use of shadows here, particularly when Shockwave reveals himself to Starscream. Pitre-Durocher and Burchman make a nice pair with art duties in this issue.
Optimus Prime #19 may not be an action packed story, but Barber utilizes his stunning twist with Shockwave to great effect. His examination of Starscream is also very well done and thought-provoking in the contradiction of his development. Combined with the artwork, this latest issue is a compelling read and only builds up the excitement to how it will all end.
Rating: 9/10
Ricky Church
