[TFW2005]

Originally posted by: Tim Formas @ TFW2005.com

Quote:

TFW2005 has an early review on another Transformers comic! Today's review is for Bumblebee #2 by IDW Publishing, which will be released in comic book stores tomorrow - Wednesday, January 20th. Check out the review and a few new images from the issue by clicking on the Title Bar or thumbnail to the left.
Bumblebee #2

Credits
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Written by: Zander Cannon
Art by: Chee
Colors by: Moose Baumann
Letters by: Chris Mowry
Editor: Andy Schmidt
Associate Editor: Denton J. Tipton

Covers
Cover A – Art by Guido Guidi and Colors by Josh Burcham
Cover B – Art by Chee and Colors by Moose Baumann
Retailer Incentive – Art by Chee

Review
Bumblebee #2 takes place soon after where Issue #1 left off and immediately following Transformers Ongoing Issue #3. The start of the issue features Blurr on the run following the ambush by Skywatch that resulted in the capture of three Autobots while Bumblebee and his crew of Autobots are hunting him down following the ultimatum from Skywatch’s rogue Colonel Horiuchi.

Whereas the first issue of the Bumblebee mini-series appeared as if the four-issue set would be a self-contained story spinning off from the events of the ongoing series, Issue #2 definitely illustrates that the remainder of this series will likely intertwine itself with the events of the ongoing series over the next few months. With the recap of the ongoing series events in the first issue, Zander Cannon is able to dive right into the story and kick off the issue immediately with action. At the same time, Zander is able to tie in the events of the ongoing series quite easily and ensuring readers of both comics do not get confused between the stories written by two different authors.

Bumblebee begins to step up to his newly elected title this episode, starting to drive the events of this issue instead of having the events guide him like seen in Bumblebee #1. An event from the first half of the issue results in Bumblebee evaluating the situation and determining that he, as elected leader, is responsible for the well-being of his crew. Bumblebee, as a result, takes the initiative, develops a game plan, and speaks eloquently to his crew without hesitation. A motivational speech delivered by Bumblebee moves his crew emotionally and any sign of dissent within the group is no longer evident. More so than any other recent Transformers comic, this issue does a terrific job at defining the spirit of both the Autobot and Decepticon causes.

On that note, the issue is not devoid of Decepticon presence. Provided is more insight on Skywarp’s mission and a surprise appearance that will carry into the next issue.

Along with the positives in the writing mentioned above, there was an aspect of the writing that seemed to slow down the issue whenever that aspect was utilized. In an effort to simulate in writing how Blurr would talk (ala the Generation One cartoon), there are no spaces between the words (see preview images below) which in turn makes each speech bubble harder to read. While the trick is meant to simulate Blurr’s super fast speech patterns, it causes one to read slower and think harder just to comprehend what Blurr is saying. It’s also an effect that was not used for Blurr in previous IDW comics until now.

Chee’s art continues to provide another shock to the system, mostly in part because of the style featured in this mini-series continues to be quite different than that featured in the ongoing series. The art is very stylized, with a very washed out feel. The designs revert back to the traditional robots versions that long time fans are used to. The style does not illustrate facial emotions well, so emotion is generally shown through hand gestures and character actions.

Bumblebee #2 is definitely worth the read, but one would need to read the first three issues of the ongoing series and Bumblebee #1 to completely understand the events that occur. Although the story does not seem to be headed towards one of the greatest battles or resolution in Transformers comic history, the story remains interesting and continues to make the reader wonder where it’s heading. Plus, who can resist a likeable little guy who takes charge?

Original Source: TFW2005 Reviews Bumblebee #2 @ Transformers - TFW2005.com.