[TFW2005]

Originally posted by: Tim Formas @ TFW2005.com

Quote:

TFW2005 is proud to provide another early Transformers comic review! Today, we review Ironhide #1! Ironhide #1 is out tomorrow - Wednesday, May 12th - from IDW Publishing. Check out the review and a few new images from the issue by clicking on the Title Bar or thumbnail to the left.
TFW2005 is proud to provide another early Transformers comic review! Today, we review Ironhide #1! Ironhide #1 is out tomorrow - Wednesday, May 12th - from IDW Publishing

Ironhide #1

Credits
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Written by: Mike Costa
Art by : Casey Coller
Colors by: Joana Lafuente
Letters by: Chris Mowry
Editor: Andy Schmidt
Associate Editor: Denton J. Tipton

Covers
Cover A – Art by Marcelo Matere and Colors by Priscilla Tramontano
Cover B – Art by Casey Coller and Colors by Joana Lafuente
Retailer Incentive – Art by Marcelo Matere and Colors by Priscilla Tramontano

Review
Ironhide’s death in the first issue of the Ongoing series brought about a series of changes. Optimus Prime resigned as Autobot commander and surrender to Skywatch. Until Transformers #6 and unification under Bumblebee, the Autobots were fracture into two camps. From the events that spun out of the death, readers became split on their attitude towards the series. You either love it or hate it. The Ironhide mini-series begins by bringing us to a time before the events of the Ongoing series, a time when things were good on Cybertron, and (for some readers) a time when things were good in the comic-verse.

The majority of the story in Ironhide #1 takes place well into the past. Although the Autobots and Decepticons are at war, Cybertron is vibrant. Comments made in the issue suggest that Optimus Prime is new to his commander position. The encounter between the two sides serves as a vehicle to demonstrate Ironhide’s devotion as a solider as well as to a young leader in Optimus Prime.

Mike Costa, writer for the ongoing series, also takes authoring duties for the Ironhide mini-series. For at least the first issue of the mini-series, Costa’s writing takes on a different tone than that seen thus far in the ongoing series. Because it was during the better days on Cybertron, the attitude of the Autobots is much different than what is seen now. The writer focuses on the maturity of a young leader and the devotion of his troops to his cause. He even lets loose a little, providing a glimpse into the drinking, social life of Autobots. References are plenty, whether it is a shout-out to Maccadam’s or the inclusion of past-IDW characters such as Ramjet. To conclude the issue, Costa ties in his historical Cybertron story flawlessly into the cliffhanger that will lead into the remainder of the series.

Casey Coller takes on art duties for the series. His art returns the Generation One characters to their familiar forms instead of the fan-controversial designs featured in the ongoing series. Casey’s lines are neat and detailed without over-doing it. It’s a good balance and is consistent throughout the issue. His art is helped by Joana Lafuente’s colors. Joana does a fantastic job of using her colors to illustrate a tone. Colors of panels covering Cybertron’s past are vibrant and bright. Those featuring darker moments in Cybertron history are dark and full of shadows.

Ironhide #1 provides a good, interesting start to a new mini-series. Being the first issue of a series, it’s more story setup than anything but still features some action. For those who have liked Costa’s work, you’ll enjoy this issue. For those who have had concerns about the ongoing, this issue is worth a try.

Original Source: TFW2005 Reviews Ironhide #1 @ Transformers - TFW2005.com.