[TFW2005]

Originally posted by: Tim Formas @ TFW2005.com

Quote:

TFW2005 Comic Reviews have arrived! The first of many comics to be reviewed is Transformers #3 by IDW Publishing, which will be released in comic book stores tomorrow - Wednesday, January 13th. Check out the review and a few new images from the issue by clicking on the Title Bar or thumbnail to the left.
Transformers #3

Credits
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Written by: Mike Costa
Art by: Don Figueroa
Colors by: J. Brown
Letters by: Chris Mowry
Editor: Andy Schmidt
Associate Editor: Denton J. Tipton

Covers
Cover A – Art by Don Figueroa and Colors by J. Brown
Cover B – Art by Andrew Wildman
Retailer Incentive – Art by Don Figueroa

Review
Transformers #3 continues IDW’s first set of story arcs for the Transformers ongoing comics series, with the issue’s events occurring after the events of (the upcoming) Last Stand of the Wreckers Issue #1 and before the events of Bumblebee Issue #1. The issue follows three separate storylines: Ultra Magnus on Earth at the Autobot base investing the events that lead to Ironhide’s death and Optimus Prime’s surrender to the humans, Hot Rod continues to seek a way off of Earth under a newfound partnership, and Spike Witwicky seeks answers through any means possible.

Writer Mike Costa inherited quite a bit of back stories through IDW previous mini-series as well as ongoing side stories in the current Bumblebee mini-series and the upcoming Last Stand of the Wreckers mini-series. Transformers #3 shows the strength in his writing, demonstrating how he has balanced the back stories as well as the content from the recently released Bumblebee #1. He also handles the three storylines in the issue quite well, offering seamless transitions between the stories through the use of a common phrase said in the last panel of the one storyline and the first panel of the next. Additionally, his portrayals of long-time characters haven’t strayed far from the familiar. Characters such as Hot Rod may be characterized slightly differently but not so differently that the character has been completely altered in terms of personality. The development of Spike Witwicky, however, is far different than any portrayal in the past. Whereas Issue #2 portrayed Spike as a womanizer, Issue #3 shows his manipulative side. Although it still feels as if they are setting him up for redemption, his character is getting less and less likable with each issue.

Don Figueroa’s art in Issue #3 is consistent with that featured in the previous issue, with no change in the movie-style of Transformers design. If you’re a fan of the movie-inspired designs, you’ll continue to not be disappointed. Don also has a chance to show off a few new designs with Autobots such as Beachcomber, Huffer and Seaspray and provide fans a better look at his Jetfire and Ultra Magnus redesigns. The new redesign of Hoist re-enforces the notion that the new designs are inspired by the movie and toyline, as his redesign features elements of both the Hoist and Dropkick movie toys along with other common features.

Transformers #3 continues to build on the excitement featured thus far in the ongoing. Although the issue did not featuring anything in the way of huge revelations, it does a great job of teasing several large events coming up within the storylines. This issue is a recommended pick up, although it’s becoming more apparent that you may also need to pick up the Last Stand of the Wreckers and Bumblebee mini-series as they are released to be fully cognizant of what is going on with the contents of this issue and the ongoing series.

Original Source: TFW2005 Reviews Transformers #3 @ Transformers - TFW2005.com.