Writer(s): John Barber & James Roberts
Layouts: Phil Jimenez
Finished Art: Andrew Griffith
Prologue Art: Brendan Cahill
Colours: Josh Perez
Prologue Colours: J.P. Bove
Letters: Tom B. Long
Editor: Carlos Guzman
Publisher: IDW
Purchase: http://read.idwpublishing.com/Transformers-Dark-Cybertron-1/digital-comic/50636
It must suck being a Transformer. Aside from the obvious benefits such as transforming, having to deal with a civil war that lasts eons is a bit of a deal breaker. Yet, without conflict there can be no resolution—or a story for that matter, and despite the negative benefits of an all out civil war, it sure does make for some great reading. Things come to head for Autobot and Decepticon alike in this new series from IDW appropriately titled Transformers: Dark Cybertron.
The war for Cybertron has ended and Starscream is in charge. Yep, we’re off to a great start. With the Autobots and the Decepticons both banned from Cybertron, it’s up to Rodimus and Orion Pax, the former Optimus Prime, to find a way to regain control of their home world. If that wasn’t bad enough, Shockwave has launched his multi-million year plan to remake Cybertron killing millions in the process. Transformers’ darkest moment starts right here folks. It’s enough to make Empire Strikes Back look like Sesame Street.
If you have never read the lead in titles, More Than Meets the Eye and Robots in Disguise, that’s ok. A prologue kicks everything off and does a nice job of catching up new readers. It is recommended that you have some base level transformers knowledge, mainly that of the animated movie and series. Outside of that, the story is straightforward and completely engrossing. If you were one of those children who sat in their backyard dreaming up horrific events for your action figures to overcome, then this is the book for you.
The art is perfectly fitting for the series. Each robot brims with the personality you have come to expect from all your favourites. There are also some fantastic set pieces as we travel from Cybertron to the deepest reaches of space. The epic feel is never forgotten here.
For those of you looking for a great jumping on point for Transformers, or just like to see your childhood memories shattered by the fall of Cybertron, then you will be hard pressed to find a better read than Transformers: Dark Cybertron.
-Sean