Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #22
IDW Comics
Roberts, Raiz & Burcham
Once in a while this comic book series will provide you with a single-issue story that can kind of sit out there on its own. Despite the label on the cover that this is a "Dark Cybertron Prelude", this comic is definitely a one-shot and it's a great one at that. I can't claim this book is for everyone and I can't say this book is for a newcomer, but it is really enjoyable nonetheless.
The premise of this issue is that Rewind filmed their crew of the Lost Light's quest and this is his finished product up to this point. However, it's not simply a recap of the previous issues. Instead we get a behind the scenes look at what the crew has dealt with. The comic contains no action at all and dances around from character never really pulling any single one into focus but it makes for a dense and great read.
Some of the subplots in this issue revolve around Rung's unknown alt mode, the crew's admiration for an Autobot named ThunderClash and a set of warring machines that are similar but much smaller than the Autobots and Decepticons. The book just doesn't sound that interesting but it is because of the personalities that Roberts applies and his ability to tap into their emotions in these situations that makes the comic so enjoyable to read. It doesn't hurt that Roberts peppers some one-liners throughout the book as well.
There literally is no action, but the artwork provides a fantastic read nonetheless. The book reads like a spliced together movie as it should and even the details range depending on the camera and the angle that footage originates from. The inks and colors look less bright and sparkly than perhaps some of the other Transformer books but that just doesn't matter for this kind of issue.
I realize for a lot of readers they might pick up this book and look at it and think, "this looks like a homework assignment." It's a long read and doesn't have any of action you are probably expecting. However, if you like to settle in and read a deep character book that is bringing personalities to robots in ways I never thought possible I would pick this issue up.
4.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
