Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Transformers Devastation #5
IDW Comics
Furman, Su & Atkinson

An excellent issue for the series that is bringing in more Transformers with each issue, but not sacrificing the characters they have spent issues and arcs developing. This issue interchanges battles with plot movements all over the place. The artwork delivers more of the clear, distinct faces to the Autobots and Decepticons that we’ve seen over the past few issues. All this, plus a couple of surprises in the end for good measure.

The issue begins with a flashback. Megatron and Starscream are discussing the prospect of adding Sixshot to the team. Starscream expresses the problem of not being able to control Sixshot or stop him if he rebels. Megatron refers to Sixshot’s off switch.

While the Reapers begin attacking the Decepticons, Megatron barks out some orders while waiting for Sixshot to show up to bail them out. We also find that Astrotrain has woken up Starscream.

Meanwhile, the Autobots are in pieces. Jazz is missing body parts while Ratchet tries to revive the humans, Jimmy and Verity. Prowl and Hardhead are trying to man the ship while Optimus Prime and Nightbeat are doing some separate planning and plotting. This is going on while Hot Rod and Wheeljack are still driving around the junkyard looking for Ironhide. They, of course, are confronted by more Headmasters in Sunstreaker’s skin.

The issue plays out with the Reapers trying to turn Sixshot from Decipticon to their side. He only turns at the sight of Starscream. Starscream has a trick up his sleeve he learned from the flashback at the open of the issue. Megatron orders the other Decipticons out of the bunker to attack the Reapers.

The issue closes with the un-earthing of some other lost transformers. While we only see one, this group was buried together, Autobots and Decipticons in one of the Spotlight issues. This will add a new layer of mayhem to this series. Also, in a puzzling move, Optimus orders the Autobots to evacuate Earth.

A great issue in every direction. I think I liked the heavy involvement of the Decipticons in this issue more than anything else. I also liked the character depiction of Starscream. This comic has been heating up in a big way and the action in this issue is right on par with the past great issues. Although, we don’t get classic Autobot versus Decipticon, we do get plenty of action. This issue leaves a lot to cover in the finale and it will be interesting to see what threads are finally closed out and which ones are teased for the next arc.

The artwork shines all over the place. From Starscream to Sixshot to the Reapers, they all look unique and fantastic. The artwork really enhances this issue all the more.

If this issue is any indication of how this thing is going to wrap up then I can’t wait to see it. You can’t get a better Transformers comic when it comes to action, character development, surprises and an interesting plot. I wholeheartedly recommend this issue.

5 out of 5 geek goggles.


Transformers Devastation #5 (Cover A)
Transformers Devastation #5 (Cover B)