ANGRY BIRDS/TRANSFORMERS #1 Review


Yes… that’s Angry Birds / Transformers #1. If there was ever a sign that IDW liked slapping it’s franchises together, this would be it. Still, let’s not judge a book just by its cover – or the absurdity of its title. Is it any good when you get into meat of it?

The official description from IDW:

You got TRANSFORMERS in my Angry Birds! No, you got Angry Birds in my TRANSFORMERS! ERGH, OOF, MPPHH!!! Hey! Waitaminit! This is actually pretty great! That’s right, comic lovers, two of your favorite IDW comics have morphed into one amazing new comic! When the TRANSFORMERS lose their powerful ALLSPARK, it ends up on Piggie Island and the world of Angry Birds turns robotic! Prepare to meet… the AUTOBIRDS and DECEPTIHOGS!

Angry Birds_Transformers_1_Cover BStraight away, it’s clear this title is taking its cues from Angry Birds rather than Transformers… and that’s probably for the best. The focus is very much on a younger audience. The title is bright, colourful and full of cheap and cheerful humour. It’s not overtly serious and, while there is a plot here, this first issue suggests the 4-part series is very much focused on having fun first and foremost.

This, in many ways, makes it hard to judge John Barber’s writing. The script often takes care of itself, as this early issue simply mashes themes and names from the two titles together. Honestly, I don’t find it that funny but then again, I don’t think it’s for me. Barber does a good enough job and his sense of pacing will likely help younger audiences – with a quicker attention spam – aptly focused.

Likewise, the visual treatment also helps grab attention. While Livid Ramondelli lends his Transformers flare to the opening story, the added vibrancy makes it look a little different. Still, the latter artwork, courtesy of Marcello Ferriera is much more suitable. The playful nature of strong curves and sharp corners works with the gemoetric-heavy characters present, while the bright colors from Nikos Koutis add to the title’s playful nature.

All in all, this isn’t for Transformers collectors, but it will please Angry Birds readers. For anyone who likes both, it’s a bit of fun, and a good bit of fun at that.

OUR RATING
5
  • + Quick, clean fun
  • + Good pacing and childful humour
  • - Nothing substantial
  • - Not sure it's for fans

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