Transformers: Monstrosity #2 Review


The second issue of the four-part mini-series, Transformers: Monstrosity #2 continues the action and exploration of pre-war Cybertron. With a diverse and varied plot, set not just on Cybertron, how does this issue shape up?

The official description from IDW;

MEGATRON—DEFEATED? Never! The DECEPTICON leader battles through SHARKTICON hordes, while on CYBERTRON, OPTIMUS PRIME struggles to unite his people—and GRIMLOCK and his rogue DINOBOTS go on a rampage!

The clear thing about this issue is its ability to separate the various sections of story without being convoluted. Since Monstrosity followed Megatron on Junkion, as well as Optimus Prime, Scorponok and the Dinobots on Cybertron, it does well to dance around all 4 plot lines. They occasionally mingle, but it still provides a very fluid and dynamic read. Of course, it still suffers from being a prequel, as Transformers fans will already know which characters live.

Still, it’s difficult to fault the writing by Chris Metzen & Flint Dille. Transformers: Monstrosity captures that brilliant atmosphere of a world about to break into war and disaster. The writing plays well with the reader’s knowledge. We know the fates of many characters, but there is just enough surprise and interest to keep readers going. Sure, some aspects aren’t completely unique. The concept of Megatron conquering a hell-like world is not original, but it’s told well and, at the end of the day, it let’s Megatron by Megatron.

Like Autocracy before it, Monstrosity also benefits from a more unique visual approach than the current comics. Livio Ramondelli gives every scene a sense of atmosphere. Cybertron has neon colors against moody noir  blues and greys, Junkion has its hellish vibe of orange and rusty browns and even the distinct areas of this issue, such as below the refinery, take on their own atmosphere and color palette. It makes each scene distinct and visually appealing, yet never appears dis-jarring or too contrasting from one to the other.

All in all, this is a great follow up for the mini-series. This isn’t surprising, but it’s good to know that Transformers: Monstrosity #2 is following up, so far, on the promises and quality delivered with the first issue.

4.5/5

 

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