The Lost Light returns with Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #17. After a sombre last issue, this month sees a new arc and new action. Does it live up to the title’s high excitement so far?

The official description from IDW:

REMAIN IN LIGHT! MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE’s first full-blown epic moves into high gear as RODIMUS leads his crew to the gates of heaven—or hell. But larger forces are closing in and an ancient plan is reaching fruition—and as an old friend calls time on the AUTOBOTS’ quest, one thing becomes clear: the LEGISLATORS are on the march.

Ever had one of those issues which don’t always make sense, but you can’t tell why that doesn’t stop it being awesome? That would be More Than Meets The Eye #17. Its a little bit of everything, sometimes incoherently, but it still kinda works. Given last month’s cliffhanger, this issue has some great, yet near-brevity exchanges between Cyclonus and Tailgate. Then the title jumps into a little Rodimus development… and then some arc with a moon that comes in a little too late to be coherent enough.

Still, there’s no knocking the writing too much. James Roberts knows his way around the characters, and the writing and dialogue reflects that. The main issues are the timing; More Than Meets The Eye brings in threads and dances around them whilst bringing more in. Its many introductions and little else. The character progression is its strong point, at least, but it shouldn’t be an excuse for any lacking plot. A ‘random jump to a moon’ isn’t the best plot device in the world.

As for the art, its the usual high standard. Alex Milne adds those details that make the characters. When dealing with Transformers, whose characters can’t change shape beside the titular transforming (and let’s face it, vehicles are hardly emotional) its amazing how much can be said from what’s been shown. Of course, the subtle colors of Josh Burcham help greatly, as well.

Overall, a decent issue, if a sketchy introduction to the latest plot. Its got potential, but this is an issue I can see as being forgettable in the future, with readers picking up from More Than Meets The Eye #18.

3/5