Rage of the Dinobots reaches its penultimate issue. There are three purposes for this comic. One, it shows what the Dinobopts are doing when the Autobots and Decepticons leave at the end of Fall of Cybetron. Two, it leads into Season 3 of the Prime TV show. Three, for a really fun and engaging read. In most of the Transformers things I’ve read, Optimus or another big Autobot is the focus, so to see Grimlock having a big role here is a treat. He’s definitely an awesome character when written well. The last issue had the Dinobots and Ultra Magnus run into Shockwave’s follower, Ser-Ket, whom has mutated Swoop. This issue has some really good stuff, a great battle and the arrival of Shockwave. Another must-buy for Cybetron and Prime fans.

Here’s the official description from IDW:

SPAWNS OF SHOCKWAVE! The mind-blowing introduction of the DINOBOTS into the PRIME universe continues here! The Dinobots enter the belly of the beast in an attempt to save their comrades. But when SHOCKWAVE’s minions turn the tables, GRIMLOCK will have to decide whether to beat them…or join them! 

It starts out with Ser-Ket explaining to Grimlock how she made Swoop a follower of Shockwave. The Dinobot leader then challenges her to a one-on-one duel with some pretty high stakes. If he wins, they let them go with Swoop. If she wins, they all become loyal followers of Shockwave. Get ready for an epic showdown. The main thing about this issue is the fight of course, and it delivers. Ser-Ket is a pretty interesting character, it would be a crime if she was contained for this mini-series alone. Grimlock once again is a highlight. Despite being called a ‘brute,’ he has a very deep care for his Dinobot allies, you really see it here in the dialogue and narration. The other characters, aside from Swoop, don’t really get to do much other than speak a few lines here and there. I hope to see everyone having some good moments in the conclusion.

The art is once again strong throughout. It successfully captures the look of Prime. Sometimes the action is a bit muddled, so it’s hard to make out what’s happening  but nothing too bad. (Shockwave gets a fantastic splash page,.) There are three covers. Cover A is by far the best, showing Shockwave and Ser-Ket. Cover RIA is rather generic, showcasing Slag and Sludge, nothing really special. Cover RIB I think will be the fan favorite, a gate-fold of Grimlock’s Tyrannosaurus form.

Overall, a pretty action packed issue of Rage of the Dinobots. We get a pretty cool fight between Grimlock and Ser-Ket, some great dialogue from Grimlock. and is a pretty fun Transformers comic all around. I’ll be looking forward to Shockwave and the conclusion.

4/5