Transformers: Regeneration One #81 Review


Transformers may be IDW’s biggest property. No, scratch that, it is their biggest property. The franchise over the years has gained more fans thanks to the comics, films, and TV shows. If you read the Regeneration One #80.5 issue from this year’s Free Comic Book Day, you know what to expect. This issue is perfect for fans wanting to come aboard. People that have seen the films or watch Transformers Prime on the Hub now have a place to jump in. (And no annoying human characters!)

Here’s the official description from IDW:

The TRANSFORMERS comic that began it all-is back. With a vengeance! 21 years have passed since CYBERTRON was restored to its former glory, and finally there is peace. But, after millions of years of bitter civil war, can all ever truly be one? In a conflict this primal, this epic and far-reaching… There are always ‘Loose Ends’!

It’s really not that hard to craft a good Transformers story with no humans in sight. (Apparently Michael Bay thinks otherwise.) Regeneration One is a throwback, it’s the simple ‘Autobots vs. Decepticons’ story with some interesting twists. Here we have an Optimus Prime who doesn’t quite seem ‘there.’ Some of the Autobots appear to be aware of that, it makes a very interesting plot point see them talk against Prime. And they don’t seem too keen on Ultra Magnus either. It’s interesting to see the Autobots not really agreeing with their leaders. All this doesn’t stop the Decepticons from getting some spotlight. Soundwave as you would expect from reading the FBCD issue is right now a major antagonist. Megatron pops in later for a pretty surprising yet awesome appearance.

The art is also a throwback to Generation One. It’s great to see all the old designs, the art is brighter as opposed to the more dark style found in other Transformers series. The writing is the book’s strongest aspect other than it being about giant robots battling it out. With an unexpected ending, readers will definitely be back for more.

Overall, if you’re a Transformers fan thanks to the films or Prime, this is the perfect jumping on point to get more out of your favorite bots. Longtime fans will have a nostalgia blast with a continuation to the classic Generation One story with writing that could have saved all three Transformers movies. (Well, maybe not saved, but could have helped a great deal.) Longtime fan or newcomer should definitely give Regeneration One a go.

4/5

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