Transformers may just be the most recognizable comic property outside of Marvel and DC. Regeneration One serves a couple of purposes. It’s a nice way for new fans (or people who have seen the films or watch Prime) to jump in, and it’s a continuation of the original Marvel comic. People who grew up with the old show will have some smiles while reading this issue, it’s nothing but classic Transformers and Megatron’s over-the-top but awesome dialogue.

Here’s the official description from IDW:

DINOBOT MONTH! And ex-Dinobot commander GRIMLOCK wishes it wasn’t! His quest for a means to restore his ability to change modes takes him to Nebulos—a world off-limits to TRANSFORMERS, where a welcome that’s more incendiary than warm awaits him. Plus, KUP and THE WRECKERS find themselves stranded, hunted and in a whole world of pain. Quite literally! 

Before Regeneration One, my only experiences with the comics were issues from Free Comic Book Day. I saw this new status quo for a way to jump in, and I was right. This is completely a Transformers story with little to no humans, this is pretty much what fans of Micheal Bay’s films dream about. Optimus Prime does not appear in this issue surprisingly enough. That’s a good thing for lesser known Transformers to take the spotlight. While the comic proudly says “Dinobot Month!” really only Grimlock gets a role, so you may be a little disappointed there. Grimlock actually was the best character in the comic. A writer with no understanding of the mthyos could have made him sound rather too Hulk-like, but writer Simon Furman gives the dinobot personality. I hope to see Grimlock in many more issues.

The art is the 80’s brought back to life. The robots aren’t beefed up, they look straight out of the cartoon. If you’ve never seen undead Decepticons, you’re going to be slightly creeped-out by the imagery witn them. (Seriously, they gotta make an undead Transformers comic.) Part of what makes Regeneration One interesting is the destroyed earth backdrop. Kup’s comments on it I found intriguing.

Overall, the second edition of Regeneration One proves to be another comic Transformers fans will enjoy. It’s a classic story in the making. With this issue comes some new developments with a last page that could either be interesting or a fan’s worst nightmare.

4/5