Transformers: Regeneration One continues full speed ahead.

Here’s the official description from IDW:

DINOBOT WAR!

Happy reunions are in short supply as Grimlock seeks out his Dinobots in a desperate attempt to salvage something from the mounting carnage in Iacon. But as far as they’re concerned, he’s a traitor who has brought shame on the Dinobot name-and if they’re going down, he’s coming with them!

This issue concentrates just about fully on Grimlock and his Dinobots allies. While not as good as the previous installment, it’s still another solid entry in the Regeneration One saga.

Writer Andrew Wildman has maybe established too many plots, because it feels like some get pushed to the side.. In this issue there’s no sign of Soundwave or Bludgeon. But, I will say that Grimlock continues to be a highlight. With Optimus gone from the main cast, the Dinobot leader has stepped up to the plate and has become just as great of a focus. There’s some really dramatic tension, mainly involving his confrontation with the Dinobots. Despite them being pretty upset and attacking their leader, Grimlock still has a genuine care for them. Wildman really nails this character. Scorponok on the other hand is not quite as compelling  This issue further gives the reader an impression that he’s just there as a placeholder. One of the more interesting scenes was with Optimus back on Earth. Here we have the former Autobot leader monologue about the humans not wanting his help for rebuilding. It gives the reader an interesting perspective on him.

Simon Furman’s art continues to compliment the G1 setting well. There are even standout pages, one that comes to mind is when Grimlock grabs a laser gun in a ‘like a boss’ moment. The three main covers aren’t award winners, but still solid. The main showcases Shockwave, the oldschool cover b is a retro piece featuring Hot Rod and (a very cool shot of) the Purge, and the RI being oldschool and dynamic. Basically longtime Transformers fans will appreciate these covers.

Overall, while some of the other plots are moving a bit slow, there’s no denying that this Scorponok story is a well enough read. The Dionobots finally get to do some damage, and Grimlock has many memorable scenes. It should be interesting to see where it goes next time.

4/5

My name is Daniel (@Destroyer_199), the main guy for comic reviews here at Unleash the Fanboy. I was born in 1995 in the Big Apple, spent my formative years in Staten Island, and currently reside in the awesome state that is New Jersey.