Transformers: Robots In Disguise #34 Review

Transformers: Robots In Disguise #34 has a lot of back tracking this time around. There’s plenty of flashbacks and dialogue yet, at the same time, I can’t bring myself to hate it.

The official description from IDW:

THE ENIGMA! At last… the secret origins of CYBERTRON’s golden age are revealed to OPTIMUS PRIME—and what he learns changes everything about the AUTOBOTS’ mission on Earth!

While anyone can pick this issue up, it really helps to know the history of IDW’s Transformers Universe. This issue is mostly Alpha Trion reflecting on past events, but it chronicles a lot of Cybertron’s history. And I mean a lot of it – there’s even Rhinox from Beast Wars in here. So, if you don’t mind a fair amount of reading, there are a few benefits.

First of all, John Barber’s writing isn’t the most subtle, but it is weaving the plot forward. The focus on Galvatron’s past is a little long winded, but it does reach a point – even if it does feel like another attempt to salvage something from Dark Cybertron. Still, it bodes well for the future and gives the current setting something it needs; purpose.

There’s a big change this week, with a visual look that’s more akin to the current Primacy mini series. Livid Ramondelli takes over this month, as the series is often want to do with flashbacks, and just goes ahead and does the whole issue anyway. I love Ramondelli’s style, but it suits itself best to epic vistas or gritty action sequences. Luckily, the flashback sequences in here do not dissapoint and Ramondelli has more than enough to work with, offering plenty of color and gritty, beautiful charm.

All in all, this is an unusual issue in it’s break away from the current action, but it’s something the title needs. However, it also has a cliffhanger that is a little confusing/omnious, but I’m still all for it.