Transformers: Robots In Disguise #11 Review

There are certain issues that get so much right that its hard to fault them. Transformers: Robots In Disguise #11 just does that. Its got plenty of character, its coherent to read, it develops the story and finally, it adds a shocking cliff hanger to the end; a serious one, too, not just a typical tag-along suspended ending. What’s more surprising, however, is that it achieves this through an unusual choice of main character.

First, the official description from IDW:

CYBERTRON IS ABOUT TO EXPLODE! Tensions ratchet up between AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS as violence breaks out in the heart of the city… and PROWL looks for someone to blame. Is DIRGE a convenient target—or the key to what comes next? Plus… an old friend comes back home.

This is such a good issue of Robots In Disguise that I don’t want to discuss the plot for fear of spoiling it. This issue draws on plenty of the previous developments without confusing new readers. Everything you need to know is naturally explained, yet it all feels coherent. The writing doesn’t force anything, and the events that unfold don’t seem out of place with the rest of the story or setting.

Yet, what you should know is that this issue follows Starscream. Previous issues have followed the likes of Bumblebee and other transformers, but they have still typically kept to the Autobots, or followed neutral “nails” such as Metalhawk. Starscream, on the other hand, isn’t always a likable character. Yet the writing from his view point is excellent. The writing staff certainly understand the character; he’s aware of many of his flaws, but his internal monologue explores many sides to him.

As for the other characters, this issue is focused heavily on the matter of up-coming elections. Unfortunately, this does result in Bumblebee doing a lot of moaning and looking sad; something that is perhaps getting a bit tiresome by now. This plot doesn’t catch up to Ironhide or the Dinobots, but many of the characters make passing to this, and it makes sense with the given plot.

Finally, the ending to this issue is superb. By the end, the writing has given you a closer look at Starscream, making him almost identifiable. Yet the ending of this, including the last page, which makes full use of some awesome art work to add further effect, provides a surprising and effective shock. It may even tie in to the revelation in this week’s Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye, but only time will tell.

For now, this is arguable one of the best issue’s I’ve read. Partially because it doesn’t clog up on back story, but also because it does so many things well the little faults are quickly and easily forgiven.