Transformers: Windblade #1


Transformers_Windblade 1 alternativeSo, while Megatron and Optimus Prime do their thing, Cybertron is left in the care of some relatively unknown ‘bot? Well, after Dark Cybertron anything seems possible, but not necessarily good. Transformers: Windblade #1, however, may change that.

The official description from IDW:

WHO IS WINDBLADE? In the aftermath of DARK CYBERTRON, WINDBLADE takes the planet by storm! But where did she come from—and what does her secret mean to the future of the TRANSFORMERS? A powerful new chapter in the TRANSFORMERS saga begins here!

This mini-series is very different than Dark Cybertron, More Than Meets The Eye and Robots In Disguise before it, with an instant hit of freshness from the very start. Windblade comes across as a likable character, but one that is unique and well fleshed out. The new leads give the title an original angle, while it still ties into the wider story as a whole. A welcome change of pace, yet still very much Transformers.

Its obvious Maighread Scott has some free reign here and the creativity oozes when it comes to character. The setting has a lively atmosphere that jumps out of the page. However, regular readers may have questions following Dark Cybertron and, as the first release afterwards, Windblade #1 is not the place to find answers. Six months on, why is Starscream still in charge? Scott jumps into the thick of it and I imagine explaining the aftermath was not the biggest priority.

Perhaps one of the most noticeable changes is in the art. Sarah Stone’s pencils have a style different from the regular approach to Transformers. She often lets lines flow a little more freely rather than tying robots down in rigid detail, but it ultimately suits the nature of the title. Yet its her use of color that makes Windblade #1 stand out. There are certain pages and panels, such as the first, the grab all the attention they fully deserve.

All in all, there’s a little humor, a small-scale, detailed plot and some sweet new art. While a new character – one that hasn’t been around long enough to gain any sense of a following – may be see as a risky move by some, the finished product itself is definately a success.

OUR RATING
9
  • + Sarah Stone's art brings new life to Transformers!
  • + About as removed from Dark Cybertron as you can get
  • + Small scale, understandable plots and plenty of charm
  • - Many changes and few explanations offered...

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