For a series that has been mixed in its reception, Transformers vs G.I Joe #3 is still a hard title to summarise. It both harkens to the comics of old and builds on it with new, updated story telling. So, what’s the final result and how is this series progressing?
The official description from IDW:
CYBERTRON INFESTED! The Transformers’ homeworld is crawling with tiny green invaders from the planet Earth—the G.I. JOE team! Also this issue—Funeral for a Friend. Many AUTOBOTS and G.I. JOE soldiers have fallen in the line of duty—but you’ve never seen a send-off like this!
There are many good things about this issue – the pacing, sheer amount of content, character and charm – that are worth praising, yet it still doesn’t quite add up. This issue, like the series, relishes on sillier aspects of old titles. We have plenty of dialogue, splashy settings that arne’t always fleshed out and a goofball approach to villanry. That said, it’s oddly interesting to read as a result.
The writing, for instance, goes to its roots and offers a cast that is constantly talking – it seems very noticable in Transformers vs G.I Joe #3. Let’s also not forget the old-school approach of adding new things. I’m still wondering why the Joes fight with such technology when they managed to travel in space in the last issue… it is times like this I think Tom Scioli and John Barber are simply writing to have fun, which is exactly what a title like this needs. Yet a few areas, such as the ending of this chapter, showcase some more modern story telling aspects.
As for the visuals, I still feel these are the make or break moments. Tom Scioli obviously knows how to replicate the retro-look for this title, but this limits the readership. If you’re not into nostalgia, this might look ghastly at first, but there are some strong pencils underneath it all. Scioli’s artwork tries to be rough and lose with definition, but the use of perspective, for instance, often gives away the actual talent.
All in all, this is a title that is hard to summarise. Fans of older titles will love it, while many will pick it up on a whim. For the latter, I hope they are pleasantly surprised, but this isn’t going to please everyone.
S#!T Talking Central