Comic Review: Transformers: All Hail Megatron #13 (IDW Publishing) by Adam P.

Strap Yourself In For Some Classic Transformers Goodness

Originally planned as a 12-issue limited series, Transformers: All Hail Megatron #13 kicks off a four-issue coda that IDW is serving up to meet fans' demand for more. The issue is a terrific jumping off point for new readers as a fresh story arc kicks into motion in the wake of the events in the maxi-series.




I've recently been enjoying the twenty-fifth anniversary DVD re-release of season one of the Transformers animated series. Everything in All Hail Megatron is reminiscent of what was great about the mid-80's cartoon show: Autobot camaraderie, Optimus Prime's humility, the scarcity of Energon, Starscream's plans to usurp Megatron's leadership, Soundwave's dogged allegiance to the Decepticon ruler, the fickleness and infighting between Decepticons. Even despite the great strides made by the feature films, my conception of Transformers is anchored in the original G1 toy line, which is used in this series.

There are two separate stories in this issue, with quite different artwork. First we see Ironhide discuss his future involvement in the war on the Decepticons with his old comrade-in-arms, Optimus Prime. Their conversation is of course surprisingly human and cleverly interspersed with sepia-toned flashbacks from their first encounters and early battles together. It's the perfect mix of dialogue and action and we even get a rare glimpse of Optimus Prime without a mask.

The second story focuses on the Decepticons, now hundreds of light years from earth. Starscream is Megatron's heir apparent as the ailing leader is on his proverbial deathbed. But don't name the series All Hail Starscream just yet: even with his vital signs critically low, Soundwave and other loyalists are sticking by his side and attempting to nurse him back to health. Meanwhile Starscream nearly throws away an Autbot artifact before realizing it could hold the key to his permanent assumption of power.

The issue is everything you could hope for from a Transformers comic, is immensely satisfying and leaves you hungry for more.

9/10
Adam P.
Review Co-Editor