Transformers :Infestation #1 (of 2)
Written by: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Art by: Nick Roche
Published by: IDW
Cover Price: $3.99
I’ve never had a real strong connection to Transformers. Yes, I loved the toys (still do), but even as a kid, I was never that much into the cartoon. Other than GI Joe crossovers, it’s probably been 20 years since I’ve even read a comic that had the Transformers in it. So, this is the Infestation tie-in series I was least interested in.
Just like Infestation #1, Abnett and Lanning go into this book expecting you have read the IDW’s Transformer series. I have never heard of some of the characters, and others had much bigger roles than I would have expected. Apparently, IDW gives Kup and Galvitron big roles. Kup freaks out thinking that somehow he is behind the zombie invasion, and it’s never really clear why beyond a quick flashback image that makes no sense out of context.
Call me ignorant, but when I read a Transformers comic, I’m looking for Starscream and Megatron, not these lesser known characters. This book is written more for the fans of the current comic run, not people who might just wander in, drawn in by the very cool idea of Transformers fighting zombie machines.
As always, DnA’s writing is tight, and they manage to tell a big story in just 22 pages. This issue did have a lot of good character moments (like Optimus Prime and Bumblebee discussing their roles on the Autobots), but it probably could have been a lot more fun. I don’t mind that DnA decided to take this threat seriously, but at the same time, it’s giant transforming robots fighting a army of interdimensional zombies who can infect machines. You’d think that would leave a lot more opening for fun story telling.
But once it got rolling, I thought the action was great, and liked the twist in the end with Britt having been there all the time, disguised as a Transformer, which picked up perfectly from Infestation #1.
I also liked Nick Roche’s art for the most part. It had a very dynamic feel, and helped sell the action perfectly. That said, there were a handful of panels (close ups) where I wasn’t sure which Transformer was talking. Let’s face it, there is only so much you can do with robot faces. Those scenes probably would have been better served with a more cinematic type of art like David Messina used in Infestation #1.
I am actually torn about Infestation. On one hand, it might have been better to set it in an “else worlds” continuity, getting down to the basics of a Transformer’s story. Something that would be a lot more accessible to a wider audience.
But, I do like that the events of Infection seem to be in continuity for each series. That was one of the many things I loved about WildCATS/Aliens. I think the best solution would have been an extensive “Previously in Transformers” page to help catch the reader up.
I definitely like Infestation #1 a lot better, but I do think the second part of this story should be a huge improvement. There was a lot of potential here, it just feel a little short.
I am really looking forward to next week’s Ghostbusters story!
Final Score: 7.0 I was surprised by how dry this issue was, but I still enjoyed it.
