The Transformers - Escalation #1

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The Transformers - Escalation #1
By Hervé St-Louis
February 12, 2007 - 23:12

IDW Publishing
Writer(s): Simon Furman
Penciller(s): E.J. Su
Cover Artist(s): Klaus Scherwinski

This series continues where the previous one, Transformers Infiltration ended with Megatron now interested in commanding the conquest of Earth personally. To oppose him, Optimus Prime who also arrived on Earth recently sends several scouts. But to ensure the success of the Autobots’ defence of Earth Optimus Prime asks Iron Hyde and Sunstreaker to escort a few humans back home. But will the two Autobots make to destination?

Although this series is not difficult to understand because it’s straightforward action, the delay between this issue and the previous mini-series make comprehension difficult. To a casual reader, the summary page is not enough. A lot of time is spent on the human characters, making this story less interesting. At the very least, if these were the familiar characters that everyone knew, it would be better. Here Furman, the renown Transformers’ writer has decided to weave yet another continuity for these characters. Given that the vehicle mode of most of the Transformers is about 30-year-old, I have to ask if this is necessary?

Su is a good Transformers’ artist, but poor with humans. They just don’t fit and feel like cartoon characters mixed in with realistic technology. He does a decent job with a car chase scene but all of his work is weakened by poor colouring.

6/10