REVIEW: Transformers: Robots in Disguise #8

It’s Dinobot month in the Transformers titles, as Ironhide and the Dinobots set out in search of some missing Aerialbots. Meanwhile, Bumblebee is stressing over what to do about a possible upcoming election. Does this issue survive, or does it go the way of the dinosaurs? Major Spoilers finds out.

TRANSFORMERS: ROBOTS IN DISGUISE #8
Writer: John Barber
Artist: Andrew Griffith
Letterer: Shawn Lee
Colorist: Josh Perez
Editor: Carlos Guzman
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Cover Price: $3.99

Previously In Transformers: Robots In Disguise: The War between the Autobots and Decepticons is over. With political tensions running wild within Bumblebee’s government, the Aerialbots leave for the wilderness of Cybertron. Wheeljack is wounded investigating a recently landed Decepticon ship and Ironhide is back from the dead and exploring Cybertron. What else could go wrong?

YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH USING SKY LYNX 

Ironhide sets out with the Dinobots and Sky Lynx to search for the source of a signal within the wilderness of Cybertron, which he believes to be the Aerialbots. As they search they fight a “Turbofox” (a feral Cybertronian animal) and come across evidence of a recent struggle between ‘bots. Ironhide believes Megatron has returned, and shares his vision of the future with the Dinobots. In the city, Bumblebee deals with Metalhawk and Starscream’s desire for an election. Meanwhile, Swindle shares information with Shockwave on Prowl’s recent murder of the Constructicons.

This issue is straightforward and simple (as opposed to the most recent issue of More Than Meets The Eye). Storylines are continued from previous issues and new twists are introduced. The personalities of all characters are spot on and the inclusion of the Dinobots is sure to please fans. For me, Sky Lynx, an absolutely ridiculous character (a space shuttle that transformers into a bird and a lynx?) was a joy. I’ve always enjoyed that character and his appearance, though brief, was a huge bonus.

Still there isn’t a lot going on in this issue. The political drama taking place is interesting, but the bulk of the issue is spent with Ironhide and the Dinobots’ search. There is a small fight with a feral beast, but basically it’s just talk of Ironhide’s vision of a peaceful future. It seems like this is more of setup issue for what’s to come down the road. The twist at the end with the betrayal of one of the Dinobots was surprising but with no motive behind it. I assume this will be addressed in the next issue. It’s a fine and enjoyable comic; I just was expecting a little bit more.

SIMPLE, YET DETAILED

The art by Andrew Griffith fits the story perfectly. It’s simple enough that you can tell the ‘bots apart, but detailed enough to avoid a cartoonish look. Every robot looks as they should and are noticeable and distinct. Panel layout is well done, with each large enough to tell what is going on as well as not being overly crowded by word balloons. The page with Prowl reminiscing about the war with Megatron shows you everything that took place, all in one panel. Colors are bright and really help the images pop off the page. There’s little to complain about here and many a Transformer fan should be pleased.

BOTTOM LINE: NEXT TIME GIVE ME A LITTLE MORE

This issue was fun enough but I feel that there could have been more going on. I’m still intrigued with the political drama that takes place in this title and would have preferred more politics rather than the extended Dinobots storyline. The art was great, as it has been with both the Transformers titles, and services the story well. Overall, this was just an average issue, which sort of disappointed me a bit. But Sky Lynx was in it. And that counts for something. Transformers: Robots In Disguise #8 gets 3 out of 5 stars.