Transformers #15: Senator Shockwave (I’m Being Totally Serious)

This issue, things get really political on Cybertron. Unlike most comic authors, this issue isn’t a commentary on the current political climate, it’s just the politics of really big robots that change into different things. Sadly, that may not be a good thing. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

This issue is right in the middle of Megatron’s slow rise to power and the formations of what would be the Decepticons. His major opposition in this ascension is Shockwave, who’s a very formidable enemy in his own right. Author Brian Ruckley gives us a really great power struggle with a solid winner and loser. He gives us some background on Megatron using flashbacks, but the majority of the story is set in the main Transformers timeline. Technically, Ruckley’s story is sound, it’s the subject matter that comes up a bit short.  Ruckley crafts a good story, featuring action and a good deal of political intrigue. Unfortunately, this is a Transformers book and robots sitting around talking about senators and trying to uncover political wrongdoings is not what I’m looking for when I pick up a Transformers comic book. Normally I want action and giant robots crashing into things and each other and yes, I know that politics and the threat of upheaval has always been a part of the Transformers story, but there’s a reason why previous storytellers have used it very sparingly and only when it was absolutely necessary. Compared to the rest of the story, politics can be a bit of a snooze fest.

We get two great artists this issue!! Anna Malkova and Bethany McGuire-Smith share the art in this issue. Each has a distinct artistic style that stands on its own, yet complements the other quite nicely. You can definitely tell when the art switches, but it’s not jarring in the least. While each of the ladies has their strengths, they’re each given the opportunities to stretch their legs if you will. It really makes for a great looking comic that helps you get more enjoyment out of the issue.

I think that this issue is good, but not great. I wish there was a little more action in the plot and a little less talking.