Transformers #22: Oil Slick

Hmmm. I thought about waiting to write this review after I’ve had time to digest what I had just read, but I decided to write put my thoughts when they’re all still fresh in my mind. My initial reaction is that this book was…..messy. Now, I don’t mean that in a 100% bad way. Author Brian Ruckley adds about 3 too many ingredients into this stew. He’s got a story that’s largely action-based, mixed with a story that’s largely political, and the final touch is a story about Transformers history. I believe if he had broken this up into separate arcs, it would’ve turned out to be a better read. All three stories do blend together and that’s where some of the problems lie. One minute you’re reading a “high council demands that this happens” page and the next page all hell breaks loose and it’s a full-on action movie with the Transformers fighting some unstoppable alien force. Again, on their own, these stories would be much better developed and have a little time to break. Ruckley is definitely writing for the trade, and that’s fine, I get it. But I think maybe he doesn’t have to cram three trades worth of stories into one. Enjoyable, but…..messy.

Messy does NOT describe the art, however. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Artist Anna Malkova does another great job in bringing all the Transformers to life and to giving a great sense of mood to a planet that’s 100% machinery. Malkova continues to impress, giving a much-needed boost to the story this issue. She does get a lot of opportunities to draw some pretty awesome stuff and she delivers in a big. BIG way. Gorgeous art that really gives the story a much-needed boost.