Transformers Escape #1: Robots On The Run

I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book, and honestly, I still don’t know. Author Brian Ruckley cranks out another Transformers book where there’s a lot more talking than action. Now, I know that a comic can’t be all action, but the percentage of action in this book is about 15% action and 85% robots standing around talking. There’s a really premise for this book, Insecticons are feeding off any sentient life on Cybertron, the Decepticons are rounding up anyone who is sympathetic to the Autobots, and a recently “primed” Optimus Prime finding his footing when it comes to leading the autoboots. My problem with Ruckley has always been that he doesn’t seem to “show don’t tell” when it comes to his writing. He does lay down some groundwork for some pretty cool stuff, and the man knows how to get you to come back next issue by his use of last page cliffhangers.

Artist Beth McGuire-Smith once again saves the day. I’ve never seen someone make dialogue-heavy pages look so good. The Transformers are obviously not in the same alt-modes that we’re used to be she really pays tribute to the forms they will eventually take by skewing their Cybertronian vehicle modes slightly towards the form they will take when they eventually get to Earth. As great as the art is, is not quite enough the shot in the arm this book needs to escape it. If you’re a hardcore Transformers fan, you’ll want to pick this up. If you’re a casual fan, I would recommend waiting for a different comic or series to start with. This one is pretty bogged-down in Transformers lore.