Transformers/The Terminator #2: He Still Functions

We should be hip-deep in summer blockbusters by now, but thanks to the pandemic, we aren’t even close. But, now that comics are back, you get a big summer blockbuster every week, and this week’s issue of Transformers/The Terminator fills that movie-sized hole in your heart., Authors David Mariotte, John Barber, and Tom Waltz all earn their check this month, as things get into high gear starting with this issue. In some crossovers, there’s always a weird introductory first issue, because the author, or authors, have to assume that one group of fans isn’t familiar with the other character(s). As ridiculous as it is for you and me to imagine, there are people out there who’ve never seen a Terminator movie, and there are people out there who have no clue what a Transformer is. So, with that first issue out of the way, the writing team is really able to let loose, and they do!! We get a quick summary of the future and history of this particular Earth, and then the fighting starts and it doesn’t stop until the last page. I really have to give the writers credit, not only do they come up with a fun take on the Transformers, but they give a spin on the Terminator that’s never been done in the movies. They even find a logical way to fit Sarah Conner into the mix, and there’s also a really refreshing take on her as well. There’s a distinct beginning, middle, and end in this issue, but it also sets up the next issue in the series very well. This is a really great read.

It’s one thing to read a book, but that’s only half the battle in comics, enter Transformers artist supreme: Alex Milne. If you’re not familiar with his art, I suggest you pick up some of his stuff, because you’re in for a real treat. In this issue, he’s all over the place drawing everything from a few different Earths, a lot of humans, and more robots than I can count. What impressed me most about this issue, is his ability to tell an emotional story using robots. They normally don’t have emotions, and that’s mostly true here, but Milne is able to use body language and even facial shots to get the point across. That’s a very rare and incredible talent.