Transformers: Stormbringer

Transformers: Stormbringer is the second book in the new Transformers graphic novel/comic series by IDW. Though not a direct continuation of their first book "Infiltration" which takes place on earth, Stormbringer presents a side story of sort about a growing interstellar threat that would be expanded upon in the various character 1 shot spotlight issues later on. Events in this graphic novel switch between flashbacks to Cybertron's tormented past through the eyes of Optimus Prime and present day events that take place shortly prior to the events in book 1 Infiltration.

This book gives readers their first look at the larger war beyond Earth in the new IDW storyline. Cybertron is a dead, wasted world, victim of some distant cataclysm that elder Transformers, including Optimus Prime and Megatron were present at(2007 movie copied this).

Both Autobots and Decepticons appear to have large, star-spanning armies fighting battles of attrition on multiple fronts throughout the universe. Similar Decepticon infiltration cells to the one seen in Infiltration are present on other inhabited planets aside from earth. The Autobots' main base is a space station orbiting a planet at least nineteen megacycles away from Cybertron via fold space travel.

Prime's inner thoughts establish that the long war between the Autobots and Decepticons was directly responsible for the cataclysm, and in flashback we discover that a single demonic figure, ThunderWing, was somehow the focus for or avatar of the event; this being was so powerful that only the combined might of the Autobots and Decepticons could stop it in the past.
Fast Forward to the present day. A crew of autobots on a routine science patrol pick up strange energy readings emanating from the surface of the supposedly dead and abandoned Cybertron. Upon investigation, they are ambushed and captured by a band of Decepticon cultist who are plotting to revive the dreaded ThunderWing whom they believe would bring about a galaxy-wide "purification" via destruction. These events soon come to the attention of the respective faction leaders. Optimus Prime himself decides to see to the matter personally, intending to face down his inner demons as well. Megatron on the other hand would have nothing less than the total decimation of Cybertron just to destroy ThunderWing. If it took the whole of Cybertron to stop ThunderWing's apocalyptic rampage in the past, how would a small valiant team of autobot warriors led by Optimus Prime himself hold back this storm of destruction? The plot thickens and soon with the discovery of the mysterious energy source that re-activated Thunderwing, the attention of both Autobots and Decepticons are drawn to earth, the only other source of "Ultra-Energon"

Story - 9/10

From the get go, Stormbringer's story is the mirror opposite of Infiltration's. Where Infiltration has a very slow build up to establish the setting and characters, Stormbringer drops you right into the action. The first page already wide shot image of ThunderWing engulfed in flames as a cryptic narration plays out over the scene. A few pages into the story and the one word that will pop to mind is "EPIC". The entire tale is both a spin off and a lead-in to another far reaching Transformers story arc, one that goes beyond the boundaries of just earth and encompasses the entire galaxy. The tale is told in a non-linear fashion. Mysterious events unfold in the present day, interspersed with flashbacks to the past that slowly reveal the true nature of the threat both Autobots and Decepticons face. Gratuitous action is blended with quote-worthy dialogue and a fast paced narrative the likes of which are found in blockbuster movies.
A novel feature of this Transformers tale is that it delves into aspects of philosophy in a way usually reserved for graphic novels aimed at more mature audiences, and not so much a comic based on a toy line and cartoon. The writer also includes a lot of introspective narration to allow one to not just feel for the characters but to be totally immersed into the characters, their thoughts and what drives their actions. Graphical and narrative motifs, like the burning silhouette and a warning message about "reaping the whirlwind" are a recurring theme throughout and help to bridge the flashbacks into the present day going ons. The pacing is also just right. Sufficient time is allowed for proper development of the main characters and progression of the story. It is not long and draggy, bring only 4 chapters long, nor is it too brief or rushed.

But even so, no story is perfect. Hence the 9/10. The only flaw i can point out is the almost deux-ex machina-ish way the main threat Thunderwing is finally stopped in the end. It is a very smart way to tie this story into the other Transformers comic stories thats for sure, but after all the destruction that the Thunderwing creature caused, and what it had shown it was capable of, its defeat just came too abruptly and simply.

Characters 7/10

The writer, Simon Furman, continues his trend of making the characters very "fan friendly". In other words, all of his supporting characters have their personalities and looks based on existing characters in the transformers mythos. Some of them are based on robots that only appeared as obscure toys that only a hardcore collector would recognise.That is a good move since it will mostly be the fans of Transformers that would read the comic. A not too good move as well since it makes it difficult for a newcomer to get to know the characters because the supporting characters get no development whatsoever.

The main characters on the other hand are very nicely handled. All of them are very similar to how they were in the original cartoon but are now given more depth and made "rounder". Nobody is perfect anymore. For example, Optimus Prime. Once he a one dimensional, do no wrong, shining example of leadership and courage. Here he is a logic based military leader who's decisions in the past have come back to haunt him and make him question his own abilities to as a commander. Here, he has moments where he is unsure of himself, but despite his misgivings, despite mistakes of long ago, he pulls through using his courage and determination, unwilling to shirk his responsibility as Autobot leader. These are the little nuances that really make his character interesting and new, yet retain all classic the elements that made him appealing in the first place.

Jetfire, the Cultists, Optimus Prime, even Thunderwing himself are very interestingly fleshed out. Their thoughts and motives are revealed as the story goes along. Thunderwing especially is a character that i almost felt pity for. If i were to do any comparison, I'll go so far as to compare his side of the story with the tragic tale of the Incredible Hulk or Frankenstein's Monster without revealing anymore.

Dialogue is a little bit too complex at times but that style serves to better show the Transformers as alien beings. Already the alien robots are speaking perfect english(since the comic readers understand english mostly), so what better way to show their alien-ness than to give them a speech pattern unlike normal earth people? Also, all of the transformers have been re-designed to have cybertronian vehicle modes. Which makes perfect sense since many of them have never been to earth in this story and hence will not transform into earth vehicles.

Oh and speaking of people, There are no human characters in this story, a factor that would definitely have the hardcore Transformers Enthusiasts screaming for joy.

So we have a very interesting and well fleshed out set of main cast characters but cookie cutter, under developed supporting characters that only a long time transformer fan would recognise and know their personality.

Art 9.5/10

Don Figureoa handles art duties in this story, with Josh Burcham doing the colouring. And i must say, it was a match made in heaven. Both Figureoa and Burcham are veterans from the Dreamwave era of Transformers comics. An era most well known for its dynamic, over the top(sometimes bordering on absurd) anime-styled art and a tendency for stories to be more style over substance.(hmm reminds me of some 2007 Transformers movie by some Bay guy)

Here in Stormbringer, Figureoa and Burcham deliver possibly the best Transformers sequential art seen in a long time. The panels are easy to follow, and the shot angles chosen lend a very dynamic feel to the reading experience. Each robot is finely detailed down to wear and tear scratches and battle scars. Action scenes especially are clear and exciting. Figureoa preserves the "wow" factor of Dreamwave's Transformers while making his art style more realistic and gritty. The coloring too gives us well contrasted shadows and vibrant shades but without making them look cartoon-ish. In fact coupled with some creative scene lighting and background colors, a more gritty look becomes prevalent throughout the story(though not as gritty as in Infiltration)

Overall 9.5/10
Possibly the best piece of Transformers work put out by IDW, Stormbringer is a perfect jumpin-on point for any reader looking to pick up Transformers comics. It is a easy to follow epic tale spliced with philosophical references and awesome characters. The terrific art and colouring adds to the overall enjoyment factor.
For those who loved the grand scale of the 1986 Transformers animated movie, this graphic novel would definately fill that hole that the 2007 Transformers movie left.

A real treat for any comic reader. Be it newcomer, or Transformers fan.