Transformers Robots in Disguise #20
NEW CYBERTRON! It’s a brand new day—and STARSCREAM is in charge! But running a planet isn’t as easy as it looks… if BUMBLEBEE couldn’t do it, why does the former DECEPTICON think he can?
Transformers Robots in Disguise #20 Covers and Images
Transformers Robots in Disguise #20 Release Info
Publisher | IDW |
Type | Comic Book |
Series | Transformers Robots In Disguise |
Release Status | Released |
Year | 2013 |
Release Date | August 2013 |
Transformers Robots in Disguise #20 Print Data
Incentive Description | Robots in Disguise #20 features one incentive cover. One copy of the incentive cover was provided for every twenty-five copies ordered through Diamond Comic Distributors |
Total # of Covers | 3 |
Transformers Robots in Disguise #20 Artists, Writers and More
Cover A | (Artist: Andrew Griffith) (Colorist: Josh Perez) |
Cover B | (Artist: Casey Coller) (Colorist: Joana Lafuente) |
Cover RI (Retailer Incentive) | (Artist: Livio Ramondelli) |
Artist | Andrew Griffith |
Colorist | Priscilla Tramontano |
Letters | Shawn Lee |
Writer | John Barber |
Editor | Carlos Guzman |
Transformers Robots in Disguise #20 Synopsis
Transformers Robots in Disguise #20 Review
Review Submitted By: Tim Formas
Robots in Disguise has covered much ground, with the story often going off in several directions. Rehabitation of Cybertron, Orion Pax’s journeys across the universe, crazy Dinobots, the return of Megatron, mind controlled Prowl, vengeful Prowl, and additional focus on Shockwave. Much of this leads up to a big arc featuring Shockwave, but we first get a detour that tells the story of Starscream’s early days as the leader of Iacon and the majority of Cybertronians. Unfortunately, his story in Robots in Disguise #20 feels more like filler.
The last few Iacon-centric issues featured the lead-up to Starscream taking command as leader of a “neutral” Cybertron and casting those who chose to remain Autobots or Decepticons into the wilderness. In Robots in Disguise #20, Starscream takes over command of the neutral Iacon and must learn how to command within the public eye (in the form of Circuit and cameras). He faces a major blackout issue in Iacon, caused by some unknown force. Meanwhile, he has to overcome jealously as a result of another Cybertronian being hailed as a hero while yet another comes out of a rat hole to try and convince him otherwise.
John Barber continues his run as writer for the series. Barber, in the series thus far, has provided the readers with some shocking twists and interesting plot turns. These features, however, are missing from this issue. It’s a rather simple story with a very predictable outcome, feeling much like filler until the story returns its focus on Shockwave. If anything, the story serves to remind us that while Starscream has appeared to change….he’s still Starscream. The introduction of a fan-favorite character seems off as well, feeling like his personality deviates more from his previous incarnation than another fan-favorite (Sky-Byte). The saving grace is the final panel of the story, which offers up some redemption for those were upset at a previous plot point from this series.
Andrew Griffith covers art duties once again. Andrew has come a far way since his first issue in this series. He has nailed the art of expressing emotion through facial expressions and body gestures.. He continues to excel at showing body damage to the Transformers as well. Priscilla Tramontano takes color duties and provides a colorful backdrop. The colors seem a little overkill at times in this issue, considering Iacon is supposed to be in the midst of a blackout. Beyond that point, the colors are spot on and superb.
A big arc is coming to Robots in Disguise and change is near. Robots in Disguise has been all about change, and this issue is no different. Starscream has taken over command of Iacon and the Cybertronians and we lay witness to his early days as ruler. However, the change presented to us in this issue fails to pack the punch that other issues have accomplished. As an issue filler, it’s fine but we look forward to what lies ahead.
Overall Rating: 2.5
Transformers Robots in Disguise #20 Additional Info
Cover RI (Retailer Incentive) to this issue is the first of three "connecting" covers. After also collecting the RI Covers to Robots in Disguise #21 and #22, the three covers can be placed next to each other and form a unified piece of artwork. All three covers were doen by Livio Ramondelli.