Infestation 2 Transformers #2

The Infestation threatens all of America, and its evil seems unstoppable as it infects everything in its path. Tobias Muldoon is called upon to help the Autobots find a solution, and he knows the perfect man for the job—Nikola Tesla! Together they attempt to re-activate Optimus Prime, but it’s unclear if he will be able to turn the tide in an increasingly hopeless situation!

The return of the Hearts of Steel era of Transformers in the Infestation 2: Transformers storyline brought back fond memories to readers who thought IDW would never return to the point again. Infestation 2: Transformers #1 recaptured that magic and threw us back into the late 1800s. While Infestation 2: Transformers #2 maintains that magic with the era, the ending comes far too soon. And that ending leaves readers shrugging their shoulders.

In Infestation 2: Transformers #1, the Autobots have again reached out to Tobias Muldoon. Lovecraftian demons have arrived (via the events in Infestation 2 #1) and they have possessed several Decepticons as well. The active Autobots and Tobias have determined that the only way to defeat the demon threat is to revive Optimus Prime with the assistance of Nikola Testa. The storyline wraps up in Infestation 2: Transformers #2, with the Autobots and humans attempting to revive Optimus Prime followed by the final battle with the Lovecraftian demons and possessed Transformers.

Writer Chuck Dixon again successfully recaptures the magic of this era in time. Unfortunately, the issue feels a little too rushed, as if his storyline could have been stretched out to a third issue. A good portion of the issue is given to the revival efforts of Optimus Prime. After that effort was attempted, the rest of the issue focuses on the final battle with the Lovecraftian demons. While the battle scenes are exciting and keep the reader captivated, the story just….ends. Given the ending that we had in the second issue of first Infestation-Transformers crossover with the Kup sacrifice, the defeat of the Lovecraftian demons seems weak. This ending also suggests that the Lovecraftian demon threat has not been vanquished in this time stream, suggesting that it can be revised at some point. Additionally, the fate of some possessed Transformers is left somewhat unknown, with the reader only able to guess at that resolution based on the art rather than printed word. We’re talking about you, ********.
Guido Guidi is again on art duties. Together again with Joana Lafuente, they’ve capture the essence of 1888 through their visual presentation. Guido’s art is especially captivating during the scenes featuring a battle between the Autobots and the demon god. Like with the first issue, Joana’s colors perfectly capture the dark tone of the story.

While Infestation 2: Transformers #2 has its flaws, it’s still worth a pick up. Who can resist a good ‘ol revival of Optimus Prime, right? In addition to the revival efforts, readers are treated to several pages of terrific battle scenes. Just keep in mind that you're not going to be treated to the explosive ending for the Infestation cross-over this time around. Regardless of this ending, the issue still gives us hope that Hearts of Steel will live to see another day. Will it live on? Let’s hope we don’t have to wait another six years to find out!

Overall Rating: 3

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