Transformers More Than Meets the Eye #19

BETRAYAL! The Lost Light may be occupied by enemy forces, but that’s the least of RODIMUS’ problems! As he awaits execution, the one-time Matrix holder realizes how little he knows about the people he once called friends. Is there anyone left he can trust? And where does the legendary STAR SABER fit into all this?

Oh, James Roberts, you crafty man. More Than Meets the Eye marches closer to the conclusion of Remain in the Light, the end of the first mega-arc of the comic series. While one would think we would see a ton of action, what we get is a different kind of story and several rather large revelations.

Last issue, Rodimus and a select group from the Lost Light head to the surface of the newly rediscovered Luna 1 in search of Ultra Magnus. Surprises were encountered at several points, with Chief Justice Tyrest revealing himself as a mastermind on Luna 1, Pharma being alive and well, and Star Saber attacking Skids and Swerve. With More Than Meets the Eye #19, the story continues to take place on several locations on Luna 1. Rodimus and several other jailed Lost Light crew converse further with Ambus Minimum after his disclosure that he was indeed Ultra Magnus. More is learned about Tyrest and his ultimate mission as well as his relationship with Star Saber. More is learned regarding why Pharma removed Ratchet’s head module and spark chamber from his body. Meanwhile, Cyclonus and Whirl journey through the base at Luna one and come upon a major discovery.

James Roberts continues his run as the writer behind the series. As mentioned above, he goes against the norm and provides a story that is fuller of dialogue and revelations, rather than action. One of these revelations sets up a major battlefront, while the other has ramifications for the majority of all Cybertronians. Roberts gives a great sense of how twisted the army underneath Tyrest is. Not only do we learn why Tyrest is covered in holes/wounds, but how that ties into his extreme beliefs. Star Saber’s personality may be a surprise to some. Crazy enough? We haven’t even started to talk about Pharma and what he does this issue. Roberts also excels at exemplifying the severity of the situation. Not even during events like Revelations or Chaos did the stakes seem so high. Combined with the conclusion of Robots in Disguise’s first major arc, the outfall from these events may be the most explosive and shocking we have seen yet.

Alex Milne continues to knock it out of the park on art. He continues to portray the mood of the situations through the body posture and facial expressions of his characters. His version of Star Saber is simply outstanding. His coloring partner, Josh Burcham, returns as well and the outcome is the typical, outstanding team-up.

Issue after issue, James Roberts and crew have been able to maintain stories that just don’t quit. Month after month, we’re drawn into this amazing world. Each month, we’re offered something different. This month’s offering keeps the action low, but gives us plenty of story, surprises, and clues that a large, catastrophic encounter is coming that will forever change the crew of the Lost Light.

Overall Rating: 4