Transformers Ongoing #11

It’s Round 2 between AUTOBOTS and COMBATICONS as a wildcard enters the fight, while back in the States, Skywatch takes some extreme—even illegal—measures to even the odds.

By the end of Transformers #10, the select group of Autobots suffered defeat in South Korea against the Combaticons who were employed on behalf of the emperor of North Korea. Due to the need to keep the secrecy of the mission hidden from the US government and the world, the Autobot remained in vehicle mode for the entire battle. The battle not only resulted in defeat but resulted in severe injures to two Autobots when Jetfire crashed into Broadside. To combat the aerial supremacy of the Combaticons and Vortex, Bumblebee reaches out to Thundercracker at the end of Issue #10. Transformers #11 opens up with Bumblebee attempting to convince Thundercracker to assist the Autobots in the specific Korean mission. Back at in the US, the Autobots left behind bicker while working in close quarters. Round 2 of the battle against the Combaticons moves to North Korea, with the Autobots taking a new and more effective approach against the Combaticons.

Ongoing writer Mike Costa turns in his best effort yet in Transformers #11. The opening dialogue between Bumblebee and Thundercracker was well written. While not asking Thundercracker to join the Autobots, he asks for his assistance in battle because of the nature of the Combaticons’ mission. In trying to convince Thundercracker to assist the Autobots in this battle, Bumblebee touches upon the regard Seekers are held in as well as the honor of being a warrior. Costa mixes a little humor into the conversation to keep it light, referencing television phrases and finding a means to actually use the phrase “emo” without making it seem forced. Costa also reminds the readers that not everything in a-okay back home. There is still some dissatisfaction in the Autobots ranks and between certain Autobots and Skywatch over Ironhide’s death in Transformers #1. The final act of the issue, the second showdown between the Autobots and Combaticons, kicks the issue into high gear. While injecting a little humor into the battle, the reader definitely can feel the intensity and stakes of the battle. Costa also satisfies groups of fans by giving time to several underutilized fan-favorite Mini-Bots!

Guido Guidi continues on art duties for this issue and also turns in a spectacular effort. His artwork continues to blend in aspects of new designs from the first arc of the ongoing, Classic/Universe designs, and movie characteristics while keeping the look of the character as identifiable to long-time fans. Quite a few close-ups of characters give Guido the chance to portray emotions through facial expressions, and he succeeds in doing so. Action sequences are also drawn well, retaining the detail in the characters while illustrating destruction around the battle.

Transformers #11 is a result of top-notch efforts by both the writer and artist. The issue is a perfect mix of dialogue and action with highly detailed and familiar art. Transformers #11 is a nice long read, which is refreshing in a comic world nowadays where the issue feels like it ends before it beings. If you haven’t picked up the ongoing in awhile, this is an issue to return to the fold. Given the cliffhanger at the end of the issue, it appears that there is more of this effort to come!

Overall Rating: 4.5

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