Transformers Ongoing #19

The situation on Earth continues to deteriorate while we shift focus to outer space where RODIMUS was last seen dead! A classic character returns as the things heat up and we begin our descent into “CHAOS”.

The last we saw Rodimus, he was blasted into space by the newly revived and upgraded Megatron in Transformers #13. Badly damaged, he floated off in space with the Matrix of Leadership hung around his neck. As Transformers #19 begins, a seemingly inactivated Rodimus is pulled down towards a planet and crashes to the ground. As he activates, he discovers the Matrix attached to his torso and another race wanting to tap into the power found within the Matrix. A familiar Autobot is already on the planet and is drawn into the action.

Ongoing writer Mike Costa has crafted a different type of story in Transformers #19. The issue is essentially a stand-alone, one-shot. Consider it Spotlight: Rodimus, with the goal of taking the character, doing whatever with him in the confines of the story, and placing him in the position you need to for the upcoming Chaos storyline. Costa strives in telling short, confined stories (as seen in Spotlight: Prowl and the Ironhide mini-series), and Transformers #19 is no different. Transformers #19 features only two Transformers: Rodimus and Wheelie. Even with just two robots in the mix along with an alien race, Costa writes an enjoyable story. Believe it or not, he makes you feel even sorrier for Wheelie. There’s also a nice little tease in the issue with Wheelie’s "ship", reminding the reader that a familiar alien race was once on the planet Wheelie was stuck on. Once is a nice nod, twice is too much to be just a nod to Transformers lore. If I was a betting man, I’d place a wager on the five-head alien race being featured in either the ongoing or mini-series after the Chaos arc is complete. Anyways…this issue also features the return of the Chaosteros from Spotlight: Wheelie and an Ilixian from Spotlight: Blaster! References galore!

Guido Guidi has art duties this time around and does a bang-up job. His art for Rodimus and Wheelie are a mix of the new and classic styles. He also excels in this issue with his depiction of a humanoid-like alien race, both an upright leader and his barbaric, hunched goons. Joana Lafuente’s colors complement the art quite nicely. With Guido’s art on the less-cartoony side, Joana has chosen colors that are neither too bright or two dark and fit the tone perfectly.

Although a stand-alone issue, Transformers #19 offers plenty of promise. While a fine story in itself, it creates several interesting storylines and references several past Spotlights. With the Matrix now fused to Rodimus’ chest, it is quite obvious that Rodimus and the Matrix play a key role in the Chaos storyline. The fact that Wheelie, who was listed under even Roller for mission selection in Spotlight: Wheelie, will potentially play a role in Chaos has the makings of an underdog story. The final panel is a nice tease as well, promising the reader a return to a location not yet featured as the main battle ground but very familiar to all. Combined with the preview cover of Transformers #20 immediately following the last page, it creates a sense of excitement for what is ahead in Chaos.

Overall Rating: 4.5

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