Transformers Ongoing #21

Two stories for the price of one, kicking off the “CHAOS” event!! In part one, Rodimus makes his triumphant return to Earth, and sets off the major events that will spin off into CHAOS. And in part two, Prowl begins his investigation… of Spike. This storyline will change TRANSFORMERS forever! No, really!

Transformers #21 takes several directions. It moves the story into the Chaos story arc but also seems to erase several of the plot lines and character development that people disliked thus far in the series.

When Transformers #20 ended, Rodimus, Wheelie, and Garnak returned to Cybertron and shockingly discovered Ironhide and Sunstreaker both alive. After witnessing Galvatron and his army on Cybertron, the five take off to Earth for reinforcements. As Transformers #21 begins, Rodimus and crew return to Earth. Throughout the issue, we find out how Rodimus returns the Matrix to Optimus Prime and how that decision affects the recovering Bumblebee. The outfall of that situation determines the players in both the upcoming Chaos arc as well as the Last Story on Earth arc. Even with just minor appearance by Decepticons (Megatron and Thundercracker), drama is plentiful in this issue.

Ongoing writer Mike Costa kicks off the Chaos saga (this issue is referred to as “Prelude to Chaos”) with a great effort. While the story itself is just set-up to the main event (no “threat” was encountered in this issue), Costa does a good job of setting up the storylines from the Autobot side. Over the last few issues, Costa has worked towards course-correcting Rodimus’ personality. He again works on that in Transformers #21, while also providing rationale for the solidification of the Rodimus name (as opposed to Hot Rod). The leadership role for the Autobots is once again solidified with the return of the Matrix to its familiar owner, yet sets up another interesting storyline that feeds into the overall Chaos story arc. Costa provides nods to past events as well, such as Sunstreaker’s hatred of Earth. The build-up to the launch of the Autobots to space was executed wonderfully as well, enhanced by the art. Speaking about the art..

Art duties are shared by Guido Guidi and Brendan Cahill, with colors by Joana Lafuente. Guidi took art duties for the Prelude to Chaos part of the issue, while Cahill did art for the “Police Action” prologue. Guidi’s art is bang-up as usual, providing consistency from issue to issue and being capable of showing emotions through his art. His final frame, of Omega Supreme blasting off into space, is breathtaking. While Cahill’s part of the story doesn’t feature action, his art resembles that of Guidi’s and thus does not disrupt from the flow once one finishes the Space Opera part of the issue. Joana Lafuente’s colors are outstanding in this issue, especially in panels featuring the transfer of the Matrix to its usual owner. Her colors of the Autobot launch are phenomenal as well.

Transformers #21 is a perfect build-up to the Chaos event. While setting up Chaos, it also sets up the storylines from the Autobot side and shows that the Autobots may not necessarily have a united front moving forward. One thing is evident. Drama will be plentiful come Chaos, and not necessarily from the supposed “big-bad” threat heading to Cybertron.

Overall Rating: 4