Transformers Prime Beast Hunters #3

THE BEAST WITHIN! After the Fall of CYBERTRON, GRIMLOCK and his DINOBOT allies are tasked with protecting the last remaining Cybertronians from the dangers of the demolished planet. But as time passes, GRIMLOCK grows more and more uneasy with the rage and power that he’s forced to hold back. Can the AUTOBOT leader learn to control his power or will the beast take over?

The Beast Hunters comic series features the Dinobots on a dying Cybertron, during a time in which Optimus Prime and his crew battle Megatron on Earth. In their current forms (as a result of Shockwave’s experiments), the Dinobots attempt to find their identity and determine their place in the world.

Over the first two issues, the spotlight was on Snarl and Sludge as they head off to investigate a murderer within the Autobot stronghold of Last Spark. Last Spark’s leader, Airwave, had previously rebuffed aid from the Dinobots, but the two Dinobots ultimately find out that Airwave is the one responsible for the murders! Beast Hunters #3 shifts the focus to Grimlock and Swoop, who are on patrol in the tunnels underneath Cybertron on the lookout for any signs of trouble. Of course, trouble is found and chaos ensues. Meanwhile, Snarl and Sludge return to Last Spark to continue offering assistance to the stronghold amidst citizens who are unsure of the Dinobots’ allegiance following the battle with Airwave.

Mike Johnson continues writing duties on the series, with story support from Mairghread Scott. While explaining this “new era” origin of the Dinobots, the direction taken by Mike is quite obvious, but the plot progression is written in such a way that it will be interesting to see how the expected outcome is reached. The biggest gripe with the issue is how quick a read through the issue is completed. There are several pages with just a few spoken words and a few with no words at all. Many pages contain between two to four panels, with five panels being a rarity. Therefore, the read is over for the typical reader within about five minutes.

Agustin Padilla continues on art, with Priscilla Tramontano on colors. My general concern with Agustin’s art previously has been with capturing facial expressions. He doesn’t face (pun alert) the same problem in Beast Hunters #3, as the characters featured in about 90% of the book feature a faceplate covering their mouth and visor covering their eyes. Therefore, there is far less distraction in way of the art. In fact, regardless of facial expressions, Agustin’s best performance on the series thus far is turned in on this issue. Priscilla continues to wow with her colors. While generally dark to reflect the darkness that currently hovers over Cybertron, Priscilla utilizes bright colors only at the most appropriate of times.

Beast Hunters #3 may not be the most interesting read, nor take you long to get through, but is a nice little story that could have payoff in Issue #4 if handled correctly.

Overall Rating: 3