Transformers Windblade #2

CYBERTRON UNDER FIRE! Someone is out to kill WINDBLADE—but discovering who means turning to some less-than-savory ’Bots. Can WINDBLADE trust her informants enough to stake her life on them? And who will she turn to when the events of DARK CYBERTRON come back to haunt them all?

With the miniseries’ strong debut issue, Mairghread Scott nicely introduced us to the world of Windblade: we were presented with good characters, clever dialogue, interesting interactions, gorgeous artwork, and more. Now, we continue onto the second issue, and Mairghread brings all of that plus answers to some mysteries, and a cool link with what’s come before in the IDW universe. But, with all that said, how well does it stack up compared to issue #1?

Last time, Windblade went off to try and solve something that was wrong with Metroplex. In addition, she also started to try and figure out if Starscream really is a good ‘bot, talking with Ironhide for advice. After a while of trying to find the source of Metroplex’s problem, our main character then ventured to Blurr’s bar - Maccadam’s Old Oil House - to ask the ‘bots inside their opinion of Starscream. Shaken by the revelation that the world's ruler is anything but pure, Windblade then met up with Chromia again to resume their search - only to be nearly killed by an explosion. As Windblade recovered from this incident, the origins of these new female Transformers were also revealed. At the end of the issue, we were left with the cliffhanger of Starscream entering Windblade’s room to confront her.

And that’s right where Windblade #2 picks up, but not before we get an amusing page of Circuit trying to interview people. Starscream’s interaction with Windblade only goes further to solidify his character. Chromia also grows frustrated and wary of the situation, as she and Windblade go off and meet with Ironhide and try find the evidence needed to expose the one they think is responsible for the bombing incident. After a good bit of interaction between Windblade and Metroplex, the group heads off to Maccadam’s after finding a clue about who may be connected to the bombing. After said ‘bot tries to flee, he’s convinced by Windblade to assist them. Venturing deep into Metroplex, we eventually discover what exactly is going on. Windblade then gives a news report to Circuit on the matter, and the issue concludes with our heroes being confronted by a group of shadowy figures, nicely setting up what is perhaps a more compelling cliffhanger than last issue’s.

Writer Mairghread Scott continues to provide us with the same improved, good-quality writing she displayed last issue, giving us some fun, witty dialogue and character interactions. The story is perhaps even a bit stronger in this issue, as it does feel like the plot is moved forward a but more compared to last issue. The story begins with Starscream speaking with Windblade, then advances further as she journeys to try and find evidence for who they think is behind the bombing, culminating in the revelation of what’s going on and ending on an exciting cliffhanger. Some answers to mysteries are revealed, and the issue chugs along at a nice pace. Characters are further expanded upon - Windblade’s interactions with Metroplex and the suspect are excellent, and the antagonist’s plan is quite clever, satisfyingly tying things from the previous issue together and also neatly connecting with events that have previously transpired in the IDW continuity. Although, like last issue, it is again relatively light on action, but this provides more room for some good character moments. Mairghread continues to expand on relationships, characters, and settings - Windblade in particular receives a good bit of character development, changing her views on the ‘bot in charge of the planet. The cliffhanger ending will leave you pumped and ready to see what happens next.

Artist Sarah Stone continues to pull out all the stops for this series, although the art is perhaps a slight bit weaker than in the last issue. But that said, it is still excellent, beautiful artwork - expressions are great and entertaining, the coloring is just vibrant and gorgeous, and it’s consistent and clear what’s going on most of the time. Just as before, this only helps the story flow even better. I really, really hope Sarah becomes a regular Transformers artist after this.

This issue amps up the plot to a good degree, which is the book’s main improvement over last issue. The series continues to impress, and again, it does not feel overshadowed by its fellow Dawn of the Autobots partners in any way, distinctly standing on its own as a legitimate tale that contributes to what’s going on in the IDW universe, and should be read if you want the full story. As was the case last time, the writing is still solid, and the art is still phenomenal. At this point, you definitely care about the characters and what they’re going through. Although it is perhaps somewhat disappointing the comic does not expand upon the origins of the new female Transformers in any further detail, it still provides us with some some neat world-building. The creative team still seems to be passionate about the project; Mairghread gracefully pulls from previous IDW fiction to create the villain’s motivation - which includes an aspect that I was very much not expecting to come into play here - and it will surely be a big talking point amongst fans. The revelation of who the antagonist is may prove to be somewhat controversial, and I personally am very much of two minds about it myself - but either way, on the whole, the comic is most definitely worthy of a purchase. If the next two issues can deliver just as good of an experience, this series may very well go down in history as being a fan-favorite.

Overall Rating: 4

Windblade #2 is the second issue of the four-issue mini-series.

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