Transformers issue #16 review – Well, That Escalated Quickly (Ruckley, Malkova, McGuire-Smith, Lafuente, Burcham, Wood, Howell, Laren, IDW Publishing)

Brian Ruckley (Author) Anna Malkova (Artist) Beth McGuire-Smith (Artist) Joana Lafuente (Colorist) Josh Burcham (Colorist) Jake M. Wood (Letterer) Corin Howell (Cover Artist) Hal Laren (Cover Artist)

Thanks to IDW Publishing for the review copy!

After last issue’s standout entry, part four of “The Change in Your Nature” slows things down before cranking up the action. Thus far, the series has focused on the precursors to the Decepticons secret plans at the expense of the Autobots. This series has been less about good guys versus bad guys than competing ideologies and shifting allegiances. That continues here as the first half of the issue returns the focus on the political intrigue that has made up a large part of this arc. While they often aren’t given much to do, I always enjoy the appearances of classic characters, and this issue continues that pattern with Brawn and Ironhide. It also has a welcome (and character consistent) appearance by Starscream.

Ultimately, all the talking has a purpose, as it results in Megatron escalating his plans. This is where issue 16 takes off, with a team of bad guys springing into action. They engage in witty banter as they straight up murder some bots. The death scenes are particularly gruesome, with the colorful panels clearly depicting the carnage. This is easy the most violent issue in the arc to date and the artwork captures it vividly. The artists deserve particular recognition for not skimping on the design for the unnamed bots. The care taken in these minor characters increases the impact of what happens to them.

After a relatively slow start, issue 16 kicks things into overdrive, escalating the violence and foreshadowing bigger things to come. With each issue, we can feel the story edging closer to the Autobot-Decepticon war fans of the Transformers are expecting.

Transformers # 16 is now available.

Check back tomorrow for the review of the next (and last) issue in this story arc, Transformers #17.

Have you read the issue? What are your thoughts? Feel free to chat with me on Twitter or leave a comment below!