Patrick Ehlers (Author) Jack Lawrence (Artist, Cover Artist) Sara Pitre-Durocher (Author, Artist, Colorist) Josh Burcham (Colorist) Jake M. Wood (Letterer / Designer)
Thanks to IDW Publishing for the review copy!
I’ve always turned to Transformers to see robots transforming and fighting, so I wasn’t particularly driven to read a Valentine’s Day issue. On its face, the idea of a Transformers Valentine’s Day issue seems strange. Do Transformers get married? I have no idea. Do they procreate? I don’t think so, as it seems they are ‘forged’ not born. Do they even have gender? That I do know! Yes, there are female transformers, but I have no idea what makes them female. While skeptical, the ongoing stay at home situation led me to expand my horizons, and I’m glad I did.
This special has two self contained stories in it. The first focuses on two characters I hadn’t heard of before – Tap Out and Glyph (the blue and green characters on the primary cover). In a few pages, the writers are able to establish the core personalities of these bots. What follows is, believe it or not, a sweet story between two characters with opposite traits, in which they have to meet each other halfway to succeed. Art wise, while some of the unnamed bots in the beginning were pretty generic, I was impressed by the diversity of aliens included in the story. The action scenes are also done quite well.
The second story may resonate with anyone trying to date while sheltering in place. Cosmos, one of my favorite characters, engages in a cute long distance ‘relationship’ with a mystery character over radio. The story lacks the action of the first tale, but I appreciated the way it captured Cosmos’ awkward insecurity. Fans of the original Transformers will also appreciate the Gears cameo.
Readers who are willing to get out of the ‘robots fighting’ comfort zone will enjoy the Valentine’s Day Special. No prior knowledge of Transformers in general or the IDW comics line is necessary to appreciate the two stories the issue, and it is lighter in tone than some of the other Transformers issues.
Transformers: Valentine’s Day Special is now available.
Have you read the issue? What are your thoughts? Feel free to chat with me on Twitter or leave a comment below!