Comic Review: Transformers: Autocracy #3

IDW’s digital-only Transformers: Autocracy enters its third chapter. The plot should start picking up after the past two issues, so let’s see what happens….

The Synopsis

After the events of Transformers: Autocracy #2, Orion and the Autobots are on the hunt for Soundwave, who is on the run with classified Autobot intel. Theorizing that Soundwave will head for the Kaon border, the Autobots split up to cover all potential routes. Hound, Bumblebee and Silverbolt track him through the factory district, but Soundwave dispatches Ravage to aid his escape.

Prowl and Ironhide soon find him, but again, one of the Recordicons — in this case, Rumble — helps Soundwave elude his persuers. Finally, Orion tracks him to the market place and engages him in a combat, but that ever wily Soundwave has Frenzy cause the onlookers to attach Orion in an insane mob. Ratbat then attacks Silverbolt to prevent an aerial assault. Silverbolt takes heavy damage and crashes, which allows Soundwave and Frenzy to once again avoid capture.

As the duo nears the border of Kaon, Frenzy is suddenly blasted by Orion. After a knock-down drag-out fight, Orion is able to subdue Soundwave. But before they can take the prisoner back to Autobot Headquarters, a host of Decepticons capture the Autobots, under the pretense that Megatron wants to have a face-to-face meeting with Orion.

To Be Continued

Thoughts

I really love how Soundwave uses his Recordicons to help him elude the Autobots. It shows that each cassette has different abilities, but it also shows a bit of detachment from Soundwave. I’m not sure how I feel about that, actually. It feels like Soundwave should show a bit more concern for his comrades. Maybe he would have gone back for Ravage if Orion hadn’t caught up with him at the end.

The art is still murky, and this is the first issue where I had problems with it. The last page especially could stand some more color to help differentiate which Decepticons are there and speaking. And sometimes the Comixology panel transitions cut off the artwork. On the last page, again, some of the Decepticons are only viewable in the full page mode, not in the single panel as the app displays it.

The Final Rewind

Again, I think this is worth the $0.99, but the art is starting to wear on me a bit. Dark and gritty doesn’t have to mean muddled art.

Support your local comic shop! If they have a digital storefront, buy through them. If they don’t, ask them to get one! If you don’t know, find out. If your local shop doesn’t have a digital store, may I recommend buying through my local store, Neptune Comics? They do not pay me for this mention; I just like them a lot.

The Geek Bits
Title: Transformers: Autocracy
Issue #: 3
Title: Chapter 3: The Hunt for Soundwave
Price: $0.99 US – Digital Only
Release Date: February 15, 2012
Publisher: IDW Publishing via ComiXology.com
Written by: Chris Metzen & Flint Dille
Art by: Livio Ramondelli
Letters by: Robbie Robbins
Editor: John Barber & Carlos Guzman
Worth the price? Once again, it’s worth your $0.99 and more.

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