Aerialbots VS Yodelling!
The bold new era for the Autobots and this book continues! Robert Kirkman, chief architect of the Energon Universe, writes the flagship Transformers title and Jason Howard takes over as regular penciler for this new story arc with Mike Spicer on colors. Howard had previously drawn issues # 13 and # 14 of this book, along with many covers.
In this thirty-fifth issue, the Autobots must rely on their new human allies to save the dying Shredhead’s life! Also, Thundercracker leads the Aerialbots to track down the forces of Cobra-LUH-LUH-LUH-LUH-LA!
So Shredhead ain’t dead?
Nah, they’re fine. Although who knows after Doctor Arkeville gets done with them. It does seem like Onslaught is dead for now, which is a shame and kind of weird considering he’s got a new toy out currently, but I guess Kirkman isn’t constrained to Hasbro’s whims as much as other writers were. Wheeljack and Doctor Arkeville have a bit of back-and-forth about fixing Shredhead, which is kind of amusing.
We get to see one of Wheeljack’s secret projects, but not what he discovered in his new makeshift workshop a little while ago. A collaboration with G.I. Joe might yield some interesting results, although knowing what we know of Arkeville, who knows how that will turn out.
And what about Thundercracker fighting yodellers now?
Yeah, Thundercracker and the Aerialbots find Cobra-La again and engage them, and it turns out Skywarp is following his old Seeker bro to see what he’s up to. There’s mostly stage-setting for more substantial confrontations next issue here, not the least of which is a Thundercracker/Skywarp scuffle.
Kind of disappointed there’s not much in the way of dramatic tension or friction between Thundercracker and his new nominal comrades, especially since we know from upcoming covers they’re all about to get “closer” soon. The Aerialbots haven’t received much in the way of spotlight here and adding Thundercracker to the mix might have been a nice spot of character interactions. Kirkman doesn’t seem too interested in that… yet.
Cube?
This is kind of a filler issue, which not much happening other than foot-dragging set-up for the next, which one would expect to be the finale of this second Kirkman arc. Adding Cobra-La back into the mix seems like more eagerness to express the inter-connectivity of the Energon Universe, but there’s not much going on in terms of actual character development here.
After a relatively strong start, Kirkman’s starting to seem unsure of what he actually wants to do with these characters other than kill them or change their names. Hopefully he settles on a more solid direction soon.
Buy Transformers # 35 this week and realize there’s nothing wrong with talking to yourself if Wheeljack does it.
