Bottalk Reviews

So is this finally it? Yep, we’re here! A brand-new Transformers # 1 after nearly ten months of no new Transformers comics! With Robert Kirkman’s Void Rivals having launched Skybound’s new Energon Universe, noted writer/artist rolled-into-one Daniel Warren Johnson takes the reins on what will likely be the linchpin of this new initiative. In this inaugural issue, we’re introduced to many familiar concepts to longtime fans- a crashed ship, human allies, an awakening, conflict, death, the hunt for resources, and of course… ROBOTS IN DISGUISE. So we’ve seen this before, have we? Yes. If you’re remotely familiar with Transformers as a franchise, either from the cartoons, movies, or previous comics, you’re gonna recognize a lot of beats here. Thankfully, Daniel Warren Johnson’s kinetic pencils mean that these moments pack the appropriate punch. Complimented by Mike Spicer’s colors, Johnson’s style is certainly a distinct one and something that gives this book much of its identity. I was not

Jim Zub's Conan tale of the undead shows some signs of life, at last. But is it too late? Conan frees a sliver of surviving Barbarians from the icy grip of the possessed picts, is able to get a minuscule amount of payback... but ends up in the soup, literally. What I did not like: Conan not solicitous about the fate of his family members or childhood friends. All the unsightly covers except for the snake one by Roberto (and only from afar).  The old and infirm are still alive? Please! They survived the trip to the citadel? Stop insulting the reader. Only men fight alongside Conan. No vengeful Cimmerian women? That's disappointing and also sexist.  I was getting a Conan the Barbarian (1982 John Milius film) vibe from the very first page. Trying to appeal more to the casual movie fan than the Robert E. Howard scholar. Still no Big Bad for Conan. The letters page was too small and only featured sycophants. Competent creators and editors should crave constructive criticism. Please

Worf and Spock arrive in the transporter room to see Sela off when Worf begins coughing up blood.  Before she departs, Sela tells Spock about three Romulan scientists that were imprisoned because of something they learned.  Worf has a brief vision of his son before waking up in Sickbay.  Later, standing before a Starfleet review board consisting of Admirals Jelico and Nechayev, the crew must explain their actions during the Day of Blood incident. Instead of being cleared and reinstated, Worf, B'elanna and Ro are disavowed and given new, off the book, assignments. later, on DS9, they 'buy' the decommissioned Defiant and set out on their new mission. Some references of note.  I assume Sela's line about Romulan scientists learning something so terrible they were locked up without trial is in reference to the supernova that will eventually destroy Romulas.  The targets given to Worf and crew are Hugh, Rasmussen, and a gangster from Sigma Iotia III (aka TOS episode 'A P

The race begins.  La'an wants to rescue the crew that were scattered across the various ships in the race but her request is denied by Pike.  Una is given little to do on her ship while Spock mentally interfaces with his.  Enterprise is attacked by what was believed to be an asteroid but in turn, is a life-form.  Pike wants to take down the person behind the entire race, who ends up destroying a ship to prove a point.   I wish I had more to say about this.  I find the premise thin and uninspired.  Una and Spock have little to do on their ships.  The one good thing about this comic is the art by Angel Hernandez. five out of ten.

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