I’m a big fan of Transformers having grown up with Gen-1. The concept of a “Mirror Universe” with “Shattered Glass” is something I’ve been excited about and wanted to read more about since I first found out about it. With its miniseries, IDW Publishing has attempted to deliver us a story and twisted take that would meet expectations. But, lets face it, it’s a difficult task. Transformers: Shattered Glass #3 is an interesting shift in the series starting to focus the narrative a bit more than the one-shots that proceeded it.
Danny Lore continues to tell the tale of a universe where the Autobots are petty tyrants and the Decepticons and freedom fighters between down and underground. Each issue is a one-shot that focuses on an individual character giving a bit of the world’s history from their perspective. The first issue focused on Blur, the second Megatron, and third is Starscream. Starscream is the character who has played through each issue acting as our perspective for the here and now. He’s a wanted fugitive who at the same time is attempting to bring the Decepticons together again and take a stand against the Autobots.
While the concept of the series is interesting, this issue emphasizes that I’ve been having issues with so far. There’s far too much covered and not enough focus on one thing. Megatron and Starscream are hiding out where they meet Soundwave, who, so far, is the most interesting character in this world. Soundwave is handling “Radio Decepticon” keeping the members connected and trying to keep them calm. His connection though isn’t about attempting to rise up, it’s an attempt to help the former soldiers through their trauma. Soundwave in a way is a Suicide Hotline, talking to his fellow bots in need. That stands out and is far too short of a concept. It’s the most interesting thing with so much potential for an emotional journey but it’s only touched upon and not explored enough. That’s been an issue overall with far too little time spent on each concept brought up. Transformers: Shattered Glass would have been far better served as a max-series spanning a dozen issues our more.
The art by Guido Guidi continues to be pretty solid. The color by John-Paul Bove is key with lettering by Neil Uyetake. The world presented feels like one ruled by tyrants. The buildings and streets are slightly run down with a dirtiness about them that emphasizes the lack of support. It’s a small detail that really makes the Decepticon cause stand out. Bove’s colors play a key role as they often are the distinction between the characters we knew and the twisted versions we’re reading about. Everything looks solid, a comic depiction of the toys we play(ed) with.
Transformers: Shattered Glass #3 isn’t a bad comic in any way. It’s a solid edition that adds some depth to the overall story adding details. It’s just a comic that doesn’t feel like it quite stands on its own as entertaining. It continues the series’ high level exploration of the world of “Shattered Glass”. This is one that might be a bit better to read as a trade because as single issues it feels a little lacking.
Story: Danny Lore Art: Guido Guidi
Color: John-Paul Bove Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.15 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read
IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW
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Source: Graphic Policy
