THE TRANSFORMERS: COMICS, BOOKS AND MANGA

CURRENT TRANSFORMERS COMICS FROM IDW PUBLISHING

Transformers Autocracy #11
Reviewed by Red Dave Prime

Metroplex claims to have known Optimus Prime in a previous time – this could be a nod to the fact that Metroplex would have known previous Matrix bearers and they all share a certain heritage once bonded, or it could be a nod to a potential multiverse.

There’s a nice nod to Blaster's time as “the voice” and his comment that previously he worked as government controlled “Big Media” in Chaos Theory.

Very nice panel where Optimus keeps the Autobot banner raised as a homage to the Iwo Jima Memorial statue.

As I noted in the last review, the Primes have clearly been seen as a lineage of tyranny, oppression, and generally war like. Odd that come Spotlight: Optimus Prime he sees that same lineage as noble and honourable, despite the fact nothing would have changed. Indeed, he seems appalled that Nova Prime would spoil the heritage with the likes of Zeta. And Nominus. And Sentinel (to be far, Sentinel Prime is more an over-zealous cop than dictator so I’ll let that slide)

There are 7 Aerialbots when Silverbolt leads their attack. I assume one is Barrel Roll (from RiD #3) but I don’t know who the other might be.

While I appreciate the increase in pace, events are moving incredibly quickly now. The Decepticons have gone from insurgents that had some popular support to full on suppressive government in what seems like a matter of hours. Equally, the Autobot army assembles faster than a whippet with a bum full of dynamite.

Strictly for any Irish readers – does the montage of people listening to Blasters broadcast remind you of RTE’s Angelus broadcast?


“I have known you under a different name. In a different time perhaps” – Don’t you hate when you bump into someone and can’t remember them? So does Metroplex.

“You are always there to battle Chaos” – Metroplex nods to Primes future (perhaps)

“Under the primes or Decepticons or whoever – the big-bads in power don’t want the people hearin’ the truth” – Blaster may regret the start of this broadcast come his big moment later on.

“Look out and shout” – Animated Movie reference #1

“Perhaps one day you’ll make butchering fools a priority” – Starscream points out Megatrons flaw in never killing his enemies. And he’ll never learn either (see RiD)

“More than you imagine Optimus Prime” – Animated Movie reference #2

After a few dull set-up issues we once again get an upswing of pace and movement as Autocracy enters its final act. There are some nice little moments here and the artwork shines in some places – Sky Lynx flying over Iacon, The raising of the Autobot Banner and the montage of everyone (both good and bad) hearing Blasters broadcast.

Also, now is as good a time as any to mention the general high quality of Livio’s covers throughout – but I particular loved issues 11, 6 and 4. Great images of the three main characters.

To be fair to Dille and Metzen, unlike the previous 2 issues there’s a good bit going on within these 8 pages. Metroplex joins the battle and also hints at knowing the previous Primes (maybe he only knows the “good” ones?). Blaster begins his new role as the voice of the new Autobot movement. Prime speaks to everyone through the broadcast. The main battle begins and we get the first rally after the Decepticons initial bombardment. Yep, plenty is going on. 8 pages is always going to fly by but there seems to be more substance here than the last 2 issues.

So begins the final battle for Iacon. It may be straight forward but at least it’s exciting… or is it? I’ve gone on about this problem for a bit now but the final big battle in Autocracy feels very underwhelming despite the scale. I put it down to a lack of drama because we know no-one of note is going to die and with the whole Autocracy side of things gone from the story now that Zeta has been dealt with, there is nothing here that would be amiss in a more action packed episode of the Sunbow cartoon. It’s a big battle, it will be nicely drawn and that’s really it. Will there be a twist at the end, or something to show new light on old ground? Maybe…

(No, there isn’t)