THE TRANSFORMERS: COMICS, BOOKS AND MANGA

CURRENT TRANSFORMERS COMICS FROM IDW PUBLISHING

The Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Defiance #2
Reviewed by Zigzagger

While Defiance continues to be an important link to what will become, it’s unfortunate that such a pivotal piece of Transformers mythos has to be told through four issues, when, at least, a 6-issue format would have done it justice. While the rising insurgence of Cybertron’s civilian population and Optimus’ growing animosity towards his superior are appropriately addressed, there are also sudden developmental changes that come about a bit too quickly to be plausible. Most notably, the Defense Force adopt their new role a bit too suddenly, and Megatron seems easily corruptible (if not a little hackneyed). But all things considered, though it is glazing over important events, it is still managed well. It certainly remains to be the best movie-verse book IDW has published, at any rate.


Interestingly, Prowl and Jazz (and possibly Bumblebee and Cliffjumper) were members of Cybertron’s “Security Force”. It is indicated that they served under Megatron before inevitably joining Optimus in his cause.

During Optimus’ address in Metrotitan, this is first instance in Defiance that he refers to his people as Autobots. However, it’s not entirely clear if he is referring to them as being part of a newly formed faction, or simply as a people – i.e. they being “autonomous robotic organisms”, Autobots for short. Oddly, this is the only time he refers to his teammates by this until the forth issue. At this point, bots are still explicitly designated to specific groups (e.g. Science Sector, Defense Force, etc).

On page 22, Megatron’s shouts “Let the slaughter begin!” as he blasts his way through the alien ship. This is more than likely a reference to Megatron shouting the same thing during the Decepticon attack on Autobot City in Transformers: The Movie. But, hey, it could be a coincidence.


Megatron: Hnn. Wh-what happened?
Relic: Your wound was severe, but I have used what little strength I have to treat it.
Megatron: Show yourself.
Relic: That is impossible…without your help.
Megatron: I am Megatron, Protector of Cybertron. What makes you think that I am one to help? Show yourself and face your punishm-
Relic: Because I shall make you Lord Megatron, Ruler of Cybertron. But first…allow me to expound.

– Megatron makes a new friend.


Bumblebee: This can’t be good. Nope, not at all. I get the feeling that this is the start of something big.
Cliffjumper: Hmm. Could be, but then again, it’s not like we’re going to have anything to do with a larger fight, you know? What do we do? We guard. That’s about it.
Prowl: And that’s all you’re going to do, got it? Unless you want to be replaced by drones.

– Prowl, well, being Prowl.


Optimus: Prowl, can I ask you something?
Prowl: Sure thing. What is it?
Optimus: Do you think that Megatron is a capable leader?
Prowl: You mean do I think that Megatron is the best leader we have? No, I don’t.

– Optimus discusses politics with Prowl.


Megatron: Now, rally to me…and let the slaughter begin!

– Megatron leads an attack in a rather reminiscent fashion.