Transformers

• Title: Transformers: Regeneration One #100 (of 4)
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Simon Furman
• Artist: Guido Guidi

Way back in 1984 Marvel Comics commissioned a four-issue mini-series for the popular toy line. Lasting 76 extra issues, the original Transformers came to an end in 1991 with Transformers #80. Returning to complete the unfinished tale, writer Simon Furman and artist Guido Guidi have put together 20 more issues of the story culminating in this extra-sized 100th issue finale.

As a rousing finale Transformers: Regeneration One #100 is good, but not great. Several characters get little time despite the extra pages (many of which are used not for the story but various supplemental material) as the final issue races through Galvatron‘s subplot spending nearly the entire issue on Rodimus Prime and his battle with the Deathbringer in Zero Space and a somewhat convoluted ending involving a Multiverse of Transformers.

Fans will certainly want to pick this one up (despite its price-tag), but it is a little light on action (other than Galvatron’s defeat) while relegating several key characters such as Grimlock, Shockwave, and Starscream to small roles or cameos. For fans.

[IDW, $3.99]

• Title: Transformers: Regeneration One #99
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Simon Furman
• Artist: Guido Guidi

Leading into next month’s over-sized 100th issue finale, Transformers: Regeneration One #99 wraps up the Jhiaxus storyline while giving us glimpses of the other looming threats. As Jhiaxus brags to the captive Autobot leader Rodimus Prime, Autobot Wreckers start dismantling the hub network. The newly reconstituted Shockwave lends a hand as well, allowing the force in control of Starscream to face Jhiaxus and end the threat once and for all.

Although we don’t learn the condition of Optimus Prime, we get a glimpse of the captured Spike. And on Cybertron we witness a still-dangerous Galvatron running amok on a world with few Autobots remaining. Thankfully Cybertron still is protected by Dinobots (setting up a possible battle between Grimlock and Galvatron to cap the series).

With plenty of action that highlights many of my favorite Transformers, and even moves the logical Shocwave to emotion in a terrific panel, there’s much here to enjoy as the comic sets up its grand finale that all started in a four-issue mini-series 30 years ago. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]

• Title: Transformers: Regeneration One #98
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Simon Furman
• Artist: Guido Guidi

While Optimus Prime deals with the unexpected return and betrayal of Fortress Maximus, Rodimus Prime‘s plan of a preemptive attack on Jhiaxus leads the Autobots into a deadly trap that costs on of the original Generation One Autobots his life. The teasing of Shockwave and Starscream joining the fray also continues as the pair return to Cybertron setting up the comic’s final arc involving the fate of the Autobots, Decepticons, Cybertron, Earth, and perhaps even the entire universe.

I’m saddened to see Hound go and, given this is the end to the original Marvel Comics run that started back in 1984 (for .75 an issue), I wonder how many other names might be added to the list. And Maximus’ brutal attack on Optimus Prime introduces him as a dangerous threat as well.

Along with plenty of action, Transformers: Regeneration One #98 delivers a rejuvinated Shockwave, teases the return of Galvatron, and sets all the pieces in motion for what should be a very interesting final arc. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]