With the main IDW Transformers comics series wrapping up earlier this year, there was an opening for a Transformers Special. Into the breach steps the Bumblebee: Win If You Dare team, with this one shot.
Transformers: Bumblebee: Go For The Gold! isn’t part of the mainstream IDW Transformers line or the movies continuity. Instead, this is a separate story with a lineup of classic Generation 1 characters with the more recent Windblade added to the mix. Set in the same world as the recent Bumblebee: Win If You Dare graphic novel, this comic focuses on the titular little bot trying to find his niche amongst the Autobots.
I really like the analogy that James Asmus uses with the meteorite. At its heart this is a simple story of Bumblebee trying to find his role amongst his comrades, with this internal anguish set amongst the backdrop a clash between Autobots and Decepticons. This is a good choice for a one shot, as it’s a story that’s easy to grasp and get behind while also being familiar and action packed. The choice of Transformers is really good, with a balanced team of distinct Autobots while the Decepticons are a serious threat without having Megatron overshadow things. Asmus generally has a really good grasp of the characters here. The story hits all the right notes and doesn’t require an encyclopedic knowledge of what happened before. Some of the dialogue doesn’t ring true or feels a little cringeworthy, but then again the original cartoon wasn’t exactly Shakespeare either.
Marcelo Ferreira’s art has instantly recognizable characters with really nostalgic looking G1 character designs and really dynamic poses. There are some really good panels with great framing here and the action sequences are well done. Initially I had concerns about the facial expressions here, but on second reading Ferreira does a good job with clear to read expressions. Maria Keane’s inking is a really good fit and the combination with Ferreira’s work and Valentina Pinto’s bright and vibrant colors make for a really good looking Transformers comic for younger Transformers fans. I think it’s a great fit for readers who are a little younger than the average reader of the old IDW Transformers line. I’d definitely be happy if these guys got the opportunity to do an ongoing series when IDW announces the future of their Transformers comics line.
Transformers: Bumblebee: Go For The Gold! is an action packed, character focused one shot with heart. The simplicity of the story is balanced with good character work and a vibrant and energetic art style perfect for newer Transformers comics readers. A great first comic for newer Transformers fans.
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