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Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #5
Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye Volume 5 (Transformers (Numbered)) by Alex Milne (26-Nov-2013) Paperback
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE's first full-blown epic moves into high gear as RODIMUS leads his crew to the gates of heaven—or hell. But larger forces are closing in and an ancient plan is reaching fruition—and as an old friend calls time on the AUTOBOTS' quest, one thing becomes the LEGISLATORS are on the march. Collects issues #17–22.
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First published November 19, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 1, 2018
A review of the whole series to this point
This series is criminally underrated. Since it is my first Transformers read and it falls under Phase Two of the IDW Transformers books, I have missed a lot of stuff. But it is a good jumping on point as references to the previous events do not overwhelm the reader.
I think it's a feat that a comic book comments on racism (ratioism), homosexuality, PTSD and the existence of God (Primus) in a span of just 22 issues, while also entertaining the readers with space horror tropes like a serial killer aboard a spaceship, contagion and space paranoia.
As it seems that the first major arc of the series is complete, I think I'll check out Transformers-Robots in Disguise next.
This series is criminally underrated. Since it is my first Transformers read and it falls under Phase Two of the IDW Transformers books, I have missed a lot of stuff. But it is a good jumping on point as references to the previous events do not overwhelm the reader.
I think it's a feat that a comic book comments on racism (ratioism), homosexuality, PTSD and the existence of God (Primus) in a span of just 22 issues, while also entertaining the readers with space horror tropes like a serial killer aboard a spaceship, contagion and space paranoia.
As it seems that the first major arc of the series is complete, I think I'll check out Transformers-Robots in Disguise next.
July 6, 2017
If the series ended here it would have been a satisfying ended. This definitely felt the end of large arc as the Autobots of the Lost Light find the object of search they didn't expect.
A lot of long lost threads from the early days of IDW Transformers meet their in this arc. A few of the important ones:
- The Ultra Magnus, Duly Appointed Enforcer of the Tyrest Accords
- Whirl and Cyclonus' long standing enmity
- Skids' amnesia
And a few more that may spoiled it for the new reader.
I've written before how this series reminded me of Star Trek, and this is the most J.J. Abrams of the arcs so far. Action from the start to the end with a relatively slow palette cleanser at the end.
A lot of long lost threads from the early days of IDW Transformers meet their in this arc. A few of the important ones:
- The Ultra Magnus, Duly Appointed Enforcer of the Tyrest Accords
- Whirl and Cyclonus' long standing enmity
- Skids' amnesia
And a few more that may spoiled it for the new reader.
I've written before how this series reminded me of Star Trek, and this is the most J.J. Abrams of the arcs so far. Action from the start to the end with a relatively slow palette cleanser at the end.
March 24, 2014
I still read Transformer comic books. I should qualify that. I still read one Transformer comic book series. When I was much younger I was hooked by the final arch of the Marvel run written by Simon Furman and pencilled by Andy Wildman (and in college I dutifully purchased the Titan Book collections of these issues). Since then, I’ve done due diligence checking out the various re-incarnations of the franchise, often with the waste of time and money. But, for those of us who were raised with certain shape-shifting robot/vehicle/weapons as part of our childhood mythology and who then went on to expand our horizons with more literary science fiction and fantasy, the writing of James Roberts married to the artwork of Alex Milne is what we have been waiting for.
I’ve waxed eloquent on the merit of this series in my reviews of the previous four volumes. Roberts is laying track to some epic conclusions and taking the time to build characters and backstory along the way. Milne’s artwork and eye for detail takes it up another notch. (Have you ever considered how difficult it must be to convey emotions on a robotic visage lacking nose, mouth, and other characteristic facial features?) My major (and really only) complaint with the series so far was the fact that Milne left the helm for the artwork of a few issues in Volume Four. It’s not that I don’t mind a different artist, but some of those who were drawing for issues in that volume simply weren’t up to the task of communicating the scenes and moods Robert’s writing was conveying.
But, now on to Volume Five, which does not disappoint. The first danger with any continuing comic series is that subsequent issues will simply continue to string the reader along by adding mystery to mystery and not providing any real resolutions. (Think the first few volumes of The Unwritten.) Enough of this and you start to fear that maybe the writer isn’t actually planning on resolving anything. I started to get that dreaded feeling with the end of Volume Four. Overlord was sorted, or was he? Ultra Magnus was killed, or was he? The quest for the Knights of Cybertron ground on.
No worries though: I’m happy to report that there is indeed resolution in abundance in Volume Five. The quest takes a major step forward: we find the Circle of Light (not yet the Knights though, sorry), and the mystery of Skids’s immediate past, which had been lingering since the first volume, is explained. New characters are introduced, and some old ones are dispatched. The volume consists primarily of a five-issue story arch in which our heroes discover a lost moon of Cybertron and defeat a character we’ve only heard alluded to in the past. The writing is what you’ve come to expect from Roberts: that is, it’s smart, humorous, and consistent in treating an 80s toyline as the jumping-off point for legitimate science fiction story-telling.
The second danger of a continuing series is that certain characters are more or less immortal and untouchable by default, so there’s eventually a lack of tension. You know the main characters are going to make it. The redshirts are not. I don’t mean to be morbid, but I like seeing characters die. The best writers push this convention as far as the franchise (and it is, after all, a franchise) will allow, at times even turning it on its head. They make you care about redshirts, and then kill them (which happens in this volume). Or they “kill” a main character, but in a way you don’t expect (which is what happens to Ultra Magnus, which doesn’t feel like a throwaway because it fundamentally alters the way you think about the character).
One of my favorite things about this series if nothing else is the depth it brings to the character of Rodimus. I was never an Optimus Prime kid. Prime always seemed to me kind of flat and over-idealized as a character. There’s not a lot to him besides 100% leadership and responsibility and seriousness and “freedom is the right of all sentient beings.” Rodimus was different. He was the guy who stumbled into greatness and was never comfortable with the responsibility though he craved the fame and the glory. Roberts is doing great things with his character in this volume, balancing his headstrong immaturity with his responsibility to his crew. And all the while you know-- you know-- something is building. Rodimus is going to be central to something big, like you always knew he would be. I’m trusting Roberts on this one.
I’ve heard a rumor that this volume wraps up the first “season” of More than Meets the Eye, and that James has at total of five “seasons” planned out. I hope this is true, and I hope IDW keeps up the good work.
I’ve waxed eloquent on the merit of this series in my reviews of the previous four volumes. Roberts is laying track to some epic conclusions and taking the time to build characters and backstory along the way. Milne’s artwork and eye for detail takes it up another notch. (Have you ever considered how difficult it must be to convey emotions on a robotic visage lacking nose, mouth, and other characteristic facial features?) My major (and really only) complaint with the series so far was the fact that Milne left the helm for the artwork of a few issues in Volume Four. It’s not that I don’t mind a different artist, but some of those who were drawing for issues in that volume simply weren’t up to the task of communicating the scenes and moods Robert’s writing was conveying.
But, now on to Volume Five, which does not disappoint. The first danger with any continuing comic series is that subsequent issues will simply continue to string the reader along by adding mystery to mystery and not providing any real resolutions. (Think the first few volumes of The Unwritten.) Enough of this and you start to fear that maybe the writer isn’t actually planning on resolving anything. I started to get that dreaded feeling with the end of Volume Four. Overlord was sorted, or was he? Ultra Magnus was killed, or was he? The quest for the Knights of Cybertron ground on.
No worries though: I’m happy to report that there is indeed resolution in abundance in Volume Five. The quest takes a major step forward: we find the Circle of Light (not yet the Knights though, sorry), and the mystery of Skids’s immediate past, which had been lingering since the first volume, is explained. New characters are introduced, and some old ones are dispatched. The volume consists primarily of a five-issue story arch in which our heroes discover a lost moon of Cybertron and defeat a character we’ve only heard alluded to in the past. The writing is what you’ve come to expect from Roberts: that is, it’s smart, humorous, and consistent in treating an 80s toyline as the jumping-off point for legitimate science fiction story-telling.
The second danger of a continuing series is that certain characters are more or less immortal and untouchable by default, so there’s eventually a lack of tension. You know the main characters are going to make it. The redshirts are not. I don’t mean to be morbid, but I like seeing characters die. The best writers push this convention as far as the franchise (and it is, after all, a franchise) will allow, at times even turning it on its head. They make you care about redshirts, and then kill them (which happens in this volume). Or they “kill” a main character, but in a way you don’t expect (which is what happens to Ultra Magnus, which doesn’t feel like a throwaway because it fundamentally alters the way you think about the character).
One of my favorite things about this series if nothing else is the depth it brings to the character of Rodimus. I was never an Optimus Prime kid. Prime always seemed to me kind of flat and over-idealized as a character. There’s not a lot to him besides 100% leadership and responsibility and seriousness and “freedom is the right of all sentient beings.” Rodimus was different. He was the guy who stumbled into greatness and was never comfortable with the responsibility though he craved the fame and the glory. Roberts is doing great things with his character in this volume, balancing his headstrong immaturity with his responsibility to his crew. And all the while you know-- you know-- something is building. Rodimus is going to be central to something big, like you always knew he would be. I’m trusting Roberts on this one.
I’ve heard a rumor that this volume wraps up the first “season” of More than Meets the Eye, and that James has at total of five “seasons” planned out. I hope this is true, and I hope IDW keeps up the good work.
June 14, 2022
A bit of a denouement from the previous two collections of MTMTE, it felt to me like the series was being brought to a close as a lot of the character conflicts and plot from the main story arc were being resolved. Not as emotional and cathartic as the last two collections either. Still, I found myself so invested in these characters! Because I care more about robots in space than I do about superhumans on earth? Maybe.
Cybertronian mythology and history is just so darn fascinating, though!
3.5/5
Cybertronian mythology and history is just so darn fascinating, though!
3.5/5
January 12, 2020
As with every volume of Transformers: More than Meets the Eye this one is jam-packed full of action, character-building, history and information and moves the crew of the Lost Light along in their journey as we get to meet Minimus Ambus and learn a bit more what Transformers will do when pushed towards heroism.
Part of one of the best comics runs in the past decade, if not longer. A joy to re-read.
Part of one of the best comics runs in the past decade, if not longer. A joy to re-read.
January 9, 2020
Oof, this took a turn to the... What?
June 1, 2016
Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Vol 5 continues the adventures of Lost Light crew as then adventure/blunder around the galaxy searching for the Lost Knights of Cybertron! :D As with the previous volumes the humour comes through in spades throughout the daring do is always accompanied by tongue in cheek jokes that really help to make the story fly at pace! :D The end story really exemplifies this with the character of Thunderclash will having you hurting with laughter Thunderclash is clearly in the same mold as Ace Rimmer! :D Not to mention Rung being classified as an Ornament! :D
At the same time though the crew throughout it really now functioning as team and friends as illustrated most strongly towards the end of the story where we see Cyclonus save Tailgate really gives the scenes a big wallop and Cyclonus not actually killing Whirl and then being welcomed aboard really illustrates the gelling that the characters have done! :D At the same time we get to see a lot more of an insight in Ultra Magnus which put this character into a different light as well which will likely have other plots to come out of that in later books! :D
Through out there is constant action and scenes of real jeopardy for our characters with Ratchet being forced with one quandary after another and suceeds in at least saving as many as he can! :D This also shows us a ruthless side to Ratchet but at the time wraps up some of the Pharma storyline and set things up for more events with First Aid now becoming the medic for the crew! :D We also get a lot more insight into the past of Cybertron which add more to the canvas on what went on in the past there and in other parts of the Galaxy as well as setting things up for more epic adventures! :D
The art as ever is brilliant with characters clearly illustrated and adding to the pace and humour of the story with the characters expressions really selling Rodimus despair over Thunderclash is so funny as well as the crew reactions when the are continually surprised! :D
The additions of extra stories at the back of the books as well also helps to fill in plot gaps and shed a lot of light on what other characters were doing during and after these events! :D
Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Vol 5 is very funny, action heavy, insightful, many moral dilemmas and daring do, shenanigans and real rollercoaster ride! :D Brilliant and highly recommended! :D
At the same time though the crew throughout it really now functioning as team and friends as illustrated most strongly towards the end of the story where we see Cyclonus save Tailgate really gives the scenes a big wallop and Cyclonus not actually killing Whirl and then being welcomed aboard really illustrates the gelling that the characters have done! :D At the same time we get to see a lot more of an insight in Ultra Magnus which put this character into a different light as well which will likely have other plots to come out of that in later books! :D
Through out there is constant action and scenes of real jeopardy for our characters with Ratchet being forced with one quandary after another and suceeds in at least saving as many as he can! :D This also shows us a ruthless side to Ratchet but at the time wraps up some of the Pharma storyline and set things up for more events with First Aid now becoming the medic for the crew! :D We also get a lot more insight into the past of Cybertron which add more to the canvas on what went on in the past there and in other parts of the Galaxy as well as setting things up for more epic adventures! :D
The art as ever is brilliant with characters clearly illustrated and adding to the pace and humour of the story with the characters expressions really selling Rodimus despair over Thunderclash is so funny as well as the crew reactions when the are continually surprised! :D
The additions of extra stories at the back of the books as well also helps to fill in plot gaps and shed a lot of light on what other characters were doing during and after these events! :D
Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Vol 5 is very funny, action heavy, insightful, many moral dilemmas and daring do, shenanigans and real rollercoaster ride! :D Brilliant and highly recommended! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2015
......................
I was going to write a review.
But my emotions are still bruised from what happened in this book and who showed up.
I seriously,
cannot,
even.
Just.....just read it if you've read the first four. You'll understand what my heart is going through.
I was going to write a review.
But my emotions are still bruised from what happened in this book and who showed up.
I seriously,
cannot,
even.
Just.....just read it if you've read the first four. You'll understand what my heart is going through.
May 18, 2021
Though not as good as previous volumes, this is still a pretty good arc and Little Victories is yet again one of the best Transformers stories. By going deeper into characters in a quirky way, it gives a lot of "humanity" to these B-listers.
August 18, 2018
This was excellent. I have been spoiled about some of this plotline due to fanfic, but I have to say that cannon was actually better than I have imagined it would be.
September 26, 2018
Outstanding
It's a really great story, with good characters and good art. The humor is really well done too. Great series! Highly recommended!
It's a really great story, with good characters and good art. The humor is really well done too. Great series! Highly recommended!
February 4, 2020
Astonishing.
And you’d think the final bonus story about the film Rewind was making would just be some comical and touching filler but wow was it ever more.
And you’d think the final bonus story about the film Rewind was making would just be some comical and touching filler but wow was it ever more.
January 21, 2023
Guys I just really love this comic.
December 24, 2024
had me stressing every 12 pages. bro this whole comic is so unserious and random but also serious i swear
July 15, 2025
Everyone's depressed, a simple 'I love you' will make you sob like a baby, and Pharma once again proves that if this was humans, these comics would be extreme body horror.
March 12, 2019
[me] - What's the problem?
[people who did not read MTME or read 10 pages] - Everyone of board the Lost Light is cracked in the head! And that wouldn't be so bad if you actually made progress - but as far as I can make out, all you do is argue, crack jokes, and get sidetracked doing pointless, silly things that only you find amusing!
[...]
[me] "Silly"? I guess you don't see it if you're part of it.
The metachapter by Rewind is perfect.
And Tailgate!
And Cyclonus!
And Whirl!
And Rodimus!
Rereading 1: Even better than I remembered.
[people who did not read MTME or read 10 pages] - Everyone of board the Lost Light is cracked in the head! And that wouldn't be so bad if you actually made progress - but as far as I can make out, all you do is argue, crack jokes, and get sidetracked doing pointless, silly things that only you find amusing!
[...]
[me] "Silly"? I guess you don't see it if you're part of it.
The metachapter by Rewind is perfect.
And Tailgate!
And Cyclonus!
And Whirl!
And Rodimus!
Rereading 1: Even better than I remembered.
February 7, 2017
Stuff gets real for the crew as they come the closest yet to their goal but find a lot of bad guys in the way. A good continuation of the story. While the crew is supposed to have 200-300 bots on board, like ST Voyager it focuses on a core group, though I think this does a better job at providing those characters with character--or fleshing them out so to speak. Ha. It's funny because they're robots!
September 23, 2014
My least favorite of the series so far. I still loved it, but it didn't get to me like the others in the series.
I don't like what they did with Ultra Magnus. I think it's creative and original, but I don't like it. It creeps me out a bit: maybe that's what Roberts was going for, I don't know.
I don't like what they did with Ultra Magnus. I think it's creative and original, but I don't like it. It creeps me out a bit: maybe that's what Roberts was going for, I don't know.
October 4, 2016
A great finale to the initial set of storylines for the series. We see the return of old foes, the introduction of new friends and enemies (most notably Tyrest), and we finally learn the truths behind some major characters. Plus the same mix of fun, horror, and memorable moments we can expect from the series! Excellent stuff. (A-)
January 24, 2016
This is another fantastic volume of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye. The action and tension are terrific. I had trouble putting it down. The dialogue is really compelling and it fills in all sorts of back-story while also opening up new mysteries. I greatly enjoyed it.
September 9, 2015
great fun, thrilling fun
April 22, 2017
Yeah, so robots made me cry. I guess some people did in the 80s with the movie. Aye, me. Welp, on to the next arc!
May 24, 2020
james roberts has what tom king wants
October 11, 2018
I love transformers so much
September 9, 2023
2023: 5 stars
2022: 4 stars
2022: 4 stars
April 27, 2017
Oh my, the crazy that follows the Lost Light is completely unparalleled. Rodimus can't catch a break. Even when he thinks he has, it's just the universe messing with his head. This Transformers series has really been a great ride so far.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews