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Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #3
The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye, Volume 3
The crew of the Lost Light finally reach Crystal City, home to the mysterious Circle of Light, as the origins of the Knights of Cybertron are revealed in "Primus." In "Shadowplay," follow along as Rewind begins telling his crew mates a pre-war Cybertron story involving Orion Pax!
Collects The Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye Annual 2012 and The Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye issues #9-11.
Collects The Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye Annual 2012 and The Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye issues #9-11.
148 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2013
32 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
James Roberts
537 books131 followersJames Roberts is a British comic book writer best known for his contributions to the Transformers franchise.
Librarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 6, 2017
Optimus Prime; he actually calls himself Orion Pax at this point in IDW Transformers continuity, rejecting the legacy of the Primes; might not be part of Rodimus' Lost Light crew but that was not hindrance for this arc that featured pre-war Orion Pax and some of the Lost Lighters.
In an effort to revive ship's psychiatrist Rung who was near brain death by telling him stories of the time a select few of the crew mates crossed paths during a near forgotten time in ancient Cybertron. Just because this series was set in a starship doesn't it can't have a story set in Cybertron starring characters who aren't the regular cast like Orion Pax and Prowl.
The other members of the Lost Light aren't neglected since the second story running concurrently was set in the ship as Rodimus leads an investigation in to what appeared to be murder in the ship.
This collected edition also includes the story from the annual that crossovered with Robots in Disguise. That stories had Ultra Magnus smiling; 'nuff said.
Another great collection and it pretty much settled my resolve in buying the rest of the run and the Dark Cybertron event.
In an effort to revive ship's psychiatrist Rung who was near brain death by telling him stories of the time a select few of the crew mates crossed paths during a near forgotten time in ancient Cybertron. Just because this series was set in a starship doesn't it can't have a story set in Cybertron starring characters who aren't the regular cast like Orion Pax and Prowl.
The other members of the Lost Light aren't neglected since the second story running concurrently was set in the ship as Rodimus leads an investigation in to what appeared to be murder in the ship.
This collected edition also includes the story from the annual that crossovered with Robots in Disguise. That stories had Ultra Magnus smiling; 'nuff said.
Another great collection and it pretty much settled my resolve in buying the rest of the run and the Dark Cybertron event.
March 16, 2018
The series tackles sociopolitical issues so well. Had not expected it going in. It's a shame the movies were reduced to good robot vs. bad robot slugfests.
January 9, 2025
Never in my life I thought Transformers lore would be so packed with sociopolitical issues. The government performing lobotomies on their citizens (and everyone who opposes them) or removing their right to speak sounds like a horror element that only belongs in sci-fi, but it hits closer to our reality than what we think.
Sure, Shadowplay arc destroyed me for building one of the most tragic relationships ever (and my favorite [redacted] origin story), but the way Roberts manages to weave all those continuity issues and plot holes from past writers that pissed me off into something coherent, something that makes sense character and plot-wise, is brilliant.
Genuinely wish I could own all these volumes in paperback, and I am so jealous of everyone who does.
Sure, Shadowplay arc destroyed me for building one of the most tragic relationships ever (and my favorite [redacted] origin story), but the way Roberts manages to weave all those continuity issues and plot holes from past writers that pissed me off into something coherent, something that makes sense character and plot-wise, is brilliant.
Genuinely wish I could own all these volumes in paperback, and I am so jealous of everyone who does.
May 30, 2022
I mean, these books are just SO different than anything else being published in the comic book world. They treat the audience like they are intelligent, modern adults. These comics are not sexist or heterosexist, they project equality and respect. MTMTE discusses politics and ethics in a mature and exciting way, a way that should make other comic book publishers sit up and take note.
And the artwork is incredible. stunning, at times. Like, literally: you will stop reading and just stare at the pictures because they are so amazing.
Every nerd should be reading these books. You will be amazed at what they have pulled-off with a brand that started as a toy in the '80's.
4.5/5
And the artwork is incredible. stunning, at times. Like, literally: you will stop reading and just stare at the pictures because they are so amazing.
Every nerd should be reading these books. You will be amazed at what they have pulled-off with a brand that started as a toy in the '80's.
4.5/5
March 13, 2017
In my opinion, this volume is the true turning point in the series- volumes 1 & 2 lay groundwork that will shock you in later issues... but volume 3 is like Cybertronian and TF history lesson, in the best way possible. I started reading this series around this point and I was really enjoying volumes 1-2... but it was all over when I opened 3. There was no going back.
What are you waiting for?
What are you waiting for?
May 14, 2025
This volume had a different formula compared to the previous ones, the story was simply fascinating and gripping with quite dark moments. Loved every page of it
Read
May 13, 2024Still a series I like, but less than a lot of people seem to, finding the characters' voices too similar, all variations on a theme of post-Whedon snark modulated through a single character trait, rather than truly distinct. In particular, the story here about Ultra Magnus smiling feels a lot like an attempt to do Captain Holt with giant robots, which in itself is no bad thing, but the execution demonstrates on how much higher a level the B99 writers were operating. All the same, I love a tale of Cybertron's early days having the tagline "A totally epic story based on real events that definitely happened", and even if it does play with some conspiracy tropes of which I'm increasingly wary, Roberts' complication of the origins of the Autobot/Decepticon conflict remains a bold project. Plus, there's now (albeit not for very long) a Transformer called Momus!
May 12, 2021
This might be the best Transformers story I've read. James Roberts really knows how to bring amazing characterization, complicated socio-political issues and tons of Transformers lore and turn it into a very enjoyable three issue run. That final page reveal is probably one of my favorite Transformers moments overall.
Shadowplay works perfectly as proof of how good the 2005 IDW continuity could be; it's easy to dismiss Transformers as just an old franchise continuing only on nostalgia and toy sales, but whenever I read Roberts' work, I can see how even in a franchise created to sell toys if an author cares a lot and puts his best efforts and takes advantage of every part of the franchise, great things such as this arc can be made.
Shadowplay works perfectly as proof of how good the 2005 IDW continuity could be; it's easy to dismiss Transformers as just an old franchise continuing only on nostalgia and toy sales, but whenever I read Roberts' work, I can see how even in a franchise created to sell toys if an author cares a lot and puts his best efforts and takes advantage of every part of the franchise, great things such as this arc can be made.
December 22, 2019
The central narrative conceit - a story being told within a story - works pretty well and the arc offers an interesting look into Cybertronian history. (Did I mention how happy I am that they've left Earth?) It's also kind of fun to see the Transformers doing more political stories. On the other hand, while I'm assuming from no fault of their own, the writers of this series and its twin (Robots in Disguise), are quickly making me want to get a "Megatron was Right" shirt.
March 21, 2017
So far this has been my favorite volume of this series. The fact that James Roberts wrote a story based around the idea of four different Autobots telling their portion of a larger more epic story was just awesome! IDW really does a great job with the Transformers titles and I'm very glad.
September 2, 2018
Very Good
I enjoyed this story a lot. The pre-war Cybertron stuff is great. There are just a few things I didn't get though. Where is the real matrix? And Roller got turned into Shockwave? Weird. Maybe the next issue clears things up. Recommended.
I enjoyed this story a lot. The pre-war Cybertron stuff is great. There are just a few things I didn't get though. Where is the real matrix? And Roller got turned into Shockwave? Weird. Maybe the next issue clears things up. Recommended.
January 12, 2024
Tuvo buena la Historia que contaron, divertida y tuve Aldo de contexto para conocer mejor a los personajes.
La única cosa que…¿COMO QUE HACÍAN LOBOTOMÍAS?? Que terrible el Cybertron con gobierno corrupto
La única cosa que…¿COMO QUE HACÍAN LOBOTOMÍAS?? Que terrible el Cybertron con gobierno corrupto
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2018
I need the Cybetronian character designs to stop being so hard to tell apart.
July 27, 2018
Two words: The. Ending.
October 4, 2018
I love that everyone is friends. and the story set on pre-war cybertron was SUPER fun and interesting
September 16, 2019
Somehow this series manages to get better and better with each issue. Getting deeper into characters while introducing and reintroducing new characters constantly.
January 21, 2023
The internal lives of Transformers have never been so brilliantly cultivated. I’m obsessed.
Forgot to sync the playlist with the trade paperback. Will need to do that before next reread.
Forgot to sync the playlist with the trade paperback. Will need to do that before next reread.
December 20, 2024
flashback episode
July 15, 2025
I love me a good pre-war Cybertron ark with murder mystery and political drama, and if the big reveal at the end has you screaming 'OH MY GOD', that's how you know it's good!
January 20, 2016
Let me start a slow clap for this volume, if I may. I absolutely adored it! Is it possible for a series to just get better? I'm terrified that it can't keep riding this high, but I think James Roberts might prove me wrong. There's so much goodness wrapped up in Volume 3 of More Than Meets the Eye. I was given so much back story. Events that happened before the war, the way some of our characters met one another, even the reason that personalities are the way they are currently. What's more brilliant, is that all of this information was given to me by way of our amazing characters sitting around, drinking, and telling stories. What could be better?
Remember how I keep mentioning how much real life issues make their way into these two Transformers series? Well, if one is more about politics, then MTMtE is the one that's more about common rights and the idea of religion. Some of the characters are highly religious. Some don't care at all. Still others are summed up in the panel below. That the world around us can be appreciated, no matter what you believe in. That last line in the panel hit me hard. So much truth, all in a comic.
I love following the growth of these characters also. Swerve, whom up until now has been a jokester above all else, almost broke my heart in this volume. Watching him talk about his guilt over harming someone he considers a friend, just floored me. It's so nice to see that these characters are multi-faceted. They don't always fit in just one box. They aren't afraid to break out of that shell if it's needed. Although, truth be told, sometimes that's a terrifying prospect. Like, for instance, when Ultra Magnus smiles. SMILES. *shudders*
So anyway, what all my rambling is really leading up to is that this was my favorite volume so far! I still love this series more than anything, and it's just being proven to me over and over again that James Roberts is a stellar writer. More.
Remember how I keep mentioning how much real life issues make their way into these two Transformers series? Well, if one is more about politics, then MTMtE is the one that's more about common rights and the idea of religion. Some of the characters are highly religious. Some don't care at all. Still others are summed up in the panel below. That the world around us can be appreciated, no matter what you believe in. That last line in the panel hit me hard. So much truth, all in a comic.
I love following the growth of these characters also. Swerve, whom up until now has been a jokester above all else, almost broke my heart in this volume. Watching him talk about his guilt over harming someone he considers a friend, just floored me. It's so nice to see that these characters are multi-faceted. They don't always fit in just one box. They aren't afraid to break out of that shell if it's needed. Although, truth be told, sometimes that's a terrifying prospect. Like, for instance, when Ultra Magnus smiles. SMILES. *shudders*
So anyway, what all my rambling is really leading up to is that this was my favorite volume so far! I still love this series more than anything, and it's just being proven to me over and over again that James Roberts is a stellar writer. More.
April 17, 2016
This is the third Graphic Novel in the Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye series and follows the crew of The Lost Light as they discover that Crystal City is not exactly what it seems at first light! :D The Graphic Novel proceeds at a cracking pace even halfway through managing to slot in a flashback story to pre-war Cybertron which allows the guest appearance of a lots of well known faces amongst them Orion Pax and co involved in what amounts to heist which gives the book a lot of edge of the seat elements! :D
At the same time we can see the crew at the very least co=operating and this filters through the story will a lots humour and many of the characters evolving through the numerous events that take place! :D This forms many dramatic scenes but these are interspersed with many humorous ones many on them taking the micky out of their esteemed leaders e.g. taking bet on how long till Rodimus quotes 'Till all are one!' the lowest bet being 8 seconds which gets a 'Really?! :o from the booky and getting Ultra Magnus to smile which also incidentally helps to show the growth of characters that was started back at the beginning of the series! :D
We also get to see part of the much larger universe with the arrival of the Galactic council ship 'It's big, grey and taxpayer funded!' Lol Which also shows us some the attitudes going around! :D
The art as ever is sharp and clean with pace of the story reflected in an the shift in style during the flashback stories really helps to give the feeling of the past and gives a nice counterpoint to the cleanness of the future panels of the main novel! :D
Brilliant, great imagery, fast paced and excellent though it helps to read the first in the series first! :D
At the same time we can see the crew at the very least co=operating and this filters through the story will a lots humour and many of the characters evolving through the numerous events that take place! :D This forms many dramatic scenes but these are interspersed with many humorous ones many on them taking the micky out of their esteemed leaders e.g. taking bet on how long till Rodimus quotes 'Till all are one!' the lowest bet being 8 seconds which gets a 'Really?! :o from the booky and getting Ultra Magnus to smile which also incidentally helps to show the growth of characters that was started back at the beginning of the series! :D
We also get to see part of the much larger universe with the arrival of the Galactic council ship 'It's big, grey and taxpayer funded!' Lol Which also shows us some the attitudes going around! :D
The art as ever is sharp and clean with pace of the story reflected in an the shift in style during the flashback stories really helps to give the feeling of the past and gives a nice counterpoint to the cleanness of the future panels of the main novel! :D
Brilliant, great imagery, fast paced and excellent though it helps to read the first in the series first! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2014
Well, this one was good, but didn’t pack as much of a punch as the previous volume.
Though the emotions aren’t as potent in this book (although we do get to see a brief glimpse of Rodimus’ emotional side which I personally enjoyed) they get a little complex as one character gets pushed to his limits while another is shut off from his emotions altogether.
This volume starts out with the annual but the rest of the book is covered by the “ShadowPlay” arc, which most of it is a narrative flashback of before the war told by several members of the crew. It may sound kind of boring and unnecessary, but it’s done for a very important reason.
The dialogue really takes the cake as Roberts uses a high-to-low balance of humor and drama to shape these characters rather than use visuals—I would read a whole novel with this perfect banter and totally fall in love with whoever uses it.
Though I wasn’t as moved as I was in the first two, I enjoyed reading this addition and think it’s completely necessary to bridge the gap to volume 4. I must continue to lengthen my Transformers collection, because I seriously can’t get enough of Transformers.
Though the emotions aren’t as potent in this book (although we do get to see a brief glimpse of Rodimus’ emotional side which I personally enjoyed) they get a little complex as one character gets pushed to his limits while another is shut off from his emotions altogether.
This volume starts out with the annual but the rest of the book is covered by the “ShadowPlay” arc, which most of it is a narrative flashback of before the war told by several members of the crew. It may sound kind of boring and unnecessary, but it’s done for a very important reason.
The dialogue really takes the cake as Roberts uses a high-to-low balance of humor and drama to shape these characters rather than use visuals—I would read a whole novel with this perfect banter and totally fall in love with whoever uses it.
Though I wasn’t as moved as I was in the first two, I enjoyed reading this addition and think it’s completely necessary to bridge the gap to volume 4. I must continue to lengthen my Transformers collection, because I seriously can’t get enough of Transformers.
October 1, 2015
Another great volume with great characters. This installment starts with a solid tale furthering MTMTE's metaplot (with a fun flashback to the Transformer origin story in Marvel G1 style). The meat of Volume 3, however, is the three-parter set primarily in the pre-war era, mixing a conspiracy story with lots of new and old continuity. And the twist at the very end with a certain character is really excellent... (A-)
April 8, 2018
A mix of Generation Kill, Star Trek, detective story, and heist action movie; most of the events are a pretext for giant robots philosophical dialogues about life and death, war, traumas, religion and atheism, guilt and hu... robot relationships.
The pre-war story told from multiple points of view: brilliant.
Oh, and now there's some miniaturized graffitti in Ultra Magnus's mouth.
The pre-war story told from multiple points of view: brilliant.
Oh, and now there's some miniaturized graffitti in Ultra Magnus's mouth.
June 1, 2020
James Roberts and company put out the best narrative in Transformers history.
It blows your mind how much of this early run is paid off in both large and small developments through the rest of MTMTE and Lost Light.
It blows your mind how much of this early run is paid off in both large and small developments through the rest of MTMTE and Lost Light.
July 1, 2016
Stories involving time travel, if done well, can be immensely satisfying and enjoyable. If done poorly, it's just a mishmash of confusion.
This one is mostly the latter. That being said, all hail King Starscream!
This one is mostly the latter. That being said, all hail King Starscream!
April 13, 2012
That spark eatter is scary~!!! Also at the end... thats sooo the wrong choice!
July 12, 2013
Seriously one of the best, if not the best, Transformers series out there. I'll take MTMTE over any animated version of Transformers any day.
May 31, 2014
Good adventure romp full of spies and conspiracies, compression technology and subversion so comedic I laughed like a vulnerable adult on day release.
September 23, 2014
Volume 3 goes into the history of the characters, as well as the history of Optimus Prime (Orion Pax). I liked that the characters themselves were telling their own history. It felt more personal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews