Transformers: Dark Prelude

Transformers IDW #35

by Nick Roche, John Barber, James Roberts

Transformers: Dark Prelude Focusing on Orion Pax, Thundercracker, Megatron, Bumblebee, Trailcutter, and Hoist, this collection of six individual stories explains an important moment in each character's life. From the distant past to current events, each story adds to the Cybertronian lore. Full description

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction

152 pages, Paperback

First published August 27, 2013

Reviews

[Clint the Cool Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Fantastic!

I really like all of the IDW "Spotlight" issues, and this one is good too. My favorite story in this is "Spotlight: Megatron". That one is so bone-joltingly awesome, it blew my mind! It is extremely well-written. The author put a lot of thought and detail into it, and it shows. The dialogue is so great, several times I caught myself reading it aloud, which is something I never do. It really captures the true character of Megatron, along with his relationships to Starscream, Soundwave, and Shockwave. It reminds you of just how bad a dude Megatron really is, why no one will ever top him, and why he deserves to be the leader he is. The other stories are all good but none come close to the Megatron story. It's a great read - highly recommended!

[Andy Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some reviewers say this collection is disappointing, but only in that it's below the standards of the Roberts/Barber era. They solidly evoke that feel, particularly Roberts' 'Hoist' which is pure MTMTE/Lost Light, though let down by some bad final act writing. His 'Trailbreaker' story works best: brilliant identity narrative and SF. Nick Roche's 'Megatron' dares to focus on the bully rather than civil rights leader leader. It's the album's stand-out work: a bold conversational piece with very clever dialogue and dynamic art. Although something of a mega-trope it is highly accomplished. The other three stories are readable: though not extra-ordinary.

[Jarred · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, rounding up cause 1. the Megatron spotlight is a 5 and 2. If you like any of the characters included they are nice complete standalone stories. Like any show that has a solo episode that doesn’t push story arc forward but you enjoy because a character you enjoy gets to steal the show for an episode.

[Marta Duda-Gryc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed volume, mixed feelings. Roche's "Megatron" is brilliant and is easily worth 6 stars; I liked very much "Trailcutter" and "Hoist" by James Roberts (4 stars); I give honorary 2 stars to the rest.

[Kavinay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good across the aboard. Spotlight Bumblebee is actually quite weak--not a coincidence that it's earth based--but Nick Roche's Megatron is fantastic.

[James Bowman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of Spotlight issues featuring different characters, apparently intended as a prequel to the Dark Cybertron storyline, although I'm pretty sure they were really just meant to help promote the then-current set of Transformers: Generations toys. Anyway, I don't think they quite work as a prequel, but they're still a fun set of tales, with the Megatron story and especially the Trailbreaker Trailcutter story being the best. (B+)

[Carola · Rating 4 out of 5]

May 29, 2022: 3 stars

August 30, 2023: Now that I'm reading these all in the right order, 4 stars.