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Transformers: Robots in Disguise #4
The Transformers: Robots in Disguise, Volume 4
Megatron’s back… and CYBERTRON will never be the same. Everything BUMBLEBEE and his AUTOBOTS have built teeters at the edge of collapse—and STARSCREAM has to make the choice his whole life has been leading to. And meet the new PROWL—deadlier than ever, colder then any other AUTOBOT, and ready to end the DECEPTICON threat. Collects issues #12–16.
124 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 4, 2018
STARSCREAM NO
January 9, 2020
Megatron's back, but don't blink or you'll miss it. That is not to say that I think the return was treated any worse than any of the previous ones. It's more that I don't see why it had to happen at all.
The big twist is, of course, no surprise at all. But hey, at least it wasn't all a dream.
The big twist is, of course, no surprise at all. But hey, at least it wasn't all a dream.
July 19, 2018
Robots in Disguise, Volume 4 kicks off with Bumblebee still trying to retain political control of Iacon with his political leadership seriously on the going to pot! At the same time his rivals are gathering in the form of Metalhawk and Starscream! As is this wasn't upsetting the apple cart enough Prowl has gone missing and Megatron has turned up clearly up to good in the neighbourhood!
The sheer layer of stories that pile on throughout the book are staggering with as the one hand we have all the politics and grandstanding that you would expect from politicians but on the other hand you have the equivalent of the Guns under the table! :D It is in Robots in Disguise, Volume 4 that this all erupts again into open warfare! :D Starscream's casual use of the situation for his own political gain and the ruthless way he executes this is brilliantly played and until he actually does it you never are sure what side he is on! :D The book handles the intrigues and subtleties in a way that are well hidden within the other events but loop brilliantly throughout them! :D At the same time and one stroke he sets things ups for a completely different twist! :D With essentially people not willing to swear allegiance to him getting the big Transformer boot out! :D Interesting no sign of Orion Pax in this one so you would suspect a certain Autobot my be along to sort this situation out! :D
We get more backstory on Shockwave throughout as well in addition we we get to see more of the corruption of the old Autobot system and get insights into ancient Cybertron and the Decepticons and Megatron's origins! :D This adds to the depth of the book that routinely delves into it's backstory and always seems to take great pleasure in giving us these nuggets of story that really do tie in neatly with the current events! :D
The book also delves into the nature of Combiners and treatment of consciousness when they are combined and we get to see how this Gestalt technology was evolved as well as the moral implications of it! :D The book never hesitates to put it's characters through the wringer and this permeates the whole book! :D The book operates on infinite levels throwing in asides, in the main story and character development when you would least expect and tying in the backstory and ancient history into events that are transpiring in the present in a neat clever way that never ceases to surprise! :D
At the same time though there is humour throughout with Transformers like Blurr and Jazz barricading themselves in essentially the pub! :D The action is all reflected in the brilliant and different art styles that emphasis that different time periods that we are dealing with in the book from Arcee's and Blue distinct colouring it all pops off the page and really shows the script off brilliantly! :D The panels are clearly paced and add another level to the framing of the script with a cinematic quality that makes the scrip flow perfectly! :D
Robots in Disguise, Volume 4 is a awesome brilliant adventure that spits out what you reckoned you knew swirls it around and then lays it down in a completely different pattern that to the one that you would expect! :D Robots in Disguise, Volume 4 is full of epic adventure, Heroics, shocking revelations and action packed throughout! :D Crisp High Five! :D Make sure you have the next one! :D
The sheer layer of stories that pile on throughout the book are staggering with as the one hand we have all the politics and grandstanding that you would expect from politicians but on the other hand you have the equivalent of the Guns under the table! :D It is in Robots in Disguise, Volume 4 that this all erupts again into open warfare! :D Starscream's casual use of the situation for his own political gain and the ruthless way he executes this is brilliantly played and until he actually does it you never are sure what side he is on! :D The book handles the intrigues and subtleties in a way that are well hidden within the other events but loop brilliantly throughout them! :D At the same time and one stroke he sets things ups for a completely different twist! :D With essentially people not willing to swear allegiance to him getting the big Transformer boot out! :D Interesting no sign of Orion Pax in this one so you would suspect a certain Autobot my be along to sort this situation out! :D
We get more backstory on Shockwave throughout as well in addition we we get to see more of the corruption of the old Autobot system and get insights into ancient Cybertron and the Decepticons and Megatron's origins! :D This adds to the depth of the book that routinely delves into it's backstory and always seems to take great pleasure in giving us these nuggets of story that really do tie in neatly with the current events! :D
The book also delves into the nature of Combiners and treatment of consciousness when they are combined and we get to see how this Gestalt technology was evolved as well as the moral implications of it! :D The book never hesitates to put it's characters through the wringer and this permeates the whole book! :D The book operates on infinite levels throwing in asides, in the main story and character development when you would least expect and tying in the backstory and ancient history into events that are transpiring in the present in a neat clever way that never ceases to surprise! :D
At the same time though there is humour throughout with Transformers like Blurr and Jazz barricading themselves in essentially the pub! :D The action is all reflected in the brilliant and different art styles that emphasis that different time periods that we are dealing with in the book from Arcee's and Blue distinct colouring it all pops off the page and really shows the script off brilliantly! :D The panels are clearly paced and add another level to the framing of the script with a cinematic quality that makes the scrip flow perfectly! :D
Robots in Disguise, Volume 4 is a awesome brilliant adventure that spits out what you reckoned you knew swirls it around and then lays it down in a completely different pattern that to the one that you would expect! :D Robots in Disguise, Volume 4 is full of epic adventure, Heroics, shocking revelations and action packed throughout! :D Crisp High Five! :D Make sure you have the next one! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2018
Pure Chaos
Lots of twists and turns. Not what I expected at all! It's really good storytelling. The return of Megatron alone is amazing. You really feel like the Autobots have no leader here. Not having Optimus Prime around changes the dynamic a lot. I'm looking forward to what happens next. Highly recommended!
Lots of twists and turns. Not what I expected at all! It's really good storytelling. The return of Megatron alone is amazing. You really feel like the Autobots have no leader here. Not having Optimus Prime around changes the dynamic a lot. I'm looking forward to what happens next. Highly recommended!
November 29, 2019
I originally dubbed this the weaker of the two series (that go back to back), but it is quite clear now that the 3 volumes before this one were just a lead up to this mind-blowing explosion of a rollercoaster I just experienced. Incredible. Genius. Just like “More Than Meets The Eye”, this series is an absolute masterpiece.
August 25, 2020
I read MTMTE before this so some of the shock from the plot twists was lost on me. It’s very well plotted and you can see all the previous plot threads coming together. In light of finishing Lost Light before this volume, it’s done the unthinkable and made me sympathise with Prowl and reminded me of Megatrons megalomania. Really fun read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 21, 2022I just want to know why no one brought up the fact they’re basically trying to elect the titular Donner of the Donner Party as President? Like y’all wanna follow someone who messed up so bad his followers had to cannibalize each other? Alright. Seems like an easy anti-Starscream election campaign to me.
January 14, 2024
Me gustó como metieron política en esto, entendí mejor esto que la política de mi país.
Cometarios:
Fue chistoso, por un momento Megatron creyó que le saldría un golpe de estado (que ni había estado)
Starcream, maldita sea, tuviste un amigo y lo mataste por tu propio beneficio, te volviste presidente.
Megalómano del demonio.
Cometarios:
Fue chistoso, por un momento Megatron creyó que le saldría un golpe de estado (que ni había estado)
Starcream, maldita sea, tuviste un amigo y lo mataste por tu propio beneficio, te volviste presidente.
Megalómano del demonio.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2020
It's time to roll out with the Transformers as they battle their old nemesis Megatron. Transformer Robots In Disguise 4 is the fourth graphic novel collection of IDW's Transformers Robots In Disguise run. Here we see Megatron return and battle Bumblebee and his team of Autobots. All the while trying to regain his standing in the Decepticons. Transformer Robots In Disguise 4 is a great Transformers story with good artwork and a well-rounded cast of characters.
Story
Transformers Robots In Disguise 4 brings back Megatron after he got destroyed in Transformers Chaos. He returns to Cybertron confronting Bumblebee and his group of Autobots and tries to negotiate with him but in turn he's arrested. The Decepticons free Megatron hoping that they can reign superior once again and this is when Megatron transfers from his jet form to his tank form. Overall I found it interesting how Bombshell was able to impersonate Prowl. This is a good book but it's also Optimus Primeless. I would like to have Optimus be the first to encounter his great Rival. That being said Optimus Prime's absence does add a layer of depth to this story. Without Optimus, Bumblebee's leadership is put to the ultimate test as he is forced to lead the Autobots against Megatron and the Decepticons without Prime's guidance. Megatron's return could've driven Orion Pax to become Optimus Prime again and return to the Autobots. This story shares similarities w/ Transformers Revenge of the Fallen though it's better due to Skids and Mudflap being gone and that Megan Fox isn't oh wait it's a comic book, of course, there's no Megan Fox *party*. Also Starscream's character arc is amazingly interesting his road from Decepticon to ultimately hating factions as a whole.
Characters
The cast of characters in Transformer Robots In Disguise 4 is a group of compelling characters. Bumblebee is left in charge of the Autobots on Cybertron after Optimus Prime left the Autobots in order to pursue his own journeys, and he chooses a different leadership style than Optimus' brand. Bumblebee takes a more diplomatic approach to lead the Autobots and was able to negotiate a truce with Starscream and the Decepticons. When Megatron returns Bumblebee fears that his efforts may be undone and feels like he is left to take drastic action. Starscream was the leader os the Decepticons, at least the ones that were free, and enjoyed his role as their leader. Starscream like Bumblebee took a different approach to lead the Decepticons, he views Megatron's methods as being outdated and useless. When Megatron returned he watched the Decepticons he led turn on him that made him dislike the faction war on Cybertron. Megatron's return led Starscream to take upon himself to lead a faction of Cybertronians or Transformers that were neither Autobots or Decepticons by the end. Megatron comes back to Cybertron and wants to restore his position as leader of the Decepticons. He's depicted as the same megalomaniac Transformers fans know and love. Megatron's presence also showcases how loyal the Decepticons were to Megatron, most of them defacto fall behind Megatron simply because he led them for so long. On top of that, most of them feel indebted to Megatron because he sacrificed himself to destroy Galvatron's monster in Transformers Chaos. Prowl is the law enforcement in Cybertron and arrests Decepticons that don't comply with Cybertron's provisional government. In this, he's become a Punisher-esque character who executes criminals, that is partly because he's controlled by Bombshell. However, Prowl does manage to overcome Bombshell's mind control after Megatron merges him with Devastator, and Prowl fights Devastator from within. Acre is a Black Widow-esque character who is unpredictable and is doing behind the scenes espionage. Metalhawk is definitely an interesting character. He's a pacifist who objects to the war between the Autobots and Decepticons. Metalhawk is the voice of reason, and Cybertronians actually listened to him until Megatron returned. He then becomes the character who is ignored even though he is right. Case in point Transformer Robots In Disguise 4 has a wide range of interesting characters and it shows that John Barber knows the characters well.
Artwork
The artwork in Transformer Robots In Disguise 4 is great. The character designs are fantastic and the Transformers look like the iconic characters fans loved. Megatron in particular looked amazing. The damaged Megatron from Transformers Chaos looks great. However, the rebuilt Megatron looks amazing and just like the classic Megatron. There are features on Megatron that indicate that he's a tank and not a handgun. It shows that Andrew Griffin has an attachment to the G1 Transformers but still wants to modernize their designs. As well as make their alternate forms into something that makes sense for a giant robot to disguise itself as. It made the book a good read.
All in all Transformer Robots In Disguise 4 is a great book with a great story, artwork, and characters. I was a tad disappointed that Optimus Prime didn't make an appearance, but that's just my fanboy side for the most part. That being said Transformer Robots In Disguise 4 is something a Transformers fan should check out.
Story
Transformers Robots In Disguise 4 brings back Megatron after he got destroyed in Transformers Chaos. He returns to Cybertron confronting Bumblebee and his group of Autobots and tries to negotiate with him but in turn he's arrested. The Decepticons free Megatron hoping that they can reign superior once again and this is when Megatron transfers from his jet form to his tank form. Overall I found it interesting how Bombshell was able to impersonate Prowl. This is a good book but it's also Optimus Primeless. I would like to have Optimus be the first to encounter his great Rival. That being said Optimus Prime's absence does add a layer of depth to this story. Without Optimus, Bumblebee's leadership is put to the ultimate test as he is forced to lead the Autobots against Megatron and the Decepticons without Prime's guidance. Megatron's return could've driven Orion Pax to become Optimus Prime again and return to the Autobots. This story shares similarities w/ Transformers Revenge of the Fallen though it's better due to Skids and Mudflap being gone and that Megan Fox isn't oh wait it's a comic book, of course, there's no Megan Fox *party*. Also Starscream's character arc is amazingly interesting his road from Decepticon to ultimately hating factions as a whole.
Characters
The cast of characters in Transformer Robots In Disguise 4 is a group of compelling characters. Bumblebee is left in charge of the Autobots on Cybertron after Optimus Prime left the Autobots in order to pursue his own journeys, and he chooses a different leadership style than Optimus' brand. Bumblebee takes a more diplomatic approach to lead the Autobots and was able to negotiate a truce with Starscream and the Decepticons. When Megatron returns Bumblebee fears that his efforts may be undone and feels like he is left to take drastic action. Starscream was the leader os the Decepticons, at least the ones that were free, and enjoyed his role as their leader. Starscream like Bumblebee took a different approach to lead the Decepticons, he views Megatron's methods as being outdated and useless. When Megatron returned he watched the Decepticons he led turn on him that made him dislike the faction war on Cybertron. Megatron's return led Starscream to take upon himself to lead a faction of Cybertronians or Transformers that were neither Autobots or Decepticons by the end. Megatron comes back to Cybertron and wants to restore his position as leader of the Decepticons. He's depicted as the same megalomaniac Transformers fans know and love. Megatron's presence also showcases how loyal the Decepticons were to Megatron, most of them defacto fall behind Megatron simply because he led them for so long. On top of that, most of them feel indebted to Megatron because he sacrificed himself to destroy Galvatron's monster in Transformers Chaos. Prowl is the law enforcement in Cybertron and arrests Decepticons that don't comply with Cybertron's provisional government. In this, he's become a Punisher-esque character who executes criminals, that is partly because he's controlled by Bombshell. However, Prowl does manage to overcome Bombshell's mind control after Megatron merges him with Devastator, and Prowl fights Devastator from within. Acre is a Black Widow-esque character who is unpredictable and is doing behind the scenes espionage. Metalhawk is definitely an interesting character. He's a pacifist who objects to the war between the Autobots and Decepticons. Metalhawk is the voice of reason, and Cybertronians actually listened to him until Megatron returned. He then becomes the character who is ignored even though he is right. Case in point Transformer Robots In Disguise 4 has a wide range of interesting characters and it shows that John Barber knows the characters well.
Artwork
The artwork in Transformer Robots In Disguise 4 is great. The character designs are fantastic and the Transformers look like the iconic characters fans loved. Megatron in particular looked amazing. The damaged Megatron from Transformers Chaos looks great. However, the rebuilt Megatron looks amazing and just like the classic Megatron. There are features on Megatron that indicate that he's a tank and not a handgun. It shows that Andrew Griffin has an attachment to the G1 Transformers but still wants to modernize their designs. As well as make their alternate forms into something that makes sense for a giant robot to disguise itself as. It made the book a good read.
All in all Transformer Robots In Disguise 4 is a great book with a great story, artwork, and characters. I was a tad disappointed that Optimus Prime didn't make an appearance, but that's just my fanboy side for the most part. That being said Transformer Robots In Disguise 4 is something a Transformers fan should check out.
December 10, 2020
The story kicked into high gear with amazing twists and turns. If I didn't start reading it so late (intending one more issue after finishing the 2nd half of Vol. 3), I would've read it in one sitting.
January 31, 2018
4,5. Ohh, Prowl, wow, Prowl.
October 15, 2022
Friends worry he’s getting into Transformers comics.
November 30, 2022
Starscream, Arcee, and Wheeljack were about the only things interesting in this at all other than that it pretty much sucked.
Oh, I also really can’t stand Bumblebee and Metalhawk at all.
Oh, I also really can’t stand Bumblebee and Metalhawk at all.
January 20, 2016
Well, things are back on track! I knew my conflicting feelings about the last volume of Robots in Disguise couldn't last forever. Really, I just needed some forward movement and... well... John Barber gave me a lot of that in this volume. Holy moly, did he ever. I think the panel below is probably the best example of the amped up tension that hits these pages. Megatron is back, and things are getting heated. There is so much death and destruction here, and at the center of it all is the fact that the fighting just never ends because prejudices always exist. Loyalties always exist.
Mostly I feel sorry for Bee, who up to this point has really done everything in his power to keep the peace on Cybertron. This story repeatedly points out the fact that when it comes to politics, and power struggles, there is really never a correct choice. Bee's heart is in every choice he makes but, as he says below, it doesn't really end up counting for anything. What a terrible lesson to learn.
There is of course a ton of action in this volume too. The Dinobots and Ironhide came back! You have no idea how happy that made me, since I adore Ironhide and missed him.Oh, and Arcee! I told you before that she's pretty much my favorite in this series. This volume sealed the deal. I love stories where there's this crazy gray area in between the stark black and white. Arcee falls right into that space. Looking out for number one, but not always. It's crazy, but I love it.
The final fight scene in this just floored me. Guys, let me tell you, this is getting good. I wasn't sure I was a fan of all the political intrigue flying around on the pages, but the ending of this particular volume changed all of that. I can't wait to get to the next one, and find out what happens to our heroes. I'm thinking it will be nothing good.
Mostly I feel sorry for Bee, who up to this point has really done everything in his power to keep the peace on Cybertron. This story repeatedly points out the fact that when it comes to politics, and power struggles, there is really never a correct choice. Bee's heart is in every choice he makes but, as he says below, it doesn't really end up counting for anything. What a terrible lesson to learn.
There is of course a ton of action in this volume too. The Dinobots and Ironhide came back! You have no idea how happy that made me, since I adore Ironhide and missed him.Oh, and Arcee! I told you before that she's pretty much my favorite in this series. This volume sealed the deal. I love stories where there's this crazy gray area in between the stark black and white. Arcee falls right into that space. Looking out for number one, but not always. It's crazy, but I love it.
The final fight scene in this just floored me. Guys, let me tell you, this is getting good. I wasn't sure I was a fan of all the political intrigue flying around on the pages, but the ending of this particular volume changed all of that. I can't wait to get to the next one, and find out what happens to our heroes. I'm thinking it will be nothing good.
January 15, 2016
*Sigh*
I know this is supposed to be interesting and all because, hey, it's Transformers, it's Starscream, it's Bumblebee and Prowl and Ironhide. But I'm telling you, this power-play plot about a political war just isn't as interesting or cleverly written as James Roberts More Than Meets the Eye.
Megatron is back and it turns out he plays a bigger role in this political game than everyone thought, but I found myself very bored. I'm honestly shamed to say that because I'm a major TF junkie who can't go a few days without SOME kind of Transformers influence (music, games, show, books, etc.), but what I really look forward to is the raw emotions of the characters and how that comes into play with the plot. There is a pretty iconic moment in the conclusion of this volume that should have you going, "Whaaaaaa?!" But since I read Dark Cybertron before all the other volumes, I knew what was coming (again, not my fault).
This volume was much more intense than the 3rd volume, but didn't pack the punch I thought it might. Still a must for my collection though.
I know this is supposed to be interesting and all because, hey, it's Transformers, it's Starscream, it's Bumblebee and Prowl and Ironhide. But I'm telling you, this power-play plot about a political war just isn't as interesting or cleverly written as James Roberts More Than Meets the Eye.
Megatron is back and it turns out he plays a bigger role in this political game than everyone thought, but I found myself very bored. I'm honestly shamed to say that because I'm a major TF junkie who can't go a few days without SOME kind of Transformers influence (music, games, show, books, etc.), but what I really look forward to is the raw emotions of the characters and how that comes into play with the plot. There is a pretty iconic moment in the conclusion of this volume that should have you going, "Whaaaaaa?!" But since I read Dark Cybertron before all the other volumes, I knew what was coming (again, not my fault).
This volume was much more intense than the 3rd volume, but didn't pack the punch I thought it might. Still a must for my collection though.
January 26, 2016
In this book, everything finally comes to a head and almost everything going on on Cybertron is fully explained. It's a nice conclusion to all the plotting and intrigue and nicely explains all the mysteries. It also gives some nice personal insight into some of the characters. My only complaint is that it's really hard to follow the action once the fighting starts and the ending feels a little more like a deus ex machina than I would prefer.
October 2, 2016
A solid resolution to the threads in this title thus far, with the return of Megatron throwing the already-shaky situation into chaos. Some really interesting twists, too (including a big one with Prowl that, unfortunately, I'd been spoiled on), especially the developments with some of the less battle-happy Decepticons and with Starscream. (B+)
July 9, 2022
An epic climax to a storyline that has been developing for three volumes, this mind-blowing fourth volume is just so brilliant. A taught political thriller that has been meticulously planned and plotted for several issues, with twists and turns you can’t see coming… it is simply exceptional writing.
I love where this series took the Transformers universe.
4/5
I love where this series took the Transformers universe.
4/5
March 14, 2015
Story satisfied with changing terrain, clogs from miles back and a bitter-sweet conclusion. Probably the best of John Barber's writing, and the illustrators are clear, needless background characters because they can get away with it. Well done all round.
October 21, 2013
This volume contains issues 12-16. This arc features the return of a certain major Decepticon, and features a major battle. I didn't care for it all that much because of the focus on the battle.
March 24, 2015
Hot damn, that's a plot twist.
March 15, 2015
2.5 stars, but the fast-paced and exciting conclusion pushes it up a wee bit.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews