Transformers: Optimus Prime, Vol. 1

Transformers IDW #63

by John Barber, Kei Zama (Illustrator), Alex Milne (Illustrator)

REVOLUTION is over—but the danger to Earth is just beginning. As OPTIMUS PRIME pulls Earth into the larger universe, he’s painted a target on it… and a new alien incursion begins when a corkscrew shaped craft drills into our world! Collects issues #1–6.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Science Fiction

152 pages, Paperback

First published June 12, 2017

Reviews

[Kavinay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Barber's work, but there's something a bit... lost with this book.

I blame the humans. Humans are awful. Prime and company dealing with this irritating species is just something you endure.

Honestly, Cybertronians are why we read the IDW comics. The tie-ins are at best tolerated (the only exception being Thundercracker and all references to Josh Boyfriend).

[Ken W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun!

This was super fun! I will definitely be checking out more Transformers comics at some point in the future! Five stars!

[Orion W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Really like this book. Optimus Prime has always been one of my most favorite fictional characters. The story this book told was awesome, and the action was amazing. Though the ending was a little depressing.

[Zack! Empire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really fun book, but it's problematic. Part of it has to do with me just not knowing anything about the Transformers IDW universe, but that isn't all. There is an adage that every issue is someone's first issue, and that seemed to be forgotten here. It reads like you have a fairly good knowledge of past Transformers comics. I think I caught myself up, but some stuff is still unclear.
The writing is ok, but not great. There is some funny dialogue, and they do a good job of dealing with Optimus being seen as a "Christ" like figure to some, and a false messiah to others. However, the story isn't that clear. There is two stories being told, one in the past and one in the present. I'm only about 90% sure what happen in that past story. I'm not saying the writer needs to take me on an A,B,C, event style story, but it just wasn't clear to me.
The art is Amazing in this book. I really loved this guy. But, still, there is some problems. The storytelling isn't quite clear. I had to look back on a few pages to see what was really happening more than once. There was one panel that took me about five minutes to realize it was a Transformers back, and they were looking over their shoulder. There is also something to be said about simple designs. I applaud the artist for putting in so much work, but at times, that detail makes the pages confusing. It was the same problem I had with the movies. The Transformers are so detailed that when they stand together, and especially when they fight, it just looks like giant heaps of metal smashing around.
Overall, it's a good book. It might not be the best introduction to the IDW Transformers comics, but it did peak my interest that I want to read more.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the retro, stylized artwork for this collection, and I enjoyed the slow-boil pace of the plot. The story became a little tangential at times though, particularity with the human characters and their backstories.
I’m curious to see where this series is going to next, though.
3.5/5

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Adventure, Cunning, Developments and Adventure! :D Review to Come! :D

[Knight Of · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little confusing but I was intrigued by the story and I am curious to see more.

[James Bowman · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the present day, Optimus Prime faces the doubts of humanity and the doubts of his allies, plus an appearance by an unexpected team-up of updated characters from Transformers: The Movie. In the past, Orion Pax wades through the grey middle between authoritarian Autobots and terroristic Decepticons. Decent plot, but the execution is just OK, with the villains of the volume being more grounded, but less charming, than the animated originals. (B)

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know you're living in an uncertain world when even Optimus Prime can find himself on shaky moral ground.

This collection, though ostensibly about giant robots fighting each other, concerns itself with the danger of believing too much in any one ideology. When you can only see a single path you're all but guaranteed to miss something.

IDW's Transformers books continue to speak eloquently about the world we're living in. Sometimes very bad things happen in our lives because people are too dogged in their beliefs and principles - their faith can blind them to certain truths and what was once morally unacceptable becomes permissible. It turns out that Autobots and Decepticons are no different. Their certainty that they have the moral high ground can make it possible for others to manipulate them - with sometimes tragic consequences. They're a reflection of us in that. This is smart, poignant, and relevant material.

[Andy Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

B+ A new title directly following TF/RID series, which wobbled and sagged writer-ways, but in this the former series early days are recaptured, surpassed: fresh, clever and ripping. Fresh: because the notion of Optimus Prime annexing Earth is just that. Clever: because I've always liked more that this is a narrative about postwar society and political machinations. Ripping: because it's also about giant robots thwacking one another, and I do like my carbs. The art direction has vastly improved. I can grasp which robot is which. Humans come into their own in integration. A successful flashback narrative runs parallel with the main and its a satisfying one. A promising beginning.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is where we drop into the G. The morality and tones of this book are on point. Couple that with the best-fitting unique and wonderful art that you could possibly have for this book and you have a true piece of the comic world. Not even to mention the delicious character development and flashbacks, particularly revolving around Soundwave and OPTIMUS PRIME.
"I must not lead by anger anymore. Nor by empty platitudes. In the end it doesn't matter who shoots first. It doesn't matter who shoots last. We strive to be more. But in the end, it's the bullets that matter. The bullets and what's in their path." 10/10

[Dave Relph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a fairly wordy volume, but the story stands strong. Contrasting past and present events throughout the chapters works really well and offers some great character development for Optimus Prime and Soundwave. The artwork is also very good here, being reminiscent of the style of classic G1 comics, but more modern and crisp.

[Max · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the art. I do think the book suffers from not having either a central protagonist (ala Windblade/TAAO) or an ensemble cast with a tight-knit dynamic (ala MTMTE/Lost Light.) It feels a bit disconnected and distant to me.

[Marta Duda-Gryc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the prewar Cybertron part (Prowl! Impulsive Orion Pax! Idealistic Soundwave!) and the parallels were well made. But humans leave me cold (well, but for Marissa with her Thundercracker lover boy).

[philip williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

It was An amazing storyline worth reading excellent drawing and I would definatly recommend it to any transformers fans yay

[B.J. Fantine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Standout Issues: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifteen years in to a continuous Transformers narrative, we finally get a series based on Prime himself! And it's a treat. The war is over, Prime's place is lost and he's slowly paving his future with good intentions... The art and colours are stunning.