Review - Transformers: Shattered Glass #3

From IDW Publishing this alternate universe series continues - this is Transformers: Shattered Glass #3.

In issue #2, Megatron is the only bot who can stop the three Autobot warlords from acquiring information that could reignite the war, but can he forgive his past mistakes and take up the mantle of Deception leader again?

Danny Lore (Author) Guido Guidi (Artist) John-Paul Bove (Colorist) Alex Milne (Cover Artist)

The alternate universe really makes us twist and turn. There are the characters that we are more sympathetic to than we thought - in this issue it's Soundwave, he's out there looking after old Decepticons, making sure they are doing ok. In addition to this, when Starscream and Megatron ask for aid, he helps but says there are those he won't ask - implying the PTSD in those after the war is still causing problems, and he doesn't want to make them worse.

Starscream's role in this adventure begins to become clear. In some well-structured flashbacks, we see what caused the split between him and his colleagues, and what he was investigating. On a flip side to the Soundwave we saw earlier, we see a different side of Optimus Prime. This is shown, not only in the colour scheme but in the evil glint in his eye. For a 'bot we know so well, this was artfully done.

On the art side here we have some good reading - this isn't the Cybertron we know, and it is well shown - both before and after the war. The damage done to property and 'bots is well shown and this shows in dark alleys and some excellent shots.

This continues to be an excellent twist on what we know, but a strong story in its own right - I can see classic Transformers fans enjoying this new point of view.