The Transformers property has a legacy of great comics stretching back to the mid-1980s with at Marvel Comics. IDW Publishing is looking to honor the previous legacy of Transformers comics to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the property. Transformers writer Simon Furman is returning to the property with creator Guido Guidi to tell a prequel to Furman’s original run from the ’80s. Transformers has an important history at Marvel and IDW is paying home to the original run of the character in this special one-shot. With the continuity-heavy main series, it is a welcomed change of pace to return to a more conventional Transformers storyline. Furman’s reputation for nuanced plotting and writing will likely be an asset to the issue. Guido Guidi’s complicated linework and retro aesthetic make him an asset to the title. Are Furman and Guidi able to make “Transformers ’84” #0 more than a nostalgic curiosity?
Written by Simon Furman
Illustrated by Guido Guidi
Colored by John-Paul Bove
Lettered by Tom B. Long
Cover by Guido GuidiAn all-new prequel to the original 1984 Transformers #1! Celebrating 35 years of TRANSFORMERS!
War has gripped the planet Cybertron, but an even deadlier threat looms—an asteroid belt powerful enough to destroy the metal world unless Autobot Field Commander Optimus Prime and his heroic recruits can clear a path for the planet. But what other motivations does Prime have for this mission? And how does it tie to a secret on Earth in the eleventh century?
“Transformers ’84” #0 marks a return to a time in the property when there was an endless cycle of war between Autobots and Decepticons. Readers may mistake a more familiar premise and setting for a primitive take on the Robots in Disguise. Thanks to dense plotting and an intriguing, genre-defying level of subterfuge, “Transformers ’84” #0 is hardly primitive. Furman devotes time to establishing the political angles of war in Cybertron. It is surprising to see just how many genres and settings Furman is able to tell a story with. There are lots of Transformers comics that are focused on a core battle or group of robots while “Transformers ’84” #0 packs in humans, spies and bombast.
Furman paces the issue by setting up plot elements in advance while establishing the stakes of the story. The first couple pages craft important elements in the backstory of the property while getting Optimus Prime and the Autobots to square off against the Decepticons. The issue economically introduces the property and gives a solid overview of the Transformers. Halfway through the story, Furman is able to strike a dark tone and high-stakes for the issue that encompasses double-crossing robots and assassinations. Seeing all the tension in the issue come to pass with a particularly bleak final page had me curious to read the official Furman-written debut series.
The art from Guido Guidi is intriguing. Taking Guido’s classic designs for the characters in a retro style with modern coloring is a welcoming aesthetic for the Transformers. Some of the page layouts and designs bear a striking composition to the original title. The page where Optimus stands in the center of the page is a striking visual. Guidi adds so much detail Optimus Prime’s design while capturing a stoic look in his eyes. There are a lot of characters in the story and Guidi is able to capture a lot of detail on the page. It is a thrill to see some of the designs of the machinery. A page where the Autobots are in interconnected in seatbelts and strange, angular seats is a visual delight.
When the action comes into play at the end of the issue, Guidi’s huge panel designs are striking. Seeing the shots of gunfire and explosion of buildings registered a surprisingly emotional and action-filled last couple scenes. Once the dust settles, Prime’s reaction to the rubble brought the issue towards a conclusion with a change of pace. Guidi catches the expressionless and regal nature of prime with beauty. Watching Guidi pair off the Autobots together for a robot-filled group shot evoked a sentimental feeling. The title has a sense of tragedy as well with the monologue from Counterpunch at the beginning of the story. counterpunch’s panels break up some of the dialogue and catch the strongest emotional beat of the issue.
Continued belowThe story falters in Furman’s focus. While the book is paced well, there are choppy transitions between scenes. Furman has a hard time fusing so many genre elements together to tell one cohesive story. The script is hard to follow in some portions particularly due to the influx of genres. Furman is great with some of the smaller character moments and has a couple of profound moments of drama.
If Furman could have delivered a stronger script without quite as many plot threads, “Transformers ’84” #0 could have had the potential to be truly amazing. The issue carries a creative script bursting with energy. Guido Guidi’s pencils are a sight to behold, capturing the most interesting elements of the page. I am glad the Transformers property is versatile enough to take so many interpretations of the story. I would love to see Guidi return to the main Transformers title as well. If you are a fan of the property or have even a passing interest in the Transformers, “Transformers ’84” #0 is a respectful and interesting way to honor the history of the Autobots.
Final Verdict: 6.9 – “Transformers ’84” #0 is a joyous exploration into the history of the Transformres.
