Waking up in Someone’s Bed, Wondering Who I was, Naked and Cold with an Ache in My Head.
More Than Meets the Eye issue 11: Shadowplay (Conclusion) An Intimate Beheading. November 21st 2012.
Well I’m floored. I did not see that coming.
After two issues of careful world building and setup, the concluding part of what is widely seen as the best story of the first season of the book gets to revel in being a romp of a heist.
Not that there isn’t time for quieter character moments, starting with Prowl and Orion talking on a balcony (in a presumably intentional mirror to the Prowl/Starscream balcony scene Barber just gave us), where Prowl is disturbed (especially by how his “Partner” is swooning over Pax) and disgusted by the whole idea of this massive conspiracy, refusing to believe in it.
But he’ll stay stum if Pax promises that Chromedome is kept well out of it, and, upon getting that promise, leaves.
Which, as well as giving Prowl a good exit from the story that nicely sets out his and Prime’s relationship to come, also has a sneaky bit of misdirection where Chromedome is not directly called by name, which you might think is just Roberts being coy about what he was called at the time in a scene that’s not being narrated by Rewind and company, but is actually to make sure the Senator also not being called by name doesn’t stand out.
Well I’m floored. I did not see that coming.
After two issues of careful world building and setup, the concluding part of what is widely seen as the best story of the first season of the book gets to revel in being a romp of a heist.
Not that there isn’t time for quieter character moments, starting with Prowl and Orion talking on a balcony (in a presumably intentional mirror to the Prowl/Starscream balcony scene Barber just gave us), where Prowl is disturbed (especially by how his “Partner” is swooning over Pax) and disgusted by the whole idea of this massive conspiracy, refusing to believe in it.
But he’ll stay stum if Pax promises that Chromedome is kept well out of it, and, upon getting that promise, leaves.
Which, as well as giving Prowl a good exit from the story that nicely sets out his and Prime’s relationship to come, also has a sneaky bit of misdirection where Chromedome is not directly called by name, which you might think is just Roberts being coy about what he was called at the time in a scene that’s not being narrated by Rewind and company, but is actually to make sure the Senator also not being called by name doesn’t stand out.
"I'm the big titty bot around here"
Speaking of whom, a bunch of students from the academy so respect the Senator, they’ve volunteered to help out. All outliers with special powers he’s been protecting for things like being able to use a forcefield when they turn into a truck.
This motley crew includes Windcharger (with magic magnetic hands), Skids (as we know, a fast learner) and the formally introduced (and standing in front of Roller and having a background chat with Skids in two panels, all very intentional) Glitch. Who can disable electronics with his touch, a power the Senator expects him to extend to being able to do at a distance over time. Again, very deliberate, as is him being the only “new” character to volunteer, making him stand out more.
This is also where Roberts realises he’s going to need to give the Senator a personality to make the ending work, so he and Pax joke about how much the politician changes his colour scheme, showing he’s vain and has a sense of humour.
This motley crew includes Windcharger (with magic magnetic hands), Skids (as we know, a fast learner) and the formally introduced (and standing in front of Roller and having a background chat with Skids in two panels, all very intentional) Glitch. Who can disable electronics with his touch, a power the Senator expects him to extend to being able to do at a distance over time. Again, very deliberate, as is him being the only “new” character to volunteer, making him stand out more.
This is also where Roberts realises he’s going to need to give the Senator a personality to make the ending work, so he and Pax joke about how much the politician changes his colour scheme, showing he’s vain and has a sense of humour.
I think he might, at that.
Four million years later, the story group having a break gives us a chance for some gags, starting with Swerve (back from nicking “Trailcutter’s” Nightmare Fuel” booze after he found his own quarters with Red Alert sealed off for some reason. The change in name for Trailbreaker will be explained in 2013) having to get past Whirl and his terrible egotistical secret password: Whirl is a million billion times tougher than Cyclonus.
The best gag though is Rewind, with Swerve having accidentally slipped and mentioned a “Last session”, lying and insisting everyone present was his first choice for this effort. Followed by two flashbacks to his previous failed attempts with two entertainingly insane groups of Autobots. Including a very rare chance for Marvel UK staples Xaaron and Siren to get something to do in the book.
The best gag though is Rewind, with Swerve having accidentally slipped and mentioned a “Last session”, lying and insisting everyone present was his first choice for this effort. Followed by two flashbacks to his previous failed attempts with two entertainingly insane groups of Autobots. Including a very rare chance for Marvel UK staples Xaaron and Siren to get something to do in the book.
Siren is the average reader of this story.
Of course, convincing people they’re special and vital to your cause and contriving to bring them together for a secret purpose is something that will get used for a more sinister reason later in the book’s life.
The main purpose of this fast run of jokes is just to make a conversation about people getting Rung’s name wrong (alongside an almost throwaway mention that he’s an historical constant in Rewind’s files, someone who must be really, really old) look like more of the same, rather than vital foreshadowing.
Back in the past, after a panel making a point of Pax noticing Skids has a Matrix tattoo on his cheek, showing a religious faith the character doesn’t have in the present (the amount of panels that are designed to read as much more significant after stories done years later is insane in this one), we get a scene that is arguably indulgent, but also very sweet as Chromedome goes to visit the nerd of the ballistics department: Ironfist.
The main purpose of this fast run of jokes is just to make a conversation about people getting Rung’s name wrong (alongside an almost throwaway mention that he’s an historical constant in Rewind’s files, someone who must be really, really old) look like more of the same, rather than vital foreshadowing.
Back in the past, after a panel making a point of Pax noticing Skids has a Matrix tattoo on his cheek, showing a religious faith the character doesn’t have in the present (the amount of panels that are designed to read as much more significant after stories done years later is insane in this one), we get a scene that is arguably indulgent, but also very sweet as Chromedome goes to visit the nerd of the ballistics department: Ironfist.
Dude thinks he's Sherlock Holmes with all these monographs.
Who, as well as a different head, had a different obsession at this point at time, nerding out with a trying to be politely interested in it Chromedome about the Primal Vanguard, in exactly the same way he will be about the Wreckers, complete with ridiculous memorabilia. Including a life size replica of Delta Magnus that Prowl has confiscated, which Chromedome will get back in exchange for borrowing another one of his props…
Because Delta Magnus had at one point looked after the Matrix in the immediate aftermath of Nova Prime going missing, meaning that Ironfist also has a full-size replica of that.
Which, he’s never going to get back. Poor sod, he never had any luck.
This is arguably the first big writing for fans of his own work moment from Roberts, going for an easy cheer for the audience that isn’t even needed that much really (a religious guy like Skids would probably have one at home), but is just a lovely little bit, helped by the smart choice to have Chromedome sympathetic and even a little sorry for him, rather than just finding Ironfist annoying.
Because Delta Magnus had at one point looked after the Matrix in the immediate aftermath of Nova Prime going missing, meaning that Ironfist also has a full-size replica of that.
Which, he’s never going to get back. Poor sod, he never had any luck.
This is arguably the first big writing for fans of his own work moment from Roberts, going for an easy cheer for the audience that isn’t even needed that much really (a religious guy like Skids would probably have one at home), but is just a lovely little bit, helped by the smart choice to have Chromedome sympathetic and even a little sorry for him, rather than just finding Ironfist annoying.
"He also keeps doing jazz hands, like this"
We then get a key moment for setting up the end of the issue (again, with Roberts not having had much chance to set up this reveal, he’s having to hammer it home), as Roller pulls Pax and Ratchet aside, for the last time the three of them were together, to raise some concerns about the Senator. Who has a suspicious history (such as being on speaking terms with the Omega Guardians, remember them?), including altering a fair few Autobots to be potential Matrix bearers.
It’s a very nice detail, because it would be the easiest way to milk the tragedy if we’re about to witness the destruction of a genuinely good man. But that also wouldn’t fit in with what we already know about who they’re going to be. And that, for all his jokes and zany colour repaints, there’s someone very dark behind the smile, makes this much more interesting and layered.
Pax isn’t interested though, he views the Senator as being like Megatron, someone who opened eyes to the truth of their society and as such he trusts him.
What a great judge of character he is.
It’s a very nice detail, because it would be the easiest way to milk the tragedy if we’re about to witness the destruction of a genuinely good man. But that also wouldn’t fit in with what we already know about who they’re going to be. And that, for all his jokes and zany colour repaints, there’s someone very dark behind the smile, makes this much more interesting and layered.
Pax isn’t interested though, he views the Senator as being like Megatron, someone who opened eyes to the truth of their society and as such he trusts him.
What a great judge of character he is.
It's going to a long time till we see him again...
Speaking of judges of character, in the present, Rodimus is shocked to be told by First Aid that Red Alert had actually attempted suicide, in what can only be called an extreme way, detaching his own head.
Which Rodimus can’t deal with, going into such a rant, it takes Ultra Magnus holding him hard enough to leave finger indents in his metal to restrain him.
But, in a rather ugly looking moment for him, it’s less about the near loss of a friend, but the damage to his ego as leader that’s upset him. That someone under his command should be unhappy, that (in a very blackly comic moment as his pep talk was clearly terrible) his efforts to help them didn’t work, it’ too much for him to take.
What happens next is a slightly awkward bit to try and misdirect who in this scene could be in on the overall conspiracy, Ultra Magnus suggests they respect Red Alert’s wishes, and not revive him, but put him in stasis till after their quest and a proper psychiatrist (a brutal opinion on how good Rung was) can help him. Which doesn’t feel very in character, the up and at them rule obeying Magnus of this point in the series would be very back up on your feet and here’s a fine for littering with your own head.
More tellingly though, Rodimus refuses to agree to this, until Drift backs up the idea. And though he makes a show of looking sad when the body is put away, there’s been enough clues so far in the series for you to suspect something else is going on here.
Which Rodimus can’t deal with, going into such a rant, it takes Ultra Magnus holding him hard enough to leave finger indents in his metal to restrain him.
But, in a rather ugly looking moment for him, it’s less about the near loss of a friend, but the damage to his ego as leader that’s upset him. That someone under his command should be unhappy, that (in a very blackly comic moment as his pep talk was clearly terrible) his efforts to help them didn’t work, it’ too much for him to take.
What happens next is a slightly awkward bit to try and misdirect who in this scene could be in on the overall conspiracy, Ultra Magnus suggests they respect Red Alert’s wishes, and not revive him, but put him in stasis till after their quest and a proper psychiatrist (a brutal opinion on how good Rung was) can help him. Which doesn’t feel very in character, the up and at them rule obeying Magnus of this point in the series would be very back up on your feet and here’s a fine for littering with your own head.
More tellingly though, Rodimus refuses to agree to this, until Drift backs up the idea. And though he makes a show of looking sad when the body is put away, there’s been enough clues so far in the series for you to suspect something else is going on here.
For a guy with such a magnetic personality, Windcharger sure gets overlooked a lot.
In the past, it’s heist time. Which perhaps doesn’t have as many “Things go wrong and need some improvisation” moments as these things normally do, but it’s a nice, entertaining sequence where Windcharger gets things to do. Starting by levitating everyone through the anti-aircraft defences around Nominus’ body. Then, using fake CCTV footage from Roller back at base to cover them, and Glitch’s powers to disable other security measures, first Pax, and then Ratchet when the bomb Matrix turns out to be too well locked into the body, grab the fake idol and swap it for the other fake idol.
The only real issue that faces them is Glitch accidentally touching Skids winch arm (being used to lower down Ratchet), turning off its power and nearly causing a fatal fall. Which Windcharger is on hand to prevent with his powers.
As I said way back in the Marvel days, how hard everyone ignores that Windcharger is the most powerful Transformers is hilarious, but it’s nice to see that recognised for once.
It’s straightforward and fun, and oddly the second issue in a row I’ve been able to go “This is very old school Mission Impossible”.
During all this, Chromedome is kicking his heels back at base “Helping” Roller guard the Senator, who in turn is completely unworried.
The only real issue that faces them is Glitch accidentally touching Skids winch arm (being used to lower down Ratchet), turning off its power and nearly causing a fatal fall. Which Windcharger is on hand to prevent with his powers.
As I said way back in the Marvel days, how hard everyone ignores that Windcharger is the most powerful Transformers is hilarious, but it’s nice to see that recognised for once.
It’s straightforward and fun, and oddly the second issue in a row I’ve been able to go “This is very old school Mission Impossible”.
During all this, Chromedome is kicking his heels back at base “Helping” Roller guard the Senator, who in turn is completely unworried.
"Make sure I get a toy, one day"
In what turns out to be a completely unfounded way, when the news reports an explosion at the Senator’s academy. Which leaves them with barely a second to react before a squad of goons (including Whirl’s cellmate from last issue and Macabre) blast in through the wall, gleeful about the tip-off the received (which we’ll see down the line was a very unusual one) having paid-off.
Pax, worried about the lack of communication, has raced ahead (after doing another dramatic leap), being just in time to be offered a choice: Hand over the Senator, or Roller gets a bullet in the head.
In what will be his remotely kind act for a very long time, the Senator agrees, asking to be remembered as he was as he’s taken off.
The goons however don’t expect Pax to be lonely for long, but he has one last surprise for them: The Matrix bomb. Which he throws, and destroys not just his attackers, but also a good chunk of the police station.
Pax, worried about the lack of communication, has raced ahead (after doing another dramatic leap), being just in time to be offered a choice: Hand over the Senator, or Roller gets a bullet in the head.
In what will be his remotely kind act for a very long time, the Senator agrees, asking to be remembered as he was as he’s taken off.
The goons however don’t expect Pax to be lonely for long, but he has one last surprise for them: The Matrix bomb. Which he throws, and destroys not just his attackers, but also a good chunk of the police station.
He probably thought Orion was Irish.
So, all that effort to stop a bomb explosion that could be blamed on a Decepticon terrorist attack, they’ve got a bomb explosion that could be blamed on a Decepticon terrorist attack. Not as effectively as blowing up the state morning of a Prime would be, but it’s probably lucky for Pax that the Senate didn’t take the opportunity to win something back from this.
Pax still doesn’t have a great day though, as he and Chromedome race to the replenishment clinic with the Institute beneath it, to find the place cleared out. Because, as they’d learn down the line, it being The Institute was misdirection, there’s dozens of them. All over the city, under every clinic, and the trail is now very cold.
In the present though, a quick summing up (that also casually throws in that it was the Jhiaaxus Academy, and there’s a reason no one likes to use the full name anymore) lets us know none of this really mattered in the long term as other events (we’ve already seen) would let Proteus break his promise and start the path to war.
Pax still doesn’t have a great day though, as he and Chromedome race to the replenishment clinic with the Institute beneath it, to find the place cleared out. Because, as they’d learn down the line, it being The Institute was misdirection, there’s dozens of them. All over the city, under every clinic, and the trail is now very cold.
In the present though, a quick summing up (that also casually throws in that it was the Jhiaaxus Academy, and there’s a reason no one likes to use the full name anymore) lets us know none of this really mattered in the long term as other events (we’ve already seen) would let Proteus break his promise and start the path to war.
Literally forever.
We then get a fantastic gag of Tailgate having gone through this entire story without realising that Orion Pax and Optimus Prime are the same person. Imagine that, hey, reading all this completely unaware that one of the characters in a famous present-day Transformer in a different form? You’d feel pretty silly.
As a red alert suddenly sounds out (complete with Red Dwarf “OWOGGGA”), they’re forced to face their failure with having restored “Rang/Ring”, until Rung quietly, and unnoticed by anyone but Skids in the chaos of the alarm, corrects the mistake on his name…
Which would be quite a nice upbeat ending. But Roberts has two surprises for us in the past.
The first, is Pax in the rubble of his offices, being greeted by a very friendly and non-evil looking fellow friend of the Senator’s (who by implication has also undergone Matrix compatibility surgery), Zeta. This could be the start of a beautiful friendship.
As a red alert suddenly sounds out (complete with Red Dwarf “OWOGGGA”), they’re forced to face their failure with having restored “Rang/Ring”, until Rung quietly, and unnoticed by anyone but Skids in the chaos of the alarm, corrects the mistake on his name…
Which would be quite a nice upbeat ending. But Roberts has two surprises for us in the past.
The first, is Pax in the rubble of his offices, being greeted by a very friendly and non-evil looking fellow friend of the Senator’s (who by implication has also undergone Matrix compatibility surgery), Zeta. This could be the start of a beautiful friendship.
What a nice guy.
Then in one of the institutes, two bored technicians discuss what is being done to the Senator, not just empruata like Whirl, but Shadowplay as well. The mutilation of body and mind, which will produce an almost complete reversal in the Senator’s happy go lucky prankster personality. All as a warning to anyone who’d disobey the Senate.
And the Senator’s name?
In a full-page reveal (for which the title of the issue has been held back for) of his new head (and slightly oddly) paint scheme being added…
Shockwave.
And the Senator’s name?
In a full-page reveal (for which the title of the issue has been held back for) of his new head (and slightly oddly) paint scheme being added…
Shockwave.
As far as twists go, that's pretty... Shocking.
Which absolutely sent every reader nuts at the time, and probably became a big millstone round Roberts’ neck when it came to being the Surprise Twist guy (though as noted previously, leaning into it with the Tarn misdirection won’t help). But it’s just so well done. Logical (ho ho) but perfectly, if a little hurriedly by dint of the majority of it being in this story, setup. As a last page reveal, it’s probably the gold standard.
And a reveal that makes it easy to forget just how good the rest of the issue is. The big action scene is great, the character work is top notch, all the jokes work and are rooted in character and there’s a huge confidence in how many moments and panels are designed to read differently after issues that wouldn’t happen for years. This is as good as Transformers comics ever get. And if it’s a more straightforward (if still very layered) issue than the first two parts, it’s because they laid out the dominos for this to knock down so well.
Next week, it’s a Mega return.
ROBOTS IN DISGUISE ISSUE 11
2012
COMMENT
KO-FI
And a reveal that makes it easy to forget just how good the rest of the issue is. The big action scene is great, the character work is top notch, all the jokes work and are rooted in character and there’s a huge confidence in how many moments and panels are designed to read differently after issues that wouldn’t happen for years. This is as good as Transformers comics ever get. And if it’s a more straightforward (if still very layered) issue than the first two parts, it’s because they laid out the dominos for this to knock down so well.
Next week, it’s a Mega return.
ROBOTS IN DISGUISE ISSUE 11
2012
COMMENT
KO-FI
