The Long-Term Benefits of Sunscreen Have Been Proved by Scientists, Whereas the Rest of My Advice has no Basis More Reliable Than My Own Meandering Experience.
Spotlight: Sideswipe: Revelation Part 4. October 8th 2008.
Hurl yourself into that Solar Pool before the darkness robs you of any last remaining free will.
We’ve reached an important and vital moment in the history of IDW today, as this is no less than the issue that introduced the concept of The Solar Pool to the Universe of the Transformers, thereby giving this site its name. You can only imagine what a red-letter day this is for all mankind. Though why I became mildly obsessed with this very odd concept is something to save till we get there.
What Spotlight: Sideswipe is really remembered for of course is the art. Which is entirely done, for the first time in the history of Transformers comics, entirely, top to bottom, pencils to painted colours, by E.J. Su in what he seems to have assumed was going to be his final work on the franchise (though he will do a couple of encores), and he therefore wanted to go out with a bang.
And what a bang. There are two kinds of people in this world, those who think this is one of the most beautiful Transformers comics of all time, and those who think it is the most beautiful Transformers comic of all time. I’ve never seen anyone rate it as less than extraordinary and taking on the full workload is a gamble that pays off in spades. Each panel is a work of art in the most highbrow sense.
Hurl yourself into that Solar Pool before the darkness robs you of any last remaining free will.
We’ve reached an important and vital moment in the history of IDW today, as this is no less than the issue that introduced the concept of The Solar Pool to the Universe of the Transformers, thereby giving this site its name. You can only imagine what a red-letter day this is for all mankind. Though why I became mildly obsessed with this very odd concept is something to save till we get there.
What Spotlight: Sideswipe is really remembered for of course is the art. Which is entirely done, for the first time in the history of Transformers comics, entirely, top to bottom, pencils to painted colours, by E.J. Su in what he seems to have assumed was going to be his final work on the franchise (though he will do a couple of encores), and he therefore wanted to go out with a bang.
And what a bang. There are two kinds of people in this world, those who think this is one of the most beautiful Transformers comics of all time, and those who think it is the most beautiful Transformers comic of all time. I’ve never seen anyone rate it as less than extraordinary and taking on the full workload is a gamble that pays off in spades. Each panel is a work of art in the most highbrow sense.
He's going to punch to victory.
And fittingly for what is not only the first end of an era moment but also the first of two and a bit finale issues from Furman, the painted art gives it a very old British comics feel. Albeit not really of the sort you saw on the Marvel UK Transformers outside of covers, but still perfectly in keeping with the world of Dan Dare, Judge Dredd and the Gerry Anderson comics. Reading this is like stepping back in time far further than 2008, but in the best way possible. If you rated comics just on the art, this would be a 10/10 and every page would be hung in the Louvre.
Sadly, comics are not just judged on the art. And that’s where we hit a problem.
The place to start, and what perhaps sums up the entire comic, is with the titular character, Sideswipe. Who, as the Wiki points out, features in 7 out of 22 pages. For the first time in a Spotlight, he’s not even the sole first person narrator in the issue. To call his part in the plot basic would be an understatement.
His role is simply to punch things. As Hound’s team of Autobots (including, completely inexplicably, Fortress Maximus with no explanation of why he’s left his under attack prison or how he got there and it feels like the earlier scripts may not have been finalised when Furman had to finish this to give Su enough time to get his mammoth undertaking done and some things wound up not lining up) are on Earth, in China, to take care of Straxus and Grindcore. With Sideswipe, entirely off his own back and in a way that earns Hound’s respect, insisting on fighting the two super powered Dead Universers alone whilst they carry out the main part of the plan.
Sadly, comics are not just judged on the art. And that’s where we hit a problem.
The place to start, and what perhaps sums up the entire comic, is with the titular character, Sideswipe. Who, as the Wiki points out, features in 7 out of 22 pages. For the first time in a Spotlight, he’s not even the sole first person narrator in the issue. To call his part in the plot basic would be an understatement.
His role is simply to punch things. As Hound’s team of Autobots (including, completely inexplicably, Fortress Maximus with no explanation of why he’s left his under attack prison or how he got there and it feels like the earlier scripts may not have been finalised when Furman had to finish this to give Su enough time to get his mammoth undertaking done and some things wound up not lining up) are on Earth, in China, to take care of Straxus and Grindcore. With Sideswipe, entirely off his own back and in a way that earns Hound’s respect, insisting on fighting the two super powered Dead Universers alone whilst they carry out the main part of the plan.
I'm sure SPACE Mr Mackay will be a great help.
The closest thing to a twist in terms of the actual plot is that the attack is not to stop the energon syphoning, but to use the space bridge network that’s been set up linking to location to each Nega-Core to sneak behind Monstructor and grab the one at his location with no fuss.
Hilariously, the Decepticon Secret Service are shown to be attacking Monstructor out the front, with no indication they were in on the plan, so it looks like they’ve been used as sacrificial lambs in what will be both the last appearance of this organisation and of Banzaitron. Which is perhaps odd as clearly adjacent groups like the Decepticon Justice Division will go on to play a big role in the series with no sign of the big boss man again (though some of the flunkies in his attack group will show up in other contexts).
In terms of character, Sideswipe’s arc has one twist to it: He’s been concerned about Sunstreaker, not because he loves his “Brother in arms”, but because he hates the guy. Sunstreaker was his trainer and was mean to him, so he really wants to show the guy up by rescuing him.
The problem here of course, is that Sideswipe’s eagerness to get to Earth has barely been a subplot, more an attitude. Of everything Furman had set up, even more than Doubledealer, this is what could have been left on the table. Or even given over to the forthcoming miniseries which actually has Sunstreaker in it (a series where at one-point Grimlock has to call in some help from some rule breakers, why not make it a determined Sideswipe?).
Hilariously, the Decepticon Secret Service are shown to be attacking Monstructor out the front, with no indication they were in on the plan, so it looks like they’ve been used as sacrificial lambs in what will be both the last appearance of this organisation and of Banzaitron. Which is perhaps odd as clearly adjacent groups like the Decepticon Justice Division will go on to play a big role in the series with no sign of the big boss man again (though some of the flunkies in his attack group will show up in other contexts).
In terms of character, Sideswipe’s arc has one twist to it: He’s been concerned about Sunstreaker, not because he loves his “Brother in arms”, but because he hates the guy. Sunstreaker was his trainer and was mean to him, so he really wants to show the guy up by rescuing him.
The problem here of course, is that Sideswipe’s eagerness to get to Earth has barely been a subplot, more an attitude. Of everything Furman had set up, even more than Doubledealer, this is what could have been left on the table. Or even given over to the forthcoming miniseries which actually has Sunstreaker in it (a series where at one-point Grimlock has to call in some help from some rule breakers, why not make it a determined Sideswipe?).
"Autobots wear protective suits on dangerous missions" needed a one sentence backstroy.
Having brought this idea to the fore, and without being able to have him confront Sunstreaker, the resolution is also pretty much a nothing, punching Straxus and Grindcore to death (the only permanent deaths amongst the baddies here, poor guys) helps him decide that he actually doesn’t care what Sunstreaker thinks, so he beams out of the comic without looking back. Which makes it feel like the entire thing was a waste of time.
Now, if the cover star’s story isn’t up to much, how does the bulk of the comic manage?
It basically falls into two chunks: Dealing with the Nega-Cores and the Optimus/Nemesis confrontation.
The former is actually very simple, but the comic works hard to make it seem more complicated than it actually is. Starting with a full page of recap exposition from Ultra Magnus that leads into a half page recap of exposition from Cloudburst where he, hilariously, takes care to name every person on his ship in a distress call.
Luckily, the Technobots arrive in time and rescue them, before putting them in the Pretender shells that are made from a now perfectly safe technology, so safe the Technobots aren’t using it on themselves but are having some random guys they rescued do it.
Now, if the cover star’s story isn’t up to much, how does the bulk of the comic manage?
It basically falls into two chunks: Dealing with the Nega-Cores and the Optimus/Nemesis confrontation.
The former is actually very simple, but the comic works hard to make it seem more complicated than it actually is. Starting with a full page of recap exposition from Ultra Magnus that leads into a half page recap of exposition from Cloudburst where he, hilariously, takes care to name every person on his ship in a distress call.
Luckily, the Technobots arrive in time and rescue them, before putting them in the Pretender shells that are made from a now perfectly safe technology, so safe the Technobots aren’t using it on themselves but are having some random guys they rescued do it.
Who needs the Magnificence when Optimus Prime can just look through his brain for three hours for the answer.
The shells themselves are well drawn, but have the same old problem the original Autobot Pretenders always have of looking incredibly dull compared to the Decepticon monster versions.
Still, they leave the Nightbird, kill Cyclonus (he explodes in the background of a panel, no wonder this death doesn’t stick) and head into the Dead Universe to wait.
What they’re waiting for is the Nega-Cores, which the three teams of Autobots successfully grab and use the space bridge to take to Gorlam Prime and—though this bit isn’t shown—presumably take them to the hole in the world and chuck them in.
The only real difficulty coming from Jhiaxus, who uses the controlled Bludgeon to attack Jetfire on Garrus 9 (it really is open season there) as he in turn tries to control Thunderwing. But the amount of fighting he’s having to do through multiple controlled stooges finally gets too much for him, and this only proves a brief problem.
Best not to ask why Jetfire has all this mind control equipment to hand in a prison. Unethical experiments, much?
Still, they leave the Nightbird, kill Cyclonus (he explodes in the background of a panel, no wonder this death doesn’t stick) and head into the Dead Universe to wait.
What they’re waiting for is the Nega-Cores, which the three teams of Autobots successfully grab and use the space bridge to take to Gorlam Prime and—though this bit isn’t shown—presumably take them to the hole in the world and chuck them in.
The only real difficulty coming from Jhiaxus, who uses the controlled Bludgeon to attack Jetfire on Garrus 9 (it really is open season there) as he in turn tries to control Thunderwing. But the amount of fighting he’s having to do through multiple controlled stooges finally gets too much for him, and this only proves a brief problem.
Best not to ask why Jetfire has all this mind control equipment to hand in a prison. Unethical experiments, much?
Very nearly an armful.
Still, inside the Dead Universe, the Pretenders have clarified the Universe is entirely dead and take the Nega-Cores... well, it’s not really clear why they have to take them anywhere, but best guess would be it needs to be a specific distance from the entry points to the regular Universe. They then run away very quickly as the cores go off (without the Ore 13 they were supposed to need from China?) and destroy the Dead Universe.
It gets better.
This is by far the biggest part of the issue, and is, much like the Sideswipe plot, rather nothing, but comes across in a needlessly convoluted way.
The Prime and Nemesis side of things starts off strangely, they’ve not moved from the last issue implying no time has passed, but equally, Fortress Maximus has had time to go to Earth so even in this story that makes the Universe seem very small, so have they been posing at each other in silence for hours?
We then have Optimus make some pretty big leaps considering he came down to confront Nemesis before the Magnificence had spat out all its answers. He has decided the reason Nemesis wanted him killed before all this started by Nightbeat was that the Darkness is an “Anti-Matrix”, that will be drawn like a magnet to the current Prime.
It gets better.
This is by far the biggest part of the issue, and is, much like the Sideswipe plot, rather nothing, but comes across in a needlessly convoluted way.
The Prime and Nemesis side of things starts off strangely, they’ve not moved from the last issue implying no time has passed, but equally, Fortress Maximus has had time to go to Earth so even in this story that makes the Universe seem very small, so have they been posing at each other in silence for hours?
We then have Optimus make some pretty big leaps considering he came down to confront Nemesis before the Magnificence had spat out all its answers. He has decided the reason Nemesis wanted him killed before all this started by Nightbeat was that the Darkness is an “Anti-Matrix”, that will be drawn like a magnet to the current Prime.
Don't fucking mess with the Solar Pool mate.
Amazingly, this turns out to be correct, and as he feels the pain of the Darkness trying to leave him, Nemesis does his Palpatine eclectic light show again. Optimus, hilariously in hindsight, tries desperately to appeal to Nemesis’ better nature as a former Prime, but the day is saved by Galvatron sneaking up behind them and shooting Nemesis in the back.
Honestly, what is security in this place?
This makes the Darkness complete its journey to Optimus, leaving him consumed with naughty thoughts. Galvatron gives him a choice: Either commit suicide by jumping into a SOLAR POOL, or give the Darkness to him.
The Solar Pool sums up the entire issue, it comes from nowhere, has no explanation and only exists to provide an easy out. It looks like an uncovered reactor of some sort, but why what is basically a hot tub full of death is in the middle of a corridor in a prison is never even slightly hinted at. But no wonder escapes from this place wind up so easy. I found the ridiculousness of it so hilarious that, yes, the name stuck with me.
Optimus passes on the Darkness, and for some reason it makes Galvatron have an epiphany about his true identity, where there had never been a single hint, even in his own Spotlight, that there was any mystery about who he was. I wonder if Furman, right at the end, decided to have some cheeky fun and imply Galvatron actually was, in some time travel or alternate reality way, Megatron all along.
Whatever it was meant to mean, no other writer would follow up on it and Galvatron barely gets out a “I am...”, before Optimus just grabs him and chucks him in the Solar Pool, killing him and the Darkness.
Honestly, what is security in this place?
This makes the Darkness complete its journey to Optimus, leaving him consumed with naughty thoughts. Galvatron gives him a choice: Either commit suicide by jumping into a SOLAR POOL, or give the Darkness to him.
The Solar Pool sums up the entire issue, it comes from nowhere, has no explanation and only exists to provide an easy out. It looks like an uncovered reactor of some sort, but why what is basically a hot tub full of death is in the middle of a corridor in a prison is never even slightly hinted at. But no wonder escapes from this place wind up so easy. I found the ridiculousness of it so hilarious that, yes, the name stuck with me.
Optimus passes on the Darkness, and for some reason it makes Galvatron have an epiphany about his true identity, where there had never been a single hint, even in his own Spotlight, that there was any mystery about who he was. I wonder if Furman, right at the end, decided to have some cheeky fun and imply Galvatron actually was, in some time travel or alternate reality way, Megatron all along.
Whatever it was meant to mean, no other writer would follow up on it and Galvatron barely gets out a “I am...”, before Optimus just grabs him and chucks him in the Solar Pool, killing him and the Darkness.
You love to see him.
Well, except the final panel of the issue is of Galvatron’s hand coming out of the pool, but I’m sure in a top security prison, he won’t go far.
Once again, hilariously in hindsight, Optimus eulogises the real Nova Prime as he stands over his body and Jetfire approaches from behind...with a big sword? Yeah, sure, why not.
If the Nega-Bomb part of the issue was something very simple made needlessly convoluted, this is a lot of characters talking in riddles to the point I can’t tell if it is simple, complicated, or complete bobbins.
Probably bobbins.
I’ve saved the genuinely good part of the story till last. As Jhiaxus sees everything go to crap, things get even worse for him as suddenly his arm is cut off... by Arcee!
Considering the absolute mess her Spotlight was, seeing her face to face with the author of all her pain is actually surprisingly affecting in a punch the air moment, and, again, Furman writes Arcee as we’ll basically come to know her from later authors, making his having so badly screwed up her introduction even more of a shame. It’s especially well sold by the “Oh shit” look on Jhiaxus’ face.
Once again, hilariously in hindsight, Optimus eulogises the real Nova Prime as he stands over his body and Jetfire approaches from behind...with a big sword? Yeah, sure, why not.
If the Nega-Bomb part of the issue was something very simple made needlessly convoluted, this is a lot of characters talking in riddles to the point I can’t tell if it is simple, complicated, or complete bobbins.
Probably bobbins.
I’ve saved the genuinely good part of the story till last. As Jhiaxus sees everything go to crap, things get even worse for him as suddenly his arm is cut off... by Arcee!
Considering the absolute mess her Spotlight was, seeing her face to face with the author of all her pain is actually surprisingly affecting in a punch the air moment, and, again, Furman writes Arcee as we’ll basically come to know her from later authors, making his having so badly screwed up her introduction even more of a shame. It’s especially well sold by the “Oh shit” look on Jhiaxus’ face.
"Prime! I don't know where Fort Max went, but I'm ready to use my science sword to stab... oh"
An even bigger punch the air moment comes as he tries to feel to the portal to the Dead Universe and finds the path blocked, by Hardhead! Which gives enough of a distraction for Arcee to stab Jhiaxus through the chest.
Turns out it’s not lethal though, as Jhiaxus and Hardhead are both undead as long as they stay in this place, meaning, much to her delight, Arcee can spend the rest of time hacking Jhaixus to pieces. Over, and over and over again. It’s a fitting, nasty punishment for a guy who was literally trying to destroy most of reality.
Hardhead is going to get bored pretty quickly though.
Turns out it’s not lethal though, as Jhiaxus and Hardhead are both undead as long as they stay in this place, meaning, much to her delight, Arcee can spend the rest of time hacking Jhaixus to pieces. Over, and over and over again. It’s a fitting, nasty punishment for a guy who was literally trying to destroy most of reality.
Hardhead is going to get bored pretty quickly though.
Also featured in Spotlight Sideswipe: Sideswipe.
The last page is then Jetfire both summing things up from some distant point in the future—including revealing that the people of Gorlam Prime got better, forgot their past and started calling their new robot world “Cybertron”—and hinting at the comics to come. Which includes All Hail Megatron, but also suggests a very different Maximum Dinobots was still planned at even this late stage as he talks about the resurgence of Shockwave (I think he basically just appears in the miniseries. Though being Shockwave, this can apply more accurately to a lot more that came afterwards) and, most hilariously, the “Machination Empire”. In an issue published after All Hail Megatron revealed the Machination actually ended up a shaggy dog story. In the end, Furman will have to go with that portrayal, but it is interesting to see that he was still hoping to do something more with the idea.
Let's at least end on a high.
It’s also quite funny that Jetfire’s closing thoughts on how the denizens of the Dead Universe are all now resting in peace, implies that aforementioned final panel of Galvatron emerging from the Solar Pool is also meant to be “Deca-Cycles” later, but the Dead Universe won’t stay dead that long.
I must repeat this is stunning to look at. But it is also not remotely a good comic outside of the art and, unexpectedly, the resolution to Arcee’s arc and the delightful return of Hardhead.
Furman was at least upfront at the time this was going to be disappointing to many people because of how much ground it had to cover, but the reality is, not that much actually happens in it and what does, is deeply underwhelming. Furman gets two chances to wrap up his IDW era, and the first misses the landing rather brutally. We’ll have to wait till later in the year to see how the second goes, but, after greatly enjoying some of the stories that got us here, this feels a great shame.
Thank God for E.J. Su.
Next week, from the Dead Universe to a dead city as we return to New York.
ALL HAIL MEGATRON ISSUE 3
2008
COMMENT
KO-FI
I must repeat this is stunning to look at. But it is also not remotely a good comic outside of the art and, unexpectedly, the resolution to Arcee’s arc and the delightful return of Hardhead.
Furman was at least upfront at the time this was going to be disappointing to many people because of how much ground it had to cover, but the reality is, not that much actually happens in it and what does, is deeply underwhelming. Furman gets two chances to wrap up his IDW era, and the first misses the landing rather brutally. We’ll have to wait till later in the year to see how the second goes, but, after greatly enjoying some of the stories that got us here, this feels a great shame.
Thank God for E.J. Su.
Next week, from the Dead Universe to a dead city as we return to New York.
ALL HAIL MEGATRON ISSUE 3
2008
COMMENT
KO-FI
