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IDW Transformers: Hearts of Steel Issue 04

Okay, so the series is over. First, comments on this issue #4, then the series as a whole.

Issue #4 was a good read.... up until the end. It recaptured some of the essence that made the first two issues entertaining and Guido does a fine job again (though there are some obviously rushed panels). But did it have to end so abruptly? I expected the train chase, which was done rather well, but things literally came to a screeching halt after that. What happened to Starscream? And the Autobots just lamely go into hibernation again while the humans get together for a group hug? I don't think I have been as surprised to see "The End" at the end of a comic in a long time. Even just two more pages of closure would have sufficed to give this sucker a better ending. Don't know if Dixon meant to end it like this, or he was confined to the page limit, but certainly there is glaring weakness to how this all ends. I give this issue a "C-".

Now the series overall. Putting it all together, this tale is a cartoon-lovers cup of tea. Cheesy and campy, but fun if you approach it with the kid gloves on. Loved the art, save that third issue, and even then the coloring was excellent. Storywise, aside from the abrupt ending, its about as good a story one could come up with given the premise and characters. I mean, when Mark Twain and John Henry are the role players, as a writer you're working uphill from the get-go. I can't help feel though, that had we not had the pencilling and coloring we had, fans like myself would have enjoyed all this much less so.

Overall, this series gets a "C+" from me. Clever at times with very good artwork, but suffering a bit in the story department. Is it worth the buy? If you liked most cartoon episodes, I say go for it. If the cartoon was too campy for your taste, I'd say pass.

IDW Transformers: Hearts Of Steel Issue 01

Got it. Read it. Liked it.

Don't know why. But I liked it.

Actually, I think I do know. It's because it really took me back to the days of the Marvel run and the cartoon. At the same time, it's just different enough to avoid the "been there, done that" feeling.

It's seems to be a story that doesn't take itself too seriously, and thats the way you have to approach it.

It's a fun read, and even the pencilling by Guido is reminiscent of an episode from the cartoon.

Overall I give it a "B+", along the same lines of enjoyment as Infiltration's first two issues.