With three issues in the can, Transformers vs. The Terminator #3 sets the stage for the ultimate throwdown between the Autobots, Decepticons, and the T-800. Many crossovers have happened within the genre of comics, but does this one leave a lasting impression, especially on the Terminator universe? While that’s up for debate, this issue does pack a healthy dose of nostalgic references and dialogue you’ve come to love from both franchises. But is it worthy of picking up?
Like every other kid who grew up in the ’80s, I grew up loving both The Terminator and Transformers franchises. The best thing about both was how unpredictable what came next always was: That chilling moment when Optimus Prime died in the animated movie, or wonder whether or not we’d ever see Arnold Schwarzenegger aka Model 101 again as he was lowered down into that vat of molten lava. Sadly, that raw emotion and sense of wonder is missing here.
While Transformers vs. The Terminator #3 delivers on the artwork and action, it’s lacking star power in one of its main characters, the T-800. The guy whose mission was to go back and stop the Decepticons from taking over the world has become kind of a side character in his own story. This issue is dominated mostly by the Autobots trying to rebuild their fallen brothers and sisters and eluding an erupting volcano. This far into the mini-series, I’m not sure if the T-800 even seems like a threat to the Autobots or Decepticons.
Alex Milne’s illustrations continue to breathe fantastic life into the Transformers. He has an amazing eye for detail and knows how to make the facial character designs bring out that emotional connection with the reader. I’d like to see more of what he can do with the Terminator machines and how his creativity can bring it to life on a much bigger scale. One of my favorite things about his work is his ability to pull off multiple actions in a single panel.
Overall, Transformers vs. The Terminator #3 provides enough interest to make me want to see how it all ends. The pacing, action sequences, and dialogue were really on point; I’m just hoping the series starts to explore more on the Terminator side and make them feel like a real threat to the Transformers.
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