Today I’m taking a look once more at another issue in IDW’s Transformers: Shattered Glass, the miniseries where good is bad and bad is good, based on the fan-favorite alternate universe. This outing is, of course, by Danny Lore and Guido Guidi, continuing right off from the story the last issue left us, naturally.
Well, that’s half right. While what I said is partly true in that we follow Megatron’s return to the Decepticons at first, the real meat of the story this time is set in a flashback, where we learn more about this universe’s Starscream. Something well known to G1 Transformers fans is the friendship between ‘Scream and the Autobot Jetfire, and how they had a falling out that led them down separate paths. The same is true here, but with Starscream being the defector from evil, it being a mirror universe and such.
And to follow up the cliffhanger from last time, Starscream explains how he gained the ability to awaken the Titan Metroplex, likely a nod to the previous IDW continuity, where he was lorded as a chosen one by a similar such being. I love that this book is not only doing twists on classic elements, but newer ideas like that as well. Really, it just makes me want to see how Lore would handle other well known character dynamics or plot points in this setting (Windblade. I’m asking for evil Windblade).
IDW Publishing
Characterization is great, and I’ve talked at length before about how much I enjoy how Lore manages to keep these characters true to their mainstream selves while still feeling different. Notably in that regard, we’re also introduced to the very much fan beloved Soundwave, sporting an amazing green ’80s headband, who’s been keeping things running while Megatron’s been gone.
He’s barely changed from regular Soundwave honestly, only being more outwardly empathetic and emotional compared to his usual stoic and monotone self. Other than that, he’s the same loyal ‘bot you’re probably familiar with. Of course Starscream really steals the show (when doesn’t he?) with Lore’s interpretation of his cowardice in particular. Normally something framed as underhanded and snivelling, here Starscream recognizes that his courage is lacking and actively wishes he could find more without a leader to stand behind. It’s really good stuff, and a fantastic deconstruction and re-contextualization of his iconic traits.
IDW Publishing
The art is enjoyable, as I’ve said before. I like how rustic and barren everything is in the modern day, contrasted well against the mostly pristine and sterile cities set in the flashback. It helps demonstrate just how terrible things really did get in the thousands of years the war was fought, and how much more they may have to fight to properly rebuild. The character designs are still quite good, even if most of them are already set in stone of course, but Guidi interprets them well. Again, I adored Soundwave’s little headband. It’s such a small thing but it added so much to making such a classic design feel different and show how his personality varies in this setting.
IDW Publishing
Overall, another really fun issue in this mini-series. Shattered Glass has been a real treat so far, and that doesn’t seem to be slowing down. There sure has been a lot of Starscream focus in the book (and some other side books in this line like the fantastic Halloween Special I reviewed a short while ago), but that’s far from a bad thing. I am holding out to see if we get to see a couple more characters get that heavy spotlight before this miniseries ends, though. I hope that Lore manages to get everything they want to do in this story into the remaining issues, or perhaps it gets picked up as an ongoing, because it really is that good.
Everybody loves a good mirror universe, and when it’s done this well, it’s obvious why Shattered Glass was, and remains, a fan favorite part of Transformers.
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