Transformers: The War Within Volume 1—A classic tale not to be missed
by Jacob Malewitz
Megatron has killed Sentinel Prime. And a lowly clerk by the name of Optimus is on the rise to become the next leader of the Autobots. But he is just a clerk, a perfect hero in a sense because he is a commoner who can appeal to the other Autobots.
“The War Within” is one of the longest looks back at Transformers history in comics. That isn’t what makes this graphic novel work. What does is Simon Furman’s grasp as a writer of what the story needed, and wonderful illustrations by the artists.
The problem in the story is the evil forces—called Decepticons—came out of nowhere to battle the Autobots who know so little of war. And it becomes a civil war for control of Cybertron. One Autobot tells Optimus he should care. Instead of being a clerk he should help the people and become the next leader of the Autobots. Then Chamber of Ancients tell Optimus he is the leader to see the Autobots out of the war, but he doesn’t agree.
As a character Optimus seems docile. He looks younger than the legendary Optimus Prime seen in other comics, movies, and cartoons. The drawings of him reveal this youth. They also reveal the other Autobots, like fan favorite Grimlock. Grimlock does not believe in Optimus from the outset: he thinks the clerk is weak and that a strong leader is needed to take over for Sentinel Prime. The scenes are perfect introductions into the characters. The narrative moves between Optimus trying to find himself and the other Autobots fighting a losing battle. The Decepticons are focused on less, even Megatron and Starscream, with the story mainly revolving around the heroic Autobots.
Overall the story is a fast read. The plight of the good guys adds a sense of suspense to the tale. The rise of Optimus in becoming Optimus Prime could not have been told better. It shows a character who has to make choices. The other Autobots add enough touch and humor (like Grimlock) to make the story enjoyable. “Transformers The War Within” could be the best of the Transformers graphic novels. Choosing to keep the whole story on Cybertron, detailing the rise of Optimus Prime, and keeping the story a quick read are all ingenious moves. This story proves the characters of the Transformers mythos can be successful in any medium.
by Jacob Malewitz
Megatron has killed Sentinel Prime. And a lowly clerk by the name of Optimus is on the rise to become the next leader of the Autobots. But he is just a clerk, a perfect hero in a sense because he is a commoner who can appeal to the other Autobots.
“The War Within” is one of the longest looks back at Transformers history in comics. That isn’t what makes this graphic novel work. What does is Simon Furman’s grasp as a writer of what the story needed, and wonderful illustrations by the artists.
The problem in the story is the evil forces—called Decepticons—came out of nowhere to battle the Autobots who know so little of war. And it becomes a civil war for control of Cybertron. One Autobot tells Optimus he should care. Instead of being a clerk he should help the people and become the next leader of the Autobots. Then Chamber of Ancients tell Optimus he is the leader to see the Autobots out of the war, but he doesn’t agree.
As a character Optimus seems docile. He looks younger than the legendary Optimus Prime seen in other comics, movies, and cartoons. The drawings of him reveal this youth. They also reveal the other Autobots, like fan favorite Grimlock. Grimlock does not believe in Optimus from the outset: he thinks the clerk is weak and that a strong leader is needed to take over for Sentinel Prime. The scenes are perfect introductions into the characters. The narrative moves between Optimus trying to find himself and the other Autobots fighting a losing battle. The Decepticons are focused on less, even Megatron and Starscream, with the story mainly revolving around the heroic Autobots.
Overall the story is a fast read. The plight of the good guys adds a sense of suspense to the tale. The rise of Optimus in becoming Optimus Prime could not have been told better. It shows a character who has to make choices. The other Autobots add enough touch and humor (like Grimlock) to make the story enjoyable. “Transformers The War Within” could be the best of the Transformers graphic novels. Choosing to keep the whole story on Cybertron, detailing the rise of Optimus Prime, and keeping the story a quick read are all ingenious moves. This story proves the characters of the Transformers mythos can be successful in any medium.
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