I’ll admit, the debut issue of Transformers: Shattered Glass didn’t excite me the way I hoped it would. For those unfamiliar with the world, “Shattered Glass” is the Transformers version of the “Mirror Universe” in Star Trek. The Autobots are the bad guys and Decepticons are good. The characters are familiar but twisted versions of themselves. Some have slightly different alt-modes but most are just different colors than what we’re used to. The mini-series is an interesting one devoting each issue to one character giving us a sort of tour of the world. While the series kicked off with Blurr and Starscream, Transformers: Shattered Glass #2 sets its sites on Megatron.
Written by Danny Lore, Transformers: Shattered Glass #2 gives us the history of the Decepticon’s war for justice. Narrated mostly by Starscream, we’re taken through a compact history of Megatron’s rise and the war that came. It’s a compact take on everything and does a decent job of catching readers up on what has happened. It also is a little bit of a let down as what’s presented is very interesting but never gets a chance to play out fully. What should be memorable moments are cut short.
Where Transformers: Shattered Glass #2 works really well is the dueling narrative between Megatron and Starscream. While Starscream gives us his perspective, Megatron sees the history another way. It’s an interesting back and forth and the best aspect of the issue and series so far. In Starscream we find a person looking for a leader and inspiration. In Megatron we see a fighter who feels like he’s failed. Each has their perspective and neither is necessarily wrong. It’s a solid example of how history is written though.
The art by Daniel Khanna is solid. With color by John-Paul Bove and lettering by Neil Uyetake, the world feels rusted and rundown. There’s small details which make both Megatron and Starscream come off as wearied warriors who are tired and spent from years of battle and abuse. Much like the story itself, there’s more the visuals might have done to really play everything home but what’s presented gives us a nice big picture. The colors by Bove are key as they are the big differentiator between the “Shattered Glass” world and the Transformers we know.
Transformers: Shattered Glass #2 feels like the big picture tour of the “Shattered Glass” world. It teases the big picture but rushes through events. It’s an interesting miniseries focusing on a character at a time instead of focusing in on one. There’s a lot here to work with and hopefully this is just the start to something more. For those who have been excited for this, they may find it a bit lacking from what they wanted but it shows a lot of potential for many stories to come.
Story: Danny Lore Art: Daniel Khanna
Color: John-Paul Bove Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read
IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW
