REVIEW: ‘Transformers Galaxies,’ Issue #5

Transformers Galaxies #5 is back with “Wannabee,” Part One! After the chaotic conclusion of the last arc, Transformers Galaxies is now shifting gears and focusing on a new tale after spending the past four issues highlighting the Destructicons. Published by IDW Publishing, written by Kate Leth and Cohen Edenfield, with art by Alex Milne, colors by Josh Perez, and letters by Jake M. Wood, this new arc focuses on Cliffjumper and a tale of mistaken identity.

In Transformers Galaxies #5, Deathsaurus, on a mission to negotiate a new energy deal on an alien planet, brings Cliffjumper along for the ride. Cliffjumper questions just what his purpose on this mission is but finds his answers very quickly. It seems that the locals, called Probats, are enamored by Bumblebee. Years ago, a Probat scientist was saved by Bumblebee and now the Probats consider him a hero. Unfortunately, Bumblebee was a little busy, so Deathsaurus brought along the next best person: Cliffjumper, a ‘bot that is constantly mistaken for Bumblebee.

Transformers Galaxies #5 ties in well with the atmosphere of the new Transformers 2019 series. Xenophobia seems to be a common sentiment amongst Transformers and Deathsaurus is no exception to the rule. We also see more ire focused on the Nominus Edict that is the center of the political revolution occurring in Transformers. It’s good to see some of the same influences in Transformers impacting the elements of Transformers Galaxies, but, at the same time, this series and this issue still stands on its own and can be read independently.

Something I greatly appreciate about this issue is the quick and precise introduction to the world and plot. There’s never a panel that seems redundant or unneeded. This conciseness is essential for a story that needs to be told in just a couple of short issues. As readers, we get just enough information for the plot to be effective which also means that there’s no room for the plot to slow down and drag along.

Given that there are only a little over 20 pages to this issue, we receive a lot of information. We’re introduced to a foreign landscape, described an alien culture and history, and explained the history of both Cliffjumper being mistaken for Bumblebee throughout the years and the colonialism that these bat-like people have had to put up with.

As a biologist, I greatly appreciate the thought that went into the Probats as a species; they’re bat-like enough to be visually identifiable but different enough to still feel alien. On top fo this, their leader is named Natalus. For those of you who don’t speak nerd, Natalus is a genus of funnel-eared bats. It just really shows the amount of forethought that went into creating these aliens.

It’s hard to be conclusive, given that this is only the first issue in this arc, but the plot does seem rather simplistic, at least in comparison to the previous arc. I certainly don’t expect it to be as convoluted as other Transformers series, especially since this story only has two issues to play out. So, despite this issue being entertaining, the plot seemed a bit shallow, but understandably so.

Milne’s art is always great; he worked on my favorite Transformers series (More Than Meets the Eye) so it’s always great to see him dabbling on other Transformers comics. Milne has a way of creating very emotional expressions that make you feel exactly what the characters are feeling. In this way, you feel empathy towards Cliffjumper’s plight and disgust with Deathsaurus’s violent and greedy tendencies. The dialogue goes hand in hand with the art. It shines through and makes Deathsaurus an even more intimidating and abominable, making it a great villain in this story. The lettering also goes along with this tone, changing with the fluidity of Transformers, emulating the dark and bestial way Deathsaurus speaks when he transforms into his beast mode.

Transformers Galaxies #5 is a great start to a new tale in this anthology series. It’s fun, quirky, but also emotional. Although a bit simplistic in comparison to previous issues, the plot is entertaining, and the technical elements of this issue are beautifully done. I’m eagerly awaiting the release of the next issue.

Transformers Galaxies #5 is available now wherever comics are sold.