REVIEW: ‘Transformers Galaxies,’ Issue #8

Part two of “Gauging the Truth,” Transformers Galaxies #8 is published by IDW Publishing, written by Sam Maggs, with art by Beth McGuire-Smith and Umi Miyao, colors by Josh Burcham, and letters by Jake M. Wood. This issue picks up after Gauge finds the source of the mysterious message, two Cybertronians locked in the brig: Arcee and Greenlight. Although she doesn’t know either of these Cybertronians, they claim they know her. It isn’t until after they jog her memory that Gauge begins to believe them. Still, Gauge has some doubts. Either way, not being able to break them out of their cell, and knowing that the Reversionists are up to something, Gauge realizes she needs to break into the mainframe of the ship to once and for all find her answers.

Gauge is a fantastic character and written flawlessly. She’s intelligent, a deep thinker, and immensely independent even though she’s so young. Her amnesia was the only thing keeping her docile in the last issue, and even then, she had her doubts about Reversionist society. Now that some of her memories are back, the fact that everyone is telling her what to do and who she should be rubs her the wrong way. She’s cautious of who to trust; after all, she doesn’t want to be used again. But even so, she dauntlessly pursues the truth despite the consequences, and it’s wonderful to see. It’s all these traits that make her a likable character and a great one to focus on in this arc.

Though this issue feels short and the plot isn’t intricate, Gauge’s character and her relationship to Arcee and Greenlight were entertaining. The trio’s love for each other as a family unit was cute and funny in IDW’s 2019 Transformers series, and I’m glad that this dynamic has easily translated to Transformers Galaxies #8. Seeing the three reunited will undoubtedly bring a smile to your face.

Like the previous issue, there are parts of this one, primarily Gauge’s flashbacks, that are direct references to Transformers 2019. If you’ve read that series, you’re not likely to be surprised to learn the truth of Gauge’s past. However, the flashbacks take a step further and reveal what happened after the trio boarded the Reversionist ship and how Gauge lost her memories in the first place. So although a few pages will be old new for some readers, there’s still plenty to this issue that’s new and exciting.

The art in this comic is a delight; if you read part one in this arc, there won’t be any surprises. Although there are two artists credited for this issue, Miyao’s contribution is seen in the flashbacks from the Transformers 2019 series whose panels are differentiated from the rest by use of scrawled borders. Despite this, Miyao and McGuire-Smith’s art styles are similar enough that the switch between the two isn’t shocking. Both artists have a wonderful way with expressions, making these Transformers emotive and every panel a treat to read.

Beyond the art itself, the colors give each panel a wonderful touch and set the tone of every page. The bowels of the ship are dark and foreboding, with deep shadows and highlights further accentuating the atmosphere. The heavy use of blues is a good touch, giving some panels a cold feeling and underscoring the fact that they’re not only on a ship but also in the depths of space.

The lettering facilitates the flow of the panels with its easy to read text and speech bubbles. I particularly enjoyed the fact that Gauge’s inner monologue looks different from the rest of the speech bubbles, allowing an even easier read.

Transformers Galaxies #8 brings another wonderful issue to this anthology series. It’s heartwarming to see Gauge reunite with her two mentors and Gauge is back to her brilliant and contrary self. Despite the use of flashbacks that may be old-news for some readers, the ending will definitely be a surprise for everyone.

Transformers Galaxies #8 is available now wherever comics are sold.