“Defiance” (88 pp) was originally published by IDW Publishing in Transformers Revenge of the Fallen: Defiance #1-4 (January 2009-April 2009)

IDW Publishing has released numerous Transformers film tie-in comics over the last couple of years, but none thus far above average. But the second of their Revenge of the Fallen prequel series stands in, pun intended, defiance of that trend.

Unlike the severely limiting framing used in “Alliance”, the storyline of “Defiance” is set as far away, timewise at least, as possible from the present-day setting of Transformers Revenge of the Fallen. This means, of course, that the narrative sandbox is stretched far and wide and provides writer Chris Mowry a lot more space in which to play.

This freedom benefits the plot immensely. Taking its cues from the backstory described in the Transformers Revenge of the Fallen feature film, the script blows open the mythology of this new Transformers universe and, possibly for the first time since 2007, actually makes it compelling. Seemingly mining a few “2001: A Space Odyssey” motifs, the story has an almost chilling and uncertain quality to it.

Chris also offers new depths to the familiar characters, especially Ironhide, Megatron and, of course, Starscream, as their personal histories are explored.

Three new artists, Andrew Griffth, Dan Khanna and John Wycough, along with Don Figueroa lend their talents, almost tag-team like across the four issues. Don provided the visuals to IDW’s very first prequel back in 2007 and returns here from his Transformers retirement.

The new art team injects a previously unseen clarity to the complicated character designs, and thus help the flow of the story no end without the reader having to stop every so often to figure out who’s who.

“Defiance” is an enthralling kick-start to the Transformers Revenge of the Fallen storyline; highly recommended.

Category: IDW
Tags: Andrew Griffith | Chris Mowry | Dan Khanna | Don Figueroa | John Wycough

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