Infiltration #2 - Reviews and Spoilers

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:45 pm

The plot speed begins to quicken. I liked the Ratchet narrative running through the book. His internal monologue is done up all film noir/old school Batman style. Lots of more car fightin' goodness, and it looks like next issue, we'll finally be inside the Ark, or whatever is going to serve as the arc in this continuity.

Okay, SPOILERS.......

Ratchet's holographic self hands over a fake version of the PDA R&R are looking for. But when Runabout actually grabs it, the holographic projection has been boobytrapped and electricity shocks Runabout, knocking him down. Runamuck draws his gun, but not as fast as Ratchet draws and fires what appears to be an exhaust gun, clouding 'Muck's vision, and allowing Ratchet and the kids to saddle up and drive off.
MEANWHILE...in Arizona, we see cops discovering a dead body. The coronoer remarks it's as if his entire body went into trauma and spasm. He's got no id, and we see a cop radioing what looks like a big, evil looking corporate board, with a MM logo and a CEO w/ a cowboy hate, all in shadow, all wearing sunglasses. He tells them that they've found the guy they've been looking for here on the reservation, and he's dead.
Back to Ratchet, he's flyin down the highway and decides to do a little plot exposition on the side. He says that the PDA was indeed what they're after and why they're after them. He says that the "his group" intercepted a coded Decep pulsewave that targets a human male for deletion. Thanks to the info on the PDA, he understand why, and that whoever the human was, he managed to do what his entire detachment couldn't. But before he can say more, Thundercracker comes swooping over their heads and R&R are on their tail. R&R have this kind of battle mode thing goin' on in their Alt modes where their car bodies kind of spread out and open, revealing weapons, battering rams, and other goodness. They look kinda like the new Batmobile. This makes Ratchet even more nervious, as the fact that the Deceps are willing to brazenly break cover means that the PDA must be more important than he had originally thought.
MEANWHILE...in Oregon, Starscream is holdin a pink globe pulsing with electricity. Blitzwing is there, and tells him the ore is pure, that they can begin. Starscream says good, and that since protocol has been broken, they can expect a response, and should be ready. Then he holds the globe up in the air and says "Destiny, Blitzwing, is within my grasp." Apparently in THIS continuity, Starscream has some sort of weird ego/power thing going on. Huh.
Back to Ratchet...dude's getting shot at from the sky, he's got missles coming from R&R, and now he's driving the wrong way into traffic with a giant red semi truck (?!) coming straight into him. He veers past it, and it smashes into R&R, knocking them off the road with a satisfying "kreaboush". Now that they've got some time and distance, Verity starts freaking out as the reality of the situation sinks in. She bolts out, and the mechanic guy Jimmy? tells Hunter he'll go talk to her. He goes and jokes around with her about how his garage is gone, alien robots are shooting him, blah blah blah. Point is, he makes her smile by making a fool of himself and showing some feeling. Cut back to Hunter. He asks Ratchet his name, and then has some witty banter with him. All of a sudden Jimmy and Verity bust in and say they gotta go NOW. Thundercracker has spotted them, and has launched a missle. Ratchet, much to the chagrin of the human cargo, waits until the last second, and then thunders away quickly, using boosters on the top of the back of the van while the missles slam into the ground.
They come upon three cars in the distance moving towards them. It's Ironhide, Prowl, and Sunstreaker! Sweet! They've all got cool gun that pop out and as Thundercracker comes closer, they open fire. He evetually gets wounded by one of Sunstreaker's missles, and flies off. Ratchet tells the humans that they're comrades of his who he summone belatedly at Jimmy's garage. However, the three Autobots transform, draw weaopns, and Prowl informs Ratchet that he's facing seven counts of misconduct, gross dereliction of duty, disobeying a order from a senior officer, and sundry violations of 4 sections of the Autobot code of interplanetary conflict. He asks if Ratchet has anything to say for himself. Ratchet says "Two words. Seige mode." (Shouldn't it be siege?) Prowl looks shocked, and we cut to what appears to be a Decepticon power plant/fortress sticking out of the side of a mountain. They've even got a nice big purple Decep symbol stuck into the mountain next to it, so the pizza guy knows where he's going. Ratchet intones "an image..redolent of bitter failure and nightmarish consequences, of bodycounts and worlds aflame. Things....fall apart.

Predabot · Post by **Predabot** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:51 pm

But... what the... I didn't think it was supposed to even be out yet??

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:55 pm

I don't know what to tell ya. I looked on Comiclist.com, it said it was released, I went to my comic book store, it was sittin' on the shelves.

Ozz · Post by **Ozz** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 11:15 pm

Predabot wrote:But... what the... I didn't think it was supposed to even be out yet??

It was supposed to be out on February the 8th. It's been known since several weeks. There's a thread in news forum with release dates for future reference.

Post by **snarl** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 1:08 pm

Got it today, think it is ace!

Predabot · Post by **Predabot** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 3:31 pm

It's better than issue #1.

The scrip is picking up pace nicely.

I'm not so sure about all the little experiments that colourist John Rauch(runs pensnpixels, I use his tutorials acctually) is doing in this book, but I'm getting a bit used to them now.

I still think he's not quite found his form here. I guess this new style of his is a part of what he's said in a G.I Joe interview, that he's trying to differentiate himself a bit.

Also, I think that some of the backgrounds could have gotten some better inking, looks somewhat sketchy at times.

Metal Vendetta · Post by **Metal Vendetta** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 3:50 pm

Is it me or are all the faction symbols a) photoshopped and b) black this issue?

Predabot · Post by **Predabot** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 5:44 pm

Hmm... Well, upon further inspection I'd say some of them atleast are photoshoped, but the colour per say doesn't bother me personally.

Metal Vendetta · Post by **Metal Vendetta** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 6:05 pm

It bothers me if they switch colour from one issue to the next...

Predabot · Post by **Predabot** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 6:15 pm

{re-checks #1}

Oh my... you're right...

They did switch colour all of a sudden.

Ok, this is an editorial-problem. And I see that Ryall is the partial editor for both #1 and #2.

Hey mr Ryall, can we get some input on this? What happened??

Post by **spiderfrommars** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 8:51 pm

An enjoyable issue and one that I read with a smile. Y'see, I thought IDW might jump the shark with this one, with some overblown fanpleasing robot fights. But its still nicely paced. I like all these vehicle fights. The TFs are mysterious. The reactions of the humans at the start were very realistic. Lovely drawn action scenes. Catchy dialogue.

I hope IDW hold on to the idea of 'infiltration' for as long as poss. Its really a fresh way of writing for the TFs.

Post by **Denyer** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 8:57 pm

Predabot wrote:Hey mr Ryall, can we get some input on this? What happened??

You may wanna stop over at IDW if you'd like an answer. I suspect Chris will be busier than last year, what with a new addition to the family 'n' all...

Predabot · Post by **Predabot** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 9:13 pm

You're right of course Denyer. I forgot about that. He's gone and gotten himself a lill' wun.

Can't be fun to be a parent and work. Hoi!

I dread the thought of those working-mothers and fathers that bring their babies to work.

'Cause that must be pretty darn hectic.

Still haven't been arsed to go and register up at the IDW-boards, but one of these days I might do it.

Stormwolf · Post by **Stormwolf** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 10:59 pm

Predabot wrote:Still haven't been arsed to go and register up at the IDW-boards, but one of these days I might do it.

I got arsed and registered there, but it appears that Silverstreak is also a poster there (unfortunately).

KingMob · Post by **KingMob** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 8:19 am

Stormwolf wrote:
Predabot wrote:Still haven't been arsed to go and register up at the IDW-boards, but one of these days I might do it.
I got arsed and registered there, but it appears that Silverstreak is also a poster there (unfortunately).

He's probably been banned from everywhere else.

I liked this issue a lot, the series has been a good read so far. Particularly like the direction it's taken with Prowl and co confronting Ratchet.
I've wanted a more...if not exactly 'military', then a least, oh 'starfleety' or something feel for a while. A sense of responsibility and that the Autobot Code refers to a set of regulations instead of a somewhat nebulous ideal.
Sometimes in't olden days it felt like the Autobots were just popping out to the shops.

Post by **Best First** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 1:44 pm

the only bit i founf a bit off was Jimmy and Verity's exchange, which as well as including vocabulary that i sincerely doubt i will ever come out of anyone's mouth in my life fell rather flat on the comedy front - unlike the facial expressions when Ratchet hit boost, which were ace.

i think what i liked most was the implication that Earth is one of many worlds that the Decep's have targetted.

the art just gets better and better as far as i am concerned...

Post by **Denyer** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 2:39 pm

Best First wrote:as well as including vocabulary that i sincerely doubt i will ever come out of anyone's mouth in my life

I'll make it along to a get-together eventually... malfeasance and ennui aren't the half of it.

Predabot wrote:I dread the thought of those working-mothers and fathers that bring their babies to work.

The kid can re-colour the Generations artwork... it'd be a step up from Yomtov in many cases...

Legion · Post by **Legion** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 5:03 pm

KingMob wrote:I've wanted a more...if not exactly 'military', then a least, oh 'starfleety' or something feel for a while. A sense of responsibility and that the Autobot Code refers to a set of regulations instead of a somewhat nebulous ideal.

Yeah, it always seemed more like a "morale code" in the past, but if it's a bit more substantial, thats cool. As long as Prowl doesn't start spouting "Autobot Directive 1742: No Autobot should ever report for active duty in a ginger toupee" that's class idea with me!

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 7:22 pm

Well, I think the fortitude of this new "military" style remains to be seen. If you totally screw up and break all kinds of regulations (ESPECIALLY in the name of humans), virtually all cannonical Optimus Primes are usually content to pat you on the back, buy you a pint, and call it even.

So, it's promising that Prowl and his buds are acting hardcore, but c'mon, Prowl always had a bug up his ass.

Predabot · Post by **Predabot** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 7:29 pm

When I said "dread those that bring their kids to work" I of course meant that it must be very difficult to work at a hectic pace, and look after the needs of the wee one at the same time.

So, I'd wager it's very tuff on the parent that choses to do so. Time off for both parents (well, if there is 2) is the best.

Post by **Best First** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 7:42 pm

Denyer wrote:
Best First wrote:as well as including vocabulary that i sincerely doubt i will ever come out of anyone's mouth in my life
I'll make it along to a get-together eventually... malfeasance and ennui aren't the half of it.

*makes note to lie about the venue.

Scraplet · Post by **Scraplet** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 9:50 pm

KingMob wrote:Particularly like the direction it's taken with Prowl and co confronting Ratchet.
I've wanted a more...if not exactly 'military', then a least, oh 'starfleety' or something feel for a while.

Yep, this is definitly a good step. Makes you realise that the Autobots have, until now, been a kind of militant union rather than an military force. Kinda Socialist Worker, but with plasma weapons instead of a crap newspaper.

Never thought of Oppy as a kind of Arthur Scargil figure before

And I'm really enjoying EJ's Tfs. I find myself looking at the intricate details, all the gubbins going on around the joints. I like the thought thats gone into whats actually behind the facade of the disguise. Like through the damaged side-windows of Runamuck (yeah, Runamuck?).

Spidy wrote:I thought IDW might jump the shark with this one, with some overblown fanpleasing robot fights.

I agree with your sentiments, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't dissapointed not to see thundercracker transform and pounce on Ratchet, as in the Guido cover. I try to keep it covered, but the foaming-at-the-mouth-fanboy in me is still there waiting

KingMob · Post by **KingMob** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:18 am

Shanti418 wrote:but c'mon, Prowl always had a bug up his ass.

Which is one of the reasons I like it; it's a logical extrapolation of the character, and fits the 'mission statement' for the series. The creators set the possibility of something up and then didn't choke on it.
Prowl is a great character for creating drama in the Autobot...ranks. Be interesting to see where it goes and what Ratchet's two-word explanation for his actions actually means.

I was a little thrown by the Battlechargers' combat modes at first, but the art really sold the concept to me. Pretty chuft with this issue as a whole, tbh.
Looking forward to the next part.

edit: loved the 'Bot socialist worker image, Scrap

Post by **spiderfrommars** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 3:47 pm

Anyone know what vehicle modes the 3 Autobots are based on?

Soporific · Post by **Soporific** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 4:25 am

I loved it. The art is consistently (well over three comics) good, and the story so far suits me fine.

The only gripe I have is that I bought issue one and two as well as beast wars. So, this means that between the sneak peaks of beastwars in one and two I pretty much had half of the comic. I like the uncoloured preview of the next month, but I'm not so keen on these three page previews.

I know I probably should just avoid reading them but I'm weak willed.

Post by **Best First** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 9:52 am

i'd actually prefer a reduction in previews as well.

However it seems to be a blanket tactic so maybe its an IDW staple.

KingMob · Post by **KingMob** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 11:25 am

Increasing info about upcoming issues drastically is a new marketing decision that's coming in from many of the publishers.
I don't know if it's a markedly new thing for IDW, but the others are increasing online preview content, and Marvel recently revealed that they will be deliberately spoiling all their major plot details in their solicitations.

Reading the ordering mags and Previews, even checking out the links the pros give you, is getting like knowing who Luke's Dad is 3 months before everyone else.

PS Unicron dies at the end.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 8:28 pm

KingMob wrote:PS Unicron dies at the end.

Is the because IDW decide to stop flogging a dead horse, or because noone wants to write about the rebuilding of Cybertron?