Spotlight 3 : Hot Rod

Metal Vendetta · Post by **Metal Vendetta** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 2:21 am

Preview here.

Picking this up tomorrow, I'm already quite excited by this.

Spoilers for those who can't wait: Redshirt Autobots! Dealer! Oh man, this looks fuh'n awesome!

Legion · Post by **Legion** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 9:35 am

oooh looks tempting!

Post by **Best First** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 9:36 am

BB Shockwave · Post by **BB Shockwave** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 6:21 pm

Can't wait for the sca... erm, issue!

The only time I liked Hot Rod (not a big fan of his) was in the annual story 'Ark Duty'. But I guess instead of 'screwing up and not learning a bit' this time Roddy will be a bit more mature.

Btw, those designs rock! I want that 'bus' autobot made into a toy!

Yaya · Post by **Yaya** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 3:02 am

Read it.

Wonderful stuff all around.

To make a Hot Rod hater like myself thoroughly enjoy this story, well, a lot of things had to go right, and they did.

Simon continues to impress with this well-written, self-contained tale. If ever there were a comic to take us back to the UK Marvel days, this story did just that. Simon has taken a naggingly annoying pubescent character, and made him kickass cool this time around. This ain't the Hot Rod we have all loved to hate. Nope, this is a Hot Rod that I look forward to seeing a lot more of, a Hot Rod who strikes a nice balance between being impetuous and being altruistic. Moreover, I can actually start to believe that this is a bot that some day would deserve to inherit the Matrix as his own.

But as good as Simon's writing is here, on this issue, Nick takes the gold medal. The guy can draw. And by draw, I mean he can tell a story. We have seen some fantastic artists in the past few years, Don Figueroa most notable among them. But can anyone convey movement and action, can anyone tell a story, as well as Nick Roche? I am hard pressed to come up with one.

A solid "A" comic, a conglomerate of #### good art and a #### good story. Out of IDW, only the Shockwave Spotlight is better.

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 1:52 pm

I gotta say, I really wasn't feeling this story as much as you were.

I've always liked Hot Rod. Even though this characterization had some subtle differences and introduced the idea of guilt, it still felt pretty familiar.

The story was average. It wasn't bad, it just didn't tie into the overall tapestry as much, and the whole, "left a buddy behind, now I'm going back for him" angle is old hat.

And I wasn't feeling Nick's art as much here, as well. It got a little too stretchy in some parts for me.

Still, not a bad issue.

Yaya · Post by **Yaya** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 5:32 pm

Yes, I can see how some might consider this story run of the mill and somewhat predictable (especially if you know Doubledealers character beforehand).

And yet, despite this, Roches art for me really helped blast through the wall of banality. For example, the very first few pages, with Hot Rod getting onto the planet surface by riding meteors in freefall were fantastically rendered. It was a crazy off-the-wall intro that really clicked with me and had me glued from the start.

Then, the way Hot Rod finds his way into the Decepticon prison complex, ducking and weaving from the detection of sensors, using both his guile and agility to rescue his "friend", well, I loved that! For the first time in my life, Hot Rod actually seemed competent of something despite his youth.

I don't think I would have enjoyed this story as much as I did had Nick not pencilled it.

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 5:51 pm

Well, having looked through the issue again after reading your post, I think that the only thing that bothered me really about Roche's art was the way he drew Hot Rod. lol Especially the overanimated headshots and overdone exhaust guns. They look like Wolverine's claws there at the end when he's talking to Dealer.

And I thought the way he broke into the complex was pretty cool as well.

Honestly, I don't remember Hot Rod as being this massive [composite word including 'f*ck'] up like everyone else does. Rodimus yes, but Hot Rod, he'll always be the cocksure kid who WAS still competant in the opening of TF:TM in my eyes.

BB Shockwave · Post by **BB Shockwave** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 8:11 pm

Shanti418 wrote: Honestly, I don't remember Hot Rod as being this massive **** up like everyone else does. Rodimus yes, but Hot Rod, he'll always be the cocksure kid who WAS still competant in the opening of TF:TM in my eyes.

Then read Ark Duty!

sprunkner · Post by **sprunkner** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 4:31 pm

I just got this. Still a bit on the fence. I would have like Roche's artwork a lot more if Hot Rod's exhaust pipes hadn't looked like Wolverine's claws. And if I hadn't read the spoilers here... yea, basically I saw it all coming the minute someone mentioned DoubleDealer. Still, there were some cool moments creeping through the Decepticon complex. The whole oracle thing... whatsit called... reminded me of G2 "Ghosts."

Post by **Best First** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 3:21 pm

i thought the most interesting things was the fact that the Autobots are prepared to steal artefacts/power sources as part of their war against the deceps, much like Primes comment in the Escalation preview that 'we may not be able to save their world' i like this grittier approach to the idea of intergalactic war.

Artwise - i really like Nicks more stylised look, so no issues on 'wolverine' like claws as far as i am concerned.

Storywise, bit unoriginal, but well executed.

Wonder what happened to ol Backbeat?

Metal Vendetta · Post by **Metal Vendetta** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 3:55 pm

I think we can safely assume that he's history, though it would be cool if he could re-appear at some crucial point and reveal Dealer to be the backstabbing bastard he really is.

On a related note, it's interesting to see the changes Simon has made to the "Dealer" character from his toy specs and previous incarnation...he was a mercenary playing both sides against the other originally but now he's more of a Decepticon deep cover agent. Also, it was a bit weird to see hi talking to Banzaitron in "robot" mode, as previously he would use the vulture mode to talk to Decepticons. I wonder if he even still has the vulture transformation...

Post by **Best First** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 5:09 pm

hmm, not sure i concur - he talsk about being very well off and Banzaitron talks about keeping an eye on him suggesting he in fact is still a mercenary.

Plus if the Deceps don't know about his con mode that's probably of even more use to him in terms of selling stuff back to the other side. One of the other side doing things for money makes more sense than having to payone of your own army whenever he does something.

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 5:10 pm

Next thing you know we're going to see Counterpunch behind Decep lines working secretly for the Autobots.

Post by **spiderfrommars** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 5:36 pm

The wall of banality(?)

*ahem*

Another enjoyable, stand alone story that widens the horizons of this new universe yet further. Doubledealer's betrayal was predictable, but nice to see the 'origin' of one of the more bona fide interesting characters.

Best First wrote:
Wonder what happened to ol Backbeat?

Word is on the street that the fire in his heart is out.

Hound · Post by **Hound** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:11 pm

I really enjoyed it. perhaps not as much as Shockwave though.

Roche's art gets a big thumbs up from me too. Perhaps he could tone down on the big mouths though!

Post by **Best First** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:20 pm

spiderfrommars wrote:

Best First wrote:
Wonder what happened to ol Backbeat?
Word is on the street that the fire in his heart is out.

heard it all before mate.

Banzaitron is a crap name innit?

Like his design though - what do we reckon he transforms into?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 9:39 pm

Best First wrote:Banzaitron is a crap name innit?

Like his design though - what do we reckon he transforms into?

Peter Weller?

Post by **Best First** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 10:25 pm

or possibly Shaky hand man...

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 10:31 pm

Overall, thought it was fairly meh. From the moment I realised the squad consisted of Dealer and cannon fodder I was praying and praying for a swerve on the grounds that what I expected was surely too obvious... sadly, I was let down.

Probably reads better in TPB form. Like those crazy Bendis standalone UXM issues that work as a segment of an over-arcing story, but otherwise feel a bit "yeah, that was good but... like, is that it?"

Metal Vendetta wrote: Also, it was a bit weird to see hi talking to Banzaitron in "robot" mode, as previously he would use the vulture mode to talk to Decepticons.

Which, to be honest, I always thought was a bit silly unless the purpose of it was to stop the Decepticons from learning about his robot mode.

Given the context, there'd be no point him turning into a vulture in order to tell BrilliantTron that he's successfully infiltrated.

Yaya · Post by **Yaya** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 11:30 pm

spiderfrommars wrote:The wall of banality(?)

*ahem*

Yeah, I took a chance with that one.

Turns out, it is a word: http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/banality

Post by **spiderfrommars** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 1:08 am

I know its a word. Just a slightly pretentious phrasing of it...

Metal Vendetta · Post by **Metal Vendetta** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 2:04 am

It does make more sense to keep his vulture mode hidden, acutally. If he wanted to infiltrate the Decepticons later, it would be better to do it as someone they didn't associate as being a double agent. We may see that later.

Post by **Denyer** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 2:42 pm

Very satisfying. Yes, the story proceeds according to expectation, but the wealth of incidental information and characterisation are what provide the interest -- holomatter disguises, projections, virus espionage, Doubledealer at the start of his career, and a bevy of (sadly short-lived) new characters. Plus a couple of formerly-known-as-Actionmasters, generic 'Cons and Grecian-looking golems, and I'm sure I should recognise what Backbeat transforms into...

Did find some of the details and expressions on Hot Rod himself a little OTT, which only added to the feel of it being an immaculately presented fan effort -- which I mean the nicest possible sense; you can tell that everyone putting this together had fun doing so. Enjoyed it as much as the Shockwave one. Limabean's big on glow highlights, and it fits the environments the story takes place in very well. Wouldn't know that this is a first piece of pro work (and second full issue for Nick) if not otherwise aware. Solid work.

Digging a little deeper, I'm curious why the Decepticons keep prisoners, unless it's a general practise "we can trade them back in exchange for some of our own" thing. And considering the purported power of the device (possibly a database or relay rather than the almost-magical artifact it's described in revering tones as) getting in to snaffle it was quite straightforward; maybe it's the TF elevated tech level that makes it so, or maybe it's been a well-kept secret up until now? Anyway, I don't reckon this spotlight is going to tie into events in Escalation directly, only in the general sense that Hot Rod is a special ops, derring-do type. He's also more competent than a lot of US comic-only/cartoon fans will be familar with, without sacrificing any of the bravado that makes the character. Keen on the idea that the Decepticons are counter-monitoring the Autobots and could feed them misinformation about Dealer convincing enough to prompt a rescue mission... intel warfare adds layers and intrigue, and it's one I hope will be kept up with elsewhere -- who knows how many longterm sleeper agents there are?

My only (tiny) complaint is that the paper/cover stock isn't quite as good as that used for the Shockwave and Nightbeat ones.

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 3:27 pm

Best First wrote:
Like his design though - what do we reckon he transforms into?

Not sure. A quick paint swap turns him into a fairly convincing Judge Dredd, though.

Post by **Best First** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 3:55 pm

Denyer wrote:Doubledealer at the start of his career

is that neccessarily implied?

Didn't realise its that guys firts colouring gig - good stuff.

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 4:01 pm

Best First wrote:
Denyer wrote:Doubledealer at the start of his career
is that neccessarily implied?

Judging by his actions in the flashbacks, I'd say he's been on the mission for a while.

[EDIT] And Banzai-Tron's an awesome name. It makes more sense than Galvatron - at least Banzai is a word in its own right.

"Ten Thousand Year"-Tron makes him epic
"Desperate Final Charge"-Tron makes him all glorious

Plus he's got a hyphen in his name. And hyphens are cool.

Big up the punctuation massive.

Post by **Denyer** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 5:21 pm

Best First wrote:
Denyer wrote:Doubledealer at the start of his career
is that neccessarily implied?

Didn't realise its that guys firts colouring gig - good stuff.

He isn't valued as a merc openly trading to both sides yet, anyway...

http://www.tfarchive.com/toys/techspecs ... dealer.jpg

Sooner or later, his cover's realistically going to be blown.

Post by **Best First** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 5:59 pm

i like the valued by all trusted by none notion, but if his cover is blwon and he just becomes a hired gun it potentially significantly reduces the usefulness of a bot and con persona.

i'm not sure that the idea of an open seller whose identity is known to both sides is one SF is going to actively persue.

inflatable dalek · Post by **inflatable dalek** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 6:13 pm

Brendocon wrote: [ Plus he's got a hyphen in his name. And hyphens are cool.

Big up the punctuation massive.

But IDW just did his name as one word without the hyphen...