Robots in Disguise #3 Review (SPOILERS)

Yaya · Post by **Yaya** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 2:32 am

Weakest of the lot so far.

I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something in the writing that's a bit out of place. I think maybe the dialogue is a bit off or seems a bit inconsistent.

For instance, Silverbolt's out-of-nowhere nutso moment at the end was surprising in a bad way. I mean the kind of behavior he displayed was something that would make Grimlock blush. Maybe it's the whole 'cabin fever' thing weighing in on his nerves. I don't know. Strange behavior by Silverbolt.

Another example would be Starscream. Though the future betrayal and backstabbing is inevitable, he seems almost genuinely too good, which is again, strange behavior. It sort of harkens back to "Merry Christmas kid" Starscream.

And how about Prowl's genius explanation for Ratbat's death? 'It was suicide'. I think at that moment, right there, Prowl's balls dropped to the floor and kickass Rocherts-Prowl was lost to us forever. Seriously, suicide? Bwahahaa!

The plot of the story also lacked something. I found it quite boring, and Wheeljack's solution to the problem a bit anticlimatic. Nice that Barber has decided to focus on individual bots though. I don't think he should change his approach in this regard. Keep building the characters.

Art was not good either. Bumbletoad, though, had less warts this time around.

A definite step down from the last issue. Give it a "C-". Still better than Costa's stuff though.

Post by **Best First** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 8:59 am

I agree with your points but at the same time i thought it was the best so far.

I certainly enjoyed Wheeljack's charachterisation.

Post by **Kaylee** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 11:08 am

T'was alright. I like the artwork, for the most part. It was characterful and easy for me to follow

the characters looked a bit chunky in places though, particularly when they're in the background. They look like they've been penned with luggage markers.

The suicide thing: I dunno, I have to respect to cojones on Prowl to basically state "It was suicide. Ratbat obviously shot himself in the chest with a sniper gun". Unfortunately it's such an obviously made up excuse, I'm surprised the ace-strategist-logistician couldn't come up with something at least mildly plausible.

Starscream's inevitable treachery just makes his part on this story almost a farce. Silverbolt's hurling of every toy he owns straight out of the pram did seem to come from nowhere, but I'm surprised after 6 squidglion years (or however long this stupid war has gone on, at least since 1983 by my count) anybody would ever trust Starscream, ever. I mean he could save a drowning toddler from a tsunami and give it a lollipop and anyone with sense would be looking for his ulterior motive.

Bumblebee seems a pretty toothless leader

I thought Wheeljack's resolution to the explosions was... lame. It was a convenient "Oh wait, I have some technobabble that explains the whole thing!" moment, no nuance or effort. Turned out it was some twaddle to do with a moon being missing and Cybertron being borked that made lightning blow things up randomly. The short-term solution was "stuff".

Long-term solution may involve "things".

That said it was an okay read, though I fear the story is slowing its already glacial development speed. I like the depth and intricacy the writers are aiming for with the analysis of this new Cybertronian society, but it's unfortunately coming off as dull for me.

Post by **snarl** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 1:41 pm

I agree with this notion that the dialogue is a bit off, bit cheesy and simplistic in places.

Silverbolt turning - convoluted.

Starscream getting involved - little bit more convolution.

They're interesting ideas, I just don't think they've been executed amazingly.

It's likeable.

Art wise - close ups are good, not as happy with the crowd shots so much... something's lacking. They all seem to have fat faces a lot of the time!

Not a fan of the bright colours either, too vibrant for my old eyes. Gives it a kiddy feel imo.

DJ_Convoy · Post by **DJ_Convoy** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 4:05 pm

I just don't like this book as much as I enjoy MTMTE. Something's lacking, and I can't quite put my finger on what.

bumblemusprime · Post by **bumblemusprime** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 8:09 pm

I rather liked it, and didn't see it so much as glacial as an episodic adventure. May be the weakest of RiD so far, but I also liked what has to be misdirection with Starscream. There is no way that he is this good.

I agree that Prowl, for a conniving bastard in the last two issues, kind of rolls over. I can't help feeling that Barber and Roberts (Barberts?) are following a dictum to make the individual issues episodic adventures.

So if it's the Mike Costa Emo Tale of the Explosions From The Moon Five-Issue Saga, or the one issue episode in which the characters flounder a bit as the author tries to wrap things up, I pick this one.

Hound · Post by **Hound** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 8:30 pm

I thought this was pretty good, personally.

I think Silverbolt reaction was appropriate, given the circumstances, but it came across a little over the top.

Whilst it's inevitable that Starscream will go back to his old ways, I'd like to think that it's a choice he is eventually forced into making, rather than all of this being some elaborate scheme from the start.

Mr_Tigg · Post by **Mr_Tigg** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 1:00 pm

Not out on the digital store yet so still can't get this - bloody annoying! Need m'fix y'kno!

Mr_Tigg · Post by **Mr_Tigg** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 1:01 pm

Not out on the digital store yet so still can't get this - bloody annoying! Need m'fix y'kno!

Post by **Best First** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 1:22 pm

i got it on the digital store last thursday?

Mr_Tigg · Post by **Mr_Tigg** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 3:09 pm

Best First wrote:i got it on the digital store last thursday?

That's weird - I checked yesterday and there was nothing new...

Post by **Best First** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 5:01 pm

Can you see "same day as print 3/28"?

If you can under that there is a button for See All. It's under that.

If not... dunno.

Mr_Tigg · Post by **Mr_Tigg** » Wed Apr 04, 2012 11:37 am

FINALLY managed to download this.

Must admit I agree with the general consensus that this is a weak issue.

It's a nice idea for a plot, but it's not especially well executed so most the 'dramatic' moments fall flat or some out of place.

If Silverbolt is going to have a chip on his shoulder, we should've maybe get a little more insight into why exactly before he flew off the handle.

The first time I've found RoD weaker than MTMTE.