The brash Grimlock doesn't always see eye to eye with Optimus Prime, largely due to their differing views on freedom. But when push comes to shove, the Dinobots leader and his energo-sword is one of the Autobots' strongest allies. Longtime Transformers fans will remember the 1984 animated series' episode, "Madman's Paradise" where Grimlock was transported to the planet of Menonia, a savage land ruled by a ruthless despot. Writer Steve Orlando and artist Agustin Padilla pay homage to the episode by sending Grimlock back to Menonia to fight the horrors that still plague the planet. Transformers: King Grimlock depicts Grimlock's epic journey of courage and might on a monstrous world filled with magic.
Transformers: King Grimlock #1 starts with Optimus Prime and Grimlock repelling an attack by the Mecannibals on Harmonex. Grimlock ruthlessly dispatches his enemies. Prime's order to halt falls on deaf ears as Grimlock carries on his rampage only to stop when Optimus Prime informs him of the enemy's surrender. While Prime is of the opinion to spare them, an angry Grimlock wants to crush the Mecannibals once and for all. As the argument heats up, the ground beneath them cracks and a green blast of light transports Grimlock to a strange world.
Right off the bat, Orlando delves into the psyche of Grimlock, firmly establishing his character's worldview. There's no narrative exposition framing the story. Rather, Orlando uses conversations to meticulously build the world and its inhabitants. While the "Madman's Paradise" episode ended with The Golden One and the Autobots reclaiming peace on Menonia, Orlando shows us a glimpse into how absolute power can corrupt even the most idealistic of rulers. It is apparent that Orlando is enjoying himself by personifying Grimlock through his unique speech pattern as he is setting up the story to challenge the Dinobot's perspective of the world.
Padilla is back to IDW's Transformers universe, having previously contributed to Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters and Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots. Padilla's stylized art looks great on expansive panels of double-page spreads. Padilla does the heavy lifting with his action-heavy artwork as Grimlock moves from one battle to another. Colorist Jeremy Colwell, a long-time collaborator with IDW, deserves equal praise. His bright palette brings a colorful impact with its high-energy blasts and elaborate backgrounds.
Transformers: King Grimlock #1 starts off with solid world-building and an in-depth character exploration centered around a fan-favorite Autobots. Fantasy is not what Transformers are generally associated with, yet Grimlock seems to be the ideal Transformer to venture into this genre. As more trouble seems to be brewing on the horizon, the first issue settles readers into this strange, new land. IDW's latest Transformers miniseries will entice veteran fans and new readers to boot.
0 Comments