Comix-to-Flix #39

COMIX-TO-FLIX is a JoBlo.com column featuring reviews of comic book graphic novels that have been optioned to be made into motion pictures. Seeing as the universe of comic books and movies is becoming more and more connected, we figured that we may as well jump right into them as well, especially since we love both mediums to begin with. We hope that you enjoy this new addition to the site and be sure to email us with your thoughts.

Transformers: Beginnings
By Ralph Macchio and Jim Salicrup

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PLOT:

Cybertron, a completely mechanical planet, is home to two robot factions that are at war. This war between the Decepticons and the Autobots grows to the point that it rocks Cybertron off its orbit and hurdling through space.

The “Transformers” eventually find their way to Earth where the battle continues.

“My desperate ploy worked, the human is freed-“ – Optimus Prime

Film Status:

Director Michael Bay (“Armageddon”, “Pearl Harbor”) is bringing the MUCH anticipated live action feature to the big screen. Bay is working from a screenplay by fellow “The Island” collaborators Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.
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Starring is Shia LaBeouf (“I Robot”, “Holes”) and Megan Fox (“Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen”, “Hope and Faith”). As well, a number of actors make appearances in the film produced by Steven Spielberg, such as Jon Voight and Bernie Mac.

One interesting fact is that voice actor Peter Cullen, who voiced Optimus Prime on the 80’ Transformers cartoon, has been asked to reprise his role for the big screen.

CRITIQUE:

I would love to say that comics made in the 80’s, like “The Transformers” were not expected to live up to the standards of the books found on the shelves of your favorite shops these days. But when you consider books such as “The Dark Knight Returns” and “Cerebus” were introduced before 1990, this is just not the case.

“The Transformers: Beginnings” tells the story of the inhabitants of the planet Cybertron. Cybertron is a seemingly peaceful planet that is, along with its residents, completely mechanical. According to Megatron, the leader of a rebellious and violent group of robots, Cybertron has grown stagnant because they have lived in peace for far too long and decides to start a war.

“Soon we Decepticons will have ground our enemies under our heel,” – Megatron

And this is where I completely lost interest. I realize that a 5 year old kid doesn’t care why cool toy robot number one wants to beat up cool toy robot number two, but do we really buy into this crap that some robot dude wants to start a war just cuz’ he’s bored? It’s amazing that this was written by Marvel guru’s Ralph Macchio and Jim Salicrup, who have hundreds of writing credits between them.

Awright, so we get passed this and the robot dudes find their way to Earth because their planet spins off it’s orbit cuz of the war, blah, blah, blah. Let’s call Stephen Hawking and ask him about the repercussions of a whole planet spinning off its axis– oh yeah, suspension of belief.

Anyway, then there’s the art. My apologies to classic artist Frank Springer but it just isn’t good. Like the writing in this book, the art seems like it was pumped out very quickly to get these books on newsstands to make a quick buck. It’s too bad because many books that have lackluster storylines at least make up for it with some breathtaking artwork. That said, I do realize that the printing and coloring technology in the 80’s was not what it is today.

WHAT ELSE?

A forward by Jim Salicrup and some covers from the original series. Also, for those who are chompin’ at the bit for “Spiderman 3”, Spidey makes an appearance in his black costume.

IN CONCLUSION:

Don’t read it for the art, don’t read it for the story. In fact, just don’t read it. Previews of “The Transformers” look to be breathtaking forget the book and wait for summer 2007.

“The noises coming from this car are really weird.”- Buster

GRAPHIC NOVEL RATING (3/10):

MOVIE POTENTIAL (9/10):