I can only imagine how Transformers issue 71 might have affected a Transformers fan who has only ever seen the cartoon. I can’t imagine walking away from this cover as a kid. I would have bought multiple copies of this sucker. So, does this enticing cover offer up a story just as good to go with it? Lets find out, after we inspect the cover art.

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Issue 71 depicts Powermaster Optimus Prime kneeling before Scorponok’s feet, placing his own Autobot symbol on the ground before his enemy. It’s raining on the cover as the two are outside. The Transformers logo says “SURRENDER” underneath it. Anyone who has not been following along with this comic would have seen this cover and gone, “What The Fuck?!?” The art has a heavy and gritty feel to it. I really like it a lot. So lets see how it does with representing the story inside.

It’s true. Almost right from the go, Powermaster Optimus Prime surrenders himself and his crew over to Scorponok in a scene that is nearly identical to the one depicted on the front cover. Kup is the only one whos is clearly not taking this surrender easily.

Scorponok is now basking in the praise he is receiving for the Autobot surrender. He has been dealing with Decepticons leaving his command and back talking him for so long that now he enjoy a bit of respect. Maybe to much. Infact, it’s to the point where Scorponok is ignoring the agreement he had with Powermaster Prime. To join forces and stop Unicron.

While this is going on Shockwave and Starscream continue to grow their little army. But Shockwave sees Scorponok’s recent Autobot surrender as a possible issue and pushes up his plans to strike.

Later, Optimus Prime finds himself in a cell with building stress of the approach of Unicron. Prime starts to think that his planned alliance with Scorponok has crumbled.

Over on Cybertron, Galvatron, Hook, Line, and Sinker have arrived and started violently spreading the word that Unicron is approaching.

Back on Earth, Optimus Prime has broken out of his cell, and recused Kup and Hot Rod. The three seek out and find Zarak. Prime pleads with him to join forces to stop Unicron. The two shake hands on the deal infront of almost everyone.

The agreement is short lived, as Shockwave and his fellow Decepticons bomb Scorponok’s base.

My Thoughts On This Issue

So for me, this wasn’t a horrible issue. It did feel as though it was a filler issue though. The stuff happening on Earth was, I feel, the focus of this story. I just found myself more interested in the stuff happening on Cybertron, or with Shockwave.

The cover art and the art within the book was great. I feel Andrew Wildman is really capturing the spirit of Optimus Prime, even if the writing on this issue isn’t.

A lot of stuff happened in this issue that I’ve left out so you can enjoy reading it for yourself. I will say Kup is a bad ass for an old timer.

So what did you all think of this issue? Did you feel like I do? Let me know. I would love to hear from you.

Transmission Letters This Issue

Dear Transmissions,

After reading issue #68, I feel I must speak my mind! What are you trying to do, destroy the comic?! I’m not criticizing the plot, Mr. Furman-you’ve done a great job since your debut in issue #56-but the art has hit an all-time low! And now that you’re changing artists all the time one wonders if this fine piece of science-fiction literature will be destroyed by bad judgment (not to mention lousy art!). I’m willing to give Andy Wildman a chance, but I’d much rather see Jose Delbo and Dave Hunt back on a regular basis! By the way, now that we’ve our very own team of mutant super heroes, what are you going to call them (nothing with an “X” in it, I hope!) Will they get their own series?

Name and address withheld by request

We certainly hope so! The Neo-Knights (whaddaya think of the name?!) will be cropping up again in TRANSFORMERS over the next few months, so-love ’em or hate ’em (and believe us, readers were divided on the subject)-they’re here to stay. We feel you raised some valid points about the artwork (don’t be to hard on Dwayne, he was pinch-hitting a bit for us on #68), but, now that Andy Wildman has taken the reins, we think everyone will be a lot happier. Now that Andy’s the regular penciler, and teamed with fellow Brit, Stephen Baskerville, the Quality of the art is just going to get better and better! Geoff Senior fans, don’t despair. He’ll be back to pencil and ink our incredible DOUBLE-SIZED issue #75!

Dear Transmissions,

I’ve been collecting TRANSFORMERS since issue #1 and have been pleased with every issue since. I personally think both Geoff Senior and Jose Delbo do a great job on the artwork. However, for every compliment there’s a complaint. I have just read issue #68. The storyline was great, as usual, but the artwork was the worst I have ever seen! Who is Dwayne Turner anyway? His stuff is well below the standard I have come to expect from this comic! I think you should stick with Geoff and Jose! Otherwise keep up the great work!

Keith Luczywo

Kirkland, WA

Well, never let it be said we don’t print negative mail! See previous letter for the artwork news! On the subject of Jose Delbo, this seems as good a time as any (duck-here comes another in a series of blatant plugs. Collect the set!) to mention Jose’s current project. Issue #3 of BRUTE FORCE is on sale now, and fine stuff it is, too! Just to further justify a plug on the TRANSMISSIONS page, BRUT FORCE is written by our very own Simon Furman!

Dear Transmssions,

Issue #64 was a disappointment to me. I did not like the art of the action. The mutant super heroes, I believe, are a disgrace to TRANSFORMERS> Circuit Breaker is okay, but I feel these mutants should be exterminated. Overall thought, this is a great comic. I knew Shockwave couldn’t have met his demise in Earth’s puny atmosphere! He’s the best-thanks for bringing him back! Keep up the good work and good luck to Andy Whildman. I will miss Geoff Senior!

S. McClain

He’s not dead! In fact he’s gearing up to draw our GIANT-SIZED 75th issue (after completing the DEATH’s HEAD graphic novel-on sale soon!) at this very moment! We always knew our team of super heroes wouldn’t be an instant hit with everyone, but give ’em a chance eh? And don’t worry, we’ll always remember who the real stars of this comic are!

Dear Transmissions,

Issue #68 was great! The artwork by Dwayne Turner was so exact and a lot of attention was given to detail. This has been the best issue of TRANSFORMERS since #50. I hope Dwayne stays on as regular artist! As far as the story goes, it was very good. The return of Circuit Breaker couldn’t have come at a better time (I was beginning to miss her). The idea of a human “super hero” team might well boost morale among the down-and-out Autobots! Rapture is very interesting. She, like Circuit Breaker, is not your typical “weakling female” many of us are made out to be. Please let’s see more of this equality in the future! Any TRANSFORMERS fans out there want to write to me? There seems to be a shortage of them where I live!

Dwayne’s Mom

(just kidding!)

C’mon, pen pals/TRANSFORMERS fans out thee-Kristen McDonough (the real scribe of this letter) would like to hear from you you can write to her at ***** ***** *** Mt. Clemens, MI

Back in issue #68 we printed a drawing by reader Johane Matte and mentioned that we’d like to see more readers’ artwork. Since then the Marvel offices have been besieged with drawings of just about every Transformers imaginable (and a few besides). When space permits, we’ll print a full page of these. In the meantime, here’s a taster for you (keep sending ’em in, folks; it fives the editor something to do!)…

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