Never has there been a more aptly named series than “More Than Meets the Eye.” The office book club that developed around this series (no, really, it’s great) jokes about it, but it’s true.
Let me preface this by saying I didn’t care about Transformers until this past summer.
What changed?
I binge read seven volumes worth of the most intelligent, witty, and gut-wrenchingly painful comics that gave me what I lovingly refer to as “robot feelings.”
Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye delves into the aftermath of a four million year war, spanning across galaxies and peoples, organic and inorganic alike. The series follows the exploits of the Lost Light, a ship carrying the most marvelous cast of D-listers since Justice League International (https://www.comixology.com/Justice-League-of-America-1987-1996/comics-series/6906?ref=Y29taWMvdmlldy9kZXNrdG9wL2JyZWFkY3J1bWJz); captained by the incredible and incredibly incompetent Rodimus, they journey (in a decidedly roundabout way) on a Quest to find the fabled Knights of Cybertron.
It explores PTSD, mental illness, vengeance, and prejudice. Sounds bleak, right? Yes, but beyond that it celebrates friendship, personal growth, love, acceptance, and what there is to do in a future you never thought you’d have.
Not to mention this is one of the most LGBTQ inclusive series in mainstream comics right now. Surprised? I have two words for you: Robot. Marriage. The newest issue delves into how to “put a ring on it” and become “conjunx endura” (spouse) amidst the slow burn drama of a love triangle between three male identifying robots.
The overall approach telling this story is incredibly refreshing. One of the greatest strengths is the willingness to take time to explore and develop the uniqueness of the characters, both as individuals and through their interactions with the rest of the crew. But don’t despair, or perhaps do, because there’s also enough violence and soul-crushing sorrow to make even the most veteran of comics readers weep and/or scream.
Writer James Roberts crafts the most charming (yet also delightfully painful) series with grace, intelligence, and an abundance of humor. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will be ruined in the best of ways. Despite seeing so many comics, I gladly say that due to Roberts’ nuanced writing and ability to give his audience what they want while remaining true to his intent to tell a great story, More Than Meets the Eye is my current favorite ongoing series.
With Volume 8 having recently released and Nick Roche’s new stand alone Sins of the Wreckers starting today, it’s a great time to be a fan of Transformers and quality comics.
Don’t let this franchise comic in disguise fool you – give it a read, transform your comics-reading life, and roll out!
Read Transformers: More than Meets the Eye #47 on comiXology
Jen Keith is the Captain of the Digital Editors at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and it only took a few months for her desk to be completely overrun by Transformers toys.
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