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First Strike Issue 3 Comic Book Review

The third issue of “First Strike” is on par with the first two.

In the third issue of writers Mairghread Scott and David A. Rodriguez’s “First Strike” event series, Scarlett, Soundwave, among others travel to Cybertron amidst the battle only to learn the battle may be a diversion for something more sinister plotted by Baron Ironblood and his allies.

If you’ve read the first two issues of “First Strike,” the quality of the third issue should not come as a surprise. Once again, it is very much an action and situational oriented issue in which characterization takes a back seat. Aside from the main players of the Transformers and Joes, one could argue this crossover series is more or less just a cameo fest. Speaking of the two franchises, for a big Hasbro crossover event, it’s a little odd that it mostly focuses on G.I. Joe and Transformers characters. Granted, it makes sense given that they are the BIG two Hasbro moneymakers, but it would be nice to see more of a spotlight on characters from Micronauts, M.A.S.K., and ROM characters.

The art by Max Dunbar continues to be the MVP of the series. The depictions of action sequences and character models are first rate. Without the high quality art, I’m not sure “First Strike” works as well as it does to be honest.

The issue comes with some bonuses such as a cover art gallery, interviews with John Barber, Christos Gage and Aubrey Sitterson, a “First Strike” checklist, and a Baron Ironblood/Miles Mayhem centric story titled “The Origins Of Evil Part 3: A Little Bit Of Mayhem.”

Overall Thoughts: Flaws aside, the final page cliffhanger ending pretty much ensures I (and most fans) will continue to read this series and the forthcoming tie-in one-shots.

September 12, 2017 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | First Strike Issue 3 Comic Book Review, GI Joe, Hasbro, IDW, Transformers