Review - Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers #1 (@IDWPublishing)

"Prowl has disappeared."

The Transformers are varied, with different factions interacting with other factions with mixed results. One of those factions is the Wreckers, who IDW Publishing hasn't revisited for a few years. They're fixing that in Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers #1, written and illustrated by Nick Roche, colored by Josh Burcham and lettered by Tom B. Long.

Somebody's kidnapped PROWL... but does anybody want him back? A lifetime of messing with everybody's lives comes around to haunt him. Fortunately, he's always got a plan. In this case... the one team of brutal, broken heroes... the WRECKERS!

Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers #1 picks up where Last Stand of the Wreckers ends off. Roche also wrote that series as well, so there's a continuity between the two series where the group are still feeling the impact of that series' outcome. That's not to say that you have to have read the first series to understand what's happening in Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers #1, as Roche offers a pretty handy recap at the beginning. Verity Carlo is the human ally for the Transformers this time around and there's a lot going on that makes her very important. The pacing of the issue feels a little inconsistent though as the characters seemingly jump from one location to another.

Roche doubles-down on the art duties as well, offering Transformers who maintain their trademark look and feel. The artwork has a newspaper strip finish applied to it that gives it some semblance of nostalgia fans of the series will gravitate towards. The panel layouts are largely gridlike, with the exception of a few insights peppered here and there to break things up. Roche contrasts the different environments very well, emphasizing the stark differences between the icy, tundra setting and the atmospherically cold space locales. Burcham's colors are subtle and effective as well.

Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers #1 is very much a set-up issue and it's looking to set up quite a lot. The final page reveal is pretty powerful and sets a strong tone for the remainder of the series. Roche knows the universe well and manages to deliver a story in the first issue that does cram in a lot, but it's not entirely overwhelming. Roche's illustrations are sharp and cut the pages, with Burcham mixing in some varied colors to keep things moving. Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers #1 is a good first issue that's a lot of background that will appeal to fans of the property in general.

Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers #1 is in stores now.