Transformers: Robots in Disguise #22 – Review

By: John Barber (writer), Andrew Griffith and Levio Ramondelli (art), Priscilla Tramontano and Levio Ramondelli (colors)

The Story: Soundwave vs. Shockwave beneath the crust of Cybertron in an ancient city WHERE TIME AND DEATH HAVE NO MEANING!!!!!!

The Review: I admit that I’m a little sad to see another month go by without an appearance from Starscream, especially after the prolonged delay between issues 20 and 21. All the same, if you’re in the mood for beloved Decepticons and can’t get a Starscream, you can’t go wrong with Soundwave and Shockwave or, as some of you might know them, the tape guy and Sark.

Though Soundwave’s claim to fame for many is his highly processed robotic voice, this issue has done away with it and instead reveals that, even in this more talkative form, still energon runs deep. Early depictions of Soundwave in the mini-series era emphasized the  self-serving and sly nature found in his original toy tech specs, while, after All Hail Megatron, he tended towards a cartoon-like robo-loyalist persona. This story, for it does continue from last month’s issue, leaves us with a clever amalgamation which I think fans of the character will appreciate. He hasn’t had much time to shine, but I think we finally have an iconic version of the IDW Soundwave.