Transformers Prime has allowed younger audiences to enjoy the Transformers franchise all over again, gaining strength on the live-action trilogy which made Shia LaBoeuf a star. With the writing of Roberto Orci and Alex Kutzman, who also wrote the trilogy, we’re sure to see elements of story that show us how humans and robots are “more than meets the eye.” In fact, if anything, this seven-part storyline shines a light on the gospel-centric sacrifice of Autobots like Prime and the way that humanity, in the person of Jack, has those elements as well.
The storyline follows four episodes from the first season of Transformers Prime, the “One Shall Stand” set, and wraps up in “Orion Pax.” There are some signficantly cool elements here: there’s a prophecy about Earth that Megatron and Optimus Prime interpret differently, showing us that we can believe in a promise of something to be fulfilled but find its meaning differently. We watch as Megatron wants to use the new power he sees to gain more power for himself while Prime wants to sacrifice his power for the greater good. We experience a retelling of Prime’s history, and how the friendship he once had with Megatron was twisted. And we see the way that the Autobots’ example proves to even some of the doubting humans that they want what is good for Earth (you just can’t judge a book by its cover!)
But, as a comic/cartoon enthusiast, I must say that the animation in this show is just amazing. From a plot and animation perspective, it’s rare for something on television to attract and entertain both kids and adults, and I think the robot-to-car transforming set is what it takes to get it done. Sure, I’m pumped about the complete second season which will be released on Blu-ray later, but this is an excellent story that should be good for new and old fans.
With long-loved voices like Peter Cullen and Frank Weller joining others like Adam Baldwin, Ernie Hudson, and John Nobles, this one has a casted crew to fill out the excellence that animation and story have already set the stage for. Overall, it’s excellent entertainment from Shout Factory! and fans of the show will be eating this one up, especially with all of the Transformers history written into the fabric of this current story.
