billt2172's review
3.0
When Transformers started as a television show in 1984, I was 12 years old, seeing sentient robots, laser weapons & later space travel, & hooked on it. I've since watched other Transformers incarnations & come to the conclusion most of the TV shows are marketed to children, & not the people who watched the original 30 + years ago.
This being the first Transformers novel I've ever read, I found it an interesting combination of the Generation 1 -G1- characters & other incarnations. I have no idea who the character of Hubcap is for example. This novel brought me to the realization that I want to read Sci Fi novels that aren't just robots, spaceships & battles, it showed me 3 dimensional versions of Megatron, Optimus Prime & the other characters that have been created since I started watching those cartoons in the 1980s.
The authors switch from the meters to miles & back again. Not only is it confusing for a reader, but why switch back & forth from one system to another? The book is still a Sci Fi battle, but adds to the mythology of the Transformers. Conclusion: It is much more satisfying watching a cartoon or live action version of the Transformers than reading a novel about them. I'll try another of this novel series if I can find it though.
This being the first Transformers novel I've ever read, I found it an interesting combination of the Generation 1 -G1- characters & other incarnations. I have no idea who the character of Hubcap is for example. This novel brought me to the realization that I want to read Sci Fi novels that aren't just robots, spaceships & battles, it showed me 3 dimensional versions of Megatron, Optimus Prime & the other characters that have been created since I started watching those cartoons in the 1980s.
The authors switch from the meters to miles & back again. Not only is it confusing for a reader, but why switch back & forth from one system to another? The book is still a Sci Fi battle, but adds to the mythology of the Transformers. Conclusion: It is much more satisfying watching a cartoon or live action version of the Transformers than reading a novel about them. I'll try another of this novel series if I can find it though.
adelaidemetzger_robotprophet's review
4.0
”I know how much it pains you to admit that I’m right about anything.”
“That’s not true,” Optimus said. “You were right about the old caste system. You were right when you said every Cybertronian has a right to chart his own destiny.”
“So in that case why did we ever go to war?”
“You know why, Megatron. Because you think that all destinies aren’t created equal. That the strong should rule the weak.”
“It’s not a matter of should, librarian. It’s just what happens naturally.”
--A quiet moment between Optimus and Megatron, Chapter 36.
There are many amazing quotes and moments in this third prequel installment for the Transformers prequel book line, but the one above has to be my favorite for what it represents and what was brought to light in Retribution.
Heads up, I’m a HUGE Transformers fan so this is an in-depth analysis to this book along with the justification that I somehow forgot to give after reading the first two.
With no sign of another Transformers book on the horizon it’s understandable why this one took up a majority of its plot in one location and ended the way it did. I had thought that this one would end with the characters finding their way to Earth somehow so it could be directly connected with Ghosts of Yesterday. But David and Mark Williams had this end in a way that could go on to the movie prequels as well as have it open for another book-prequel if Del Rey ends up making that decision—and…also be a prequel to Transformers Prime somehow.
Characters
Getting this out of the way. The very strange and unique method for the characters in these prequel novels started with Exodus and for some hyperactive reason I can’t remember why I didn’t explain it, so, I’m doing it now.
These novels do something I’ve never heard of before. Instead of sticking with a single universe—i.e. Bay movies or Transformers Prime—they take every single Transformers character from every Transformers series, ever, and mix and match different version into these prequels. For example, it’s easy to say Optimus and Megatron in this are from Prime because of their origins explained in Exodus as well as the front cover of this third book, but Kup is referenced to be from the Bayverse being that he loves smoking “cy-gars” which is something only the Michael Bay-movie version of Kup did as opposed to the G1 and IDW versions. Kup, Megatron, and Optimus = out of the way. Here’s a list of characters and their references in these prequel novels.
The characters not listed are either not really affiliated or significant with a particular series, or not in the books at all.
Bumblebee: Is either from the Michael Bay movies, War for/Fall of Cybertron games, or Prime since he cannot speak.
Jazz: He’s Optimus’ oldest friend in these books so maybe he’s from the IDW comics since that’s the only series I can think of where he’s close with Optimus.
Wheeljack: A member of the Wreckers working under Ultra Magnus, so that would make him the Prime version.
Prowl: Described as being a “master of stealth and precision” making him the Transformers Animated version since he’s a cyber ninja in the show. All other Prowl’s are police cars or jerks.
Rodimus: Uses a rocket bow in these books aligning him with Animated but his arrogant personality fits G1 or IDW universes.
Bulkhead: Has the Prime personality but is not with Ultra Magnus as a Wrecker.
Ratchet: G1 version since he’s not described as an “old” bot which is his personification in IDW, Prime, Animated, and the games.
Soundwave: I’m guessing he’s the Bay movie version because of his diabolical personality that he lacks in any other form of medium—he enjoys torturing others, for crying out loud!
Shockwave: Is definitely from G1 with the exact same personality as that of the old show. Although this Shockwave does like to experiment on things, he’s neither the evil scientist from IDW and Fall of Cybertron or the cold, calculated bot from Prime.
Starscream: This version could be from Prime or War for/Fall of Cybertron. He’s too brave to be the coward from G1, he lacks the remorse that he has in the IDW comics, he’s not slimy enough to be from Animated, and he’s not mopey enough to be from Armada. In Exodus there is mention that Starscream is affiliated with Trypticon station—which is from the games. But there’s no mention of Starscream’s past in Prime so in this case it could be either/or—or both since that’s a complete possibility.
It’s confusing what series these prequel books are meant for with all these mixed up characters, and the book descriptions don’t help. The front cover of Exodus says “The official history of the War for Cybertron.” The first thing I think of is the game named the same thing. But the origins of Megatron and Optimus are too finitely accurate to Prime. I thought the description for this book ended my internal debating as it says, “…Transformers Retribution, the prequel to the Transformers animated series…” That could mean any of the series since they are all animated—excluding the movies—but the front cover of Retribution shows the unmistakingly familiar faces of Optimus and Megatron from Prime, so it would make sense to automatically assume that’s the writers’ angle.
Small references bring the books closer to War for/Fall of Cybertron like Zeta Prime being a vital character in Exodus, which he was one in the games while there is no mention of him in Prime. But then there are characters like Ratbat that holds a position as council member in Exodus and in this book that relates him directly to the IDW universe. Very interesting method of world building. I’m determined to know who’s decision it as to do this before I die. Putting it on the bucket list.
Plot and Format Construction
I won’t spend too much time on the actual plotline other than a majority of the book is Autobots go on the planet Aquatron after fleeing the Decepticons and find an ancient enemy from the part of their past that they’ve completely forgotten. Quintessons are NOT a spoiler since they are mentioned in the book’s description, so don’t get mad at me because I’m talking about them.
If you’re familiar at all with the Quintessons, this book really makes you think about their role in the G1 universe. Characters such as “the Curator” play a major piece in the book and it talks a lot about the Quintesson’s original role, their intentions, and their thoughts on their so-called creations: Cybertronians. This also commits the amazing argument between Primus being their creator and the Quintessons being their creators. Instead of choosing either G1 or Prime universes as a foundation for the Quintessons in these books, it chooses both and evokes the issue of religious beliefs versus scientific evidence; Primus is Cybertron’s God and the Quintessons blow everyone’s minds when they go against that belief and say they are Cybertronians’ true creators. I was all up in that sh*t.
The Williams brothers do an amazing job using contrast in page breaks and points-of-views to show the dramatic difference between Optimus and Megatron, Autobot and Decepticon. You’d have to read it to understand, but the formatting on the actual pages of this book paint a stunning representation of why Autobots and Decepticons are at war without actually saying it.
Really well done action scenes that are trailer worthy including one of the best Optimus vs. Megatron pit fights I’ve ever read (comic or novel format). Especially since it is reinforced with the referencing of their previous bond in brotherhood.
Which brings me to the best part of this whole book.
Truth
Not only does Transformers attract the audience it has by being “cool” but it has a wide array of colorful characters that are easy to fall in love with. I often see the online fan community have generally positive reactions to specifically the characters of Transformers as opposed to the overall plot.
I thoroughly enjoyed Exodus when I read it—all of it interested me as it revealed Cybertron’s politics, the beginning of the war, and what the planet was like before the uprising. But my favorite part about it was the bond that Orion Pax and Megatronus shared showing that they used to be friends both politically and emotionally. They were fond of each other and it showed how before the war they agreed to disagree on some political viewpoints. It made it all the more painful when Megatron started the war and Optimus was forced to put his beliefs over Megatron’s motives.
Retribution brings those conflicted feelings back! Unlike the previous novel, Exiles, this one refers many times to who Optimus and Megatron were in Exodus and faces the thin possibility that the relationship they used to have as brothers still exists. They are forced to work together not once, not twice, not three times, but four different times in the book—which is exactly what I wanted to see!! The opposition brought to light between Optimus and Megatron in this book uses the two leaders’ difficult past to represent the very struggle between Autobot and Decepticon. They are the reason the whole war started. I know Megatron started it by committing terrorist attacks on Cybertron, but ever since the G1 series came out in the ‘80’s the world sees the oppositions of the Cybertronian war between Optimus and Megatron. If Optimus dies, the Decepticons win; if Megatron dies, the Autobots win. Mmmmm!! There’s not much I can say without giving away the feels that fans may experience while reading this book, but I can say that moments like the excerpt at the beginning of this review do happen in Retribution and it tears my heart up because right when you think they’re going to agree on something Megatron has to be the devil and stab someone in the back.
”Nice try, librarian,” Megatron muttered. “Save yourself while you still can.”
“I can’t leave you.”
“Sure you can.”
Optimus stared at him.
My heart!!! Optimus still cares!
It makes it so much worse when you look at the conflict they face after these books whether in Prime or the Bay movies—or even in G1 because you know how it has to end up. Megatron will never stop at his conquest for domination and Optimus will not have that so they’re going to have a couple death battles against each other until one of them drops dead--please don’t remind me of how Prime Season 3 ended. I just can’t.
Add the concerned feels and drama with Optimus’ issues with the Matrix of Leadership in this book and I’d say it’s almost perfect. Almost.
Despite my love for the character conflict and what this book references it has its flaws. There’s constant repetition in word choice—especially with character catch phrases and terminology. Megatron calls Optimus “librarian” every time they speak and it get old real fast; my Kindle app says Megatron says it to Optimus 26 times. There are clichés including several “saved by the bell” moments before it’s too late for the Autobots. It’s almost like the Williams brothers inner little boys came out too much at some parts—did they have to end it with Optimus saying, “Roll out”? And the big one: Human terminology such as phrases humans use on a daily bases and words that have ethnicity from Earthen locations like “déjà vu.” Although it’s not explained why aliens who haven’t even seen organic life forms before use all these terms but a really creative explanation I like to use is that everything being read in these novels or everything we hear is translated from Cybertronian to English in ways that we can understand.
Conclusion
As a Transformers fan and sensitive writer, I really enjoyed reading this book. Seeing the clues and hints that the writers put in there that only Transformers junkies can find was super fun and made me think about all the different series and medium. It also helped me embrace the fact that there is more than one version of this series and these characters even more so than I already had.
In ways Retribution is better than Exodus but the combination of G1 Season 3 plot mixed with Bionicle-style plot—plus the amateur writing mistakes—really overpowered the bits of genius here. Overall not as good as Exodus, but definitely better than Exile. If you love Transformers, you’ll want to read this book. And if you’re unfamiliar with Transformers, I suggest starting with Exodus and working your way from there.
“That’s not true,” Optimus said. “You were right about the old caste system. You were right when you said every Cybertronian has a right to chart his own destiny.”
“So in that case why did we ever go to war?”
“You know why, Megatron. Because you think that all destinies aren’t created equal. That the strong should rule the weak.”
“It’s not a matter of should, librarian. It’s just what happens naturally.”
--A quiet moment between Optimus and Megatron, Chapter 36.
There are many amazing quotes and moments in this third prequel installment for the Transformers prequel book line, but the one above has to be my favorite for what it represents and what was brought to light in Retribution.
Heads up, I’m a HUGE Transformers fan so this is an in-depth analysis to this book along with the justification that I somehow forgot to give after reading the first two.
With no sign of another Transformers book on the horizon it’s understandable why this one took up a majority of its plot in one location and ended the way it did. I had thought that this one would end with the characters finding their way to Earth somehow so it could be directly connected with Ghosts of Yesterday. But David and Mark Williams had this end in a way that could go on to the movie prequels as well as have it open for another book-prequel if Del Rey ends up making that decision—and…also be a prequel to Transformers Prime somehow.
Characters
Getting this out of the way. The very strange and unique method for the characters in these prequel novels started with Exodus and for some hyperactive reason I can’t remember why I didn’t explain it, so, I’m doing it now.
These novels do something I’ve never heard of before. Instead of sticking with a single universe—i.e. Bay movies or Transformers Prime—they take every single Transformers character from every Transformers series, ever, and mix and match different version into these prequels. For example, it’s easy to say Optimus and Megatron in this are from Prime because of their origins explained in Exodus as well as the front cover of this third book, but Kup is referenced to be from the Bayverse being that he loves smoking “cy-gars” which is something only the Michael Bay-movie version of Kup did as opposed to the G1 and IDW versions. Kup, Megatron, and Optimus = out of the way. Here’s a list of characters and their references in these prequel novels.
The characters not listed are either not really affiliated or significant with a particular series, or not in the books at all.
Bumblebee: Is either from the Michael Bay movies, War for/Fall of Cybertron games, or Prime since he cannot speak.
Jazz: He’s Optimus’ oldest friend in these books so maybe he’s from the IDW comics since that’s the only series I can think of where he’s close with Optimus.
Wheeljack: A member of the Wreckers working under Ultra Magnus, so that would make him the Prime version.
Prowl: Described as being a “master of stealth and precision” making him the Transformers Animated version since he’s a cyber ninja in the show. All other Prowl’s are police cars or jerks.
Rodimus: Uses a rocket bow in these books aligning him with Animated but his arrogant personality fits G1 or IDW universes.
Bulkhead: Has the Prime personality but is not with Ultra Magnus as a Wrecker.
Ratchet: G1 version since he’s not described as an “old” bot which is his personification in IDW, Prime, Animated, and the games.
Soundwave: I’m guessing he’s the Bay movie version because of his diabolical personality that he lacks in any other form of medium—he enjoys torturing others, for crying out loud!
Shockwave: Is definitely from G1 with the exact same personality as that of the old show. Although this Shockwave does like to experiment on things, he’s neither the evil scientist from IDW and Fall of Cybertron or the cold, calculated bot from Prime.
Starscream: This version could be from Prime or War for/Fall of Cybertron. He’s too brave to be the coward from G1, he lacks the remorse that he has in the IDW comics, he’s not slimy enough to be from Animated, and he’s not mopey enough to be from Armada. In Exodus there is mention that Starscream is affiliated with Trypticon station—which is from the games. But there’s no mention of Starscream’s past in Prime so in this case it could be either/or—or both since that’s a complete possibility.
It’s confusing what series these prequel books are meant for with all these mixed up characters, and the book descriptions don’t help. The front cover of Exodus says “The official history of the War for Cybertron.” The first thing I think of is the game named the same thing. But the origins of Megatron and Optimus are too finitely accurate to Prime. I thought the description for this book ended my internal debating as it says, “…Transformers Retribution, the prequel to the Transformers animated series…” That could mean any of the series since they are all animated—excluding the movies—but the front cover of Retribution shows the unmistakingly familiar faces of Optimus and Megatron from Prime, so it would make sense to automatically assume that’s the writers’ angle.
Small references bring the books closer to War for/Fall of Cybertron like Zeta Prime being a vital character in Exodus, which he was one in the games while there is no mention of him in Prime. But then there are characters like Ratbat that holds a position as council member in Exodus and in this book that relates him directly to the IDW universe. Very interesting method of world building. I’m determined to know who’s decision it as to do this before I die. Putting it on the bucket list.
Plot and Format Construction
I won’t spend too much time on the actual plotline other than a majority of the book is Autobots go on the planet Aquatron after fleeing the Decepticons and find an ancient enemy from the part of their past that they’ve completely forgotten. Quintessons are NOT a spoiler since they are mentioned in the book’s description, so don’t get mad at me because I’m talking about them.
If you’re familiar at all with the Quintessons, this book really makes you think about their role in the G1 universe. Characters such as “the Curator” play a major piece in the book and it talks a lot about the Quintesson’s original role, their intentions, and their thoughts on their so-called creations: Cybertronians. This also commits the amazing argument between Primus being their creator and the Quintessons being their creators. Instead of choosing either G1 or Prime universes as a foundation for the Quintessons in these books, it chooses both and evokes the issue of religious beliefs versus scientific evidence; Primus is Cybertron’s God and the Quintessons blow everyone’s minds when they go against that belief and say they are Cybertronians’ true creators. I was all up in that sh*t.
The Williams brothers do an amazing job using contrast in page breaks and points-of-views to show the dramatic difference between Optimus and Megatron, Autobot and Decepticon. You’d have to read it to understand, but the formatting on the actual pages of this book paint a stunning representation of why Autobots and Decepticons are at war without actually saying it.
Really well done action scenes that are trailer worthy including one of the best Optimus vs. Megatron pit fights I’ve ever read (comic or novel format). Especially since it is reinforced with the referencing of their previous bond in brotherhood.
Which brings me to the best part of this whole book.
Truth
Not only does Transformers attract the audience it has by being “cool” but it has a wide array of colorful characters that are easy to fall in love with. I often see the online fan community have generally positive reactions to specifically the characters of Transformers as opposed to the overall plot.
I thoroughly enjoyed Exodus when I read it—all of it interested me as it revealed Cybertron’s politics, the beginning of the war, and what the planet was like before the uprising. But my favorite part about it was the bond that Orion Pax and Megatronus shared showing that they used to be friends both politically and emotionally. They were fond of each other and it showed how before the war they agreed to disagree on some political viewpoints. It made it all the more painful when Megatron started the war and Optimus was forced to put his beliefs over Megatron’s motives.
Retribution brings those conflicted feelings back! Unlike the previous novel, Exiles, this one refers many times to who Optimus and Megatron were in Exodus and faces the thin possibility that the relationship they used to have as brothers still exists. They are forced to work together not once, not twice, not three times, but four different times in the book—which is exactly what I wanted to see!! The opposition brought to light between Optimus and Megatron in this book uses the two leaders’ difficult past to represent the very struggle between Autobot and Decepticon. They are the reason the whole war started. I know Megatron started it by committing terrorist attacks on Cybertron, but ever since the G1 series came out in the ‘80’s the world sees the oppositions of the Cybertronian war between Optimus and Megatron. If Optimus dies, the Decepticons win; if Megatron dies, the Autobots win. Mmmmm!! There’s not much I can say without giving away the feels that fans may experience while reading this book, but I can say that moments like the excerpt at the beginning of this review do happen in Retribution and it tears my heart up because right when you think they’re going to agree on something Megatron has to be the devil and stab someone in the back.
Spoiler
Even after that Optimus STILL turns around to save Megatron in the end.”Nice try, librarian,” Megatron muttered. “Save yourself while you still can.”
“I can’t leave you.”
“Sure you can.”
Optimus stared at him.
My heart!!! Optimus still cares!
It makes it so much worse when you look at the conflict they face after these books whether in Prime or the Bay movies—or even in G1 because you know how it has to end up. Megatron will never stop at his conquest for domination and Optimus will not have that so they’re going to have a couple death battles against each other until one of them drops dead--please don’t remind me of how Prime Season 3 ended. I just can’t.
Add the concerned feels and drama with Optimus’ issues with the Matrix of Leadership in this book and I’d say it’s almost perfect. Almost.
Despite my love for the character conflict and what this book references it has its flaws. There’s constant repetition in word choice—especially with character catch phrases and terminology. Megatron calls Optimus “librarian” every time they speak and it get old real fast; my Kindle app says Megatron says it to Optimus 26 times. There are clichés including several “saved by the bell” moments before it’s too late for the Autobots. It’s almost like the Williams brothers inner little boys came out too much at some parts—did they have to end it with Optimus saying, “Roll out”? And the big one: Human terminology such as phrases humans use on a daily bases and words that have ethnicity from Earthen locations like “déjà vu.” Although it’s not explained why aliens who haven’t even seen organic life forms before use all these terms but a really creative explanation I like to use is that everything being read in these novels or everything we hear is translated from Cybertronian to English in ways that we can understand.
Conclusion
As a Transformers fan and sensitive writer, I really enjoyed reading this book. Seeing the clues and hints that the writers put in there that only Transformers junkies can find was super fun and made me think about all the different series and medium. It also helped me embrace the fact that there is more than one version of this series and these characters even more so than I already had.
In ways Retribution is better than Exodus but the combination of G1 Season 3 plot mixed with Bionicle-style plot—plus the amateur writing mistakes—really overpowered the bits of genius here. Overall not as good as Exodus, but definitely better than Exile. If you love Transformers, you’ll want to read this book. And if you’re unfamiliar with Transformers, I suggest starting with Exodus and working your way from there.
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