My Little Pony/Transformers #4 out this week from IDW Comics brings the mini-series to it’s ending. There was no grand arching mystery or fate of reality hanging in the balance as the issue reached its conclusion. Does this mean it’s boring? Thanks to the work of Ian Flynn (writer), James Asmus (writer), Sara Pitre-Durocher (line art), Tony Fleecs (line art), Joana LaFuente (coloring), Lauren Perry (coloring), Jake M. Wood (lettering) and Neil Uyetake (lettering) the issue is far from boring as possible.
Summary
Optimus Prime and Twilight Sparkle finally band together the ponies and the Autobots to get things back to normal. The finale you’ve been waiting for is here!
Writing
The first story “Strength In Numbers” has Applejack doing her best to take on the Insecticons. It’s amusing to see how the Apple Family faces off against such an infestation. Sure, previously Insecticons have been shown they are strong enough to eat through metal doors, but Ian Flynn shows how if a family comes together they can conquer anything.
The second story, “Finale” by James Asmus brings the mini-series to a close by having an all out brawl with Decepticons and Changelings on one side and Autobots and Ponies on the other. It’s crazy and over the top but as stated in the very first issue of this mini-series, it’s all supposed to be about having fun and enjoying the ride. Well, the stories definitely succeed in this aspect.
Artwork
The art by Sara Pitre-Durocher for “Strength in Numbers” offers a good feel of comedy as Applejack struggles valiantly against the giant robotic bugs. The two-page splash as the Apple Family and Insecticons face-off is one of the best moments of the issue. With Joana LaFuente on the color, there is a great contrast between the earth tones of the scenery and landscape with the metallic exteriors of the Insecticons. The lettering by Jake M. Wood the jokes are able to land thanks to proper placement of word balloons and more minimal use of sound effects.
With the second story “Finale” the art by Tony Fleecs, the other great moment of the issue plays out. The previously fight scene between the two factions erupts giving off the same mixture of entertaining chaos coffered in the previous issues. The color by Lauren Perry adds to energy as the battle unfolds and the good guys prove just how powerful friendship can be. The lettering by Neil Uyetake doesn’t skip on the sound effects and instead helps keep the flow high as the battle reaches its apex.
Conclusion
My Little Pony/Transformers #4 wraps everything up but finds a way to hint there could be more of this kind of antics in the future. The series offered some zany and just plain enjoyable experiences. With any luck, this will not be the last time Cybertronians and Equestrians cross paths.
