Review of Transformers: War for Cybertron - A Deep Dive into Siege and Earthrise

Transformers: War for Cybertron (WFC) is a captivating series that continues the legacy started by Transformers Prime (TFP). In this article, we will delve into the WFC Trilogy, focusing on the first two parts: Siege and Earthrise. While these series may not reach the heights of TFP, they are still well-crafted and enjoyable, providing fans with ample nostalgia and excitement.

Siege: The Start of a Thrilling Series

Siege is often noted as the weakest link in the Trilogy, but it still sets a solid foundation for future episodes. The plot revolves around the final days of the war, with the Autobots and Decepticons engaged in a struggle to gain the upper hand. The interactions between the characters are engaging, especially given the return of beloved characters. However, there are a few aspects that could use some improvement.

Character Sizing Issues: One of the most noticeable flaws is the inconsistent character sizing. This is most apparent with Astrotrain and Omega Supreme, who are depicted as being of similar scale, which can be jarring to the viewer.

Despite these issues, Siege introduces some intriguing characters. My personal favorite is Jetfire, who offers a fascinating backstory as a Decepticon who defects to the Autobots. Jetfire's role as a supporting character, appreciated by many fans, adds depth to the overall narrative. Another standout moment is the appearance of Omega Supreme, which is a thrilling developmental moment for the show.

Earthrise: Improvements and New Directions

Earthrise picks up where Siege leaves off, depicting a more fleshed-out and intricate storyline. The primary change from Siege is the use of in-scale character sizes, which greatly enhances the visual experience. Additionally, the introduction of new characters, such as the Mercenaries and Unicron, adds a fresh element to the show.

Character Development: One of the most significant strengths of Earthrise is the character development. We see how each character grapples with their struggles, fears, and hopes. The new characters, including Deeseus, Scorponok, Sky Lynx, and Galvatron, further enrich the series with their diverse personalities and motivations. Unicron's appearance, although somewhat sporadically introduced, adds a grand scale to the narrative.

Final Thoughts on the WFC Trilogy

While neither Siege nor Earthrise reach the pinnacle of TFP quality, they are still well-crafted shows that offer a satisfying experience for Transformers fans. The inclusion of new characters and a more developed plot structure makes Earthrise a better portrayal overall. However, there are still areas that could benefit from improvement, especially in terms of character sizing and depth.

Future Prospects: Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Transformers Kingdom, which promises to unite the main cast with the Beast Wars cast for a grand finale. The storyline has the potential to be exceptional, but it is essential to ensure that the legend of TFP's voice actors returns. The key voice actors I hope to see include:

Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime Frank Welker as Megatron Will Friedle as Bumblebee Steve Blum as Starscream Sumalee Montano as Arcee Jess Harnell and Peter Cullen as Ironhide Frank Welker as Soundwave David Kaye as Optimus Primal Jonathan Lipow or John Noble as Unicron

Ultimately, the success of the WFC Trilogy hinges on these returning actors and their ability to bring their characters to life. While the shows are not perfect, they do provide an exciting jumping-off point for a grander narrative.