Summary:
“Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers” (SOTW) written by Nick Roche released in November of 2015. It is part of the larger story of the Wreckers in the 2005 IDW Continuity. The plot goes that Prowl, a member of autobot high command goes missing. While no one cares about him, the Wreckers can’t let him be compromised due to the information he has. During their search, the Wreckers discover dirty secrets about Prowl’s past.
Relationships:
The primary relationship dynamic in the comic is the one between Prowl and Tarantulas/Mesothulas. It’s no secret Prowl has his share of messy relationships. Each relationship in the comic continuity highlights his neuroses and this one is no different. Prowl’s relationship with Tarantulas brings to light his cycle of guilt and his ability to consider people disposable. Prowl commits atrocities for what he views as the greater good. He then feels regret over his actions and wants to be a better person. The result of this cycle is that other people become collateral damage.
Relationships (Part 2):
Mesothulas and Prowl were work partners and heavily implied to have been intimately involved. Prowl came up with ideas for unethical inventions and Mesothulas made them a reality. Prowl got what he wanted and in return, the Prowl’s pet scientist version of Mesothulas thrived. However, in succumbing to his guilt, Prowl had Mesothulas disposed of. As a result, he puts Mesothulas in a torture dimension called the noisemaze and has his lab destroyed. Prowl relegates the responsibility of their shared involvement in war time atrocities to relieve himself of consequence. Mesothulas as Tarantulas later calls out this hypocrisy.
This dynamic serves as fascinating insight into a character fans love to hate.
Another dynamic type often covered in Sins of the Wreckers are parental ones. Springer has had several different dads throughout his life. This serves as one of the emotional cruxes of the comic. There is Tarantulas, who made Springer, Prowl, who abandoned him, and Kup, who raised him. These dynamics interact with each other and provide a narrative point of tension.
Color Theory:
Color Theory:
Most of the panels in SOTW have a singularly focused color scheme. The exception to this rule is shots of the Noisemaze. The Noisemaze is a torture device meant to break the will of those held captive in it. Thus, the colors are chaotic and bright in contrast to the mostly muted colors of the comic. Oranges, blues, and greens fill the panels as Prowl is being tormented.
In the scene before Springer comes back to life the primary color is red. In contrast, when it’s revealed he’s no longer on life support the primary color is green. This color usage serves as a consistent theme throughout the comic. When Springer describes death he describes it as being red. Subsequently, red shows up in nearly every mention of his death.
When Tarantulas suggests a renewed partnership with Prowl the primary color is green. This color represents new life and new beginnings throughout the story.
Complimentary colors red and green represent opposing themes in Sins of the Wreckers. Thus, the contrast is highlighted through color.
Death:
Death is ever present as a theme in SOTW. Whether it be through the physical reality of Springer’s death and rebirth, or through metaphorical death, it’s a core theme in the comic. Before the start of the comic Springer has been dead for months. His death lingers over the beginning of the comic until he is revived. His death is a physical weight to the rest of the Wreckers.
Throughout SOTW, it is also foreshadowed that Verity Carlo is dying. Even from her first appearance, she looks paler than normal and erupts into coughing fits.
“Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers” is a comic that has managed to stand the test of time. Not only has it proved itself as a comic worth reading but also as a fan sensation throughout the years. This author has been in the Transformers fandom for the past 3 years and has not seen the discussion around this comic quiet down in the 9 years since its release. Many fans are obsessed with the what ifs and the themes the comic presents.
Additionally, the presence of death is a metaphorical presence throughout the comic. All of the Wreckers are dead in their own way at this point. Impactor ends up pre digging his own grave. Springer is essentially a walking dead man. Mesothulas figuratively died when Prowl arranged for his life and lab to be destroyed, giving way to the grotesqueness he embraces as Tarantulas. Despite death’s overbearing presence, everyone in the comic is clinging to what will attach them to life. The war between Autobots and Decepticons is over. How do former soldiers, strategists and leaders, go about living their lives now while feeling like they’ve already died? Transformers’ 2005 IDW continuity asks this question often. Sins of the Wreckers is only one more instance of this building thesis.
Impact of “Transformers: Sins Of The Wreckers” /Conclusion:
One could argue IDW’s 2005 Transformers continuity was always a hidden gem. Writers like Nick Roche, James Roberts and John Barber wrote compelling stories out of love for the series that largely went unnoticed by the general public. However, Sins of the Wreckers serves as a cult classic for a comic series with an already niche audience. The story is compelling and so are the themes and dynamics. While it helps that the story features the fandom’s favorite polarizing character, this author likes to think that Tarantulas had an equal part in stealing the show. His moral bankruptcy, love for his son, and utter desperation are ultimately what tie the comic together into something worth revisiting. There would be no Sins of the Wreckers without Tarantulas. You can find a physical copy of Transformer Sins of the Wreckers here.
