Lovercraft's montsers have invaded the world of Transformers, the steam-punk version, and they've infected the Deceptacons! Only Optimus Prime can save them all!
The Good
I did not think I was going to like this book, but it really surprised me. I love the idea of mashing together all these franchises, especially HP Lovecraft's work with Transformers, which on paper (just a saying) should not work, but it does. Also, not a big fan of steam punk, which I guess this is, but overall, it's a really fun and nostalgic book for me.
Story wise, Infestation 2: Transformers 1 is awesome. I love seeing these two idea collide, and the infestation of the deceptacons was incredibly cool. I loved the design and how these two very different being/ideas/whatever were fused together. I found myself incredibly excited that Nikola Tesla is a supporting character in this book. I have no clue why, but I guess I love the "crazy science" aspect this book vaguely touches on. "The race to invention" is the only other way I can put it.
I love, LOVED, the art in this book. It was penciled by Guido Guidi, who has an awesome name, really captured the spirit of the original, early 80s cartoon, which from page one had a giant, dumb grin on my face. Although this isn't the happiest of books, it made me feel very warm and cozy.
The Bad
You really need to read Infestation 2, issue number one to fully understand this book. I'm sure you could piece everything together on your own, but it really helps to read the main story line as well.
Whatever happened to thought bubbles? Everyone just says everything out loud. Can autobots not talk to themselves in their "mind?" I just get a bit annoyed when characters ramble on and on about what they should be thinking about, especially when they're swimming around underwater. Just make the word bubbles a little more bubbly and then you have thought bubbles. Problem solved.
The Verdict
I've always loved the idea of all the IDW books crossing over, but I wasn't too keen on the first Infestation series because I'm annoyed with zombies being tossed into everything. So far, I really like the second volume of Infestation, and even moreso, I really like the Transformers tie-in. I thought HP Lovecraft and Transformers is a bold, unique, and incredibly unconventional combination that works very well on the page. It is a great read, and I found myself loving the art over everything else. The only real down side was that there was too much explanatory dialogue for my liking, which included character mumbling to themselves... underwater. I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it, but try to get a copy of Infestation 2 number 1 before diving in.