The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye is an ongoing comic series published by IDW Publishing, starting in January 2012. This series follows the adventures of Rodimus and his team as they travel through space, hunting for the legendary Knights of Cybertron (so they tell themselves) and having adventures along the way. But mostly it's about lonely nobodies hanging out pretending they have friends. - TFWiki
More than Meets the Eye is a brilliant mix of trashy fun and sharp wit, embracing its unapologetic nature. It's far from just robots and battles; this comic series is packed with depth. It explores themes like identity crises and the consequences of war, all wrapped in humor and classic sci-fi tropes. Each issue feels fresh, blending body horror, sitcom antics, and Star Trek-like adventures, making it a series with something for every reader.
I first came across MTMTE during a Transformers chat while discussing Transformers: Prime and my favorite character, Knockout. I adored him in the show but was disappointed with his portrayal in the IDW comics, jokingly lamenting his happy marriage there.
That's when my friend suggested MTMTE, mentioning it's a series where happiness is rare and relationships are complex. Intrigued and a bit doubtful, I decided to give it a try.
Once I started, I couldn't stop and binge-read the entire series in just two days. MTMTE was unlike any other Transformers story I'd read before. The characters were deeply flawed, the relationships were intricate, and the narrative was rich with tension. It was precisely the kind of storytelling I had been craving.
The characters in MTMTE are so unique. They're like has-beens, trying to relive their glory days, but always hitting the wall of their trauma-riddled pasts. Their relationships are a beautifully disastrous mess, from eons-long marriages to 'friendships' that make you question what friendship even means. James Roberts isn’t just telling Transformer stories; he’s creating romances and dramas that other writers can only dream of.
Roberts doesn’t just skim themes like the soul-sucking nature of labor or the oppression boot heel; he dives in headfirst. It’s grim watching these characters' scarred histories twist through the narrative, making it clear there’s no simple 'happily ever after' for this crew. They’re messed up in ways that a neat bow on the final page can’t fix, and that’s part of the charm.
Community is a big theme in MTMTE. These bots can’t drift apart to find peace because their shared sense of community is what keeps them balanced. They left a reborn Cybertron not finding what they needed, and they return just as lost. They’ve made peace with their pasts but can’t escape them, making their bonds even more crucial. The end of Lost Light pissed off a lot of people, but I loved it. It’s raw. It leaves things unresolved, embracing the chaos of jumping into the great unknown rather than rotting in place.
James Roberts, man, what hasn’t been said about him? His knack for character depth and his mastery in weaving significant arcs deserve another round of applause. Every plot point, every bit of on-the-spot world exposition feels deserved, earned, like it’s exactly where it needs to be. Hands down, MTMTE is the pinnacle of fiction out there, and nothing else even comes close.
One-time Matrix holder. Arrogant, rash, and cocksure, Rodimus - formerly Hot Rod - masks his insecurities with a rebellious disdain for authority. Destined for leadership but often unsure how to wield it, he makes impulsive decisions that require his loyal crew to mitigate. Despite his flaws, Rodimus' charisma and earnest desire to emulate heroic leaders inspire those around him.
Takes job (and everything else) extremely seriously. Upholder of the law, enforcer of justice. Burly, unyielding, and dedicated, Ultra Magnus is the stern, no-nonsense backbone of the Lost Light's command structure. His rigid adherence to rules often puts him at odds with the more relaxed crew members.
Ex-Decepticon. Longs to be defined in some other way. Recent brush with death has reawakened his spiritual side. Abandoned guns for swords and seeks redemption through disciplined action. Despite his loner attitude, Drift yearns for acceptance and struggles with his dark past.
A world-weary super-medic with unreliable hands. Kind, but not as kind as he once was. Formerly bright and idealistic, Ratchet's compassion is hidden beneath a cantankerous façade cultivated through millions of years of war. His medical expertise is unmatched, yet his advancing age and deteriorating dexterity trouble him.
Good friend to all, best friend to none. Weapon of choice: the mouth. Gregarious and enthusiastic, Swerve hides his low self-esteem behind a barrage of jokes and quips. His metallurgical expertise is matched only by his distractibility and legendarily poor aim.
Ex-Wrecker. Twice voted "Autobot most likely to defect." Believes insanity is an effective weapon. Known for erratic behavior and a troubled psyche, Whirl is both feared and loved by his comrades. Initially a watchmaker, he was forced into the Senate's service AND underwent the barbaric empurata ritual.
Not a Decepticon. Ex-zombie with a severe antipathy towards Whirl (who doesn't?). Old and worn, prefers emotions felt, not heard, leading to misunderstandings. Seeking new purpose, joined the Lost Light after Cybertron's restoration. Slowly warming up and mellowing out.
Naïve and desperate to be liked. Childlike tendency towards extremes and impulsive obsessions. Spins tall tales to impress, often leading to disaster. Broadly unfocused, frequently distracted, and easily led. Terrible at timekeeping. Despite his flaws, he's a 'Bot with a spark of gold.
A walking database. Passionate and kind-hearted. Sees the best in everyone. Uses head-mounted camera to record history as it happens. Dedicated to preserving memories, especially those involving his loved ones.
An ex-cop and quiet academic with burning passions. Falls easily in love and into self-destructive habits. Conjunx Endura with Rewind. Cynical, prone to moping, and resents his talents. Tries to quit mnemosurgery but always finds an excuse for "just one more time."
Smarter than you and wants you to know it. Boastful, dodgy, and a bit of a coward. Builds shocking, edgy weapons. Holds his few friends dear. Wishes someone who barely knew him loved him.
Brilliant scientist turned cold, detached sniper after a brush with death. Clinical focus and built-in magnification make him a deadly shot. Joined the Wreckers for his sniper skills. Now serves on the Lost Light, rediscovering his old self.
Upbeat demeanor hides a brilliant mind. Master of engineering, literature, cartography, moral philosophy, and linguistics. Often socially clueless.
Often forgotten and fades into the background. Fast learner who adapts quickly.
Regarding issue 16, Roberts mentioned being a fan of Stephen Moffat’s Doctor Who. He was particularly thrilled by the openings of two grand-finale episodes, "The Pandorica Opens" and "A Good Man Goes to War." Interestingly, these are also among my favorite episodes. Roberts aimed to emulate the feelings from those episodes in Issue 16, which might explain why I love it so much.
I also have a special appreciation for issues where Milne's line work meets Burcham's coloring. Milne's art is a masterpiece of detail and intensity, with each line adding to the gravity and scope of the tale. His sharp, dynamic lines inject a sense of urgency and tension, making the action scenes particularly gripping. Despite some drawbacks, like overly busy panels and occasional inconsistencies in character design, his artwork captures the fast-paced essence of the story brilliantly. Burcham's coloring brings a different dimension to the comic. His warm and gritty hues are perfect for conveying the chaotic and intense atmosphere of MTMTE. The colors feel raw and vivid, reflecting the exhaustion and emotional depth of the characters while maintaining clarity and impact.
I like almost every character in MTMTE. Every time I re-read it, I find a new favorite. Unfortunately, I've never been able to make myself like Rung or Tailgate.
As you'll soon discover, I'm the number one Simpatico fan. I also love CD/RW, though I find the idea of pre-canon Brainstorm/Chromedome intriguing - regardless, I adore how their relationship is portrayed in the comics. Ratchet/Pharma and First Aid/Pharma are both interesting in their own ways. It's a bit niche, but I also love Snare/Impactor. Rodimus/Drift is another favorite, though it was never going to be endgame, and that's fine by me because they're toxic anyway!
Rodimus and Perceptor have this odd dynamic that feels like "why does Rodimus call you babygirl" energy before the Overlord incident. Although I'm not a big fan of Drift/Perceptor, I can see it being plausible for a while. Also, Brainstorm is totally a perma-virgin until Perceptor comes along, but the idea of Whirl and Brainstorm being friends with benefits is funny to me.
I much prefer Cyclonus/Whirl over Cyclonus' canon relationship. Finally, while I find Skids/Nautica cute, I believe they work better as friends. Nautica/Velocity is a much better pairing anyway.
Alright, so the 'most interesting ship' award in MTMTE definitely goes to CD/RW, but I can't help but hype up my favorites - Brainstorm and Perceptor, aka Simpatico. I'm completely hooked on these two, both together and on their own. I've torn through every single fanfic with them on AO3 (and I do mean every single one). The minute Brainstorm popped up, I was like, 'Oh, this guy’s my guy.'
While I don’t "kin" because I'm an adult with a job, it almost felt like James Roberts was writing Brainstorm with bits of my brain or something. Much like Brainstorm, I also have an intense desire to pop open Perceptor’s chassis and poke around in his wiring. Anyway...
Anyone who says Brainstorm and Perceptor aren’t soulmates is in serious denial, probably because they ship Brainstorm/Nautica or Perceptor/Drift or something else (I’ve seen one of these people hate on Simpatico because they like Rodimus/Perceptor, which is like… fine? But you set yourself up for disappointment with that one). These same people try to label Simpatico as "problematic" (how?), but that’s also a massive cope. Lastly, those who claim that James Roberts "destroyed Perceptor’s character" for the sake of a ship are also coping hard. All this to say, hoes mad.
With all that out of the way, on to the ship manifesto.
Brainstorm makes his grand entrance as this wild, amoral engineer - always on the brink, teetering between liability and straight-up menace with his boundary-pushing inventions. But beneath that exterior lies a deep, selfless love and a fierce commitment to those he cares about. His time machine wasn’t just a flashy invention; it was a desperate attempt to change the future for the better. Initially, he wanted to save his unrequited love from a prison camp, but when he realized he could stop the war and save his friend's partner - even if it meant erasing his own existence, since he was created for the war - his guilt drove him to make that sacrifice. The real danger with Brainstorm isn't his inventions - it's how far he'll go for the people he loves.
Perceptor's appearances in earlier comics showed him as talkative and passionate about science, but this changes dramatically following a near-death experience, leading him to become more reserved and emotionally detached, perceiving his feelings and expressions as vulnerabilities. This shift is emphasized during the war and his time with the Wreckers, where he suppresses his previous identity. Speaking became a perceived weakness, and his feelings were seen as liabilities. Despite this, the end of the war allows Perceptor to engage once again in his passions aboard the Lost Light, rediscovering his love for speaking, reengaging with his scientific pursuits, and reconnecting with his former self.
The relationship between Brainstorm and Perceptor is one of the most compelling and complex dynamics in their universe. At first glance, they seem like rivals: Brainstorm, the dangerously eccentric engineer who constantly pushes the limits of ethics and safety, and Perceptor, the hyper-competent genius who is skeptical and wary of Brainstorm’s reckless tendencies.
Perceptor’s wariness isn’t just because of Brainstorm’s questionable morality; it’s rooted in a fear of what Brainstorm might be hiding - something potentially catastrophic (given Brainstorm's reputation for creating unethical weapons and his stint as a double agent, Perceptor’s suspicion and hostility are entirely justified). This skepticism is compounded by the fact that Brainstorm seems to revel in provoking him, turning their relationship into a one-sided rivalry. However, Brainstorm’s increasingly outrageous ideas are actually a bid for Perceptor’s attention, all while concealing a more genuine affection. The irritation he causes Perceptor is a deliberate tactic, intended to keep him at a distance and protect his own secret plans involving the time machine.
Reducing their relationship to "Brainstorm annoys, Perceptor ignores" misses the depth and evolution of their connection. As their story progresses, their relationship shifts from rivalry to partnership, close friendship, and eventually something much more profound.
Despite their many differences - both in personality and in approach to science - Brainstorm and Perceptor gradually develop a deep, though initially reluctant, understanding of each other. At first, this understanding is born more out of necessity than choice. Forced to work together over centuries, they each learn to navigate the other's quirks, temperaments, and idiosyncrasies. What makes them click is precisely this understanding of the other - they’ve had ages to study each other, peel back the layers, and appreciate who the other truly is.
The turning point in their relationship comes during Brainstorm’s trial, a moment that changes everything. Brainstorm, who once appeared as a reckless genius driven by self-interest, opens up about his fears, loneliness, and deep emotional struggles. This isn’t the Brainstorm everyone thought they knew. He’s not just a brilliant inventor with a penchant for trouble - he’s vulnerable, driven by a profound love and a desire to do good, even at great personal cost. It’s this raw honesty that begins to shift Perceptor’s perspective. The change isn’t about suddenly respecting Brainstorm’s intelligence - it’s about recognizing his courage, his heart, and his selflessness. Despite the lies, despite the treason, here's Brainstorm being real, being the partner Perceptor never dared hope for.
Following the time travel incident, Perceptor’s attitude toward Brainstorm begins to change. This marks the beginning of a slow, but significant transformation in their relationship. What was once a fraught, competitive dynamic gradually evolves into a deep, personal connection. Perceptor, who has always been cautious about expressing his feelings, starts to see Brainstorm not just as a colleague but as someone he admires and cares for deeply.
However, their relationship is far from smooth sailing. Even as they become lab partners and their connection deepens, Perceptor struggles to articulate his feelings. Brainstorm’s unexpected departure from the Lost Light reveals just how much Perceptor has come to care for him. Perceptor’s reaction isn’t merely about a sense of betrayal - it’s about the unresolved emotions he has been grappling with, feelings he has been unable to fully express.
Give it some time, and Perceptor will come to realize he loves Brainstorm, but admitting it? That’s a whole different challenge. Perhaps in another universe, he’ll find the courage to say it out loud.
This is the essence of their connection - Simpatico. Perceptor is drawn to Brainstorm’s passion and determination, while Brainstorm admires Perceptor’s steady, sincere efforts. Those efforts are evident in moments like when Perceptor stands and claps at Brainstorm’s trial - a big gesture, but one that Brainstorm still longs to hear directly from him.
Perceptor is afraid of opening up and voicing his feelings, but he changes because Brainstorm needs him to. Perceptor begins to open up, slowly but surely bridging the emotional gap between them. Brainstorm’s need for recognition, his desire to be seen and understood, is finally met by Perceptor’s growing willingness to express his admiration and affection openly. When they reunite, Perceptor doesn’t just offer quiet support; he praises Brainstorm openly and clearly, for everyone to hear. Only when Perceptor overcomes his fear of being vulnerable can he finally admit - both to himself and to Brainstorm - that they are simpatico, and that they are truly connected.
As for them being soulmates, it’s their differences that really make it work. Brainstorm, an MTO who’s always sought recognition, contrasts with Perceptor, a forged scientist who’s highly respected. While Perceptor moved from science to soldiering, Brainstorm, despite being made for combat, chose the path of science. Even their color schemes play into their dynamic. Brainstorm shares teal, white, and gold with Quark, which might reflect his desire to match with him, but it also shows how he can lose himself in his connections. On the other hand, Perceptor’s red, black, and dark blue stand out against Brainstorm’s colors, yet they complement each other perfectly. They don’t look alike, but their partnership brings out the best in both. Perceptor’s differences don’t diminish Brainstorm; they balance him. Brainstorm’s creativity thrives with Perceptor’s meticulousness. The Lost Light main universe ending shows just how much they complete each other. Without Perceptor’s stabilizing influence, Brainstorm’s health declines, showing just how much they need each other, both in the lab and beyond.
So, there you have it. Soulmates through and through, in any universe. Anyway, here are some Simpatico pictures:
By cat-terpillar.
Obviously, like any sensible lesbian, I'm all about yuri, so naturally, I had to come up with some humanformers designs for these two. It's just one of those things, you know? When you find characters that resonate, you can't help but bring them to life in new ways.
Humanformers are a real creative challenge because it involves turning those robotic elements into everyday fashion that clicks. The key is capturing their overall vibe - shape, traits, the works - but it has to look effortless; make it look like something someone might actually wear.
Now, I have a couple of issues with all those HFs of Brainstorm where he's always in a lab coat. I get it, the coat's like his badge of 'look at me, I'm the important intellectual type,' but remember, the guy's an engineer. He's more about mechanical parts than test tubes and beakers - that's more Perceptor's territory. And sure, Brainstorm's all about practicality when he dresses, because, well, engineering. But this is Brainstorm we're talking about - he's got strong opinions on colors and design. His getups aren't just some random ugly clothes tossed together. There's a method to his madness, a bit of deliberate style. It has to look like something he'd actually put together, something that screams 'this is Brainstorm's fashion sense.'
For Brainstorm’s design, I couldn't help pulling a bit from TF2 vibes, lol. He's wearing overalls and a sweater because comfort is key, and they're both pretty practical. Added some gloves and workboots because, safety first. And obviously, he's never without his toolbelt, essentials only.
The hair was a tricky call - I just can’t picture him spending more than a couple of seconds with a brush, and from one engineer to another, long hair is a nightmare around machines, even tied back. So, a bob cut would make more sense for him. But, I've got a soft spot for the twin tails; they really match the shape of his original helm. Just picture them thrown together in a rushed, messy kind of way each morning.
Now for the finer touches: those scars at the side of his mouth mimic the hollows on his faceplate from the original design. I also tossed in some simple earrings that mirror bits of his side panels. The two watches are just a fun call-back to his time-travel escapades.
My HF design for Perceptor sticks pretty close to the usual takes. He's simpler to translate, honestly. He's got a bit more style than Brainstorm - think minimalist but always crisp; shirt ironed, tucked just so. Sturdy workboots are a must for all the bustling around the ship and lab. He throws on a labcoat when it's necessary, but otherwise, it's all about balancing comfort with a sharp, put-together look. His wardrobe is minimalistic, with a preference for solid colors and classic styles.
Here are a few headcanons for fun:
I imagine Perceptor used to have a neat, crisp bob a few years ago, but after his near-death experience, he let it grow out. He hasn’t felt like cutting it, probably due to some lingering baggage, so now he keeps it in a tidy ponytail most of the time. On rare casual days, he might let it down, revealing surprisingly long, silky hair.
Brainstorm got so used to carrying his briefcase around that he misses it when it's not there. So, he's replaced it with a yellow purse that he takes everywhere. I can see Perceptor trying to get him a high-end bag as a thoughtful gesture, only to realize that Brainstorm doesn't care about brands at all. It's like Rory in 'Gilmore Girls' using her fancy bag to store cables.
Perceptor has a pair of reading glasses that he only wears when he's absolutely sure no one is around. He's a bit self-conscious about them, but Brainstorm has caught him once and thinks he looks adorable with them on.
Brainstorm loves accessories. Besides his ever-present yellow purse, he's often seen with a variety of bracelets and rings. He even has a pocket watch that doubles as a mini multitool.
Gallery:
