Transformers Comic Book News

e-Hobby Exclusive Magnificus Comic Preview

Date: Wednesday, May 22nd 2013 12:59am EDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Toy News
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): e-Hobby

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e-Hobby continues to tease the release of their upcoming exclusive Magnificus. They're now posted several more pages from the exclusive comic that will come packed with the figure. As previously reported the comic appears to feature the never released Gorilla Double Pretender. It also looks as though G2 Eagle Eye is in the mix. Images mirrored below.

Prelude to Dark Energon- Review of Transformers Robots in Disguise #17-Shockwave--It's...shocking!

Date: Tuesday, May 21st 2013 9:54pm EDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews
Posted by: tigertracks 24 | Credit(s): tigertracks 24

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The last we saw ‘ol Shockwave had become noticeably absent during the whole of the end of the events that had been ROCKING the pages of ROBOTS IN DISGUISE.



Where had he gone, and for what purpose might he have gone there? This issue reveals ‘some’ as we learn more of the frightening history of one of the baddest cons to bear the pointy-eared badge. The prelude to DARK CYBERTRON is here!

I’m going to make this short. Succinct. I believe that each of you who are loyal readers of RID and probably the sister series, More Than Meets The Eye, deserve to read this without having much, if anything, given away.



And for those who gave RID a chance, and based on the wrap up of recent events last issue, decided that you may just be giving it up because it’s not ‘your cup of tea’, well, if you don’t get this issue, you’ve picked the wrong place to stop. Do yourself a favor, and continue at least through this issue.

This story connects to many events and people that have been a piece of IDW G1 all the way back to INFILTRATION and up until the most recent issues of MTMTE and RID. It continues to explain events that happened to Shockwave as ‘Shadowplay’ concluded, and builds more of his history prior to this huge event, and after, and what you find out about the big, purple, cannon-armed robot is sure to surprise, and I believe, not disappoint you. Jhiaxus, Crystal City, combination, empurata, Dai Atlas, synthetic energons, and a corrupt Senate, all get a cycloptic soliloquy (with some totally unnecessary dialogue from others) and it’s pretty amazing all that one robot sees when his vision becomes ‘impaired’ and his prior tendencies get deleted and replaced.



The art is by Livio Ramondelli, infamous for his very recognizable style, and would be in my opinion, the biggest drawback of the issue. While it serves the purpose for storytelling, the difficulties that Livio’s Transformer critics have pointed out are once again on display here. A very beautiful 1/2 page panel can be followed by a very muddled, unclear smaller panel. Livio seems to have earned himself a solid position on the IDW Transformers starting team, and as such, I think he is gaining more and more fans, as they appreciate his take on Transformers, much in the way that these fans appreciated the work of Don Figueroa, Pat Lee, Guido Guidi, Andrew Wildman, Dan Khanna, and Jae Lee as they all took a turn at interpreting the Autobot and Decepticon war. Livio really does a fantastic job at times as referenced on the panel below, where once again current creators pay homage to those that paved the way. But at other times, well, perhaps you feel a little visually challenged like I do.





Still the art supports the story well enough though that you will certainly find enjoyment in reading about how scissor-like digits became a laser cannon of destruction.




Don't miss one of the most fascinating character transformations in Transformers history. This book is a necessary purchase for a story that has been a long time coming and only barely begun!

Transformers: Robots in Disguise Ongoing #17 Preview

Date: Tuesday, May 21st 2013 2:09am EDT
Category: Comic Book News
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): IDW Publishing

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Our friends at IDW Publishing have provided us with a preview of Transformers: Robots in Disguise Ongoing #17. Enjoy the preview found below.

TRANSFORMERS: ROBOTS IN DISGUISE #17

John Barber (w), Livio Ramondelli(a), Ramondelli, Casey Coller (c) SHOCKWAVES! The fate of Cybertron is sealed -- but what is the DECEPTICON scientist called SHOCKWAVE planning? After the stunning revelations in MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE, learn the origin of the one-eyed, gun-handed master of machinations... and the countdown begins for the biggest TRANSFORMERS event in comic book history.

32 pages, $3.99.

BotCon 2013 Comic Preview Panel

Date: Monday, May 20th 2013 11:35am EDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Event News
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): BotCon

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BotCon has tweeted a preview panel from their 2013 convention exclusive Timelines comic. General Obsidian address the newly promoted City Commanders Guzzle, Dogfight, Jazz, Clamp Down, Backstreet, and Hardhead.

BotCon 2013 is just around the corner, June 27th - 30th in San Diego, CA. Check out the preview mirrored below.

IDW August 2013 Transformers Comic Solicitations

Date: Saturday, May 18th 2013 12:49pm EDT
Category: Comic Book News
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): IDW Publishing

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Our friends at IDW Publishing have sent over their Transformers comic solicitations for August 2013. The titles include:

• Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #20
• Transformers: Robots in Disguise #20
• Transformers Regeneration One #94
• Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters #4
• Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters #4—Subscription Variant
• Transformers: Prelude
• Transformers: Monstrosity #3 (of 4)

Enjoy the covers and brief descriptions found below:

Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #20
James Roberts (w) • Alex Milne (a) • Milne, Sean Chen (c)
NOWHERE TO RUN! The end is nigh for the surviving members of the Lost Light crew, as enemies old and new move in for the kill. But on the fringes of known space, an ancient visionary is about to eliminate the Cybertronian race with a wave of his hand.
2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 8/28/13

*Retailer incentives:
Order 10 copies, get one free variant Nick Roche cover!

Bullet points:
• The penultimate part of the shocking Remain in Light!
• Not for the faint-hearted!

Transformers: Robots in Disguise #20
John Barber (w) • Andrew Griffith (a) • Griffith, Casey Coller (c)
NEW CYBERTRON! It’s a brand new day—and STARSCREAM is in charge! But running a planet isn’t as easy as it looks… if BUMBLEBEE couldn’t do it, why does the former DECEPTICON think he can?
2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 8/14/13

*Retailer incentives:
Order 10 copies, get one free variant Livio Ramondeli cover, interconnected with issues 21 and 22!

Bullet points:
• Introducing fan-favorite character RATTRAP into the world of ROBOTS IN DISGUISE!
• The dawn of a new age—or the end of everything?!
• The countdown to DARK CYBERTRON continues!

Transformers Regeneration One #94
Simon Furman (w) • Guido Guidi (a) • Andrew Wildman, Guidi (c)
CYBERTRON UNDER SIEGE! As BLUDGEON’s Blitz Engines wreak havoc, the AUTOBOTS struggle to muster a response to a threat that feels all too close to home! But their “greatest warrior,” ULTRA MAGNUS, has problems of his own… in the shape of a fighting mad GALVATRON. It’s the clash of titans you’ve (almost) never seen before!
*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 8/7/13

*Retailer incentives:
Order 10 copies, get one free Geoff Senior variant cover!

Bullet points:
• Cover-to-cover battle action!
• ULTRA MAGNUS versus GALVATRON—the rematch of the millennium!

Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters #4
Mairghread Scott & Mike Johnson (w) • Agustin Padilla (a) • Ken Christiansen (c)
PRIMEVAL PREDATORS! The DINOBOTS have stumbled upon some of SHOCKWAVE’S old experiments… now they are running rampant across the Cybertronian underground. It’s up to GRIMLOCK and SWOOP to subdue the enemy! But with pressure mounting and his foes wreaking havoc, can GRIMLOCK keep his own rage in check?
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 8/21/13

*Retailer incentives:
Order 25 copies, get one free animation art variant cover!

Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters #4—Subscription Variant
Mairghread Scott & Mike Johnson (w) • Agustin Padilla (a) • Michael Lark (c)
For subscription customers only… enlist up at your local comic shop! A variant cover by artist Michael Lark! Only for loyal subscription box customers!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 8/21/13

Transformers: Prelude
Nick Roche, John Barber, & James Roberts (w) • Steve Kurth, Chee, Nick Roche, David Daza, Matt Frank, & Agustin Padilla (a) • Nick Roche (c)
The Spotlight falls on Orion Pax, Thundercracker, Megatron, Bumblebee, Trailcutter, and Hoist in this collection of six individual stories that explain an important moment in each character's life. From the distant past to current events each story adds to Cybertronian lore.
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 152 pages • ISBN 978-1-61377-716-9
Expected in-store date: 8/7/13

Bullet points:
• Collecting all the hit TRANSFORMERS Spotlight issues!

Transformers: Monstrosity #3 (of 4)
Chris Metzen & Flint Dille (w) • Livio Ramondelli (a) • Ramondelli x 3 (c)
MEGATRON UNCHAINED! In the early days of the war, MEGATRON—exiled on JUNKION—battles to reclaim the throne of CYBERTRON. But the TERRORCONS have other ideas… Meanwhile, GRIMLOCK and the DINOBOTS threaten OPTIMUS PRIME’s fledgling republic!
*3 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1-to-1 ratio
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 8/7/13

Bullet points:
• In print for the first time!
• Terror on Junkion!

My Little Pony Micro Series #5 Convention Variant Cover with Optimus Prime and Pinkie Pie Revealed

Date: Friday, May 17th 2013 3:52pm EDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Event News
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): CBR

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CBR has revealed a BotCon variant of My Little Pony Micro Series #5. The special edition cover features Optimus Prime and Pinkie Pie. This issue will apparently be available at next month's BotCon in San Diego. Check out the cover below.

In an unprecedented crossover between Hasbro's "Transformers" and "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic," Pinkie Pie cosplays as Optimus Prime, dancing on the massive hand of the Big Bot himself, as he gives a quizzical tilt of his head. The variant cover will be available at this year's Transformers Botcon in San Diego from June 27 - 30.

Retrospective Reviews - Transformers Spotlight: Bumblebee

Date: Thursday, May 16th 2013 7:11am EDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews
Posted by: Va'al | Credit(s): IDW Publishing, Va'al

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With this week's reveal of the official images of Generations Hoist and Thundercracker, it's time to complete the reviews for the Spotlight series, which now seems to have concluded as far as we know. Read the others so far: Orion Pax, Megatron, Thundercracker, Trailcutter and Hoist.

And now, the missing link - Spotlight: Bumblebee!

Synopsis

ESCAPE FROM EARTH! Before Cybertron was reborn—BUMBLEBEE lead the Autobots on Earth. In this untold tale, he must take the reigns of command… and he’s got hundreds of rogue Decepticons standing between him and respect!




Story

Sliding between Spotlight: Megatron and Trailcutter, arguably the best issues to come out of this run, Bumblebee suffers a lot from the comparison. And it takes place during a moment in the IDW continuity that a lot of readers had issues with - Police Action. So I wasn't expecting much.




Admittedly, the comic patches up another smaller gap in the continuity of the Costa run, and we know, by now, that Barber adores patching things up. The story itself, however, does not add that much to the characters, main or secondary. Prowl, for example, suffers some flips (and not of the table kind).



Even the Metroplex/Metrotitan plot is only casually name-dropped, and there's an ..er.. explanation for those who missed the Megatron and Thundercracker ones. But very rushed, and didn't feel that necessary at all.



As I said, this issue is not the most brilliant, and it rehashes the Bumblebee/Hot Rod trope of 'What would Prime do?' for the umpteenth time. Without the very final page, it would have stood as a valid start to the attrition between Prowl and Bumblebee too, but..

Art

Again, the Spotlights are a means for lesser know artists to showcase their talent, and when I saw the preview, I didn't mind the almost ligne claire approach by David Daza. As the story progresses, though, the art loses definition and detail, at times being vague outlines of characters, if that.



The colours aren't bad, though, and Zac Atkinson does seem to try adding some recognisable schemes to the blotchier figures, though the result is still not satisfying, or reedeming enough for the artwork to shine. Nothin wrong to say about the lettering, but nothing that really stands out, either.



The artwork, including colouring and lettering, is definitely off to an interesting start, and then seems to lose its way with panels progressing. It would have been nice to see another take on the Stunticons, and Earth-modes in general. The lighting, and there's a lot of strange sources, could have improved the general art too, but didn't work that well either.


Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead

I almost feel disappointed, as I thought Bumblebee could do with more characterisation. It was interesting to see his Earth mode again, though, and his interactions with Thundercracker, but the whole story felt superfluous. Just some more Barber continuity patching, with little more to show for it.



So yeah, not the gem of the bunch, not adding much, not subtracting that much either, except for the Prowl moment at the end. I am really not happy nor convinced about that, especially after all the Robots in Disguise work on him (or even the Police Action one, for that matter!). But I suppose it is just an in-pack comic, shoehorned into the continuity.

Transformers: Regeneration One #91 - Creator Commentary

Date: Wednesday, May 15th 2013 5:37pm EDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Interviews, People News
Posted by: Va'al | Credit(s): Simon Furman, Transformers Facebook

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The lovely people behind the official Transformers Facebook page have been able to sit down with Simon Furman, and talked about today's release from IDW: ReGeneration One 91! Read the full commentary below, and make sure to pick up a (digital or print) copy. You can also read our review here!

TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE #91—the comic book that continues the original 1984 TRANSFORMERS series, courtesy IDW Publishing and Hasbro—launches an all-new story arc! “DESTINY” part one sets the stage, as BLUDGEON and SOUNDWAVE launch their ultimate assault against the universe, thanks to legendary writer Simon Furman—who we sat down with for a brief chat!—and artist Andrew Wildman. TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE #91 is out now at comic book stores everywhere, and for download at https://transformers.comixology.com/ or via the Comixology and iBooks apps on your computer or mobile device)!

PAGE 1: We’re on the world of Cresta Superior, with some beetle-like war machines in operation. What was your inspiration on the design of these machines? Did you have a specific look in mind or did you let artist Andrew Wildman design what he thought would work best?

SIMON FURMAN: A lot of the design of Bludgeon’s Blitz Engines comes (naturally enough) from Andrew. But of course I threw a bunch of ideas into the mix in the script too. My main requirement was that they in no way appeared humanoid. We went that route in Generation 2 (in which there’s a parallel story of Bludgeon and Matrix-infused clone troopers, one of a few G2 elements that are finding their way into the REGENERATION ONE mix… another big one of those says hi this very issue!), and I wanted these to be visually distinct and just generally big, threatening and armed to teeth.

They’re siege engines, tanks on legs basically. And Andrew took that and ran with it, creating these almost crab-like mechs that really look like they can just plough through anything (and anyone) in their way. They’re going to get a lot of action in #94-95, and to have even the slightest hope of combating them, the Autobots are going to have to wheel out a really BIG gun of their own.

PAGE 2: The machines are slaughtering the humanoid soldiers and breaking their way through into their base. Cresta Superior is a brand new world in TRANSFORMERS. Why create something new instead of using a previously established world for this scene?

SIMON FURMAN: One criticism I’ve seen leveled at RG1 is that we’re very focused down on just three worlds (Cybertron, Earth and Nebulos… and there’s a reason for that, trust me, which will become apparent in the final arc), so I took the opportunity to just remind readers that there are other worlds (and other mech species) out there (again, something that will form a big plot-point in the final arc), and lay in the idea that there are vast distances and gulfs of outer space that while maybe mapped aren’t well travelled or continually on the Cybertronian radar. Remember, a lot of RG1 (initially) was about Optimus Prime having (disastrously) taken his eye off the ball, allowed his sphere of awareness to focus too much on Cybertron (to the exclusion of all else). The business with Earth (and to an extent Nebulos) is going to turn out to be quite a micro-failing compared to what’s been happening out in the wider (macro-) universe.

PAGE 3: Bludgeon and Soundwave are talking, and we’re seeing that the machines are called Blitz Engines and are Bludgeon’s creations. Tell us about where Bludgeon is coming from in his point of view and how he sees the universe. And what he believes should happen to it.

SIMON FURMAN: Bludgeon’s a complex character. He has this whole martial arts style warrior code he adheres to (more or less) that skews his conventional motivations. Bludgeon is much more concerned with his wider legacy and how he’ll be regarded (by future generations) than the here and now. So while his current goal seems straightforward (return to Cybertron and the conquest of the same), it’s much more layered. Bludgeon believes in predestination, and that if that destiny is not forthcoming he must force the issue. He sees this life as merely stepping-stone to another (greater) destiny, and that makes him incredibly dangerous. Death holds no fear for him. Maybe even attracts him?

PAGE 4: Soundwave and Bludgeon are discussing their future plans, which would appear to involve Thunderwing. Even though Soundwave and Bludgeon are Decepticons and on the same side, are they really fighting for the same common cause or pursuing two very different agendas here?

SIMON FURMAN: There’s a certain amount of crossover in Bludgeon’s and Soundwave’s motivations/goals, but there’s also a whole side to what Bludgeon wants that Soundwave isn’t privy to. Soundwave is all about keeping Megatron’s banner raised over Cybertron, even post-mortem, whereas Bludgeon wants… well, that’d be telling.

PAGE 5: Looking at the aftermath of what Scorponok was doing in the previous issues. Is everything really back to normal on Cybertron? Can these guys just go back to the way things were before events of war took their toll on the population again?

SIMON FURMAN: I think that irrevocable damage has been done by Scorponok’s gene-engineering, but it’s not insurmountable. Part of the reason I wanted to do that particular arc was to show what a tenuous hold the Autobots have on the “heroic” side of their nature, that (actually) every day is a battle to hold onto the values and moral ideals they live by. (Grimlock, for example, walks that line a little more visibly.) They’re supremely powerful beings, appointed guardians/custodians of the entire universe. How could that degree of power, responsibility and status not go to your head? So every day is a struggle to keep on the side of right and virtue, and thanks to Scorponok that struggle is a little tougher, a little more evident.

Retrospective Reviews - Transformers Spotlight: Thundercracker

Date: Wednesday, May 15th 2013 1:47pm EDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews
Posted by: Va'al | Credit(s): IDW Publishing, Va'al

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With this week's reveal of the official images of Generations Hoist and Thundercracker, it's time to complete the reviews for the Spotlight series, which now seems to have concluded as far as we know. Read the others so far: Orion Pax, Megatron and Trailcutter and Hoist.

Time for Spotlight: Thundercracker!

Synopsis

In the dark days of the war for Cybertron, THUNDERCRACKER had a special mission—one never revealed before! Now, as he faces off against BUMBLEBEE for the first time, the fate of METROPLEX—and an entire civilization — is at stake!





Story

Like Orion Pax, this issue takes place before Transformers: Autocracy and, in fact, after the previous Spotlight issue too. It carries on the Metroplex, and later Metrotitans plot, while focusing on everyone's favourite reluctant Seeker(?).




The story does continue and pick up previous threads quite nicely, but there are some elements that just don't feel right. Why does he keep information to himself? Does it really follow directly from him not being a fully-convinced Decepticon? How does it advantage his own goals - if he has any?



The events in the issue do involve combat, and we're again introduced to Bumblebee (and some other 'Bots), the next Spotlight feature. But it all seems so rushed, and the Metroplex plot is resolved extremely quickly, deciding to focus on the planet's inhabitants instead.



I'm glad that the Metrotitan plot is developed further, and we get some insight into the powers and abilities of the big 'uns. The protagonist's characterisation, while interesting is a bit.. I actually can't think of the right words. Wait for the Thoughts section, below.

Art

I really don't mind Chee's work on this issue! I think there are some really good pages and detailing, even though the perspective is not always consistent with all the characters. The protagonist himself has some chin-length issues, and I'm still a bit confused about the alt-mode: the robot seems to be based on the upcoming toy (FoC mold) but the jet really isn't. Artistic license?



Ronda Pattinson's colours are a very nice touch, too, and work really well between background and foreground, and there's a lot of space to colour outside of ships, around planets and you know, space, up there. Shawn Lee's lettering is nice, and creators always seem to enjoy playing with Thundercracker's signature soundword: THA-BOOM.



Overall, the artwork does present some minor faults, but nothing that distracted me from the story. The idea for the Spotlights is a good one, as new artistic teams can showcase their talent and abilities to different audiences, and this one, to me, delivers.


Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead

The story isn't bad, but I kept having the feeling that something was missing, constantly. It was a nice way for Barber to blend different plots, but not enough time was given to either as a result, unfortunately. And like Thundercracker, I'm not really sure what I come away with.



If you haven't read this issue yet, it's not that much of a problem. It pads in some stuff for what is hopefully to come, gives some information on the Metrotitans and Metroplex, kind of rounds off Thundercracker, and then just leaves it there. Shame really.

Sneak Peek - More Than Meets the Eye #17

Date: Tuesday, May 14th 2013 3:52pm EDT
Category: Comic Book News
Posted by: Va'al | Credit(s): iTunes Bookstore

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Courtesy of iTunes, we have a three page preview of the upcoming More Than Meets the Eye issue 17! This usually means we'll see the actual release hitting digital and physical stores in two weeks' time, so hang on in there!

The images are mirrored below for your convenience.

Description
REMAIN IN LIGHT! MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE's first full-blown epic moves into high gear as RODIMUS leads his crew to the gates of heaven -- or hell. But larger forces are closing in and an ancient plan is reaching fruition -- and as an old friend calls time on the AUTOBOTS' quest, one thing becomes clear: the LEGISLATORS are on the march.