Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette

Monday, November 21st, 2016 4:41AM CST

Category: Comic Book News
Posted by: Va'al Views: 25,609

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Fellow Seibertronian MemphisR56, who provided us with an excellent review of the Hachette Definitive G1 Comics Collection, has some odd and disappointing news from the subscription service, which we're reporting in full below. The message accompanies the second delivery of the subscription service, and seems to claim that the project is currently on hold, though not definitely cancelled - but still, this seems to go against what we had known from the initial news of the run. Read along, and let us know what you think in the Energon Pub.

The smaller than expected box came with no free gifts, just 2 issues,
A note was enclosed, here's a write-up, verbatim:

"Dear Subscriber,

Thankyou for subscribing to Transformers the Definitive G1 Collection.

The limited four-issue run has now come to an end, and we will be looking at the level of interest before making a decision about whether the collection will be launched nationally in the near future.

We would like to thank you for supporting Transformers the Definitive G1 Collection limited run. Your account has not been charged and we are enclosing some additional issues for you free of charge.

We hope that this is to your satisfaction and please look out for exciting titles coming soon from Hachette Partworks.

Kind Regards
Hachette Partworks Ltd."

Very saddening. At no point during the run was it implied this would be a limited run to gauge interest so I can only surmise that there weren't enough subscriptions or sales on the first 2 issues for it to be a financially viable project and they've dropped it. But then again, you never know, right? Sometimes these partworks companies will rework the product and bring it out better than before for a second try.

I really wanted that coffee mug. : /

Credit(s): Hachette, MemphisR56

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Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842416)
Posted by Kurona on November 21st, 2016 @ 4:47am CST

Was wondering why I wasn't getting any more issues... that's a shame.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842417)
Posted by Danxdub on November 21st, 2016 @ 4:51am CST

There was an extra note in the inside cover of one of my volumes saying the same thing but offering a "free gift" for subscribing as a thank you if you sent in your proof of purchase.
Maybe that's the subscriber gifts?

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842421)
Posted by MemphisR56 on November 21st, 2016 @ 6:13am CST

I'd kept my issues sealed so I hadn't noticed, but sure enough, it was inside the cover of Vol. 18.

"Dear Reader,

Thankyou for purchasing transformers the definitive g1 collections.

This limited four-issue run has now come to an end and we will be looking at the level of interest before making a decision about whether the collection will be launched nationally in the near future.

As a thankyou for supporting the transformers definitive g1 collection limited run, we would like to offer you a free gift. To recieve this free gift, simply send proof of purchase of the issues to the address below. Please remember to include your name and address.

Transformers collection
PO BOX 77
Jarrow
NE32 3BR

We hope that this is to your satisfaction and please look out for exciting titles coming soon from hachette partworks.

Yours faithfully,

Hachette Partworks

Alternatively,if you wish, we can offer you a refund on the issues you have purchased. Simply send proof if purchase to the address above. The above information relates to the UK only."

Well, i'm gonna be turning the house upside down looking for my reciepts : /. Wonder if they'll accept a printout of my confirmation emails. Good thing I kept them.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842423)
Posted by wwelliott on November 21st, 2016 @ 7:09am CST

Well, I'm rather miffed! I've never even seen the first volume - chased them up a couple of times, and was told most recently that I'd not received anything as they'd run out of stock. I'd hoped that at least meant that the full run would be viable, as it is looks like I'll get nothing.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842430)
Posted by BotsNotPlots on November 21st, 2016 @ 8:49am CST

First time posting as I thought I'd share my experience with a previous Hachette series.
A few years ago Hachette released a few issues of Marvels Mightiest Heroes and then stopped. I looked everywhere to get more than the single issue I had. Then, a year or so later the series began again, with the same issues and cover art, but with DIFFERENT spine art.

I think these initial issues are actually testing the water, so maybe expect the full series in a year? The downside is if anyone has already got the first four issues and they want the complete spine art, then chances are they'll have to rebuy them.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842431)
Posted by wwelliott on November 21st, 2016 @ 9:03am CST

Ah - After I posted on here earlier I emailed them to ask what's happening. They've said that they will send me the four issues that have already been sent out - when they launch nationally! So hopefully this is still happening. No more info than that though.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842435)
Posted by DR0hNO on November 21st, 2016 @ 9:21am CST

when did the collection start? becuase ive not seen a single issue in WHSmiths or outher newsagents at all.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842444)
Posted by BotsNotPlots on November 21st, 2016 @ 9:55am CST

I think it was some kind of pilot scheme, so would have only been in a select few places, as well as the online site.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842447)
Posted by MemphisR56 on November 21st, 2016 @ 9:58am CST

DR0hNO wrote:when did the collection start? becuase ive not seen a single issue in WHSmiths or outher newsagents at all.

I know fromthe the deagostini sets that sometimes they reease test runs only to certain parts of thethe country. Maybe this is just that, orso it's only been releasedrelease as an online subscription so far.

Did anyone find issue 1 at least at brick and mortar?

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842473)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on November 21st, 2016 @ 11:28am CST

Didn't even know this had started. Hadn't seen any issues.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842495)
Posted by dragons on November 21st, 2016 @ 1:40pm CST

Glad I couldn't subscribe I be ticked find this out those people better get refund or keep making new books

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842499)
Posted by Kurona on November 21st, 2016 @ 1:48pm CST

dragons wrote:Glad I couldn't subscribe I be ticked find this out those people better get refund or keep making new books

It said that we wouldn't be getting charged and that they may be making more books in the future.

As someone who subscribed to it I'm not really mad about it. It's disappointing to be sure but if they couldn't do it for some reason, they couldn't do it. And hey, one less expense to pay; and I STILL got a few Transformers stories collected for a very low price even if it's a fraction of what I expected to eventually get. If you signed up for it, this is disappointing, but it's not like you got nothing out of it.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842512)
Posted by Prime Nova on November 21st, 2016 @ 2:14pm CST

Someone stated Previews had listed it up for Jan 2017 - I can't find it so if anyone has checked the Preview Nov 2016 for Jan 2017 listed items?

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842668)
Posted by starfish on November 22nd, 2016 @ 8:05am CST

Okay, this changes nothing.

Partworks such as this ALWAYS begin with a four-issue trial in a limited area. This was not sold nationwide in stores, only in a small test area (Rochdale/Manchester, if I recall correctly).

Other Hachette titles went exactly the same way. Initial test run to gauge interest, followed by a full run if successful. Their Doctor Who book series did the same thing, as did their Judge Dredd partwork. Both ended up going national.

Another thing to bear in mind is that partworks (usually) tend to be launched in the New Year. It's absolutely no surprise to see that this will go national in January (the inital clutch of four issues released during the test run will be re-printed - with mistakes corrected - when it gets launched properly).

I realise this is a North American site, and the whole UK partwork thing might be a little bit confusing for some, but as an avid partwork nut I just thought I'd come in here and calm things down.

I would certainly advise that the front-page news article be toned down a little, to be less alarmist.

To reiterate: this is par for the course with partworks in the UK. That type of 'this is only a trial' letter is industry-standard. Every book of this sort begins with a four-issue trial before going national.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842742)
Posted by Va'al on November 22nd, 2016 @ 12:26pm CST

starfish wrote:Okay, this changes nothing.

Partworks such as this ALWAYS begin with a four-issue trial in a limited area. This was not sold nationwide in stores, only in a small test area (Rochdale/Manchester, if I recall correctly).

Other Hachette titles went exactly the same way. Initial test run to gauge interest, followed by a full run if successful. Their Doctor Who book series did the same thing, as did their Judge Dredd partwork. Both ended up going national.

Another thing to bear in mind is that partworks (usually) tend to be launched in the New Year. It's absolutely no surprise to see that this will go national in January (the inital clutch of four issues released during the test run will be re-printed - with mistakes corrected - when it gets launched properly).

I realise this is a North American site, and the whole UK partwork thing might be a little bit confusing for some, but as an avid partwork nut I just thought I'd come in here and calm things down.

I would certainly advise that the front-page news article be toned down a little, to be less alarmist.

To reiterate: this is par for the course with partworks in the UK. That type of 'this is only a trial' letter is industry-standard. Every book of this sort begins with a four-issue trial before going national.

Sure, and thanks for the clarification!

However, there was no indication that any of this was the case when all previous news was given to us/was found by us, so we reported it as subscribers (all UK based) sent in their version of things.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842747)
Posted by Mr O on November 22nd, 2016 @ 12:50pm CST

I got the same letter and another one pretty much the same but with all references to TF changed to 'Disney Tsum Tsum Migurumi Collection'. I've no idea what that is but it backs up this being a standard thing.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842761)
Posted by starfish on November 22nd, 2016 @ 1:38pm CST

Dr Va'al wrote:Sure, and thanks for the clarification! :D

However, there was no indication that any of this was the case when all previous news was given to us/was found by us, so we reported it as subscribers (all UK based) sent in their version of things.

Hi, cheers for the smiley face (reading that last post back, it does come across a little patronising / mansplaining, glad you took it in good heart!)

It seems this whole thing is a little confusing to some (especially those who've never done partworks before), and I thought I might help by clarifying. It's not helped by Hachette's sightly ropey record at responding to emails etc.

If this follows the usual procedure, the following will happen:

1) Not all those who subscribed would have been sent copies of the trial issues (I got none of them!) This is due to the lower-than-usual print run of the test issues.

2) However, anyone who signed up and got no issues at all will likely receive a free copy of a single test issue thanking them for their interest.

3) Most people who registered will get a customer feedback survey to fill in (if this hasn't been done already).

4) Assuming the trial has gone well, the national roll-out will happen in the new year. The series will start again from scratch (as if the trial never happened) and start afresh from the Target:2006 issue.

[To reiterate, the UK partwork market is able to sustain a veritable smorgasbord of titles on the shelves, with subjects as varied as knitting, Warhammer, Zippo lighters and entomology. If something like "The Art of Quilting" can get greenlit, then anything can!!!]

5) There may be some TV advertising to market the new book, and subscription copies will start rolling out. There may well be changes to the books from the trial run, as stuff gets corrected, ironed-out, and feedback is taken into consideration.

6) Most regular High Street newsagents and magazine sellers will only stock the first ten-or-so issues before dropping the book. THIS IS NORMAL. The way these work is to get people hooked by giving early issues some in-store prominence, getting people to sign up to the subscription. Once enough people are signed on, these will slowly fade from view, only available to subscribers, the official Hachette online store, and in specialist comic retailers such as Forbidden Planet. I would advise anyone interested in this set not to rely on finding these at retail, and subscribe via the official route (or perhaps place a standing order at your newsagent, and get them to order it in for you).

7) One of the benefits of subscribing is that the price is locked in. Partworks generally go up in price as the run goes on, so if you go via Hachette you'll be safe from such increases. Although the books will be published fortnightly, you'll get them in batches of two issues, every four weeks.

8) The shipments will be randomly staggered, so don't worry if you don't receive your issues the same time as everyone else. Example:

Week 1: Half of all subscribers (the 'fast lane') will get their copies of the first 2 issues.
Week 3: The remainder of subscribers (the 'slow lane') get their copies.
Week 5: The 'fast lane' get issues 3 and 4
Week 7: The 'slow lane' get issues 3 and 4

So although everyone will get all the issues eventually, you might randomly get stuck in the 'slow lane' service and get your issues two weeks after some of your friends. Again, this is totally normal and is how these things are usually shipped. Be prepared to deal with it, or don't subscribe.

9) Be very prepared for the possibility that this will get extended beyond the initial run. Very rarely do partworks stop at the originally-intended end date. The Doctor Who Figurine Collection (for example) has had more than double the originally-intended issue count, and is still going.

You are of course able to cancel your subscription at any time, but OCD completists should know going in that this probably won't stop at the G1 stuff, and we may well end up getting the Beast Wars, Movieverse, Armada stuff (etc.) tacked on to the end, as ways are found to fleece the fans extend the series.

Sometimes these 'extensions' can lead to a bit of online rage, such as "I only signed up for 40 issues, but by extending the series my OCD nature means I can't possibly cancel. My completist nature is being taken advantage of! I'm being fleeced!" (This actually happens).

10) That's all I can think of at the moment. Hope that's been helpful and not at all condescending like my previous post was. I currently subscribe to three ongoing partworks, and have had experience with another half-dozen more - not just from Hachette but also the likes of Eaglemoss and (back in the day) Marshall-Cavendish.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842764)
Posted by Va'al on November 22nd, 2016 @ 2:08pm CST

That is really interesting, and enlightening - so thank you! And I mean every smiley face I use (I didn't think you were being condescending, for the record).

Which brings me to this one: :-?

How does such a scheme actually run for so long, and people still signing up for it? But, more to the point with this thread: will there be more of the TF material that people were seriously enjoying?

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842772)
Posted by starfish on November 22nd, 2016 @ 2:42pm CST

Dr Va'al wrote:That is really interesting, and enlightening - so thank you! And I mean every smiley face I use (I didn't think you were being condescending, for the record).

Which brings me to this one:

How does such a scheme actually run for so long, and people still signing up for it? But, more to the point with this thread: will there be more of the TF material that people were seriously enjoying?

The usual sales model assumes that there will be a glut of initial subscribers, and takes into account that readership will inevitably fall away as the run goes on.

The pricing reflects that model: I would say the price per issue is rather high for what you get, but it does help subsidise the later issues where readership will inevitably be lower. Also, as I said, the cover price will inevitably increase by £1-2 over the course of the run which will also help offset the natural slow reduction in readership.

By catering to niche/sci-fi/'geek' fans (who are inevitably more OCD than regular people), they figure most readers will probably stay the course. You always see partworks based on genre stuff such as Star Wars or model steam locomotives, but never on anything a bit more mainstream. There's a Classic Jazz music partwork where every issue comes with an actual vinyl album, but there's no way you'd ever see a pop music partwork packaged with a CD album on the cover - their business model relies on their readers being hardcore fans rather than middle-of-the-road punters. The spine picture (which builds up like a jigsaw as the collection grows) is another clever piece of marketing in this regard.

Another well-used tactic is to delay the 'big hitter' stories until later in the run, to act as a disincentive to stop subscribing. Get people engaged by offering up Target: 2006 and Edge of Extinction very early on, but hold other biggies such as (say) LSOTW or maybe the out-of-print Dreamwave stuff until the very end. As an example, it took 76 issues for the Doctor Who Figurine Collection to get around to doing a figure of all 14 Doctors, meaning that anyone just collecting for the various incarnations of the main character had to stay the course for over three years.

As for the stories themselves, I can't really comment as to what other people enjoy, but this series does promise to reprint all the G1 stories (Marvel, Dreamwave and IDW) in their proper reading order (for the first time, slotting the UK stories in context within the US stories that surround them), with 'liner notes' and with an attractive design. My main reason for subscribing is the promise that the old black-and-white UK stories (including classics like Raiders of the Last Ark and Flashback) will be presented in full colour for the first time ever (thanks to John Paul Bove).

I realise most people will already have a lot of this stuff in various other collections, and it may well be hard to convince people to re-buy all this again. But for the seasoned fan who wants a new presentation of classic stories, or the relative novice collecting these for the first time, I'd say there's enough here to satisfy both ends of the spectrum to various degrees.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842916)
Posted by Prime Nova on November 23rd, 2016 @ 12:34pm CST

Updated today from Previews

https://www.previewsworld.com/Article/1 ... Collection

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1842918)
Posted by Prime Nova on November 23rd, 2016 @ 12:42pm CST

forbiddenplanet.com/211009-transformers-definitive-g1-collection-volume-2-stormbringer-hardcover/

In stock #1 27/12/16
#2 15/1/17
#3 29/1/17
#4 12/2/17
#5 26/2/17

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1843029)
Posted by Va'al on November 24th, 2016 @ 4:33am CST

After the bizarre up and down news concerning the Hachette Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comic Collection, we have an update by means of PreviewsWorld, confirming that the trial subscription run was successful enough to guarantee a nation-wide (UK) release of the series - the first five issues are as seen below, with pricing, blurb and info!

TRANSFORMERS: THE DEFINITIVE G1 COLLECTION VOLUME 1: TARGET 2006 HC

Special Introductory Price of £1.99! First time in PREVIEWS UK! The classic Marvel UK & Marvel US Generation 1 Transformers storylines, represented together in sequential volumes for the first time ever! Witness the era spanning and ground-breaking ‘Target: 2006’, a mini-epic which spun out of Transformers (The Animated) Movie and changed the course of the UK comic forever. Plus, the essential US stories that followed it, along with new background material created especially for The Definitive Collection, including features on Marvel UK, The Wreckers, Transformers: The Movie and more. Includes a new contextual introduction by series editorial consultant, Simon Furman. Collecting Transformers UK #78-88 and Transformers US #21-23.

HC, FC SRP: £1.99

TRANSFORMERS: THE DEFINITIVE G1 COLLECTION VOLUME 2: STORMBRINGER HC

The IDW Generation 1 storyline in updated chronological order, bringing you the entire span of this masterful reinvention of the classic characters and scenarios. These key Spotlight issues, including the classic Spotlight: Shockwave (featuring the Dinobots), and the pulse-pounding Stormbringer mini-series, all showcase underpinning story beats that continue to influence the ongoing IDW/Transformers-verse. Plus new background material created especially for The Definitive Collection, including Creating The IDW-Verse (with new input from IDW Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall) and more. Includes a contextual introduction by series editorial consultant, Simon Furman. Collecting Stormbringer #1-4 and Spotlight: Shockwave, Spotlight: Soundwave, Spotlight: Nightbeat, and Spotlight: Hot Rod.

HC, FC SRP: £6.99

TRANSFORMERS: THE DEFINITIVE G1 COLLECTION VOLUME 3: THE PRIMAL SCREAM HC

The classic Marvel UK & Marvel US Generation 1 Transformers storylines, represented together in sequential volumes for the first time ever. Featuring specially colourized (by fan favourite John-Paul Bove) UK stories ‘Race With the Devil’ and ‘Survivors’, the return of Megatron, the rise of Unicron and the honest-to-gosh origin of the Transformers, this volume is a true first, and a must-have for all collectors. Plus, new background material created especially for The Definitive Collection, including a feature on the colourizing process by John-Paul Bove and a contextual introduction by series editorial consultant, Simon Furman. Collecting Transformers UK #198, 213-222 and Transformers US #56-61.

HC, FC SRP: £9.99

TRANSFORMERS: THE DEFINITIVE G1 COLLECTION VOLUME 4: EDGE OF EXTINCTION HC

The classic Marvel UK & Marvel US Generation 1 Transformers storylines, represented together in sequential volumes for the first time ever. This time it’s a bumper feast of US Transformers, with the whole Unicron saga (US issues #68-75) complete in one volume for the first time. This is the storyline that thrilled a generation of readers, and set the bar for every Transformers story that followed. Plus, new background material created especially for The Definitive Collection, including features on Unicron, artist Andrew Wildman (with input from Andrew himself) and more. Includes a contextual introduction by series editorial consultant, Simon Furman. Collecting Transformers US #67-75.

HC, FC SRP: £9.99

TRANSFORMERS: THE DEFINITIVE G1 COLLECTION VOLUME 5: THE WAR WITHIN HC

(W) Simon Furman (A) Don Figueroa

The classic Marvel UK & Marvel US Generation 1 Transformers storylines, represented together in sequential volumes for the first time ever. Before Stormbringer, before the Beast Wars, before even Generation One, there was... The War Within. Four million years before the Transformers came to Earth, civil war rocks their home world of Cybertron, and Optimus Prime faces his first — and greatest — challenge. If you think you know the Transformers... think again! Plus, new background material created especially for The Definitive Collection. Includes a contextual introduction by series editorial consultant, Simon Furman. Collects Transformers: The War Within #1-6.

HC, FC SRP: £9.99

In Shops: (VOL. 1) FEBRUARY 2017 Item Code: DEC16 3227 SRP: £1.99
In Shops: (VOL. 2) FEBRUARY 2017 Item Code: DEC16 3228 SRP: £6.99
In Shops: (VOL. 3) FEBRUARY 2017 Item Code: DEC16 3229 SRP: £9.99
In Shops: (VOL. 4) FEBRUARY 2017 Item Code: DEC16 3230 SRP: £9.99
In Shops: (VOL. 5) FEBRUARY 2017 Item Code: DEC16 3231 SRP: £9.99

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1843246)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on November 25th, 2016 @ 1:35am CST

Cool. I shall grab that cheap first issue when it's out and see what it's like. I'm only interested in the Marvel ones anyways particularly any that have the later black and white strips coloured.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1848878)
Posted by Va'al on December 26th, 2016 @ 11:39am CST

We have an update on the Hachette Partworks Definitive Transformers G1 Collection subscription service, thanks to a fellow robot fan via our Facebook page - the initial run was apparently successful, and the company will be releasing the full project after all! You can check out the confirmation info below, and the original announcement coverage here.

Delivery & Gift Information

As part of our research we tested the first 4 issues of this series in selected locations in the UK and we are excited to confirm that the complete collection is now launching nationally! Issue 1 will be published on 28th December 2016, and your subscription will begin again from issue 1.
We will send you the new editions of issues 1, 2, and 3 free of charge, and of course you will receive your free subscription gifts.
During the test run for this collection, you weren't charged and for security reasons we were not able to hold onto your payment details whether these were credit card details or direct debit details. This means that you will be charged via invoice, however in your first delivery you will receive information about how to switch to card or direct debit payment.
1- Please allow 28 days from the acceptance of your order for delivery.
2- You will receive your first two issues for FREE plus your FREE Transformers keyrings with your 1st delivery.
3- You will receive 2 issues every 4 weeks delivered directly to your door (in exceptional circumstances, the content of your despatches may differ).
4- You will receive another FREE issue with your 2nd delivery plus your FREE Transformers wallet.
5- You will receive your FREE tin plate cover with your 3rd delivery.
6- You will receive your FREE Transformers mug with your 4th delivery.
7- You will receive your FREE Transformers bookends with your 5th delivery.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1848885)
Posted by EagleBot13 on December 26th, 2016 @ 2:43pm CST

Any news on an international release? I live in the US and would love to subscribe.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1848886)
Posted by Va'al on December 26th, 2016 @ 2:47pm CST

EagleBot13 wrote:Any news on an international release? I live in the US and would love to subscribe.

Not yet I'm afraid. :/

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1848895)
Posted by dragons on December 26th, 2016 @ 4:32pm CST

As long they pull this stuff again with international release consider me preorder when it happens

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1849116)
Posted by fenrir72 on December 27th, 2016 @ 10:39pm CST

That G1 battle scene painting is the BOSS! Wish I can score one without the JP or any English characters in front it.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1849382)
Posted by ScottyP on December 29th, 2016 @ 8:12am CST

EagleBot13 wrote:Any news on an international release? I live in the US and would love to subscribe.

Do yourself a favor and grab this if you want to check out the Marvel UK material and haven't before: https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Cla ... 600109438/?tag=seibertron07-20&

I know that doesn't really solve what you're asking for here, just throwing that out there in the possible event that you were interested for the material that was "UK only" until the 00's.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1849732)
Posted by starfish on December 30th, 2016 @ 5:33pm CST

Can confirm at least one change between the four trial issues and the 'proper' wide-release issues: as with Hachette's previous Dredd partwork, they've had a re-think about the spine art.

To confirm: the spine art has changed, so if you were thinking of mixing and matching trial issues and the full run, the spines won't match.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1850244)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on January 3rd, 2017 @ 9:21am CST

Found a copy today and am really happy with it. Mainly buying for the Marvel stuff but a few of the others is fine too.

And love the poster the 'magazine' unfolds into

So yeah I went and subscribed for the free merchandise getting issue 3 free with issue 2 and getting them delivered to my door so I don't have to search around for them or pay £6.40 busfare if the only newsagents in this town that does stock it runs out. I hope it lasts at least until all the Marvel stuff is sitting all tidy and neat on my shelf.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1850425)
Posted by Va'al on January 4th, 2017 @ 9:49am CST

London-based Orbital Comics will be holding another signing session with Transformers comics creators, this time to celebrate the full launch of the Hachette Partworks Definitive G1 collection, as reported previously! The guests for the event on Saturday 14th January are Simon Furman, Stephen Baskerville, Jeff Anderson, Lee Sullivan and John-Paul Bove - check out more info below!

To celebrate the launch of Transformers The Definitive G1 Collection from Hachette Partworks, Orbital Comics is pleased to welcome creators from the original Marvel UK Transformers title to the store.

Joining us on Saturday 14th January 2017, from 2-4pm, will be creators Simon Furman, Jeff Anderson, Stephen Baskerville, Lee Sullivan and John-Paul Bove.

We will have copies of the first 3 releases available, which feature classic stories like Target 2006 and The Primal Scream. Hachette Partworks will also be on hand to take subscriptions to the series.

This is the perfect way to start a Transformers comic collection, or the chance to relive favourite childhood stories with the people that created them, don’t miss out!

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1850473)
Posted by BattleConvoy on January 4th, 2017 @ 1:54pm CST

Got issue 1 idk if I can get all of them due to pocket money being limited

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1850475)
Posted by BattleConvoy on January 4th, 2017 @ 1:59pm CST

Delivery & Gift Information

As part of our research we tested the first 4 issues of this series in selected locations in the UK and we are excited to confirm that the complete collection is now launching nationally! Issue 1 will be published on 28th December 2016, and your subscription will begin again from issue 1.
We will send you the new editions of issues 1, 2, and 3 free of charge, and of course you will receive your free subscription gifts.
During the test run for this collection, you weren't charged and for security reasons we were not able to hold onto your payment details whether these were credit card details or direct debit details. This means that you will be charged via invoice, however in your first delivery you will receive information about how to switch to card or direct debit payment.
1- Please allow 28 days from the acceptance of your order for delivery.
2- You will receive your first two issues for FREE plus your FREE Transformers keyrings with your 1st delivery.
3- You will receive 2 issues every 4 weeks delivered directly to your door (in exceptional circumstances, the content of your despatches may differ).
4- You will receive another FREE issue with your 2nd delivery plus your FREE Transformers wallet.
5- You will receive your FREE tin plate cover with your 3rd delivery.
6- You will receive your FREE Transformers mug with your 4th delivery.
7- You will receive your FREE Transformers bookends with your 5th delivery.

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AGain, llike I said, I cannot aford this, unless I start a job or selling some of my stuff :-x

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1850760)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on January 5th, 2017 @ 11:20pm CST

Orbital Comics has let us know that there is an upcoming signing session for the Transformers: the Definitive G1 Collection, and this session includes several major figures! The signing is scheduled for January 14 of this year in Orbital Comics of London, UK, and will feature creators and contributors Simon Furman, Jeff Anderson, Stephen Baskerville, Lee Sullivan, Geoff Senior and John-Paul Bove. You can follow the link above to Orbital Comics Website, and we have mirrored the press release below. So get ready to get a whole bunch of G1 comics signed!

o celebrate the launch of Transformers The Definitive G1 Collection from Hachette Partworks, Orbital Comics is pleased to welcome creators from the original Marvel UK Transformers title to the store.

Joining us on Saturday 14th January 2017, from 2-4pm, will be creators Simon Furman, Jeff Anderson, Stephen Baskerville, Lee Sullivan, Geoff Senior and John-Paul Bove.

We will have copies of the first 3 releases available, which feature classic stories like Target 2006 and The Primal Scream. Hachette Partworks will also be on hand to take subscriptions to the series.

This is the perfect way to start a Transformers comic collection, or the chance to relive favourite childhood stories with the people that created them, don’t miss out!

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1852605)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on January 16th, 2017 @ 7:43am CST

Got the first three volumes now and my subscriber keyrings. Already this collection is getting kinda heavy. I forgot lots of paper weighs muchly lots.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1852606)
Posted by starfish on January 16th, 2017 @ 7:49am CST

I see they're offering to re-print issue 1 (Target 2006) due to a misprint on the spine. The art doesn't line up properly...

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1852607)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on January 16th, 2017 @ 7:50am CST

starfish wrote:I see they're offering to re-print issue 1 (Target 2006) due to a misprint on the spine. The art doesn't line up properly...

Yep. Think the shop release is coming with issue 7 and the subscribers one sooner? Something like that. Not a huge deal and it's good of them to fix it for free though it's not even bugging my OCD... yet...

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1852883)
Posted by BattleConvoy on January 17th, 2017 @ 1:50pm CST

Got 1 and 2, will get the ealry marvel strips and dreamwave when they come out.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1865533)
Posted by Va'al on March 10th, 2017 @ 11:40am CST

You may not have been following the Transformers: Definitive Collection stories that the UK social media world has been posting, but it's worth pointing out some of the perks available to subsribers nonetheless - especially with the reveal of a number of their six Premium prints, by veteran Transformers artists such as Andrew Griffith, Alex Milne, E.J. Su, Joana Lafuente, Casey Coller and Sara Pitre Durocher. Check out the general banner below (with Milne, Su and one hard to read the signature), and the latest reveal (Pitre Durocher's) too!

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1865534)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on March 10th, 2017 @ 11:44am CST

Va'al wrote:You may not have been following the Transformers: Definitive Collection stories that the UK social media world has been posting, but it's worth pointing out some of the perks available to subsribers nonetheless - especially with the reveal of a number of their six Premium prints, by veteran Transformers artists such as Andrew Griffith, Alex Milne, E.J. Su, Joana Lafuente, Casey Coller and Sara Pitre Durocher. Check out the general banner below (with Milne, Su and one hard to read the signature), and the latest reveal (Pitre Durocher's) too!

Oh well I was paying extra for those but hadn't see what they'd be. I'm likely going to have to cancel my sub anyways. I'm too poor. :/

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1906275)
Posted by Tyrannacon on August 24th, 2017 @ 5:17pm CDT

Coming by way of the Ozformers Facebook page we have learned that the G1 Definitive Comics collection is now out in Australia via Newsagents. There is a bit of a note written by the Ozformers page people to be aware of.

The first issue is $8, while each later issue (every 2 weeks) is $20.
It's a great complete set if you haven't been collecting the comics, but unfortunately, if you only want certain issues, or just the first section containing the original 1980s comics, these are not being released in order - they are being released in a pre-set mixed up order, and you will have to ask your local newsagent if they are able to order in specific volumes (if you only want certain ones). If they can do it, just be careful when asking for specific volumes, as they might be numbered according to their order of release, rather than the numbers on the covers (note that "issue 1" is Volume 6).
By the way... this Definitive Collection is supposed to include for the first time ever, coloured copies of the black and white UK comic stories from the original series - that's almost 30 years for this to finally happen.

Also please note, if you wish to subscribe to the G1 Definitive Comics Collection you can do so here the caveat is that it is region specific. So if you are in Australia, you pay in Australian pricing, if you are in Italy you would pay UK pricing.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1906294)
Posted by Prime Target on August 24th, 2017 @ 6:34pm CDT

Niiice Might have to look out for this one

I've never read most of the UK Stories but I really want too! I wanna read the one with the Zombies and Flame

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1906296)
Posted by primalxconvoy on August 24th, 2017 @ 7:06pm CDT

One day, some sassy company will realise that selling both the UK and US Marvel G1 comics, in the correct order, TOGETHER, without Geo-blocking the release (i.e., at Amazon) is actually a good idea.

Until then, I'll keep my money, thanks.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1906457)
Posted by Prime Nova on August 25th, 2017 @ 2:24pm CDT

So this is just shipping unsold UK stock with stickers on the price

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1978501)
Posted by ScottyP on August 14th, 2018 @ 8:54am CDT

AllNewSuperRobot wrote:. After reading both parts, I do hope, at their peak, MTMTE/LL & TAAO/OP are better than this.

Titans Return is generally considered "just ok". Very generally speaking, August - November 2016 was a low point in the IDW run to the extent that the sales never really recovered, some one-off peaks aside.

Plot-wise, Titans Return does set up my personal favorite part of TAAO, in which the undead Titans reach Cybertron. It's the book's second arc/trade and is issues 5-8. Given your preference for visual storytelling, you may be pleased to know it's much lighter in word count than most any recent IDW TF books that I can think of, at least since AHM.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1978534)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on August 14th, 2018 @ 2:21pm CDT

I never got to read AHM. Was it light on dialogue? That usually makes for a boring story.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1978536)
Posted by ScottyP on August 14th, 2018 @ 2:48pm CDT

Rodimus Prime wrote:I never got to read AHM. Was it light on dialogue? That usually makes for a boring story.

Lighter than what Furman had been doing by a good bit! I think less dialogue is just fine if the visual storytelling is up to snuff, but that's a learned skill. It can be very tempting to see a splash page with no/few words and skip right along, but learning to stop and really take it in and actively think about it changed my comics reading world.

That said, if the art is bad, over-simple, or just not doing anything for the story, then yes a lack of dialogue becomes a detriment. I don't think that applies to AHM or TAAO (in places), thankfully.

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (1978886)
Posted by Burn on August 16th, 2018 @ 5:12pm CDT

If you're Australian and subscribed to the Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection and were wondering where your latest shipment is, it's because Bissett Magazines, the Australian distributor for Hachette Partworks (the UK publisher of the books) has filed for bankruptcy.

The crew over at OzFormers shared the details and what you should do going forward via a Facebook post.

OzFormers Facebook wrote:Transformers Definitive Comic Collection update.
For those who are subscribed to the Transformers Definitive Comic Collection, and were wondering why they didn't get two volumes sent to them last week, the Australian distributor (Bissett Magazines) has collapsed, and the UK publisher (Hachette Partworks) is still trying to set up a new distributor, as noted on the Subscription website...
http://www.transformerscollection.com/
Hopefully they have the mailing list of subscribers, but just in case, please email Hachette in the UK (customer_service_aus@hachette-service.com) to make sure that they know that you were getting the series, and which volumes you last received (the last two sent out should have been Volume 14 & 43 in the second week of July).
Updates from Hachette will be posted here and on Ozformers website.
The more people here who are known by them, the quicker they might be to find a solution, and the more likely one of us will be updated with some news about if or when the shipments will resume for us in Australia.

Other collectors have received responses from Hachette that they are working to get a new distributor set up so that collectors can resume receiving the books.

Affected by this? Didn't know about the Transformers Definitive Comic Collection? Sound off on our forums!

Re: Interruption of Transformers: The Definitive G1 Comics Collection Subscription, by Hachette (2015072)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on March 18th, 2019 @ 2:08pm CDT

Resurrecting a Dead Thread, for the second time

So lets catch up briefly on what I've been reading.

Liars A to D and Shadowplay, were two of the newest collections of the Part Work and while some stories were interesting concepts, the overall impression I have of the first 13 (+ annual) issues of the much lauded MTMTE is Underwhelming.

As noted, I tapped out of IDWverse with DoOP. Too far a departure from the Origin to LSoTW era that I found so captivating. To that end I have largely gone into reading these books, particularly as they are the initial arcs, with an unbiased and open mind.
My main point of contention with this series opening is that it could be anything. There is nothing in this series so far that clearly, proudly says 'Transformers'. I've read a lot of comics, of various genres. Without a distinct hook/voice of it's own, a series just becomes lost like a raindrop in the ocean.

Transformers typically has that, by default. The motivations, the world building, the contextualisation of the titular Giant Alien Robots. Most of this series however, is (dense) talking heads. It's like Star Trek, mixed with the humour of Red Dwarf, in Robot Cosplay. I imagine the appeal is akin to the Disney approach to Marvel Movies. Generalise and dilute the source material to make it as accessible to the general audience as possible.

Did I enjoy it? Not particularly. The initial arc "Liars A to D" was naff. The story involving Pharma was interesting , although there is a weird disconnect between the Ratchet of Infiltration and his Grandfather in this book. Shadowplay too was engaging, until the Prime fanwank took centre stage.

The biggest minuses are:
(1)Swerve and Tailgate - Two "chibi" characters that are visually completely incongruous with the rest of the book. As someone with an artistic background, their jarring presence irritated me, to the extent I largely skimmed over their dialogue and scenes.
(2) Whirl - I understand why he is visually different from the rest of the cast, being familiar with the history of his toy, and the way they tried to explain that away in Shadowplay was a nice touch. However, to me he is one of the worst characters in IDWverse, an Extreme 90's archetype that falls flat. So much so I think the book would have been better without him.

Overall both books get a 5/10. As I said, decidedly average and middle of the road by IDWverse stands previously set.

Moving on

I've previously made it clear that I don't really value Marvel US over Marvel UK, in G1 Transformers. The art and stories of the latter were typically superior in every aspect and I didn't really rate Bob Budiansky as a result of that. Enter: The Underbase Saga

To think some fans complained that half a dozen characters died in The Movie. :shock:

If the level of culling in the Underbase Saga had been present in The Movie, I think Transformers would have ended there. Yet in terms of characterisation and story, this is Budiansky's best work. Ironically his swansong from the series too. The level of death in this book, as someone who champions plot progression over maintaining the status quo, is very impressive. Not to mention the disregard in which it takes place. There simply isn't the opportunity for heroic final moments, Starscream slaughters dozens per panel, unceremoniously. The art of Marvel US however, remains poor. I don't know if this picks up by the end of the series, but everything I've read via the part work to date, I am left somewhat pessimistic about the odds.

This one is an 8/10. A 9.5/10 if the art had been beyond serviceable.

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