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It's the second-to-last Friday of the month so right on cue we have information on the latest upcoming Transformers comic books from IDW Publishing. February will see Brian Ruckley's ongoing in this "Bold New Era" hit its 18th issue with a possible change in direction at hand, while the Cliffjumper two-parter in Galaxies reaches its conclusion. Keep reading for the official info and some additional thoughts on these latest solicitations.


Order Transformers #18 with code DEC190650 for the Umi Miyao "A" cover, DEC190651 for the Bethany McGuire-Smith "B" cover, or ask your retailer about the ten-copy incentive cover by Kei Zama pictured above

If you've liked the setting of this new version of Cybertron, it sounds like Total Brand Awareness dictates leaving it behind while they explore space to find some Earthrise Synergon. This probably sounds saltier than intended, but don't get me wrong, a change of pace is exactly what I want for this series. Umi Miyao is currently solicited as the artist, and while the solicited artist has meant very little since the relaunch, if it holds true this will be the fourth issue in a row without Angel Hernandez contributing. While I can tell Mr. Hernandez is a talented artist, something about his style hasn't worked for me with Transformers as this series has progressed so this is something else that may be a wise move to keep this series viable as it heads into a "reader loss by attrition" danger zone with its issue count. It's nice to see a direct connection to Galaxies teased here as well, hopefully helping that upcoming story avoid the chore of having to do an entire issue of exposition and character introductions. Good signs are all around for this latest ongoing after a questionable start, here's hoping the script work starts to show some more life and character as well by the time we get to this issue.


Order Transformers: Galaxies #6 with code DEC190653 for the awesome Alex Milne "A" cover pictured above, DEC190654 for the Bethany McGuire-Smith "B" cover, or ask your retailer about the ten-copy incentive cover by George Caltsoudas

You can get action on anything with the right booking agent, so if you got in early on "Cliffjumper will die early again in another continuity" that was probably a good bet since it looks like the line's about to move in your favor based on this latest solicitation. While everyone's favorite walking one-bot army is usually up for any fight, I just can't see him facing off against Deathsaurus going well. It sounds like Kate Leth and Cohen Edenfield have a fun story waiting, or at least one that might be the pinnacle of the meta joke about Cliffjumper being a red Bumblebee since he's mostly been treated that way toy-wise since 2006 (yes there are exceptions, you don't need to point them out to me.) Anything drawn by Alex Milne is sure to be at minimum a feast for the eyes and if the cover art is anything to go by the colors (Josh Perez? Really wish these solicitations would include colorist info!) are going to be top notch as well. While subject to change - and change frequently - the listed release date has this out the week immediately after the 2020 New York Toy Fair, so let the never-ending rumors of a new Deathsaurus toy continue!


Order the Transformers Valentine's Day Special with code DEC190656

This looks so fun. Transformers is rarely afforded true irreverent exuberance in an official capacity and the artist choices alone here with Jack Lawrence and Sara Pitre-Durocher should tell you everything you need to know when setting your expectations. I can't wait to see what's in store for this one-shot that's leaning in to a side of Transformers which is only uncomfortable if you are. Having an engaged writing team on its back-up/bonus story with Kate Leth and Cohen Edenfield may prove interesting, all I ask is that they be brought back after a couple years of marriage to make a follow-up so we can see how that goes - hopefully really well!


Order the Transformers Phase Two, Volume 11 Hardcover collection with code DEC190658

We're getting close to the tipping point where something's gotta give in these collections with the Hasbro Universe stories on the horizon, but those are still a couple of these big and beautiful hardcover volumes out from the looks of it. Volume 11 picks up Transformers (2014) with the "Conquerors" story arc, which was pretty good build up for "All Hail Optimus" in its time. Notably, this should also contain the very good issue #48 with D.0.C. and Buster doing their best homage to Pizza Dog. The overlooked "Redemption" Dinobot one-shot gets a reprint here as well which is great news for fans of Dinobots, Livio Ramondelli art and "Mad Max: Fury Road" enthusiasts. All of those stories have the unenviable task of sitting alongside More Than Meets The Eye's "Dying of the Light" storyline, aka the one where James Roberts pulled out Megatron's G1 Tech Spec and made all your fan theories feel pretty stupid in the process. Maybe that was just me. Anyways, if you've never had the chance to read that story I envy you because getting to experience that for the first time is an experience, man. Also note that if you click here and scroll way down you'll see that previous IDW Collection Phase Two volumes 1-9 as well as the soon to be released volume 10 are all being re-solicited, so if you missed out on earlier printings this collection of Transformers' second Golden Age of comics, this is a great opportunity to catch up.

That's all for February's solicitations, let me know if you like this format of solicitation info + commentary. While I can't promise to do this every month one way to guarantee it never happens again is if it's met with your silence - then again, maybe you want that! Stay tuned to Seibertron.com for all the latest Transformers comics news and let your fellow fans know what you'll be picking up in the comments below, just be sure to play nice.

I'm noticing that Tap-Out seems to have a 5mm port drawn on his forearm. Does that mean new toy incoming? Would be a pleasant surprise.

Lore Keeper wrote:I'm noticing that Tap-Out seems to have a 5mm port drawn on his forearm. Does that mean new toy incoming? Would be a pleasant surprise.

Do you mean Glyph? She's got that drawn in, but Tap Out's arms are almost totally obscured in the panel.

Bounti76 wrote:

Lore Keeper wrote:I'm noticing that Tap-Out seems to have a 5mm port drawn on his forearm. Does that mean new toy incoming? Would be a pleasant surprise.

Do you mean Glyph? She's got that drawn in, but Tap Out's arms are almost totally obscured in the panel.

I like where y'alls heads are at but that's just token robotic detail until further notice.

Yes, I have loved tap out and glyph since the early days of the botcon comics

GLYPH & TAP-OUT!!!!