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I've never been a big G.I. Joe fan, but it was nice to take a break from the action to have something more character-centric (although I'd love to see Scioli do the same with some of the Transformer characters).

I think what I love most about this series is that it very much feels like a kid playing with his toys. The characters retain their personalities from other fiction, but the story is just completely off the wall. This is the sort of story I would make up with my toys on a rainy afternoon as a kid. It might end with a victory by the heroes against all odds, or in the apocalypse. This story has that same "anything goes" feel to it: It is perhaps the only comic on the shelves where I legitimately do not know what is going to happen next.

I think the art serves this sort of story. It is bursting with detail and imagination, and I just love the textures Scioli pulls out by using different tools (pencil, crayon, ink, paint). It may not be as pretty as todays perfectly rendered and colored digital art, but it feels more alive, at least to me.

There is a lot of nostalgia tied into this series, but not in the same way as other Transformers comics. Other series evoke nostalgia for the franchise: the cartoon, the comic, the toys. This is nostalgia for an 80's childhood. The feel of playing with your old toys. The callbacks to that decade's action films. The alternative comic styling. For me, this feels like my childhood in comic form.

I love it.

Despite its incredible success and ambition, especially outside established readerships and fandoms, we have news via Comics Alliance of the ending in sight for the IDW Transformers vs G.I. Joe comics series - as imagined by Tom Scioli, and probably reined in by John Barber. You can read some of the reasons, solicitation for the 13th and final issue, plus the cover, below, and the full piece here.

Now, it seems like reality is finally catching up with us. When Transformers vs. GI Joe #13 hits shelves in June, it’ll be an extra-sized 48-page final issue that ends the series — and possibly the entire universe.

We reached out for comment, and Tom Scioli had this to say about the book’s epic conclusion:



I’ll say it. It’s the greatest crossover of all time. This is the new standard by which all crossovers will be judged.

What a rare privilege in comics to begin something and to end it exactly as you envisioned. To create a universe and then torch it in the most explosive way imaginable. In the end, the creative challenge is the only thing that matters. When you push the limits, the world gets bigger. We wanted to see just how much juice you can squeeze out of these concepts and out of the comics page itself. How much story can fit into a comic book before the staples pop out? I look forward to seeing how the next generation of cartoonists builds on these innovations, the way we built on the work of those who came before us. I look forward to seeing the inevitable movie adaptation of this comic.

Transformers vs. G.I. JOE #13: Armageddon
Tom Scioli & John Barber (w) • Tom Scioli (a & c)
THE END IS NIGH! Final battle erupts—the forces of G.I. JOE and the AUTOBOTS head-to-head (or head-to-toe, depending on the size difference) with the DECEPTICOBRA alliance! The fate of the universe hangs on every decision!

FC • 48 pages • $7.99

Bullet points:
·One of the most talked-about comics of the 21st century—see what everybody’s been yelling about!
·Visionary writer-artist Tom Scioli’s canvas has never been so big!
·Far-flung cosmic action in the scintillating Scioli style!
·The epic conclusion!

That cover is probably Tom Scioli's best artwork on that book.

I won't be a bit sad to see this go. I've never felt like there's any room for me to like this book with Scioli's ego in the way. Every time I read his interviews and commentary, I get the impression that somewhere in his house he has copies of everything he's ever written autographed and dedicated to himself as his #1 fan.

Thank Goodness er... I mean what a shame... In any event. if anyone is interested in picking up the entire run so far (#0-11), I have an auction on eBay right now including some variants and both SDCC covers.

jogunwarrior wrote:That cover is probably Tom Scioli's best artwork on that book.

Exactly what I was going to say, lol.

I started out liking this series but eventually it just became too weird for me. Perhaps it was going over my head but it was just beyond me.

In other comics news from IDW, via iTunes, we also get an early look at the penultimate issue of the Tom Scioli creation: Transformers vs G.I. Joe #12. Check out the three pages below!

WELCOME TO THE TERROR DROME! As the forces of COBRA plot a treacherous move, OPTIMUS PRIME descends in to CYBERTRONIAN hell in search of the MATRIX. They say the sun also rises… but will it be friend or foe?!

I don't really follow G.I. Joe and Transformers crossovers, but...

Why does Arcee turn into a pair of pink underwear for Defensor now?

Gearslide wrote:I don't really follow G.I. Joe and Transformers crossovers, but...

Why does Arcee turn into a pair of pink underwear for Defensor now?

I'm not familiar with this series, but I think you're looking for logic where is none.

One that note, these look hokey as hell and a ton of fun. I need to pick up a few of these and see if I can get into them.

Defensor.....what the hell......

...I have many questions.

Via ComicsAlliance, we have the full preview for next week's penultimate issue of the IDW project spearheaded by Tom Scioli, Transformers vs G.I. Joe #12 - you can check the whole thing mirrored out below, as Defensor, Kremzeek, Cobra Empress and the return of Cobra Commander make their presence felt in these first pages!

Transformers vs G.I. JOE #12

Tom Scioli, John Barber (w) • Scioli (a & c)

WELCOME TO THE TERROR DROME! As the forces of COBRA plot a treacherous move, OPTIMUS PRIME descends in to CYBERTRONIAN hell in search of the MATRIX. They say the sun also rises… but will it be friend or foe?!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:
The road to hell is paved with good intentions… and DINOBOTS!
The end is nigh, and the action has never been bigger!

This series is incredibly insane

Weird. Soooo much weird.

...I dunno if that's good or bad.

Defensor? Formed by a bunch of unrelated bots (only one of whom is an actual Protectobot)? I have no words...

bluecatcinema wrote:Defensor? Formed by a bunch of unrelated bots (only one of whom is an actual Protectobot)? I have no words...

That's Rescue Bots Blades, who's known for a fear of heights, distaste for violence, and generally being a pretty nervous guy, so I'd say this Defensor is 100% G1 Protectobot free. This ain't your grandad's Defensor!

GI Joe vs. is much more about being wild and weird than re-exploring/imagining chunks of G1.

He’ll fight for freedom wherever there’s trouble Auto Joe is there— G…I…. BOOOOOoooT, the real Cybertronian hero…. G. I. Bot is there!

When the going gets tough he’ll stay ’til the fights won, GI BOT is there.

….G …… I ….. BooOOOOOooT!
(whatever, I know it looks like boot)

Kind of how I feel about this series. I’m seeing it through to the end. Through all the nonsense, the craziness, and the far too few cool moments. I’ve tried to change to be one of the enlightened ones of those who get it— to present the unpopular side from what I experience around here anyway—- but I take my childhood heroes too seriously for that anymore.

Rather than bag on a series that is ‘critically-acclaimed’ by smart people who read lots of fiction literature for a living, I’m going to simply say a few words and then present the moments in this particular issue that made me smile. The images might be spoilers, they might not, but most of you don’t care, and if you do, well the issue has been out since last Wednesday.

After this as you know, there is mercifully one more issue left, one more issue for the rest of the scrap to hit the fan…

If you have enjoyed it, I’m glad. If you’ve hated it, I’m disappointed that a product related to heroes from your childhood has left you wanting. Only one more guys and gals…

PLOT-
Megatron, the Deceptions and Cobra are going to destroy the sun and harvest the energy to create more Cybertronians. Last call for the Autobots and Joes . Time to use the kitchen sink…

Page 1-
I’ve always been a HUGE DEFENSOR fan…always! The only combiner I had in full as a child. This take was an interesting way to ‘re-imagine’ the concept that used Prowl, one of my all-time favorite bots. The rest of the folks are not the normal Protectobots, but an amalgamation of emergency service alt mode vehicles like Red Alert, and Inferno, Blades (although it’s RESCUE BOTS BLADES clearly—nothing escapes—nothing). Rounding out the group are a random Arcee, Jetfire, and Targetmaster Peacemaker*.
*chuckle for the VOLTRON reference* ‘And I’ll form the gun!’

This whole configuration made me think of the Micromaster combiner re-released as a Kaybee exclusive Defensor using several of these bots’ names. Where’s my yellow Lamborghini Scioli (Hot Shot—or Hot Spot, I’ll have to look)?



Page 3-
Prime and Grimlock in matrix limbo. Totally reminded me of the video game Marvel Transformers issue (#24, I think--Prime dies--surprise!), crossed with the old ‘Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends’ Video Man plot .

Kudos to for pulling off the very believable Video Man from said SMahAF Ep.



Throw in a bit out of place Bludgeon as guardian of the AUTOBOT matrix heaven place… odd choice… Cause he's a Decepticon...



Page Speaking of ODD-
Okay, honestly look away from this if you are easily frightened. It will be burned into your memory forever, and for me, it’s not an enjoyable picture. I wish I could un-see it.

It’s not really that bad, but an out-of-mouth stairs/tongue connection kiss thing… I don’t care if it is Snake Eyes and Scarlett bonded to the big bots now--it could have been anyone--. Touching fingers or even holding hands may have been a little easier on the ol' ticker.

SDCC GI JOE VS. TRANSFORMERS Boxset Exclusive coming in 2017! Just wait...



Page Laugher-
This did make me have a little laugh out loud moment…

Free two-day shipping is a failure Megatron? Some free video streaming thrown in as well? What planet are you from?



I did like Grimlock’s attempt at revenge here. "Me Grimlock like two-day shipping Megatron!"


The Splash Pages-
These pages were fun, you can spot some good stuff, like every color of the rainbow seekers, Shrapnel package art picture, Hot Rod riding Sky Lynx into battle with a Bazooka mounted on his shoulder. And combiners, but most don’t look messed up like Defensor.





Page ‘In Your Eyes’
The John Cusack ‘Say Anything’ reference here really resonated with with me. Wheeljack just needed to be wearing a trench coat and it would have been perfect, but probably over the top. In your eyes indeed, Decepticons...Peter Gabriel says so.



And Wild Bill versus Six-shot… which gunslinger wins the showdown? (seems like a ridiculous question, right? Wild Bill already died once though and was reincarnated, so he’s all tough and stuff)



Page of REDEMPTION!!!
Okay, DEFENSOR down and hurt. Trypticon bearing down on him for the kill… and one of my lamest and yet most fun GI JOE toys ever comes in for the save…the BRIDGE LAYER... THAT… WAS…AWESOME!!!!! Seems like it needs a new name now, like 'Trypticon killer'. Best page of the whole series, end it here so I can feel somewhat good about the memories that I will take away from…




Page of BACK TO RIDICULOUS
Baroness and King Hisss himself, Cobra Commander, consummated a reunion with apparently more than a kiss, as Crystal Ball sees ‘the future’???



So much for leaving this issue with a good taste in my mouth…



One more issue…

I think the series is still coasting on the WHAT THE HELL AM I READING THIS IS AMAZING momentum of the first few issues. It especially resonated with non-TF fans, which is excellent. It's something totally different while also being completely self-contained.

As a comic, I think it succeeded in those first few issues at just doing wild, retro, Kirby-influenced fun things with the two concepts. It absolutely brought a crackling energy.

For me, however, it lost steam very quickly. I have zero issue with the *style* of the artwork (a common complaint), but the execution of the art style is at times poor. Pages and spreads that look more like characters are pasted into the scene with no thought to perspective (ie the smaller plane doesn't look off in the "distance" from the other plane, it looks like a TINY PLANE on the same, er, plane). It seemed like crazy new ideas just for the sake of being crazy. I don't know that the book needed to devolve into a more "routine" book but so many plot points seemed introduced and then dropped. The pacing absolutely sucked. And some very questionable storytelling choices were made, the most glaring being doing Grimlock vs Megatron (resulting in Grimmy's death) OFF-PANEL. The issues themselves started jumping around with a different story on every page.

So I think the critical acclaim is leftover from the first half-year the book was being published, and it hasn't had that shine since. Obviously it can still claim to hold onto the previous praise, and some, like Chris Sims of comicsalliance (a sight I read daily and enjoy their writing) still give it coverage. It is very worth noting that mention and coverage of TF/JOE has dwindled.

The fact that mainstream comics sites are showering praise on MtMtE instead is far more pleasing to me as a comics fan, a literary student, and a TF fan. It's a much better book with far more going for it than "bonkers." Even with what a vocal group of fans consider a "dip" in quality for season 2, MtMtE is literally head and shoulders over so many books it's almost unfair.

That's my take, at any rate.

"critically-acclaimed by smart people who read lots of fiction literature for a living"

I must be too dumb and ignorant to appreciate any of Scioli's "work". Boy, I wish they would stop trying to write comic books for intellectuals.

Don't know about you guys, But I'm still chuckling just reading the reviews. Stop trying to analyzing too much and just have fun reading the comic. I really appreciate what the writers are trying to do. The Voltron call-back was funny as hell. Haven't smiled and getting random chuckles from comics in a long time

I appreciate that, but my analysis comes after I stopped enjoying it. I really did enjoy the first few issues and then it started leaving me cold. Dig me?

I was having fun and then inexplicably I wasn't. Wanted to know why.

For me, I labored seven days a week. When I get a chance, sitting down with this title took those stress and seriousness away. I know what I was expecting when I open one of these. Panel by panel, I skim through the artwork, and panel by panel, I'll find some good childhood Easter eggs. I don't have to think too much trying to get a few smiles. However, when I do need something to analyze, i can still go back and find call-backs I might be missing. For me, this title is like the Batman v. Superman, just backwards. In the DC movie, after the first viewing, I was like, "what the hell?!" But looking at it again, I find that almost every scene was loaded with attempts at setting up future movies and establishing the add cine-universe. Scioli's Transformers and Gi Joe does the same. Instead of setting the future titles, calls back to our childhood memory of funny scenes and phrases, poking fun if everything we know, defensive combining like voltron, King hiss with cobra commander/baroness, relationship between Optimus and gridlock, bazooka sitting on hot rod (a bazooka should be on shoulders), etc. the way I would read it, don't analyze the story, analyze the panes and see what you can and cannot remember. I bought the entire title, I'll prob go get the trade when it's out

From the Facebook page for UK Transformers and G.I. Joe event Roll Out Roll Call, we have news of a shared variant cover for the last issue in the IDW Transformers vs G.I. Joe series, coming to an end this month with number #13. Check out the full piece by Robert Atkins and Joana Lafuente and more info below!

Roll Out Roll Call, The UK Transformers, G.I. Joe & Action Force Show in partnership with Discount Comic Book Service are proud to announce a shared cover variant for IDW Publishing Transformers Vs G.I. Joe #13. This amazing wraparound crossover cover by Robert Atkins Art and colours by Joana Lafuente features a tribute to the many characters played by our guests Neil Ross and Morgan Lofting. This issue will be a double sized. This wraparound variant cover edition has a print run of only 500, of which 250 will be available at Discount Comic Book Service and 250 from Roll Out Roll Call on July 8th-10th at London Heathrow. Book your ticket now: http://www.allthecoolstuff.co.uk/#!roll ... ll-1/yurd5

Thanks to Apple iTunes we get the preview for the final issue in the Transformers vs GI Joe comic book series. This issue will settle it all: the fate of Cybertron, the fate of the remaining humans, the face of the Autobots and Decepticons as we know it. Check it out, and sound off in the discussion forum on what you think of this big finale!

THE END IS NIGH! Final battle erupts—the forces of G.I. JOE and the AUTOBOTS head-to-head (or head-to-toe, depending on the size difference) with the DECEPTICOBRA alliance! The fate of the universe hangs on every decision!

In a week of endings, we get another chapter conclusions from IDW Publishing's Transformers output, via Newsarama. Below, you will find the last issue in the Tom Scioli/John Barber creation that was Transformers vs G.I. Joe, issue #13, as everything comes to a close. Make sure to head back to Seibertron.com later this week for a review, too!

Transformers vs. G.I. JOE #13: Armageddon
Tom Scioli & John Barber (w) • Tom Scioli (a & c)
THE END IS NIGH! Final battle erupts—the forces of G.I. JOE and the AUTOBOTS head-to-head (or head-to-toe, depending on the size difference) with the DECEPTICOBRA alliance! The fate of the universe hangs on every decision!
FC • 48 pages • $7.99

Bullet points:
One of the most talked-about comics of the 21st century—see what everybody’s been yelling about!
Visionary writer-artist Tom Scioli’s canvas has never been so big!
Far-flung cosmic action in the scintillating Scioli style!
The epic conclusion!