The Energon Pub

[ScottyP]

Via Newsarama comes word of a five-issue mini-series continuation of Micronauts in the form of Micronauts: Wrath of Karza. Set to launch in April of 2017, this series will pick up after Micronauts #11 with the arrival of Baron Karza to Earth yet again as he attempts to save the denizens of Microspace from the ominous, long threatening, planet-eating Entropy Cloud.



Micronauts writer Cullen Bunn is set to return, with Jimmy Johnston continuing as co-writer. They'll be joined this time out by none other than Andrew Griffith, whom Transformers fans will remember from the recently concluded Robots in Disguise/Transformers run!

Selected quotes from the article are below, but you can head over to Newsarama for the full text then head back here to our Energon Pub Forums and chat with other Seibertronians about this upcoming series as well as the overall Hasbro Shared Universe of comics from IDW Publishing:

Nrama: There has to be more than just Baron Karza in the series - who else is in this, Micronauts or otherwise?

Johnston: One thing that is important to know is that the Micronauts are part of IDW’s shared Hasbro comic book universe including M.A.S.K., G.I. Joe, Transformers, Micronauts, and Rom. All of these exist in the same world, so when telling a story of an attempt to conquer Earth by an alien entity, there has to be acknowledgement of them. Part of the fun with this story is getting to dip our toes into the stories and characters of the rest of the shared universe.

Bunn: Jimmy's exactly right. This story will help to further cement the Micronauts in this shared universe, but it's not just a Micronauts story. Baron Karza is invading Earth, and that's going to draw the attention of many of the heroes of the world.

Nrama: Joining you on this is artist Andrew Griffith, who has worked pretty much non-stop on Transformers since 2009. What's it like for him coming in to draw Wrath of Karza?

Johnston: Andrew is a fantastic artist. Coming from Transformers will be an easy transition for him. In case he misses drawing all those giant robots, we have two robots - Microtron and Biotron - he gets to draw, and Oziron’s beard is very robotic looking as well!

Bunn: And it's not like he won't have the chance to draw plenty of Transformers, too!

Nrama: I can't forget - Microspace. Is it going to be no more, or is there hope for that fabled realm?

Johnston:The story of the Entropy Cloud hasn’t completely been told yet. You have to wait for that to resolve to see if Microspace remains standing. The fact that Baron Karza is planning an invasion and mass migration to our planet from Microspace doesn’t bode well though!

Bunn: As Jimmy said, we'll have to wait and see. It is quite possible that the Entropy Storm consumes Microspace and takes its place. And that sounds like it might be a bad situation for Earth as well.

What Transformers could be making an appearance here? We'll have to wait and see, but if previous tales from Micronauts are any indication, this isn't a series that Transformers fans will want to ignore! If you're wanting to know more about Micronauts, you can head on over to our Comics Series Resources for more information, browse for back issues, or head to your local shop tomorrow to pick up both Micronauts #9 and the 2017 Micronauts Annual.

Keep it here at Seibertron as we look forward to the remainder of IDW's April solicitations, and as we gradually expand our coverage of this wider Transformers comics universe!

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Considering IDW has made micronauts a Transformers offspring, it is hard to ignore this whole deal. Plus, we really need to see the results of Windblade's meeting with Micronus and get some more on his story.

[ScottyP]

Yep, I agree! Micronauts has been fun from the get-go, the whole thing has a vibe about it and there's been some very good (though maybe a bit hot/cold at times) character work.

Shame of it is that if they'd called it Microman, or put the main characters in Diaclone suits, made Biotron the Multiforce 14 or something, and had Karza instead be a Waruder and then changed absolutely nothing else TF fans would've been drooling over it for the past 9 months. IDW would have sold three more copies of issue 5 and it still would be getting a mini-series take over after 11 issues

[Targetmaster Kup]

#1 and #4 specifically mention Transformers, so it might be a good miniseries to pick up.

[Va'al]

Yup! It's why it has its own thread!

First issue should be out next week, too, we'll have a preview this Friday/Tuesday.

[Targetmaster Kup]

Yup! It's why it has its own thread!

First issue should be out next week, too, we'll have a preview this Friday/Tuesday.

It should be good, as the previews info about #4 may mean it ties into Power of the Primes!

[Va'al]

Out this week with IDW Publishing is the first issue of one of the many crossovers under any other name, featuring a good chunk of Hasbro Universe titles - Micronauts: Wrath of Karza! Included in the book are obviously the tiny timetravelling team of Micronauts, but also MASK, GI Joe and The Transformers, with much bigger (so to speak) things to come. Check out a full preview below!

Micronauts: Wrath of Karza #1 (of 5)
Cullen Bunn & Jimmy Johnston (w) • Andrew Griffith (a) • Alex Ronald (c)
As one universe dies, another is invaded! Microspace — the home of the Micronauts — is collapsing. But Baron Karza has discovered a new universe in which the people of Microspace would thrive, a universe in which he would rule! The first world to be conquered is Earth, and the first enemies to be targeted are the TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, M.A.S.K., and ROM!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points: 
Baron Karza invades Earth and the Micronauts will never, ever be the same!
Variant cover by Valentina Pinto, Paul Pope, and Michael Golden!

[Big Grim]

And the first thing I notice is that that ain't Rhino. That's Jackhammer. A Venom machine. That fills me with confidence.

[Black Bumblebee]

They might be mixing things up a bit--The VENOM machines first being owned by MASK, then getting stolen, or something. Julio Lopez is packed with a different vehicle, so, who knows.

If we can have Sunstreaker be a headmaster in IDW before they were even remaking headmaster toys, MASK can have a few vehicles that are neither good nor bad be driven by other folks

[Va'al]

And the first thing I notice is that that ain't Rhino. That's Jackhammer. A Venom machine. That fills me with confidence.

As Black Bumblebee says above, we're not entirely sure where in the MASK continuity this issue is placed. Or that scene specifically. So there's a chance that things are indeed still all one, in some way.

(We're discussing this with staff as I prepare the review, too. May be a case of, as ScottyP called it, LOLIDW scheduling magic.)

[Big Grim]

They might be mixing things up a bit--The VENOM machines first being owned by MASK, then getting stolen, or something. Julio Lopez is packed with a different vehicle, so, who knows.

If we can have Sunstreaker be a headmaster in IDW before they were even remaking headmaster toys, MASK can have a few vehicles that are neither good nor bad be driven by other folks

How dare you be reasonable when I'm being a little salty! :p

Besides, it's still the Jackhammer. The Rhino Rig got blowed up in Revolutions by Karza because reasons.

[ScottyP]

I'm assuming Rhino is a typo in this instance. Have read MASK but Julio's done jack squat with his vehicle that mattered so I couldn't tell you if that's a new development or not. I guess I could go look but that would involve like, two minutes of effort for MASK and nah, I'm good

[Big Grim]

Julio and his Firefly were my fave MASK toys as a kid. They were all good but for some reason, Firefly was just the greatest of them to kiddy me.

[Va'al]

Khaaaa-- rzaaaa!
(Spoiler free-ish)

Synopsis

As one universe dies, another is invaded! Microspace — the home of the Micronauts — is collapsing. But Baron Karza has discovered a new universe in which the people of Microspace would thrive, a universe in which he would rule! The first world to be conquered is Earth, and the first enemies to be targeted are the TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, M.A.S.K., and ROM!

token Franchise appearance

Story

So, Micronauts. You might be forgiven for not having followed any of their stories, and end up very confused in the climax (one of many) of Revolution, and consequently not really wanting to know what happened to the Micronauts' big bad in this new mini-series that is both a crossover and another version of Revolution done well. But, hear me out...

Buts for everyone

Cullen Bunn and Jimmy Johnston, the former being the regular writer for Micronauts (which, out of all the Hasbro Universe titles at IDW, you really should give a try reading!), do justice not only to Baron Karza's motives in the overarching world of the Microverse and Revolution and this new storyline - essentially, we have a reason for him to exist. And it is very very well done.

Need a reason?

The link with Transformers? Karza and the rest of the Microverse were originated by Micronus, one of the Thirteen Primes of Cybertronian lore. Add to that just enough from each of the franchises involved in the event, especially on Karza's role so far, and establishing his new powers in relation to what he can do with Earth - and its inhabitants.

Art

Transformers veteran artist Andrew Griffith is on art duties, and he brings the shine that he always had in the very best work - a load also shared with Ron Joseph, who takes on a smaller number of pages, and strangely enough fitting the same criticisms and the issues that I have yet to clear up with their take on some human faces, especially in smaller, seemingly more rushed panels.

But you also get these beauties

David Garcia Cruz does a really good job in keeping to the colouring we find in the Micronauts series (where he is the regular colourist), while also playing around where they can with the panels and lighting. Microverse and Earth are very different palettes, in terms of scapes, and yet we get a nice balance of the two with some truly sparkling gems.

shiiiiiny

Lettering, as could be guessed almost immediately, is by veteran Tom B. Long, and I no longer really have any reason to say more positive things about his work: just look at it, and bask. All the covers, and all the characters involved, in the issue can be found in the database entry for the book, right here; the one chosen for the thumbnail is Paul Pope and Lovern Kindzierski's take on the Baron.

Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead

Let's get this out of the way: it's another comics event and a crossover. It is. I get it, I get you, I don't like them either, especially not at this rate. But, that said, Revolution did so badly at working out how everything fit together, that it's good to see the writers and editorial (tip to David Hedgecock there) working to patch that up with Karza's character, even if they place it confusingly in timelines with MASK.

..huh

We get more towards a bigger plot, that will properly, actively impact the Hasbro Universe (before the next universe shattering event), we have TF lore and nostalgia vibes combined, we have a Darth Vader-esque villain who can also be a centaur take centre stage, and we have a pool of books to dive into for the ride, and some nice art to look at - so far, this 'event' works.

. out of

[Targetmaster Kup]

Khaaaa-- rzaaaa!
(Spoiler free-ish)

Synopsis

As one universe dies, another is invaded! Microspace — the home of the Micronauts — is collapsing. But Baron Karza has discovered a new universe in which the people of Microspace would thrive, a universe in which he would rule! The first world to be conquered is Earth, and the first enemies to be targeted are the TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, M.A.S.K., and ROM!

token Franchise appearance

Story

So, Micronauts. You might be forgiven for not having followed any of their stories, and end up very confused in the climax (one of many) of Revolution, and consequently not really wanting to know what happened to the Micronauts' big bad in this new mini-series that is both a crossover and another version of Revolution done well. But, hear me out...

Buts for everyone

Cullen Bunn and Jimmy Johnston, the former being the regular writer for Micronauts (which, out of all the Hasbro Universe titles at IDW, you really should give a try reading!), do justice not only to Baron Karza's motives in the overarching world of the Microverse and Revolution and this new storyline - essentially, we have a reason for him to exist. And it is very very well done.

Need a reason?

The link with Transformers? Karza and the rest of the Microverse were originated by Micronus, one of the Thirteen Primes of Cybertronian lore. Add to that just enough from each of the franchises involved in the event, especially on Karza's role so far, and establishing his new powers in relation to what he can do with Earth - and its inhabitants.

Art

Transformers veteran artist Andrew Griffith is on art duties, and he brings the shine that he always had in the very best work - a load also shared with Ron Joseph, who takes on a smaller number of pages, and strangely enough fitting the same criticisms and the issues that I have yet to clear up with their take on some human faces, especially in smaller, seemingly more rushed panels.

But you also get these beauties

David Garcia Cruz does a really good job in keeping to the colouring we find in the Micronauts series (where he is the regular colourist), while also playing around where they can with the panels and lighting. Microverse and Earth are very different palettes, in terms of scapes, and yet we get a nice balance of the two with some truly sparkling gems.

shiiiiiny

Lettering, as could be guessed almost immediately, is by veteran Tom B. Long, and I no longer really have any reason to say more positive things about his work: just look at it, and bask. All the covers, and all the characters involved, in the issue can be found in the database entry for the book, right here; the one chosen for the thumbnail is Paul Pope and Lovern Kindzierski's take on the Baron.

Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead

Let's get this out of the way: it's another comics event and a crossover. It is. I get it, I get you, I don't like them either, especially not at this rate. But, that said, Revolution did so badly at working out how everything fit together, that it's good to see the writers and editorial (tip to David Hedgecock there) working to patch that up with Karza's character, even if they place it confusingly in timelines with MASK.

..huh

We get more towards a bigger plot, that will properly, actively impact the Hasbro Universe (before the next universe shattering event), we have TF lore and nostalgia vibes combined, we have a Darth Vader-esque villain who can also be a centaur take centre stage, and we have a pool of books to dive into for the ride, and some nice art to look at - so far, this 'event' works.

. out of

Where is it placed in continuity

[Va'al]

Where is it placed in continuity

Just kinda over there, bit to the left. *points*

[Targetmaster Kup]

In some ways it seems like it should be pre-Revolution.

[ScottyP]

Where is it placed in continuity

Just kinda over there, bit to the left. *points*

Best guess right now other than the almost-not-worth-mentioning "Post Micronauts 11" (I'm not super confident in the list that follows. Not one bit.) :

- Pre-OP 1
- Post Joe 5 or 6 (wherever that book's first arc ends)
- Post MASK's second arc, other wise I have nothing to explain Brad Turner hanging out like all's well.
- Totally wild guess - Post Rom 10?
- Absolutely no idea with respect to Revolutionaries. Guess we'll know more if Ironblood/Dr. X/Storm Shadow show up

[D-Maximal_Primal]

And the final preview to carry you over for the weekend, we bring to you the iTunes preview for Wrath of Karza part 2 of 5! This book involves the transformers, and specifically Micronus Prime, so it is potentially important to the Transformers universe as we know it. Check out the preview below, and let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Baron Karza has triumphantly executed the first step in his plan to conquer the Earth. Only the Micronauts stand between him and his ultimate goal. Now comes the second step: Destroy the Micronauts.

[Kurona]

I like how his big wall of threats doesn't include Metrotitan

[Soundwave902]

I like how his big wall of threats doesn't include Metrotitan

Maybe he doesn't consider him to be a threat since apparently a Prime can control a Titan

[Targetmaster Kup]

Say what you will, but Karza has a very supportive, encouraging wife by his side. No wonder he is so successful!

[Va'al]

Coming this week from IDW Publishing's Hasbro Universe comics is the crossover event which isn't a crossover but totally is, part of Micronauts and dipping its toes into Transformers, MASK, GI Joe and more - Wrath of Karza #2! Check out the preview below, and head back for a review later this week.

Micronauts: Wrath of Karza #2
Cullen Bunn & Jimmy Johnston (w) • Andrew Griffith (a) • Alex Ronald (c)
Baron Karza has triumphantly executed the first step in his plan to conquer the Earth. Only the Micronauts stand between him and his ultimate goal. Now comes the second step: Destroy the Micronauts.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
Variant cover by John Royle!

[Va'al]

Acrosomethingsomething
(Spoiler free-ish)

Synopsis

Baron Karza has triumphantly executed the first step in his plan to conquer the Earth. Only the Micronauts stand between him and his ultimate goal. Now comes the second step: Destroy the Micronauts.

but when is this happening?!

Story

The second issue of the five-issue-long crossover event is here, and with it the next franchise it'll be spilling into for the month! Taking on Micronauts themselves, after apparently defeating the rest of the Hasbro Universe last issue - the continuity here is weird, bear with me, and see more below - Baron Karza now moves from words to action.

At some point in time, I guess

Cullen Bunn and Jimmy Johnston return on writing duties and not only create the very good, lengthy and successful long action shot that is the issue itself, but they also pepper it with humour, some tension, even more reasons to appreciate the work going into Karza and his motives, and trying to tie it in with the rest. But seriously, the stand out moments? The humour.

The Mighty DogEgg

The one thing that drags the issue down, for me at least, is the big chunk of pages in the middle with the flashback/recap sequence - which is essentially a talking heads meets fragmented collage of previous panels and does not, in any shape of form, suggest where, or rather when, all of this is taking place. At this point, your guess is as good as mine, and I welcome elucidations on the matter!

Art

Let's talk art, with each artist - Andrew Griffith and Ron Joseph - taking on different sections, as pointed out above, the frame and the recap respectively. Each taken on their own is a very good indication of the skills and dedication that the two put in their craft, but something from the transition - not helped by the jarring moments I had with the writing, I'll admit - feels a little lost...

SPACESHIP

I wondered if the colouring is also partially responsible for that, but no. David Garcia Cruz provides, again, a very good element of continuity between the two styles, and makes the lineart for each highlight its strengths with his layers - and giving the flashback a different overall hue, too, marking its distance from the frame.

hue ominous lighting

Tom B. Long is also returning on lettering, and with the protracted action we have for the issue, it's his time to shine with BOOMs, THAMs, and KERKERKLUNKs, and boy does it work. On the covers side of things, on the other hand, we have different takes on the protagonists of the book by Alex Ronald, Ron Joseph with David Garcia Cruz, and John Royle with Juan Fernandez (thumbnailed), and you can find all of them in our database entry here.

Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead

I'll admit that I am still confused as to whether this crossover/event is actually taking place, or if timelines are being crossed in such a way that none of this makes sense. Any help will be useful, but from what I can see there is little syncing up with the other comics allegedly planned for this month to make sense of it. Then again, Time is All Things.

..all things

If it weren't for the way in which that middle recap flashback has been handled, I'd be a lot more positively inclined to rate this issue. There's a good deal of humour, very good characterisation on a number of characters, Karza is a Good Villain, with actual reasons, and Micronauts is the best playground for the story to be told. I just it just needs a little ...time.

. out of

[Daniel Adkins]

EDIT: Wrong thread, delete this post