Transformers Reviews News on Seibertron.com

Transformers Prime McDonald's Happy Meal Toys Video Reviewed

Date: Wednesday, March 14th 2012 9:39am CDT
Categories: Cartoon News, Toy News, Reviews
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): mitchsantona and Thetoymuseum

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Views: 94,306

Seibertron.com members mitchsantona and Thetoymuseum have posted video reviews of the Transformers Prime McDonald's Happy Meal toys. There are eight figures total: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Bulkhead, Megatron, Starscream, Breakdown, and Knock Out. These are non-transforming figure, but each features a gimmick. Check out their reviews embedded below.

Seibertron.com Reviews IDW Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #3

Date: Tuesday, March 13th 2012 3:42pm CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews
Posted by: Psychout | Credit(s): IDW, Psychout

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Views: 45,200

Close Encounters of the Robocarnivore kind.

This is the 3rd issue in an ongoing series and, just like the previous issues, it is dialogue driven, fast paced and an excellent read, but you already knew that as you bought issues 1 and 2 so know what to expect.



This series' main advantage - focusing solely on a contained group - allows the individual quirks and personalities to shine. It's clearly not an accident that many of the characters featured in this arc have had limited appearances (if at all) in previous books as this allows James Roberts freedom to really flesh out his creations, to nurture and guide them as they react to the perils of being lost in deep space. Incredibly, he still manages to further develop the better known characters, Rodimus being the most obvious example - the brash, impetuous hero willing to take that risk because he knows he really is that good, is a welcome change from his post-AHM petulance and selfishness, and how most will have imagined him for many years whilst being left disappointed until now.



Alex Milne uses his art, attention to detail and ability to set a dramatic scene to compliment the story perfectly, directing your attention to the smaller details such as Tailgate's transformation jam, Brainstorm's short but important scene and the contents of Skid's right hand - explained almost entirely through the art, using visual clues to compliment a story that doesn't require weighty narrative as your eye automatically searches them out.



Where am I going with this you may ask? The clue is in the title. On first glance, MTMTE is a comedic jaunt through space. Rodimus' response to the news of the ship's unwanted guest and the unlikely Chromedome and Rewind double-act are both executed effortlessly, as are all the light hearted interactions between the various brash and bold Lost Light crew members, but scratch beneath the surface here and there is a much deeper tale to tell with subtleties and hints that, upon closer inspection, show there is definitely more to this comic than just a shallow comedy romp through space – and not just Drift's new 'enlightened' philosophy. Brainstorm's briefcase. Skid's memory gaps. The Duobots' actions in the engine room. Rung's part in ...well, everything.
All these little details cued up and ready to be answered.



In an effort to avoid too big a spoiler, I won’t go into too much detail on the 'Sparkeaters' but for many of you there will be a clear - and no doubt intended - parallel with what is arguably one of the best sci-fi/horror movies ever made. This only serves to further raise the expectations for the series, and I really hope Roberts has this planned to the finest detail, as it would be a tragedy to see the story get lost in the minutiae.



Without doubt though, this is a superb comic, entertaining, enthralling, exciting, and certainly much more than meets the eye.

Seibertron.com Reviews IDW Transformers: Autocracy #5

Date: Tuesday, March 13th 2012 3:09pm CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews
Posted by: Psychout | Credit(s): IDW, Psychout

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Views: 44,746

Transformers Autocracy, the online-based comic from IDW is now into its 5th issue, and things are finally starting to fall into place. Having been blown up in Nyon and letting Soundwave escape into the Decepticon controlled Kaon province, Zeta Prime has given Orion and his team a final chance.



To prove they are worthy to be the Autobots' elite they must track down and bring to justice a dangerous terrorist called Hot Rod, but – as is always the way with these missions – things are never what they seem. As a reader we already know that Hot Rod is no terrorist, and we know that he won’t be killed in this story, so initially this issue seems a bit... pointless, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. What transpires will likely be the turning point everybody has been awaiting, explaining why these much loved Autobot legends acted this way until now, seemingly so out of character from their 'modern' counterparts, an oft-used but well employed trick here by Metzen & Dille, as they realise this historic tale in a far more subtle fashion than the clumsy Megatron:Origin that came so long ago.



The newest addition to the cast, Hot Rod has a minimalist but recognisable design that could almost be regarded as too simple coming mere moments after the latest MTMTE issue has him in glorious technicolour detail, but in this context it works and despite his garish colour scheme he fits the comic's aesthetic. Again, Livio Ramondelli’s artwork is stunning and atmospheric and the ending reveal is nothing short of spectacular, as you can almost see the gears moving inside Orion’s head as he wrestles with his conscience whilst Zeta's plan goes into action.



Only available in E-format on PC and iPhone/iPad, this inexpensive and enjoyable story comes recommended mainly for the completionist and those who really want to know where it all began, as it may be a bit too 'arty' for those used to the more colourful and clearer designs of the two main ongoing runs, but if you have stuck by the series this far then you won't be disappointed.

IDW Transformers: Autocracy #5 Preview

Date: Tuesday, March 13th 2012 12:21pm CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): IDW, El Duque

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Views: 61,130

From the fine folks at IDW Publishing we have a preview of Autocracy #5, their digital format comic. Enjoy the preview below.

Transformers: Autocracy #5
Chris Metzen, Flint Dille (w) • Livio Ramondelli (a)
12 CHAPTER DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE SERIES! THE HUNT IS ON! ORION PAX's strike team follows he trail of a young rebel into the ancient ACROPLEX! But what they find there is more than a single dissident—it's a secret that will shake CYBERTRON to the core!

IDW Transformers: Autocracy issue 4 review

Date: Monday, March 12th 2012 5:50pm CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews
Posted by: Psychout | Credit(s): Psychout

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Views: 39,531

A Tale of Two Leaders

Here it is – the issue we have been waiting for, and it does not disappoint. Having been captured by Starscream in an attempt to stop Soundwave escaping with knowledge of Zeta Prime's new weapon, Orion Pax is brought before Megatron and he is every bit as intimidating as you would expect him to be. Sitting like an emperor on his throne, basking in the attentions of his servants, Ramondelli’s Megatron reveal is a delicate balance between his ancient-era tank style altmode and his traditional G1 form, instantly recognisable and utterly menacing, and the conversation he has with Orion in the bar is certainly the same.



But let’s not overlook Metzen and Dille’s smaller details. The initial panel of the local citizen pledging himself to Megatron’s cause, the vandalised Autobot symbol on the wall and the terrified bartender taking cover during Pax and his team's escape keep the mood dark, Nyon no longer belongs to the Autobots. Small details such as this are vital to the setting of the scene for what’s to come and an indication of how things must get worse before they can get better, and the follow up with Zeta Prime is no different.



Megatron’s decision to allow the fleeing Autobots to escape is the key point in this story. Having planted the seed of insurrection in Orion’s head, he allows him to take what he has learned to Zeta himself, where the comic takes on a different tone altogether. We have already discussed that this Prime is a dictator – he rules the planet and will retain his grip by any means, as Swindle well knows from issue 2. Unsurprising then, is his treatment of Pax in his debriefing, critical and dismissive, unaccepting of excuses and unwilling to have his decisions questioned -- this is a leader set up for a fall, unlike Megatron who is set up as a potential victor.



Offering Pax and his crew one last chance, Zeta hands them a final mission: to return to Nyon to make an example of an insurgent whom readers will instantly recognise. The question is, will Orion's loyalty to the Autobots really stand up to this test?

IDW Transformers: Autocracy issue 3 review.

Date: Monday, March 12th 2012 5:10am CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews
Posted by: Psychout | Credit(s): Psychout

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Views: 40,523

The Sound of Music

Diving straight back into the action, issue 3 of Transformers Autocracy follows immediately on from Soundwave's escape from the Iacon senate security meeting. Zeta Prime, having unveiled his new ‘weapon’ now orders Orion Pax and his elite team of Bumblebee, Hound, Prowl, Ironhide and Silverbolt to track down and stop the escaping spy, setting up an epic chase and an exploration of Soundwave’s capabilities that IDW have woefully ignored in their time in charge of this franchise.



Again the art and lighting is of the highest standard, you still feel as though you are remembering these images from eons ago, but there is a trade off for the stunning visuals as some of the action shots seem to lack clarity. The fight between Bumblebee, Hound and Ravage is over quickly but without Silverbolt's narration, it would difficult to tell exactly what happened at the end, although the other cassettes used are a bit clearer, and a special mention should be made of the sound effect lettering by Robbie Robbins which adds to both the tension and narrative allowing the various crashes, bangs and explosions to entertain in the background and actually enhance the art.



This is the sort of episode where the writing steps up, Soundwave fleeing for his life masterfully using his cassette army as a defensive strategy, and the interchange between Soundwave and Frenzy is fitting and well written by Metzen and Dille and they squeeze a great deal into a limited space, especially with the twist at the end. Soundwave's fight with Orion himself is intense and every bit as brutal as the signature of this series, not afraid to show a little mech-on-mech violence and it makes this darker comic an engrossing read, and the teasers of other well known Decepticons on the last page all add to this cliff-hanger of an ending.



Those in the know will have an idea of what to expect from issue 4, and this polished showcase of one of the Decepticons' best known lieutenants abilities just further emphasises what Orion and his band are up against from both sides.
How will our heroes get out of this one?

IDW Transformers: Autocracy issue 2 review.

Date: Sunday, March 11th 2012 6:15pm CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews
Posted by: Psychout | Credit(s): Psychout

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Views: 41,096

Catching up on those issues that may have passed you buy before the 5th issue come out next week, Seibertron.com brings you our reviews of the Transformers Autocracy e-series so far.





Short, punchy and brutal is a good way to describe this second issue of the web-only mini-comic released as a background to the two current ongoing arcs. From the outset it was clear that this series was structured to be different to the other comics being planned, not least the format, but the very distinctive artwork is what will set this apart.



The Livio Ramondelli designs are very different to most of what we have seen before. Drawn as if they are a hazy memory from our childhood, he creates a richer Cybertron that has a more organic feel to it, and whilst his use of lighting to set a darker tone for this story may not be everyone’s cup of tea you cannot deny it sets a visually stunning scene in a world set after Megatron: Origin, deep under the threat of terrorism and civil unrest.



Last issue he and the writers, Chris Metzen and Flint Dille, introduced Orion Pax and his team of well known heroes capturing a Decepticon terrorist, but losing the trust of the citizens of Nyon, and now the action moves to Zeta Prime and his senate for a very different type of battle. Again the lighting floods the comic with atmosphere as Zeta is shown to be a harsh dictator, using the captured Swindle as a power source for a new weapon, facing down Starscream and brushing the ‘humanitarian’ concerns of the remaining senators aside in favour of a war-like totalitarian strategy, clearly being depicted as the evil the Decepticons are standing against, whilst elsewhere our hero Orion trains away his frustration and anger at his leader's and faction's perceived failings.



This issue helps to further flesh out the backdrop of Cybertron, a leadership in crisis and its increasing desperation to regain control and whilst not as action filled as the first issue it answers some of the questions raised from the last issue and poses a few more about who the Autobots are and what their part in the outbreak of the war will be.



A visual feast for those who like to read at their screen, Autocracy issue 2 of 12 is online now and is a must for those who have an interest in Cybertron’s past and want to know, just where did it all go so wrong?

IDW Transformers: Robots In Disguise issue 2 review.

Date: Wednesday, March 7th 2012 11:18am CST
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews
Posted by: Psychout | Credit(s): Psychout, IDW

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Views: 52,125

Better late than never eh?



For those of you who read our review of the first issue of RID, you’ll know that this is the more serious and in-depth of the two current Transformers stories. This tale of intrigue and political machinations based firmly on Cybertron initially lacked the pace of its sister publication and looked to take itself too seriously for some readers. In this second issue the dark tone of the series remains but the pace has, thankfully, very much increased.



Recapping the final actions of the first book – the death of Horri-Bull – this time from the Decepticons point of view, this story starts to build its momentum in a glorious 2-page spread which is a rogues gallery of tertiary colours and a great way for Andrew Griffith to showcase his designs, iconic and crisp, and a balance of the more detailed styles that have been prevalent in the comics since the big screen movies forced upon us that 'flexible metal skin' just isn’t acceptable these days. The various Constructicons, and Shockwave especially, stand out as hybrids of the old and new styles that work, but it is a style that doesn’t flatter everyone as Starscreams cluttered design will take some getting used to whilst a pivotal moment at the end is almost spoiled by some inexplicably awful character design on what is an iconic fan-loved character that really hasn't survived the transition to IDW very well.



John Barber keeps the intricacies of the story enjoyable, exploring the strain and distrust within the Autobot ranks towards the ‘pacified’ Decepticons, and brings out a side of Bumblebee that we haven’t really seen before, shown in his treatment of Starscream – an interesting role reversal from the days of old - an obvious indication that the pressures of command really do change a man. With this, and the staple internal struggle for power within the Decepticons themselves, one begins to see the depth of the writing within this book and can almost see the countdown to a return to civil war being the biggest enemy here.



Again, this is not a light hearted read. Character banter is minimal and the narration is complicated and twisting, but the slow burning story from last month is definitely beginning to gain momentum. Can the Autobots gain the trust of the Metalhawk and the NAILS, how will the Decepticons respond to Starscream and Ratbats power struggle and, as the comic ends in an assassination attempt and another high profile death, how are Barber and Griffith going to top this?



For those who like a more grown up theme to their alien space robots, Robots In Disguise is turning out to be a weighty political thriller with the stage being set for what the Decepticons do best which may not work for the casual fan, but for those looking for a bit of meat in a story, this is a very palatable entrée.



I would really not want to be Bumblebee right now.

Transformers Prime "Robots in Disguise" Deluxe Ratchet In-Hand Images and Video Review

Date: Tuesday, February 21st 2012 4:16pm CST
Categories: Cartoon News, Toy News, Reviews
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): optibotimus

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Views: 56,442

Seibertron.com member optibotimus has posted a few quick in-hand images of Transformers Prime "Robots in Disguise" Deluxe Ratchet. The images include Ratechet with the rest of the Autobot crew, the team is finally complete! Check out his images below.

Update: For those of you who enjoy video reviews optibotimus has posted that as well.

Transformers Prime "Robots in Disguise" Deluxe Arcee Video Review

Date: Friday, February 17th 2012 7:20pm CST
Categories: Cartoon News, Toy News, Reviews
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): optibotimus

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Views: 52,237

Seibertron.com member optibotimus has posted his video review of Transformers Prime "Robots in Disguise" Deluxe Class Arcee. See his thoughts on the figure in the embedded video below.