Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016 1:19PM CDT

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When it comes down to the Revolution and how everything is going to work, John Barber is the man to call. "Mr. continuity" will be one of the spearheads for the upcoming Revolution comics, and Luke Owen got the chance to interview Barber on the upcoming comics. You can find the original source HERE.

Today sees the release of IDW’s Action Man #1, which kickstarts a Hasbro expanded universe that brings together several of their other properties including The Transformers, G.I. Joe, Micronauts, M.A.S.K and more. Sadly, My Little Pony is not part of it. To celebrate the comic’s release, we caught up with the man who is spearheading this series – John Barber.

Barber is a man who has been hailed as ‘The God of Continuity’, and has previously worked with Marvel before jumping to IDW and writing for Transformers – both the Michael Bay movie tie-ins and IDW’s on-going series. But now he’s moving into a slightly less known territory of Action Man. So, why use him over more established characters?

“Well, it goes without saying that Action Man is the biggest character in the Hasbro stable,” Barber jokes. “No, I love Action Man, but I kid. [He’s] got a great set of fans, don’t get me wrong, but this comic is really about introducing the character to readers while honoring his history. The lead-up to Revolution is part of the DNA of the book Paulo Villanelli and John-Paul Bove put together. We’re not going to hit you over the head with it on page one, but Action Man is really the first book we’ve launched post-plans about the shared universe—I guess Rom #0 was the first, but Action Man was in that book in preview form, anyway. And Action Man absolutely plays a key role in Revolution—in fact he’s the first character you see in Revolution #1—but we’ll start to see these characters interacting in most of the comics leading up to Revolution (I say “most” as Micronauts is in another universe and More Than Meets the Eye is in deep space so we’re not cramming anything in that isn’t organic to the story).”

Is it going to be difficult to bring in characters from G.I. Joe, Transformers, etc?

“In a way, even though you don’t have to be reading Transformers,” he claims. “Revolution grows from the events in the Transformers comic Andrew Griffith and I do. Optimus Prime has declared Earth is under his protection, whether it wants to be or not. And for a lot of people, “not” is the answer. So when something starts going wrong with Ore-13—a substance Transformers can convert to energon, their food—signs point to the Transformers.”

[......]

IDW is no stranger to the world of crossovers, having brought Green Lantern to the world of Star Trek and countless team-ups between Transformers and G.I. Joe. There have also been connecting comics like Infestation, which tied together their on-going comics for Ghostbusters and Transformers but never saw the characters interact.

“IDW’s done really cool, really fun stories where they put together some great characters, like Star Trek/Green Lantern. And Tom Scioli (and slightly me, but Tom deserves all the credit) did absolutely amazing stuff on Transformers ss. G.I. Joe,” Barber says. “Then there have been line-wide stories like Infestation and Conspiracy where there’s a central spine and tie-in comics from different series, but the characters from one series don’t necessarily interact with each other—just with the central spine. I love those stories, but they’re very self-contained – that’s got advantages, of course. Transformers vs. G.I. Joe wouldn’t have the personality or impact it had if ten comics tied into it. But I think with the right project, it’s really great to have an event with big consequences in the comics crossing over.”

[.....]

Barber has been hailed by fans as ‘The God of Continuity’, which makes him the perfect man to take on something like Revolution – as it not only brings together these characters but does so without compromising the stories already told. Is ‘The God of Continuity’ a fitting moniker?

“I don’t know about that,” he says laughing. “When I came on to Transformers, I sort of approached it as an archeologist. I dug in and read everything and took notes and thought about things and tried to see what resonated and what I could build on. I think I got too into the woods with that in places, but it created the worldview I have on some of the characters. Like, I looked at how Soundwave or Prowl were handled, and they were both written really differently by different writers over the years, and I thought through—what would make somebody be like that? What if they really did act all those different ways, what’s their deal? And that led to—I hope—richer characters.”

[.....]

But the real question is: who would win in a fight between Bay’s Optimus Prime and IDW’s Optimus Prime…?

“The Bay Prime is more vicious, but I think Optimus in the Transformers comic is more tactical in his thinking at this point, and he’s not exactly a pushover,” he says. “I think the comic book one wins.”

When Revolution was announced earlier this month, there was a large vocal outrage from fans who felt that this ‘cash in’ was going to ruin the stories they’d liked in G.I. Joe: Real American Hero and Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye. IDW editor Chris Ryall spent a long time on Twitter answering fan queries and concerns, and told them all to trust the process.

“I used to edit Wolverine. I’m used to the internet reaction being negative,” Barber jokes.

But one has to wonder, did that level of negativity have some effect on the plans for Revolution?

“Nope. The plan is the plan and the plan is awesome,” Barber emphatically states. “I mean, there’s pressure, of course – Cullen and Fico and editor David Hedgecock and colorist Sebastian Cheng and I all feel a lot of pressure to not let people down, and to do justice to the characters, and to build a strong foundation to this world. Telling a story has it’s own pressure! A nice pressure, I’m not complaining – it’s great! But I don’t feel any additional pressure based on anybody’s initial reactions.”

[.....]

“Transformers is going to change – the grand, over-arcing story I’ve been telling is still totally in place, now with cooler pieces making Earth a richer, more interesting place,” Barber says. “But the actual title will have a couple big changes.”

Credit(s): Flickeringmyth.com

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Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1799667)
Posted by 1984forever on June 22nd, 2016 @ 4:19pm CDT

Speaking as a human being in the IDWverse, if the Earth was just attacked by aliens, and one of those aliens offered protection against further attacks by his kind, why would we refuse?

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1799720)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:06pm CDT

1984forever wrote:Speaking as a human being in the IDWverse, if the Earth was just attacked by aliens, and one of those aliens offered protection against further attacks by his kind, why would we refuse?

We hate all aliens

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1799722)
Posted by Ironhidensh on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:11pm CDT

1984forever wrote:Speaking as a human being in the IDWverse, if the Earth was just attacked by aliens, and one of those aliens offered protection against further attacks by his kind, why would we refuse?

Most of the time we hate each other to the point of genocide, why would we ever be cool with aliens?

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1799739)
Posted by 1984forever on June 22nd, 2016 @ 8:48pm CDT

Now it all makes perfect sense.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1803926)
Posted by Va'al on July 8th, 2016 @ 4:39am CDT

With (some versions) of Transformers: Till All Are One #2, a short story part of Road to Revolution has started setting the grounds for Action Man and G.I. Joe's roles in the wide IDW crossover of its Hasbro franchises - Revolution. [Other readers found a preview for ROM the Spaceknight #1, instead.] If you have read the short extract, let us know what you make of it in the Energon Pub!

Meanwhile, we also have the reading list for Revolution as it happens, this coming September. Check it out below.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1803930)
Posted by ZeroWolf on July 8th, 2016 @ 5:16am CDT

Hopefully IDW have have been paying attention to Marvel/DC and the newest kid in the block in comic terms, Valiant, in how to handle shared universe.

I personally love shared universes, where it always feels like something is happening but communication between those working on the comics is key.i also reject the notion it hampers creativity as there is always a way.

In fact it takes great skill to pull something like this off, and have it work. Saying that, I hope they keep mega events to a minimum instead of the marvel/Dc method of one a year.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1803936)
Posted by Randomhero on July 8th, 2016 @ 6:47am CDT

Well it will all be run by John Barber. He is the master of continuity, whether it's retconning stuff to make sense or just making sure what's happened isn't forgotten so I'd say this is all in good hands. The 4 page preview in the back of till all are one this week gave me enough trust to believe that everything will be alright.

People just need to calm down and stop thinking that gijoe will be in every mask comic or mask will be in every issue of transformers or Rom will be in every mtmte and everything in between. That's not how it's going to go. Will there be cameos? Yes, big epic events with everyone probably. Will it ruin everything? No, only person that can do that is the fans that think it will.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1803958)
Posted by Va'al on July 8th, 2016 @ 8:46am CDT

Yes, that short piece was good enough to do a 'we were really busy doing things, ok?' set-up for the non-involvement of the Joe universe in the ation/AHM era. And nice sliding into the EDC, too.

Who do you think the off panel voice is?

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1803962)
Posted by Randomhero on July 8th, 2016 @ 9:17am CDT

I've only read transformers from IDW and my only speculation is Hunter. I don't know a lot of about GI joes IDW universe except from the broken summaries on Wikipedia(always promised to buy the trades but never did) so if I had to speculate it's Hunter. Not to quote Star Wars but he's machine than man by the end so I could believe that he was brought back very quickly after sideswipe turned off his support once he was found.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1806483)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on July 18th, 2016 @ 9:54am CDT

From Preview World we get another look into the upcoming Revolution storyline that is about to span several different IDW storylines, this time in the form of an interview with artist Fico Ossio, who will be the artist for the main Revolution titled comics, which will be released starting in September. Head to the site for the full interview by clicking the link above.

PREVIEWSworld: Tell us what you’re on point to do for Revolution. What creative chores have you accepted?

Fico Ossio: I´m doing pencils and ink. And I get to do the characters redesigns, for all the G.I. Joes. And I´m having the first crack at the M.A.S.K. vehicles, which is awesome. I used to own all the toys.

I took some liberties with the Transformers, as well as Action Man. It does all serve the purpose to have them all stand together and have a cohesive look.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1809026)
Posted by Va'al on July 25th, 2016 @ 1:59pm CDT

From the technicolour wizard Josh Burcham over on Twitter, we have a clean look at the Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Revolution tie-in issue cover variant - Nick Roche on the lines, Burcham on the colours of course - due this November (check out the full timeline in the update over here). Feast your optics on Grimlock, a M.A.S.K. character... and ROM the Spaceknight. (In colour and process images!)

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1809033)
Posted by Kurona on July 25th, 2016 @ 2:05pm CDT

Nice to see they're having a bit of fun with it.
If Grimlock's in it a little, I guess we're seeing the Scavengers at some point?

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1809036)
Posted by Ironhidensh on July 25th, 2016 @ 2:10pm CDT

I think the M.A.S.K. agent is Ace Riker.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1809039)
Posted by Va'al on July 25th, 2016 @ 2:12pm CDT

Kurona wrote:Nice to see they're having a bit of fun with it.
If Grimlock's in it a little, I guess we're seeing the Scavengers at some point?

You made me go look for an article - which turns out wasn't posted! Working on it now, but yes, the Scavengers are the focus of the Revolution MTMTE issue.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1809047)
Posted by Va'al on July 25th, 2016 @ 2:22pm CDT

Dr Va'al wrote:
Kurona wrote:Nice to see they're having a bit of fun with it.
If Grimlock's in it a little, I guess we're seeing the Scavengers at some point?

You made me go look for an article - which turns out wasn't posted! Working on it now, but yes, the Scavengers are the focus of the Revolution MTMTE issue.

Said article: http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/ ... iew/35965/

James Roberts: Well, MTMTE gets in on the action with a Revolution tie-in featuring the Scavengers, who are kind of the alternative main cast. That’s an Earth-based story. Nick Roche and I are co-writing for the first time since 2010’s Last Stand of the Wreckers, so even if we weren’t getting an opportunity to pit the world’s worst Decepticons against the likes of MASK and GI Joe, it would still feel like an event for us.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1809204)
Posted by MGrotusque on July 26th, 2016 @ 12:38am CDT

I really dislike the image of ROM layin down some laser fire on Grimlock. I'd like to think those two dudes would get along.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1809811)
Posted by Va'al on July 28th, 2016 @ 9:04am CDT

Artist Fico Ossio, who will be providing the main linework for the upcoming Revolution event (though not the single series issues) has been sharing on his DeviantART some teaser peeks at his black and white artwork in preparation for the big thing - featuring Transformers, Action Man, Micronauts and soon M.A.S.K. joining the roster. Check them out below, as Optimus features twice, too!

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1810033)
Posted by o.supreme on July 28th, 2016 @ 5:08pm CDT

Gretings All...

ok so I just got my monthly comics. Please forgive me but after looking at the schedule for Revolution...I am totally confused. I've been trying to keep up with the articles, but apparently I haven't been doing a good job.

I know that in Sept both the self titled TF & MTMTE will stop at #57 and the next month, October with Revolution go back to #1 (MTMTE will be renamed "The Lost Light"). But will the "Revolution" be each titles #1, or are there Revolution #1's, and individual TF #1's ...(if that makes sense).

Also...is TAAO going to reset after only 4 issues?...seems kind of silly, but oh well.

I know I probably am putting myself through more trouble than its worth, but I am a fan of linear continuity. all these stupid restarts always get on my nerves. IN my world, the Titans return one shot is issue #300 of an ongoing series, and for the most part I've been able to keep track despite all the curveballs that IDW throws, but this one has me perplexed. Its nice they are always providing jumping on points for new fans, but I guess they really don't think much of us that have been around since Infiltration #0 .

If anyone can list it all out for me, this would be appreciated. Also, is it just me or does it seem the timing of Revolution is a bit off. This would have been a good thing to start in January 2017, when both ongoings had a solid 5 year run behind them, and Titans Return could have been fleshed out a bit more rather than forced through 5 issues.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1810046)
Posted by Va'al on July 28th, 2016 @ 6:00pm CDT

o.supreme wrote:Gretings All...

ok so I just got my monthly comics. Please forgive me but after looking at the schedule for Revolution...I am totally confused. I've been trying to keep up with the articles, but apparently I haven't been doing a good job.

I know that in Sept both the self titled TF & MTMTE will stop at #57 and the next month, October with Revolution go back to #1 (MTMTE will be renamed "The Lost Light"). But will the "Revolution" be each titles #1, or are there Revolution #1's, and individual TF #1's ...(if that makes sense).

Also...is TAAO going to reset after only 4 issues?...seems kind of silly, but oh well.

I know I probably am putting myself through more trouble than its worth, but I am a fan of linear continuity. all these stupid restarts always get on my nerves. IN my world, the Titans return one shot is issue #300 of an ongoing series, and for the most part I've been able to keep track despite all the curveballs that IDW throws, but this one has me perplexed. Its nice they are always providing jumping on points for new fans, but I guess they really don't think much of us that have been around since Infiltration #0 .

If anyone can list it all out for me, this would be appreciated. Also, is it just me or does it seem the timing of Revolution is a bit off. This would have been a good thing to start in January 2017, when both ongoings had a solid 5 year run behind them, and Titans Return could have been fleshed out a bit more rather than forced through 5 issues.

From what we know so far:

- MTMTE ends in title as such with #57, part of Titans Return, with The Transformers.
- Revolution is a 5 issue event, with TAAO, TF and MTMTE each having an extra issue by themselves as tie-ins to the main Revolution issues. They will be TAAO Revolution #1, TF Revolution #1 and MTMTE Revolution #1. This is not the beginning of the renumbering!
- Post-Revolution, MTMTE becomes Lost Light #1 (instead of MTMTE #58; Roberts still considers it the same book), TF becomes Optimus Prime #1 (instead of TF#58), TAAO - as far as we know - goes back to its numbering pre Revolution, so from #5 onwards.

Does that make more sense?

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1810314)
Posted by o.supreme on July 29th, 2016 @ 9:14am CDT

Thank You. Yes it makes sense in that now I know what to look for at my local shop, and wont be missing any issues. It still doesn't make sens from a business point of view, but whatever. They can number the issues however they want. I just wish maybe in the inside, maybe even on the back page they could put a number in the corner like #301, #302 etc...for those of us that are keeping an overall tab on things.

So...Basically Titans Return is 5 issues (The Titans Return one shot plus MTMTE #56, 57, and TF #56 & 57) . And TAAO #3 and 4 are basically doing there own thing...you'd think it would be part of Titan wars as well but...

Oh and one more question... So...for example in October will there be a TF MTMTE Revolution #1 AND Lost Light #1, or will TF MTMTE Revolution #1 be October, then Lost Light #1 in November?

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1810324)
Posted by Va'al on July 29th, 2016 @ 9:22am CDT

o.supreme wrote:Thank You. Yes it makes sense in that now I know what to look for at my local shop, and wont be missing any issues. It still doesn't make sens from a business point of view, but whatever. They can number the issues however they want. I just wish maybe in the inside, maybe even on the back page they could put a number in the corner like #301, #302 etc...for those of us that are keeping an overall tab on things.

So...Basically Titans Return is 5 issues (The Titans Return one shot plus MTMTE #56, 57, and TF #56 & 57) . And TAAO #3 and 4 are basically doing there own thing...you'd think it would be part of Titan wars as well but...

Oh and one more question... So...for example in October will there be a TF MTMTE Revolution #1 AND Lost Light #1, or will TF MTMTE Revolution #1 be October, then Lost Light #1 in November?

I posted the schedule somewhere... aha! Here: the-transformers-idwverse-a-chronology-t105238s25.php#p1808899. In any case:

- Road to Revolution hits in September.
- Revolution runs from September to November. MTMTErev#1 is November, TF and TAAO are October.
- Lost Light starts in December.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1810338)
Posted by o.supreme on July 29th, 2016 @ 9:39am CDT

Dr Va'al wrote:- Lost Light starts in December.

Thanks. sadly it was seeing that schedule in the first place that started all the confusion for me. It shows all the Revolution titles, but doesn't give clarity as to when the regular TF books start up again, or if they are occurring in the same months.

So will Optimus Prime #1 and TAAO #5 start back up again in November or December? I still say if they had waited until January this all would have been a lot easier. :lol:

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1812040)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 4th, 2016 @ 10:39am CDT

Scavengers in Revolution... oh this will be a fun ride!

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1812176)
Posted by Tyrannacon on August 4th, 2016 @ 3:42pm CDT

I'm kind of skeptical of the wider Hasbro Universe fitting in with Transformers. I mean G.I. Joe is one thing, but eh. I'll try it though and hope for the best. At least it's not My Little Pony or Jem trying to be shoe-horned in. I still have nightmares about Megatron from TFP being a brony.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814513)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 11th, 2016 @ 11:16pm CDT

IDW Publishing has now placed orders for Revolution: Issue #00 on their website! Revolution is set to be the big crossover between several major IDW storylines and characters, including our beloved Transformers, GI Joe, M.A.S.K., Action Man, Micronauts, and ROM! Check out the comic by clicking the above link! We've included the synopsis for issue #00 for you to read up on while you're waiting on the download.

THE REVOLUTION BEGINS! Explosions rip across the Earth—and all signs of blame point to OPTIMUS PRIME and the TRANSFORMERS! G.I. JOE refuses to go quietly—and they assemble heroes big enough to stop the invaders! ACTION MAN and M.A.S.K. fight for humanity—but where do ROM and the MICRONAUTS stand? Celebrating more than a decade of stories by IDW and HASBRO, this unprecedented bi-weekly event draws everything together—and leaves nothing standing. The REVOLUTION is here—TAKE A STAND!

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814518)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 11th, 2016 @ 11:29pm CDT

With Issue #00 ready for download, Issue #1 is ready to give us a preview into what is to come in Revolution! This Preview comes from Comic Book Resources, and has been mirrored below for your enjoyment. Included in the preview are: The 8-page preview that was available in various Transformers comics last month, the 8 different covers, and the first 6 pages.

Check it out!

THE REVOLUTION BEGINS! Explosions rip across the Earth—and all signs of blame point to OPTIMUS PRIME and the TRANSFORMERS! G.I. JOE refuses to go quietly—and they assemble heroes big enough to stop the invaders! ACTION MAN and M.A.S.K. fight for humanity—but where do ROM and the MICRONAUTS stand? Celebrating more than a decade of stories by IDW and HASBRO, this unprecedented bi-weekly event draws everything together—and leaves nothing standing. The REVOLUTION is here—TAKE A STAND!

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814526)
Posted by primalxconvoy on August 12th, 2016 @ 12:42am CDT

Thanks again to Seibertron for uploading the pictures! TFW2005, as usual just gave a link to the (unreachable) IDW and that was it. Plus, then there is the hassle of trying to open a very large PDF file.

However, it was an absolute bugger to download these pictures. Server problems?

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814528)
Posted by ZeroWolf on August 12th, 2016 @ 1:29am CDT

Interesting, this looks like it may actually be quite fun :-)

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814543)
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on August 12th, 2016 @ 5:23am CDT

Is this like the first time since the 84 marvel run, that the transformers have been in Portland?

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814567)
Posted by Kurona on August 12th, 2016 @ 7:15am CDT

Is that Skywarp what have those bastards done to Skywarp

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814570)
Posted by Big Grim on August 12th, 2016 @ 7:23am CDT

Who was that strung up? Some of the colours are making me think Blitzwing but I don't believe it's him.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814572)
Posted by Randomhero on August 12th, 2016 @ 7:26am CDT

SW's SilverHammer wrote:Is this like the first time since the 84 marvel run, that the transformers have been in Portland?

No. The decepticicons infiltration base was buried in the side of a mountain in Oregon during the entire -ation run by IDW.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814573)
Posted by Dr. Caelus on August 12th, 2016 @ 7:31am CDT

Big Grim wrote:Who was that strung up? Some of the colours are making me think Blitzwing but I don't believe it's him.

Astrotrain, I think.

Edit: I say that because events in the story would line up right, but comparing pictures, it looks very little like Astrotrain.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814575)
Posted by Kurona on August 12th, 2016 @ 7:44am CDT

According to TFWiki it is Blitzwing; shock of being de-combined from Galvatronus knocking him out and sending him ashore.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814579)
Posted by ebonyleopard on August 12th, 2016 @ 8:09am CDT

Ah, there's nothing like making you dislike G.I.Joe over Transformers more. Please continue.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814580)
Posted by Big Grim on August 12th, 2016 @ 8:12am CDT

Kurona wrote:According to TFWiki it is Blitzwing; shock of being de-combined from Galvatronus knocking him out and sending him ashore.

Seems possible and that yellow head is what made me think it in the first place.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814581)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on August 12th, 2016 @ 8:18am CDT

I wasn't going to give this a chance, due to not caring about any of the other characters besides the Transformers, but this art is beautiful. If the story is halfway decent, I'll keep up with it. Still, can't wait until Lost Light debuts.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814586)
Posted by Randomhero on August 12th, 2016 @ 8:38am CDT

Rodimus Prime wrote:I wasn't going to give this a chance, due to not caring about any of the other characters besides the Transformers, but this art is beautiful. If the story is halfway decent, I'll keep up with it. Still, can't wait until Lost Light debuts.

It should be good and it's heavily based on what has happened in transformers

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814602)
Posted by 1984forever on August 12th, 2016 @ 9:47am CDT

It's just Transformers v GI Joe all over again with Mask thrown in. Transformers has hundreds of it's own unexplored characters with bios already written on them. For a writer this is basically a manual on how to use the character. Thousands of stories can be written about how one Transformers personality and abilities plays off another on one of the many backdrops in the vast TF universe. Transformers doesn't need Mask, GI Joe, Rom or the Micronauts.

I don't know why IDW would even attempt this crossover. They hate to use big casts or even different characters. It's been Optimus vs humans and Jazz getting his chassis smashed on Earth for over two years now along with the same cast of Arcee, Jetfire, Cosmos, Kup and Soundwave.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814608)
Posted by Optimizzy on August 12th, 2016 @ 9:57am CDT

I thought it was scorponok...Im disappointed it's not.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814613)
Posted by Kurona on August 12th, 2016 @ 10:53am CDT

Optimizzy wrote:I thought it was scorponok...Im disappointed it's not.

Well, Magnus did kinda take him into space and imprison him... uh... somewhere.

I do wanna see him eventually return tho. Especially since the random 'cons around the universe need a leader. Not that there's a shortage of candidates right now - Deathsaurus/Nickel, Bludgeon; they could even bring back Sixshot...

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814619)
Posted by Randomhero on August 12th, 2016 @ 11:31am CDT

Kurona wrote:
Optimizzy wrote:I thought it was scorponok...Im disappointed it's not.

Well, Magnus did kinda take him into space and imprison him... uh... somewhere.

I do wanna see him eventually return tho. Especially since the random 'cons around the universe need a leader. Not that there's a shortage of candidates right now - Deathsaurus/Nickel, Bludgeon; they could even bring back Sixshot...

Scorponok was imprisoned on Garrus-9 with Shockwave and was meant to have a pivotal role in Last Stand of the Wreckers but was cut out. Since G9 is now decommissioned he's no doubt toting around the Galaxy. I've always assumed he may have been the one that took grimlock off G9 during overlords occupation. He'll show up again eventually.

Bludgeon is still on Cybertron no doubt alive but he's not really a deception anymore. He just big walking ball of crazy nowadays

Sixshot will show up again eventually. If anything that awesome new toy may help with that.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814620)
Posted by Kurona on August 12th, 2016 @ 11:37am CDT

Randomhero wrote:
Kurona wrote:
Optimizzy wrote:I thought it was scorponok...Im disappointed it's not.

Well, Magnus did kinda take him into space and imprison him... uh... somewhere.

I do wanna see him eventually return tho. Especially since the random 'cons around the universe need a leader. Not that there's a shortage of candidates right now - Deathsaurus/Nickel, Bludgeon; they could even bring back Sixshot...

Scorponok was imprisoned on Garrus-9 with Shockwave and was meant to have a pivotal role in Last Stand of the Wreckers but was cut out. Since G9 is now decommissioned he's no doubt toting around the Galaxy. I've always assumed he may have been the one that took grimlock off G9 during overlords occupation. He'll show up again eventually.

Bludgeon is still on Cybertron no doubt alive but he's not really a deception anymore. He just big walking ball of crazy nowadays

Sixshot will show up again eventually. If anything that awesome new toy may help with that.

Personally I just want it to be BW Megatron. It means we get one of the franchise's best characters, we get more Beast Wars stuff, and we won't have to worry about Hasbro asking IDW to turn Megatron into a Decepticon again since we'd have a Megatron in charge. Win-wins all around!

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814628)
Posted by ZeroWolf on August 12th, 2016 @ 12:21pm CDT

Kurona wrote:
Randomhero wrote:
Kurona wrote:
Optimizzy wrote:I thought it was scorponok...Im disappointed it's not.

Well, Magnus did kinda take him into space and imprison him... uh... somewhere.

I do wanna see him eventually return tho. Especially since the random 'cons around the universe need a leader. Not that there's a shortage of candidates right now - Deathsaurus/Nickel, Bludgeon; they could even bring back Sixshot...

Scorponok was imprisoned on Garrus-9 with Shockwave and was meant to have a pivotal role in Last Stand of the Wreckers but was cut out. Since G9 is now decommissioned he's no doubt toting around the Galaxy. I've always assumed he may have been the one that took grimlock off G9 during overlords occupation. He'll show up again eventually.

Bludgeon is still on Cybertron no doubt alive but he's not really a deception anymore. He just big walking ball of crazy nowadays

Sixshot will show up again eventually. If anything that awesome new toy may help with that.

Personally I just want it to be BW Megatron. It means we get one of the franchise's best characters, we get more Beast Wars stuff, and we won't have to worry about Hasbro asking IDW to turn Megatron into a Decepticon again since we'd have a Megatron in charge. Win-wins all around!

This^ so this. They could even use megaplex, and go the clone route.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814675)
Posted by ricemazter on August 12th, 2016 @ 2:32pm CDT

Does it feel to anyone else like we've been going through the same song an dance with Transformers and humans for what feels like decades? It's always the humans hate transformers for being big destructive robots, but none of them can learn to tell the difference between good and bad robots despite the entire cybertronian race being color coded for their convenience at this point. Even when in engaged in obvious humanitarian efforts, in populated areas, this kind of thing constantly happens, it seems.

This isn't even a specific comics based problem, the movies are an even worse offender. It's getting tiresome that the automatic human response to the Autobots is to shoot them. There's no dramatic tension to any of it. What would be much more interesting is if there were actual, tense negotiations between the transformers and human leaders with everything becoming complicated due to the involvement of Rom, M.A.S.K, and the Micronauts bringing in more alien shenanigans.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814684)
Posted by Kurona on August 12th, 2016 @ 3:09pm CDT

ricemazter wrote:Does it feel to anyone else like we've been going through the same song an dance with Transformers and humans for what feels like decades? It's always the humans hate transformers for being big destructive robots, but none of them can learn to tell the difference between good and bad robots despite the entire cybertronian race being color coded for their convenience at this point. Even when in engaged in obvious humanitarian efforts, in populated areas, this kind of thing constantly happens, it seems.

This isn't even a specific comics based problem, the movies are an even worse offender. It's getting tiresome that the automatic human response to the Autobots is to shoot them. There's no dramatic tension to any of it. What would be much more interesting is if there were actual, tense negotiations between the transformers and human leaders with everything becoming complicated due to the involvement of Rom, M.A.S.K, and the Micronauts bringing in more alien shenanigans.

To be fair in this specific instance, it makes a lot more sense in IDW where the 'good' and 'evil' robots aren't quite as easily defined. If anything, right now, the way Optimus is acting is VERY good reason to react the way everyone is - he's becoming a bit of a fruit loop honestly.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814688)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 12th, 2016 @ 3:37pm CDT

primalxconvoy wrote:Thanks again to Seibertron for uploading the pictures! TFW2005, as usual just gave a link to the (unreachable) IDW and that was it. Plus, then there is the hassle of trying to open a very large PDF file.

However, it was an absolute bugger to download these pictures. Server problems?

This is a massive preview with 26 different pages and covers, so that is why it took so long: massive picture quantities! Believe me, it was a pain.

I am willing to give this a good shot. It looks pretty good, the art is marvelous, and I see potential in the storyline.

And yes that is Blitzwing. Astrotrain kinda got cut up in TF55 and Scorponok is somewhere else

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814716)
Posted by Randomhero on August 12th, 2016 @ 5:37pm CDT

ricemazter wrote:Does it feel to anyone else like we've been going through the same song an dance with Transformers and humans for what feels like decades? It's always the humans hate transformers for being big destructive robots, but none of them can learn to tell the difference between good and bad robots despite the entire cybertronian race being color coded for their convenience at this point. Even when in engaged in obvious humanitarian efforts, in populated areas, this kind of thing constantly happens, it seems.

This isn't even a specific comics based problem, the movies are an even worse offender. It's getting tiresome that the automatic human response to the Autobots is to shoot them. There's no dramatic tension to any of it. What would be much more interesting is if there were actual, tense negotiations between the transformers and human leaders with everything becoming complicated due to the involvement of Rom, M.A.S.K, and the Micronauts bringing in more alien shenanigans.

How many instances have humans been against all transformers? The first 20 years were all about how humans and autobots were allies and how it's okay for a city to get pummeled as long as the autobots save the day. Literally this and the movies are pretty much the only circumstances with humans seeing all transformers as an enemy and for totally good reason. The decepticons killed over a billion people in All Hail Megatron and in the ongoing Jazz killed a human(defending bumblebee) and in the movies they wiped out Chicago. I'm sorry but it's realistic. You don't just turn over a say "well the guys with red symbols are the good guys so it's fine" No, they are the same species. It's completely rational to to consider they are all threats especially in IDW when they killed over a billion almost succeeded in conquering the whole planet.

It's less believable to just be okay with it. Optimus announced that an entire planet full of sentient beings is his and his only to protect and grow. He took away their choice and while he means well he's doing this to a generation that survive global genocide.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814719)
Posted by Windsweeper on August 12th, 2016 @ 5:56pm CDT

I always find it hard to believe the level of destruction we're supposed to believe happened in All Hail Megatron.

We only see one city and a handful of Decepticons. Maybe if they went the Dreamwave route and Megatron had a million Air Warriors/Seekers but he didn't.

Everyone complained about the original ongoing and All Hail Megatron as being poorly written and focusing too much on humans.
We're getting the same thing again lately. All 3 arcs featured Spike Witwicky. I wish IDW would learn their lesson and get rid of him.

I wish IDW would get rid of John Barber too.

Re: Exclusive: IDW’s John Barber talks Revolution, Action Man, Transformers, Michael Bay and more (1814720)
Posted by Randomhero on August 12th, 2016 @ 6:05pm CDT

Windsweeper wrote:I always find it hard to believe the level of destruction we're supposed to believe happened in All Hail Megatron.

We only see one city and a handful of Decepticons. Maybe if they went the Dreamwave route and Megatron had a million Air Warriors/Seekers but he didn't.

Everyone complained about the original ongoing and All Hail Megatron as being poorly written and focusing too much on humans.
We're getting the same thing again lately. All 3 arcs featured Spike Witwicky. I wish IDW would learn their lesson and get rid of him.

I wish IDW would get rid of John Barber too.

Washington DC was shown destroyed with air force one burning infront of the Lincoln memorial, th seekers and insecticons were shown in China with skywarp gloating about how he alone wiped out half the city and we saw members of countries in Europe talking about their own attacks. Just because we didn't get scenes of cities didn't mean it wasn't happening. The ongoing, Bumblebee mini and RID ongoing revealed that it wasn't just the 84 cons on earth, there were several groups all across earth attacking and Soundwave was interfering with a lot of communications and technology handicapping earths defenses

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