IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike
Thursday, July 6th, 2017 7:17PM CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, People News, InterviewsPosted by: Va'al Views: 23,218
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We have some more news on IDW Publishing's Hasbro Universe comics crossover event First Strike, starting this September, via the website Dynamic Forces, who were able to have a chat with current editor David Hedgecock! The full interview can be found here, but we've highlighted some snippets below too, covering the main plot of the event, the factions, the motives, and more! Check it out.
DF: It is so hard to have peace in any comic book universe, but the IDW/Hasbro Earth was on the verge of joining the Cybertronian Council of Worlds … not unlike the Earth of the Star Trek universe when it was initiated into the United Federation of Planets, to my mind. What goes wrong here?
David Hedgecock: The Transformers are members of a massively powerful ancient alien race that have been warring amongst themselves for millions of years. As the Transformers have spread out across the stars, that war has spread with them. No matter where the Transformers go, they bring death and destruction. The “peace” that the Transformers currently enjoy is but a breath in the grand scheme.
There are people on Earth who understand this. People who feel that Optimus Prime, by initiating Earth into the Council, has done nothing but paint a big red target on the planet and that our destruction is a foregone conclusion if something isn’t done. First Strike is about one man's mission to save his planet from what he feels is the greatest threat to humanity in its entire history, and his solution to save all of humankind... is to destroy all Transformers.
[...]
DF: David, there certainly seems enough action for two or three “events” in First Strike, but what can you tell us about the personal side of all of this? Who are the real POV characters here and what is/will become their motivations? What will give First Strike its heart?
David Hedgecock: Scarlett is really going to be the “heart” of this story. In the midst of all the chaos and destruction that will ensue, it’s Scarlett’s personal battle that may determine the true outcome and fate of two planets. I’m so amazed by what Mairghread Scott and David Rodriguez have been able to accomplish in this regard. These two writers have put together an event book worthy of the name, with all the explosions, destruction, and cyborg ninjas one would expect while still delivering a really compelling, heartfelt character piece with resonance and meaning. I’m in awe of both of them, truly!
DF: As August and this epic crossover approaches, is it possible to give readers new and established a road map of sorts as to where it starts and where it will go, title-wise?
David Hedgecock: August will see the “Season Finale” of several of our titles— G.I. Joe, M.A.S.K., Micronauts: Wrath of Karza, and Rom. These books are all coming to their natural conclusions and making way for the big First Strike event. We had several reasons for this but chief among them were two things— 1. All the stories were coming to their natural end for the “Season” and we needed to clear the decks for brand new material coming out of the event. 2. We didn’t want to ask our fans to buy more than what they were already comfortable with buying. With the event and its surrounding one-shots, we felt we had enough books in the market and didn’t want to ask our fans to buy MORE than what they might normally buy to be able to enjoy the “big” story we’ve created.
Credit(s): Dynamic Forces
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Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1900561)
Posted by Va'al on July 29th, 2017 @ 11:13am CDT
Posted by Va'al on July 29th, 2017 @ 11:13am CDT
Via iTunes, we have the first short preview for the next big thing over at IDW Publishing and the Hasbro Universe: three pages for the upcoming First Strike event, featuring Transformers, GI Joe, MASK, Micronauts, Revolutionaries and more! The images have been enlarged and mirrored below, and we will expect a more substantial preview in the next week or so too - so stay tuned for more!
A Hasbro comic book event! A new era of peace is dawning as Earth formally joins the Cybertronian Council of Worlds. That is… until Baron Ironblood joins Destro, Storm Shadow and other nefarious villains in a terrorist attack on Iacon! As chaos takes hold on Cybertron, it will be left to Scarlett and the rest of G.I. Joe on Earth to discover the true purpose behind the attack before both worlds descend into all-out-war!
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1900621)
Posted by Randomhero on July 29th, 2017 @ 2:26pm CDT
Posted by Randomhero on July 29th, 2017 @ 2:26pm CDT
This looks great
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1901615)
Posted by ScottyP on August 3rd, 2017 @ 8:56am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on August 3rd, 2017 @ 8:56am CDT
First Strike 1 comes out next week, and when it hits the following things intended to lead up to it will still not have been released:
240 pages of lead-in material. 240.
- Optimus Prime 10
- Micronauts: Wrath of Karza 4 and 5
- Rom 12, 13, and 14
- Revolutionaries 7 and 8
- GI Joe 8 and 9
- M.A.S.K. 9 and 10
240 pages of lead-in material. 240.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1901625)
Posted by o.supreme on August 3rd, 2017 @ 9:30am CDT
Posted by o.supreme on August 3rd, 2017 @ 9:30am CDT
^I've been concerned about this for some time. I was wondering why Revolutionaries was like 3 months behind, and now TAAO is a month behind, but with both of those ending, I guess it doesn't matter. I keep hearing this is Diamond Distributing's fault and not IDW...but now I'm not convinced.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1901626)
Posted by Kurona on August 3rd, 2017 @ 9:30am CDT
Posted by Kurona on August 3rd, 2017 @ 9:30am CDT
It's the most frustrating thing. Crossovers and scheduling; the two things IDW can't do.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1901654)
Posted by Big Grim on August 3rd, 2017 @ 11:58am CDT
That's impressive! And horrifying!
Have IDW always been this bad at their scheduling. I know they have with their crossovers.
Posted by Big Grim on August 3rd, 2017 @ 11:58am CDT
ScottyP wrote:First Strike 1 comes out next week, and when it hits the following things intended to lead up to it will still not have been released:
- Optimus Prime 10
- Micronauts: Wrath of Karza 4 and 5
- Rom 12, 13, and 14
- Revolutionaries 7 and 8
- GI Joe 8 and 9
- M.A.S.K. 9 and 10
240 pages of lead-in material. 240.
That's impressive! And horrifying!
Have IDW always been this bad at their scheduling. I know they have with their crossovers.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1901661)
Posted by Kurona on August 3rd, 2017 @ 12:18pm CDT
Posted by Kurona on August 3rd, 2017 @ 12:18pm CDT
I think so, but it only became particularly noticeable with such a huge influx of books taking place in the same universe. Before Revolution, they only really had two constant ongoings to keep a track of -- MTMTE and ex-RiD.
Beyond that you had that one Drift mini - which is very fluid in where it takes place; you can read it anytime between Ratchet's departure from the Lost Light and Dying of the Light - ; some books like Primacy which don't have any immediate connection to the cocurrent stories; the Dinobot stories which are their own self-contained thing so it doesn't matter all too much when they come out; and the Windblade books, which aside from actual crossover stuff, are also fairly fluid in where they take place and where you read them.
But now we've got all these books converging into a single point and which are supposed to have shared world events happening at the same time for them -- take for instance how much more involved the Council of Worlds have been with what Optimus is doing. We saw them in OP with references to Windblade being in some sense inactive and hence the Mistress of Flame having to take over for her; leaving a fair few of us who had been keeping up with both OP and TAAO very confused as to what was going on. The move from fluid continuity to solid continuity has done a fine job of exposing just how bad IDW is on the business side of things.
Beyond that you had that one Drift mini - which is very fluid in where it takes place; you can read it anytime between Ratchet's departure from the Lost Light and Dying of the Light - ; some books like Primacy which don't have any immediate connection to the cocurrent stories; the Dinobot stories which are their own self-contained thing so it doesn't matter all too much when they come out; and the Windblade books, which aside from actual crossover stuff, are also fairly fluid in where they take place and where you read them.
But now we've got all these books converging into a single point and which are supposed to have shared world events happening at the same time for them -- take for instance how much more involved the Council of Worlds have been with what Optimus is doing. We saw them in OP with references to Windblade being in some sense inactive and hence the Mistress of Flame having to take over for her; leaving a fair few of us who had been keeping up with both OP and TAAO very confused as to what was going on. The move from fluid continuity to solid continuity has done a fine job of exposing just how bad IDW is on the business side of things.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1901743)
Posted by ScottyP on August 3rd, 2017 @ 5:49pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on August 3rd, 2017 @ 5:49pm CDT
Fact: They don't have enough editors. This is the only actual reason they are behind like they are. Even then, most books are only a month behind, part of my earlier post embellishes a little - the original intention probably was that some of the finale books like Rev'aries 8, Rom 14, GI Joe 9, and MASK 10 were going to come out concurrently or just after First Strike started.
Another fact: These delays really started in earnest in December '16/January '17, and they never have gotten that month back. Some things have just slipped yet further.
My own speculation (not even a rumor, just me talking): I'm not sure they have a consistently available printer. But you know, a service company that prints comics, not literally an office printer. Just looking at some recent stuff I have Revolutionaries 6 and issue 2 of the Sourcebook that were printed in Korea, with Lost Light 8 having been printed in the US. I wouldn't have to go too deep into the pile of older stuff to find something printed in Canada.
Another fact: These delays really started in earnest in December '16/January '17, and they never have gotten that month back. Some things have just slipped yet further.
My own speculation (not even a rumor, just me talking): I'm not sure they have a consistently available printer. But you know, a service company that prints comics, not literally an office printer. Just looking at some recent stuff I have Revolutionaries 6 and issue 2 of the Sourcebook that were printed in Korea, with Lost Light 8 having been printed in the US. I wouldn't have to go too deep into the pile of older stuff to find something printed in Canada.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902253)
Posted by Va'al on August 5th, 2017 @ 10:53am CDT
Posted by Va'al on August 5th, 2017 @ 10:53am CDT
Still operating on the lack of an embargo, we have a repeat of the full preview for IDW Publishing's Hasbro Universe First Strike comics crossover event - which we have seen before. What is new is the interview with writers Mairghread Scott and David Rodriguez, a brief one mind you, in the backmatter of the first issue of the Transformers meets GI Joe meets MASK meets Micronauts meets Rom the Spaceknight. Check it out below!
Can you give us a hint of any major surprises or revelations that readers can expect from First Strike?
MS: Well, Scarlett’s gonna throw down with the last person on Earth she wants to fight. Anyone who thinks Shazraella’s gonna spend this book clinging to some-one’s shoulder is sorely mistaken. Optimus is in for a rude awakening and Elita One is going to prove once again that there’s a reason she’s the same color as Cybertronian blood. Oh, and that’ll take us to the end of Issue 2.
DR: I’m not sure what we’re clear to say this early on. But I can say that this isn’t just an “event” series—the universe is going to be permanently changed in a meaningful way by the end of First Strike. Hopefully we can get some jaws and f-bombs to drop. When working with characters with such a long history, how do you raise the bar and bring readers something they haven’t seen before?
MS: The most challenging part was more tonal than anything else. Till All Are One is a very political book. G.I. Joe is very balls-to-the-wall crazy action. Micronauts is fast-paced with a lot of wry humor. M.A.S.K. and Rom take on a darker tone. We wanted to feel like all these books could live together and still give fans each book’s unique aspect.
DR: I think the best thing we can do for the readers, and luckily Mairghread and David Hedgecock have been a big advocate for this as well, is to make sure that we are engaging all the characters in this story with emotional stakes that resonate with our readers. Sure, we can put Cybertron at risk with a huge, summer blockbuster style event and visuals, but without that relatable, human backbone to the story, it feels hollow. We are going to do our best to deliver that experience to fans.
Are there any characters you’re going to work with in First Strike that you haven’t had the chance to write before? Any characters you’ve been away from for a while that you’re excited to write again?
MS: This is my first time writing Scarlett and I am psyched. I’ve been wanting to write her for years. And it’s always a thrill to write Optimus. It’s been surprising how fun all the Joes are to write, but the real stand-out right now is Shazraella. She’s such a stuck-up, overconfident, condescending...well, every line of dialogue she has is a joy.
DR: Scarlett has always been a favorite. I was glad that I got to use her in the M.A.S.K. Annual and she has a large part in First Strike. She is just a fantastic character to write. But part of the fun of First Strike is the opportunity to discover and expand on characters I wasn’t as familiar with growing up and exploring how they interact with each other. But don’t be surprised if you see Sunstreaker. He is, after all, the prettiest damn Transformer that ever rolled out.
And finally, if you could be a Transformer,who or what would you want the ability to transform into?
MS: JET! JET! JET! Wait—! Robot dragon! No, 1950s UFO! ...Did anyone call shark/bird yet?
This may take a while.
DR: Oh, I would totally want to be Shockwave. Not only is his design incredible, but he might be the most stone-cold, ghost-faced, unflappable character in the entire universe. I don’t know if you remember, but Megatron called him from Earth after 4 million years and Shockwave picked up on the FIRST RING. No hemming and hawing, or “Where the hell you been?!” He was just “Yes, Lord Megatron.” 4 million years and he didn’t blink. That’s just badass.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902300)
Posted by Prowl4 on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:01pm CDT
Posted by Prowl4 on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:01pm CDT
Baffling how mairghread scott continues to get work. Awful writer.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902303)
Posted by Va'al on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:27pm CDT
Sorry, Broseph. Must hurt, my proud-standing sugarloaf, to see her name remind you that you, my pal, are baffled to the point that you - o dudemeister - feel the need to comment everytime. Such a toll it must take, my dude.
Posted by Va'al on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:27pm CDT
Prowl4 wrote:Baffling how mairghread scott continues to get work. Awful writer.
Sorry, Broseph. Must hurt, my proud-standing sugarloaf, to see her name remind you that you, my pal, are baffled to the point that you - o dudemeister - feel the need to comment everytime. Such a toll it must take, my dude.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902305)
Posted by Prowl4 on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:29pm CDT
Cool story needs more dragonstorms and gick.
Posted by Prowl4 on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:29pm CDT
Va'al wrote:Prowl4 wrote:Baffling how mairghread scott continues to get work. Awful writer.
Sorry, Broseph. Must hurt, my proud-standing sugarloaf, to see her name remind you that you, my pal, are baffled to the point that you - o dudemeister - feel the need to comment everytime. Such a toll it must take, my dude.
Cool story needs more dragonstorms and gick.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902306)
Posted by Va'al on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:33pm CDT
My pal! Using some Irish on the boards, stud? Yay for linguistic diversity, dudeicus!
Thank you once again, tiger, for some excellent contributions to the discussion.
Posted by Va'al on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:33pm CDT
Prowl4 wrote:Va'al wrote:Prowl4 wrote:Baffling how mairghread scott continues to get work. Awful writer.
Sorry, Broseph. Must hurt, my proud-standing sugarloaf, to see her name remind you that you, my pal, are baffled to the point that you - o dudemeister - feel the need to comment everytime. Such a toll it must take, my dude.
Cool story needs more dragonstorms and gick.
My pal! Using some Irish on the boards, stud? Yay for linguistic diversity, dudeicus!
Thank you once again, tiger, for some excellent contributions to the discussion.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902307)
Posted by Prowl4 on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:39pm CDT
Thanks for being a fan of my cac. I know a fan when I see one and you're a fan
Posted by Prowl4 on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:39pm CDT
Va'al wrote:Prowl4 wrote:Va'al wrote:Prowl4 wrote:Baffling how mairghread scott continues to get work. Awful writer.
Sorry, Broseph. Must hurt, my proud-standing sugarloaf, to see her name remind you that you, my pal, are baffled to the point that you - o dudemeister - feel the need to comment everytime. Such a toll it must take, my dude.
Cool story needs more dragonstorms and gick.
My pal! Using some Irish on the boards, stud? Yay for linguistic diversity, dudeicus!
Thank you once again, tiger, for some excellent contributions to the discussion.
Thanks for being a fan of my cac. I know a fan when I see one and you're a fan
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902310)
Posted by Va'al on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:52pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:52pm CDT
Not a true fan - we have a thread for that.
Ain't comics swell! GI Joe on Cybertron, huh? What next? Transforming robots?!
Ain't comics swell! GI Joe on Cybertron, huh? What next? Transforming robots?!
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902312)
Posted by Nexus Knight on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:54pm CDT
I feel like someone got drunk someone during this exchange...
Also, I absolutely love Skywarp's tag. Priceless. Absolutely priceless.
Posted by Nexus Knight on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:54pm CDT
Prowl4 wrote:Va'al wrote:Prowl4 wrote:Va'al wrote:Prowl4 wrote:Baffling how mairghread scott continues to get work. Awful writer.
Sorry, Broseph. Must hurt, my proud-standing sugarloaf, to see her name remind you that you, my pal, are baffled to the point that you - o dudemeister - feel the need to comment everytime. Such a toll it must take, my dude.
Cool story needs more dragonstorms and gick.
My pal! Using some Irish on the boards, stud? Yay for linguistic diversity, dudeicus!
Thank you once again, tiger, for some excellent contributions to the discussion.
Thanks for being a fan of my cac. I know a fan when I see one and you're a fan
I feel like someone got drunk someone during this exchange...
Also, I absolutely love Skywarp's tag. Priceless. Absolutely priceless.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902313)
Posted by Prowl4 on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:57pm CDT
You're definitely a true fan. If this was ppv you'd be subscribed kid.
Posted by Prowl4 on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:57pm CDT
Va'al wrote:Not a true fan - we have a thread for that.
Ain't comics swell! GI Joe on Cybertron, huh? What next? Transforming robots?!
You're definitely a true fan. If this was ppv you'd be subscribed kid.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902314)
Posted by Prowl4 on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:57pm CDT
I love my fans.
Posted by Prowl4 on August 5th, 2017 @ 3:57pm CDT
Nexus Knight wrote:Prowl4 wrote:Va'al wrote:Prowl4 wrote:Va'al wrote:Prowl4 wrote:Baffling how mairghread scott continues to get work. Awful writer.
Sorry, Broseph. Must hurt, my proud-standing sugarloaf, to see her name remind you that you, my pal, are baffled to the point that you - o dudemeister - feel the need to comment everytime. Such a toll it must take, my dude.
Cool story needs more dragonstorms and gick.
My pal! Using some Irish on the boards, stud? Yay for linguistic diversity, dudeicus!
Thank you once again, tiger, for some excellent contributions to the discussion.
Thanks for being a fan of my cac. I know a fan when I see one and you're a fan
I feel like someone got drunk someone during this exchange...
Also, I absolutely love Skywarp's tag. Priceless. Absolutely priceless.
I love my fans.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902345)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 5th, 2017 @ 8:06pm CDT
You're right, Va'al! Comics are swell. I cannot wait to read First Strike. It looks really good.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 5th, 2017 @ 8:06pm CDT
Va'al wrote:Ain't comics swell! GI Joe on Cybertron, huh? What next? Transforming robots?!
You're right, Va'al! Comics are swell. I cannot wait to read First Strike. It looks really good.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902736)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 8th, 2017 @ 9:37am CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 8th, 2017 @ 9:37am CDT
In case anyone needs a refresher on the Hasbro Universe events/needs to catch up on a title you didn't read, Action and Adventure just released a special First Strike Primer podcast. Perfect for anyone curious about any titles they haven't read. http://hasbrouniverse.libsyn.com/bonus- ... -to-strike
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902891)
Posted by Va'al on August 9th, 2017 @ 1:34am CDT
Synopsis
The crossover of the year is here! Earth is finally ready to officially join the Cybertronian Council of Worlds and appoint their first representative to the Council. Too bad the ceremony is interrupted by a massive explosion and the forces of COBRA! Now it’s up to Scarlett, Optimus Prime, G.I. Joe and the Autobots to save two worlds!
Because it worked so well last time...
Story
It begins. For a long while now IDW Publishing and the comics media mill have been promoting the first full crossover (since Revolution, anyway) for the various Hasbro properties licensed to the comics world: this is where we start, with issue #1, by Mairghread Scott and David A. Rodriguez - which also contains an additional story - The Origins of Evil, Part One: Redcliffe Club, written by John Barber. I'll talk more about this below, in summary.
Tone set
The first thing to note is that, due to IDW scheduling issues, this beginning of a brave new world in the Hasbro Universe is actually spoiling at least one of the series that lead up to it (Revolutionaries, in case you were curious), and probably needs a little more context from both Optimus Prime and GI Joe to actually reach the starting point we're at.
...wait for it...
That is obviously no fault of the writers, and what they do offer in terms of plot is actually a satisfying approach to a crossover: easing in the various factions, with GI Joe and Transformers taking the first brunt, rather than crashing all of the properties at once. The villains of the piece are set up, and the coda story does some more to attempt round-off the major players on this side too, if briefly so.
note: this gag is excellent
The better part of the story though, and the only one that can be fairly judged this far, is most definitely how the various characters are built up and interact with each other - Skywarp and Scarlett's Joes are clearly the stand-outs here - something that a recent interview had probably clarified, at least for me. We'll have to see how the wider game is played, now that the initial set-up has begun.
Art
Max Dunbar is at the helm here for the issue - and I can't help but wonder why the art doesn't feel up to his usual standards. There's nothing horribly wrong, but something in the designs for the Transformers in particular, especially on profile shots, and every other odd panel just don't line up with his usually stellar work on Micronauts. Perhaps a tighter deadline for the big event?
Similar issues can be held up to Netho Diaz (pencils) and Walden Wong (inks), though I wonder whether having lines and inks applied to the main story, and leave the back-up to a single artist may in fact be a solution to the problem. Again, it's not bad, it's just not overly consistent, and I can it putting readers off.
..eep
In terms of colours, Ander Zarate - Dunbar's partner in crime on Micronauts - is doing well to bring some of the sheen of Till All Are One for Cybertron, but perhaps uses a little too much lighting on the faces of the characters, and Scarlett suffers the most in close-ups and wider shots alike.
Similarly for David Garcia Cruz on the Barber-coda, some of the colours used on the heavier lines makes jawlines and facial features a little too flat at times (Baron Ironblood in particular), something that seems to happen with these books with a regular frequency.
There are good moments too!
Veteran on robotic lettering Tom B. Long takes on this issue too, and the captions that some find irritating in other books are actually the best solution (and placement) in an event like this trying to attract new readers - and there's a pretty spiffy Kachoom to marvel at, too, before a BUDDABUDDABUDDA.
Covers? There are many. The one spotlighted in the thumbnail is the variant from Sara Pitre Durocher, showing the robot side of the event from a crowd perspective - as most of the other artists chose the character spotlights instead. You can view them all in our Comics Database, as usual, and choose your favourite.
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
Much like the case of Revolution, the visuals do not shine kindly on the artists involved, as all of the people working on here are usually a pleasure to see on the page. The pressure of the event, the scheduling issues, editorial shortstaffing - I am most definitely giving the benefit of the doubt to all involved for the first issue, but I can see this heading in a similar direction to the previous project, in terms of art, meaning that creators will feel much better when the five issues are over.
I'm also down with just a series of Skywarp/Roadblock's fashion commentary
As for the story, however, there are no real complaints from me so far. The issue is most definitely a GI Joe story set-up, that just happens to use the setting of Cybertron - and that is not a bad thing! Easing into a crossover is a much better plan than expected, and I am glad this approach was taken. I am definitely interested to see how the other franchises will be brought in, at this stage, and that's the best outcome that could've happened, really.
Posted by Va'al on August 9th, 2017 @ 1:34am CDT
Strike One
(Spoiler free-ish)
(Spoiler free-ish)
Synopsis
The crossover of the year is here! Earth is finally ready to officially join the Cybertronian Council of Worlds and appoint their first representative to the Council. Too bad the ceremony is interrupted by a massive explosion and the forces of COBRA! Now it’s up to Scarlett, Optimus Prime, G.I. Joe and the Autobots to save two worlds!
Because it worked so well last time...
Story
It begins. For a long while now IDW Publishing and the comics media mill have been promoting the first full crossover (since Revolution, anyway) for the various Hasbro properties licensed to the comics world: this is where we start, with issue #1, by Mairghread Scott and David A. Rodriguez - which also contains an additional story - The Origins of Evil, Part One: Redcliffe Club, written by John Barber. I'll talk more about this below, in summary.
Tone set
The first thing to note is that, due to IDW scheduling issues, this beginning of a brave new world in the Hasbro Universe is actually spoiling at least one of the series that lead up to it (Revolutionaries, in case you were curious), and probably needs a little more context from both Optimus Prime and GI Joe to actually reach the starting point we're at.
...wait for it...
That is obviously no fault of the writers, and what they do offer in terms of plot is actually a satisfying approach to a crossover: easing in the various factions, with GI Joe and Transformers taking the first brunt, rather than crashing all of the properties at once. The villains of the piece are set up, and the coda story does some more to attempt round-off the major players on this side too, if briefly so.
note: this gag is excellent
The better part of the story though, and the only one that can be fairly judged this far, is most definitely how the various characters are built up and interact with each other - Skywarp and Scarlett's Joes are clearly the stand-outs here - something that a recent interview had probably clarified, at least for me. We'll have to see how the wider game is played, now that the initial set-up has begun.
Art
Max Dunbar is at the helm here for the issue - and I can't help but wonder why the art doesn't feel up to his usual standards. There's nothing horribly wrong, but something in the designs for the Transformers in particular, especially on profile shots, and every other odd panel just don't line up with his usually stellar work on Micronauts. Perhaps a tighter deadline for the big event?
Similar issues can be held up to Netho Diaz (pencils) and Walden Wong (inks), though I wonder whether having lines and inks applied to the main story, and leave the back-up to a single artist may in fact be a solution to the problem. Again, it's not bad, it's just not overly consistent, and I can it putting readers off.
..eep
In terms of colours, Ander Zarate - Dunbar's partner in crime on Micronauts - is doing well to bring some of the sheen of Till All Are One for Cybertron, but perhaps uses a little too much lighting on the faces of the characters, and Scarlett suffers the most in close-ups and wider shots alike.
Similarly for David Garcia Cruz on the Barber-coda, some of the colours used on the heavier lines makes jawlines and facial features a little too flat at times (Baron Ironblood in particular), something that seems to happen with these books with a regular frequency.
There are good moments too!
Veteran on robotic lettering Tom B. Long takes on this issue too, and the captions that some find irritating in other books are actually the best solution (and placement) in an event like this trying to attract new readers - and there's a pretty spiffy Kachoom to marvel at, too, before a BUDDABUDDABUDDA.
Covers? There are many. The one spotlighted in the thumbnail is the variant from Sara Pitre Durocher, showing the robot side of the event from a crowd perspective - as most of the other artists chose the character spotlights instead. You can view them all in our Comics Database, as usual, and choose your favourite.
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
Much like the case of Revolution, the visuals do not shine kindly on the artists involved, as all of the people working on here are usually a pleasure to see on the page. The pressure of the event, the scheduling issues, editorial shortstaffing - I am most definitely giving the benefit of the doubt to all involved for the first issue, but I can see this heading in a similar direction to the previous project, in terms of art, meaning that creators will feel much better when the five issues are over.
I'm also down with just a series of Skywarp/Roadblock's fashion commentary
As for the story, however, there are no real complaints from me so far. The issue is most definitely a GI Joe story set-up, that just happens to use the setting of Cybertron - and that is not a bad thing! Easing into a crossover is a much better plan than expected, and I am glad this approach was taken. I am definitely interested to see how the other franchises will be brought in, at this stage, and that's the best outcome that could've happened, really.
. 
out of
out of
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902912)
Posted by Kurona on August 9th, 2017 @ 4:19am CDT
Posted by Kurona on August 9th, 2017 @ 4:19am CDT
Better than I thought it'd be, which is a pleasant surprise.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902948)
Posted by ScottyP on August 9th, 2017 @ 7:29am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on August 9th, 2017 @ 7:29am CDT
Does it seem super obvious to anyone else that Baron Ironblood isn't Colton, but Chameleon posing as him? It's the only way I can explain Spike being all "hurr-durr gotta help these Cybertronians" without discounting that as a failure in writing.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902950)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 9th, 2017 @ 7:30am CDT
But Chameleon is a Joe.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 9th, 2017 @ 7:30am CDT
ScottyP wrote:Does it seem super obvious to anyone else that Baron Ironblood isn't Colton, but Chameleon posing as him? It's the only way I can explain Spike being all "hurr-durr gotta help these Cybertronians" without discounting that as a failure in writing.
But Chameleon is a Joe.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902954)
Posted by Randomhero on August 9th, 2017 @ 7:43am CDT
Someone didn't read issue zero that revealed Joe Colton is alive and is working with a cobra to be all xenophobic.
And yeah, Cameleon is a GI Joe and present in the comic.
Posted by Randomhero on August 9th, 2017 @ 7:43am CDT
ScottyP wrote:Does it seem super obvious to anyone else that Baron Ironblood isn't Colton, but Chameleon posing as him? It's the only way I can explain Spike being all "hurr-durr gotta help these Cybertronians" without discounting that as a failure in writing.
Someone didn't read issue zero that revealed Joe Colton is alive and is working with a cobra to be all xenophobic.
And yeah, Cameleon is a GI Joe and present in the comic.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902960)
Posted by Randomhero on August 9th, 2017 @ 8:23am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on August 9th, 2017 @ 8:23am CDT
I like the issue. I'm just reading revoltionaries and the TF books but I followed it fine.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1902968)
Posted by ScottyP on August 9th, 2017 @ 8:55am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on August 9th, 2017 @ 8:55am CDT
^ You're both missing my point by a mile. Randomhero missed it by, well, like, didn't even get in the same orbit 
All good though, typing on my phone in between meetings so some brevity is in order.
I'll spell it out more carefully this time.
Spike doesn't like Transformers. Not a bit. This is long established. Due to this, it struck me as odd that he's going with the flow so easily, while on Cybertron no less. It seems like one of those things where, for Ironblood's "First Strike" to work, he'd need some help from the team assigned to this Cybertronian mission. Spike is a complete prick who'd totally help with that sort of thing, but he's also the kind of prick that'd want some dramatic subterfuge. Thus, he conspires with another team member. Who do we not see from that team? Hi-Tech, Mainframe, and Chameleon. One of these is a shape shifter. So is Zartan, if you like that better, and it gives a connection to the MASK book.
Anyhow, I think Chameleon is the most telling absence because of Flint's presence. She's been close to him at almost all times since their introduction in Optimus Prime. Odd that she's not there at a critical moment for Flint's Joe squad.
Then there's Scarlett strongly suggesting something's up with "Joe Colton", thinking he may be under someone's control. He dead. This is some crafty shapeshifter work, probably outside the realm of wraith magic this time. Maybe.
Finally, Mercy Gale and Storm Shadow got cooperative pretty quickly, and some of Gale's dialogue suggests she sees through this facade being put up.
Of course, I could be wrong and this is just some dumb stuff and FS 0 wasn't a magician's misdirection like I think it is. If this doesn't go any deeper than what's on the surface, I'm disappointed in the lack of creativity.
All good though, typing on my phone in between meetings so some brevity is in order.I'll spell it out more carefully this time.
Spike doesn't like Transformers. Not a bit. This is long established. Due to this, it struck me as odd that he's going with the flow so easily, while on Cybertron no less. It seems like one of those things where, for Ironblood's "First Strike" to work, he'd need some help from the team assigned to this Cybertronian mission. Spike is a complete prick who'd totally help with that sort of thing, but he's also the kind of prick that'd want some dramatic subterfuge. Thus, he conspires with another team member. Who do we not see from that team? Hi-Tech, Mainframe, and Chameleon. One of these is a shape shifter. So is Zartan, if you like that better, and it gives a connection to the MASK book.
Anyhow, I think Chameleon is the most telling absence because of Flint's presence. She's been close to him at almost all times since their introduction in Optimus Prime. Odd that she's not there at a critical moment for Flint's Joe squad.
Then there's Scarlett strongly suggesting something's up with "Joe Colton", thinking he may be under someone's control. He dead. This is some crafty shapeshifter work, probably outside the realm of wraith magic this time. Maybe.
Finally, Mercy Gale and Storm Shadow got cooperative pretty quickly, and some of Gale's dialogue suggests she sees through this facade being put up.
Of course, I could be wrong and this is just some dumb stuff and FS 0 wasn't a magician's misdirection like I think it is. If this doesn't go any deeper than what's on the surface, I'm disappointed in the lack of creativity.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1903122)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 9th, 2017 @ 2:12pm CDT
Sorry, Scotty, but I think you're reaching for something that isn't there. Colton is Baron Ironblood. Now I'm not necessarily a fan of that idea, but there's really nothing to suggest he's being mind controlled. He thinks the Transformers are going to destroy humanity and so he's taking premature action to ensure that doesn't happen. Also, if Chameleon working for Cobra kinda invalidates her arc from back in Cobra. I think Scarlett suggesting something is wrong with Colton is her wishing that her father figure won't do this horrible thing. Also, the flashback with Dr. X takes place after the Action Man mini, where Storm Shadow was already working for Dr. X.
As for my thoughts on this issue, I liked it. Of course, it would have been better if I could've read Revolutionaries #8 first. But I liked that it felt more toned down than Revolution. This honestly feels more like a Transformers/Joe crossover than something that brings the entire universe together. We'll see if that remains true throughout the event or not.
I also loved the backup story. It makes me wonder how long Colton has actually been Ironblood. Assuming that First Strike #0 takes place sometime before Revolution and Colton wasn't active as Ironblood before that, that makes Ironblood a very recent villain and also puts the events of the Action Man mini IMMEDIATELY before Revolution.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 9th, 2017 @ 2:12pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:^ You're both missing my point by a mile. Randomhero missed it by, well, like, didn't even get in the same orbit
I'll spell it out more carefully this time.
Spike doesn't like Transformers. Not a bit. This is long established. Due to this, it struck me as odd that he's going with the flow so easily, while on Cybertron no less. It seems like one of those things where, for Ironblood's "First Strike" to work, he'd need some help from the team assigned to this Cybertronian mission. Spike is a complete prick who'd totally help with that sort of thing, but he's also the kind of prick that'd want some dramatic subterfuge. Thus, he conspires with another team member. Who do we not see from that team? Hi-Tech, Mainframe, and Chameleon. One of these is a shape shifter. So is Zartan, if you like that better, and it gives a connection to the MASK book.
Anyhow, I think Chameleon is the most telling absence because of Flint's presence. She's been close to him at almost all times since their introduction in Optimus Prime. Odd that she's not there at a critical moment for Flint's Joe squad.
Then there's Scarlett strongly suggesting something's up with "Joe Colton", thinking he may be under someone's control. He dead. This is some crafty shapeshifter work, probably outside the realm of wraith magic this time. Maybe.
Finally, Mercy Gale and Storm Shadow got cooperative pretty quickly, and some of Gale's dialogue suggests she sees through this facade being put up.
Of course, I could be wrong and this is just some dumb stuff and FS 0 wasn't a magician's misdirection like I think it is. If this doesn't go any deeper than what's on the surface, I'm disappointed in the lack of creativity.
Sorry, Scotty, but I think you're reaching for something that isn't there. Colton is Baron Ironblood. Now I'm not necessarily a fan of that idea, but there's really nothing to suggest he's being mind controlled. He thinks the Transformers are going to destroy humanity and so he's taking premature action to ensure that doesn't happen. Also, if Chameleon working for Cobra kinda invalidates her arc from back in Cobra. I think Scarlett suggesting something is wrong with Colton is her wishing that her father figure won't do this horrible thing. Also, the flashback with Dr. X takes place after the Action Man mini, where Storm Shadow was already working for Dr. X.
As for my thoughts on this issue, I liked it. Of course, it would have been better if I could've read Revolutionaries #8 first. But I liked that it felt more toned down than Revolution. This honestly feels more like a Transformers/Joe crossover than something that brings the entire universe together. We'll see if that remains true throughout the event or not.
I also loved the backup story. It makes me wonder how long Colton has actually been Ironblood. Assuming that First Strike #0 takes place sometime before Revolution and Colton wasn't active as Ironblood before that, that makes Ironblood a very recent villain and also puts the events of the Action Man mini IMMEDIATELY before Revolution.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1903380)
Posted by ScottyP on August 10th, 2017 @ 8:23am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on August 10th, 2017 @ 8:23am CDT
You're proobably right about thatDaniel Adkins wrote:Sorry, Scotty, but I think you're reaching for something that isn't there. Colton is Baron Ironblood.
This is why. I share a similar feeling, I'm also not a fan of it. It feels cheap? Is that the word I'm looking for? Something about it rings hollow and I'm grasping at straws wanting it to be more.Daniel Adkins wrote:Now I'm not necessarily a fan of that idea
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1903588)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 10th, 2017 @ 10:15pm CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 10th, 2017 @ 10:15pm CDT
We've got the iTunes preview for First Strike #2! https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/first- ... 3159?mt=11 Gotta love that description of the Red Shadows.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1903612)
Posted by william-james88 on August 10th, 2017 @ 11:25pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on August 10th, 2017 @ 11:25pm CDT
Via iTunes, we have the short preview for IDW First Strike #2, an IDW event featuring Transformers, GI Joe, MASK, Micronauts, Revolutionaries and more! The images have been enlarged and mirrored below, and we will expect a more substantial preview in the next week or so too - so stay tuned for more!
The crossover of the year continues! Scarlett learns the truth behind Baron Ironbloodês plan to destroy all life on Cybertron, but with her team stranded on Earth, she must turn to an unlikely ally to help her reach the besieged planet. Enter: Soundwave!
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1903622)
Posted by SG Roadbuster on August 11th, 2017 @ 12:05am CDT
Posted by SG Roadbuster on August 11th, 2017 @ 12:05am CDT
so Till All Are One got cancelled to make room for this?!
terrible decision IDW. this is why you're losing readers.
terrible decision IDW. this is why you're losing readers.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1903623)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 11th, 2017 @ 12:09am CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 11th, 2017 @ 12:09am CDT
Not really. TAAO was cancelled because of low sales. First Strike was an event that was going to happen anyways. The two things are not mutually exclusive.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1903646)
Posted by Windsweeper on August 11th, 2017 @ 4:28am CDT
Posted by Windsweeper on August 11th, 2017 @ 4:28am CDT
I'm kind of liking this so far. Those cyber Ninjas remind me of the Cobra Night Creeper Ninjas from the 90s.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1903654)
Posted by Randomhero on August 11th, 2017 @ 6:14am CDT
Yes this comic that's been set up for the past 6-9 months totally canceled till all are one. Or you could read scotts statement on why till all are one is gone.
Either way.
Posted by Randomhero on August 11th, 2017 @ 6:14am CDT
SG Roadbuster wrote:so Till All Are One got cancelled to make room for this?!
terrible decision IDW. this is why you're losing readers.
Yes this comic that's been set up for the past 6-9 months totally canceled till all are one. Or you could read scotts statement on why till all are one is gone.
Either way.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1905341)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 20th, 2017 @ 6:27am CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 20th, 2017 @ 6:27am CDT
Full Preview for First Strike #2: http://www.cbr.com/first-strike-2-exclu ... &view=list
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1905435)
Posted by william-james88 on August 20th, 2017 @ 8:17pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on August 20th, 2017 @ 8:17pm CDT
We had an iTunes sneak peak for IDW's First Strike #2 last week, and now we have a full preview courtesy of CBR. Enjoy!
STORY BY
David Rodriguez and Mairghread Scott
ART BY
Max Dunbar
COLORS BY
Ander Zarate
LETTERS BY
Tom B. Long
COVER BY
Alex Ronald, Davide Fabbri, Freddie E. Williams II, Jay Fosgitt, Leonardo Manco, Max Dunbar, and Rob Duenas
PUBLISHER
IDW Publishing
The crossover of the year continues! Scarlett learns the truth behind Baron Ironbloodês plan to destroy all life on Cybertron, but with her team stranded on Earth, she must turn to an unlikely ally to help her reach the besieged planet. Enter: Soundwave!
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1905841)
Posted by ScottyP on August 22nd, 2017 @ 8:28pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on August 22nd, 2017 @ 8:28pm CDT
It's not bad. It's not doing it for me either. I think First Strike actually does suffer a little from an overbooking of GI Joe characters. They have most of their team and the villainous presence is primarily Cobra. Meanwhile there are no Micronauts, no Revolutionaries/Action Man/AM Programme, Rom is having coffee and a bagel, and the Combaticons are guarding the other half dozen named Transformers.
I get it, Hasbro wants the resuscitated corpse of GI Joe to somehow gain back some glory. It makes sense. It's just not working for me yet.
... now that I mention Combaticons, a Bruticus v Predaking encounter in this series would make me forgive some of the attempts at Protecting The Brand.
I get it, Hasbro wants the resuscitated corpse of GI Joe to somehow gain back some glory. It makes sense. It's just not working for me yet.
... now that I mention Combaticons, a Bruticus v Predaking encounter in this series would make me forgive some of the attempts at Protecting The Brand.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1905844)
Posted by Kurona on August 22nd, 2017 @ 8:42pm CDT
Posted by Kurona on August 22nd, 2017 @ 8:42pm CDT
Yeah, unlike Revolution which was rage-inducingly bad, this feels more... 'eh'. It's happening, it's annoying it's happening, but it's not awful and I guess I'll just wait for the actual comics to come back. This is like waiting for a bus and it's taking a while, so you just shrug and get out your phone to play snake or candy crush or that Magikarp game only I like. Revolution was like waiting for a bus that's been delayed several times while your phone's out of power, there's no roof to the bus stop while it's raining heavily, and some douchebag beside you keeps going on about how totally awesome he is and you just want him to stop.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1905927)
Posted by ScottyP on August 23rd, 2017 @ 8:11am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on August 23rd, 2017 @ 8:11am CDT
That's a great analogy. I can't say this series is bad. Can't say I have strong positive emotions towards it either though.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1905962)
Posted by Tigertrack on August 23rd, 2017 @ 9:57am CDT
Posted by Tigertrack on August 23rd, 2017 @ 9:57am CDT
Review of First Strike Issue #2 - A Hasbro Comic Event -
(or is it 2nd strike now? or Strike 1.1?), it's got a couple of spoils.
“The hardest part of this whole mess is knowing that you’ll be the one to try and stop me.”
“So I see this as my chance to tell you, this isn’t what I wanted,” wrote the mentor to the student…
-Last time-
Earth was about to be officially ‘welcomed’ to the intergalactic council on Cybertron with Marissa Fairborne being sworn in as the ambassador. Then everything went about the exact opposite of how they all wanted it to. Baron Ironblood and his allies of evil infiltrated the grand event and started to attack the populace of Cybertron. But, what’s the main play here? Surely, even a seemingly infinite group of cyber- wraith red ninja and some rowdy dreadnoks, Iron Grenadiers, and BATS wouldn’t really be threatening for very long, right?
-This time-
“...I hope you take what happens next as a compliment.”
Be a tad leery if you are worried about continuity alignment, released materials, and chronologically happening events. Revolutionaries #8, the final issue, was supposed to be completed before this came out, as was MASK #10, which also hasn’t been released yet. This issue continues to reveal things that might have been uncertain at the end of the Revolutionaries series, or that MASK issue, but none seemingly as big as the ruined revelation issue #1 provided.
Amongst the chaos begun last issue- Baron Ironblood’s force of ninjas and dreadnoks attacking Cybertronians- and the human delegation; the larger plot begins to unfold as the other evil allies involved advance the real threat- poisoning all the inhabitants of Cybertron via the food supply -their energon. A seemingly simple, but effective plan— at least that is their evil hope— using Shazraella (of the evil Micronauts) and her enerchange abilities, and the talisman which was the focus of Revolutionaries, in some as yet, unclear way. Genocide them before they genocide us. If there is anything we find out from Coltan's inner-thoughts its that he's on what he believes is a last possible solution for the Earth's robot problem.
Oh yes, and on the more political side, the Solstar Order gets involved to make things even more difficult, but perhaps not how you might expect. The council delegates all start trying to pin blame, and not do much problem solving. Marissa loosens her sassy ambassador chops on Elita One after taking one too many jabs about being a tiny useless flesh-covered bug. There’s no crying in intergalactic politics Elita! Suck it up! You've been served...*add choice cliche here*
As Srgt. Savage would say, 'Boo-YAH!'
Meanwhile, on the planet Earth, Scarlett, the Joes, MASK, Soundwave, and some of the Earthbound Autobots look to find a way to travel to Cybertron to help out those already there. Victorion twins, Skyburst and Stormclash, show their engineering prowess and build their character as they work to get the group to their goal, not entirely completed by the too-quick-in-coming end of the issue.
-Art-
The art by Max Dunbar (lines and inks) are gorgeous! Lots of detail, well-crafted battles with jumbles of red ninjas, BATS, and Iron Grenadiers seemingly everywhere, and yet he makes it work, and it never seems TOO over the top, or any more messy than one would want to portray this chaotic moment. I love most of his panels, be it humans or robots. I thought the first pages were a bit more polished than the last, but I also think that’s nit-picky, of me. The shadows and line work, the clouds, explosions, movement implied, facial expressions, and weapons fire all come off beautifully. Just when you think you might be having some trouble comparing the depth, weight, and size of all the varied characters, low and behold, here comes a panel that helps to make size relationships clear.
I wonder what I should have for lunch today? Did I turn the lights off before leaving and lock the doors? I've got to remember to pick up my other dry-cleaning after the incursion.
Max couldn’t have accomplished the visual story-telling as well as he has without the colors by Andar Zarate which do very well in making Max’s work come to life. Cybertron is mostly bright, which seemed kind of odd, and Earth was very dark most of the time, being underwater, and at night for most of its action. BUT it all works well together to visually tell the story.
Never forget, Tom B. Long does the art team's letter work and I think it’s almost always a job taken for granted (except when it doesn't work - then you really notice) even though our review team does try to always recognize the entire team’s efforts in the storytelling, as well. I gush on Tom all the time. Ka-thoom, brother, Ka-thoom.
-Writing-
As you can tell, I wanted to focus on the word-smithing a little bit at the beginning of the review. The versatile Mairghread Scott and David A. Rodriguez are crafting a very fun, and action-filled Hasbro crossover here. It’s only the second issue so we don’t know all that the duo have planned for this series, but it’s starting out promising, and doesn’t require the setup that Revolution had to do for the Hasbro-verse. Say what you will about Revolution, it and the individual comics that sprung from it, have already introduced what needed to be done for First Strike, and now we can just get to the evil plots and lots of action! It seems like there’s certainly more coming that not even the ‘poisoning of the well’ is meant to be THE complication and climax of the series. Oh, there’s more coming, but the set up has been really nice.
Talk to the hand! (I couldn't resist)
I’ve enjoyed reading the expounded mid-combat banter between the Joe forces on Earth and hearing the inner dialogue from Baron Ironblood as he continues to justify his actions of siding with the very enemies whose ideals he fought for so long. So far, he hasn’t really had much strife about it. But I wonder if he and his protege might have a bit of moment soon…one that may turn his thinking again.
-Add-On- The Origins of Evil Part Two: A Game of Chess-
There’s a secondary story in this issue, just like in the last, that works to explain how this group of evil doers came to side with one formerly super do-gooder, Joe Coltan. Enter Destro- who should probably hate Joe Colton and dispose of him on the spot. So does he? There’s money to made somehow of course…so probably not (and that little 'Colton's still alive' detail). Read it to find out the nitty-gritty. And by the way, there’s a whole other creative team to recognize for this tale that includes pencils by Netho Diaz, tight inks by Walden Wong, and David Garcia Cruz throws down the deep dark colors, of this short, written by John Barber. These pieces have supported the more action-oriented piece of the main story very well, offering the origin of the group that’s attacking Cybertron, and delving into their motivations. It’s a great companion that might have been fine interspersed among the ‘regular’ story, but I’m sure they thought about that, and might have considered what it might do to interrupt the pacing, and comprehensibility of the overall issue(s).
Show me the MONEY!
-Final Thoughts-
I have really enjoyed the first two issues of this series so far! The art has been superb, the story-telling well-paced, fun, and dramatic, and enough eye candy for Hasbro-universe folks of all kinds to enjoy. I LOVED seeing the VENOM Outlaw, and the Cobra Razorback show up this issue. I just hope that we get to see them in a bigger combat situation later on! Bring on more treats as such.
I'd like a burger, fries, small soda, oh and a chocolate milk shake, please...
The hardest part of suspending my disbelief for enjoying this series so far is that war torn, experienced vets like Optimus Prime, and Ironhide are retreating (literally running!) from a gaggle of cyber-ninja (a naggle?), BATS, Iron Grenadiers, and those crazy, moralless dreadnoks albeit with some high tech weapons. I know there’s a LOT of those baddies (effectively portrayed visually), and the heroes are thinking of the safety of the Earth delegation, and the peaceful Cybertron populace, but really, Ironhide and his ‘badgeless’, or his new security forces, aren’t a match for this? I understand an initial surprise, and possible panic, but really? Ah well, I’m still going to enjoy it, and I won’t let this bother me too much, as I’m pretty sure the diversionary attack will get quelled pretty quickly in the next issue (combiners? pest control?) and the focus will be on the secondary threat. RECOMMENDED READ for TF fans (it is happening on Cybertron; lots of bots involved)!
Optimus wants me to give it 5 of 5, but I'm going with...
1/2 out of
Plenty of awesome covers to choose from, but I really enjoy COVER D by Rob Duenas. Very bulky, big detailed figures, and the inclusion of fat tankor and Sigma Six looking weapons…love it! Check out these close ups, and the full image in the thumb nail!
(or is it 2nd strike now? or Strike 1.1?), it's got a couple of spoils.
“The hardest part of this whole mess is knowing that you’ll be the one to try and stop me.”
“So I see this as my chance to tell you, this isn’t what I wanted,” wrote the mentor to the student…
-Last time-
Earth was about to be officially ‘welcomed’ to the intergalactic council on Cybertron with Marissa Fairborne being sworn in as the ambassador. Then everything went about the exact opposite of how they all wanted it to. Baron Ironblood and his allies of evil infiltrated the grand event and started to attack the populace of Cybertron. But, what’s the main play here? Surely, even a seemingly infinite group of cyber- wraith red ninja and some rowdy dreadnoks, Iron Grenadiers, and BATS wouldn’t really be threatening for very long, right?
-This time-
“...I hope you take what happens next as a compliment.”
Be a tad leery if you are worried about continuity alignment, released materials, and chronologically happening events. Revolutionaries #8, the final issue, was supposed to be completed before this came out, as was MASK #10, which also hasn’t been released yet. This issue continues to reveal things that might have been uncertain at the end of the Revolutionaries series, or that MASK issue, but none seemingly as big as the ruined revelation issue #1 provided.
Amongst the chaos begun last issue- Baron Ironblood’s force of ninjas and dreadnoks attacking Cybertronians- and the human delegation; the larger plot begins to unfold as the other evil allies involved advance the real threat- poisoning all the inhabitants of Cybertron via the food supply -their energon. A seemingly simple, but effective plan— at least that is their evil hope— using Shazraella (of the evil Micronauts) and her enerchange abilities, and the talisman which was the focus of Revolutionaries, in some as yet, unclear way. Genocide them before they genocide us. If there is anything we find out from Coltan's inner-thoughts its that he's on what he believes is a last possible solution for the Earth's robot problem.
Oh yes, and on the more political side, the Solstar Order gets involved to make things even more difficult, but perhaps not how you might expect. The council delegates all start trying to pin blame, and not do much problem solving. Marissa loosens her sassy ambassador chops on Elita One after taking one too many jabs about being a tiny useless flesh-covered bug. There’s no crying in intergalactic politics Elita! Suck it up! You've been served...*add choice cliche here*
As Srgt. Savage would say, 'Boo-YAH!'
Meanwhile, on the planet Earth, Scarlett, the Joes, MASK, Soundwave, and some of the Earthbound Autobots look to find a way to travel to Cybertron to help out those already there. Victorion twins, Skyburst and Stormclash, show their engineering prowess and build their character as they work to get the group to their goal, not entirely completed by the too-quick-in-coming end of the issue.
-Art-
The art by Max Dunbar (lines and inks) are gorgeous! Lots of detail, well-crafted battles with jumbles of red ninjas, BATS, and Iron Grenadiers seemingly everywhere, and yet he makes it work, and it never seems TOO over the top, or any more messy than one would want to portray this chaotic moment. I love most of his panels, be it humans or robots. I thought the first pages were a bit more polished than the last, but I also think that’s nit-picky, of me. The shadows and line work, the clouds, explosions, movement implied, facial expressions, and weapons fire all come off beautifully. Just when you think you might be having some trouble comparing the depth, weight, and size of all the varied characters, low and behold, here comes a panel that helps to make size relationships clear.
I wonder what I should have for lunch today? Did I turn the lights off before leaving and lock the doors? I've got to remember to pick up my other dry-cleaning after the incursion.
Max couldn’t have accomplished the visual story-telling as well as he has without the colors by Andar Zarate which do very well in making Max’s work come to life. Cybertron is mostly bright, which seemed kind of odd, and Earth was very dark most of the time, being underwater, and at night for most of its action. BUT it all works well together to visually tell the story.
Never forget, Tom B. Long does the art team's letter work and I think it’s almost always a job taken for granted (except when it doesn't work - then you really notice) even though our review team does try to always recognize the entire team’s efforts in the storytelling, as well. I gush on Tom all the time. Ka-thoom, brother, Ka-thoom.
-Writing-
As you can tell, I wanted to focus on the word-smithing a little bit at the beginning of the review. The versatile Mairghread Scott and David A. Rodriguez are crafting a very fun, and action-filled Hasbro crossover here. It’s only the second issue so we don’t know all that the duo have planned for this series, but it’s starting out promising, and doesn’t require the setup that Revolution had to do for the Hasbro-verse. Say what you will about Revolution, it and the individual comics that sprung from it, have already introduced what needed to be done for First Strike, and now we can just get to the evil plots and lots of action! It seems like there’s certainly more coming that not even the ‘poisoning of the well’ is meant to be THE complication and climax of the series. Oh, there’s more coming, but the set up has been really nice.
Talk to the hand! (I couldn't resist)
I’ve enjoyed reading the expounded mid-combat banter between the Joe forces on Earth and hearing the inner dialogue from Baron Ironblood as he continues to justify his actions of siding with the very enemies whose ideals he fought for so long. So far, he hasn’t really had much strife about it. But I wonder if he and his protege might have a bit of moment soon…one that may turn his thinking again.
-Add-On- The Origins of Evil Part Two: A Game of Chess-
There’s a secondary story in this issue, just like in the last, that works to explain how this group of evil doers came to side with one formerly super do-gooder, Joe Coltan. Enter Destro- who should probably hate Joe Colton and dispose of him on the spot. So does he? There’s money to made somehow of course…so probably not (and that little 'Colton's still alive' detail). Read it to find out the nitty-gritty. And by the way, there’s a whole other creative team to recognize for this tale that includes pencils by Netho Diaz, tight inks by Walden Wong, and David Garcia Cruz throws down the deep dark colors, of this short, written by John Barber. These pieces have supported the more action-oriented piece of the main story very well, offering the origin of the group that’s attacking Cybertron, and delving into their motivations. It’s a great companion that might have been fine interspersed among the ‘regular’ story, but I’m sure they thought about that, and might have considered what it might do to interrupt the pacing, and comprehensibility of the overall issue(s).
Show me the MONEY!
-Final Thoughts-
I have really enjoyed the first two issues of this series so far! The art has been superb, the story-telling well-paced, fun, and dramatic, and enough eye candy for Hasbro-universe folks of all kinds to enjoy. I LOVED seeing the VENOM Outlaw, and the Cobra Razorback show up this issue. I just hope that we get to see them in a bigger combat situation later on! Bring on more treats as such.
I'd like a burger, fries, small soda, oh and a chocolate milk shake, please...
The hardest part of suspending my disbelief for enjoying this series so far is that war torn, experienced vets like Optimus Prime, and Ironhide are retreating (literally running!) from a gaggle of cyber-ninja (a naggle?), BATS, Iron Grenadiers, and those crazy, moralless dreadnoks albeit with some high tech weapons. I know there’s a LOT of those baddies (effectively portrayed visually), and the heroes are thinking of the safety of the Earth delegation, and the peaceful Cybertron populace, but really, Ironhide and his ‘badgeless’, or his new security forces, aren’t a match for this? I understand an initial surprise, and possible panic, but really? Ah well, I’m still going to enjoy it, and I won’t let this bother me too much, as I’m pretty sure the diversionary attack will get quelled pretty quickly in the next issue (combiners? pest control?) and the focus will be on the secondary threat. RECOMMENDED READ for TF fans (it is happening on Cybertron; lots of bots involved)!
Optimus wants me to give it 5 of 5, but I'm going with...
1/2 out of Plenty of awesome covers to choose from, but I really enjoy COVER D by Rob Duenas. Very bulky, big detailed figures, and the inclusion of fat tankor and Sigma Six looking weapons…love it! Check out these close ups, and the full image in the thumb nail!
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1905967)
Posted by Randomhero on August 23rd, 2017 @ 10:17am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on August 23rd, 2017 @ 10:17am CDT
This is a good issue and good story! I'm sure plenty have written it off before issue one dropped but this is worth picking up! It's probably not as transformer heavy as some want especially being on Cybertron but it's a nice post TAAO story that concludes certain things. Carcer is up in orbit again, Windblade back to her old self which for me doesn't need more explaining. She recovered and walked out in the final issue and she's fine.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1906024)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 23rd, 2017 @ 2:50pm CDT
That's a little much. Revolution is no gem, but it's a fun, bombastic show of throwing all the toys in the box and letting them go wild.
Personally, I like that First Strike is doing the opposite. This is very much a smaller story, focusing on the Joes (and MASK) and the Transformers. And really, this story is a lot more of a character driven story for Scarlett, who really is the main character here.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 23rd, 2017 @ 2:50pm CDT
Kurona wrote:Yeah, unlike Revolution which was rage-inducingly bad, this feels more... 'eh'. It's happening, it's annoying it's happening, but it's not awful and I guess I'll just wait for the actual comics to come back. This is like waiting for a bus and it's taking a while, so you just shrug and get out your phone to play snake or candy crush or that Magikarp game only I like. Revolution was like waiting for a bus that's been delayed several times while your phone's out of power, there's no roof to the bus stop while it's raining heavily, and some douchebag beside you keeps going on about how totally awesome he is and you just want him to stop.
That's a little much. Revolution is no gem, but it's a fun, bombastic show of throwing all the toys in the box and letting them go wild.
Personally, I like that First Strike is doing the opposite. This is very much a smaller story, focusing on the Joes (and MASK) and the Transformers. And really, this story is a lot more of a character driven story for Scarlett, who really is the main character here.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1906037)
Posted by Tigertrack on August 23rd, 2017 @ 3:38pm CDT
Those are great points that I should have included in my review!
I love how Fairborne just put Elita One in her place...
Posted by Tigertrack on August 23rd, 2017 @ 3:38pm CDT
Randomhero wrote:This is a good issue and good story! I'm sure plenty have written it off before issue one dropped but this is worth picking up! It's probably not as transformer heavy as some want especially being on Cybertron but it's a nice post TAAO story that concludes certain things. Carcer is up in orbit again, Windblade back to her old self which for me doesn't need more explaining. She recovered and walked out in the final issue and she's fine.
Those are great points that I should have included in my review!
I love how Fairborne just put Elita One in her place...
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1906039)
Posted by Tigertrack on August 23rd, 2017 @ 3:41pm CDT
Indeed, I agree... especially in your Scarlett point. I think we're building toward that. This is the next GI JOE VS. Transformers (not done by Scioli). In fact, it reminds me of the previous GI JOE/TF with SERPENTO.R., but now it's cannon and built up to and referenced through the regular comics!
Posted by Tigertrack on August 23rd, 2017 @ 3:41pm CDT
Daniel Adkins wrote:Kurona wrote:Yeah, unlike Revolution which was rage-inducingly bad, this feels more... 'eh'. It's happening, it's annoying it's happening, but it's not awful and I guess I'll just wait for the actual comics to come back. This is like waiting for a bus and it's taking a while, so you just shrug and get out your phone to play snake or candy crush or that Magikarp game only I like. Revolution was like waiting for a bus that's been delayed several times while your phone's out of power, there's no roof to the bus stop while it's raining heavily, and some douchebag beside you keeps going on about how totally awesome he is and you just want him to stop.
That's a little much. Revolution is no gem, but it's a fun, bombastic show of throwing all the toys in the box and letting them go wild.
Personally, I like that First Strike is doing the opposite. This is very much a smaller story, focusing on the Joes (and MASK) and the Transformers. And really, this story is a lot more of a character driven story for Scarlett, who really is the main character here.
Indeed, I agree... especially in your Scarlett point. I think we're building toward that. This is the next GI JOE VS. Transformers (not done by Scioli). In fact, it reminds me of the previous GI JOE/TF with SERPENTO.R., but now it's cannon and built up to and referenced through the regular comics!
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1906063)
Posted by ScottyP on August 23rd, 2017 @ 5:34pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on August 23rd, 2017 @ 5:34pm CDT
I'm glad folks are enjoying this one. Idk what switch clicked, maybe I'm just grumpy today but this one did little for me. I can't beat it up but I think it's just that its cast is comprised of mostly characters that I don't have a strong connection to. Windblade and Ironhide are great but in these event books they just seem to be present and accounted for but not important.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1907805)
Posted by ScottyP on August 31st, 2017 @ 6:05pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on August 31st, 2017 @ 6:05pm CDT
Via iTunes, we have the first preview for IDW Publishing and Hasbro's latest foray into Total Brand Awareness. This takes the form of the usual first three pages, this time for the upcoming First Strike #3. Soundwave, Skyburst, Stormclash, Scarlett's GI Joe team, and even M.A.S.K. are ready to punch and kick their way through Castle Destro to accomplish their goals and achieve a holistic, synergistic team-up of brand partnership.
It looks like you'll be able to take a deep dive into consumer engagement with the entire issue on September 13th, and we've mirrored the preview pages below for your immediate enjoyment. Let us know what you think in the Energon Pub Forums once you've peeled back the onion on these pages by replying to this news post.
Keep it here at Seibertron.com for all the latest about First Strike and other Hasbro Universe comics from IDW Publishing featuring the Transformers!
It looks like you'll be able to take a deep dive into consumer engagement with the entire issue on September 13th, and we've mirrored the preview pages below for your immediate enjoyment. Let us know what you think in the Energon Pub Forums once you've peeled back the onion on these pages by replying to this news post.
Keep it here at Seibertron.com for all the latest about First Strike and other Hasbro Universe comics from IDW Publishing featuring the Transformers!
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1907823)
Posted by Budder Prime on August 31st, 2017 @ 8:52pm CDT
Posted by Budder Prime on August 31st, 2017 @ 8:52pm CDT
"I prefer to think of everyone else as profoundly deaf."
Once again, Soundwave gives an awesome quote.
Once again, Soundwave gives an awesome quote.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1907824)
Posted by Bounti76 on August 31st, 2017 @ 9:18pm CDT
Posted by Bounti76 on August 31st, 2017 @ 9:18pm CDT
It's nice to see Stormclash and Skyburst getting a little more characterization. Hopefully we'll see more of it in this issue.
Re: IDW Editor David Hedgecock Interview on Hasbro Universe First Strike #HasbroFirstStrike (1907841)
Posted by ricemazter on August 31st, 2017 @ 11:02pm CDT
Posted by ricemazter on August 31st, 2017 @ 11:02pm CDT
How can people claim Optimus Prime is tyrannical? How has he affected policy on earth in the slightest aside from providing people with humanitarian aid and fighting other invading aliens? As far as I can tell, he hasn't done anything.
