IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release

Tuesday, December 15th, 2015 3:56am CST

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And finally, from IDW Publishing, we have the official press release confirming the status, creative teams and general idea of the five-week Deviations project, and the one-shot featuring the Transformers - if Optimus Prime never died in the first place! Check it out below.

IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’!
The Five-Week Event Arrives In March

In a world where the Ghostbusters never crossed streams to save New York… In a world where Shredder was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ sensei… In a world where all your expectations are turned upside down—welcome to the world of Deviations, a weekly event series featuring alternate takes on some of IDW’s most popular books!

Starting with the Ghostbusters, readers will be taken to alternate realities of some of the most iconic heroes in comics with weekly one-shots that each highlight a different series. G.I. JOE will follow in the second week, exploring what would happen if COBRA finally won. The TRANSFORMERS comes next, looking at what the implications would be if OPTIMUS PRIME never died! Then, in X-Files Deviations, having been abducted by aliens, Fox Mulder never returned… and finally, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles one-shot will round out the event.

“When one moment changes,” said Chris Ryall, IDW Editor in Chief, “whole universes alter forever. We’re asking the questions fans have been pondering for years—and now we’ll see some answers.”

Both new and familiar faces will make their mark on this warped series as newcomers to the titles join fan-favorite creators!

In Ghostbusters Deviations,
Kelly Thompson(Jem and the Holograms) teams up with artist Nelson Daniel (Judge Dredd).
Paul Allor returns to G.I. Joe, with artwork by Corey Lewis(Sharknife).
TRANSFORMERS Deviations welcomes Brandon Easton (Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven) alongside Transformers: Robots in Disguise artist Priscilla Tramontano.
Amy Chu (Sensation Comics: Wonder Woman) explores The X-Files alongside Elena Casagrande (Doctor Who) and Silvia Califano (The X-Files: Season 10) on art.
Finally Tom Waltz (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) leads Zach Howard (Wild Blue Yonder) into the sewers for the TMNT Deviations.

Look for all five Deviations in your comic shop and online every week in March!

Transformers News: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release

Credit(s): IDW

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Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1748157)
Posted by Lord Manhammer '74 on December 15th, 2015 @ 12:40pm CST

"In a world... , am I the only one here who has legendary movie trailer voice over man, Don Lafontaine, voice running through their head reading the line ?

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772797)
Posted by Va'al on March 11th, 2016 @ 1:29pm CST

We knew that IDW Publishing would be revisiting the original G1 universe of the Transformers, in their 5-week event Deviations - but we now also have the full preview, via Newsarama, for next week's robot shaped issue, in which Brandon Easton and Priscilla Tramontano imagine a world where Optimus never died! Check it out below.

Transformers Deviations One-Shot
Brandon Easton (w) • Priscilla Tramontano (a) • Marcelo Matere (c)
In a World… Where OPTIMUS PRIME Never Died! One would stand and one would fall… and we all know OPTIMUS PRIME fell. But how would history have played out if he hadn’t? Would the AUTOBOTS have still stood triumphant in their darkest hour… or would UNICRON have reigned supreme?!
FC • 40 pages • $4.99
Bullet points:
· Extra-length one-shot!
· Find out what happens in a world… where Optimus Prime never died!
· Writer Brandon Easton (TV’s AGENT CARTER) writes his first TRANSFORMERS comic!
· Art from rising star Priscilla Tramontano!
· Part of IDW’s Deviations 5-week event!

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772802)
Posted by o.supreme on March 11th, 2016 @ 1:36pm CST

Nice. I almost forgot all about this until I saw the cover artists among all the names announced for Botcon. Next week huh?--After 3 months of no news, well at least we wont have a long wait. I am so looking forward to this.

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772804)
Posted by bluecatcinema on March 11th, 2016 @ 1:39pm CST

I'm loving it so far. Kinda funny how Kup pinned Hot Rod down in this reality.

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772806)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 11th, 2016 @ 1:48pm CST

Without Hot Rod's interference, Megatron wouldn't take him hostage and the Decepticon fiend wouldn't kill Optimus Prime.

Though Hot Rod's interference did prove a nuisance in the movie, a version of these events in which Hot Rod did not interfere in this fight scene has been presented to us in the Marvel Comics adaptation of the movie, and yet, despite Hot Rod's staying out of the fight, Optimus still died in that version because he hesitated long enough for Megatron to grab the gun he was reaching for and shoot Prime. This new version not only takes Hot Rod out of the fight, but also requires that Megatron misses his target since Optimus still hesitates. Therefore, Hot Rod is not solely to blame for Optimus's demise, but so too is Prime's hesitating long enough to let Megatron shoot him. Except now, we instead have Megatron miss Prime, negating any dire consequences on Optimus's part for his hesitation.

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772813)
Posted by o.supreme on March 11th, 2016 @ 1:57pm CST

The 3 issue Marvel Comic adaptation of TF:TM I think is considered by most fans to be a pale comparison. There were a ton of mistakes made, and obviously several liberties as well, not matching the films dialogue etc...

I think the 5 issue IDW version was done much better. Obviously by fans of the series, and having the advantage of the film being in existence and studied for some 20+ years to get things mostly right, and only a couple of liberties (Combiner Battle at the Ark, Shockwaves death etc...) taken. But both of these I think actually improvedthe story.

I may be wrong, but I don't think there is anyone that refers to TF:TM and uses the Marvel Comic as reference over the animated movie itself.

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772819)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 11th, 2016 @ 2:07pm CST

o.supreme wrote:The 3 issue Marvel Comic adaptation of TF:TM I think is considered by most fans to be a pale comparison. There were a ton of mistakes made, and obviously several liberties as well, not matching the films dialogue etc...

Those weren't "mistakes" or "liberties". The Marvel version was based on an earlier script made before the final cut of the movie was finished.

o.supreme wrote:I may be wrong, but I don't think there is anyone that refers to TF:TM and uses the Marvel Comic as reference over the animated movie itself.

Nor was I saying that. All I was saying that a version of the movie's events exist in which Hot Rod doesn't interfere and yet Prime still dies.

And though the movie itself is what matters for the cartoon, the Marvel adaptation does matter to the comics that reference the movie's events, so it isn't completely superfluous (though, one could make an argument about the IDW adaptation since nothing's ever drawn reference to that specific version).

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772822)
Posted by o.supreme on March 11th, 2016 @ 2:14pm CST

Sabrblade wrote:And though the movie itself is what matters for the cartoon, the Marvel adaptation does matter to the comics that reference the movie's events, so it isn't completely superfluous (though, one could make an argument about the IDW adaptation since nothing's ever drawn reference to that specific version).

But TF:TM is specific to the Animated Continuity, and has nothing to do with the Marvel Comics Continuity. Marvel Comics had their own interpretation of Unicron/Galvatron all that Target 2006 stuff etc... The Marvel Comic adaptation of TF:TM is pretty much superfluous as it had no bearing on the Marvel Comics as it was just supposed to be an adaptation of the animated movie. --I don't think it was based on an older script as much as incomplete ideas, and miscommunication. It really is a mess, something that I never refer to when speaking about TF:TM.

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772824)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 11th, 2016 @ 2:19pm CST

o.supreme wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:And though the movie itself is what matters for the cartoon, the Marvel adaptation does matter to the comics that reference the movie's events, so it isn't completely superfluous (though, one could make an argument about the IDW adaptation since nothing's ever drawn reference to that specific version).

But TF:TM is specific to the Animated Continuity, and has nothing to do with the Marvel Comics Continuity. Marvel Comics had their own interpretation of Unicron/Galvatron all that Target 2006 stuff etc... The Marvel Comic adaptation of TF:TM is pretty much superfluous as it had no bearing on the Marvel Comics as it was just supposed to be an adaptation of the animated movie. --I don't think it was based on an older script as much as incomplete ideas, and miscommunication. It really is a mess, something that I never refer to when speaking about TF:TM.

Marvel UK released the movie adaptation with the notion of it relating to their movie-related stories, which can't fit with the animated movie itself due to some major deviances between the two.

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772829)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 11th, 2016 @ 2:50pm CST

Whoa, wait a sec!

On the far left corner of the first panel, lying there on the ground. That's... That's an Animated Autotrooper!

Not a Kiss Players Autorooper, but specifically the Animated design.

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772830)
Posted by Quint on March 11th, 2016 @ 2:53pm CST

This looks pretty terrible... Megatron misses his shot from close range?!?!?

LOL

I won't be picking this up; for IDW's Transformers it looks more like a 'regression' than a 'deviation'.

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772834)
Posted by o.supreme on March 11th, 2016 @ 3:03pm CST

posted in wrong thread-ignore

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772838)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on March 11th, 2016 @ 3:46pm CST

Lousy shooting from Megatron but I'm more concerned that Prime just blew up Megatron's head like that. Seems pretty graphic for G1 Prime. Certainly couldn't imagine that actually being animated in the movie. It's live-action Prime that likes destroying opponent's faces.

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772841)
Posted by 1984forever on March 11th, 2016 @ 4:00pm CST

And here I thought the best IDW had to offer was a book by a guy who as a kid, threw tea parties attended by mostly Autobots and then grew up to write about it. My bad.

Instead of Autobots vs Autobots or more Autobots vs giant mecha, we get Autobots vs. Decepticons! Set in the G1 cartoon universe! It's a miracle.

I never thought I would say this about anything put out by IDW but... I can't wait!

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772847)
Posted by Quint on March 11th, 2016 @ 4:20pm CST

Actually just rewatched the fight scene - Megatron misses twice from point blank range with his fusion cannon. Ha! So yeah, maybe his miss with the pistol isn't that out of place, as naff as it seems...

Still ain't buyin it, mind

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772856)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 11th, 2016 @ 4:39pm CST

Beautiful thing. Wonder what's gonna happen now with Megs and the rest actually dead? Either way, it's looking good

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772859)
Posted by Metroplex79 on March 11th, 2016 @ 4:45pm CST

As much as that was awesome...I don't buy it.

Optimus flew in and shot a bunch of Decepticons, and they weren't killed. In fact a few looked pristine by the time Astrotrain left Earth.

No way Optimus' gun would (or could) do that much damage...even with the movie plot armor turned off.

Also, was this G2 Optimus? In the panel "No more Optimus Prime! Grant me mercy, I beg of you!", man, look at those shoulders.

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772860)
Posted by o.supreme on March 11th, 2016 @ 4:57pm CST

--Just artistic preference with Prime's appearance. Anyway...I know a lot of people don't consider this however... Yes several Decepticons were beaten by Prime pretty badly. however...The Insecitcons, Thundercracker, & Skywarp were all dead, as a result of their injuries, and being sucked out into space by the Con's on board Astrotrain (Survival of the Fittest). Megatron, although stronger, would have eventually succumbed to death's sweet embrace too if Unicron had not intervened. Why Soundwave and the other seekers did not appear as damaged as the others tossed out into space, I'll admit is a bit of a mystery, but it was ultimately Hasbro's choice of who lived and died.

I'll admit the headshot In this preview was a bit odd. I *could* see Prime reluctantly (as in Man of Steel level reluctance) and defensively delivering Megatron a fatal shot to the chest extinguishing his spark. At least in my mind, that's how I always envisioned it.

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772862)
Posted by Randomhero on March 11th, 2016 @ 5:09pm CST

o.supreme wrote:--Just artistic preference with Prime's appearance. Anyway...I know a lot of people don't consider this however... Yes several Decepticons were beaten by Prime pretty badly. however...The Insecitcons, Thundercracker, & Skywarp were all dead, as a result of their injuries, and being sucked out into space by the Con's on board Astrotrain (Survival of the Fittest). Megatron, although stronger, would have eventually succumbed to death's sweet embrace too if Unicron had not intervened. Why Soundwave and the other seekers did not appear as damaged as the others tossed out into space, I'll admit is a bit of a mystery, but it was ultimately Hasbro's choice of who lived and died.

I'll admit the headshot In this preview was a bit odd. I *could* see Prime reluctantly (as in Man of Steel level reluctance) and defensively delivering Megatron a fatal shot to the chest extinguishing his spark. At least in my mind, that's how I always envisioned it.

Except this is the original cartoon where Sparks were not created for cannon yet.

For people complaining about Megatron missing, he's beaten to a pulp in that fight with Optimus, both are really. This fight is also not beat for beat like it was in the 86 movie, if you look closely, Optimus catches the sharp chunk of debris that Megatron originally pierces optimus's side. Prime does not take a beating in this versions fight. And as for Optimus being too dark? "Megatron must be stopped...no matter the cost" and he even shows remorse for his action.

Also night auto-trooper cameo.

Re: IDW Explores Alternate Timelines In ‘Deviations’ - Press Release (1772863)
Posted by o.supreme on March 11th, 2016 @ 5:17pm CST

Randomhero wrote:Except this is the original cartoon where Sparks were not created for cannon yet.

OK Laser Core, or whatever you want to call it. The point is, whatever the source of a Transformers life in OTF Animated Canon, Megatron's would be brought to an end by Optimus. I *would* think a chest shot that pierced him all the way through (Ratchet, Prowl etc...)would be as fatal as blowing his head clean off (Ironhide). After all these aren't Zombies were dealing with...