IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe #11 Full Preview

How is this crap still going? Seriously they make this ongoing while Regeneration which fans actually wanted was a limited series?

I actually like the design of the Transformers but the writing is as bad as a Baymovie or an Armada episode

Transformers Versus GI JOE #11

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!”

-Rocky Balboa-


"Yo Jo...Adrianne!!!!!!"

Story so far:
Earth is gone. The last remnants of humanity- the G.I.Joe team- joins forces with the heroic Autobots to battle Earth’s destroyers- the Decepti-Cobra alliance. Whatever hope remains races from the center of Cybertron- into an uncertain future!

Recap:
Deceptions starting to eat humans as a delicacy, the planet Cybertron coming alive, and the Earth is gone… this shift just got real, and it’s about to get realer (well next issue, maybe).

Spoiler free review (try anyway):
It’s time for a BRO-mance. Bro-hugs around. Brobots before Deceptifoes!


Get to the chopper!

Sadly, this issue is very, very JOE-centric (sad to the TRANSFORMERS FAN anyway). The meat of the story is about DUKE and his relationship with his brother (step), one Lt. Falcon. DUKE leads the next generation of greenies through the Joe’s Decepticon stomping boot camp, told in a flashback—which writer Scioli states he was not going to have in his stories, and yes, he admitted to breaking his own rule- and his little brother is recipient numero uno of all of his angst, fear, frustration and love. The growth of their relationship, the motivations, and some heavy realizations make this possibly resonate with those with a sibling or two that they have either tried to live up to their older sib’s accomplishments, or tried to teach the younger sib the ways of the world along with a heaping dose of humility. DUKE meet FALCON. FALCON…DUKE.



Oww, Oww, Oww...painful childhood memories relived. Thanks bro.

(MISSED OPPORTUNITIES: Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Topspin, Twintwist, or Tracks and Needlenose- none to be seen though-.)

Part ‘Rocky’, part ‘Patton’, part ‘Stripes’, we see Scioli once again shine in the writing and art as he takes a break from homaging his favorite comic artists and writers to now pay tribute to some of his favorite inspirational war/combat related movies. The only problem is, unless you’re big fan of those things, you don’t really catch the subtleties until you read his recap of the the pages at the end (a welcome piece to the experience, as always).



This gag never gets old...and you thought they called him Cutter because he was in the Coast Guard! Ha hah.


And as I mentioned, Transformers fans may be bored for about 10 of the middle pages or so ‘cause it’s all JOE and mainly DUKE (and I loathe the Duke character, even though I'm a big fan of Michael Bell's Prowl). But the beginning (as seen in the preview pages) and most certainly the events happening in the end involving both franchises, continues the epic NOW BECOMING COSMIC implications of Megatron’s ambitious desires… And I’m not sure where it will all head…seriously.


Nightmare inducing.


Where are we going next?

Rating:
I give this issue a pretty average rating. It’s an issue that slows down a bit from what’s been happening lately, focuses mainly into one or two Joe characters, and the story progression…well, it makes it look like the next issue is going to be HUGE anyway! I’ve never been a huge DUKE fan, but I do love me some obstacle course action!


"Dunk this, Big Lob!--Meowwwwrr!!!!"

There are always great easter eggs here and there for both the Transformers fans and G.I.Joe fans to enjoy, and for those who know the G.I.Joe movie, and the squad of guys that Lt. Falcon was training with in it, you’ll have some fun. It’s nice to see Springer, becoming a part of the story. His alt mode is something between fan-favorite helicopter the Tomahawk, and Springer’s Cybertronian helicopter mode.

The series still feels like something I wanted to cook up as a kid and a fan--with much more thought put into it-- and that’s why I’m still reading it. I also really like reading what Scioli thinks and does in his creation of each story.

*I really wish Colonel Flagg would lose the VERY slouched cap, though. Please.*



Hmmm...

out of


This picture of Quarrel reminds me of some portrait of a female before, I just can't place it.

I've never been a big G.I. Joe fan, but it was nice to take a break from the action to have something more character-centric (although I'd love to see Scioli do the same with some of the Transformer characters).

I think what I love most about this series is that it very much feels like a kid playing with his toys. The characters retain their personalities from other fiction, but the story is just completely off the wall. This is the sort of story I would make up with my toys on a rainy afternoon as a kid. It might end with a victory by the heroes against all odds, or in the apocalypse. This story has that same "anything goes" feel to it: It is perhaps the only comic on the shelves where I legitimately do not know what is going to happen next.

I think the art serves this sort of story. It is bursting with detail and imagination, and I just love the textures Scioli pulls out by using different tools (pencil, crayon, ink, paint). It may not be as pretty as todays perfectly rendered and colored digital art, but it feels more alive, at least to me.

There is a lot of nostalgia tied into this series, but not in the same way as other Transformers comics. Other series evoke nostalgia for the franchise: the cartoon, the comic, the toys. This is nostalgia for an 80's childhood. The feel of playing with your old toys. The callbacks to that decade's action films. The alternative comic styling. For me, this feels like my childhood in comic form.

I love it.

Despite its incredible success and ambition, especially outside established readerships and fandoms, we have news via Comics Alliance of the ending in sight for the IDW Transformers vs G.I. Joe comics series - as imagined by Tom Scioli, and probably reined in by John Barber. You can read some of the reasons, solicitation for the 13th and final issue, plus the cover, below, and the full piece here.

Now, it seems like reality is finally catching up with us. When Transformers vs. GI Joe #13 hits shelves in June, it’ll be an extra-sized 48-page final issue that ends the series — and possibly the entire universe.

We reached out for comment, and Tom Scioli had this to say about the book’s epic conclusion:



I’ll say it. It’s the greatest crossover of all time. This is the new standard by which all crossovers will be judged.

What a rare privilege in comics to begin something and to end it exactly as you envisioned. To create a universe and then torch it in the most explosive way imaginable. In the end, the creative challenge is the only thing that matters. When you push the limits, the world gets bigger. We wanted to see just how much juice you can squeeze out of these concepts and out of the comics page itself. How much story can fit into a comic book before the staples pop out? I look forward to seeing how the next generation of cartoonists builds on these innovations, the way we built on the work of those who came before us. I look forward to seeing the inevitable movie adaptation of this comic.

Transformers vs. G.I. JOE #13: Armageddon
Tom Scioli & John Barber (w) • Tom Scioli (a & c)
THE END IS NIGH! Final battle erupts—the forces of G.I. JOE and the AUTOBOTS head-to-head (or head-to-toe, depending on the size difference) with the DECEPTICOBRA alliance! The fate of the universe hangs on every decision!

FC • 48 pages • $7.99

Bullet points:
·One of the most talked-about comics of the 21st century—see what everybody’s been yelling about!
·Visionary writer-artist Tom Scioli’s canvas has never been so big!
·Far-flung cosmic action in the scintillating Scioli style!
·The epic conclusion!

That cover is probably Tom Scioli's best artwork on that book.

I won't be a bit sad to see this go. I've never felt like there's any room for me to like this book with Scioli's ego in the way. Every time I read his interviews and commentary, I get the impression that somewhere in his house he has copies of everything he's ever written autographed and dedicated to himself as his #1 fan.

Thank Goodness er... I mean what a shame... In any event. if anyone is interested in picking up the entire run so far (#0-11), I have an auction on eBay right now including some variants and both SDCC covers.

jogunwarrior wrote:That cover is probably Tom Scioli's best artwork on that book.

Exactly what I was going to say, lol.

I started out liking this series but eventually it just became too weird for me. Perhaps it was going over my head but it was just beyond me.

In other comics news from IDW, via iTunes, we also get an early look at the penultimate issue of the Tom Scioli creation: Transformers vs G.I. Joe #12. Check out the three pages below!

WELCOME TO THE TERROR DROME! As the forces of COBRA plot a treacherous move, OPTIMUS PRIME descends in to CYBERTRONIAN hell in search of the MATRIX. They say the sun also rises… but will it be friend or foe?!

I don't really follow G.I. Joe and Transformers crossovers, but...

Why does Arcee turn into a pair of pink underwear for Defensor now?

Gearslide wrote:I don't really follow G.I. Joe and Transformers crossovers, but...

Why does Arcee turn into a pair of pink underwear for Defensor now?

I'm not familiar with this series, but I think you're looking for logic where is none.

One that note, these look hokey as hell and a ton of fun. I need to pick up a few of these and see if I can get into them.

Defensor.....what the hell......

...I have many questions.

Via ComicsAlliance, we have the full preview for next week's penultimate issue of the IDW project spearheaded by Tom Scioli, Transformers vs G.I. Joe #12 - you can check the whole thing mirrored out below, as Defensor, Kremzeek, Cobra Empress and the return of Cobra Commander make their presence felt in these first pages!

Transformers vs G.I. JOE #12

Tom Scioli, John Barber (w) • Scioli (a & c)

WELCOME TO THE TERROR DROME! As the forces of COBRA plot a treacherous move, OPTIMUS PRIME descends in to CYBERTRONIAN hell in search of the MATRIX. They say the sun also rises… but will it be friend or foe?!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:
The road to hell is paved with good intentions… and DINOBOTS!
The end is nigh, and the action has never been bigger!

This series is incredibly insane

Weird. Soooo much weird.

...I dunno if that's good or bad.

Defensor? Formed by a bunch of unrelated bots (only one of whom is an actual Protectobot)? I have no words...

bluecatcinema wrote:Defensor? Formed by a bunch of unrelated bots (only one of whom is an actual Protectobot)? I have no words...

That's Rescue Bots Blades, who's known for a fear of heights, distaste for violence, and generally being a pretty nervous guy, so I'd say this Defensor is 100% G1 Protectobot free. This ain't your grandad's Defensor!

GI Joe vs. is much more about being wild and weird than re-exploring/imagining chunks of G1.

He’ll fight for freedom wherever there’s trouble Auto Joe is there— G…I…. BOOOOOoooT, the real Cybertronian hero…. G. I. Bot is there!

When the going gets tough he’ll stay ’til the fights won, GI BOT is there.

….G …… I ….. BooOOOOOooT!
(whatever, I know it looks like boot)

Kind of how I feel about this series. I’m seeing it through to the end. Through all the nonsense, the craziness, and the far too few cool moments. I’ve tried to change to be one of the enlightened ones of those who get it— to present the unpopular side from what I experience around here anyway—- but I take my childhood heroes too seriously for that anymore.

Rather than bag on a series that is ‘critically-acclaimed’ by smart people who read lots of fiction literature for a living, I’m going to simply say a few words and then present the moments in this particular issue that made me smile. The images might be spoilers, they might not, but most of you don’t care, and if you do, well the issue has been out since last Wednesday.

After this as you know, there is mercifully one more issue left, one more issue for the rest of the scrap to hit the fan…

If you have enjoyed it, I’m glad. If you’ve hated it, I’m disappointed that a product related to heroes from your childhood has left you wanting. Only one more guys and gals…

PLOT-
Megatron, the Deceptions and Cobra are going to destroy the sun and harvest the energy to create more Cybertronians. Last call for the Autobots and Joes . Time to use the kitchen sink…

Page 1-
I’ve always been a HUGE DEFENSOR fan…always! The only combiner I had in full as a child. This take was an interesting way to ‘re-imagine’ the concept that used Prowl, one of my all-time favorite bots. The rest of the folks are not the normal Protectobots, but an amalgamation of emergency service alt mode vehicles like Red Alert, and Inferno, Blades (although it’s RESCUE BOTS BLADES clearly—nothing escapes—nothing). Rounding out the group are a random Arcee, Jetfire, and Targetmaster Peacemaker*.
*chuckle for the VOLTRON reference* ‘And I’ll form the gun!’

This whole configuration made me think of the Micromaster combiner re-released as a Kaybee exclusive Defensor using several of these bots’ names. Where’s my yellow Lamborghini Scioli (Hot Shot—or Hot Spot, I’ll have to look)?



Page 3-
Prime and Grimlock in matrix limbo. Totally reminded me of the video game Marvel Transformers issue (#24, I think--Prime dies--surprise!), crossed with the old ‘Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends’ Video Man plot .

Kudos to for pulling off the very believable Video Man from said SMahAF Ep.



Throw in a bit out of place Bludgeon as guardian of the AUTOBOT matrix heaven place… odd choice… Cause he's a Decepticon...



Page Speaking of ODD-
Okay, honestly look away from this if you are easily frightened. It will be burned into your memory forever, and for me, it’s not an enjoyable picture. I wish I could un-see it.

It’s not really that bad, but an out-of-mouth stairs/tongue connection kiss thing… I don’t care if it is Snake Eyes and Scarlett bonded to the big bots now--it could have been anyone--. Touching fingers or even holding hands may have been a little easier on the ol' ticker.

SDCC GI JOE VS. TRANSFORMERS Boxset Exclusive coming in 2017! Just wait...



Page Laugher-
This did make me have a little laugh out loud moment…

Free two-day shipping is a failure Megatron? Some free video streaming thrown in as well? What planet are you from?



I did like Grimlock’s attempt at revenge here. "Me Grimlock like two-day shipping Megatron!"


The Splash Pages-
These pages were fun, you can spot some good stuff, like every color of the rainbow seekers, Shrapnel package art picture, Hot Rod riding Sky Lynx into battle with a Bazooka mounted on his shoulder. And combiners, but most don’t look messed up like Defensor.





Page ‘In Your Eyes’
The John Cusack ‘Say Anything’ reference here really resonated with with me. Wheeljack just needed to be wearing a trench coat and it would have been perfect, but probably over the top. In your eyes indeed, Decepticons...Peter Gabriel says so.



And Wild Bill versus Six-shot… which gunslinger wins the showdown? (seems like a ridiculous question, right? Wild Bill already died once though and was reincarnated, so he’s all tough and stuff)



Page of REDEMPTION!!!
Okay, DEFENSOR down and hurt. Trypticon bearing down on him for the kill… and one of my lamest and yet most fun GI JOE toys ever comes in for the save…the BRIDGE LAYER... THAT… WAS…AWESOME!!!!! Seems like it needs a new name now, like 'Trypticon killer'. Best page of the whole series, end it here so I can feel somewhat good about the memories that I will take away from…




Page of BACK TO RIDICULOUS
Baroness and King Hisss himself, Cobra Commander, consummated a reunion with apparently more than a kiss, as Crystal Ball sees ‘the future’???



So much for leaving this issue with a good taste in my mouth…



One more issue…

I think the series is still coasting on the WHAT THE HELL AM I READING THIS IS AMAZING momentum of the first few issues. It especially resonated with non-TF fans, which is excellent. It's something totally different while also being completely self-contained.

As a comic, I think it succeeded in those first few issues at just doing wild, retro, Kirby-influenced fun things with the two concepts. It absolutely brought a crackling energy.

For me, however, it lost steam very quickly. I have zero issue with the *style* of the artwork (a common complaint), but the execution of the art style is at times poor. Pages and spreads that look more like characters are pasted into the scene with no thought to perspective (ie the smaller plane doesn't look off in the "distance" from the other plane, it looks like a TINY PLANE on the same, er, plane). It seemed like crazy new ideas just for the sake of being crazy. I don't know that the book needed to devolve into a more "routine" book but so many plot points seemed introduced and then dropped. The pacing absolutely sucked. And some very questionable storytelling choices were made, the most glaring being doing Grimlock vs Megatron (resulting in Grimmy's death) OFF-PANEL. The issues themselves started jumping around with a different story on every page.

So I think the critical acclaim is leftover from the first half-year the book was being published, and it hasn't had that shine since. Obviously it can still claim to hold onto the previous praise, and some, like Chris Sims of comicsalliance (a sight I read daily and enjoy their writing) still give it coverage. It is very worth noting that mention and coverage of TF/JOE has dwindled.

The fact that mainstream comics sites are showering praise on MtMtE instead is far more pleasing to me as a comics fan, a literary student, and a TF fan. It's a much better book with far more going for it than "bonkers." Even with what a vocal group of fans consider a "dip" in quality for season 2, MtMtE is literally head and shoulders over so many books it's almost unfair.

That's my take, at any rate.