IDW Transformers Vs. GI JOE #8 Review

While still not entirely sure what happened to issue #9, iTunes shows us a preview for issue #10 of the IDW ongoing series Transformers vs G.I. Joe, featuring yet another dead Optimus on the cover, and a triumphant Cobra - check it out mirrored below!

REMEMBER US?! The most titanic tale of the twenty-first century takes an unexpected twist—BUT WHEN HAS TRANSFORMERS VS. G.I. JOE DONE ANY LESS?! Expect the unexpected—then throw your expectations out the window!

Prime's chest looks a little like Shockwave's face

Is that Dragstrip in almost G2 colours?

The full preview for next week's Transformers vs G.I. Joe did make it online, but via ComicsAlliance this time! You can check the opening pages of this viscerally weird issue mirrored below, and head back here once it's released for a full review from the Seibertron.com team. Go Jo-bots!

Transformers vs G.I. JOE #10
Tom Scioli, John Barber (w) • Scioli (a & c)
REMEMBER US?! The most titanic tale of the twenty-first century takes an unexpected twist—BUT WHEN HAS TRANSFORMERS VS. G.I. JOE DONE ANY LESS?! Expect the unexpected—then throw your expectations out the window!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:
Boom!
BOOM!
BOOOOOOOM!

dafuq.

“I'd argue there isn't actually a lot of nostalgia here. I'd argue that every page, every moment is built on innovation. And Tom's looking to the past for some of the cues, but what he's actually building is what comics will be like in the future, not the past.”

“I think every page, every panel of this comic is Tom on a tightrope without a net, and he's trying a complicated jump that he's never really done before.”

-John Barber in a COMIC BOOK RESOURCES interview



I don’t think truer words have been spoken about this title…

Or there's that.

THE SYNOPSIS (what’s the, so far)-

OPTIMUS PRIME returns—-in time to fall to Megatron. Now the undisputed ruler of Cybertron, the Decepticon leader has impaled the planet Earth. The surviving G.I. Joe team remains on the alien planet, confronting a harsh new reality: there is no hope.

THE STORY-
Subtle reminder: each issue of TF VS GIJOE is meant to be read as a stand alone adventure, but there is a string and overall story running through. Last issue was an issue about Destro’s past, nay his entire family history, and how it was effected and changed by the ark even with the Transformers lying dormant.

This issue picks up a bit after #8… when that very big thing happened to Earth with those very long spikes coming from Cybertron. Oh and that other big event where you-know-who bad guy seemed to destroy the just-returned-savior good guy. Believe it or not it's all about change though. Adapting.


We are BORG...

In this installment, the Joes are learning how to survive on their new home. Cobras and Deceptions are celebrating their victory and alliance. There’s some history explained and a cool prose only story included at the end.

ART-
Tom Scioli provides it all—lines, inks, colors— with unique perspectives, and daring visuals to push the story boundaries. Often criticized, and rarely understood, Scioli continues to work his vision channeling so much from resources obscure and not obscure.

Of note, though, is the fantastically detailed, gorgeous subscription variant cover of a gargantuan Metroplex done by Ulises Farinas. Just pick-your-jaw-up-off-the-floor awesome!


I serve the will of the Primes...


MY THINKS-
Contains spoilers
SPOILERS...sad face

I’ve been critical. I understand the criticisms. But something about this being an otherworldly ‘What If’, ‘Elseworlds’-type, ‘Deviations’ if you will story… makes it all okay, and (mostly) acceptable. I read comics for enjoyment, and this series, never seems to fail in surprising me--although, I'm not sure I would characterize how I interact with this series so much as 'enjoyment'. I love to read the mainstream stories much more than this. But this has its place for me, and maybe it has found its place for you. I read on to see what Tom and John can come up with—what they 'cook' up—. And after I have my own thoughts, I like to read their banter on what inspired their choices when it's done.


I seem to remember it differently. I got a V.A.M.P., Starscream, and Prowl that year. It was the best though.

Speaking of cooking up, this issue doesn’t disappoint, it's a gourmet feast for the eyes and mind. With a few, ‘oh-no-you-didn’t’ moments that may just have you shaking your head, one we already saw in the preview—Megatron becoming a connoisseur of human flesh now…and the poisoned feast…W..O..W! There's also clever dialogue dropping some excellent one-linersn for easing those hard to take moments.


We all knew that there were Autobot and Decepticon chefs and bakers, right? CONFEKTOR...bake!


Hit and Run is one of my all-time favorite Joes, stating the obvious.

For me, the most interesting parts of this issue came near the end. I’ll try not to spoil it for those reading the series, but there are some really thought-provoking Transformers history moments presented with verbal and visual references that any fan of the brand, and pre-brand will embrace with a sense of interest and a little awe… at least I did.


I'm a chef too...I cook up life!


AND THE BONUS-
At the very end of the issue we get a nice bonus, instead of the normal Barber and Scioli back and forth breaking down pages and giving us the behind-the-scenes, we get a short-story called ‘Black Cybertron’ (along the lines of the now infamous Wreckers story,‘Bullets’) involving Ravage, Snake-Eyes, Shockwave, and the cassettes. A journey into Hades or is it the workshop of Daedalus? Either way, it shows the length that some will take for a loved one...loved one...really? Expect the unexpected.

FINAL THOUGHT-
If you’re still with TF VS GIJOE, you know what to expect, and that’s to not know what to expect! This issue doesn’t disappoint, but adds a great morsel for consumption at the end.

B.I.O - Believe in Optimus!


A teaser for an image you just have to see!

out of

Some non-Toy Fair 2016 news for Transformers fans, in the form of the iTunes preview for the upcoming IDW Transformers vs G.I. Joe #11 comic book, by Tom Scioli and John Barber! You can check out the three pages mirrored below, and head back in a couple of weeks for a full preview.

ESCAPE FROM PRIMUS! With Earth no more, the G.I. JOE team battles to make CYBERTRON their new home—but MEGATRON has something to say about that. Hint: it’s “no, I’m not going to let you do that.” Plus: the secret history of DUKE!

Via Comics Alliance, and much earlier than usual, we have a full preview of next week's IDW Transformers vs G.I. Joe issue #11, by John Barber and - mostly - Tom Scioli. You can check it out mirrored below, as the madness of the ongoing series continues, and come back next week for the Seibertron.com review!

Transformers vs G.I. JOE #11
Tom Scioli, John Barber (w) • Scioli (a & c)
ESCAPE FROM PRIMUS! With Earth no more, the G.I. JOE team battles to make CYBERTRON their new home—but MEGATRON has something to say about that. Hint: it’s “no, I’m not going to let you do that.” Plus: the secret history of DUKE!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
·The most intense crossover in comics history races toward the destruction of another planet!
·Nothing is sacred, and nothing is safe!

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.

"critically-acclaimed by smart people who read lots of fiction literature for a living"

I must be too dumb and ignorant to appreciate any of Scioli's "work". Boy, I wish they would stop trying to write comic books for intellectuals.

Don't know about you guys, But I'm still chuckling just reading the reviews. Stop trying to analyzing too much and just have fun reading the comic. I really appreciate what the writers are trying to do. The Voltron call-back was funny as hell. Haven't smiled and getting random chuckles from comics in a long time

I appreciate that, but my analysis comes after I stopped enjoying it. I really did enjoy the first few issues and then it started leaving me cold. Dig me?

I was having fun and then inexplicably I wasn't. Wanted to know why.

For me, I labored seven days a week. When I get a chance, sitting down with this title took those stress and seriousness away. I know what I was expecting when I open one of these. Panel by panel, I skim through the artwork, and panel by panel, I'll find some good childhood Easter eggs. I don't have to think too much trying to get a few smiles. However, when I do need something to analyze, i can still go back and find call-backs I might be missing. For me, this title is like the Batman v. Superman, just backwards. In the DC movie, after the first viewing, I was like, "what the hell?!" But looking at it again, I find that almost every scene was loaded with attempts at setting up future movies and establishing the add cine-universe. Scioli's Transformers and Gi Joe does the same. Instead of setting the future titles, calls back to our childhood memory of funny scenes and phrases, poking fun if everything we know, defensive combining like voltron, King hiss with cobra commander/baroness, relationship between Optimus and gridlock, bazooka sitting on hot rod (a bazooka should be on shoulders), etc. the way I would read it, don't analyze the story, analyze the panes and see what you can and cannot remember. I bought the entire title, I'll prob go get the trade when it's out

From the Facebook page for UK Transformers and G.I. Joe event Roll Out Roll Call, we have news of a shared variant cover for the last issue in the IDW Transformers vs G.I. Joe series, coming to an end this month with number #13. Check out the full piece by Robert Atkins and Joana Lafuente and more info below!

Roll Out Roll Call, The UK Transformers, G.I. Joe & Action Force Show in partnership with Discount Comic Book Service are proud to announce a shared cover variant for IDW Publishing Transformers Vs G.I. Joe #13. This amazing wraparound crossover cover by Robert Atkins Art and colours by Joana Lafuente features a tribute to the many characters played by our guests Neil Ross and Morgan Lofting. This issue will be a double sized. This wraparound variant cover edition has a print run of only 500, of which 250 will be available at Discount Comic Book Service and 250 from Roll Out Roll Call on July 8th-10th at London Heathrow. Book your ticket now: http://www.allthecoolstuff.co.uk/#!roll ... ll-1/yurd5

Thanks to Apple iTunes we get the preview for the final issue in the Transformers vs GI Joe comic book series. This issue will settle it all: the fate of Cybertron, the fate of the remaining humans, the face of the Autobots and Decepticons as we know it. Check it out, and sound off in the discussion forum on what you think of this big finale!

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!

In a week of endings, we get another chapter conclusions from IDW Publishing's Transformers output, via Newsarama. Below, you will find the last issue in the Tom Scioli/John Barber creation that was Transformers vs G.I. Joe, issue #13, as everything comes to a close. Make sure to head back to Seibertron.com later this week for a review, too!

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!

13 huh? That's fitting, given historical significance of the number in American History... and the Transformers, come to think of it.

Flashwave wrote:13 huh? That's fitting, given historical significance of the number in American History... and the Transformers, come to think of it.

US History yes, but TFs? How so?

Tigertrack wrote:

Flashwave wrote:13 huh? That's fitting, given historical significance of the number in American History... and the Transformers, come to think of it.

US History yes, but TFs? How so?

The 13 Primes, among other things

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:

Tigertrack wrote:

Flashwave wrote:13 huh? That's fitting, given historical significance of the number in American History... and the Transformers, come to think of it.

US History yes, but TFs? How so?

The 13 Primes, among other things

As soon as I saw a reply, I was like duh, the other things, I'd have to dig into, but that should have been obvious, yes.

EULOGY FOR A CROSSOVER

Official Synopsis:

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!

Lots of contributors listed for this issue:



Welcome friends and board mates, readers and lurkers. Today we celebrate the series that was Transformers Versus G.I. Joe. With issue number 13, this out-of-the-box, discussion causing series, has come to its final Earthly conclusion.



My name is Tigertack, I’ve read Transformers and G.I. Joe fiction (and a lot of other comic book and narrative book fiction as well) since I was but a young lad, borrowing comic books from my cousin Dan’s vast collections when 4-H had ended, and from the libraries that my mother worked at for one of her many jobs. Many of you know me from Seibertron as a former newsie, news admin, and Botcon attendee, sometime podcaster and reviewer.


After TF #54, this is not what I expected under the mask to look like.

Transformers Versus G.I. Joe was a series assigned to me review, mainly I think because Va’al thought that I needed to be tortured, maybe because no one else would do it…but more likely he wanted to challenge me, and as ‘the-resident-active-staff-member-who-is-also-involved-with-comics-and-enjoys-G.I.Joe-too’ it fell to me to try to relate to anyone reading these reviews about the latest iteration of a series that historically has never been what was really desired, but could be relied upon to be very different from the last version.


White haired and short-buzz cut...Race Bannon?

And so we have this interation, written, drawn, lettered, and colored by Tom Scioli all by himself, with John Barber editing and offering advice here and there. A dream come true for a creator who loves both franchises and their toys and comics… and it shows!


The next Billy figure to need an FSS version. Or maybe they could make a whole Scioli inspired set.




The series though, immediately caused a lot of water cooler talk, tweets and posts, as it looked and read like no previous TFvsGIJOE story ever really had. It was Tom’s universe and he was making it what he wanted, all the while paying homage to the people who came before him like Larry Hama, Simon Furman, and Bob Budiansky, and using other media influences that ranged from comics like Watchmen, Kirby drawn and written materials like New Gods and other works, to movies like Rocky and Firestarter.



And what a world it was: Decepticobra alliances, GI JOE and Autobots fighting then working together, Earth getting eaten by Seibertron (har!), Scarlett and Snake Eyes becoming headmasters, Megatron getting a taste for human flesh, drug addicted Autobots, greenery added to Cybertron, robot invasions and government reactions, a general who never wears his cap straight, Cobra La, the Death of Optimus Prime, and Megatron wishing to dissolve the sun for its energy. ENERGY is a fantastic way to describe the series, as there was always something new thing different, something alive about the series, and it always brought a nervous, excited energy to the reader.



I always found it hard to write about this series because most of the time, I felt as many did…there was this imaginary line drawn and you were usually either on one side or the other of it as far as this series was concerned: you liked the creativity, newness and energy involved with the series, or it had the polar opposite effect on you, and you simply hated it. The side I started on was the side that hated it, the art being the biggest turn off to me as a former artist in training, I knew I could do better and it irked me. But as the series progressed it was not enough to just complain about the art and the ‘weirdness’ that was happening. I had to look for something to appreciate, a way to enjoy it. And I did. I liked it for its differences, its surprises, its always making its own way, and telling its own story while paying homage to so many great influences.


"Always in the eye of the beholder, this series has been."


And so, in conclusion, we celebrate the life of this series, and its final issue…which even though it is the final issue, still manages to pack in surprises and homages as it is ending. It’s a double issue and its packed until the very last page. I know many of you either read it and enjoyed its Lord of the Rings ending, its creative use of G.I. Joe Retaliation and Transformers movie references, the use of previous classic Joe and TF comic panels, and its downright original Atlas (it ain’t Unicron!), the always perfect hair of Billy, the use of Ultra Magnus and his white cab, and the marriage that you just could not have predicted. In all its wild ENERGY laden pages it never-stopped, until it had to stop.


This was one of my favorite pages...ever!


Movie Megs ultimate combiner

With these last words, I say that we celebrate the passing of this iteration of Transformers Versus G.I. Joe, and laud its creator and collaborators, its inspirations and its ENERGY. We can truly say that there never was a series like this, and there most likely will never be a series like this again (except in 2025 when we see ‘Shipwreck Space Pirate’). Kudos Mr. Scioli and Mr. Barber.

For the next installment of Transformers and G.I.Joe action we'll see what the new 'Revolution' has for us. Thanks for reading.

’Til All Are One! Yo Joe!


Revolution?

Some random images I had wanted to use until the review went a different way.

I loved this series. Sometimes it's made me laugh, like with the Joe Pets, sometimes it's made me sad, like in Scarlet's solo issue where she was brainwashed into feeling she had a normal suburban life, sometimes it's made me puzzled, like in Destro's ancestory issue or Lt Falcon's solo issue, and sometimes it's made me cheer with the fan service.

One thing the book has never been was boring. It's been gripping and interesting from the word go. I cannot ever remember a comic like this. It's been it's own beast, it's own creation, it's own look, feel, and status quo, from issue 0. There is no book that could get away with the sheer insanity this book has, and still get another issue. So yes, I salute this book, I salute it's ambition, its grandeur, it's vision, it's style. It didn't cater or pander or change itself to appease the critics. To paraphrase Sinatra "It did what it had to do, and saw it through without exemption."

And yeah, that wedding invite that so shamelessly aped from the 80's wolverine mini. Yeah, if ever there was a book that could get away with so many types of crazy in one panel, it was this one.

Here's to the Jotobot alliance. Yo Joe and roll out.

I've gotta say...this series was a ride. An absolutely slaggin' insane ride, but a ride nonetheless. To be honest...I'm sad to see it end.

Submitted this as news, but probably best to also post it since it's time sensitive; Transformers vs. GI Joe's got a 50%(ish) discount on Comixology until the 5th! Just enter JOE at checkout. You can get the entire series for a bit less than $15, great opportunity to jump in if you've been on the fence.

(They advertise 50% off, but when I applied it I got 55% off. Neato.)

Fellow Seibertronian RevTibe brings us some more IDW Publishing Transformers comics news, in the shape of a hefty discount on the whole Tom Scioli run of Transformers vs G.I. Joe - just after the series ends! Check out more details below and here, and head to ComiXology to read one of the wildest takes on the shared universe of the 80s.

RevTibe wrote:Submitted this as news, but probably best to also post it since it's time sensitive; Transformers vs. GI Joe's got a 50%(ish) discount on Comixology until the 5th! Just enter JOE at checkout. You can get the entire series for a bit less than $15, great opportunity to jump in if you've been on the fence.

(They advertise 50% off, but when I applied it I got 55% off. Neato.)

Forgot to mention; the discount also applies to other GI Joe comics!

(If you're picking up the series, you'll also want to grab the Free Comic Book Day issue of Robots in Disguise - don't worry, it's still free. It includes a one-page strip that slots between Transformers vs. GI Joe issues 6 and 7. Introduces a minor character in an entertainingly quirky manner.)

It's absolutely criminal they aren't calling this the "Fourth of Joe-ly" sale.

In other IDW comics news, we have a new listing on online retailer Amazon.com for the Tom Scioli and John Barber series Transformers vs G.I. Joe, collected in a new, oversized The Quintessential Collection! The new edition probably adds some extras too, bulking it up to 420 pages and $49.99, and might explain all the recent Scioli Twitter activity featuring Cybertronian art. Due for release in March 2017, check out more info below on this oversized hardcover book!

Earth makes contact with an alien race–and G.I. JOE is on the front lines! But, when the Transformers arrive–well, let’s just say you’ve never seen Transformers vs G.I. JOE like this! This oversized deluxe hardcover collects all 13 issues, including commentary and extras by creators Tom Scioli and John Barber!

More like the QuintessSONessetial amiright!?

Yooooo that is awesome! The series was designed for an Absolute Edition!

If someone were to pay me $49.99, I would probably read this.

It's baaaaaaaack...

http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/ ... joe/36502/