IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli
Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 6:18PM CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, People News, InterviewsPosted by: Va'al Views: 29,228
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In other IDW Transformers comics news, the extravagant architect of the Transformers vs G.I. Joe ongoing series - Tom Scioli - was interviewed by comics website Comics Alliance, about the world he is building for the series, the approach to the universes, layouts and the general madness of it all. Take a look below for some selected quotes, and read the whole piece here.
ComicsAlliance: The first thing I want to talk about is pacing. Jumping into Transformers vs. GI Joe #5, which is the start of the second paperback if people are reading it that way, they’re getting a comic that moves so fast that it is often hard for me to keep up.
Tom Scioli: Well, issue #5 would be the one, because issue #5 is where it really accelerates. I just find that so many comics have a lot of redundancy, a lot of over-explaining, a lot of images of basically the same thing, so part of the approach is to just eliminate redundancy and just give you the things you need to move the narrative forward. I sort of crossed a point of no return with it, I think, and where that came from is that I wrote a script for a Transformers vs. GI Joe movie adaptation.
You know, the movie doesn’t exist yet, but I made a comic as though I was adapting a movie, and how movie adaptations are. There are chunks missing, and jumps because of the time it takes to take an hour and a half movie and put it into a comic, you’re going to have to cut some things out. I wrote something with that sort of style in mind, and after I did that, I realized that’s a tool I could use any time. It doesn’t have to be restricted to this particular conceit, it’s just a tool in my arsenal now. It was really effective in that script, which hasn’t come out yet, but it was just a really intense reading experience.
[...]
CA: The interesting thing about that to me is that, like you said, there have been Transformers and GI Joe team-up books before, and now you’re doing it as an ongoing series and using the entire cast of both books, as they have existed for thirty years. There’s not a whole lot left on the table.
TS: That’s one thing I noticed. I was sort of going through all these characters and throwing them in, and now I’ve sort of reached the point where it’s like, “Oh, what Decepticon villain can show up?” and most of them are there already, pretty much. There’s an endless number of jets that I can go to, but most of the really resonant ones have shown up, so now it’s just getting weird, which is actually interesting. Now we’re getting into the Pretenders and the Predacons, all the weirder corners of the mythology.
CA: That’s something I wanted to bring up, because you’re at the point now where you’re creating new stuff.
TS: I want to go more in that direction. I thought doing a comic like this, that’s an established thing, would be easier — having a universe that’s already established that I’m just building up. But I’m seeing the limitations of it. I really do want to just create more and add more to it. It’s not so complete a cosmology that there’s a character for every season. I thought there would be a character for every occasion, and in a lot of cases there are. I needed a character who was a chef, and, okay, Roadblock is a chef, I can use him. But there are a lot of holes in the mythology that I’m trying to fill in.
That last Transformers movie… they went nuts. It almost wasn’t even Transformers anymore, it was this infinite universe of every kind of creature you can imagine, and that freed me up too, realizing that I could make this universe whatever I wanted it to be. It doesn’t have to just be giant robots that turn into cars or dinosaurs, it can be a universe.
Credit(s): Comics Alliance, Tom Scioli
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Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1688117)
Posted by shajaki on May 20th, 2015 @ 7:35pm CDT
Posted by shajaki on May 20th, 2015 @ 7:35pm CDT
If you've read Part 1 of Tom Scioli's interview with Comics Alliance, you're not going to want to miss the second half! Tom Scioli and John Barber‘s are of course the masterminds behind IDW's Transformers vs. GI Joe, and have brought quite a nutty flavor to the book. See the mayhem behind the scenes in the interview right here, some snippets below, and stay tuned to Seibertron.com for all your Transformers News!
To say that Tom Scioli and John Barber‘s Transformers vs. GI Joe is an unusual comic is underselling things quite a bit. On paper, it’s a natural fit, an ongoing series that follows in the footsteps of earlier books that have combined the two toy lines into one massive interplanetary battle. In practice, though, it’s something a lot bigger, a comic that almost assaults the reader by cramming in as much big, wild stuff as it possibly can — a toy comic so weird, and so great, that it almost feels like it shouldn’t exist.
With the book’s second storyline well under way, throwing in everything from Vikings to old gods to Dinobots (and a new printing of his amazing American Barbarian on the way this summer), I talked to cowriter, artist and occasional ComicsAlliance guest contributor Tom Scioli about the series. Today, he talks about building a history for a universe that’s even more important than our own, the two-page Free Comic Book Day story, and why his book isn’t a paean to Snake Eyes. You can read the first part of this interview here.
[...]
CA: The next specific scene that I wanted to talk about was the first page of #6. Every time I think this comic can’t get any wilder, it gets bigger and weirder in a way that I find really enjoyable. This comic opens with Adam and Eve being expelled from the Garden of Eden by floating Transformers with laser swords.
TS: Yeah.
TS: It’s a universe. It’s a whole universe. My thought is that the Transformers vs. GI Joe universe is the most important universe there is, and while you’re reading it, it’s even more important than our universe. There’s an Alpha to that universe and there’s an Omega to that universe, and what you were witnessing was Roadblock’s reading of the Cobra Bible, the Decepticobranomicon, so what you’re reading may well be an actual accounting of what happened. It might be mythology. It might be disinformation. It could be any number of things. There’s a deep history to this world.
CA: I’ve said this before, and I mean it in the best way possible, but I’m always surprised this book exists.
TS: Right. [Laughs]
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1693380)
Posted by Va'al on June 2nd, 2015 @ 3:38am CDT
Posted by Va'al on June 2nd, 2015 @ 3:38am CDT
In other IDW Publishing news, this week also sees the release of the next issue in the Tom Scioli (with some Barber) Transformers vs G.I. Joe ongoing series - what space-wide madness awaits in issue 7? Find out in the full preview below, and check backin later this week for the Seibertron.com review!
Transformers vs G.I. JOE #7
Tom Scioli & John Barber (w) • Scioli (a & c)
THE WORLD AS THEY MAKE IT! Alliance are forged! Enemies are enraged! The war burns on Earth and Cybertron! And now… now the real battle begins.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
If you’ve ever liked anything, you’ll love this!
If you’ve never liked anything—this will be the first thing you love!
Variant Cover by Kody Chamerlain!
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1693406)
Posted by BumbleDouche on June 2nd, 2015 @ 5:24am CDT
Posted by BumbleDouche on June 2nd, 2015 @ 5:24am CDT
Good God, these are hideous. Honestly, the worst thing about old comics, in my opinion at least, was the crummy artwork and the cheap paper they were printed on. Trying to emulate that look in this day and age makes no sense to me, other than appealing to a sense of nostalgia in older fans. I can't imagine any kids flipping through this on a comic book store shelf and being impressed. It's like using a broom to clean your floor when you have a vacuum cleaner handy... The vacuum does the job faster, more efficiently and you get a better result, so why stick to "old technology?" But hey, whatever floats your boat, I guess.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1693408)
Posted by MrBlack on June 2nd, 2015 @ 5:35am CDT
Posted by MrBlack on June 2nd, 2015 @ 5:35am CDT
Well, this has taken an interesting turn. One of the things I love about this comic is that I legitimately never know what is going to happen from page to page or issue to issue.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1693421)
Posted by RhA on June 2nd, 2015 @ 6:25am CDT
Posted by RhA on June 2nd, 2015 @ 6:25am CDT
The comic still looks horrid. I do like the colors. And that cover looks nice.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1693454)
Posted by Downbeat on June 2nd, 2015 @ 8:27am CDT
Posted by Downbeat on June 2nd, 2015 @ 8:27am CDT
Whoof, this is getting dark.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1693507)
Posted by President-prime on June 2nd, 2015 @ 11:43am CDT
Posted by President-prime on June 2nd, 2015 @ 11:43am CDT
You know, this art was weird at first, but it's rather entertaining. In fact, I went back to my comic store and bought all of the earlier issues. I also collect covers so I bought all the different versions of it. For those criticizing the art work, just read a couple of issues without reservations or bias and you might find that it's more thoughtful and more creative than the newer ones. The art is actually more complicated than what's on the surface. Each panel is layered with other elements of art. Frat job Tom Scioli and John Barber!
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1693558)
Posted by Amelie on June 2nd, 2015 @ 1:31pm CDT
Two points
- You clearly don't do much housework or have pets. A broom gets things out of wool rugs that a vacuum cleaner simply can't. Different tools. Different jobs. In the case of art - pencils and pens for sketches and inks can be a much more efficient tool. Depends on the style and the artist.
- Its not just nostalgia notes the art hits - it has quirky details and is dynamic in a way that the current pseudo-anime style used in the mainline can't accommodate. It is art and its quality is purely subjective. Whats in vogue now could suddenly look very tired and 'bad' in a few short years and Tom Scioli might look like a progressive genius. Besides which I'd hardly dare call old comic artists like Ditko or Kirby 'crummy' simply because of age or an art-fashion change.
Still gutted I can't easily get my hands on these. I'll have to trawl eBay next month and catch up, if money allows.
Posted by Amelie on June 2nd, 2015 @ 1:31pm CDT
MegaDump wrote:Good God, these are hideous. Honestly, the worst thing about old comics, in my opinion at least, was the crummy artwork and the cheap paper they were printed on. Trying to emulate that look in this day and age makes no sense to me, other than appealing to a sense of nostalgia in older fans. I can't imagine any kids flipping through this on a comic book store shelf and being impressed. It's like using a broom to clean your floor when you have a vacuum cleaner handy... The vacuum does the job faster, more efficiently and you get a better result, so why stick to "old technology?" But hey, whatever floats your boat, I guess.
Two points
- You clearly don't do much housework or have pets. A broom gets things out of wool rugs that a vacuum cleaner simply can't. Different tools. Different jobs. In the case of art - pencils and pens for sketches and inks can be a much more efficient tool. Depends on the style and the artist.
- Its not just nostalgia notes the art hits - it has quirky details and is dynamic in a way that the current pseudo-anime style used in the mainline can't accommodate. It is art and its quality is purely subjective. Whats in vogue now could suddenly look very tired and 'bad' in a few short years and Tom Scioli might look like a progressive genius. Besides which I'd hardly dare call old comic artists like Ditko or Kirby 'crummy' simply because of age or an art-fashion change.
Still gutted I can't easily get my hands on these. I'll have to trawl eBay next month and catch up, if money allows.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1693698)
Posted by President-prime on June 2nd, 2015 @ 9:19pm CDT
Posted by President-prime on June 2nd, 2015 @ 9:19pm CDT
Good point. The details are what got me. I find myself looking for "other" things in the background. I feel like playing treasure and it that 3D puzzle book thing where you don't look through the surrogate but stare deeper into what the panels really mean. Old but cool!
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1712224)
Posted by Va'al on July 22nd, 2015 @ 7:28pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on July 22nd, 2015 @ 7:28pm CDT
In other iTunes-cum-IDW Publishing news, we also have a very latecomer to the roster for next week, namely the eighth issue of Tom Scioli's cosmic masterpiece Transformers vs G.I. Joe! You can check out the three-page preview below, mirrored from the iTunes page here.
In the interplanetary war between the TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE, anything can happen... and does.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1712516)
Posted by o.supreme on July 23rd, 2015 @ 4:19pm CDT
Posted by o.supreme on July 23rd, 2015 @ 4:19pm CDT
I made a mistake, when this first came out. I was thinking it was going to be a mini-series (4 or 5 issues at the most), but when it kept going I was getting worried. I really have no interest in it, and hopefully the constant delays in publication are a sign it is going to end soon. If it doesn't end by issue 10 or 12, I may just sell them as a lot on eBay.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1714495)
Posted by MrBlack on July 30th, 2015 @ 5:40am CDT
Posted by MrBlack on July 30th, 2015 @ 5:40am CDT
Did anyone manage to pick up #8? It was solicited for this week, but it's not on Comixology.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1714513)
Posted by o.supreme on July 30th, 2015 @ 9:01am CDT
Posted by o.supreme on July 30th, 2015 @ 9:01am CDT
Yes I got it at my local shop yesterday.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1714517)
Posted by MrBlack on July 30th, 2015 @ 9:14am CDT
Odd. I contacted IDW, who said it isn't scheduled for release until next week. It seems, however, that more than a few shops got copies and put them out, and the TFWiki has a synopsis.
Posted by MrBlack on July 30th, 2015 @ 9:14am CDT
o.supreme wrote:Yes I got it at my local shop yesterday.
Odd. I contacted IDW, who said it isn't scheduled for release until next week. It seems, however, that more than a few shops got copies and put them out, and the TFWiki has a synopsis.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1714711)
Posted by Va'al on July 31st, 2015 @ 1:00am CDT
Posted by Va'al on July 31st, 2015 @ 1:00am CDT
I can confirm that all material from IDW indicates this is out first Wednesday of August.
How very odd.
How very odd.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1714752)
Posted by MrBlack on July 31st, 2015 @ 8:28am CDT
Maybe they didn't get all their stock out on time and just bumped the official release to next week. Or maybe they decided at the last minute that having four Transformers titles on the shelves at the same time wasn't a good idea.
In any case, they certainly didn't get the message out to local comic shops, because I know a lot of folks across the country who managed to pick this up on Wednesday. The issue summary is even up on TFWiki.
Posted by MrBlack on July 31st, 2015 @ 8:28am CDT
Va'al wrote:I can confirm that all material from IDW indicates this is out first Wednesday of August.
How very odd.
Maybe they didn't get all their stock out on time and just bumped the official release to next week. Or maybe they decided at the last minute that having four Transformers titles on the shelves at the same time wasn't a good idea.
In any case, they certainly didn't get the message out to local comic shops, because I know a lot of folks across the country who managed to pick this up on Wednesday. The issue summary is even up on TFWiki.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1715661)
Posted by Va'al on August 4th, 2015 @ 2:27am CDT
Posted by Va'al on August 4th, 2015 @ 2:27am CDT
With a peculiar blip in distribution, IDW Publishing confirms the release of Transformers vs G.I. Joe #8 for this Wednesday, though some shops and stores may already have received it last week - in either case, check out the full preview for the issue below, and head back to Seibertron.com for a review later this week!
Transformers vs G.I. JOE #8
Tom Scioli & John Barber (w) • Scioli (a & c)
In the interplanetary war between the TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE, anything can happen… and does.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
Action and excitement as only Tom Scioli can deliver!
You won’t believe your eyes!
Variant Cover by Artyon Trakhanov!
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1715676)
Posted by Optimizzy on August 4th, 2015 @ 8:40am CDT
Posted by Optimizzy on August 4th, 2015 @ 8:40am CDT
this is like looking at a Salvador Dali painting that makes less sense.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1715689)
Posted by jogunwarrior on August 4th, 2015 @ 9:46am CDT
Posted by jogunwarrior on August 4th, 2015 @ 9:46am CDT
This is the most nonsensical preview I've ever seen, and I still cannot stand that artwork for the purpose of sequential storytelling.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1715690)
Posted by o.supreme on August 4th, 2015 @ 9:48am CDT
Posted by o.supreme on August 4th, 2015 @ 9:48am CDT
To be honest, like I said above, I have all 8 issues, there is no "sequential storytelling" as far as I can see, just a bunch of random stuff happening for no apparent reason. I'm pretty sure I'll be selling these all very soon.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1715753)
Posted by jgilkinson on August 4th, 2015 @ 3:17pm CDT
Posted by jgilkinson on August 4th, 2015 @ 3:17pm CDT
Is it just me or does it look they are about to eat Snake-Eyes?
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1715914)
Posted by Tigertrack on August 5th, 2015 @ 10:03am CDT
Posted by Tigertrack on August 5th, 2015 @ 10:03am CDT
Transformers Versus GI JOE #8
Filling in for Va'al this week because he's a super-busy, super-desired, and super-successful dude, it's me, reservist-and former news admin, and comic reviewer Tigertrack. (I hope you check this out any way).
“I feel not unlike a small boy, waking from a bad dream to find reality not much of an improvement.” -John Byrne
Story so far:
Okay—Despite what we told you last time, it turns out GI JOE is real…and they’re the last line of defense against the Decepticobra alliance. With battlefronts on Earth and Cybertron, hope seems a a losing proposition—until Optimus Prime returns!.
Recap:
In our last episode, Scarlett in paradise...lost and then found, and Bumblebee's head is returned!
Spoiler free review:
This issue continues to tell the story of the seemingly mad reality that Earth and Cybertron are in as Koh-Buru-Lah has started to cause havoc on Earth with the Decepticobras battling the Joes, and Cybertron has started to look more and more like a certain planet-eater that is feared from Transformers religion—that is also bearing down on the Earth with conflicts on it, and in it, as well.
Using creative layouts and lettering, and exaggerated characterization often inspired from sources both familiar and those you will have to do a bit of research on, Tom Scioli continues to drum out a very wide mix of feelings for us; from fun and silly, to horrific and mind-boggling, unreal to all too real.
We are now 8 issues in, and if you’re still with this critically-acclaimed series, you’re probably past your personal feelings about art and layout, and just trying to enjoy the ride and appreciate all the work and creativity that has actually gone into this series. And of course...Transformers. You’ll continue to be surprised in this issue in several ways… I won’t spoil them all, but a couple of my favorite moments involve Omega Supreme’s unexpected entrance into the fray, heralding the return of the Astro-train (I love this silly, but cool design
), and the commentary about a love-it or hate-it classic generation one gimmick(most of 'us' dislike it anyway)! Some perfect examples of fun/creative ways to rethink what has been thought before.
Ramifications from Issue #6 are continued as we see GI JOE take full responsibility for the protection of the Earth, violently wrenched from government control in issue #6 by FLAGG! Optimus Prime returns to Cybertron after retrieving Bumblebee's body from GI JOE--Cobra Commander celebrates on Earth with his disciples over a feast of...Snake Eyes? In this issue, we also seemingly learn the fates of favorite sons Billy and Bumblebee...and of course, one shall stand and one shall fall...
There’s plenty of human and robot action in this page turner, although as in previous issues, some of the leaps between chapter breaks are a bit too profound! The changing from Cybertron to Earth in separate sections/chapters can be a little jolting and confusing, unless you have followed along from previous issues and know who is where and use some powers of inference.
There are also a few rad splash pages that just leave you a bit awe-struck…in a good way mostly…and a surprise ending that no one ever saw coming.
Rating:
Ultimately, if you’re still reading this series, you’ll continue to enjoy it, as I am, probably despite your personal feelings toward what should be done here or there, or how characters are or are not being treated with respect to your understanding of them from other media. The art and layouts are interesting and fun, and the fact that Barber and Scioli take time at the end of each issue to discuss the creative process and inspirations make this an enjoyable series for those who have a real taste for comic book history and wanting to know the inner workings on creating and publishing a book. And of course, there are Transformers too, some re-imagined and re-mixed in ways that were not thought possible before. I’m to the point where I can enjoy this for what it is…and I was very much against this after the very first issues. It’s gotten much less childish and random, and grown much more complex and a bit more dark--and still a bit random though.
Filling in for Va'al this week because he's a super-busy, super-desired, and super-successful dude, it's me, reservist-and former news admin, and comic reviewer Tigertrack. (I hope you check this out any way).
“I feel not unlike a small boy, waking from a bad dream to find reality not much of an improvement.” -John Byrne
Story so far:
Okay—Despite what we told you last time, it turns out GI JOE is real…and they’re the last line of defense against the Decepticobra alliance. With battlefronts on Earth and Cybertron, hope seems a a losing proposition—until Optimus Prime returns!.
Recap:
In our last episode, Scarlett in paradise...lost and then found, and Bumblebee's head is returned!
Spoiler free review:
This issue continues to tell the story of the seemingly mad reality that Earth and Cybertron are in as Koh-Buru-Lah has started to cause havoc on Earth with the Decepticobras battling the Joes, and Cybertron has started to look more and more like a certain planet-eater that is feared from Transformers religion—that is also bearing down on the Earth with conflicts on it, and in it, as well.
Using creative layouts and lettering, and exaggerated characterization often inspired from sources both familiar and those you will have to do a bit of research on, Tom Scioli continues to drum out a very wide mix of feelings for us; from fun and silly, to horrific and mind-boggling, unreal to all too real.
We are now 8 issues in, and if you’re still with this critically-acclaimed series, you’re probably past your personal feelings about art and layout, and just trying to enjoy the ride and appreciate all the work and creativity that has actually gone into this series. And of course...Transformers. You’ll continue to be surprised in this issue in several ways… I won’t spoil them all, but a couple of my favorite moments involve Omega Supreme’s unexpected entrance into the fray, heralding the return of the Astro-train (I love this silly, but cool design
), and the commentary about a love-it or hate-it classic generation one gimmick(most of 'us' dislike it anyway)! Some perfect examples of fun/creative ways to rethink what has been thought before.Ramifications from Issue #6 are continued as we see GI JOE take full responsibility for the protection of the Earth, violently wrenched from government control in issue #6 by FLAGG! Optimus Prime returns to Cybertron after retrieving Bumblebee's body from GI JOE--Cobra Commander celebrates on Earth with his disciples over a feast of...Snake Eyes? In this issue, we also seemingly learn the fates of favorite sons Billy and Bumblebee...and of course, one shall stand and one shall fall...
There’s plenty of human and robot action in this page turner, although as in previous issues, some of the leaps between chapter breaks are a bit too profound! The changing from Cybertron to Earth in separate sections/chapters can be a little jolting and confusing, unless you have followed along from previous issues and know who is where and use some powers of inference.
There are also a few rad splash pages that just leave you a bit awe-struck…in a good way mostly…and a surprise ending that no one ever saw coming.
Rating:
Ultimately, if you’re still reading this series, you’ll continue to enjoy it, as I am, probably despite your personal feelings toward what should be done here or there, or how characters are or are not being treated with respect to your understanding of them from other media. The art and layouts are interesting and fun, and the fact that Barber and Scioli take time at the end of each issue to discuss the creative process and inspirations make this an enjoyable series for those who have a real taste for comic book history and wanting to know the inner workings on creating and publishing a book. And of course, there are Transformers too, some re-imagined and re-mixed in ways that were not thought possible before. I’m to the point where I can enjoy this for what it is…and I was very much against this after the very first issues. It’s gotten much less childish and random, and grown much more complex and a bit more dark--and still a bit random though.
.
out of
out of
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1747176)
Posted by Va'al on December 11th, 2015 @ 2:23am CST
Posted by Va'al on December 11th, 2015 @ 2:23am CST
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!
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1747231)
Posted by RiddlerJ on December 11th, 2015 @ 9:25am CST
Posted by RiddlerJ on December 11th, 2015 @ 9:25am CST
Prime's chest looks a little like Shockwave's face
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1747422)
Posted by Windsweeper on December 12th, 2015 @ 2:58am CST
Posted by Windsweeper on December 12th, 2015 @ 2:58am CST
Is that Dragstrip in almost G2 colours?
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1749009)
Posted by Va'al on December 19th, 2015 @ 5:20am CST
Posted by Va'al on December 19th, 2015 @ 5:20am CST
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!
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1749134)
Posted by Optimizzy on December 20th, 2015 @ 8:40am CST
Posted by Optimizzy on December 20th, 2015 @ 8:40am CST
dafuq.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1749911)
Posted by Tigertrack on December 23rd, 2015 @ 7:52am CST
Posted by Tigertrack on December 23rd, 2015 @ 7:52am CST
“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
“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 faceI’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
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1766338)
Posted by Va'al on February 14th, 2016 @ 11:57am CST
Posted by Va'al on February 14th, 2016 @ 11:57am CST
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!
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1767879)
Posted by Va'al on February 19th, 2016 @ 6:03am CST
Posted by Va'al on February 19th, 2016 @ 6:03am CST
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!
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1768461)
Posted by Windsweeper on February 21st, 2016 @ 5:48am CST
Posted by Windsweeper on February 21st, 2016 @ 5:48am CST
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
I actually like the design of the Transformers but the writing is as bad as a Baymovie or an Armada episode
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1769659)
Posted by Tigertrack on February 25th, 2016 @ 6:17pm CST
Posted by Tigertrack on February 25th, 2016 @ 6:17pm CST
Transformers Versus GI JOE #11
-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.
“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.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1769820)
Posted by MrBlack on February 26th, 2016 @ 9:02am CST
Posted by MrBlack on February 26th, 2016 @ 9:02am CST
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.
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.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1773127)
Posted by Va'al on March 16th, 2016 @ 3:37am CDT
Posted by Va'al on March 16th, 2016 @ 3:37am CDT
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!
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1773157)
Posted by jogunwarrior on March 16th, 2016 @ 8:17am CDT
Posted by jogunwarrior on March 16th, 2016 @ 8:17am CDT
That cover is probably Tom Scioli's best artwork on that book.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1773160)
Posted by CaptainMagic on March 16th, 2016 @ 9:09am CDT
Posted by CaptainMagic on March 16th, 2016 @ 9:09am CDT
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.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1773171)
Posted by o.supreme on March 16th, 2016 @ 10:02am CDT
Posted by o.supreme on March 16th, 2016 @ 10:02am CDT
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.
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.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1773196)
Posted by Bleak5170 on March 16th, 2016 @ 11:29am CDT
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.
Posted by Bleak5170 on March 16th, 2016 @ 11:29am CDT
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.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1778835)
Posted by Va'al on April 7th, 2016 @ 12:49pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on April 7th, 2016 @ 12:49pm CDT
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?!
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1778846)
Posted by Gearslide on April 7th, 2016 @ 1:28pm CDT
Posted by Gearslide on April 7th, 2016 @ 1:28pm CDT
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?
Why does Arcee turn into a pair of pink underwear for Defensor now?
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1778855)
Posted by no-one on April 7th, 2016 @ 1:56pm CDT
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.
Posted by no-one on April 7th, 2016 @ 1:56pm CDT
I'm not familiar with this series, but I think you're looking for logic where is none.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?
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.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1778867)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 7th, 2016 @ 2:24pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 7th, 2016 @ 2:24pm CDT
Defensor.....what the hell...... 
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1779037)
Posted by Sigma Magnus on April 7th, 2016 @ 8:22pm CDT
...I have many questions.
Posted by Sigma Magnus on April 7th, 2016 @ 8:22pm CDT
...I have many questions.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1781489)
Posted by Va'al on April 15th, 2016 @ 12:03pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on April 15th, 2016 @ 12:03pm CDT
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!
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1781490)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 15th, 2016 @ 12:06pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 15th, 2016 @ 12:06pm CDT
This series is incredibly insane
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1781503)
Posted by Sigma Magnus on April 15th, 2016 @ 12:31pm CDT
Posted by Sigma Magnus on April 15th, 2016 @ 12:31pm CDT
Weird. Soooo much weird.
...I dunno if that's good or bad.
...I dunno if that's good or bad.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1781523)
Posted by bluecatcinema on April 15th, 2016 @ 1:16pm CDT
Posted by bluecatcinema on April 15th, 2016 @ 1:16pm CDT
Defensor? Formed by a bunch of unrelated bots (only one of whom is an actual Protectobot)? I have no words...
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1781618)
Posted by RevTibe on April 15th, 2016 @ 5:55pm CDT
GI Joe vs. is much more about being wild and weird than re-exploring/imagining chunks of G1.
Posted by RevTibe on April 15th, 2016 @ 5:55pm CDT
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!bluecatcinema wrote:Defensor? Formed by a bunch of unrelated bots (only one of whom is an actual Protectobot)? I have no words...
GI Joe vs. is much more about being wild and weird than re-exploring/imagining chunks of G1.
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1783989)
Posted by Tigertrack on April 24th, 2016 @ 8:13pm CDT
Posted by Tigertrack on April 24th, 2016 @ 8:13pm CDT
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…
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…
Re: IDW Transformers vs. G.I. Joe - An Interview with Tom Scioli (1784488)
Posted by RNSrobot on April 27th, 2016 @ 5:33am CDT
Posted by RNSrobot on April 27th, 2016 @ 5:33am CDT
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.
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.
