James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50

Wednesday, March 9th, 2016 12:58PM CST

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Posted by: D-Maximal_Primal Views: 30,524

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Number 50 is a huge milestone for any comic, but given that the original plan included only 12 issues in case of failure, More Than Meets the Eye has proven to be a great success. James Roberts was kind enough to sit down with IO9 and talk about the many things that has happened, is happening and will happen in the comic. He also talks about his feelings towards the comic, what it has been like to write the series, how he feels about the characters and the plot, and what his plans are for the remainder of the comic as well as his potential future in writing and transformers.

We have mirrored some of the interview below, but you can always check out the whole article by clicking on the IO9 link above. Beware though: potential spoilers are present!

io9: What’s the journey for you as a writer been like on More Than Meets The Eye over the last 50 issues?

Roberts: Obviously it’s great to be given an opportunity to tell stories featuring characters that you loved growing up, and to add new layers to the mythos. When I think about MTMTE reaching issue 50, it’s not so much that I’m amazed that I’m writing a Transformers comic that’s lasted that long... it’s more that I’m writing an ongoing comic book that’s racked up that many issues. In 2016, that’s a rarity.

[......]

io9: You’ve said in the past that you’ve written the final line of MTMTE already. Where do you see yourself going as a writer after this comes to a close?

Roberts: After MTMTE, who knows? I don’t think I’d move on to more Transformers stories right away—in fact I may find I’ve used up all my best ideas and it’s time to move on. (All of this presumes, of course, that IDW wants me to stick around!) The Transformers script I’m working on right now is the75th, if you count the issues I co-write with Nick Roche and John Barber, and the last thing I want is to find myself running on empty in a few years’ time.

[.....]

io9: Finally, looking back at your 50 issues so far, what’s been your favorite part of the process working on an ongoing series like this?

Roberts: Watching the MTMTE fandom grow and take shape, I think. No-one knew if the book was going to be successful—the first story arc was tailored to 12 issues just in case the whole thing tanked. But I like to think that pretty early on the book found its voice, and that it was a voice that resonated with people who were ready to get very invested in a bunch of sarcastic, mopey, affable, ridiculous and relatable losers.

Credit(s): io9

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Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772324)
Posted by Randomhero on March 9th, 2016 @ 1:05pm CST

I don't know what to think of this issue...there's a lot I just didn't understand. ill just wait for the review.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772328)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 9th, 2016 @ 1:18pm CST

It definitely did not go anywhere near how I imagined, and most likely how almost everyone imagined :MAXIMAL:

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772330)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 9th, 2016 @ 1:32pm CST

I can say that I did not see anything of this coming. And now that it all has happened and it has sunk in, here are some thoughts:

1) Velocity was being broad with talking about the fools energon. She doesn't even know the side effects, just general effects. I feel it's more so that Megatron can prove to himself that it is him changing and not something else changing him.

2) Getaway is an utter asshole and so many other bad words. Leads a full blown mutiny and strands all those guys with the DJD with even the thought that only Megs will get hurt. Wow. And then all the crew that stuck with him! Perceptor, Riptide, Hoist (after what the DJD did to TC). Maybe they do not know that Getaway sent those guys to die at the DJD's hands, and when one of them discovers that it will be a lead in to a rescue?

3) I am predicting Ten and Brainstorm will die. Ten due to him being Ten (can't really explain it) and Brainstorm due to his whole con-bot storyline. I never expected any of this, so I have clue as to where this will go.

4) finally, as a thought: what if Getaway was Agent 113? just a thought I had.

:MAXIMAL:

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772333)
Posted by Randomhero on March 9th, 2016 @ 1:40pm CST

I have a feeling this is a story that's gonna need to be completed to really see the grandeur. Issue by issue is probably not going to do this story much justice.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772335)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 9th, 2016 @ 1:45pm CST

Randomhero wrote:I have a feeling this is a story that's gonna need to be completed to really see the grandeur. Issue by issue is probably not going to do this story much justice.

I'm going to agree with you. enough is happening that it is something that may need to be read all together to fully comprehend. :MAXIMAL:

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772339)
Posted by ctrlFrequency on March 9th, 2016 @ 1:56pm CST

MrBlack wrote:
ctrlFrequency wrote:If it's a backdoor, it was one set up a long time ago.

I'm actually inclined to think it leads to no where as they didn't even talk about for a long time. I had completely forgotten about it. If anything I think it is more to explore a social issue than to provide an out.

But that being said, i would like it better than the tired old trope that it could be. At least it wouldn’t be ultimate evil plan, it was a rouse, Macguffin.

Megatron has shown that he has a fear of his head being messed with because of his encounter with Trepan on Messatine. The fact that the fool's energon may be affecting him is probably being used more to cause him additional angst in the story rather than as an actual plot point. In any case, it's obvious that it isn't making him entirely passive, as his first impulse during times of stress is still to lash out (see Minimus Ambus in this issue and Tailgate in #47.

Classic Roberts misdirect even? It's possible.

I think it's a little more than just an angsty plot point. There's potential in it and looking from a broader perspective it might fit in with the whole. With all that's going on...

Soundwave and the wounds he harbors over Megatron... (and I just don't see, unless they disregard Ravage and Soundwave's past, Ravage staying with Megatron forever)...

The role reversal of Optimus using the strong arm tactic of annexing Earth...

And then there's the look on Megatron's face.

The look on his face when Lottie brought up side effects and personality changes and that giddy grin when he said how happy he was... kind seemed hinting. He looked kind if angry about bot being told about the side effects.

Between this, the comment about organics, and the tension of what Getaway said/did, it's leading somewhere, but probably not where we suspect it to.

My speculation... Megatron is going to feel that, with all the events taken into consideration, that the Fool's energon was chosen for a reason, that they wanted to control him with the side effects, which is exactly why he started a war in the first place, an all powerful ruling class controlling the free will of others. It could be read that the look was the beginning of the realization. Megatron may not want to kill, but he also doesn't want to be controlled. He still believes in the things that started the war.

Or I could be totally wrong.

Whatever it is. .. the comment about organics speaks volumes... he sounded like Tarn. (for good reason I'm sure)

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772344)
Posted by Randomhero on March 9th, 2016 @ 2:09pm CST

Either that or it's three issues sitting in a cell like in remain in light. Sorry, i know I had more problems than most with that but seriously, three issues of sitting in a cell

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772374)
Posted by Nexus Knight on March 9th, 2016 @ 3:03pm CST

How many people that this series will end with the crew being slaughtered? :RUBSIGN:

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772381)
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 9th, 2016 @ 3:37pm CST

I could see megs lead a rebellion against starscream's control of cybertron...

However I still hope Roberts doesn't go that route, it's so predictable making him evil again, just keep him morally grey with no intention of picking up arms against the autobots. Since they've started introducing beast wars characters they could always bring in another Megatron ;-)

or Megaplex if they wanted a clone.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772383)
Posted by MTMESkids on March 9th, 2016 @ 3:44pm CST

I have a question in the second story:

In one of the "visits" Chromedome look in the past. BUT At the time when they could use the birefcasepened windows, Rewind was alive...again...I mean why Chromdome went back to pay his respects to his love, when his love is alive, AND they are closer than before?

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772384)
Posted by RevTibe on March 9th, 2016 @ 3:53pm CST

Interested in seeing how this resolves itself, but I think I've got a decent handle on the means. Thunderclash will likely be key - he wasn't on the Rodpod, and it's impossible for Getaway to have talked to him, what with Thunderclash's brief coma. Unless there's a side to the character we've never seen before, he's not a mutinous, cooperating with the DJD type - in fact, I doubt that most of the mutineers even know Getaway/Atomizer are cooperating with the DJD, or that the Necrobot's dead - the crowdshot of 'em includes the notably friendly Blaster and Bluestreak, for instance. Even if Getaway and Atomizer wanted to remove TClash, I doubt the others would've cooperated in removing such a beloved figure. At the end of this, I'd imagine Thunders will be the new captain - would satisfy the mutineers other than Getaway and Atomizer.

Randomhero wrote:I don't know what to think of this issue...there's a lot I just didn't understand. ill just wait for the review.

Which parts have you puzzled?

MTMESkids wrote:I have a question in the second story:

In one of the "visits" Chromedome look in the past. BUT At the time when they could use the birefcasepened windows, Rewind was alive...again...I mean why Chromdome went back to pay his respects to his love, when his love is alive, AND they are closer than before?

They've mentioned a couple of times that Chromedome and Rewind-2 recognize Rewind-1 as a different person - remember that scene where Rewind-2 was uncomfortable with the fact that Chromedome gave him Rewind-1's belongings, for example?

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772386)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 9th, 2016 @ 3:57pm CST

MTMESkids wrote:I have a question in the second story:

In one of the "visits" Chromedome look in the past. BUT At the time when they could use the birefcasepened windows, Rewind was alive...again...I mean why Chromdome went back to pay his respects to his love, when his love is alive, AND they are closer than before?

He went back to pay respect to the Rewind that died. They may have been the same from quantum duplicates, but he still had to endure a Rewind death, so he is respecting the Rewind he saw die :MAXIMAL:

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772389)
Posted by MTMESkids on March 9th, 2016 @ 4:02pm CST

They've mentioned a couple of times that Chromedome and Rewind-2 recognize Rewind-1 as a different person - remember that scene where Rewind-2 was uncomfortable with the fact that Chromedome gave him Rewind-1's belongings, for example?

Yeah I get this part. But still for me it was a bit strange....
EXCEPT:
What ifIts about something else? like during the storytime sessions Rewind did find out what happenned with Dominus, but because of some reason Chromedome made him forget? 2nd Rewind doesn't had a story session (no Rung, no FortMax no headshot). It can be ike someting of a confession. Its just speculation

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772391)
Posted by MrBlack on March 9th, 2016 @ 4:03pm CST

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:I can say that I did not see anything of this coming. And now that it all has happened and it has sunk in, here are some thoughts:

1) Velocity was being broad with talking about the fools energon. She doesn't even know the side effects, just general effects. I feel it's more so that Megatron can prove to himself that it is him changing and not something else changing him.

2) Getaway is an utter asshole and so many other bad words. Leads a full blown mutiny and strands all those guys with the DJD with even the thought that only Megs will get hurt. Wow. And then all the crew that stuck with him! Perceptor, Riptide, Hoist (after what the DJD did to TC). Maybe they do not know that Getaway sent those guys to die at the DJD's hands, and when one of them discovers that it will be a lead in to a rescue?

3) I am predicting Ten and Brainstorm will die. Ten due to him being Ten (can't really explain it) and Brainstorm due to his whole con-bot storyline. I never expected any of this, so I have clue as to where this will go.

4) finally, as a thought: what if Getaway was Agent 113? just a thought I had.

I don't think the Lost Light will have any further involvement with the storyline. Getaway ordered radio silence, and that order is still being followed three weeks after the events of the coming issues. That leads me to believe that the crew DOESN'T know about the DJD, and Getaway is trying to keep Team Rodimus from contacting the crew and telling them what is actually happening.

If I had to pick who will die, I'd go with Skids and Brainstorm. Brainstorm's personal story arc is done, and Skids is nearly done now that his memories are mostly restored. There's no compelling reason to keep either around.

Agent 113 was the former Vos on the DJD, as revealed in #44.

As an aside, just how do any of the mutineers think this is going to work out well for them? Even assuming that they think they're just tossing Team Rodimus off the ship and leaving Megatron to die, they just royally pissed off two members of Autobot High Command, and explicitly contravened Optimus Prime's orders regarding Megatron. At best the whole crew should be kicked out of the Autobots once this is done.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772396)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 9th, 2016 @ 4:09pm CST

See, my comment about Getaway being agent 113 is because yes I knew he was the former vos, but we still don't know who it actually was. And that is still a big mystery. and it may be brought up during this arc, plus Skids and Brainstorm will most likely share their Quark experiences and things will come to light there. And the guys thrown off the ship will be pissed. I really want Skids or Tailgate to live so they can beat up Getaway. I want him to hurt as much as these guys are about to. :MAXIMAL:

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772399)
Posted by ctrlFrequency on March 9th, 2016 @ 4:22pm CST

ZeroWolf wrote:I could see megs lead a rebellion against starscream's control of cybertron...

However I still hope Roberts doesn't go that route, it's so predictable making him evil again, just keep him morally grey with no intention of picking up arms against the autobots. Since they've started introducing beast wars characters they could always bring in another Megatron or Megaplex if they wanted a clone.

It doesn't have to be against Starscream... rather the Autobots as an ideal- what they stand for.

Optimus doesn't agree with Starscream being leader, but respects that he was elected Optimus (I'm sure in spite of Starscream's wishex) is still seem as a leader, especially to the fanatical Camiens. Besides, Optimus's annexation of Earth came as a surprise to everyone, including Starscream. So it's not Staracream's government that would be target-likely. If it were up to me, I would guess that when Megs finds out what Optimus did, it won't be well received.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772400)
Posted by RevTibe on March 9th, 2016 @ 4:22pm CST

MTMESkids wrote:
They've mentioned a couple of times that Chromedome and Rewind-2 recognize Rewind-1 as a different person - remember that scene where Rewind-2 was uncomfortable with the fact that Chromedome gave him Rewind-1's belongings, for example?

Yeah I get this part. But still for me it was a bit strange....
EXCEPT:
What ifIts about something else? like during the storytime sessions Rewind did find out what happenned with Dominus, but because of some reason Chromedome made him forget? 2nd Rewind doesn't had a story session (no Rung, no FortMax no headshot). It can be ike someting of a confession. Its just speculation

There's definitely something going on with Chromedome, Rewind and mnemosurgery - way back when, Chrome commented Rewind was "allergic" to UV light, which is the only way to view mnemosurgery scars. However, I don't think this is something that happened "offscreen" on the Lost Light (how/when could it have?), which would mean it also affects Rewind-2. (Also, if Chromedome did know Dominus's fate, he probably would've been nervous/guilty when they were on the Necrobot's planet).

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:See, my comment about Getaway being agent 113 is because yes I knew he was the former vos, but we still don't know who it actually was. And that is still a big mystery. and it may be brought up during this arc, plus Skids and Brainstorm will most likely share their Quark experiences and things will come to light there. And the guys thrown off the ship will be pissed. I really want Skids or Tailgate to live so they can beat up Getaway. I want him to hurt as much as these guys are about to.

Well, we saw a picture of Agent 113 in issue 44. Didn't looks like Getaway - proper mouth, lots of spikes, claws, but that doesn't rule out body swaps.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772402)
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 9th, 2016 @ 4:36pm CST

ctrlFrequency wrote:
ZeroWolf wrote:I could see megs lead a rebellion against starscream's control of cybertron...

However I still hope Roberts doesn't go that route, it's so predictable making him evil again, just keep him morally grey with no intention of picking up arms against the autobots. Since they've started introducing beast wars characters they could always bring in another Megatron or Megaplex if they wanted a clone.

It doesn't have to be against Starscream... rather the Autobots as an ideal- what they stand for.

Optimus doesn't agree with Starscream being leader, but respects that he was elected Optimus (I'm sure in spite of Starscream's wishex) is still seem as a leader, especially to the fanatical Camiens. Besides, Optimus's annexation of Earth came as a surprise to everyone, including Starscream. So it's not Staracream's government that would be target-likely. If it were up to me, I would guess that when Megs finds out what Optimus did, it won't be well received.

I think megs would say the cybertronian equivalent to "kettle calling the pot black" . Actually when thinking about it, megs would probably rage more about the religious aspects of the newcomers than Starscream or really the autobots. Though has it ever been said what he thought of the original thirteen primes?

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772403)
Posted by ctrlFrequency on March 9th, 2016 @ 4:36pm CST

ctrlFrequency wrote:
ZeroWolf wrote:I could see megs lead a rebellion against starscream's control of cybertron...

However I still hope Roberts doesn't go that route, it's so predictable making him evil again, just keep him morally grey with no intention of picking up arms against the autobots. Since they've started introducing beast wars characters they could always bring in another Megatron or Megaplex if they wanted a clone.

It doesn't have to be against Starscream... rather the Autobots as an ideal- what they stand for.

Optimus doesn't agree with Starscream being leader, but respects that he was elected Optimus (I'm sure in spite of Starscream's wishex) is still seem as a leader, especially to the fanatical Camiens. Besides, Optimus's annexation of Earth came as a surprise to everyone, including Starscream. So it's not Staracream's government that would be target-likely. If it were up to me, I would guess that when Megs finds out what Optimus did, it won't be well received.

Though I can't say that I disagree with your morally grey comment. I do prefer my Megatron evil, but I would accept morally grey.

Though splitting into more factions would be pretty interesting, a lot of political maneuvering. We'very kind of got about 4 factions running in the under current as I see it, those who follow Starscream (which is mostly just Starscream), the Autobots, then the Decepticon subfactions, Galvatron's brand of crazy and Soundwave's peace and love. Which is great, it's a more realistic set up,

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772405)
Posted by ctrlFrequency on March 9th, 2016 @ 4:41pm CST

ZeroWolf wrote:I think megs would say the cybertronian equivalent to "kettle calling the pot black" . Actually when thinking about it, megs would probably rage more about the religious aspects of the newcomers than Starscream or really the autobots. Though has it ever been said what he thought of the original thirteen primes?

I don't recall if his views on the Thirteen have come up, but I want to say no (because of that)

I don't remember his religious views ever being brought up except when Tarn mentioned it a few issues back, which if that's the case then I don't take it as fact until it's from Megatron himself.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772407)
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 9th, 2016 @ 4:56pm CST

ctrlFrequency wrote:
ctrlFrequency wrote:
ZeroWolf wrote:I could see megs lead a rebellion against starscream's control of cybertron...

However I still hope Roberts doesn't go that route, it's so predictable making him evil again, just keep him morally grey with no intention of picking up arms against the autobots. Since they've started introducing beast wars characters they could always bring in another Megatron or Megaplex if they wanted a clone.

It doesn't have to be against Starscream... rather the Autobots as an ideal- what they stand for.

Optimus doesn't agree with Starscream being leader, but respects that he was elected Optimus (I'm sure in spite of Starscream's wishex) is still seem as a leader, especially to the fanatical Camiens. Besides, Optimus's annexation of Earth came as a surprise to everyone, including Starscream. So it's not Staracream's government that would be target-likely. If it were up to me, I would guess that when Megs finds out what Optimus did, it won't be well received.

Though I can't say that I disagree with your morally grey comment. I do prefer my Megatron evil, but I would accept morally grey.

Though splitting into more factions would be pretty interesting, a lot of political maneuvering. We'very kind of got about 4 factions running in the under current as I see it, those who follow Starscream (which is mostly just Starscream), the Autobots, then the Decepticon subfactions, Galvatron's brand of crazy and Soundwave's peace and love. Which is great, it's a more realistic set up,

I've been hoping for a while now that someone clever within IDW would find a way to introduce the maximals and predacons, things would get very tense and there could be some interesting stories to tell.

You do bring up a good point about the different fractions we do have already though had combiner wars went differently I could of seen Prowl leading his own breakaway faction, laying down the law with no compassion.

As for megs and the primes: thought as much, I may have gotten his anti religion thoughts from a different incarnation of him.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772408)
Posted by Va'al on March 9th, 2016 @ 4:58pm CST

*fzzt*
(Spoiler free-ish)

Synopsis
THE DYING OF THE LIGHT—PART 1! Since joining the Lost Light, MEGATRON has rejected everything that once made him the most feared and hated Cybertronian of all time. But penitence has a price, and before the ex-Decepticon can find true redemption he must first confront his darkest legacy—the Decepticon Justice Division.

Leeeegacy

Story

I said this already in the counterpart review to this one, for The Transformers #50, how impressively impressive it actually is to see both the ongoings to have reached such an impressive milestone. Two very different titles, with MTMTE being the space opera-turned-sitcom-turned-horror-turned-sadgayrobots - and all, ultimately and listed in order in the Previously section, building up to this point. Right here. Now.

Sneaking up to it

James Roberts has been seeding the presence of the DJD and Tarn's discontent with Megatron's change of heart for a while now, if not since their very first introduction. We have also had a number of other plotlines weaving in and out of the main arc, and they all appear to feature, in one way or another, in here. Seeds seeded aplenty, and the DJD is not the only discontent to show up in the wider MTMTEverse.

Cameos abound

If it looks like I'm stalling here, it's because I am, a little. There isn't much I can really say about the book without ruining at least a number of reading experiences for someone, so I'm keeping comments to the comments - that said, what was to be expected does happen, but not as soon as one might initially think. Roberts fuels a slow fire. A slow, painful fire.

With some funny bits, of course

The weaving is one the key features here, and how the characters have interacted with each other up to this point, and how they will clash, merge, unite or fight when the pressure is applied - as it does in issue #50: positions are taken, roles are assigned, dynamics shift dramatically, and it does so in a turbulent and terrifying fashion, before inevitability and acceptance set in. For some.

Art

The art duties on the bulk of the story are by regular co-cospirator Alex Milne, with an assist from Brian Shearer on inks. And if ever we had emotion shown under faceplates and optic visors, this is even more the case. The multiple colourist team, of course, helps to bring Milne's vision to vibrant life, even in the darkness of the latter stages of the story - Joana Lafuente, Priscilla Tramontano, John-Paul Bove did some stellarly blending and combined work on those pages, with some particularly amazing splash pages.

Plus this.. er.. guy

The tail-end story 'No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases' addition sees some sparkwrenching work from other regular artist Brendan Cahill, delving into some backgrounds of characters we have and haven't seen in a long time in the series, and showing yet more emotion where a small breather was needed. All topped by some warmly executed colouring by Joana Lafuente.

..more like guidelines

Where the humour and visual cues of the lighter side really show up is, once again, through the font magic of Tom B. Long's lettering work. Scenes like the below, the excellent title page, the various captions, the highlights he brings to the overall work with the small space he's given - it's always a stunning effect.

Visual game is strong

With an issue this big, and as important as it, the various number of covers is to be expected, and anticipated. The main cover by Alex Milne and Joana Lafuente sets the tone for the entire story, and upcoming arc, while James Biggie, Mike Choi, and even Casey Coller and Hayato Sakamoto, with Yamaishi on colours, take on the catalyst of the story: Megatron. We also finally get the final piece in the six-parter by Milne and Perez, and a variant (thumbnailed) by Nick Roche and Josh Burcham showcasing the main cast of the issue.

Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead

The split in stories, in paths, in narrative arcs seems to be working on a number of levels - from the temporal rest and background build-up of the later part to the building cliffhanger of the first, via the multiple seedings of current and potentially future storylines, and reconnecting of the publication with its earlier and preceding iterations. It works, but it will work much better in the longer run. Roberts is also able to stop the humour, welcome throughout where used, before the more serious part, avoiding some emotional whiplash that would really have jarred otherwise.

Ruh-roh

The entirety of the issue, in all its aspects and angles, is to be lauded. The editorial and creative teams have brought so much of their game, that some minor glitches were to be expected - and yet did not occur at any stage. Visually, this is a great book to look at, with some creative layouts and structure, which perhaps loses itself in the format of the single issue and the ambition of the writing. It's very, very good though. Very.

½ out of

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772410)
Posted by ctrlFrequency on March 9th, 2016 @ 5:10pm CST

Dr Va'al wrote:It's very, very good though. Very.

Oo Va'al said very 3 times... he was impressed!

ZeroWolf wrote:
ctrlFrequency wrote:
ctrlFrequency wrote:
ZeroWolf wrote:I could see megs lead a rebellion against starscream's control of cybertron...

However I still hope Roberts doesn't go that route, it's so predictable making him evil again, just keep him morally grey with no intention of picking up arms against the autobots. Since they've started introducing beast wars characters they could always bring in another Megatron or Megaplex if they wanted a clone.

It doesn't have to be against Starscream... rather the Autobots as an ideal- what they stand for.

Optimus doesn't agree with Starscream being leader, but respects that he was elected Optimus (I'm sure in spite of Starscream's wishex) is still seem as a leader, especially to the fanatical Camiens. Besides, Optimus's annexation of Earth came as a surprise to everyone, including Starscream. So it's not Staracream's government that would be target-likely. If it were up to me, I would guess that when Megs finds out what Optimus did, it won't be well received.

Though I can't say that I disagree with your morally grey comment. I do prefer my Megatron evil, but I would accept morally grey.

Though splitting into more factions would be pretty interesting, a lot of political maneuvering. We'very kind of got about 4 factions running in the under current as I see it, those who follow Starscream (which is mostly just Starscream), the Autobots, then the Decepticon subfactions, Galvatron's brand of crazy and Soundwave's peace and love. Which is great, it's a more realistic set up,

I've been hoping for a while now that someone clever within IDW would find a way to introduce the maximals and predacons, things would get very tense and there could be some interesting stories to tell.

You do bring up a good point about the different fractions we do have already though had combiner wars went differently I could of seen Prowl leading his own breakaway faction, laying down the law with no compassion.

As for megs and the primes: thought as much, I may have gotten his anti religion thoughts from a different incarnation of him.

Yeah a lot of other places have delved into the religious aspect, but I don't recall much on it in IDW in general... until recently there wasn't a lot of religion for them.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772411)
Posted by Crosscheck on March 9th, 2016 @ 5:14pm CST

Something tells me they are going to escape using Brainstorm's briefcase that Ravage recovered. The hole in space-time will act as a portal onto the Lost Light. Perhaps Megatron will send the crew back, but cover their escape by fighting Tarn. Obviously there has to be more going on in their execution videos. I am thinking the gun barrel that Fortress Maximus recognized was the Nudge Gun or some other familiar Autobot weapon.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772427)
Posted by ScottyP on March 9th, 2016 @ 6:24pm CST

Right then, time for spoiler tags!

Place your bets here on who saves the day for our stranded heroes! Well, the ones left to save at least. And we'll go with "lends a helping hand in some capacity even if they fail", in case there's tag team heroism, or at least attempts at it, going on in issue 54 or 55 when this wraps up

*Defensor - 4:1
*The Wreckers - 8:1
*The Conspicuously Absent for Most of #50 Thunderclash - 1:1
*Drift and Ratchet - 1:2
*The Scavengers - 32:1
*Current Lost Light Crew (either faction) - 1:1
*Put Your Hands Up, Cuz Everybody Dies - 1500:1
*They kill Rung and use him to activate Unicron or something - 30000:1

And while we're at it, let's go with some prop bets, those are fun!

*Megatron dies - 1:1
*Tarn dies - 10:11
*Some other DJD member dies - 1:4
*This all somehow plays into Necrobot's mysterious list from years ago - 3:2
*Hound does anything else - 5:1
*Getaway and/or Atomizer narrowly escape to hang out with Prowl while the other dies somehow - 2:3
*The Scavengers don't appear again in this arc - 1:100
*A majority of the cool Japanese G1 Decepticon characters are killed unceremoniously - 1:1
*Pharma and/or Star Saber show up and act like a-holes - 4:3

Disclaimer: this isn't real and I'm not actually betting on this book's storyline. If you were hoping to gamble on it, please call your state's problem gambling helpline.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772428)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 9th, 2016 @ 6:40pm CST

Well Scotty, taking into account what happened, I am going to say that your bets may be a bit off. If anything, Drift and Ratchet now seem far more likely, and Defensor not so much. I also think that someone on the actual Lost Light will realize what is happening and will do something, and it is possible that briefcase will come into play, but not used by the outcasts since they most likely do not have it. thought that space hole in Swerve's should play a role too. :MAXIMAL:

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772430)
Posted by ctrlFrequency on March 9th, 2016 @ 6:51pm CST

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Well Scotty, taking into account what happened, I am going to say that your bets may be a bit off. If anything, Drift and Ratchet now seem far more likely, and Defensor not so much. I also think that someone on the actual Lost Light will realize what is happening and will do something, and it is possible that briefcase will come into play, but not used by the outcasts since they most likely do not have it. thought that space hole in Swerve's should play a role too.

I gotta agree if we are going to put bets down, mine goes to the first to Bots the Filthy MAXIMAL lead in with.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772443)
Posted by MrBlack on March 9th, 2016 @ 7:28pm CST

I think the Lost Light is off the table. We know they're maintaining radio silence three weeks after the confessions, so I imagine they're involvement in this story arc is done.

I could see the Protectobots and Mirage showing up. They were heading back to the Lost Light, but may be put off by the fact that they're running silent. They may catch the chatter regarding the DJD if they're in the right area of space.

I also wonder if we might not see the Galactic Counsel get involved. Rodimus and crew did just very publicly save a planet of organics, the Council likes Magnus, and they hate the DJD. They might be willing to get involved, which would at least serve to even the numbers a bit.

I'm guessing that Season 3 is Team Rodimus heading after the Lost Light.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772449)
Posted by pie-man on March 9th, 2016 @ 7:43pm CST

Awesome issue.... gut-wrenching for sure.

One thing that that bothered me..... Cyclonus & Tailgate still seem to be on the Lost Light, as they are not part of "Team Rodimus". I'm pretty sure they both will never side with Getaway, so there is some hope of the LL.

Plus, other groups like Ratchet & Drift as well as the Protectobots are headed back.... so who knows where the help might come from.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772452)
Posted by Randomhero on March 9th, 2016 @ 7:48pm CST

ScottyP wrote:Right then, time for spoiler tags!

Place your bets here on who saves the day for our stranded heroes! Well, the ones left to save at least. And we'll go with "lends a helping hand in some capacity even if they fail", in case there's tag team heroism, or at least attempts at it, going on in issue 54 or 55 when this wraps up

*This all somehow plays into Necrobot's mysterious list from years ago - 3:2
Disclaimer: this isn't real and I'm not actually betting on this book's storyline. If you were hoping to gamble on it, please call your state's problem gambling helpline.[/size]

That list has already returned. Tha was the duplicate lost light. It's already been established

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772453)
Posted by Randomhero on March 9th, 2016 @ 7:53pm CST

pie-man wrote:Awesome issue.... gut-wrenching for sure.

One thing that that bothered me..... Cyclonus & Tailgate still seem to be on the Lost Light, as they are not part of "Team Rodimus". I'm pretty sure they both will never side with Getaway, so there is some hope of the LL.

Plus, other groups like Ratchet & Drift as well as the Protectobots are headed back.... so who knows where the help might come from.

What are you talking about? They're All over the place. There's multiple panels of them on the Rodpod, on Censere's planet and in the final panel of that main story.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772454)
Posted by ScottyP on March 9th, 2016 @ 8:07pm CST

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Well Scotty, taking into account what happened, I am going to say that your bets may be a bit off. If anything, Drift and Ratchet now seem far more likely, and Defensor not so much.

But that's what they say? Or did I write them backwards? That is a possibility.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772457)
Posted by pie-man on March 9th, 2016 @ 8:10pm CST

Randomhero wrote:What are you talking about? They're All over the place. There's multiple panels of them on the Rodpod, on Censere's planet and in the final panel of that main story.

My mistake then.... I still haven't gotten a hold of the issue yet, but just couldn't wait.... so I just read it up on TFwiki :-s

Funnily enough, there is no mention of Cyclonus or Tailgate as part of the team. I double-checked before posting. Oh well.... thanks for that.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772459)
Posted by ctrlFrequency on March 9th, 2016 @ 8:14pm CST

pie-man wrote:
Randomhero wrote:What are you talking about? They're All over the place. There's multiple panels of them on the Rodpod, on Censere's planet and in the final panel of that main story.

My mistake then.... I still haven't gotten a hold of the issue yet, but just couldn't wait.... so I just read it up on TFwiki

Funnily enough, there is no mention of Cyclonus or Tailgate as part of the team. I double-checked before posting. Oh well.... thanks for that.

Never trust a wiki... they are evil... pure evil...

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772464)
Posted by RevTibe on March 9th, 2016 @ 8:33pm CST

ctrlFrequency wrote:
pie-man wrote:
Randomhero wrote:What are you talking about? They're All over the place. There's multiple panels of them on the Rodpod, on Censere's planet and in the final panel of that main story.

My mistake then.... I still haven't gotten a hold of the issue yet, but just couldn't wait.... so I just read it up on TFwiki

Funnily enough, there is no mention of Cyclonus or Tailgate as part of the team. I double-checked before posting. Oh well.... thanks for that.

Never trust a wiki... they are evil... pure evil...

Standard practice to only address the big picture in the synopsis. A synopsis would be equal parts bloated and unpleasant to read if it came to down "a, b and c were standing in the background here, d was looking through the doorway there while e helped f support their weight..." etc.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772466)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 9th, 2016 @ 8:34pm CST

ScottyP wrote:
D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Well Scotty, taking into account what happened, I am going to say that your bets may be a bit off. If anything, Drift and Ratchet now seem far more likely, and Defensor not so much.
But that's what they say? Or did I write them backwards? That is a possibility.

No no, I agreed on that part, but was disagreeing with other parts.

And Ctrl: nice sig! :MAXIMAL:

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772469)
Posted by ebonyleopard on March 9th, 2016 @ 8:40pm CST

First read of the week. Reaction by the end of the first story, WOW. I honest to God audible "WOW".

Man, I did not see this coming. And Blaster. Blaster Blaster Blaster. How could you brah?

I've always been curious about the relationship between Blaster and his would be Tape crew, but I guess there isn't an actual relationship and Blaster doesn't have a cassette crew in this universe.

But damn...Never have I been more nervous about the fate of a cast of characters in a comic, and saddened by the fact we will never get a Ravage toy as awesome looking as this IDW Ravage design.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772470)
Posted by ctrlFrequency on March 9th, 2016 @ 8:40pm CST

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:
And Ctrl: nice sig!

Thank you

I was feeling a WTF crzy! mood.... so... sig matches the mood (and I couldn't find my Megatron pic :BANG_HEAD:

No matter what anyone says wiks are still pure evil

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772474)
Posted by RevTibe on March 9th, 2016 @ 8:53pm CST

Ebonyleopard wrote:Man, I did not see this coming. And Blaster. Blaster Blaster Blaster. How could you brah?

He might not be too bad - we don't know how much info Getaway and Atomizer have shared. The only info we can be firm on Blaster and the others having is that Megatron, and those who may defend him, have been marooned on the Necrobot's planet, and that Getaway has alerted someone who will supposedly kill only Megatron. They probably don't know it's the horrifying DJD being sent to the stranded 'bots, they might not even know the Necrobot's dead.

For Blaster and co., it probably just boils down to thinking Rodimus is an unfit captain, and hating that Megatron's walking around, relatively free, talking up how he's a pacifist now etc. That wouldn't be too sinister.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772479)
Posted by Transtech Rhinox on March 9th, 2016 @ 9:10pm CST

What if Rewind was sent back to change things? Ravage missed him hiding in the Magnus armor, then there was a flash of lightning and suddenly he is there? The predestination loop is what keeps him from canceling out because he and the one briefcase that Nightbeat and Nautica found had to go back in time to come into play now. Sadly, he had to witness two slaughters.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772482)
Posted by ctrlFrequency on March 9th, 2016 @ 9:16pm CST

RevTibe wrote:
Ebonyleopard wrote:Man, I did not see this coming. And Blaster. Blaster Blaster Blaster. How could you brah?
He might not be too bad - we don't know how much info Getaway and Atomizer have shared. The only info we can be firm on Blaster and the others having is that Megatron, and those who may defend him, have been marooned on the Necrobot's planet, and that Getaway has alerted someone who will supposedly kill only Megatron. They probably don't know it's the horrifying DJD being sent to the stranded 'bots, they might not even know the Necrobot's dead.

For Blaster and co., it probably just boils down to thinking Rodimus is an unfit captain, and hating that Megatron's walking around, relatively free, talking up how he's a pacifist now etc. That wouldn't be too sinister.

Yeah you really have to figure that we, as the readers have a different perspective of Megatron. For us he is a character in a book, but for the Lost Light crew, they lived through a long bloody war where others killed in the name this guy that is now running around their ship "free" and declaring himself a pacifist.

For us he isn't real, didn't actually kill people, so we can actually have some sympathies for him. We can like him.

But I can promise you... if he was real, I'd feel the same about Megatron as the crew does. As a character I love Megatron. And I have always said even the worst people in human history have some redeeming quality, but they still are horrible people. Same with Megs... in the reality for the characters (if they were real) they're reactions are reasonable.

It was a powerful scene as if Roberts was reminding us of how brutal and evil Megatron was. Not everyone can jump on the fan bandwagon so easily.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772484)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 9th, 2016 @ 9:18pm CST

Transtech Rhinox wrote:What if Rewind was sent back to change things? Ravage missed him hiding in the Magnus armor, then there was a flash of lightning and suddenly he is there? The predestination loop is what keeps him from canceling out because he and the one briefcase that Nightbeat and Nautica found had to go back in time to come into play now. Sadly, he had to witness two slaughters.

This actually makes a degree of sense and is a great theory. A Rewind, a briefcase. hmm. interesting :MAXIMAL:

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772527)
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 10th, 2016 @ 2:15am CST

So many spoiler tags to read through. ..and on a phone that doesn't like them.

As much as I would like it, I doubt rung's alt mode will come into play this time...I see that as the 100 issue goal :-P

Time travel rewind would be a neat idea but it all depends on how it's handled.

Also whoever said that season 3 would be team rodimus chasing after the lost light then if Roberts did that it means he's channeling some classic British Sci Fi comedy there as that mirrors seasons 6 & 7 of Red Dwarf.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772570)
Posted by o.supreme on March 10th, 2016 @ 9:03am CST

I know I am in the vast minority here, being more of a fan of "Transfomers" (formerly RiD), rather than MTMTE... However I have read and purchased both titles faithfully since the beginning. I have to admit I just don't "get" MTMTE most of the time, and not always favorable on the change in characters personas, but that is a discussion for another time. But I appreciate what it is trying to accomplish and have the utmost respect for its fans. That being said... I really look forward to reading this issue.

Also. I've read several comments with regard to Megatron taking exception to Prime's actions on Earth. Also I am aware that *currently* it appears Megs has no interest in what Starscream is doing on Cybertron, or may or may not be aware of what Prime is up to. However...in some future crossover event, I would think that a confrontation between Megatron and Galvatron would something pretty epic.

I know currently in IDW they are probably not even aware of the others existence (Well Galvatron probably knows about Megs..but I don't know about the other way around...) and they are separated by light-years both physically and metaphorically. Still, I would think the nature of Transformers lore would draw these two together at some point for a confrontation. Or am I just thinking one dimensional geewun gibberish?

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772578)
Posted by Quint on March 10th, 2016 @ 9:35am CST

ctrlFrequency wrote:
RevTibe wrote:
Ebonyleopard wrote:Man, I did not see this coming. And Blaster. Blaster Blaster Blaster. How could you brah?
He might not be too bad - we don't know how much info Getaway and Atomizer have shared. The only info we can be firm on Blaster and the others having is that Megatron, and those who may defend him, have been marooned on the Necrobot's planet, and that Getaway has alerted someone who will supposedly kill only Megatron. They probably don't know it's the horrifying DJD being sent to the stranded 'bots, they might not even know the Necrobot's dead.

For Blaster and co., it probably just boils down to thinking Rodimus is an unfit captain, and hating that Megatron's walking around, relatively free, talking up how he's a pacifist now etc. That wouldn't be too sinister.

Yeah you really have to figure that we, as the readers have a different perspective of Megatron. For us he is a character in a book, but for the Lost Light crew, they lived through a long bloody war where others killed in the name this guy that is now running around their ship "free" and declaring himself a pacifist.

For us he isn't real, didn't actually kill people, so we can actually have some sympathies for him. We can like him.

But I can promise you... if he was real, I'd feel the same about Megatron as the crew does. As a character I love Megatron. And I have always said even the worst people in human history have some redeeming quality, but they still are horrible people. Same with Megs... in the reality for the characters (if they were real) they're reactions are reasonable.

It was a powerful scene as if Roberts was reminding us of how brutal and evil Megatron was. Not everyone can jump on the fan bandwagon so easily.

I'd be fascinated to see how many on this forum think Getaway's group is 'bad' or at least in the wrong. Forgetting Getaway and his methods (he's empirically a douchebag). Is it possible to add a poll to the thread?

It reminds me a little of House of Cards or Breaking Bad. Lofty comparisons for sure but they trick the audience into routing for them purely because the narrative is told from their perspective. It doesn't mean however that they're 'the good guys' or indeed someone we should be routing for etc. That 99% ref was very evocative too.

Edit - Sorry for the spoilers, my post looks like a president's military service record or something... can we assume everyone reading to this point has read the damn thing now?

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772605)
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 10th, 2016 @ 10:26am CST

o.supreme wrote:I know I am in the vast minority here, being more of a fan of "Transfomers" (formerly RiD), rather than MTMTE... However I have read and purchased both titles faithfully since the beginning. I have to admit I just don't "get" MTMTE most of the time, and not always favorable on the change in characters personas, but that is a discussion for another time. But I appreciate what it is trying to accomplish and have the utmost respect for its fans. That being said... I really look forward to reading this issue.

Also. I've read several comments with regard to Megatron taking exception to Prime's actions on Earth. Also I am aware that *currently* it appears Megs has no interest in what Starscream is doing on Cybertron, or may or may not be aware of what Prime is up to. However...in some future crossover event, I would think that a confrontation between Megatron and Galvatron would something pretty epic.

I know currently in IDW they are probably not even aware of the others existence (Well Galvatron probably knows about Megs..but I don't know about the other way around...) and they are separated by light-years both physically and metaphorically. Still, I would think the nature of Transformers lore would draw these two together at some point for a confrontation. Or am I just thinking one dimensional geewun gibberish?

Megs and galvatron have already thrown down as recently as dark cybertron as galvatron came through the space bridge located inside megs. I think they also fought during chaos but I can't remember.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772713)
Posted by leokearon on March 11th, 2016 @ 2:38am CST

Anyone have a scan of the Letter's page, I want to know if my Letter got printed but I can't buy the issue (nearest comic shops is over 150kms away) and I'm not sure if the will reprint the letter's page in the trade

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772714)
Posted by RevTibe on March 11th, 2016 @ 2:51am CST

leokearon wrote:Anyone have a scan of the Letter's page, I want to know if my Letter got printed but I can't buy the issue (nearest comic shops is over 150kms away) and I'm not sure if the will reprint the letter's page in the trade

Can't really upload the page currently, but can check if you mention the content of the letter or some other identifier.

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772716)
Posted by leokearon on March 11th, 2016 @ 3:06am CST

RevTibe wrote:
leokearon wrote:Anyone have a scan of the Letter's page, I want to know if my Letter got printed but I can't buy the issue (nearest comic shops is over 150kms away) and I'm not sure if the will reprint the letter's page in the trade
Can't really upload the page currently, but can check if you mention the content of the letter or some other identifier.

if they print names check for Leo Kearon or leokearon, also the word Stubbies should be mentioned near the start

Re: James Roberts talks IDW More Than Meets The Eye #50 (1772717)
Posted by RevTibe on March 11th, 2016 @ 3:11am CST

leokearon wrote:
RevTibe wrote:
leokearon wrote:Anyone have a scan of the Letter's page, I want to know if my Letter got printed but I can't buy the issue (nearest comic shops is over 150kms away) and I'm not sure if the will reprint the letter's page in the trade
Can't really upload the page currently, but can check if you mention the content of the letter or some other identifier.

if they print names check for Leo Kearon or leokearon, also the word Stubbies should be mentioned here the start

Sorry, doesn't look like you're in there.

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