More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage
Wednesday, September 13th, 2017 8:42AM CDT
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With the third issue of the IDW Publishing Hasbro crossover First Strike out today - review coming soon, too, so stay tuned - we also have some additional information on some of the upcoming tie-in issues featuring the various titles involved: Optimus Prime, Transformers, G.I. Joe, M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand, the Micronauts and Rom. Check out the backmatter of the issue below, and join the conversation in the Energon Pub!
Welcome back, IDW Faithful! This month, we’re talking to writers John Barber, Christos Gage and Aubrey Sitterson about their First Strike one-shots featuring Optimus Prime, Transformers, G.I. Joe, M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand, the Micronauts and Rom!
Where do your stories take place around the First Strike event?
CG: Concurrently. Basically, while all the Cybertronian action is occupying G.I. Joe and Earth's other homegrown defenders, the Dire Wraiths see an opportunity to enact a new and exceptionally brutal attack on our world. But Earth isn't completely defenseless...Rom and the Micronauts are still around, and they're our only chance!
AS: G.I. Joe: First Strike and M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand: First Strike both take place concurrently with the main First Strike series. But while First Strike is set primarily on Cybertron, my two-parter with Ilias Kyriazis is Earth-based. With Scarlett and Roadblock both
off-planet, Shipwreck finds himself in charge of the team, and when a Cobra-backed V.E.N.O.M. attacks, things go about as well as you'd expect for someone with the codename "Shipwreck."
JB: Optimus Prime: First Strike starts during issue one of First Strike, in Colton's initial attack on Cybertron. That fight keeps going for the first few issues of First Strike, so it covers some of what's
going on during the whole battle—Optimus doing stuff you don't see in the First Strike comic itself, including a special attack on a particular Cybertronian character.
How is the status quo set up for the new series and new arcs coming out of the one-shots and First Strike?
CG: You're going to see the first encounter of any real length between Rom and the Micronauts, so we're laying the groundwork for them knowing of each other and working together. There are a
number of things Rom has in common with several Micronauts, which we'll touch on. And as the heroes come together, so too do the villains…
AS: Coming out of G.I. Joe #9, we've got a reinvigorated Cobra and a brand-new Cobra Commander, but we haven't really seen them in action yet. That changes in our First Strike issues, where Cobra begins piecing together a devious scheme that we'll see play out in the pages of our new G.I. Joe series, with art by the amazing Nelson Dániel! Additionally, with V.E.N.O.M. getting folded into the evil organization, G.I. Joe counters by bringing M.A.S.K.'s Matt Trakker onboard! and considering Trakker's particular set of skills, you'll be seeing some notable upgrades on the
team's equipment…
JB: These will bring in some of the characters and stuff that's been happening in Revolutionaries into the ongoing Optimus Prime series. We'll see where that leaves us in the next Optimus Prime arc, "The Dead Come Home."
If you could team up any two characters in the universe, who would it be? And have you done
it yet?
CG: I would love to do an entire series that is just Baron Karza and the head Wraith sorcerer, D'rge, being haughty frenemies. Which I guess kind of gives away that they meet up. Oops!
AS: What kind of question is this, when The Crown Jewel of the Hasbro Universe already features the most iconic odd couple duo in not just comics, but all of fictional entertainment?! I'm speaking, of course, of Rock 'N’ Roll and Skywarp.
JB: In the Hasbro universe? Kup and Action Man, and yes I have—right here, in fact!
Credit(s): IDW
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Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910647)
Posted by Tigertrack on September 13th, 2017 @ 10:10am CDT
Posted by Tigertrack on September 13th, 2017 @ 10:10am CDT
Said reviewing coming in....3...2...1...
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910658)
Posted by Tigertrack on September 13th, 2017 @ 10:39am CDT
Posted by Tigertrack on September 13th, 2017 @ 10:39am CDT
Meanwhile, on Cybertron...
Last Issue:
The Evil Colton-lition's attack on Cybertron continued and the purpose for their attack unfolded. In protecting the planet Earth, Colton and his crew of baddies from across the IDW-verse have decided to take matters to the extreme -and try to destroy or poison the only source of power and sustenance for the Cybertronians located in the core of the planet- effectively hoping to subsequently destroy the robotic population, and thus, the threat to Earth.
This Issue:
The journey continues with Evil Joe Colton and company making their way to the core of Cybertron. Enter the Scarlett led GI JOE team, Soundwave, the Victorion twins, and MASK members Tracker and Baker (without vehicles?).
The real focus of this issue is the continuance of the action from the previous two with the newly arrived group of JOES now making their way to find and stop Colton using Soundwave’s outlier abilities and prior knowledge of Cybertron. Seems like it should be ‘game over’ for the bad guys, but what, not quite? Do the bad guys still have another trick up their sleeve?
Ignore this random generic bad guy placed in an important spot in the image...focus on the real bad guy whose face is also covered...but by a helmet.
As discussed in previous reviews, there is another short story reflecting the gathering of the baddies, this time focusing on Colton going to see old Adventure Team buddy Miles ‘Mayhem’ Manheim. One feels renewed pain for Blitzwing, and perhaps gains a new level of understanding about Manheim’s level of cruelty, as they experience this part of the narrative. Even Colton has to take a step back when observing his cruelty. How was he ever a part of the Adventure Team, a team with goals that are mostly along the good spectrum?
You sir need help.
The Art:
The whole art team (as mentioned in reviews previously) continues to do a very admirable and enjoyable job presenting the human and Transformer characters in what are mostly action-packed scenes. Max Dunbar continues to do excellent work with humans in exciting action poses and expressions, but at times his Transformers seem a little bit flat -much less dimensional than his humans- or oddly proportioned. You might be able to blame it on that they are robots, sure, but Max certainly seems more adept at humans. I do love what he’s been doing, along with his buddies, Ander Zarate and Tom B. Long, in representing the excitement and sometimes desperation of the story the way they have. I imagine it’s pretty fun to draw, color, and visually emote, all the destruction and mayhem (pun intended) that they have been able to.
The Story:
Scott and Rodriguez continue to smash, bash, and crash us with all that is going on in the story, working to extend what could be a one issue battle across a few issues to set up the series. While it seems highly unlikely that this idea of Colton’s would work given the colonies and other possible sources for energon, I’m interested to see what happens now that we are past the incursion, and we know the purpose of Colton’s group. The baddies seem primed (another pun?) for some typical baddie back-stabbing, as we see the bonds that formed them loosening a bit, kept together to this point masterfully, by Joe Colton. The good guys as evidenced by the end of this issue, seem to be going the typical route of misunderstanding and over-reaction to the idea of a team up. I always remember my 80’s super heroes having to have a small misunderstanding battle, before realizing they had the same goals or ideals, and being able to team up (X-Men Vs. Avenger, X-Men Vs. Fantastic Four…). The council seems to be heading this direction with GI JOE. Similarly to how the governments and people of Earth are blind to the distinction between who are good and who are evil Transformers, it seems the same will possibly ring true of humans visiting/attacking Cybertron now. We’ll have to wait and see on that one until next issue though.
Never leave your toys around for someone else to pick up and play with.
Final Words:
I’m still really interested and entertained. I’ve said this before, but It’s really close to the GI JOE - Transformers that I wanted as a kid, and even adult. Not a one off mini-series meeting, but purposeful interaction that has repercussions into the existing individual stories. The master and student relationship of Joe Colton and Scarlett, and the growth of Colton’s character as not just this alien fanatic have been satisfying. Now add the fact that Soundwave and Scarlett are working together, and seeing similarities between their own situations —prior allegiances and ideals seeming to lose glamour and maybe legitimacy when the most meaningful person to them is gone or changed- is making for some really cool relationship pieces. Scarlett too is starting to see many things differently than she had during Revolution…
Speaking of characters, Soundwave has taken center stage again. He’s amazingly been turned into a very, very interesting character through all that IDW has put him through. He’s a whole lot more than a cool voice carrying a small army like he was in the G1 cartoon which made so many love him.
I can't tell if he's smiling under his faceplate or not...
I’m looking forward to seeing more of the bad guys personalities come out as they continue to pick at each other, and each of their ‘special skills’ is required to continue to or achieve the goal.
Very significant for Transformers fans!!! Soundwave shines, the twins not named Xamot and Tomax are becoming interesting, and Blitzwing, somebody needs to save Blitzwing…
LOST: voice cadence and rhythm belonging to twin business brothers, if found contact Xamot at Extensive Enterprises...
Variant cover is spot on. And I wanted to just ignore it...sneaky.
out of
Last Issue:
The Evil Colton-lition's attack on Cybertron continued and the purpose for their attack unfolded. In protecting the planet Earth, Colton and his crew of baddies from across the IDW-verse have decided to take matters to the extreme -and try to destroy or poison the only source of power and sustenance for the Cybertronians located in the core of the planet- effectively hoping to subsequently destroy the robotic population, and thus, the threat to Earth.
This Issue:
The journey continues with Evil Joe Colton and company making their way to the core of Cybertron. Enter the Scarlett led GI JOE team, Soundwave, the Victorion twins, and MASK members Tracker and Baker (without vehicles?).
The real focus of this issue is the continuance of the action from the previous two with the newly arrived group of JOES now making their way to find and stop Colton using Soundwave’s outlier abilities and prior knowledge of Cybertron. Seems like it should be ‘game over’ for the bad guys, but what, not quite? Do the bad guys still have another trick up their sleeve?
Ignore this random generic bad guy placed in an important spot in the image...focus on the real bad guy whose face is also covered...but by a helmet.
As discussed in previous reviews, there is another short story reflecting the gathering of the baddies, this time focusing on Colton going to see old Adventure Team buddy Miles ‘Mayhem’ Manheim. One feels renewed pain for Blitzwing, and perhaps gains a new level of understanding about Manheim’s level of cruelty, as they experience this part of the narrative. Even Colton has to take a step back when observing his cruelty. How was he ever a part of the Adventure Team, a team with goals that are mostly along the good spectrum?
You sir need help.
The Art:
The whole art team (as mentioned in reviews previously) continues to do a very admirable and enjoyable job presenting the human and Transformer characters in what are mostly action-packed scenes. Max Dunbar continues to do excellent work with humans in exciting action poses and expressions, but at times his Transformers seem a little bit flat -much less dimensional than his humans- or oddly proportioned. You might be able to blame it on that they are robots, sure, but Max certainly seems more adept at humans. I do love what he’s been doing, along with his buddies, Ander Zarate and Tom B. Long, in representing the excitement and sometimes desperation of the story the way they have. I imagine it’s pretty fun to draw, color, and visually emote, all the destruction and mayhem (pun intended) that they have been able to.
The Story:
Scott and Rodriguez continue to smash, bash, and crash us with all that is going on in the story, working to extend what could be a one issue battle across a few issues to set up the series. While it seems highly unlikely that this idea of Colton’s would work given the colonies and other possible sources for energon, I’m interested to see what happens now that we are past the incursion, and we know the purpose of Colton’s group. The baddies seem primed (another pun?) for some typical baddie back-stabbing, as we see the bonds that formed them loosening a bit, kept together to this point masterfully, by Joe Colton. The good guys as evidenced by the end of this issue, seem to be going the typical route of misunderstanding and over-reaction to the idea of a team up. I always remember my 80’s super heroes having to have a small misunderstanding battle, before realizing they had the same goals or ideals, and being able to team up (X-Men Vs. Avenger, X-Men Vs. Fantastic Four…). The council seems to be heading this direction with GI JOE. Similarly to how the governments and people of Earth are blind to the distinction between who are good and who are evil Transformers, it seems the same will possibly ring true of humans visiting/attacking Cybertron now. We’ll have to wait and see on that one until next issue though.
Never leave your toys around for someone else to pick up and play with.
Final Words:
I’m still really interested and entertained. I’ve said this before, but It’s really close to the GI JOE - Transformers that I wanted as a kid, and even adult. Not a one off mini-series meeting, but purposeful interaction that has repercussions into the existing individual stories. The master and student relationship of Joe Colton and Scarlett, and the growth of Colton’s character as not just this alien fanatic have been satisfying. Now add the fact that Soundwave and Scarlett are working together, and seeing similarities between their own situations —prior allegiances and ideals seeming to lose glamour and maybe legitimacy when the most meaningful person to them is gone or changed- is making for some really cool relationship pieces. Scarlett too is starting to see many things differently than she had during Revolution…
Speaking of characters, Soundwave has taken center stage again. He’s amazingly been turned into a very, very interesting character through all that IDW has put him through. He’s a whole lot more than a cool voice carrying a small army like he was in the G1 cartoon which made so many love him.
I can't tell if he's smiling under his faceplate or not...
I’m looking forward to seeing more of the bad guys personalities come out as they continue to pick at each other, and each of their ‘special skills’ is required to continue to or achieve the goal.
Very significant for Transformers fans!!! Soundwave shines, the twins not named Xamot and Tomax are becoming interesting, and Blitzwing, somebody needs to save Blitzwing…
LOST: voice cadence and rhythm belonging to twin business brothers, if found contact Xamot at Extensive Enterprises...
Variant cover is spot on. And I wanted to just ignore it...sneaky.
out of
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910662)
Posted by Va'al on September 13th, 2017 @ 11:04am CDT
Posted by Va'al on September 13th, 2017 @ 11:04am CDT
A very good review, too!
It's a book that is way more enjoyable that it was initially seen as (both from me and the fandom at large), and you make a very good show of why exactly it does that in the review. Well done!
It's a book that is way more enjoyable that it was initially seen as (both from me and the fandom at large), and you make a very good show of why exactly it does that in the review. Well done!
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910664)
Posted by Kurona on September 13th, 2017 @ 11:06am CDT
Posted by Kurona on September 13th, 2017 @ 11:06am CDT
I'm starting to get the feeling someone in IDW really, really hates Blitzwing.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910665)
Posted by Randomhero on September 13th, 2017 @ 11:06am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on September 13th, 2017 @ 11:06am CDT
I totally spaced out this was coming out. Not because I don't like it, I actually love this event but nothing else was out this week so it passed right by me. Looks like I got some reading to do today after work!
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910669)
Posted by Va'al on September 13th, 2017 @ 11:15am CDT
Lost Light 9 is also out today!
Posted by Va'al on September 13th, 2017 @ 11:15am CDT
Randomhero wrote:I totally spaced out this was coming out. Not because I don't like it, I actually love this event but nothing else was out this week so it passed right by me. Looks like I got some reading to do today after work!
Lost Light 9 is also out today!
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910671)
Posted by Randomhero on September 13th, 2017 @ 11:21am CDT
I stand by what I said Va'al
Posted by Randomhero on September 13th, 2017 @ 11:21am CDT
Va'al wrote:Randomhero wrote:I totally spaced out this was coming out. Not because I don't like it, I actually love this event but nothing else was out this week so it passed right by me. Looks like I got some reading to do today after work!
Lost Light 9 is also out today!
I stand by what I said Va'al
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910680)
Posted by ScottyP on September 13th, 2017 @ 12:01pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on September 13th, 2017 @ 12:01pm CDT
I like what they're doing with the twins. Or maybe it's because they feel genuine in their involvement. Needs more any Laserbeak/Buzzsaw cracking wise.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910682)
Posted by Va'al on September 13th, 2017 @ 12:08pm CDT
I grumble at you audibly.
Posted by Va'al on September 13th, 2017 @ 12:08pm CDT
Randomhero wrote:Va'al wrote:Randomhero wrote:I totally spaced out this was coming out. Not because I don't like it, I actually love this event but nothing else was out this week so it passed right by me. Looks like I got some reading to do today after work!
Lost Light 9 is also out today!
I stand by what I said Va'al
I grumble at you audibly.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910683)
Posted by Kurona on September 13th, 2017 @ 12:15pm CDT
Posted by Kurona on September 13th, 2017 @ 12:15pm CDT
Sssso yeah, if anyone's gonna read this -- do not read the 'previously on' section. It's accidentally the previously on section for next issue -- hence spoiling everything in this issue before it even begins.
I love you, IDW, but... goddammit.
I love you, IDW, but... goddammit.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910684)
Posted by Randomhero on September 13th, 2017 @ 12:17pm CDT
Posted by Randomhero on September 13th, 2017 @ 12:17pm CDT
Va'al wrote:Randomhero wrote:Va'al wrote:Randomhero wrote:I totally spaced out this was coming out. Not because I don't like it, I actually love this event but nothing else was out this week so it passed right by me. Looks like I got some reading to do today after work!
Lost Light 9 is also out today!
I stand by what I said Va'al
I grumble at you audibly.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910752)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 13th, 2017 @ 7:09pm CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 13th, 2017 @ 7:09pm CDT
Hot off the heels of First Strike #3, we have the iTunes preview for First Strike #4! https://t.co/IWs661KSi7
And a preview for Micronauts: First Strike (MAJOR SPOILERS FOR WRATH OF KARZA #5) https://t.co/nc5bGW8FDF
And a preview for Micronauts: First Strike (MAJOR SPOILERS FOR WRATH OF KARZA #5) https://t.co/nc5bGW8FDF
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910829)
Posted by Bounti76 on September 14th, 2017 @ 3:56am CDT
Posted by Bounti76 on September 14th, 2017 @ 3:56am CDT
They just keep coming, these iTunes previews! September 27th will be a busy day for Transformers related titles, especially as they relate to the wider Hasbro Universe, in this case, the one-shot Micronauts: First Strike #1.
Please be aware that this preview contains big spoilers for Micronauts: Wrath of Karza #5, which isn't out until next week, so if you've been following that miniseries, read ahead at your own risk.
Please be aware that this preview contains big spoilers for Micronauts: Wrath of Karza #5, which isn't out until next week, so if you've been following that miniseries, read ahead at your own risk.
Rom, remaining on Earth as the events of First Strike take place, finds himself in a most unusual team-up… with Earth’s smallest heroes, The Micronauts! Together, these two forces must prevent a catastrophe on Earth even while Cybertron descends into chaos!
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910832)
Posted by Bounti76 on September 14th, 2017 @ 4:16am CDT
Posted by Bounti76 on September 14th, 2017 @ 4:16am CDT
And saving the Hasbro-iest preview for last, but certainly not least, we have the first three pages of First Strike #4! Wow, September 27th is just going to be packed full of comic-book goodness, isn't it? Make sure to pick this title up on release day and come back to the Energon Pub forums to discuss it when it's reviewed.
Captured by Transformers! Even with the Autobots on their side, G.I. Joe is in trouble! Starscream doesn’t trust anyone, much less armed humans who show up during Cybertron’s darkest hour and he’ll do anything he can to keep G.I. Joe under control—including let COBRA get even closer to their goal!
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910846)
Posted by Kurona on September 14th, 2017 @ 6:48am CDT
Posted by Kurona on September 14th, 2017 @ 6:48am CDT
God I need to start reading Micronauts again. The preview alone reminded me why I loved it so much.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910873)
Posted by dragons on September 14th, 2017 @ 8:19am CDT
Posted by dragons on September 14th, 2017 @ 8:19am CDT
like art its shame no comic stores around me to check out series
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910886)
Posted by ScottyP on September 14th, 2017 @ 9:00am CDT
Digital: comixology.com, iTunes, Amazon (Kindle e-delivery)
To order print books, I like midtowncomics.com
Disclaimer: that's US centric, if you're elsewhere I don't have instant recall for helpful resources
Posted by ScottyP on September 14th, 2017 @ 9:00am CDT
dragons wrote:like art its shame no comic stores around me to check out series
Digital: comixology.com, iTunes, Amazon (Kindle e-delivery)
To order print books, I like midtowncomics.com
Disclaimer: that's US centric, if you're elsewhere I don't have instant recall for helpful resources
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910920)
Posted by Big Grim on September 14th, 2017 @ 11:20am CDT
Cheers. I loved MASK as a kid. Firefly had to be my favorite vehicle though.
So not worth picking up?
I'm so far behind with TF and IDW issues.
Posted by Big Grim on September 14th, 2017 @ 11:20am CDT
ScottyP wrote:In this continuity, Miles Mayhem had all of the vehicles built based on Cybertronian tech derived from Blitzwing. The Rhino was given to Bruno Sheppard, who has the half metal face in the pages above. Sheppard has beef with Matt Trakker because Trakker focused on a mission instead of saving him from the fire that messed up his face.
Cliff Dagger was introduced in the MASK Annual and does have the Jackhammer, but he hasn't been used in several months.
Cheers. I loved MASK as a kid. Firefly had to be my favorite vehicle though.
ScottyP wrote:I had blocked that out of memory. The MASK book is so bad. I wish it weren't :/Daniel Adkins wrote:The actual reasoning is even stupider than that.
So not worth picking up?
I'm so far behind with TF and IDW issues.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1910976)
Posted by ScottyP on September 14th, 2017 @ 5:16pm CDT
Now the M.A.S.K. Annual somehow both ended up being awesome and being the only real significant link to TF stories through the run. I do recommend it, very fun read. This is probably because it's a loose retelling of MASK's pilot episode, "The Deathstone", only using this new IDW Hasbroverse.
Posted by ScottyP on September 14th, 2017 @ 5:16pm CDT
I'd say if you can get the trades later at a big discount (aka Amazon or through an inevitable digital sale), you probably won't hate it. That's as close as I can get in good conscience to recommending it.Big Grim wrote:So not worth picking up?
I'm so far behind with TF and IDW issues.
Now the M.A.S.K. Annual somehow both ended up being awesome and being the only real significant link to TF stories through the run. I do recommend it, very fun read. This is probably because it's a loose retelling of MASK's pilot episode, "The Deathstone", only using this new IDW Hasbroverse.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1911023)
Posted by Tigertrack on September 14th, 2017 @ 8:14pm CDT
Posted by Tigertrack on September 14th, 2017 @ 8:14pm CDT
GI Joe fans should at least sort of like MASK. Honestly. I didn't hate it, but I didn't buy a single copy either. Perks. Also, my comic store would have had to order it, and I can't get into that kind of committed relationship, with only a 'don't hate it' comic.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1911024)
Posted by Tigertrack on September 14th, 2017 @ 8:17pm CDT
Posted by Tigertrack on September 14th, 2017 @ 8:17pm CDT
Forgot to mention... Firecracker was my favorite as a kid, followed by Stinger and Volcano. Those toys were so fun... Lots of good stuff that I never had too. Bulldog, Razorback... And they even had a countach lambo... Lovely toys.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1911032)
Posted by ScottyP on September 14th, 2017 @ 10:17pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on September 14th, 2017 @ 10:17pm CDT
I really like Firefly and Slingshot (Aerialbots separated at birth? :O ) but my favorite was Goliath. Finding it years after the line was over on clearance in a beat up box at the Friendly Center TRU in Greensboro, which was the next town over, is one of my fondest childhood memories for some reason.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1911168)
Posted by Bounti76 on September 15th, 2017 @ 2:36pm CDT
Posted by Bounti76 on September 15th, 2017 @ 2:36pm CDT
Dumb question Micronauts fans can answer:Shazraella "enerchanged" with (who it's assumed for now is) Antagony. Does that kill the fembot, or just kind of put her in stasis?
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1911175)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 15th, 2017 @ 3:14pm CDT
Hard to know. So far the only time we've seen a Microspacian enerchange with a Cybertronian was Baron Karza with the stasis-locked, near-dead body of Micronus Prime. But given that some of the Dire Wraiths that Karza enerchanged with during Revolution later showed up alive (Caleb Awan and Axiom in particular), I'd guess that Shaz enerchanging with Antagony wouldn't kill her.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 15th, 2017 @ 3:14pm CDT
Bounti76 wrote:Dumb question Micronauts fans can answer:Shazraella "enerchanged" with (who it's assumed for now is) Antagony. Does that kill the fembot, or just kind of put her in stasis?
Hard to know. So far the only time we've seen a Microspacian enerchange with a Cybertronian was Baron Karza with the stasis-locked, near-dead body of Micronus Prime. But given that some of the Dire Wraiths that Karza enerchanged with during Revolution later showed up alive (Caleb Awan and Axiom in particular), I'd guess that Shaz enerchanging with Antagony wouldn't kill her.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1911833)
Posted by Big Grim on September 19th, 2017 @ 12:26pm CDT
Hrm. That's a damned shame. Will keep an eye out though. Cheers Dude.
Posted by Big Grim on September 19th, 2017 @ 12:26pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:I'd say if you can get the trades later at a big discount (aka Amazon or through an inevitable digital sale), you probably won't hate it. That's as close as I can get in good conscience to recommending it.Big Grim wrote:So not worth picking up?
I'm so far behind with TF and IDW issues.
Now the M.A.S.K. Annual somehow both ended up being awesome and being the only real significant link to TF stories through the run. I do recommend it, very fun read. This is probably because it's a loose retelling of MASK's pilot episode, "The Deathstone", only using this new IDW Hasbroverse.
Hrm. That's a damned shame. Will keep an eye out though. Cheers Dude.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1911906)
Posted by ScottyP on September 19th, 2017 @ 10:14pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on September 19th, 2017 @ 10:14pm CDT
Via PreviewsWorld, the 10-copy Retailer Incentive cover for the upcoming First Strike: Optimus Prime one-shot has been revealed. According to PreviewsWorld, this cover features artwork by Nick Bradshaw, and has been mirrored below.
Just for fun, and with its tenth anniversary upon us, why not check out the completely unrelated Seibertron.com gallery for the toy that shares the same name as this upcoming comic!
(W) John Barber (A) Guido Guidi (CA) Nick Bradshaw
With Cybertron under siege by Baron Ironblood's forces, Optimus Prime and Arcee defend their homeland! Caught in the middle is the human/Transformer team known as the Revolutionaries-and one of them has a secret that puts everyone at risk!
Just for fun, and with its tenth anniversary upon us, why not check out the completely unrelated Seibertron.com gallery for the toy that shares the same name as this upcoming comic!
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1911994)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on September 20th, 2017 @ 10:58am CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on September 20th, 2017 @ 10:58am CDT
Just in time for the comic to be released, we have a full preview courtesy of CBR for the new GI Joe First Strike comic! The comic is being released today, so read up on the preview below, and determine if this preview is enough to encourage you to go out and buy the full thing!
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1912026)
Posted by Rodimus Knight on September 20th, 2017 @ 12:28pm CDT
Posted by Rodimus Knight on September 20th, 2017 @ 12:28pm CDT
I imagine with that cover, one wrong bump and Scarlet is going flying.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1912666)
Posted by Burn on September 24th, 2017 @ 11:51pm CDT
Posted by Burn on September 24th, 2017 @ 11:51pm CDT
Scarlet falling off would be the least problem with this book.
It was atrocious, why IDW continue to call G.I. Joe "The Crown Jewel" is beyond me. "A Real American Hero" is a vastly superior book compared to the Hasbroverse G.I. Joe book.
It was atrocious, why IDW continue to call G.I. Joe "The Crown Jewel" is beyond me. "A Real American Hero" is a vastly superior book compared to the Hasbroverse G.I. Joe book.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1912907)
Posted by Va'al on September 26th, 2017 @ 2:58am CDT
Posted by Va'al on September 26th, 2017 @ 2:58am CDT
Out this week from IDW Publishing are two next chapter in the current Hasbro universe that involve Transformers - and first up, we're looking at First Strike #4, the current day events, and the attack to Cybertron with Shazraella's involvement. Check it out below!
First Strike #4—Cover A: Freddie E. Williams II
Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez (w) • Max Dunbar (a) • Freddie E. Williams II (c)
Captured by Transformers! Even with the Autobots on their side, G.I. Joe is in trouble! Starscream doesn’t trust anyone, much less armed humans who show up during Cybertron’s darkest hour and he’ll do anything he can to keep G.I. Joe under control—including let COBRA get even closer to their goal! FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
The Hasbro comic book crossover event of 2017 is here!
Time is running out! It’s G.I. Joe and M.A.S.K. vs. the Transformers vs. the other Transformers vs. COBRA!
We’re in the home-stretch! It wouldn’t be hard to envision what is coming down the line! No tricks, no illusions, no holograms! So pony up because it is about to get wild! Okay, maybe not everything is part of the shared line, but some exciting stuff is! It’ll be a whole new status quo with all-new books!
Variant covers by Jay Fosgitt, Davide Fabbri, and Leonardo Manco!
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1912924)
Posted by bluecatcinema on September 26th, 2017 @ 7:33am CDT
Posted by bluecatcinema on September 26th, 2017 @ 7:33am CDT
"And now we're back to genocide. Why did I ever think politics would be less violent than war?"
Good one, 'Screamer.
Good one, 'Screamer.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1912936)
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on September 26th, 2017 @ 9:03am CDT
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on September 26th, 2017 @ 9:03am CDT
Look at that, Starscream being the voice of reason. Looks like Ghost Bee and the whole Vigilem incident really affected him.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1912996)
Posted by Va'al on September 26th, 2017 @ 12:50pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on September 26th, 2017 @ 12:50pm CDT
In other Hasbro First Strike news this week, from IDW Publishing's releases, we have another of the tie-in issues from the various titles participating in the crossover event: Micronauts #1! Take a look a the full preview below, and let us know what you think in the discussion on the Energon Pub boards.
Micronauts: First Strike #1—Cover A: Nelson Daniel
Christos Gage (w) • Chris Panda (a) • Nelson Daniel (c)
Rom, remaining on Earth as the events of First Strike take place, finds himself in a most unusual team-up… with Earth’s smallest heroes, The Micronauts! Together, these two forces must prevent a catastrophe on Earth even while Cybertron descends into chaos!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
Tying into the events of First Strike—A Hasbro Comic Book Event!
The first part of the Micronauts and Rom’s story—continued in next month’s ROM: First Strike #1!
Variant cover by Nick Bradshaw!
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913083)
Posted by ebonyleopard on September 26th, 2017 @ 9:38pm CDT
Posted by ebonyleopard on September 26th, 2017 @ 9:38pm CDT
The writing is good when Starscream becomes the rational sounding one. Why to flesh out his character with humongous growth.
Gotta say this First Strike crossover may be the best IDW had done so far. (Just don't do a Marvel and make this a yearly thing).
Gotta say this First Strike crossover may be the best IDW had done so far. (Just don't do a Marvel and make this a yearly thing).
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913085)
Posted by Kurona on September 26th, 2017 @ 9:49pm CDT
There's another crossover planned for next year. Adding in Revolution, this means IDW are in the midst of doing at least three big multi-franchise crossover events per year in a row.
Posted by Kurona on September 26th, 2017 @ 9:49pm CDT
Ebonyleopard wrote:The writing is good when Starscream becomes the rational sounding one. Why to flesh out his character with humongous growth.
Gotta say this First Strike crossover may be the best IDW had done so far. (Just don't do a Marvel and make this a yearly thing).
There's another crossover planned for next year. Adding in Revolution, this means IDW are in the midst of doing at least three big multi-franchise crossover events per year in a row.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913252)
Posted by Va'al on September 27th, 2017 @ 4:37pm CDT
Synopsis
Captured by Transformers! Even with the Autobots on their side, G.I. Joe is in trouble! Starscream doesn’t trust anyone, much less armed humans who show up during Cybertron’s darkest hour and he’ll do anything he can to keep G.I. Joe under control—including let COBRA get even closer to their goal!
Agreed.
Story
We continue our exploration of the wider Hasbro Universe as the First Strike event reaches the second act in its first issue over at IDW Publishing, as writers Mairghread Scott and David A. Rodriguez attempt to bring together and make no one kiss from the various feeble alliances at hand - and Starscream is tired.
So very tired
The momentum we had seen in the previous three issues seems to have waned a bit by this fourth issue, as the charge of the story is shifted to the two major factions colliding on Cybertron, now that politics and policy take over the immediate response to Ironblood's threat. Which was to be expected narratively, but I think also drags the pacing a little too much - which may be rectified in the next two issues.
and we all stumble
Look, I like a good dissection of Optimus Prime's character and saviour complex, and I have always enjoyed how Scott included that in her look at religious issues in Cybertronian and its colonies' culture, but one sequence in this issue that once more to that felt a little redundant after the parallels drawn with Scarlett and Soundwave last issue. Either that, or more could've been seeded earlier in the event, if this is going where I think it might.
buuuuuuuurn
As for characters in general, there are some good moments and snippets for individuals - but Scarlett, like Optimus, unfortunately takes a little too much too far too heavy of a burden for the story and the personal/political side of the event. The back-up story (at the hands of John Barber), on the other hand, was particularly enjoyable, and once more Mayhem steals the scene now that Shazraella is fully introduced (who finally clicks with her WoK drive, too).
Art
Max Dunbar (pencils) and John Wycough (inks) take the lead story's art duties, with Ander Zarate on the colouring side, and I am not entirely conviced, I'll admit. Dunbar's style still feels as though he's trying to adapt to the different moments in the story, but rather than finding a lead motive, it just falls into looking like other art depending on the sequence - not helped by the jarring contrast of heavy inks on an otherwise much lighter touch everywhere else in the issue (Wycough is only pages 3-9), meaning that the Cybertronians in trial are a bit too static for a full appreciation of the exchanges.
See? The inks are just drowning everything else in her face
As for the small chapter of backstory at the end, on the other hand, the collaboration between Netho Diaz (pencils), Walden Wong (inks), and David Garcia Cruz (colours) meshes really nicely - and not unnecessarily darkly - with Barber's short script, bringing some good spotlights onto Shazraella and Mayhem, still my favourites by far, and the compositions that the difference in scales allow for such a short frame of story space.
Gilberto Lazcano takes on the lettering duties in the issue, and I find no faults in his approach to the captions and dialogues, but it takes a long while to see full creativity with the soundscape of the more action-based scenes later on. The cover chosen for the thumbnail is a good summary of the main thread running for the most part of the issue, by talented Alex Ronald and Thomas Teyowisonte Deer -- and all other covers, of which there are many, can be found in our updated entry database right here.
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
There have been comments about this event that I strongly disagree with, but I have to admit that this particular issue did not do well what the previous three had handled really quite nicely, by adding some forced parallels, stilted dialogue moments, and pairing them with some not particularly strong visual results to carry the story forward - meaning that a particularly important moment for TF readers may be lost in tonal overbearing.
basically, #same
I'm not saying it's a bad issue, but it does have its severely dipping moments that it most definitely could not afford at this stage of the event, and by the nature of the event itself, too. Enjoy the Mayhem, enjoy the Starscream, enjoy the jabs at Optimus - and appreciate the difficulty of balancing all of the characters involved. But if this were to be entirely Scarlett's story and her relation to Colton, the issue sunk a bit too far into itself to make any other emotional connection work for me.
Posted by Va'al on September 27th, 2017 @ 4:37pm CDT
Shut Up, Optimus
(Spoiler free-ish)
(Spoiler free-ish)
Synopsis
Captured by Transformers! Even with the Autobots on their side, G.I. Joe is in trouble! Starscream doesn’t trust anyone, much less armed humans who show up during Cybertron’s darkest hour and he’ll do anything he can to keep G.I. Joe under control—including let COBRA get even closer to their goal!
Agreed.
Story
We continue our exploration of the wider Hasbro Universe as the First Strike event reaches the second act in its first issue over at IDW Publishing, as writers Mairghread Scott and David A. Rodriguez attempt to bring together and make no one kiss from the various feeble alliances at hand - and Starscream is tired.
So very tired
The momentum we had seen in the previous three issues seems to have waned a bit by this fourth issue, as the charge of the story is shifted to the two major factions colliding on Cybertron, now that politics and policy take over the immediate response to Ironblood's threat. Which was to be expected narratively, but I think also drags the pacing a little too much - which may be rectified in the next two issues.
and we all stumble
Look, I like a good dissection of Optimus Prime's character and saviour complex, and I have always enjoyed how Scott included that in her look at religious issues in Cybertronian and its colonies' culture, but one sequence in this issue that once more to that felt a little redundant after the parallels drawn with Scarlett and Soundwave last issue. Either that, or more could've been seeded earlier in the event, if this is going where I think it might.
buuuuuuuurn
As for characters in general, there are some good moments and snippets for individuals - but Scarlett, like Optimus, unfortunately takes a little too much too far too heavy of a burden for the story and the personal/political side of the event. The back-up story (at the hands of John Barber), on the other hand, was particularly enjoyable, and once more Mayhem steals the scene now that Shazraella is fully introduced (who finally clicks with her WoK drive, too).
Art
Max Dunbar (pencils) and John Wycough (inks) take the lead story's art duties, with Ander Zarate on the colouring side, and I am not entirely conviced, I'll admit. Dunbar's style still feels as though he's trying to adapt to the different moments in the story, but rather than finding a lead motive, it just falls into looking like other art depending on the sequence - not helped by the jarring contrast of heavy inks on an otherwise much lighter touch everywhere else in the issue (Wycough is only pages 3-9), meaning that the Cybertronians in trial are a bit too static for a full appreciation of the exchanges.
See? The inks are just drowning everything else in her face
As for the small chapter of backstory at the end, on the other hand, the collaboration between Netho Diaz (pencils), Walden Wong (inks), and David Garcia Cruz (colours) meshes really nicely - and not unnecessarily darkly - with Barber's short script, bringing some good spotlights onto Shazraella and Mayhem, still my favourites by far, and the compositions that the difference in scales allow for such a short frame of story space.
Gilberto Lazcano takes on the lettering duties in the issue, and I find no faults in his approach to the captions and dialogues, but it takes a long while to see full creativity with the soundscape of the more action-based scenes later on. The cover chosen for the thumbnail is a good summary of the main thread running for the most part of the issue, by talented Alex Ronald and Thomas Teyowisonte Deer -- and all other covers, of which there are many, can be found in our updated entry database right here.
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
There have been comments about this event that I strongly disagree with, but I have to admit that this particular issue did not do well what the previous three had handled really quite nicely, by adding some forced parallels, stilted dialogue moments, and pairing them with some not particularly strong visual results to carry the story forward - meaning that a particularly important moment for TF readers may be lost in tonal overbearing.
basically, #same
I'm not saying it's a bad issue, but it does have its severely dipping moments that it most definitely could not afford at this stage of the event, and by the nature of the event itself, too. Enjoy the Mayhem, enjoy the Starscream, enjoy the jabs at Optimus - and appreciate the difficulty of balancing all of the characters involved. But if this were to be entirely Scarlett's story and her relation to Colton, the issue sunk a bit too far into itself to make any other emotional connection work for me.
. - out of
- out of
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913272)
Posted by ScottyP on September 27th, 2017 @ 10:43pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on September 27th, 2017 @ 10:43pm CDT
The few good parts put a glaring spotlight on the problem spots, at least for me. And the thing with the pushups, holy crap, way to make Scarlett look like a whiny Langley brat while Gloria, Matt, Roadblock, and Jaye keep things steady.
And don't get me started on Joe "Roman Reigns" Colton again. There are no stakes left. Will they overcome the odds? Yes. Someone will. Yay?
At least this is coming out on schedule so far and will be over in a month. Misery on paper.
And don't get me started on Joe "Roman Reigns" Colton again. There are no stakes left. Will they overcome the odds? Yes. Someone will. Yay?
At least this is coming out on schedule so far and will be over in a month. Misery on paper.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913296)
Posted by Va'al on September 28th, 2017 @ 3:09am CDT
I think that's what got to me the most. Scarlett was a potentially very good character with some good motivations and general 'good' things about her - then that story came up, and it dragged down her, Optimus, Colton, and just a whole lot of set-up that had been avoided in a book predominantly about GI Joe (come on, it's true).
There are some very good parts, as you say - but no, between visual stumbles, forced dialogue and over-drama, it just doesn't work well as a set-up for the second act (of two).
Let's see next month.
Posted by Va'al on September 28th, 2017 @ 3:09am CDT
ScottyP wrote:The few good parts put a glaring spotlight on the problem spots, at least for me. And the thing with the pushups, holy crap, way to make Scarlett look like a whiny Langley brat while Gloria, Matt, Roadblock, and Jaye keep things steady.
I think that's what got to me the most. Scarlett was a potentially very good character with some good motivations and general 'good' things about her - then that story came up, and it dragged down her, Optimus, Colton, and just a whole lot of set-up that had been avoided in a book predominantly about GI Joe (come on, it's true).
There are some very good parts, as you say - but no, between visual stumbles, forced dialogue and over-drama, it just doesn't work well as a set-up for the second act (of two).
Let's see next month.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913297)
Posted by Va'al on September 28th, 2017 @ 3:18am CDT
Posted by Va'al on September 28th, 2017 @ 3:18am CDT
With issue #4 out, Previews World has now updated their listings for the variant covers for First Strike #5 - due next month from IDW Publishing - featuring artwork by Rob Duenas, Davide Fabbri and Monica Kubina, and Leonardo Manco, with the latter two choosing Joe Colton's scheming face with different entourages, and the former using the regular superdeformed brighly lit-up art we've come to see already. Check them all out below!
(W) Mairghread Scott, David Rodriguez (A) Max Dunbar (CA) Rob Duenas
Prison Break! After a daring escape, Optimus Prime, the Autobots, Scarlett, G.I. Joe and M.A.S.K. must venture into the heart of Cybertron to stop Cobra's devastating weapon that will kill every Transformer on the planet!
Bullet points:
* The Hasbro comic book event of 2017 continues!
* It's a race against time as Cobra reaches their goal! Can our heroes catch up? Or is Cybertron doomed?
* Filled with the action, drama and humor you've come to expect!
(W) Mairghread Scott, David Rodriguez (A) Max Dunbar (CA) Davide Fabbri
(W) Mairghread Scott, David Rodriguez (A) Max Dunbar (CA) Leonardo Manco
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913309)
Posted by Big Grim on September 28th, 2017 @ 6:56am CDT
Posted by Big Grim on September 28th, 2017 @ 6:56am CDT
Ugh, they really cannot draw the masks, can they. The original worked. That does not look like any version of Viper I've known.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913311)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 28th, 2017 @ 7:43am CDT
All the Masks got redesigned in the IDW continuity.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 28th, 2017 @ 7:43am CDT
Big Grim wrote:Ugh, they really cannot draw the masks, can they. The original worked. That does not look like any version of Viper I've known.
All the Masks got redesigned in the IDW continuity.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913313)
Posted by Big Grim on September 28th, 2017 @ 8:03am CDT
Redesigned to look fairly generic and samey? GG IDW. Well done indeed.
Posted by Big Grim on September 28th, 2017 @ 8:03am CDT
Daniel Adkins wrote:Big Grim wrote:Ugh, they really cannot draw the masks, can they. The original worked. That does not look like any version of Viper I've known.
All the Masks got redesigned in the IDW continuity.
Redesigned to look fairly generic and samey? GG IDW. Well done indeed.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913315)
Posted by ScottyP on September 28th, 2017 @ 8:31am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on September 28th, 2017 @ 8:31am CDT
I feel like a massive douche about putting down the pushups thing now. Apparently it's a real thing that happens. https://twitter.com/MairghreadScott/sta ... 5095305216
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913316)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 28th, 2017 @ 8:35am CDT
*shrug* I wouldn't really say they're "samey," but to each his own. I find Mayhem's new Mask much better than the original, especially in how it recreates a peaked cap and his mustache.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 28th, 2017 @ 8:35am CDT
Big Grim wrote:Daniel Adkins wrote:Big Grim wrote:Ugh, they really cannot draw the masks, can they. The original worked. That does not look like any version of Viper I've known.
All the Masks got redesigned in the IDW continuity.
Redesigned to look fairly generic and samey? GG IDW. Well done indeed.
*shrug* I wouldn't really say they're "samey," but to each his own. I find Mayhem's new Mask much better than the original, especially in how it recreates a peaked cap and his mustache.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913327)
Posted by Va'al on September 28th, 2017 @ 9:48am CDT
That is fascinating (and horrifying) - but it doesn't change my opinion of the reading, unfortunately.
The way in which Scarlett and Optimus are tied in the issue still falls a little short of what it could be, especially with his presence constantly being played down by the actual characters around him such as Elita, Windblade, Starscream - even Ironhide's defense recognises he's an old dude out of his element.
Personally, I'm not a fan of the very US-based military narrative that runs in a lot of the comics we see coming out of Hasbro universe (and I realise that's a lot, and I realise it happens in such wider comics circles too - we commented upon it with John Barber way back in our first interview with him on the Twincast). It may have kicked those sensors in my brain, and made it feel ..meh.
That said, I am hopeful for a pick up in the next issue, leading to the finale.
Posted by Va'al on September 28th, 2017 @ 9:48am CDT
ScottyP wrote:I feel like a massive douche about putting down the pushups thing now. Apparently it's a real thing that happens. https://twitter.com/MairghreadScott/sta ... 5095305216
That is fascinating (and horrifying) - but it doesn't change my opinion of the reading, unfortunately.
The way in which Scarlett and Optimus are tied in the issue still falls a little short of what it could be, especially with his presence constantly being played down by the actual characters around him such as Elita, Windblade, Starscream - even Ironhide's defense recognises he's an old dude out of his element.
Personally, I'm not a fan of the very US-based military narrative that runs in a lot of the comics we see coming out of Hasbro universe (and I realise that's a lot, and I realise it happens in such wider comics circles too - we commented upon it with John Barber way back in our first interview with him on the Twincast). It may have kicked those sensors in my brain, and made it feel ..meh.
That said, I am hopeful for a pick up in the next issue, leading to the finale.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913381)
Posted by ScottyP on September 28th, 2017 @ 12:30pm CDT
Also, and I can't believe I'm saying this because I hate him but I thought it would've just happened by now since it's a hyper logical plot point that's been built up over 8 years - where is Spike and why is he not helping Colton?
Posted by ScottyP on September 28th, 2017 @ 12:30pm CDT
I was pretty into how OP (the series) was handling GI Joe. Talon gave it some credibility. But this series very much has the 'Murica feeling and maybe that's why it's lacking some deeper punch.Va'al wrote:Personally, I'm not a fan of the very US-based military narrative that runs in a lot of the comics we see coming out of Hasbro universe
Also, and I can't believe I'm saying this because I hate him but I thought it would've just happened by now since it's a hyper logical plot point that's been built up over 8 years - where is Spike and why is he not helping Colton?
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913387)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 28th, 2017 @ 12:59pm CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 28th, 2017 @ 12:59pm CDT
I'll be honest, I don't really get a "'Murica" vibe. Unless you're referring to Colton being a white baby boomer who appropriates German iconography who thinks foreigners are ruining his home. Of course, we also have Elita being a political candidate who paints an entire group of people as dangerous criminals.
I feel there's something kinda meta about the fact that all the Cybertronians brush the humans off as not being a substantial threat, considering that that idea has been one of the most common criticisms I've seen naysayers of Revolution/First Strike bring up.
One thing I don't get in regards to Scarlett's monologue is how it doesn't line up with IDW Joe history. The Joes aren't a group of wash-outs. In fact, they're usually the best of the best. And Hawk recruited her, not Colton.
I feel there's something kinda meta about the fact that all the Cybertronians brush the humans off as not being a substantial threat, considering that that idea has been one of the most common criticisms I've seen naysayers of Revolution/First Strike bring up.
One thing I don't get in regards to Scarlett's monologue is how it doesn't line up with IDW Joe history. The Joes aren't a group of wash-outs. In fact, they're usually the best of the best. And Hawk recruited her, not Colton.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1913466)
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on September 29th, 2017 @ 1:10am CDT
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on September 29th, 2017 @ 1:10am CDT
Just have to say. I think Marissa as Earth's Council of Worlds rep wasn't the best writing choice. I think Blackrock would've been better. He's a cybertronian/human hybrid as far as we're concerned, it just seems like a perfect fit.
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1914372)
Posted by Bounti76 on October 3rd, 2017 @ 9:27pm CDT
Posted by Bounti76 on October 3rd, 2017 @ 9:27pm CDT
Coming to us via iTunes, we have the three page preview for the penultimate issue in the First Strike event! Keeping right on schedule, this issue will be released on October 11th, after which we invite you all to spacebridge back to the Energon Pub Forums to discuss it!
Prison Break! After a daring escape, Optimus Prime, the Autobots, Scarlett, G.I. Joe and M.A.S.K. must venture into the heart of Cybertron to stop Cobra’s devastating weapon that will kill every Transformer on the planet!
Re: More Details on IDW First Strike Tie-in Issues, with Barber, Sitterson, Gage (1914381)
Posted by WreckerJack on October 3rd, 2017 @ 9:57pm CDT
Posted by WreckerJack on October 3rd, 2017 @ 9:57pm CDT
Pyra looks so sad on the cover 
I don't follow this series normally but I wish I knew what's going on on that cover. Prime doesn't look so good himself.
I don't follow this series normally but I wish I knew what's going on on that cover. Prime doesn't look so good himself.
