Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1
Saturday, November 14th, 2009 11:15PM CST
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Hello Seibertronians,
Once again, Seibertron.com is bringing you exclusive content first. This time, we got an chance to review the upcoming IDW Publishing release of Transformers Ongoing #1, the newest Transformers story arc to be published by the comic book producing company.
WARNING!!! SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
Written by Mike Costa and heralding the return to the Transformers Universe for fan favorite artist Don Figueroa, Transformers Ongoing #1 is everything that the Transformers catch phrase "More than Meets the Eye" encompasses.
It is two years after the end of the Great War. The human race spends its time rebuilding Earth from all the destruction unwillingly brought upon it by the Transformers, refusing the help of Optimus Prime and his band of Autobots, instead forcing them into hiding. Though it is believed that Megatron is dead, Optimus Prime feels that the Autobots must remain on Earth to protect it from any possible Decepticon attack. But the only threat that seems to confront the Cybertronian warriors is not that of the Decepticons, but of the humans!
Led by Major Spike Witwicky, the human force known as Skywatch has only one mission objective: apprehend and deactivate all Transformers.
One thing that I can tell you for certain is this: none of the previews that you have seen for this first installment of the Ongoing Series will prepare you for the outcome. Mike Costa and the team at IDW Publishing are taking our beloved Robots in Disguise into a completely new era to the likes of which we have never thought of. The story presented by Mr. Costa captures the true essence of the Transformers being, albeit from the Autobot perspective, and adds a twist that may leave you scratching your head saying "What?!".
As a Transformers fan before anything, I can say this: This story may leave you with a bad taste in your mouth. I can see that IDW is trying to venture out of the norm, away from the usual Autobot VS. Decepticon battle after battle, but if you're the type of fan that doesn't like being taken out of your "Transformers comfort zone", Transformers Ongoing may not be right for you.
Aside from the story, the new art style being used is also a hard pill to swallow, as evidenced by the ongoing debates right here on Seibertron.com's forums. The fusion between the G1 remeniscent Classicsverse and the newer style Movieverse Transformers seems to take the worst of both styles and mashes them together. The one problem that I see, and many Seibertronians here seem to agree, is that the facial construction of the Transformers makes it look like all of them are evil, regardless of faction. I don't know if Don got bit by the "Twilight" bug, but I just don't get some of the Transformers looking more like "Cullens" than Cybertronians, and this is coming from a fan who loves his Transformers art. To say that this book is different is far from an understatement.
Its great to see the presence of some fan favorites such as Prowl, Wheeljack and Hot Rod but painful to see the demise of a hero in Ironhide. Even a popular Stunticon makes an appearance in a very popular Classicsverse alt mode. It seems like Mike and Don really tried to connect with the hardcore G1 fanbase with the presence of so many of the original Transformers, but may lose them with such a radical take on their forward direction.
Overall, the book makes for a very interesting read. This isn't your old school Transformers kiddies, this is a whole new era, seperate from the Transformers of yesteryear and the current movieverse. Be prepared to accept a new universe, a new direction and a new style of Transformers.
Transformers Ongoing #1 is due to hit news stands this Wednesday November 18th, 2009. Prepare to have your perspective on the Autobots and Decepticons Transformed.
See Also ...
Transformers: Ongoing
Transformers: Ongoing #1
Once again, Seibertron.com is bringing you exclusive content first. This time, we got an chance to review the upcoming IDW Publishing release of Transformers Ongoing #1, the newest Transformers story arc to be published by the comic book producing company.
WARNING!!! SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
Written by Mike Costa and heralding the return to the Transformers Universe for fan favorite artist Don Figueroa, Transformers Ongoing #1 is everything that the Transformers catch phrase "More than Meets the Eye" encompasses.
It is two years after the end of the Great War. The human race spends its time rebuilding Earth from all the destruction unwillingly brought upon it by the Transformers, refusing the help of Optimus Prime and his band of Autobots, instead forcing them into hiding. Though it is believed that Megatron is dead, Optimus Prime feels that the Autobots must remain on Earth to protect it from any possible Decepticon attack. But the only threat that seems to confront the Cybertronian warriors is not that of the Decepticons, but of the humans!
Led by Major Spike Witwicky, the human force known as Skywatch has only one mission objective: apprehend and deactivate all Transformers.
One thing that I can tell you for certain is this: none of the previews that you have seen for this first installment of the Ongoing Series will prepare you for the outcome. Mike Costa and the team at IDW Publishing are taking our beloved Robots in Disguise into a completely new era to the likes of which we have never thought of. The story presented by Mr. Costa captures the true essence of the Transformers being, albeit from the Autobot perspective, and adds a twist that may leave you scratching your head saying "What?!".
As a Transformers fan before anything, I can say this: This story may leave you with a bad taste in your mouth. I can see that IDW is trying to venture out of the norm, away from the usual Autobot VS. Decepticon battle after battle, but if you're the type of fan that doesn't like being taken out of your "Transformers comfort zone", Transformers Ongoing may not be right for you.
Aside from the story, the new art style being used is also a hard pill to swallow, as evidenced by the ongoing debates right here on Seibertron.com's forums. The fusion between the G1 remeniscent Classicsverse and the newer style Movieverse Transformers seems to take the worst of both styles and mashes them together. The one problem that I see, and many Seibertronians here seem to agree, is that the facial construction of the Transformers makes it look like all of them are evil, regardless of faction. I don't know if Don got bit by the "Twilight" bug, but I just don't get some of the Transformers looking more like "Cullens" than Cybertronians, and this is coming from a fan who loves his Transformers art. To say that this book is different is far from an understatement.
Its great to see the presence of some fan favorites such as Prowl, Wheeljack and Hot Rod but painful to see the demise of a hero in Ironhide. Even a popular Stunticon makes an appearance in a very popular Classicsverse alt mode. It seems like Mike and Don really tried to connect with the hardcore G1 fanbase with the presence of so many of the original Transformers, but may lose them with such a radical take on their forward direction.
Overall, the book makes for a very interesting read. This isn't your old school Transformers kiddies, this is a whole new era, seperate from the Transformers of yesteryear and the current movieverse. Be prepared to accept a new universe, a new direction and a new style of Transformers.
Transformers Ongoing #1 is due to hit news stands this Wednesday November 18th, 2009. Prepare to have your perspective on the Autobots and Decepticons Transformed.
See Also ...
Transformers: Ongoing
Transformers: Ongoing #1
Credit(s): First Gen
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Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020171)
Posted by Heckfire on November 15th, 2009 @ 12:36am CST
Posted by Heckfire on November 15th, 2009 @ 12:36am CST
Hey, I'm willing to give it a shot; besides, the new "fugitive Autobots" angle looks like a good twist on the normal stories. I'm a little hinky about the new style, but how many style revamps did the original G1 have during its run? Yeah, I'd have preferred they go back to before AHM and continue THAT storyline properly, but that's a complaint for a different thread...besides, better they continue and salvage what is than give us ANOTHER reboot.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020175)
Posted by Hans on November 15th, 2009 @ 2:49am CST
Posted by Hans on November 15th, 2009 @ 2:49am CST
This is a first for me, but after faithfully following all "Generation one" comics so far (Marvel, Marvel UK, Dreamwave, IDW) I've decided to cancel my pre-order for this new ongoing.
I'll still be getting Nick Roche's Wreckers comic (Nick's slightly caricatural artstyle isn't really my thing, but storywise he's been really good so far, and I like the cast) and the Bumblebee series (like the art), but the IDW comics have taken such a dramatic fall in quality since All Hail Megatron (in the end I only got it for the Guido Guidi artwork) that I'm just not willing to invest in yet another writer who will "give it a shot". At 3.99 a piece I think the quality of the IDW TF comics has been piss-poor lately. Add to that the new and incredibly off-putting designs by Don, and I'm... done.
I know a lot of fans are more than willing to embrace new writers, but I've decided that for me, no one can beat Simon Furman when it comes to writing Transformers stories. Spotlight: Sideswipe was worth it's weight in gold, but every issue of Shane McCarthey's All Hail Megatron took me about 4 minutes to read. At $ 3.99 a piece for a comic book, that's not the way it should be, IMO.
I'll still be getting Nick Roche's Wreckers comic (Nick's slightly caricatural artstyle isn't really my thing, but storywise he's been really good so far, and I like the cast) and the Bumblebee series (like the art), but the IDW comics have taken such a dramatic fall in quality since All Hail Megatron (in the end I only got it for the Guido Guidi artwork) that I'm just not willing to invest in yet another writer who will "give it a shot". At 3.99 a piece I think the quality of the IDW TF comics has been piss-poor lately. Add to that the new and incredibly off-putting designs by Don, and I'm... done.
I know a lot of fans are more than willing to embrace new writers, but I've decided that for me, no one can beat Simon Furman when it comes to writing Transformers stories. Spotlight: Sideswipe was worth it's weight in gold, but every issue of Shane McCarthey's All Hail Megatron took me about 4 minutes to read. At $ 3.99 a piece for a comic book, that's not the way it should be, IMO.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020199)
Posted by Dead Metal on November 15th, 2009 @ 6:45am CST
Posted by Dead Metal on November 15th, 2009 @ 6:45am CST
Based on this and the new preview we've got I can officially say it sucks story and art wise.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020219)
Posted by Ravage Eject on November 15th, 2009 @ 9:44am CST
Posted by Ravage Eject on November 15th, 2009 @ 9:44am CST
well I guess I'm in the minority then because I actually like the art. In fact, I wish the movie designs were closer to these designs. As far as not liking the new story....come on...how many people love Cybertron, or Armada, OR Beast Wars....there is plenty of room to explore different stories and art styles in the Transformers Universe....count me out of the "this art sucks" bandwagon. 
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020233)
Posted by Primus C-00 on November 15th, 2009 @ 12:03pm CST
I'm going to have to concur. I'm liking the gamble these guys are taking. It's a bold front after AHM and RoTF, and to remain within the Furman-verse?
Those are some cast iron (wrecking) balls.
I'll pick this up, see what happens.
Posted by Primus C-00 on November 15th, 2009 @ 12:03pm CST
Ravage Eject wrote:well I guess I'm in the minority then because I actually like the art. In fact, I wish the movie designs were closer to these designs. As far as not liking the new story....come on...how many people love Cybertron, or Armada, OR Beast Wars....there is plenty of room to explore different stories and art styles in the Transformers Universe....count me out of the "this art sucks" bandwagon.
I'm going to have to concur. I'm liking the gamble these guys are taking. It's a bold front after AHM and RoTF, and to remain within the Furman-verse?
Those are some cast iron (wrecking) balls.
I'll pick this up, see what happens.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020257)
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2009 @ 1:45pm CST
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2009 @ 1:45pm CST
I for one am also rather impressed with the new facial art. It makes a LOT more sense from the standpoint of the physical expression. By this I mean this: there are an ENORMOUS number of small muscles in the face that allow a human being to express feelings in a visible way. If you decide to impart human-like feelings and expressions on robots, then you need to have the mechanics to do so. As a result you are going to deal with a great number of metallic plates and joints in the face and it would give a much more inhuman appearance. You simply can't have that range of emotion with a single jointed jaw that slides up and down or with a single solid plate for a face; it gives the appearance of a mask- and you simply can't express emotion that way. Anyways, that's my take on why they've gone with the new art direction...a logical decision really expressed for the first time in the 2007 movie.
I'm always up for something new so let's give this a shot and see what happens. And honestly, can you blame the humans for wanting to destroy all Transformers? They nearly destroyed their planet and they can seamlessly disguise themselves; I'd say they have a right to be a little (or a lot) paranoid.
I'm always up for something new so let's give this a shot and see what happens. And honestly, can you blame the humans for wanting to destroy all Transformers? They nearly destroyed their planet and they can seamlessly disguise themselves; I'd say they have a right to be a little (or a lot) paranoid.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020265)
Posted by PeteJK13 on November 15th, 2009 @ 2:17pm CST
Logic? LOGIC?!!!!!!!!! Dude...its a comic about giant mechanical beings from another planet that turn into cars.
I am so sick of IDW at this point. Just frigging pick a direction and stick to it, this is like the third reboot in five years now
Posted by PeteJK13 on November 15th, 2009 @ 2:17pm CST
First-Aid wrote:I for one am also rather impressed with the new facial art. It makes a LOT more sense from the standpoint of the physical expression. By this I mean this: there are an ENORMOUS number of small muscles in the face that allow a human being to express feelings in a visible way. If you decide to impart human-like feelings and expressions on robots, then you need to have the mechanics to do so. As a result you are going to deal with a great number of metallic plates and joints in the face and it would give a much more inhuman appearance. You simply can't have that range of emotion with a single jointed jaw that slides up and down or with a single solid plate for a face; it gives the appearance of a mask- and you simply can't express emotion that way. Anyways, that's my take on why they've gone with the new art direction...a logical decision really expressed for the first time in the 2007 movie.
Logic? LOGIC?!!!!!!!!! Dude...its a comic about giant mechanical beings from another planet that turn into cars.
I am so sick of IDW at this point. Just frigging pick a direction and stick to it, this is like the third reboot in five years now
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020308)
Posted by Supreme Convoy on November 15th, 2009 @ 4:38pm CST
Posted by Supreme Convoy on November 15th, 2009 @ 4:38pm CST
I'm pretty stoked for #1.
I've always been a huge fan of Don's work. His new art style took awhile to get use to.
And I'm digging Mike's current stuff, especially GI Joe: Cobra.
I've always been a huge fan of Don's work. His new art style took awhile to get use to.
And I'm digging Mike's current stuff, especially GI Joe: Cobra.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020441)
Posted by Savage on November 16th, 2009 @ 12:10am CST
Posted by Savage on November 16th, 2009 @ 12:10am CST
Honestly, the art style isn't bothering me too much, except the faces, specifically on characters without mouthplates. I'm trying to pretend their faces look like that because they're in hiding and low on spare parts. Sometimes though, the art does look rushed. There are, however, some very nice Prime spreads.
The writing is...so-so. I'm actually intrigued by the direction they're taking things. Will we be seeing Rodimus Prime? Heck, Marvel killed off Prime and featured other leaders for chunks of time, so why not IDW? Some of the narration felt a bit cheesey, but I've seen worse.
In short, I still feel like this series has great potential. I'm not ready to pass judgment just yet, I'll wait for the first few issues and try to get a more complete feel for the series.
The writing is...so-so. I'm actually intrigued by the direction they're taking things. Will we be seeing Rodimus Prime? Heck, Marvel killed off Prime and featured other leaders for chunks of time, so why not IDW? Some of the narration felt a bit cheesey, but I've seen worse.
In short, I still feel like this series has great potential. I'm not ready to pass judgment just yet, I'll wait for the first few issues and try to get a more complete feel for the series.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020548)
Posted by karellan on November 18th, 2009 @ 9:51am CST
Posted by karellan on November 18th, 2009 @ 9:51am CST
Can someone who's read this issue provide some serious spoilers? I really want to know what the big twist is. I'm not going to buy this issue either way (maybe a trade paperback when it comes out), but I'm dying to know what makes this twist so special.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020553)
Posted by Dead Metal on November 18th, 2009 @ 10:10am CST
Prime turns G1 Season3 Rodimus Prime and complains he's a bas leader after Ironhide dies at the hand of the humans and so without choosing a new leader goes and gives himself up to the humans.
Oh and the humans also go out collecting Transformers and using them as real vehicles all while Prime whom we saw killing a human who tried to run away with Sunstreakers presumed corps by stepping in-front of his truck and watching him die after being crushed by the impact - lets the humans do all that and orders the autobots not to harm them.
Oh and this new art style looks far better when done by Alex Milne:
http://markerguru.deviantart.com/art/au ... -143927093
Wasn't it for the way I got to read the new ongoing I would say it's not worth the money to by the issues, better wait for the TPB which will show up sometime this month or the latest in 6 months time.
Posted by Dead Metal on November 18th, 2009 @ 10:10am CST
karellan wrote:Can someone who's read this issue provide some serious spoilers? I really want to know what the big twist is. I'm not going to buy this issue either way (maybe a trade paperback when it comes out), but I'm dying to know what makes this twist so special.
Prime turns G1 Season3 Rodimus Prime and complains he's a bas leader after Ironhide dies at the hand of the humans and so without choosing a new leader goes and gives himself up to the humans.
Oh and the humans also go out collecting Transformers and using them as real vehicles all while Prime whom we saw killing a human who tried to run away with Sunstreakers presumed corps by stepping in-front of his truck and watching him die after being crushed by the impact - lets the humans do all that and orders the autobots not to harm them.
Oh and this new art style looks far better when done by Alex Milne:
http://markerguru.deviantart.com/art/au ... -143927093
Wasn't it for the way I got to read the new ongoing I would say it's not worth the money to by the issues, better wait for the TPB which will show up sometime this month or the latest in 6 months time.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020554)
Posted by MYoung23 on November 18th, 2009 @ 10:13am CST
Posted by MYoung23 on November 18th, 2009 @ 10:13am CST
Yeah, all those pointy chins are pivotal for "expressions." 
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020579)
Posted by Hans on November 18th, 2009 @ 11:02am CST
Posted by Hans on November 18th, 2009 @ 11:02am CST
Yes, that does look better, but then Alex Milne keeps te faces intact 
And ugh.... that story sounds lame. I so prefer the epic Simon Furman space sagas over the done-to-death "humans fighting the Autobots thinking all Transformers are evil" borefests...
And ugh.... that story sounds lame. I so prefer the epic Simon Furman space sagas over the done-to-death "humans fighting the Autobots thinking all Transformers are evil" borefests...
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020677)
Posted by Supreme Convoy on November 18th, 2009 @ 3:06pm CST
I can wrap my head around people not like the faces. Maybe it's because I'm absolutely biased and I have been a fan of Don's work since his fan fiction days but I don't mind the faces. Hell, I'm thinking of using that double page spread as a sig.
Even though we knew about Ironhide's death weeks in advance, I still think it's a strong moment. Than and Prime's surrender? Holy shit!
Solid first issue, I'm one happy Transformers fan. I haven't bought a regular Transformers comic since Dreamwave's War Within (tried IDW's #0 but that didn't do it for me). I'm definitely stoked for this new series.
Posted by Supreme Convoy on November 18th, 2009 @ 3:06pm CST
I can wrap my head around people not like the faces. Maybe it's because I'm absolutely biased and I have been a fan of Don's work since his fan fiction days but I don't mind the faces. Hell, I'm thinking of using that double page spread as a sig.Even though we knew about Ironhide's death weeks in advance, I still think it's a strong moment. Than and Prime's surrender? Holy shit!
Solid first issue, I'm one happy Transformers fan. I haven't bought a regular Transformers comic since Dreamwave's War Within (tried IDW's #0 but that didn't do it for me). I'm definitely stoked for this new series.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020709)
Posted by karellan on November 18th, 2009 @ 4:54pm CST
Thanks. Not quite as groundbreaking as I was hoping for, but I'm not really sure what I was expecting.
Posted by karellan on November 18th, 2009 @ 4:54pm CST
Dead Metal wrote:Prime turns G1 Season3 Rodimus Prime and complains he's a bas leader after Ironhide dies at the hand of the humans and so without choosing a new leader goes and gives himself up to the humans.
Oh and the humans also go out collecting Transformers and using them as real vehicles all while Prime whom we saw killing a human who tried to run away with Sunstreakers presumed corps by stepping in-front of his truck and watching him die after being crushed by the impact - lets the humans do all that and orders the autobots not to harm them.
Oh and this new art style looks far better when done by Alex Milne:
http://markerguru.deviantart.com/art/au ... -143927093
Wasn't it for the way I got to read the new ongoing I would say it's not worth the money to by the issues, better wait for the TPB which will show up sometime this month or the latest in 6 months time.
Thanks. Not quite as groundbreaking as I was hoping for, but I'm not really sure what I was expecting.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020712)
Posted by Editor on November 18th, 2009 @ 5:14pm CST
Posted by Editor on November 18th, 2009 @ 5:14pm CST
Didn't care for IDW's stuff prior to AHM, and from what I've seen of issue 1, the same problems I had are all back.
Please IDW figure out which demographics of fans you perfer to piss off and stick to it rather than flip-flop like this for the duration of your license.
Please IDW figure out which demographics of fans you perfer to piss off and stick to it rather than flip-flop like this for the duration of your license.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020774)
Posted by MYoung23 on November 18th, 2009 @ 9:36pm CST
Posted by MYoung23 on November 18th, 2009 @ 9:36pm CST
Dude, Prime did not kill that truck driver. He was bloodied and knocked out but nothing in the issue indicated he was dead.
I just looked at that issue again.
Prime stops the truck, bends down and looks into the cab and sees the truck driver bloodied, awake and trying to speak. Prime then hears sirens and sees cars approaching after which he leaves the scene.
I just looked at that issue again.
Prime stops the truck, bends down and looks into the cab and sees the truck driver bloodied, awake and trying to speak. Prime then hears sirens and sees cars approaching after which he leaves the scene.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020794)
Posted by B.K. on November 18th, 2009 @ 10:31pm CST
Posted by B.K. on November 18th, 2009 @ 10:31pm CST
I'd kind of like to follow this comic, but I've never read any Transformers comics before. What do I need to read to get all the backstory leading up tho this comic?
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020799)
Posted by First Gen on November 18th, 2009 @ 10:35pm CST
According to IDW, this story arc takes place immediately following the All Hail Megatron series. There was a four issue arc addition called Coda that was meant to tie AHM (which kinda went off on its own as far as storylines go) with the rest of the IDW Transformers universe.
But according to Andy Schmidt, Editor of the Transformers brand at IDW, Ongoing is meant to keep readers from past series in the mix while allowing for completely new readers to come in with feeling they missed a whole bunch.
Posted by First Gen on November 18th, 2009 @ 10:35pm CST
B.K. wrote:I'd kind of like to follow this comic, but I've never read any Transformers comics before. What do I need to read to get all the backstory leading up tho this comic?
According to IDW, this story arc takes place immediately following the All Hail Megatron series. There was a four issue arc addition called Coda that was meant to tie AHM (which kinda went off on its own as far as storylines go) with the rest of the IDW Transformers universe.
But according to Andy Schmidt, Editor of the Transformers brand at IDW, Ongoing is meant to keep readers from past series in the mix while allowing for completely new readers to come in with feeling they missed a whole bunch.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020806)
Posted by MYoung23 on November 18th, 2009 @ 10:48pm CST
You can get Transformers: Continuum which is a one shot that will supposedly bring you up to speed.
Posted by MYoung23 on November 18th, 2009 @ 10:48pm CST
B.K. wrote:I'd kind of like to follow this comic, but I've never read any Transformers comics before. What do I need to read to get all the backstory leading up tho this comic?
You can get Transformers: Continuum which is a one shot that will supposedly bring you up to speed.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020815)
Posted by First Gen on November 18th, 2009 @ 11:31pm CST
Yes. Continuum covers the last 3 years of IDW stories in one book. It gives you the basic groundwork so you can start reading Ongoing without skipping a beat. Definitely recommend picking it up.
Posted by First Gen on November 18th, 2009 @ 11:31pm CST
MYoung23 wrote:B.K. wrote:I'd kind of like to follow this comic, but I've never read any Transformers comics before. What do I need to read to get all the backstory leading up tho this comic?
You can get Transformers: Continuum which is a one shot that will supposedly bring you up to speed.
Yes. Continuum covers the last 3 years of IDW stories in one book. It gives you the basic groundwork so you can start reading Ongoing without skipping a beat. Definitely recommend picking it up.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020950)
Posted by MYoung23 on November 19th, 2009 @ 11:29am CST
Posted by MYoung23 on November 19th, 2009 @ 11:29am CST
Since the war is considered over I wonder if that mysterious 3rd faction will come out of hiding.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1020958)
Posted by Editor on November 19th, 2009 @ 11:57am CST
Posted by Editor on November 19th, 2009 @ 11:57am CST
Just a basic hunch.
Issue 2, the Autobots deal with the loss of Prime, while Spike begins to interrogate Prime.
Issue 3, Hot Rod/imus will be made commander and again make some tactical mistakes. Spike starts seeing Prime as a being rather than an alien invader.
Issue 4, A Decepticon will learn of Prime's incarceration and will start plans while some bots will start questioning why HR is in charge.
Issue 5, Cons attack the base, and are more successful as they aren't concerned with killing humans. Spike will release Prime to save them.
Issue 2, the Autobots deal with the loss of Prime, while Spike begins to interrogate Prime.
Issue 3, Hot Rod/imus will be made commander and again make some tactical mistakes. Spike starts seeing Prime as a being rather than an alien invader.
Issue 4, A Decepticon will learn of Prime's incarceration and will start plans while some bots will start questioning why HR is in charge.
Issue 5, Cons attack the base, and are more successful as they aren't concerned with killing humans. Spike will release Prime to save them.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1021018)
Posted by Dead Metal on November 19th, 2009 @ 1:37pm CST
Sounds about right. Oh and Prime will be ripping off heads and faces.
Posted by Dead Metal on November 19th, 2009 @ 1:37pm CST
Editor wrote:Just a basic hunch.
Issue 2, the Autobots deal with the loss of Prime, while Spike begins to interrogate Prime.
Issue 3, Hot Rod/imus will be made commander and again make some tactical mistakes. Spike starts seeing Prime as a being rather than an alien invader.
Issue 4, A Decepticon will learn of Prime's incarceration and will start plans while some bots will start questioning why HR is in charge.
Issue 5, Cons attack the base, and are more successful as they aren't concerned with killing humans. Spike will release Prime to save them.
Sounds about right. Oh and Prime will be ripping off heads and faces.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1021035)
Posted by First Gen on November 19th, 2009 @ 2:33pm CST
An inside source tells me that there's more to this story than meets the eye.
But you didn't hear that from me.
Posted by First Gen on November 19th, 2009 @ 2:33pm CST
Dead Metal wrote:Editor wrote:Just a basic hunch.
Issue 2, the Autobots deal with the loss of Prime, while Spike begins to interrogate Prime.
Issue 3, Hot Rod/imus will be made commander and again make some tactical mistakes. Spike starts seeing Prime as a being rather than an alien invader.
Issue 4, A Decepticon will learn of Prime's incarceration and will start plans while some bots will start questioning why HR is in charge.
Issue 5, Cons attack the base, and are more successful as they aren't concerned with killing humans. Spike will release Prime to save them.
Sounds about right. Oh and Prime will be ripping off heads and faces.
An inside source tells me that there's more to this story than meets the eye.
But you didn't hear that from me.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1021043)
Posted by Editor on November 19th, 2009 @ 3:00pm CST
Ooh when we weren't looking was Prime hit by the new human weapon, the emo bomb? turns him into a brooding loner?
I was really ready to give this series a solid chance after I enjoyed AHM, but they will have to pull some seriously awesome ****, for me to be interested after that waste of an issue.
Posted by Editor on November 19th, 2009 @ 3:00pm CST
First Gen wrote:
An inside source tells me that there's more to this story than meets the eye.
But you didn't hear that from me.
Ooh when we weren't looking was Prime hit by the new human weapon, the emo bomb? turns him into a brooding loner?
I was really ready to give this series a solid chance after I enjoyed AHM, but they will have to pull some seriously awesome ****, for me to be interested after that waste of an issue.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1021128)
Posted by Judge Deliberata on November 19th, 2009 @ 8:04pm CST
Posted by Judge Deliberata on November 19th, 2009 @ 8:04pm CST
Ugh. Horrible faces, horrible plot.
Say what you will about AHM...plot inconsistencies notwithstanding, I at least found it entertaining. This, though...this is the first time I've been prepared to say "this sucks" as opposed to a polite "well, that was unfortunately disappointing" (Spotlight: Cliffjumper, for example)
Say what you will about AHM...plot inconsistencies notwithstanding, I at least found it entertaining. This, though...this is the first time I've been prepared to say "this sucks" as opposed to a polite "well, that was unfortunately disappointing" (Spotlight: Cliffjumper, for example)
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1021238)
Posted by lowman_x on November 20th, 2009 @ 4:50am CST
Posted by lowman_x on November 20th, 2009 @ 4:50am CST
I found the plot of AHM derivative and simplified down to good Vs bad and lost the broader perspective of the "space faring saga" that -ation had put into play. Hopefully, this series will bring that back (at least a bit) and get back some of that "not-just-on-earth-but-all-across-the-galaxy-currents-within-currents" feel that was lost once AHM started and which I enjoyed. Please be aware that this is just my opinion and as the saying goes "opinions are like sphincters, everyone has one" so please don't flame me and call me a hater or whatever it is that intertube people like to do when someone has a differing opinion to themselves. I didn't particularly like AHM and that's okay. I still love the TFs and that's all that counts, right? 
Also, on another note, I really liked the story of issue 1. And the artwork was really good (except for the human faces... they all had that "Don" look but it could be overlooked generally). I don't absolutely love the new TF faces but it's growing on me and the awesome new body designs well and truly make up for it anyways. One issue I do have is that Prime's truck mode reminds me FAR too much of a red Motormaster. And since when has Prime's trailer been red? Just askin'.
Also, on another note, I really liked the story of issue 1. And the artwork was really good (except for the human faces... they all had that "Don" look but it could be overlooked generally
). I don't absolutely love the new TF faces but it's growing on me and the awesome new body designs well and truly make up for it anyways. One issue I do have is that Prime's truck mode reminds me FAR too much of a red Motormaster. And since when has Prime's trailer been red? Just askin'.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1021605)
Posted by MYoung23 on November 21st, 2009 @ 9:53am CST
Posted by MYoung23 on November 21st, 2009 @ 9:53am CST
I will forgive the fact that Hot Rod looks different on the cover than he does in the issue. I will chalk that up to creative changes that reflect the impending change to Rodimus. Hot Rod in issue one looks more like Rodimus Prime than Hot Rod of the cover.
Hot Rod was right in the issue. The Autobots staying on Earth was more about Prime than mankind or the Decepticons. With the war over and mankind looking more and more able to take care of themselves there far more important things the Autobots could be doing like tracking down lost colleagues and trying to find a way to fix their homeworld and restart their civilization.
Prime needed to step down. His selfishness driven by guilt was slowly eroding the Autobots and their morale.
Lastly, they are calling Hot Rod "Rodimus" on the cover of issue 2. So it is pretty obvious who will "rise from the Autobot ranks"
Hot Rod was right in the issue. The Autobots staying on Earth was more about Prime than mankind or the Decepticons. With the war over and mankind looking more and more able to take care of themselves there far more important things the Autobots could be doing like tracking down lost colleagues and trying to find a way to fix their homeworld and restart their civilization.
Prime needed to step down. His selfishness driven by guilt was slowly eroding the Autobots and their morale.
Lastly, they are calling Hot Rod "Rodimus" on the cover of issue 2. So it is pretty obvious who will "rise from the Autobot ranks"
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1022029)
Posted by 3.8TransAM on November 22nd, 2009 @ 9:42pm CST
Posted by 3.8TransAM on November 22nd, 2009 @ 9:42pm CST
My review
G1 and movie style face crap do not and should not ever be done together.
Don, u will lose the fan base u built with Gen 1 fans if u keep this up.
IDW, do u think u will lose more "movie" fans on your books? Or simply alienate the true fans who will be there down the road for the franchise?
Emotimus Prime is just wrong.
Story wise there wasn't too much there, wasting a lot of time bemoaning the poor humans. Why are humans even in a TransFormers comic? If there was one thing Dream Wave did get right, it was more or less the lack of humans(I know there were a few stories involving them) in the G1 titles and I loved them for it.
Between nothing actually being interesting in the story and the horrible movie verse faces and weird character configurations, what was one supposed to be impressed by?
I'm gonna give it a few issues to see if any of the above mentioned changes and if it doesn't, I'll just drop it like I have all their other TransFormer titles.
Side note, overall I have enjoyed most of the Spot Lights and All Hail Megatron, but those even had inconsistencies and some not so great story telling.
G1 and movie style face crap do not and should not ever be done together.
Don, u will lose the fan base u built with Gen 1 fans if u keep this up.
IDW, do u think u will lose more "movie" fans on your books? Or simply alienate the true fans who will be there down the road for the franchise?
Emotimus Prime is just wrong.
Story wise there wasn't too much there, wasting a lot of time bemoaning the poor humans. Why are humans even in a TransFormers comic? If there was one thing Dream Wave did get right, it was more or less the lack of humans(I know there were a few stories involving them) in the G1 titles and I loved them for it.
Between nothing actually being interesting in the story and the horrible movie verse faces and weird character configurations, what was one supposed to be impressed by?
I'm gonna give it a few issues to see if any of the above mentioned changes and if it doesn't, I'll just drop it like I have all their other TransFormer titles.
Side note, overall I have enjoyed most of the Spot Lights and All Hail Megatron, but those even had inconsistencies and some not so great story telling.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1022081)
Posted by JazZeke on November 23rd, 2009 @ 12:05am CST
Posted by JazZeke on November 23rd, 2009 @ 12:05am CST
I'm not bothered by the artwork. I like seeing different takes on things, artistically, and the faces were one of the few things done right in the movies. Mechanically speaking they just make more sense than a magic flexible metal that can bend in every ay a human face can.
The story is what disturbed me. I was sorely disappointed by the characterization. The story being set up is interesting, but it's all for naught if the characters don't behave the way they should. After IDW touted how much passion Costa has for the Transformers characters, I was expecting a better understanding of them.
After reading the previews, I was hoping against hope there would be a rational explanation as to why Prowl would go completely against the grain and break cover. To save a Decepticon, no less. A Decepticon who was threatening human lives. Prowl is the cold, analytical guy, the one who berates and punishes anyone who pulls stupid stunts like that. No... just, no. Literally anyone else would have been better for this. Heck, even Streetwise would have been better for this.
Optimus Prime. WHY? Once again, we have the return of Emo Prime who would commit seppuku over a Nintendo game. Hot Rod is right, there's no sense to stay on Earth, and THE REAL OPTIMUS PRIME WOULD KNOW THAT. He should be out there in space, kicking Decepticon skitplates and taking names and dealing with the Decepticons while they're fractured. I can understand why that wouldn’t sell as many issues because you want to keep the stories grounded on the Earth, but we need a logical reason for the setting, otherwise they risk alienating more readers than their trying to bring in.
To sum things up. Interesting setup, but character-wise it makes no sense. Characters should not be sacrificed or manipulated as the author's pawns to advance the story. Then no matter how cool the plot is, it can not be carried! I’m trying to keep an open mind and I will follow this to the end of the story arc, but unless the characters stop acting stupid for the sake of the story then there’s no point. The reason Transformers have endured for a quarter of a century is because the franchise has genuinely interesting characters that people want to follow. We want to read about THE Transformers, not about transforming robots.
The story is what disturbed me. I was sorely disappointed by the characterization. The story being set up is interesting, but it's all for naught if the characters don't behave the way they should. After IDW touted how much passion Costa has for the Transformers characters, I was expecting a better understanding of them.
After reading the previews, I was hoping against hope there would be a rational explanation as to why Prowl would go completely against the grain and break cover. To save a Decepticon, no less. A Decepticon who was threatening human lives. Prowl is the cold, analytical guy, the one who berates and punishes anyone who pulls stupid stunts like that. No... just, no. Literally anyone else would have been better for this. Heck, even Streetwise would have been better for this.
Optimus Prime. WHY? Once again, we have the return of Emo Prime who would commit seppuku over a Nintendo game. Hot Rod is right, there's no sense to stay on Earth, and THE REAL OPTIMUS PRIME WOULD KNOW THAT. He should be out there in space, kicking Decepticon skitplates and taking names and dealing with the Decepticons while they're fractured. I can understand why that wouldn’t sell as many issues because you want to keep the stories grounded on the Earth, but we need a logical reason for the setting, otherwise they risk alienating more readers than their trying to bring in.
To sum things up. Interesting setup, but character-wise it makes no sense. Characters should not be sacrificed or manipulated as the author's pawns to advance the story. Then no matter how cool the plot is, it can not be carried! I’m trying to keep an open mind and I will follow this to the end of the story arc, but unless the characters stop acting stupid for the sake of the story then there’s no point. The reason Transformers have endured for a quarter of a century is because the franchise has genuinely interesting characters that people want to follow. We want to read about THE Transformers, not about transforming robots.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1022277)
Posted by cybercat on November 23rd, 2009 @ 7:08pm CST
Posted by cybercat on November 23rd, 2009 @ 7:08pm CST
Okay, finally got around to reading mine.
Artwork: Some of the designs I actually liked. Prowl, for example. Rodimus. Soundwave. Some of the designs were fugly: Ironhide, most notably, and Bee? Bleurk. And it looked like an entirely different person drew the humans. (And by now y'all know how I feel about people who put *people* into my robot stories!!!)
Story: Angsty Prime is okay by me, but I can see the previous poster's point that any idiot would see the mistake Prime's making, and that's not so cool. And that Prowl's breaking cover is a little...thinly motivated, since Prowl isn't an emotional bot. I was more upset, honestly, by the idiot powersuits the humans have. And the heavy-handed tie ins to AHM. Ummm, can we just reboot the story along with the artwork? Seriously?
Now, I'm going to stick with this, because I think it's too early to make any real judgments, and, well, I've seen good stories come out of some pretty awkward first chapters. Plus, I'm always interested in any take on TF characters. To be honest, I'm actually pretty interested in the fact that the 'second string' characters might be getting so much more play than usual. One hopes.
HK, go, bravo team!
Artwork: Some of the designs I actually liked. Prowl, for example. Rodimus. Soundwave. Some of the designs were fugly: Ironhide, most notably, and Bee? Bleurk. And it looked like an entirely different person drew the humans. (And by now y'all know how I feel about people who put *people* into my robot stories!!!)
Story: Angsty Prime is okay by me, but I can see the previous poster's point that any idiot would see the mistake Prime's making, and that's not so cool. And that Prowl's breaking cover is a little...thinly motivated, since Prowl isn't an emotional bot. I was more upset, honestly, by the idiot powersuits the humans have. And the heavy-handed tie ins to AHM. Ummm, can we just reboot the story along with the artwork? Seriously?
Now, I'm going to stick with this, because I think it's too early to make any real judgments, and, well, I've seen good stories come out of some pretty awkward first chapters. Plus, I'm always interested in any take on TF characters. To be honest, I'm actually pretty interested in the fact that the 'second string' characters might be getting so much more play than usual. One hopes.
HK, go, bravo team!
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1022427)
Posted by ponycorn on November 24th, 2009 @ 12:07pm CST
Posted by ponycorn on November 24th, 2009 @ 12:07pm CST
It's interesting that the Ongoing #1 issue came out while the Best of UK story Prey is also being released. In Prey, Optimus also "goes emo" so far as to fake his own death. It put the "quitting" aspect of the Ongoing story in to perspective for me. He may not acutally be quitting, but testing the Autobots and challenging Hot Rod to step up to the plate, put his energon where his mouth is so to speak. Thinking back to BeastWars, Megatron did a similar test with Terrorsaur. Pull from other aspects of the multiverse, and this Optimus quitting thing really isn't new at all.
As far as the art goes, I think we'll see Don tone down the facial details a bit in subsequent issues. I also think we'll see some issues guest starring other artists, just as was the case with AHM. I don't like the new faces, but I don't expect them to remain as is, especially after that Andy Shmidt interview.
The storyline with the humans hunting all Transformers isn't new either, it reminds me of the Marvel G1 storyline where Circuit Breaker's group "Rapid Anti-Robot Attack Team" was doing the same thing. This may be the heart of what disappointed me about the new issue, I was thinking "here we go again" about what seems to be the main plot. I'm still hoping that the "more than meets the eye" comments about the plot will actually indicated an unexpected new swing on things in that respect.
As far as the art goes, I think we'll see Don tone down the facial details a bit in subsequent issues. I also think we'll see some issues guest starring other artists, just as was the case with AHM. I don't like the new faces, but I don't expect them to remain as is, especially after that Andy Shmidt interview.
The storyline with the humans hunting all Transformers isn't new either, it reminds me of the Marvel G1 storyline where Circuit Breaker's group "Rapid Anti-Robot Attack Team" was doing the same thing. This may be the heart of what disappointed me about the new issue, I was thinking "here we go again" about what seems to be the main plot. I'm still hoping that the "more than meets the eye" comments about the plot will actually indicated an unexpected new swing on things in that respect.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1022661)
Posted by trence5 on November 25th, 2009 @ 4:58am CST
TF's. I don't like some of the faces but way their bodies look is awesome. I'll hang in and give the story a chance..... THat ending really had me going 
WTF? But I guess open up some different stories we haven't seen before.
Posted by trence5 on November 25th, 2009 @ 4:58am CST
I'm scratchin my head going "WTF"@ why so much hate for the art style - I for one like it. It mixes the better G-1 look with the intricate look of the BayverseRavage Eject wrote:well I guess I'm in the minority then because I actually like the art. In fact, I wish the movie designs were closer to these designs. As far as not liking the new story....come on...how many people love Cybertron, or Armada, OR Beast Wars....there is plenty of room to explore different stories and art styles in the Transformers Universe....count me out of the "this art sucks" bandwagon.
TF's. I don't like some of the faces but way their bodies look is awesome. I'll hang in and give the story a chance..... THat ending really had me going WTF? But I guess open up some different stories we haven't seen before.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1022663)
Posted by trence5 on November 25th, 2009 @ 5:08am CST
) when Optimus stepped down... But wait - 
- where the hell is Ultra Magnus, isn't Megatron is still outta action, and still have the Matrix? Oh and if, IF, Megatron is still out of commission due to what happened toward the end of AHM, does that leave Decepticon leader up for grabs - especiall since GALVATRON has re-emerged (I hope so 
)?
Posted by trence5 on November 25th, 2009 @ 5:08am CST
Yeah, I kinda figured that the spectre of Rodimus Prime would arise (#-o -First Gen wrote:Dead Metal wrote:Editor wrote:Just a basic hunch.
Issue 2, the Autobots deal with the loss of Prime, while Spike begins to interrogate Prime.
Issue 3, Hot Rod/imus will be made commander and again make some tactical mistakes. Spike starts seeing Prime as a being rather than an alien invader.
Issue 4, A Decepticon will learn of Prime's incarceration and will start plans while some bots will start questioning why HR is in charge.
Issue 5, Cons attack the base, and are more successful as they aren't concerned with killing humans. Spike will release Prime to save them.
Sounds about right. Oh and Prime will be ripping off heads and faces.
An inside source tells me that there's more to this story than meets the eye.
But you didn't hear that from me.
) when Optimus stepped down... But wait - - where the hell is Ultra Magnus, isn't Megatron is still outta action, and still have the Matrix? Oh and if, IF, Megatron is still out of commission due to what happened toward the end of AHM, does that leave Decepticon leader up for grabs - especiall since GALVATRON has re-emerged (I hope so )?
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1022858)
Posted by MYoung23 on November 25th, 2009 @ 7:48pm CST
Ultra Magnus is on the cover of issue 3 and looking pretty bad ass.
Starscream has the Matrix.
Posted by MYoung23 on November 25th, 2009 @ 7:48pm CST
trence5 wrote:Yeah, I kinda figured that the spectre of Rodimus Prime would arise (#-o -First Gen wrote:Dead Metal wrote:Editor wrote:Just a basic hunch.
Issue 2, the Autobots deal with the loss of Prime, while Spike begins to interrogate Prime.
Issue 3, Hot Rod/imus will be made commander and again make some tactical mistakes. Spike starts seeing Prime as a being rather than an alien invader.
Issue 4, A Decepticon will learn of Prime's incarceration and will start plans while some bots will start questioning why HR is in charge.
Issue 5, Cons attack the base, and are more successful as they aren't concerned with killing humans. Spike will release Prime to save them.
Sounds about right. Oh and Prime will be ripping off heads and faces.
An inside source tells me that there's more to this story than meets the eye.
But you didn't hear that from me.
Ultra Magnus is on the cover of issue 3 and looking pretty bad ass.
Starscream has the Matrix.
Re: Official Seibertron.com Review of Transformers Ongoing #1 (1023535)
Posted by Orin_Thomas on November 28th, 2009 @ 7:23pm CST
Posted by Orin_Thomas on November 28th, 2009 @ 7:23pm CST
I was pleasantly surprised by this issue. Plot moved along nicely, almost at Furmanesque speed. Early days yet, but I'm far more likely to keep my continuing subscription now than I was at any point during Shane McCarthy's run on the comic.
Only think I didn't like was Drift - I'm surprised he doesn't sparkle in the sunlight. At least he didn't say anything - though I am surprised that they held back from anointing him as a possible leader in the teaser for the next issue. Cos, you know, Drift is so AWSM.
Only think I didn't like was Drift - I'm surprised he doesn't sparkle in the sunlight. At least he didn't say anything - though I am surprised that they held back from anointing him as a possible leader in the teaser for the next issue. Cos, you know, Drift is so AWSM.
