Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2017 9:57AM CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews, Site ArticlesPosted by: Tigertrack Views: 25,112
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Review of First Strike Issue #2 - A Hasbro Comic Event -
(or is it 2nd strike now? or Strike 1.1?), it's got a couple of spoils.
“The hardest part of this whole mess is knowing that you’ll be the one to try and stop me.”
“So I see this as my chance to tell you, this isn’t what I wanted,” wrote the mentor to the student…
-Last time-
Earth was about to be officially ‘welcomed’ to the intergalactic council on Cybertron with Marissa Fairborne being sworn in as the ambassador. Then everything went about the exact opposite of how they all wanted it to. Baron Ironblood and his allies of evil infiltrated the grand event and started to attack the populace of Cybertron. But, what’s the main play here? Surely, even a seemingly infinite group of cyber- wraith red ninja and some rowdy dreadnoks, Iron Grenadiers, and BATS wouldn’t really be threatening for very long, right?
-This time-
“...I hope you take what happens next as a compliment.”
Be a tad leery if you are worried about continuity alignment, released materials, and chronologically happening events. Revolutionaries #8, the final issue, was supposed to be completed before this came out, as was MASK #10, which also hasn’t been released yet. This issue continues to reveal things that might have been uncertain at the end of the Revolutionaries series, or that MASK issue, but none seemingly as big as the ruined revelation issue #1 provided.
Amongst the chaos begun last issue- Baron Ironblood’s force of ninjas and dreadnoks attacking Cybertronians- and the human delegation; the larger plot begins to unfold as the other evil allies involved advance the real threat- poisoning all the inhabitants of Cybertron via the food supply -their energon. A seemingly simple, but effective plan— at least that is their evil hope— using Shazraella (of the evil Micronauts) and her enerchange abilities, and the talisman which was the focus of Revolutionaries, in some as yet, unclear way. Genocide them before they genocide us. If there is anything we find out from Coltan's inner-thoughts its that he's on what he believes is a last possible solution for the Earth's robot problem.
Oh yes, and on the more political side, the Solstar Order gets involved to make things even more difficult, but perhaps not how you might expect. The council delegates all start trying to pin blame, and not do much problem solving. Marissa loosens her sassy ambassador chops on Elita One after taking one too many jabs about being a tiny useless flesh-covered bug. There’s no crying in intergalactic politics Elita! Suck it up! You've been served...*add choice cliche here*
As Srgt. Savage would say, 'Boo-YAH!'
Meanwhile, on the planet Earth, Scarlett, the Joes, MASK, Soundwave, and some of the Earthbound Autobots look to find a way to travel to Cybertron to help out those already there. Victorion twins, Skyburst and Stormclash, show their engineering prowess and build their character as they work to get the group to their goal, not entirely completed by the too-quick-in-coming end of the issue.
-Art-
The art by Max Dunbar (lines and inks) are gorgeous! Lots of detail, well-crafted battles with jumbles of red ninjas, BATS, and Iron Grenadiers seemingly everywhere, and yet he makes it work, and it never seems TOO over the top, or any more messy than one would want to portray this chaotic moment. I love most of his panels, be it humans or robots. I thought the first pages were a bit more polished than the last, but I also think that’s nit-picky, of me. The shadows and line work, the clouds, explosions, movement implied, facial expressions, and weapons fire all come off beautifully. Just when you think you might be having some trouble comparing the depth, weight, and size of all the varied characters, low and behold, here comes a panel that helps to make size relationships clear.
I wonder what I should have for lunch today? Did I turn the lights off before leaving and lock the doors? I've got to remember to pick up my other dry-cleaning after the incursion.
Max couldn’t have accomplished the visual story-telling as well as he has without the colors by Andar Zarate which do very well in making Max’s work come to life. Cybertron is mostly bright, which seemed kind of odd, and Earth was very dark most of the time, being underwater, and at night for most of its action. BUT it all works well together to visually tell the story.
Never forget, Tom B. Long does the art team's letter work and I think it’s almost always a job taken for granted (except when it doesn't work - then you really notice) even though our review team does try to always recognize the entire team’s efforts in the storytelling, as well. I gush on Tom all the time. Ka-thoom, brother, Ka-thoom.
-Writing-
As you can tell, I wanted to focus on the word-smithing a little bit at the beginning of the review. The versatile Mairghread Scott and David A. Rodriguez are crafting a very fun, and action-filled Hasbro crossover here. It’s only the second issue so we don’t know all that the duo have planned for this series, but it’s starting out promising, and doesn’t require the setup that Revolution had to do for the Hasbro-verse. Say what you will about Revolution, it and the individual comics that sprung from it, have already introduced what needed to be done for First Strike, and now we can just get to the evil plots and lots of action! It seems like there’s certainly more coming that not even the ‘poisoning of the well’ is meant to be THE complication and climax of the series. Oh, there’s more coming, but the set up has been really nice.
Talk to the hand! (I couldn't resist)
I’ve enjoyed reading the expounded mid-combat banter between the Joe forces on Earth and hearing the inner dialogue from Baron Ironblood as he continues to justify his actions of siding with the very enemies whose ideals he fought for so long. So far, he hasn’t really had much strife about it. But I wonder if he and his protege might have a bit of moment soon…one that may turn his thinking again.
-Add-On- The Origins of Evil Part Two: A Game of Chess-
There’s a secondary story in this issue, just like in the last, that works to explain how this group of evil doers came to side with one formerly super do-gooder, Joe Coltan. Enter Destro- who should probably hate Joe Colton and dispose of him on the spot. So does he? There’s money to made somehow of course…so probably not (and that little 'Colton's still alive' detail). Read it to find out the nitty-gritty. And by the way, there’s a whole other creative team to recognize for this tale that includes pencils by Netho Diaz, tight inks by Walden Wong, and David Garcia Cruz throws down the deep dark colors, of this short, written by John Barber. These pieces have supported the more action-oriented piece of the main story very well, offering the origin of the group that’s attacking Cybertron, and delving into their motivations. It’s a great companion that might have been fine interspersed among the ‘regular’ story, but I’m sure they thought about that, and might have considered what it might do to interrupt the pacing, and comprehensibility of the overall issue(s).
Show me the MONEY!
-Final Thoughts-
I have really enjoyed the first two issues of this series so far! The art has been superb, the story-telling well-paced, fun, and dramatic, and enough eye candy for Hasbro-universe folks of all kinds to enjoy. I LOVED seeing the VENOM Outlaw, and the Cobra Razorback show up this issue. I just hope that we get to see them in a bigger combat situation later on! Bring on more treats as such.
I'd like a burger, fries, small soda, oh and a chocolate milk shake, please...
The hardest part of suspending my disbelief for enjoying this series so far is that war torn, experienced vets like Optimus Prime, and Ironhide are retreating (literally running!) from a gaggle of cyber-ninja (a naggle?), BATS, Iron Grenadiers, and those crazy, moralless dreadnoks albeit with some high tech weapons. I know there’s a LOT of those baddies (effectively portrayed visually), and the heroes are thinking of the safety of the Earth delegation, and the peaceful Cybertron populace, but really, Ironhide and his ‘badgeless’, or his new security forces, aren’t a match for this? I understand an initial surprise, and possible panic, but really? Ah well, I’m still going to enjoy it, and I won’t let this bother me too much, as I’m pretty sure the diversionary attack will get quelled pretty quickly in the next issue (combiners? pest control?) and the focus will be on the secondary threat. RECOMMENDED READ for TF fans (it is happening on Cybertron; lots of bots involved)!
Optimus wants me to give it 5 of 5, but I'm going with...
1/2 out of
Plenty of awesome covers to choose from, but I really enjoy COVER D by Rob Duenas. Very bulky, big detailed figures, and the inclusion of fat tankor and Sigma Six looking weapons…love it! Check out these close ups, and the full image in the thumb nail!
(or is it 2nd strike now? or Strike 1.1?), it's got a couple of spoils.
“The hardest part of this whole mess is knowing that you’ll be the one to try and stop me.”
“So I see this as my chance to tell you, this isn’t what I wanted,” wrote the mentor to the student…
-Last time-
Earth was about to be officially ‘welcomed’ to the intergalactic council on Cybertron with Marissa Fairborne being sworn in as the ambassador. Then everything went about the exact opposite of how they all wanted it to. Baron Ironblood and his allies of evil infiltrated the grand event and started to attack the populace of Cybertron. But, what’s the main play here? Surely, even a seemingly infinite group of cyber- wraith red ninja and some rowdy dreadnoks, Iron Grenadiers, and BATS wouldn’t really be threatening for very long, right?
-This time-
“...I hope you take what happens next as a compliment.”
Be a tad leery if you are worried about continuity alignment, released materials, and chronologically happening events. Revolutionaries #8, the final issue, was supposed to be completed before this came out, as was MASK #10, which also hasn’t been released yet. This issue continues to reveal things that might have been uncertain at the end of the Revolutionaries series, or that MASK issue, but none seemingly as big as the ruined revelation issue #1 provided.
Amongst the chaos begun last issue- Baron Ironblood’s force of ninjas and dreadnoks attacking Cybertronians- and the human delegation; the larger plot begins to unfold as the other evil allies involved advance the real threat- poisoning all the inhabitants of Cybertron via the food supply -their energon. A seemingly simple, but effective plan— at least that is their evil hope— using Shazraella (of the evil Micronauts) and her enerchange abilities, and the talisman which was the focus of Revolutionaries, in some as yet, unclear way. Genocide them before they genocide us. If there is anything we find out from Coltan's inner-thoughts its that he's on what he believes is a last possible solution for the Earth's robot problem.
Oh yes, and on the more political side, the Solstar Order gets involved to make things even more difficult, but perhaps not how you might expect. The council delegates all start trying to pin blame, and not do much problem solving. Marissa loosens her sassy ambassador chops on Elita One after taking one too many jabs about being a tiny useless flesh-covered bug. There’s no crying in intergalactic politics Elita! Suck it up! You've been served...*add choice cliche here*
As Srgt. Savage would say, 'Boo-YAH!'
Meanwhile, on the planet Earth, Scarlett, the Joes, MASK, Soundwave, and some of the Earthbound Autobots look to find a way to travel to Cybertron to help out those already there. Victorion twins, Skyburst and Stormclash, show their engineering prowess and build their character as they work to get the group to their goal, not entirely completed by the too-quick-in-coming end of the issue.
-Art-
The art by Max Dunbar (lines and inks) are gorgeous! Lots of detail, well-crafted battles with jumbles of red ninjas, BATS, and Iron Grenadiers seemingly everywhere, and yet he makes it work, and it never seems TOO over the top, or any more messy than one would want to portray this chaotic moment. I love most of his panels, be it humans or robots. I thought the first pages were a bit more polished than the last, but I also think that’s nit-picky, of me. The shadows and line work, the clouds, explosions, movement implied, facial expressions, and weapons fire all come off beautifully. Just when you think you might be having some trouble comparing the depth, weight, and size of all the varied characters, low and behold, here comes a panel that helps to make size relationships clear.
I wonder what I should have for lunch today? Did I turn the lights off before leaving and lock the doors? I've got to remember to pick up my other dry-cleaning after the incursion.
Max couldn’t have accomplished the visual story-telling as well as he has without the colors by Andar Zarate which do very well in making Max’s work come to life. Cybertron is mostly bright, which seemed kind of odd, and Earth was very dark most of the time, being underwater, and at night for most of its action. BUT it all works well together to visually tell the story.
Never forget, Tom B. Long does the art team's letter work and I think it’s almost always a job taken for granted (except when it doesn't work - then you really notice) even though our review team does try to always recognize the entire team’s efforts in the storytelling, as well. I gush on Tom all the time. Ka-thoom, brother, Ka-thoom.
-Writing-
As you can tell, I wanted to focus on the word-smithing a little bit at the beginning of the review. The versatile Mairghread Scott and David A. Rodriguez are crafting a very fun, and action-filled Hasbro crossover here. It’s only the second issue so we don’t know all that the duo have planned for this series, but it’s starting out promising, and doesn’t require the setup that Revolution had to do for the Hasbro-verse. Say what you will about Revolution, it and the individual comics that sprung from it, have already introduced what needed to be done for First Strike, and now we can just get to the evil plots and lots of action! It seems like there’s certainly more coming that not even the ‘poisoning of the well’ is meant to be THE complication and climax of the series. Oh, there’s more coming, but the set up has been really nice.
Talk to the hand! (I couldn't resist)
I’ve enjoyed reading the expounded mid-combat banter between the Joe forces on Earth and hearing the inner dialogue from Baron Ironblood as he continues to justify his actions of siding with the very enemies whose ideals he fought for so long. So far, he hasn’t really had much strife about it. But I wonder if he and his protege might have a bit of moment soon…one that may turn his thinking again.
-Add-On- The Origins of Evil Part Two: A Game of Chess-
There’s a secondary story in this issue, just like in the last, that works to explain how this group of evil doers came to side with one formerly super do-gooder, Joe Coltan. Enter Destro- who should probably hate Joe Colton and dispose of him on the spot. So does he? There’s money to made somehow of course…so probably not (and that little 'Colton's still alive' detail). Read it to find out the nitty-gritty. And by the way, there’s a whole other creative team to recognize for this tale that includes pencils by Netho Diaz, tight inks by Walden Wong, and David Garcia Cruz throws down the deep dark colors, of this short, written by John Barber. These pieces have supported the more action-oriented piece of the main story very well, offering the origin of the group that’s attacking Cybertron, and delving into their motivations. It’s a great companion that might have been fine interspersed among the ‘regular’ story, but I’m sure they thought about that, and might have considered what it might do to interrupt the pacing, and comprehensibility of the overall issue(s).
Show me the MONEY!
-Final Thoughts-
I have really enjoyed the first two issues of this series so far! The art has been superb, the story-telling well-paced, fun, and dramatic, and enough eye candy for Hasbro-universe folks of all kinds to enjoy. I LOVED seeing the VENOM Outlaw, and the Cobra Razorback show up this issue. I just hope that we get to see them in a bigger combat situation later on! Bring on more treats as such.
I'd like a burger, fries, small soda, oh and a chocolate milk shake, please...
The hardest part of suspending my disbelief for enjoying this series so far is that war torn, experienced vets like Optimus Prime, and Ironhide are retreating (literally running!) from a gaggle of cyber-ninja (a naggle?), BATS, Iron Grenadiers, and those crazy, moralless dreadnoks albeit with some high tech weapons. I know there’s a LOT of those baddies (effectively portrayed visually), and the heroes are thinking of the safety of the Earth delegation, and the peaceful Cybertron populace, but really, Ironhide and his ‘badgeless’, or his new security forces, aren’t a match for this? I understand an initial surprise, and possible panic, but really? Ah well, I’m still going to enjoy it, and I won’t let this bother me too much, as I’m pretty sure the diversionary attack will get quelled pretty quickly in the next issue (combiners? pest control?) and the focus will be on the secondary threat. RECOMMENDED READ for TF fans (it is happening on Cybertron; lots of bots involved)!
Optimus wants me to give it 5 of 5, but I'm going with...
1/2 out of
Plenty of awesome covers to choose from, but I really enjoy COVER D by Rob Duenas. Very bulky, big detailed figures, and the inclusion of fat tankor and Sigma Six looking weapons…love it! Check out these close ups, and the full image in the thumb nail!
Credit(s): IDW
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Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1905967)
Posted by Randomhero on August 23rd, 2017 @ 10:17am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on August 23rd, 2017 @ 10:17am CDT
This is a good issue and good story! I'm sure plenty have written it off before issue one dropped but this is worth picking up! It's probably not as transformer heavy as some want especially being on Cybertron but it's a nice post TAAO story that concludes certain things. Carcer is up in orbit again, Windblade back to her old self which for me doesn't need more explaining. She recovered and walked out in the final issue and she's fine.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1906024)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 23rd, 2017 @ 2:50pm CDT
That's a little much. Revolution is no gem, but it's a fun, bombastic show of throwing all the toys in the box and letting them go wild.
Personally, I like that First Strike is doing the opposite. This is very much a smaller story, focusing on the Joes (and MASK) and the Transformers. And really, this story is a lot more of a character driven story for Scarlett, who really is the main character here.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on August 23rd, 2017 @ 2:50pm CDT
Kurona wrote:Yeah, unlike Revolution which was rage-inducingly bad, this feels more... 'eh'. It's happening, it's annoying it's happening, but it's not awful and I guess I'll just wait for the actual comics to come back. This is like waiting for a bus and it's taking a while, so you just shrug and get out your phone to play snake or candy crush or that Magikarp game only I like. Revolution was like waiting for a bus that's been delayed several times while your phone's out of power, there's no roof to the bus stop while it's raining heavily, and some douchebag beside you keeps going on about how totally awesome he is and you just want him to stop.
That's a little much. Revolution is no gem, but it's a fun, bombastic show of throwing all the toys in the box and letting them go wild.
Personally, I like that First Strike is doing the opposite. This is very much a smaller story, focusing on the Joes (and MASK) and the Transformers. And really, this story is a lot more of a character driven story for Scarlett, who really is the main character here.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1906037)
Posted by Tigertrack on August 23rd, 2017 @ 3:38pm CDT
Those are great points that I should have included in my review!
I love how Fairborne just put Elita One in her place...
Posted by Tigertrack on August 23rd, 2017 @ 3:38pm CDT
Randomhero wrote:This is a good issue and good story! I'm sure plenty have written it off before issue one dropped but this is worth picking up! It's probably not as transformer heavy as some want especially being on Cybertron but it's a nice post TAAO story that concludes certain things. Carcer is up in orbit again, Windblade back to her old self which for me doesn't need more explaining. She recovered and walked out in the final issue and she's fine.
Those are great points that I should have included in my review!
I love how Fairborne just put Elita One in her place...
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1906039)
Posted by Tigertrack on August 23rd, 2017 @ 3:41pm CDT
Indeed, I agree... especially in your Scarlett point. I think we're building toward that. This is the next GI JOE VS. Transformers (not done by Scioli). In fact, it reminds me of the previous GI JOE/TF with SERPENTO.R., but now it's cannon and built up to and referenced through the regular comics!
Posted by Tigertrack on August 23rd, 2017 @ 3:41pm CDT
Daniel Adkins wrote:Kurona wrote:Yeah, unlike Revolution which was rage-inducingly bad, this feels more... 'eh'. It's happening, it's annoying it's happening, but it's not awful and I guess I'll just wait for the actual comics to come back. This is like waiting for a bus and it's taking a while, so you just shrug and get out your phone to play snake or candy crush or that Magikarp game only I like. Revolution was like waiting for a bus that's been delayed several times while your phone's out of power, there's no roof to the bus stop while it's raining heavily, and some douchebag beside you keeps going on about how totally awesome he is and you just want him to stop.
That's a little much. Revolution is no gem, but it's a fun, bombastic show of throwing all the toys in the box and letting them go wild.
Personally, I like that First Strike is doing the opposite. This is very much a smaller story, focusing on the Joes (and MASK) and the Transformers. And really, this story is a lot more of a character driven story for Scarlett, who really is the main character here.
Indeed, I agree... especially in your Scarlett point. I think we're building toward that. This is the next GI JOE VS. Transformers (not done by Scioli). In fact, it reminds me of the previous GI JOE/TF with SERPENTO.R., but now it's cannon and built up to and referenced through the regular comics!
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1906063)
Posted by ScottyP on August 23rd, 2017 @ 5:34pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on August 23rd, 2017 @ 5:34pm CDT
I'm glad folks are enjoying this one. Idk what switch clicked, maybe I'm just grumpy today but this one did little for me. I can't beat it up but I think it's just that its cast is comprised of mostly characters that I don't have a strong connection to. Windblade and Ironhide are great but in these event books they just seem to be present and accounted for but not important.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1907805)
Posted by ScottyP on August 31st, 2017 @ 6:05pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on August 31st, 2017 @ 6:05pm CDT
Via iTunes, we have the first preview for IDW Publishing and Hasbro's latest foray into Total Brand Awareness. This takes the form of the usual first three pages, this time for the upcoming First Strike #3. Soundwave, Skyburst, Stormclash, Scarlett's GI Joe team, and even M.A.S.K. are ready to punch and kick their way through Castle Destro to accomplish their goals and achieve a holistic, synergistic team-up of brand partnership.
It looks like you'll be able to take a deep dive into consumer engagement with the entire issue on September 13th, and we've mirrored the preview pages below for your immediate enjoyment. Let us know what you think in the Energon Pub Forums once you've peeled back the onion on these pages by replying to this news post.
Keep it here at Seibertron.com for all the latest about First Strike and other Hasbro Universe comics from IDW Publishing featuring the Transformers!
It looks like you'll be able to take a deep dive into consumer engagement with the entire issue on September 13th, and we've mirrored the preview pages below for your immediate enjoyment. Let us know what you think in the Energon Pub Forums once you've peeled back the onion on these pages by replying to this news post.
Keep it here at Seibertron.com for all the latest about First Strike and other Hasbro Universe comics from IDW Publishing featuring the Transformers!
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1907823)
Posted by Budder Prime on August 31st, 2017 @ 8:52pm CDT
Posted by Budder Prime on August 31st, 2017 @ 8:52pm CDT
"I prefer to think of everyone else as profoundly deaf."
Once again, Soundwave gives an awesome quote.
Once again, Soundwave gives an awesome quote.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1907824)
Posted by Bounti76 on August 31st, 2017 @ 9:18pm CDT
Posted by Bounti76 on August 31st, 2017 @ 9:18pm CDT
It's nice to see Stormclash and Skyburst getting a little more characterization. Hopefully we'll see more of it in this issue.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1907841)
Posted by ricemazter on August 31st, 2017 @ 11:02pm CDT
Posted by ricemazter on August 31st, 2017 @ 11:02pm CDT
How can people claim Optimus Prime is tyrannical? How has he affected policy on earth in the slightest aside from providing people with humanitarian aid and fighting other invading aliens? As far as I can tell, he hasn't done anything.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1907853)
Posted by steve2275 on September 1st, 2017 @ 12:35am CDT
got that right
Posted by steve2275 on September 1st, 2017 @ 12:35am CDT
ricemazter wrote:How can people claim Optimus Prime is tyrannical? How has he affected policy on earth in the slightest aside from providing people with humanitarian aid and fighting other invading aliens? As far as I can tell, he hasn't done anything.
got that right
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1907865)
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on September 1st, 2017 @ 2:04am CDT
Well, claiming to "Annex" the Earth was a bit extreme. You really have to think about it from our own perspective. If a HUGE attack killed literally a billion people we certainly wouldn't trust the perpetrators, regardless of race. A lot of patters with contemporary issues there. Also Cybertronian are like walking tanks demanding rights so it's a bit scary lol.
But us, knowing Prime, I agree the humans are idiots for not seeing the good and the difference between Bot and Con.
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on September 1st, 2017 @ 2:04am CDT
ricemazter wrote:How can people claim Optimus Prime is tyrannical? How has he affected policy on earth in the slightest aside from providing people with humanitarian aid and fighting other invading aliens? As far as I can tell, he hasn't done anything.
Well, claiming to "Annex" the Earth was a bit extreme. You really have to think about it from our own perspective. If a HUGE attack killed literally a billion people we certainly wouldn't trust the perpetrators, regardless of race. A lot of patters with contemporary issues there. Also Cybertronian are like walking tanks demanding rights so it's a bit scary lol.
But us, knowing Prime, I agree the humans are idiots for not seeing the good and the difference between Bot and Con.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1907883)
Posted by Randomhero on September 1st, 2017 @ 6:28am CDT
Because he's a giant alien robot whose race 5-10 years ago invaded and killed close to a billion people and came back and said (with good intentions) he's annexing the earth. That's why. Does matter if he's here to help.
Look at our own world. I'm American. We've done gone to other countries to help and liberate the oppressed and a lot of those countries still burn our flag, kill our soldiers and celebrate 9/11 like a holiday.
Posted by Randomhero on September 1st, 2017 @ 6:28am CDT
ricemazter wrote:How can people claim Optimus Prime is tyrannical? How has he affected policy on earth in the slightest aside from providing people with humanitarian aid and fighting other invading aliens? As far as I can tell, he hasn't done anything.
Because he's a giant alien robot whose race 5-10 years ago invaded and killed close to a billion people and came back and said (with good intentions) he's annexing the earth. That's why. Does matter if he's here to help.
Look at our own world. I'm American. We've done gone to other countries to help and liberate the oppressed and a lot of those countries still burn our flag, kill our soldiers and celebrate 9/11 like a holiday.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1907884)
Posted by Tigertrack on September 1st, 2017 @ 6:31am CDT
The line between bot and con is no longer dark versus light. Each side has monsters and monstrous moments to their credit. Each side has heroic efforts as well, albeit the cons have far less.
I think this trooper is an extremist believing propaganda set forth by certain parties, like his employer.
The war is supposedly over so the badges aren't 'supposed' to mean much anyway. It is interesting that he humans react so intensely toward hate with Jazz for what he did, but seem to mostly except Soundwave even though he and his minions were tearing it up in AHM.
That has been a major frustration point of mine forever though with the humans vs. TFs thing. The failure to recognize the two warring factions and associate and separate events with each has been in my mind so oversimplified ignoring major facts for convenience. Humans hate all the robots because they are all fighting on Earth now is the motto/stance. It'd be nice to see a human group of activists who support the Autobots, as they should, gain some ground and sway.
Yes, I saw tyrannical and raised an eye brow too, and then remembered he's an extremist soldier at least partially brain-washed by his boss(es). We know Prime is trying to be anything but tyrannical, but your flight and fight preservation responses come into play when you go from the supposed top of the control pyramid (as a race) to seeing that there are aliens, they want to live with us, and we are to them similar to the animals that we share the world with to a degree.
Sorry for the long response.
Posted by Tigertrack on September 1st, 2017 @ 6:31am CDT
Stormshot_Prime wrote:ricemazter wrote:How can people claim Optimus Prime is tyrannical? How has he affected policy on earth in the slightest aside from providing people with humanitarian aid and fighting other invading aliens? As far as I can tell, he hasn't done anything.
Well, claiming to "Annex" the Earth was a bit extreme. You really have to think about it from our own perspective. If a HUGE attack killed literally a billion people we certainly wouldn't trust the perpetrators, regardless of race. A lot of patters with contemporary issues there. Also Cybertronian are like walking tanks demanding rights so it's a bit scary lol.
But us, knowing Prime, I agree the humans are idiots for not seeing the good and the difference between Bot and Con.
The line between bot and con is no longer dark versus light. Each side has monsters and monstrous moments to their credit. Each side has heroic efforts as well, albeit the cons have far less.
I think this trooper is an extremist believing propaganda set forth by certain parties, like his employer.
The war is supposedly over so the badges aren't 'supposed' to mean much anyway. It is interesting that he humans react so intensely toward hate with Jazz for what he did, but seem to mostly except Soundwave even though he and his minions were tearing it up in AHM.
That has been a major frustration point of mine forever though with the humans vs. TFs thing. The failure to recognize the two warring factions and associate and separate events with each has been in my mind so oversimplified ignoring major facts for convenience. Humans hate all the robots because they are all fighting on Earth now is the motto/stance. It'd be nice to see a human group of activists who support the Autobots, as they should, gain some ground and sway.
Yes, I saw tyrannical and raised an eye brow too, and then remembered he's an extremist soldier at least partially brain-washed by his boss(es). We know Prime is trying to be anything but tyrannical, but your flight and fight preservation responses come into play when you go from the supposed top of the control pyramid (as a race) to seeing that there are aliens, they want to live with us, and we are to them similar to the animals that we share the world with to a degree.
Sorry for the long response.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1907889)
Posted by Big Grim on September 1st, 2017 @ 7:26am CDT
Agreed! Absolutely perfect!
Posted by Big Grim on September 1st, 2017 @ 7:26am CDT
Budder Prime wrote:"I prefer to think of everyone else as profoundly deaf."
Once again, Soundwave gives an awesome quote.
Agreed! Absolutely perfect!
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1907925)
Posted by ricemazter on September 1st, 2017 @ 9:42am CDT
It's a writing gripe because i get the impression tha the writers want us to think what Optimus is doing is morally gray. My point isn't so much that the giant robots aren't scary or that Optimus Prime is totally in the right, saying that you're going to annex a planet is bad. My issue is that for the average human, Prime's has had little to no impact on their lives since his return to Earth beyond saving them from the Decepticons and Junkions.
As far as I can tell, he just has conversations with the US President about picking a Cybertronian council representative (you'd think he'd talk to the U.N. at least once). He hasn't written any new laws or stopped any sovereign governments on Earth from doing exactly what they want to do, which is why this story doesn't work for me.
Prior to this, we really needed that aha moment where Optimus actually exercises some power over humanity. Like, if US forces are in some ambiguous middle eastern nation about to do something not necessarily good yet not necessarily bad and Prime forces them to leave after a tense, televised standoff. Thats just an example, but at least then people could say "wait, Optimus Prime is interfering with US government decisions. Where is this going?" Then people like Joe Colton could have legitimate concerns. As it is, the guy seems like a lunatic for joining Kobra over basically nothing.
Posted by ricemazter on September 1st, 2017 @ 9:42am CDT
Stormshot_Prime wrote:ricemazter wrote:How can people claim Optimus Prime is tyrannical? How has he affected policy on earth in the slightest aside from providing people with humanitarian aid and fighting other invading aliens? As far as I can tell, he hasn't done anything.
Well, claiming to "Annex" the Earth was a bit extreme. You really have to think about it from our own perspective. If a HUGE attack killed literally a billion people we certainly wouldn't trust the perpetrators, regardless of race. A lot of patters with contemporary issues there. Also Cybertronian are like walking tanks demanding rights so it's a bit scary lol.
But us, knowing Prime, I agree the humans are idiots for not seeing the good and the difference between Bot and Con.
It's a writing gripe because i get the impression tha the writers want us to think what Optimus is doing is morally gray. My point isn't so much that the giant robots aren't scary or that Optimus Prime is totally in the right, saying that you're going to annex a planet is bad. My issue is that for the average human, Prime's has had little to no impact on their lives since his return to Earth beyond saving them from the Decepticons and Junkions.
As far as I can tell, he just has conversations with the US President about picking a Cybertronian council representative (you'd think he'd talk to the U.N. at least once). He hasn't written any new laws or stopped any sovereign governments on Earth from doing exactly what they want to do, which is why this story doesn't work for me.
Prior to this, we really needed that aha moment where Optimus actually exercises some power over humanity. Like, if US forces are in some ambiguous middle eastern nation about to do something not necessarily good yet not necessarily bad and Prime forces them to leave after a tense, televised standoff. Thats just an example, but at least then people could say "wait, Optimus Prime is interfering with US government decisions. Where is this going?" Then people like Joe Colton could have legitimate concerns. As it is, the guy seems like a lunatic for joining Kobra over basically nothing.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1907950)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 1st, 2017 @ 12:16pm CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 1st, 2017 @ 12:16pm CDT
It doesn't matter if Optimus Prime has actually done anything to the individual. He is an alien from a race that already destroyed a huge chunk of the human population that is now annexing Earth. Naturally people are going to be on the defensive about what this means for the future of humanity.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1908013)
Posted by ScottyP on September 1st, 2017 @ 8:55pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on September 1st, 2017 @ 8:55pm CDT
I agree here, this seems to be lost on a lot of folks. There's also that thing that happened in this universe called All Hail Megatron, aka 911,000Daniel Adkins wrote:It doesn't matter if Optimus Prime has actually done anything to the individual. He is an alien from a race that already destroyed a huge chunk of the human population that is now annexing Earth. Naturally people are going to be on the defensive about what this means for the future of humanity.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1908050)
Posted by ricemazter on September 1st, 2017 @ 11:02pm CDT
My point is that thus far annexation of Earth has no context for anyone involved and no one has a clear idea of what that means since the public hasn't been given any information on what will happen. If people remember AHM, then they should also remember that Optimus Prime and his Autobots specifically stopped the Decepticons from exterminating the human race. Since then, all he's done is give out humanitarian aid, save people from floods and stop yet more alien invasions from the Junkions, the Dire Wraiths, and Baron Karza.
My two cents is just that we needed some kind of extra oomph where Optimus actually exercises power over Earth affairs, not even in a violent way, to make people actually worry about him quite possibly taking over the planet Earth instead of him just giving a speech on TV about the council. That's just what I would need to entertain the humans'/Joe Colton's position.
Posted by ricemazter on September 1st, 2017 @ 11:02pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:I agree here, this seems to be lost on a lot of folks. There's also that thing that happened in this universe called All Hail Megatron, aka 911,000Daniel Adkins wrote:It doesn't matter if Optimus Prime has actually done anything to the individual. He is an alien from a race that already destroyed a huge chunk of the human population that is now annexing Earth. Naturally people are going to be on the defensive about what this means for the future of humanity.
My point is that thus far annexation of Earth has no context for anyone involved and no one has a clear idea of what that means since the public hasn't been given any information on what will happen. If people remember AHM, then they should also remember that Optimus Prime and his Autobots specifically stopped the Decepticons from exterminating the human race. Since then, all he's done is give out humanitarian aid, save people from floods and stop yet more alien invasions from the Junkions, the Dire Wraiths, and Baron Karza.
My two cents is just that we needed some kind of extra oomph where Optimus actually exercises power over Earth affairs, not even in a violent way, to make people actually worry about him quite possibly taking over the planet Earth instead of him just giving a speech on TV about the council. That's just what I would need to entertain the humans'/Joe Colton's position.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1908453)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 3rd, 2017 @ 11:08pm CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 3rd, 2017 @ 11:08pm CDT
As Agent K once said, "people are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals." Its very clear that only a select few people actually know that there's a difference between Autobots and Decepticons, and even some of the people who do know don't care.
If I might draw comparisons to the real world, in the aftermath of 9/11, Americans everywhere became fearful of people from the Middle East. Regardless of if someone was Muslim or not, or if they were born in America or not, if they even looked like they were Middle Eastern, they were met with suspicion and hostility from many Americans.
The same thing is true of many humans in the IDW comics. They saw how dangerous the giant robots were once, they don't want to take that risk again. And frankly, they aren't privy to all the ins and outs of the political goings-on. All they know is a giant alien that could easily step on them if he wanted showed up and annexed our planet. How does that NOT look like an invasion?
If I might draw comparisons to the real world, in the aftermath of 9/11, Americans everywhere became fearful of people from the Middle East. Regardless of if someone was Muslim or not, or if they were born in America or not, if they even looked like they were Middle Eastern, they were met with suspicion and hostility from many Americans.
The same thing is true of many humans in the IDW comics. They saw how dangerous the giant robots were once, they don't want to take that risk again. And frankly, they aren't privy to all the ins and outs of the political goings-on. All they know is a giant alien that could easily step on them if he wanted showed up and annexed our planet. How does that NOT look like an invasion?
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1908722)
Posted by Va'al on September 5th, 2017 @ 6:15pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on September 5th, 2017 @ 6:15pm CDT
Courtesy of website Pixelated Geek, we have an interview with co-authors of IDW Publishing's Hasbro crossover event First Strike Mairghread Scott and David Rodriguez! The interview actually is really short, and dates back to San Diego Comic Con, but you can still take a look at it embedded below, as we find out more about the end of Transformers: Till All Are One and the current/future of GI Joe.
At this year's San Diego Comic-Con we got to talk for a few minutes with IDW's David Rodriguez and Mairghread Scott, writers for IDW's Transformers. We discussed the end of Mairghread's "Till All Are One" series (and why she wrote Starscream the way she did) and about IDW's new "First Strike" arc and what that means for the Transformers and G.I. Joe. Artwork in the video by Sara Pitre-Durocher, Priscilla Tramontano, and Max Dunbar.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909009)
Posted by Bounti76 on September 7th, 2017 @ 3:16am CDT
Posted by Bounti76 on September 7th, 2017 @ 3:16am CDT
Also coming to us via notice from Seibertronian Soundwave902 is the preview for G.I. Joe's First Strike one-shot. Available on September 30th, please find the images mirrored below, and let us know if you'll be picking up this issue!
As Scarlett heads off to Cybertron to confront the events of First Strike, her G.I. Joe team on Earth faces an unusual enemy… V.E.N.O.M.! With the help of a former M.A.S.K. member, G.I. Joe looks to put an end to Miles Mayhem’s sinister group once and for all, in the Greatest Crossover One-Shot Of All Time
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909031)
Posted by Big Grim on September 7th, 2017 @ 7:05am CDT
Posted by Big Grim on September 7th, 2017 @ 7:05am CDT
Has it been adequately explained why the hell Venom has the Rhino Rig? That's a MASK vehicle, operated by Bruce Sato. I assume the goon with the cyborg head is Cliff Dagger, who ought to be operating the Jack Hammer.
Confusion.
Confusion.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909082)
Posted by ScottyP on September 7th, 2017 @ 12:05pm CDT
Cliff Dagger was introduced in the MASK Annual and does have the Jackhammer, but he hasn't been used in several months.
Posted by ScottyP on September 7th, 2017 @ 12:05pm CDT
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.Big Grim wrote:Has it been adequately explained why the hell Venom has the Rhino Rig? That's a MASK vehicle, operated by Bruce Sato. I assume the goon with the cyborg head is Cliff Dagger, who ought to be operating the Jack Hammer.
Confusion.
Cliff Dagger was introduced in the MASK Annual and does have the Jackhammer, but he hasn't been used in several months.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909111)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 7th, 2017 @ 3:09pm CDT
The Jackhammer is actually Julio Lopez's vehicle in this continuity. Dagger hasn't been shown to have a personal vehicle yet.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 7th, 2017 @ 3:09pm 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.Big Grim wrote:Has it been adequately explained why the hell Venom has the Rhino Rig? That's a MASK vehicle, operated by Bruce Sato. I assume the goon with the cyborg head is Cliff Dagger, who ought to be operating the Jack Hammer.
Confusion.
Cliff Dagger was introduced in the MASK Annual and does have the Jackhammer, but he hasn't been used in several months.
The Jackhammer is actually Julio Lopez's vehicle in this continuity. Dagger hasn't been shown to have a personal vehicle yet.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909116)
Posted by Va'al on September 7th, 2017 @ 3:38pm CDT
Adkins with the rescue.
Posted by Va'al on September 7th, 2017 @ 3:38pm CDT
Daniel Adkins wrote: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.Big Grim wrote:Has it been adequately explained why the hell Venom has the Rhino Rig? That's a MASK vehicle, operated by Bruce Sato. I assume the goon with the cyborg head is Cliff Dagger, who ought to be operating the Jack Hammer.
Confusion.
Cliff Dagger was introduced in the MASK Annual and does have the Jackhammer, but he hasn't been used in several months.
The Jackhammer is actually Julio Lopez's vehicle in this continuity. Dagger hasn't been shown to have a personal vehicle yet.
Adkins with the rescue.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909122)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 7th, 2017 @ 4:19pm CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 7th, 2017 @ 4:19pm CDT
Oh! And another thing.
The actual reasoning is even stupider than that. Bruno took the Rhino for a test drive, even though Matt told him not to push it too hard, resulting in the Rhino exploding. But when Matt tried to save him, the radiation in his Spectrum Mask reacted violently to the Rhino's power source (I think, honestly its kinda vague), so all Matt could do was stand there before Mayhem teleported Bruno, Sly, and Vanessa away in the explosion.
ScottyP wrote:Sheppard has beef with Matt Trakker because Trakker focused on a mission instead of saving him from the fire that messed up his face.
The actual reasoning is even stupider than that. Bruno took the Rhino for a test drive, even though Matt told him not to push it too hard, resulting in the Rhino exploding. But when Matt tried to save him, the radiation in his Spectrum Mask reacted violently to the Rhino's power source (I think, honestly its kinda vague), so all Matt could do was stand there before Mayhem teleported Bruno, Sly, and Vanessa away in the explosion.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909135)
Posted by ScottyP on September 7th, 2017 @ 5:40pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on September 7th, 2017 @ 5:40pm CDT
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.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909138)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 7th, 2017 @ 5:50pm CDT
MASK is a classic example of "incredibly awesome idea" that has consistently been executed poorly. The cartoon is terrible (though can edge into "so bad its funny" territory at times), the DC Comics were okay at best, and the IDW comic is pure dreck. MASK is honestly at their best in crossovers.
VENOM at least are more interesting than their heroic counterparts and I've loved Aubrey Sitterson's work on the Joe title, so I look forward to seeing what he does with the MASK characters in the First Strike tie-ins and G.I. Joe Unmasked. Maybe he'll be the one to finally make Matt Trakker an interesting character.
Also, the fact that the Baroness has evidently taken over as Cobra Commander is such a genius idea, I'm surprised it hasn't happened before.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 7th, 2017 @ 5:50pm CDT
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.
MASK is a classic example of "incredibly awesome idea" that has consistently been executed poorly. The cartoon is terrible (though can edge into "so bad its funny" territory at times), the DC Comics were okay at best, and the IDW comic is pure dreck. MASK is honestly at their best in crossovers.
VENOM at least are more interesting than their heroic counterparts and I've loved Aubrey Sitterson's work on the Joe title, so I look forward to seeing what he does with the MASK characters in the First Strike tie-ins and G.I. Joe Unmasked. Maybe he'll be the one to finally make Matt Trakker an interesting character.
Also, the fact that the Baroness has evidently taken over as Cobra Commander is such a genius idea, I'm surprised it hasn't happened before.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909140)
Posted by Kurona on September 7th, 2017 @ 5:58pm CDT
Well, this company DID come close...
Posted by Kurona on September 7th, 2017 @ 5:58pm CDT
Daniel Adkins wrote:Also, the fact that the Baroness has evidently taken over as Cobra Commander is such a genius idea, I'm surprised it hasn't happened before.
Well, this company DID come close...
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909143)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 7th, 2017 @ 6:09pm CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 7th, 2017 @ 6:09pm CDT
I still need to read TFvsJoe.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909230)
Posted by Va'al on September 8th, 2017 @ 6:53am CDT
You do. You really do.
Posted by Va'al on September 8th, 2017 @ 6:53am CDT
Daniel Adkins wrote:I still need to read TFvsJoe.
You do. You really do.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909466)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on September 8th, 2017 @ 5:24pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on September 8th, 2017 @ 5:24pm CDT
Have they shown any more of Blitzwing? What happened with Astrotrain's head since I saw that in one preview of something
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909474)
Posted by Kurona on September 8th, 2017 @ 5:50pm CDT
I think the heavy implication in the First Strike prelude was that he's now dead.
Posted by Kurona on September 8th, 2017 @ 5:50pm CDT
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Have they shown any more of Blitzwing? What happened with Astrotrain's head since I saw that in one preview of something
I think the heavy implication in the First Strike prelude was that he's now dead.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909475)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 8th, 2017 @ 5:51pm CDT
Blitzwing showed up in First Strike #0, which was set before Revolution. We still don't know what happened with him after that. Astrotrain's body was the MacGuffin in the MASK Annual, which has only been briefly addressed in First Strike #2. As of yet, we still don't know if there's any relevance to the event.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 8th, 2017 @ 5:51pm CDT
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Have they shown any more of Blitzwing? What happened with Astrotrain's head since I saw that in one preview of something
Blitzwing showed up in First Strike #0, which was set before Revolution. We still don't know what happened with him after that. Astrotrain's body was the MacGuffin in the MASK Annual, which has only been briefly addressed in First Strike #2. As of yet, we still don't know if there's any relevance to the event.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909479)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on September 8th, 2017 @ 6:00pm CDT
Which one? Astrotrain was all but confirmed dead when Arcee sliced and diced him
Huh. I was hoping maybe at least they had done something with Blitzwing rambling on while a captive, or that Skywarp was somehow involved, like being close to finding either of the triple changers whether alive or dead
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on September 8th, 2017 @ 6:00pm CDT
Kurona wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Have they shown any more of Blitzwing? What happened with Astrotrain's head since I saw that in one preview of something
I think the heavy implication in the First Strike prelude was that he's now dead.
Which one? Astrotrain was all but confirmed dead when Arcee sliced and diced him
Daniel Adkins wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Have they shown any more of Blitzwing? What happened with Astrotrain's head since I saw that in one preview of something
Blitzwing showed up in First Strike #0, which was set before Revolution. We still don't know what happened with him after that. Astrotrain's body was the MacGuffin in the MASK Annual, which has only been briefly addressed in First Strike #2. As of yet, we still don't know if there's any relevance to the event.
Huh. I was hoping maybe at least they had done something with Blitzwing rambling on while a captive, or that Skywarp was somehow involved, like being close to finding either of the triple changers whether alive or dead
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909483)
Posted by Kurona on September 8th, 2017 @ 6:07pm CDT
Blitzwing. They used the talisman for... something on him, then the screen went black. He's either dead or he's returning at the end of issue #4 changed in some way for a surprise twist.
Posted by Kurona on September 8th, 2017 @ 6:07pm CDT
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Kurona wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Have they shown any more of Blitzwing? What happened with Astrotrain's head since I saw that in one preview of something
I think the heavy implication in the First Strike prelude was that he's now dead.
Which one? Astrotrain was all but confirmed dead when Arcee sliced and diced him
Blitzwing. They used the talisman for... something on him, then the screen went black. He's either dead or he's returning at the end of issue #4 changed in some way for a surprise twist.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909524)
Posted by o.supreme on September 8th, 2017 @ 9:43pm CDT
Posted by o.supreme on September 8th, 2017 @ 9:43pm CDT
So...What happened to Action Man? Sorry I didn't read the self titled series, so I have no idea why he's not in First Strike, I just hope when its all sais and done, TF goes back to the normal 2 books per month
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1909537)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 8th, 2017 @ 10:13pm CDT
Action Man has been hanging out with Kup, Ayana Jones, and Garrison Blackrock in Revolutionaries, which is the best IDW book on the shelves right now and if you're not reading it you are missing out on some awesome stuff.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 8th, 2017 @ 10:13pm CDT
o.supreme wrote:So...What happened to Action Man? Sorry I didn't read the self titled series, so I have no idea why he's not in First Strike, I just hope when its all sais and done, TF goes back to the normal 2 books per month
Action Man has been hanging out with Kup, Ayana Jones, and Garrison Blackrock in Revolutionaries, which is the best IDW book on the shelves right now and if you're not reading it you are missing out on some awesome stuff.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1910051)
Posted by Va'al on September 11th, 2017 @ 3:54am CDT
Posted by Va'al on September 11th, 2017 @ 3:54am CDT
Coming up this week from IDW Publishing is the next chapter in the First Strike mini-series which will change - allegedly - the face of the IDWverse from now on - First Strike #3! Check out below a full preview of the issue courtesy of Comics Crusaders, and make sure to head back to Seibertron.com for a review after its release.
G.I. Joe, the Autobots and M.A.S.K. make their way to Cybertron to stop the siege and encounter the COBRA leader, but all is not as it seems! Will their arrival help or just bring more disaster?
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1910080)
Posted by Randomhero on September 11th, 2017 @ 7:37am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on September 11th, 2017 @ 7:37am CDT
We really need a scene of Optimus apologizing to soundwave for blackmailing him. I know they're friends now and soundwave is pretty much his second in command but we need it
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1910109)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on September 11th, 2017 @ 9:14am CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on September 11th, 2017 @ 9:14am CDT
Heh, the twins made me smile there. Bout time too 
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1910113)
Posted by o.supreme on September 11th, 2017 @ 9:22am CDT
Actually I have been reading Revolutionaries...I didn't even know AM was in there
...All I know is that its 3 months behind, and after waiting forever to see Predaking in IDW, he gets taken out like a chump in less than a minute...no not cool, glad this is ending, I guess issue #8 will reveal what happens to AM since he's not in First Strike, and I assume the self titled series ended...
Posted by o.supreme on September 11th, 2017 @ 9:22am CDT
Daniel Adkins wrote:o.supreme wrote:So...What happened to Action Man? Sorry I didn't read the self titled series, so I have no idea why he's not in First Strike, I just hope when its all sais and done, TF goes back to the normal 2 books per month
Action Man has been hanging out with Kup, Ayana Jones, and Garrison Blackrock in Revolutionaries, which is the best IDW book on the shelves right now and if you're not reading it you are missing out on some awesome stuff.
Actually I have been reading Revolutionaries...I didn't even know AM was in there
...All I know is that its 3 months behind, and after waiting forever to see Predaking in IDW, he gets taken out like a chump in less than a minute...no not cool, glad this is ending, I guess issue #8 will reveal what happens to AM since he's not in First Strike, and I assume the self titled series ended...
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1910129)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on September 11th, 2017 @ 9:38am CDT
Action Man was my personal favorite of the hasbro brands. He was a cool kid, and I liked the relationship he has with Kup. Made me rename Flintlock into Action Man on his TR toy
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on September 11th, 2017 @ 9:38am CDT
o.supreme wrote:Daniel Adkins wrote:o.supreme wrote:So...What happened to Action Man? Sorry I didn't read the self titled series, so I have no idea why he's not in First Strike, I just hope when its all sais and done, TF goes back to the normal 2 books per month
Action Man has been hanging out with Kup, Ayana Jones, and Garrison Blackrock in Revolutionaries, which is the best IDW book on the shelves right now and if you're not reading it you are missing out on some awesome stuff.
Actually I have been reading Revolutionaries...I didn't even know AM was in there
Action Man was my personal favorite of the hasbro brands. He was a cool kid, and I liked the relationship he has with Kup. Made me rename Flintlock into Action Man on his TR toy
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1910141)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 11th, 2017 @ 9:49am CDT
Action Man is going to be in the Optimus Prime and Revolutionaries tie-ins to First Strike.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on September 11th, 2017 @ 9:49am CDT
o.supreme wrote:Daniel Adkins wrote:o.supreme wrote:So...What happened to Action Man? Sorry I didn't read the self titled series, so I have no idea why he's not in First Strike, I just hope when its all sais and done, TF goes back to the normal 2 books per month
Action Man has been hanging out with Kup, Ayana Jones, and Garrison Blackrock in Revolutionaries, which is the best IDW book on the shelves right now and if you're not reading it you are missing out on some awesome stuff.
Actually I have been reading Revolutionaries...I didn't even know AM was in there
Action Man is going to be in the Optimus Prime and Revolutionaries tie-ins to First Strike.
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (1910626)
Posted by Va'al on September 13th, 2017 @ 8:42am CDT
Posted by Va'al on September 13th, 2017 @ 8:42am CDT
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!
Re: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (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: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (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: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (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: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (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: Review of IDW First Strike #2, featuring Transformers, GI JOE, and MASK #HasbroFirstStrike (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!
