IDW Transformers ongoing [spoilers]

[i_amtrunks]

Around the issue #18 mark, Shckwave stated that he had built a spacebridge while also working on Megatron, thats how Starscream was able to get to earth to beat up Thundercracker, and I assumed how Megatron and company got to earth (to catch Prime and all hat humdrum). Problem was it ws inaccurate as they had no bridge exit point on earth, so they could only approx into earth orbit.

Having Megatron as the exit point bridge, guess it is alot more accurate.

I guess Soundwaves damage was easy to fix, maybe they picked up some cybertronian metal while on earth? :p

Science bots for techno-babble led deus ex machina finish? Maybe a rebuilt Kimia?

[Paulbot]

Transformers 29 For the "last story on Earth" it's not a big "chaotic" ending. Really the title "Chaos" doesn't apply to this storyline at all despite what the cover says.

What it does do though is wrap up the Ongoing's "Earth" story in a way that I don't dislike but I don't love. I'm fairly neutral. Using one of G1's most "Earth-loving" characters and showing him why he's ready to leave is kind of effective, but it doesn't give Jazz's storyline the right sort of closure.

One thing I did particularly like was the reveal of the mystery spotter from the previous chapter. It's one of those good reveals that makes sense, seems like it was planned well, and makes me want to go back and reread the previous two 24 issues and see if it indeed was that well planned. I liked that the scheme involved an aspect of Furman's run, the human clones, that hadn't been touched upon since AHM.

There's something off with the inking though. All the bots seem a little rounder, and there's an unfortunate problem with Prowl's mouth on the first few pages, giving him a very odd look on his face when Spike points out that Prowl is not human.

I had also assumed that Omega's consciousness was in his rocket component, so I was surprised that his base component could talk. It was acknowledged that he's not at full speed, but it's not something we've seen with Omega before.

There's enough loose ends that I think this wont be the "last ever" story on Earth in an IDW comic.

[i_amtrunks]

Transformers 29 For the "last story on Earth" it's not a big "chaotic" ending. Really the title "Chaos" doesn't apply to this storyline at all despite what the cover says.

What it does do though is wrap up the Ongoing's "Earth" story in a way that I don't dislike but I don't love. I'm fairly neutral.

SNIP

There's enough loose ends that I think this wont be the "last ever" story on Earth in an IDW comic.

I agree with pretty much everything Paulbot has said, it was not an ending with a bang, but neither was it a whimper. The spotter and "mastermid" behind so many non Megatron threats reveal was decent and appears to have been well researched. His info-dump stunk of a rushed finish.

The art was terrible this issue, blobby and uneven. It almost looks like draft sketchs got inked instead of finished art. I'm not sure how I feel about this Earth based arc as a whole. At times it was wasteful and snail-paced, but there was plenty of clever writing and character driven action.

Here's hoping the final chaos issue is better than the last earth issue.

[i_amtrunks]

Issue #30 = whimper.

Poor ending with an art style that does not suit the slower paced final issue.

Interesting that a potential Furman future story from the old IDW Furmanverse as utilised/borrowed to end the ongoing run.

[Paulbot]

I thought the art of Megatron versus the 'Decepti-God' looked pretty great. The final pages looked really nice too. I can't think of another IDW artist that would have made the book look more epic. The colouring still rocks.

The story though... Spoilers aplenty follow

The info dump of the first few pages, robbed the Science-bots a real chance of saving the day. Instead they just got to be audience surrogates for exposition explaining what was going to happen, from someone who was 'in' Galvatron's mind. And then more cheapily Optimus and Rodimus came to the same knowledge mystically through the Matrix. It's not an interesting story when people just know the solution in the final chapter without working towards it.

On the flip-side, despite the wordless few pages I had to reread to come to a conclusion of what actually happened: that Optimus Prime emptied the Matrix to destory the D-Void of the Dead Universe and thus bring life back to that Universe. Right? So Optimus Prime has passed over to the other universe as the God bringing life.

Wheelie's little "mental episode" went no where. The Ironhide and Drift scene never went anywhere. I take it the "named" Decepticons are part of the giga-gestalt but presumably they'll be okay, but will that mean there's still an army of Sweeps when the battle's done. What exactly did Megatron do to the gestalt?

I know there's an 'epilogue' but I felt this story should have had a better conclusion.

I did get a good laugh from the Science-bot's discussion about having to stop the end of the universe.

[i_amtrunks]

I too liked the art during the Megatron vs. Decepti-machine battle, but I dont think it suited any other part of the issue as well.

I figure that the sweeps (and any D-Void controlled entities) all disintergrated, but the rest of the cons will be okay, Megatron must have only luckily managed to cut, blast and destroy the parts of the mega gestalt that were sweep only. The "previously" section on the inside cover stated that Megatron was wearing some kind of armour, I dont recall that...

I love the IDW Hardhead as a character so getting to see him again was fantastic, wonder what happens to him and Arcee now the dead universe appears to have lost it's link to the real world. The info dump was boring and lazy, but I suppose it beats having an exposition issue.

As Paulbot said, too many characters doing too little (anyone not called Prime, Rodimus or Megatron) but they did ensure that all the main players are where they need to be ready for the next phase of the series.

I guess we now ask the inevitable question: How long until Prime returns? or maybe: Is he even dead?

[bowspearer]

We know prime is dead because the next episode is apparently the Death of Optimus Prime (at least I think next issue is issue 132 IIRC).

This issue suffered from the same problem that the "-tion" saga suffered from - great pacing up until the end and then a rushed finale to cram the whole story neatly into a certain number of issues.

Issue 30 really needed to be spread out over 2-3 issues in order for things to play out properly.

Hopefully the epilogue will help to alleviate some of this.

[GoktimusPrime]

bah, this whole Chaos story just felt too much like a try-hard imitation of Transformers Generation 2, only not as good.

G2: Optimus Prime and Megatron (and their forces) cooperate to combat the all devouring Swarm
Chaos: Optimus Prime (and his forces) and Megatron cooperate to combat the all devouring D-Void

G2: Optimus Prime plunges into the Swarm and uses the Matrix to defeat it.
Chaos: Optimus Prime plunges into D-Void and uses the Matrix to defeat it.

*yawn*

[bowspearer]

bah, this whole Chaos story just felt too much like a try-hard imitation of Transformers Generation 2, only not as good.

G2: Optimus Prime and Megatron (and their forces) cooperate to combat the all devouring Swarm
Chaos: Optimus Prime (and his forces) and Megatron cooperate to combat the all devouring D-Void

G2: Optimus Prime plunges into the Swarm and uses the Matrix to defeat it.
Chaos: Optimus Prime plunges into D-Void and uses the Matrix to defeat it.

*yawn*

I have to disagree. D-void was essentially a corrupted Nova Prime who sought to turn our universe dead. The Swarm on the other other hand was a bi-product of the amoral and continuous reproduction of the Cybertronian Empire and which sought out meaning through consuming everything- searching for the wisdom and morality of the Autobot code as it turned out.

Also the ending was different too. Prime had no intention in this of giving life to the dead universe but rather, reluctantly using the Matrix to purge Vector Sigma of the Dead universe's corruption to save Cybertron, and only after Hot Rod convinced him to do . This differs from G2 where Prime deliberately allowed himself to be consumed so that the Matrix would be consumed by the Swarm to transform it into a force for good.

Don't get me wrong, the storylines are similar, but you can hardly call them identical.

[bassbot]

and now the Epilogue is out, it doesn't seem like a Chaos: Epiloge, rather a Transformers: Epilogue.

[Cat]

and now the Epilogue is out, it doesn't seem like a Chaos: Epiloge, rather a Transformers: Epilogue.

Yeah. This issue was just......well, nothing to recommend at all.

It has some nice splash pages, and some neat character designs, but storywise, it's totally disposable.

Not what I was expecting for the end of Mike's run.

Oh well.

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah, this issue is a total snooze-fest. Artistically the splash pages are nice (what happened to Devastator's chest plate??) - but storywise it's complete dullsville. It felt like one of those "recap" episodes that they sometimes do in anime. Gah.

If people want to get into the IDW comics at a later stage, surely they can just go buy the TPBs. Don't quite see the point of having a "recap" issue. :( And talk about embedding spoilers into the title of the next issue! (yeah, I know it's been floating around for ages)

This is just another thing I miss about the ol' G1 Marvel comics... we never had a single issue of complete pedestrian inaction like this (even in some of the lamer issues, like Arcee's origin story <shudder>)

[MindsetOverhaul]

If people want to get into the IDW comics at a later stage, surely they can just go buy the TPBs.


i agree with that 100% and wholeheartedly recommend going that route.
unless you're a pathological collector, the TFOngoing story is far more palatable and IMO more coherent in TPB form.
For myself, the first 12 issues in particular, were an intensely frustrating experience. I wish i had just waited for the Trades.

[GoktimusPrime]

I don't have the patience to wait for trades. :p But for anyone who does, I definitely recommend collecting them that way. But really, each individual issue should be able to stand up on its own as a good story (just another thing I miss about Marvel G1).

You know what's sad? The favourite part of this issue for me is the front cover (I got Cover A), just because I think it's interesting that they've gone for using toy photography for the cover instead of artwork. But even then, I wish they'd used a proper Transformer action figure instead of that non-transformable Revoltech (which are just glorified Action Masters IMO, hence why I don't collect them). It'd be also better if they selected a character who - you know - prominently appeared in this issue! A photo of Universe/Henkei Ironhide and/or Timelines Alpha Trion would have made WAY more sense.

Cover B's more interesting at least with Ironhide's head... the RI cover - as nice (really nice) as it looks; a smashing homage to the US TFTM poster... bears no relevance to the content of the comic itself. I'm not a cover completist btw -- I just get whatever cover happens to be on the issue that my comic store has put aside for me. :p

I hope IDW will do more toy photo covers - hopefully BETTER ones with proper Transformer action figures in more dynamic poses. Although it kinda takes the challenge out of trying to recreate comic covers with toys. :D
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Famous%20Covers/th_cover_001.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Famous%20Covers/th_cover_05.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Famous%20Covers/th_cover_001uk.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Famous%20Covers/th_cover_070.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Famous%20Covers/th_cover_027.jpg
But hey, I'm all for seeing more toy photo covers. :)

[SMHFConvoy]

While I agree that the issue was slow, I think it was more of an, "The Transformers Finale We Will Never Get To See." Next month we return you to regularly scheduled programme, "Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime."

Oh Noes Spoilers!

[GoktimusPrime]

While I agree that the issue was slow, I think it was more of an, "The Transformers Finale We Will Never Get To See." Next month we return you to regularly scheduled programme, "Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime."
I don't know about you, but I don't like paying $6 for an entire issue of recaps, inaction and a general lack of plot progression (honestly, if someone missed/skipped this issue, what would they be missing??)

Marvel G1 gave us way more bang for our buck, and each issue literally only cost a buck! :)


Oh Noes Spoilers!
lulz! :D Reminds me of episode #24 of The Headmasters (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Ultra_Magnus_Dies!!)... I remember watching this series for the first time and seeing the preview for it at the end of episode #23 (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Mystery_of_the_Space_Pirate_Ship) and sarcastically thinking to myself, "Gee I wonder what happens in the next episode!" :p :p

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/th_facepalm.jpg

[Cat]

It's POINTLESS harping about what 'Marvel G1 gave us' in terms of story etc.

The market and the styles are just SO different now. They're completely different beasts, and to try and make a direct comparison between the two is just completely impossible, and completely ignorant of the reality of the shift in market, demographics, and distribution.

[GoktimusPrime]

Show me where I said that we should revert back to what Marvel G1 gave us. Where have I explicitly stated this? Just because we can't go back to something doesn't mean I can't miss it!

[Gutsman Heavy]

I liked it, nice to see an "end" even if it'll never get there. But seeing as I "acquired" this issue my opinion isn't coloured by value for money, which this issue probably lacks.

[Cat]

Show me where I said that we should revert back to what Marvel G1 gave us. Where have I explicitly stated this? Just because we can't go back to something doesn't mean I can't miss it!

You complain about the price and content compared to Marvel G1.

Again, that's absolutely pointless, and a false equivalence.

It's rubbish to harp on about it.

[kup]

You complain about the price and content compared to Marvel G1.

Again, that's absolutely pointless, and a false equivalence.

It's rubbish to harp on about it.

To be fair, Gok is more reminiscing on how the Marvel comics were rather than making direct comparisons. His point is more to do with value for money which clearly the IDW comics do not provide while the Marvel ones did.

There is very little in the typical IDW issue to justify the heavy price tag.

[Sharky]

i picked this issue up on sunday and have read it a couple of times... it is a nice ending.. although a bland one...it was a good retrospect from a possible ending with some possible spoilers like wheelie the first to see the great destroyer... etc etc.

i do hope the stories get better with the next relaunch/reboot

[Cat]

To be fair, Gok is more reminiscing on how the Marvel comics were rather than making direct comparisons. His point is more to do with value for money which clearly the IDW comics do not provide while the Marvel ones did.

There is very little in the typical IDW issue to justify the heavy price tag.

Again though, it's not fair to compare it to 80's Marvel.

A fair comparison would be other comics on the market today, in which case, TF's fares reasonably well, and in fact, BETTER than a lot of Marvel comics which are also $3.99US, have less pages, less story, and are printed on a cheaper paper/cover stock.

[Golden Phoenix]

Alright guys, time to change the subject.

We just have to keep it nice and friendly, not that hard.
If you think someone is going on and on about something or is having a shot at you: ignore it and if it really bugs you report it.


Lets just drop the issue and continue on with the general discussion of the Ongoing series. :D
[/Mod speak]

Also, anyone know where to pick up the first 4 trades for this series?

[Cat]

Alright guys, time to change the subject.

We just have to keep it nice and friendly, not that hard.
If you think someone is going on and on about something or is having a shot at you: ignore it and if it really bugs you report it.


Lets just drop the issue and continue on with the general discussion of the Ongoing series. :D
[/Mod speak]

Also, anyone know where to pick up the first 4 trades for this series?

Any comic store can order them for you (I know Arcee had trouble with volume 1, but off-hand, I think that was more to do with her being unhappy with the condition of the copies she received, not the availability).

If you're ordering them all at once, you should get a better deal through Amazon, although I can't say for sure what exchange rate Melbourne comic stores use, so don't quote me on that.

The confusing thing is that there are actually FIVE volumes out. However, volume 4 isn't ACTUALLY part of the main Ongoing, it's the 'Heart Of Darkness' miniseries (which was originally going to be the start of a second ongoing, long story).

It does tie in to the main Ongoing, although it's really questionable how much, as the ongoing and HOD contradict each other, depending on interpretation. As much as I love Abnett and Lanning's work, HOD was pretty bad, and the art is.....well, an acquired taste.

If you want to skip HOD, then you just want volumes 1,2,3 and 5, which collects the Ongoing up to......ummmm 23, I think, offhand.

I guess it comes down to how complete you want to be, and if it'll bug you having a gap in the volume numbers.

[Arcee]

Yeah I had OCD with my Vol 1 not being absolute mint but cost me the price of mint copies. :mad:

GP: last I went to Minotaur they have restocked all the TPs from Vol 1 to 5. I picked up their Vol 1 so there's one copy left as at last Friday. Not sure if they still have any now. Let me know if you need me to get them for you tomorrow.

[Cat]

Yeah I had OCD with my Vol 1 not being absolute mint but cost me the price of mint copies. :mad:

GP: last I went to Minotaur they have restocked all the TPs from Vol 1 to 5. I picked up their Vol 1 so there's one copy left as at last Friday. Not sure if they still have any now. Let me know if you need me to get them for you tomorrow.

Why not see if he wants one of your spare copies?

Or are you planning on letting Chloe use them as kitty litter?

[Arcee]

Why not see if he wants one of your spare copies?

Or are you planning on letting Chloe use them as kitty litter?

Well...good point...

@Golden Phoenix: if you don't mind creased backcover and rubbed corners, and a thick black line across the bottom of the book, you can take one of my spare copies of Vol 1. :D

[Golden Phoenix]

Well...good point...

@Golden Phoenix: if you don't mind creased backcover and rubbed corners, and a thick black line across the bottom of the book, you can take one of my spare copies of Vol 1. :D

No dice. I like my stuff in good shape.

I might check out Minotaur after work tomorrow. I get paid too. Was hoping maybe there would be an online shop or something. Maybe book depository.

[Cat]

No dice. I like my stuff in good shape.

I might check out Minotaur after work tomorrow. I get paid too. Was hoping maybe there would be an online shop or something. Maybe book depository.

If you want them in good condition, avoid Aussie online store Fishpond.

Terrible, terrible packing = major book damage = every order.

[Golden Phoenix]

If you want them in good condition, avoid Aussie online store Fishpond.

Terrible, terrible packing = major book damage = every order.

I have only ordered once from them and even then they pulled the product and cancelled the order.....

[Arcee]

Well, I'd also avoid pretty much all the Amazon sellers, and some sellers on Abebooks too. Minotaur books are mostly pristine conditions but they are REALLY slow in getting in new stock.

[Cat]

Well, I'd also avoid pretty much all the Amazon sellers, and some sellers on Abebooks too. Minotaur books are mostly pristine conditions but they are REALLY slow in getting in new stock.

Comic stores ordering via Diamond should be on a 2 week turnaround now (that changed fairly recently, used to be one week).

Diamond does tend to do things at their own pace though, so 2 weeks easily becomes 4...

[GoktimusPrime]

I guess you guys don't have any comic shops or book stores in your local area?

(although brick and mortar book stores are a dying breed these days)

[Paulbot]

I don't know about you, but I don't like paying $6 for an entire issue of recaps, inaction and a general lack of plot progression (honestly, if someone missed/skipped this issue, what would they be missing??)


You're paying $6 for your comics? Find a new comic store. My local comic shop charges $4.75 for a comic with a US cover price of $3.99 because they've adjusted their prices to match the strong Aussie dollar.

Or try the new IDW TF comic app. Back issues are just $1.99 per issue on there, and if you are smart at buying credit it could cost you $1.50 per issue, just like in the Marvel days (Without the ads or the floppy pamphlett you need space to store and with the same couple of month delay that you had when buying comics from newsagents). And not that it's powered by Comixology it may also have an online version too if you don't have a smartphone.

[swoop]

What comic shop are you buying from? My local is only charging $4.40 for 3.99 cover price

[Paulbot]

That proves my point. Always a better deal out there if you look around. :)

(Classic Comics by the way - and not on a standing order)

[GoktimusPrime]

I get my comics from Phantom Zone. They may be a bit pricier, but they're close to me and provide good customer service. Other comic stores like say Comic Kingdom or King's Comics are further away from me... and I'm not a fan of the customer service from the manager of King's who was very rude to me once.

I've had my standing order with PZ since Marvel G1 days (over 20 years!! :eek:); and they know me pretty well. Like if there's a TF title that I haven't requested, but they know I'll want it, they reserve it for me. :) It's little things like that kind of personal service which gets my repeat business with them. ;)