Yes the AHM cast is 1984 revisted, and it is a shame since IDW had been doing good though with the assortments of characters. I liked that Hot Rod, Hardhead, Nightbeat were hanging on Earth with Prowl, Ratchet and Bumblebee (and that the former all had new Earth modes). I liked that the Decepticons on Nebulous included Thrust as well as Powermaster characters. I liked Hound's team of assorted Autobots etc.

I too thought the series was going to start with the conquering of Earth already taken care of.

Roller, the Dinobots limited series should show us the demise of the Machination, I think...