Go-Bots #2 | Leader by One

01.12.2019 – Tom Scioli’s take on the classic Go-Bots is not the one you saw in Hanna-Barbera’s cartoons, but something dark and sinister like any science fiction tropes an inspiration from what has come before when you talk about the narrative elements of this miniseries. Previously in the first issue gives you a fresh take of classic cartoon series based from the toys imported by Tonka. The Go-Bots rise from being the human’s tool has taken its toll taking violent actions led by Cy-Kill, a gladiator bot hell bent in leading his compatriots to his vision of taking over planet Earth after having found independence. In this second issue the violence has been intensified to a civil conflict with the human beings. But this is only a tip of the iceberg as remaining Go-Bots still want to protect their human partners from the sheer violence that Cy-Kill is bringing to the human race. Unlike in the original cartoon the Go-Bots depicted here are violent machines using their bare hands without energy beams firing from their fists. But a barbaric action over their own kind that ensured a vicious war that Cy-Kill is pursuing to be the top bot on the Go-Bot food chain. Of course, Scooter and Turbo with their human companions Matt Hunter and A.J. Foster are in the center of this conflict that most Go-Bots are starting believe in what Cy-Kill has to say that revolted with an uprising.

Go-Bots #1 | Renegade Ascension

12.29.2018 – Tom Scioli’s vision of Go-Bots gives a fresh perspective of the characters that was popularized in the Hanna-Barbera produced animated series. Most of the toys by Tonka were largely popular not due to the cartoons. But being affordable than the more popular Transformers brand by Hasbro and how they marketed the property. The Go-Bots became relevant again due to the cult following as a ‘poor man’s Transformers’ and the in-joke that followed. The toys only got support from the Saturday Morning cartoon series, but there were no other media aside from storybooks and no comicbook series produced around the property’s popularity. But with Tom Scioli’s capable hands being the artist behind Transformers VS G.I.Joe takes the veritable Go-Bots property and gives older fans and new readers a new look at the iconic characters that once rivaled the Transformers brand. With that, the Go-Bots has enough room to give long-time fans their origins to be told in this limited series that is getting some interesting fan reactions.

Incoming | Go-Bots #2 Cover & Details

12.21.2018 – In case you’ve been living under a Rock Lord you’ll probably wonder what’s happening lately? For the comic book fan out there looking for something to sink in after the finale with the Transformers series you may want to get nostalgic with this one. Go-Bots by Tom Scioli was underrated just like the toys themselves back in the 1980s. But would you give these Gobotronians a shot?

Transformers #44: The Transgressors.

08.22.2015 – The comic books published by IDW telling their version regarding the world of Generation One Transformers are quite intriguing they’re as intense as let’s just say TV soap opera. Filipinos like the drama and the emotion that resonate what the real life happens everyday, which is why this series was something of a good read. Though for those who just collect the toys based from these characters can rarely relate to it the fiction carries more weight than its plastic counterpart. Hasbro is not only intending to sell more toys it also wants you to appreciate the characters portrayed in fiction and that is why these comic books are well written not to forget the art that brings to it gives you an idea who these robots are. The ‘Combiner Wars’ arc is not as impressive as the post-war, which the repercussions of finding these colonies and inviting them back to Cybertron seemed more interesting finding out how the characters are put into play. They’re not just robots that turn into animals, vehicles or household appliances they are like people too that have their drama to deal with and that makes it interesting.

Transformers #42: Now and On Earth.

08.14.2015 –How to you deal with losing your most trusted ally? They say you can’t stop change and personal experiences that made them. In Optimus Prime’s case it plays more than just a leader and his lieutenant. What makes John Barber’s stories about how the Transformers characters being portrayed is no longer about just enjoying a good read. The content is basically aimed at older Transformers Fans, the ones who grew up seeing the series when it started more than thirty years ago and it reflects more how reality played out if this happened in a real world, but its not and they are portrayed by robots with human elements. This issue will make you think about loyalties and moralities that define why the brand has continued to endure this long. IDW certainly has surpassed the previous publishers who originally had a hand telling stories about alien robots that could change into Earth vehicles and other things. The epilogue for “Combiner Wars” for this issue carries a lot of weight and more thought defining narratives from Cybertron to Earth how the conflict is no longer about factions its more about conversations somewhat aching to human politics that mirrors what we have seen and this is all good stuff.

Windblade #3: Defender of all Sentient Beings!

08.05.2015 – "Combiner Wars" conclusion gives you a surprise and the explanation why the Voyager Class Optimus Prime has the ability to combine. If you missed that last issue this gives you that idea how the toyline is aligned with the IDW published comic books and how the narrative plays out. Previously Prowl and Constructicons went on a rampage to destroy the space bridge that links to Cybreton and Caminus in stopping Starscream to expand his empire. This only was prevented by Superion and the recently Enigma of Combination exposed Protectobots immediately forming Defensor. This was one of the visions Mirage and Ironhide shared that has been haunting them. The conflict started with Swindle bringing in the Stunticons’ combined form in Menasor who was let loose once again to wreck havoc on Caminus, which brings us to this last part where Optimus Prime, Sunstreaker, Prowl, Ironhide and Mirage where also exposed to combine together in stopping a new improved Devastator.

Transformers #41: You, Me, & The Universe.

08.02.2015 – The “Combiner Wars” continue to “Transformers #41”, where Windblade #2 (2015) left off with fairly enough damage made by Prowl and his Constructicons seemed like an after thought. But actually it’s not as this builds ups into a bigger war brewing and things are just making a little pause for now. After Devastator’s rampage has been stopped by Defensor and Superion in Caminus the Cybertronians assist the first colony in repairing the damage done to its city. In the opening pages Prowl is in custody of Optimus Prime badly beaten while the rest of the Constructicons are being held in the Secret Prison managed by Rattrap. Prime and Prowl discuss about their sides regarding Starscream’s plans to expand his empire to the other thirteen colonies beginning with Caminus, which gives weight to the conflict between two former friends. Prowl argues with Prime that the system in place is not enough control what Starcream is trying to do. He claims sooner or later someone or somebody will be in-charge of Cybertron and will have control of the thirteen colonies for the reason that made such noise.

Windblade #2: Mistakes & Mayhem!

07.06.2015 – If the first part of the Combiner Wars was the appetizer in Wingblade (2015) #1 for action The Transformers #40 has the meat for a crucial narrative that will give light to what’s happening. Wingblade (2015) #2 is like a rollercoaster heading up a uphill cranking up the intense action that has been waiting to takes its course. Mairghread Scott sets up the story that brought back Prowl and the Constructicons back to Cybertron. At the same time the “Protectobots” crew along with a special guest in Mirage also arrives due to the so called vision he has seen in his sleep. That same vision has been in Ironhide’s mind about death and destruction to all Cybertronians. This all came together due to the aftermath what transpired with the attack of Menasor to Caminus a setup that was led by the swindled Swindle (no pun intended) who is serving time now in a secret prison being handled by Starscream’s loyal lackey in Ratrap (the same Maximal in “Beast Wars” in a different role in this IDW Publishing’s comics continuity).

Book of Revelations: Robots in Disguise # 32!

Comic books sometimes require a period of time to really get going. That was clearly the case with “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” (“TF: RID”) after the “Dark Cybertron” arc, probably because of how difficult it is to accept the human-Decepticon alliance. But as writer John Barber and artist Andrew Griffith have gotten a few more issue into their “Earthfall” storyline, the series has gotten a lot better. With the last issue, “TF: RID” has come out with guns blazing. “Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires” starts off with a flashback of Prowl and Bumblebee having a conversation half a million years ago as they watch Metroplex leaving Cybertron. Prowl isn’t so sure about the direction that Optimus Prime is taking the Autobots toward. “The Autobots need someone who can plan,” Prowl says. He’s referring to himself of course. We flash forward as the Autobots are returning to Earth and Prowl continues to have misgivings about Prime’s plans, having a quirky conversation with Cosmos, which is fun just to hear the incredulous personality Barber has given Cosmos. Finally, on to the present, as the Autobots storm Bikini Atoll, where the humans’ Earth Defense Command (EDC) has been hiding Autobot sage Alpha Trion...

Surprise Party: Robots in Disguise # 31!

It has taken a few issues, but “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” (“TF: RID”) finally put forward an issue that is equal to the quality being displayed by its acclaimed sister series, “Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye” (“TF: MTMTE”). “TF: RID” has much to live up to, as its premise—Autobots back on Earth led once again by Optimus Prime—is a classic one. Writer John Barber, who together with “TF: MTMTE” scribe James Roberts—has redefined the TF comics for a new generation of writers, and he finally hits it out of the ballpark for the first time since the “Dark Cybertron” arc. Barber’s current arc, “Earthfall,” has suffered from the ridiculousness of the new alliance between Galvatron’s Decepticons and the Earth Defense Command led by Marissa Faireborn. It seemed like such a patently bad idea at the beginning, but as the issues went on, it became clear that the humans have some pretty big secrets that even their Decepticon allies know nothing about. All that expositional heavy-lifting comes together with this issue, “Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five.” “TF: RID” boasts of a great artist in Andrew Griffith but for this issue, he has reinforcements, with Guido Guidi providing the flashback art for Jazz and Brendan Cahill providing the flashback art for the Decepticons. That makes it clear that there are three narratives in this issue, all of which tie together in the end.

Endgame: Windblade # 4!

It all comes down to this last issue of the “Transformers: Windblade” mini-series—well, at least until the coming of the announced second mini-series, “Transformers: Windblade Returns.” In the meantime, IDW Publishing lucked out on choosing to go with a very unusual approach to the TF franchise and a talented creative team, just the elements needed to push the first post-Arcee fembot star, the sword-wielding Windblade. After the mysterious power outages and the attempt on her life, Windblade has journeyed into the bowels of Metroplex to discover that Starscream is secretly mining a powerful ore. After being captured, tortured and escaping, Windblade realizes that Starscream was not behind the assassination attempt. Then, the spacebridge at Metroplex’s heart spins up. Where is it going and who is behind it? Probably caused by the fact that this is the last issue of the current run, “Windblade” # 4 feels very cramped and condensed. There’s a lot of exposition at the very end, explaining everything that has to be explained.

SDCC 2014: Generations Combiner Wars!

07.26.2014 – Comic-Con has finally descended in San Diego and the exclusives where just scratching of the surface. The much awaited part for any Transformers fans out there is the panel for future release in all aspect of the brand namely the new TV series, videogames, comic books and toys. IDW Publishing reveal the art of Livio Ramondelli’s modern take of ‘Scramble City’ dubbed ‘Combiner Wars’, which was reported by Seibertron.com as well as the new product photos of the stars of the next Generations release courtesy of BTWF.com who have friends reporting this.

Enemy Mine: Windblade # 3!

THE good news is that our new female Autobot protagonist Windblade will be returning in another mini-series from IDW Publishing in 2015, a series called—what else—“Windblade Returns.” That revelation does give away that fact that Windblade will be surviving her current series, “Transformers: Windblade,” but then again, it would have been a real shame if this intriguing new fan-favorite creation met her demise at the end of her first four-issue solo run. That doesn’t mean writer Mairghread Scott and artist Sarah Stone won’t be putting Windblade in dangerous situations because it can be argued that Windblade is dangerous situations throughout the entirety of “Transformers: Windblade” # 3. At the end of “Windblade” # 2, Windblade had rallied some Autobot back-up (and Swindle) to dive deep into the bowels of Metroplex’s filtration system in order to stop Strascream from mining a powerful ore. Unfortunately, the motley group of heroes (and Swindle and Waspinator) get pinned down by the Terrorcons. While they put up a pretty good fight, the heroes are captured when Starscream himself shows up to do the dirty work.

Big Bot Books: Transformers Generation One More Than Meets The Eye Official Guidebook Vol. 1 & 2

WHEN I first began collecting Transformers in 1984, the thing that fascinated me the most was those short bios on the back of the Generation 1 (G1) packages. Not only did the bios include a function (Beachcomber was a geologist and Doublecross was a supply procurer) and a motto (Optimus Prime: “Freedom is the right of all sentient beings.”).

Add to that the cool tech specs, which initially could only be read with a special decoder (it was a red plastic strip). The bios made every TF a true individual and made Cybertron seem like a huge place teeming with diversity—and the mind-blowing idea of robots with personality problems. This is important because the G1 TFs are the rock stars of the entire TF line. All the succeeding series had something to offer, but for me, the G1 TFs are the OG TFs. If anything, the only real criticism I had of the bios/tech specs was that they were too short.

What I didn’t know at the time was that Hasbro had hired Marvel Comics writer Bud Budiansky to write much longer bios for each character and Hasbro had actually shortened them to fit on the back of the packages.

Big Bot Books: The Transformers 30th Anniversary Collection HC

This is the first installment of Big Bot Books, a series of pretty comprehensive articles which will look at the very specialized books related to the Transformers toy line and comic book continuity, but are not new individual issues belonging to ongoing series. We begin with the 2013 “The Transformers 30th Anniversary Collection!” While 2014 represents the grand 30th anniversary of Hasbro’s Transformers toyline, it also represents the epic 30th anniversary of the Transformers Generation 1 comic book continuity, which began in 1984 with Marvel Comics and continues today with IDW Publishing. What better way to commemorate those three decades of graphic adventures than with a hardcover highlighting that entire progression of transformative panel sequences?

Back to Earth: Robots in Disguise # 28

I’ll be honest with you, I’m a bit of a Cybertron snob. I have always been fascinated by the Transformers’ adventures in space. Even when I watched the first episodes of the classic Sunbow “Transformers” show, I was enthralled by the out-of-this world forms of Wheeljack, Bumblebee and those Seekers. The result was that I was always kind of bored with the adventures on Earth. The on-planet escapades always felt too melodramatic and contrived, save for the destructive shuffle that was “Transformers: The Movie.” I mean, I was OK with the Earth tales, but the Cybertron stories were more diverting. My favorite issue of the original Marvel Comics G1 series was “The Transformers” # 17, also known as “The Smelting Pool!,” where, after so many issues set on Earth, it swtiches to a Cybertron running out of Energon, where Blaster—and the rest of Perceptor’s Autobot cohorts—battle Straxus’ Decepticons while a space bridge is being built. It was so different, so refreshing to see that setting with those characters. The comics have a somewhat of a mixed attitude about the Earth-against-Cybertron setting. The IDW continuity began with a weighty, spy-like feel on Earth, then later kind of grew space wings up to the “Dark Cybertron” crossover. By the time “Dark Cybertron” ended, readers had been away from Earth for months.

You Go Girl: Windblade # 1!

It’s safe to say you have never seen a Transformers comic book like “Transformers: Windblade” # 1. No one has. The first issue is immediately provocative and inspired, one certain to be divisive. I’ve always been a little confused by the big deal about Arcee, especially since she first appeared in “The Transformers: The Movie” in 1986. I just assumed she was simply designed differently. What, we can have a jive-talking Autobot (my optics are on you, Jazz) but we can’t have a curvy Autobot? Anyway, Arcee eventually managed to get toys made and was sort of part of the wirework already when Prowl turned her into, literally, his personal assassin in the IDW continuity. Then the “Transfomers: The Covenant of Primus” hardcover hinted at the possible origins of bots like Arcee and basically got the fandom all ruffled up (The book has nice art and a nifty case, though). But IDW’s “Dark Cybertron” arc really pushed buttons when it introduced three more female Autobots, Chromia, Nautica and their leader, the sword-wielding Windblade, who now gets her own limited series written by Mairghread Scott and illustrated by Sarah Stone. Significantly and fittingly, this is the first time ever that a TF comic book is being written and illustrated by an all-female tandem. Interestingly, the new “Dawn of the Autobots” arc begins with the dawn of the newest Autobot’s limited series.

Beyond Dark Cybertron: The Comics Transformed

This is an epic time to be a Generation 1 Transformers fan—if you read the comic books.

The 30^th anniversary year for the Transformers, 2014 has already seen one important run end. The original Marvel Comics continuity, begun in 1984 by writer Bud Budiansky, originally finished in 1991 with issue # 80—not bad for what began as a four-issue limited series.  That run was picked up by IDW Publishing in 2012, written by the last writer on the Marvel run, Simon Furman, and ran from # 81 to # 100, finishing the series as Furman had originally envisioned it more than two decades before.  The Marvel UK run, which existed in its own continuity, ended in 1992.

There are various other splinter continuities that either continues very slowly or abruptly ended, the most obvious one is the eye candy but overly dense plotting of the Dreamwave comics. (We have of course left out things like the movie universe, the animated universe and the Prime reality).

Comics Review: Transformers Spotlight Drift!

11.03.2010 - Transformers Spotlight featuring Drift was released in April 2009. One of the most sought after comic features the sword weilding Autobot. As you all know that there's a current mini-series that's been released by IDW Publishing. Drift first appeared in the All Hail Megatron issue #5 comics. Considered as a Generation One character. The action figure was released early this year based from artist Guido Guidi's concept art. The Autobot became popular now because he wields two short blades and a mysterious Cybertronian sword.

Jump after the cut for further details...