Transformers 2019 (IDW comic series) discussion

The modern comics universe has had such a different take on G1, one that's significantly represented by the Generations toys, so they share a forum. A modern take on a Real Cybertronian Hero. Currently starring Generations toys, IDW "The Transformers" comics, MTMTE, TF vs GI Joe, and Windblade. Oh wait, and now Skybound, wheee!
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andersonh1
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Re: Transformers 2019 (IDW comic series) discussion

Post by andersonh1 »

I haven't seen the collected volume yet, either at the comic shop or the used bookstore I frequent (which does get new material in sometimes). Doesn't mean it isn't out, just that no one locally has it in stock.

Transformers #16 - ups the stakes. "Crisis after all" Megatron says, as things begin to fall into place for him. Looks like it's time to escalate "and hope that Cybertron will forgive us one day". That's ominous. Starscream is close to picking a side, and an orbiting Titan is being called into action. Some of the dialogue in this book is nicely written, particularly for Megatron, and the quality of this series and its storytelling is so far above what IDW was publishing before.
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issue 16

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At this point, the window to reliably order volume 2 is closing pretty rapidly. I am well past the stage in my life when I am willing to chase my hobbies down. If haphazard solicits and poor distribution are going to be the pattern for this series, I am not buying the damned compilations. (Volume 1 was supposed to ship last fall, and was re-solicited for january, which is why the local store did not get a copy.)


On a happier note, issue 16 shipped this week.
as things begin to fall into place for him.
I think this is more things falling on to", rather than "things falling in to place for", Megatron. He is not pleased with Soundwave's actions.

And, regardless of Starscream's credibility, Megaton likely knows that he is now in a situation where he cannot trust his allies, nor even determine who they are.
and the quality of this series and its storytelling is so far above what IDW was publishing before.
In terms of writing, I agree. But, the art continues to be a weak spot.

The art this issue was particularly weak. But, the real problem is that the style is so inconsistent, particularly between issues that are going to be bound together as collected volumes. (This is the kind of thing that keeps "Transformers" at the level of good comics, rather than the great comics it can be.) IDW needs to assign an art team, or at least stay with a consistent style, for 6 issues at a time.
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issue 17

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Issue 17:
This issue focuses on the fall-out from the Titans being awakened last issue. It might would have worked better as several scenes, cut between other scenes, over the course of several issues. But, I suspect that Ruckley was trying to convey speed/rapid change by staying focused on one set of converging events, which is likely to serve a compiled volume better than single issues.
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Re: Transformers 2019 (IDW comic series) discussion

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I really enjoyed the fact that the one Titan was quoting some text on the place of Titans in Cybertronian society while he was fighting. It gave the whole scene a very "detached" feel, and came across as far more ominous than delivering threats would have, for example.
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Re: Transformers 2019 (IDW comic series) discussion

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Transformers #18 - I'm guessing that all the damage this issue is a result of the two Titans fighting last issue. It really does feel like the chaos on Cybertron is increasing, largely due to Megatron's orchestration, and showing a crowd trying to evacuate the planet via one of the last available spacecraft is a strong way to convey that idea. Good to see Inferno and Red Alert make cameos, along with Bumper. Feels like they were trying to hard to make Arcee "non-feminine" with her aggressive posturing and past as an assassin.
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issue 18

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Issue 18 changes the focus from the main characters to street-level. Until now, much of the series has focused on power-players talking about how tense the situation is getting. But, this issue demonstrates that, with a single (if large) incident setting up for a collapse. The best example of this was when the ship's Captain(?) said that the Autobots were shutting down all traffic in the area around Cybertron.

The threat in this issue was not Megatron, it was the Autobots. They might not be directly causing problems. But, they are making those problems more dangerous for regular 'bots. (Presumably, the lockdown is an attempt to corner potential malefactors. But, that sort of draconian measure is only going to create more dissidents.)

This issue flirts more with the tone of "More than Meets the Eye" than I would have liked. But, the series over-all is still the best thing in my pull-file at the moment.
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issue 19

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Issue 19:

This issue focuses on the Decepticons' final steps to becoming the faction we remember. The pacing of the series pays off in that Megatron's final turn seems like a change in status quo, rather than a predetermined result (as in "Origins").

As per usual, the art is the weakest feature of this series.
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Re: Transformers 2019 (IDW comic series) discussion

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I don't know if it's our current national climate, or if the writing is just THAT GOOD (because it's really good), but I'm actually mad at Megatron. For the first time in 20ish years, I actually hate the Decepticons. It's an interesting sensation.
Check it out, a honey bear! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkajou
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Re: Transformers 2019 (IDW comic series) discussion

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Ursus mellifera wrote: Tue Jun 09, 2020 3:00 pm I don't know if it's our current national climate, or if the writing is just THAT GOOD (because it's really good), but I'm actually mad at Megatron. For the first time in 20ish years, I actually hate the Decepticons. It's an interesting sensation.
The fact that the writer has made you care speaks to the book's quality, definitely.
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Re: Transformers 2019 (IDW comic series) discussion

Post by Ursus mellifera »

andersonh1 wrote: Wed Jun 10, 2020 8:10 amThe fact that the writer has made you care speaks to the book's quality, definitely.
I'm really impressed. The scene with Soundwave in the immersent Titan really got me, too. I've never seen Soundwave look sad before, and I just reread that page over and over while feeling bad for Soundwave.
Check it out, a honey bear! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkajou
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