Transformers News - Comics

Diamond Comics Shipping Lists for February 10, 2010

XJunky — Fri, 5 Feb 2010 01:15:24

Member D-Drive has provided TFW with a list of comics and figures to be shipped by Diamond Comics next Wednesday, February 10th. Included is the second printing of the sold out "Transformers Last Stand of the Wreckers" #1.

TOYFARE #152 HASBRO TRANSFORMERS CVR
TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED TP VOL 13
TRANSFORMERS MOVIE DLX AF ASST 201002
TRANSFORMERS LAST STAND O/T WRECKERS #1 2ND PTG
TF Movie Deluxe 2010-02 Alliance Bumblebee x 1, Strike Mission Sideswipe x 1, Lockdown x 2, Ratchet x 2, and Brawn x 2

Tranformers Last Stand Of The Wreckers #1 Goes To 2nd Printing With New Exclusive Variant Cover

Shin Densetsu — Mon, 1 Feb 2010 19:29:23

IDW Publishing has passed along their latest press release concerning the recently sold out, Transformers: Last Stand Of The Wreckers #1!

IDW Announces Two Sold-Out Titles
in One Week

New comics series TRANSFORMERS: Last Stand of the Wreckers #1 and G.I. JOE: COBRA II #1 both going to second printing

San Diego, CA (February 1, 2010) � The excitement keeps growing for IDW Publishing�s TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE comics, with two new sold-out series last week. On Wednesday, January 27th, IDW released G.I. JOE: COBRA II #1, a continuation of the acclaimed COBRA series, and TRANSFORMERS: Last Stand of the WRECKERS #1, a new miniseries spinning out of IDW�s ongoing story. Both comics flew off the shelves and are already sold-out though Diamond. Under license from Hasbro, IDW is rushing to a second printing for each, and fans can expect them in stores on February 10th.

�This is a really exciting time for fans of both TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE,� said Andy Schmidt, editor of both lines of comics for IDW. �We�ve tried a lot of new things and had a lot of success due to the support of not only the existing fan base but also many newer fans who are discovering these comics for the first time.�

In TRANSFORMERS: Last Stand of the WRECKERS, fan-favorite writer and artist Nick Roche helms the five-issue series, which rounds out IDW's trifecta of new TRANSFORMERS comics, including the new ongoing series and TRANSFORMERS: BUMBLEBEE. WRECKERS gives fans a taste of what's been happening off of Earth as the WRECKERS investigate a prison planet that fell to the evil DECEPTICONS three years ago. Called �a festival of awesome� by TFormers.com, the second printing of WRECKERS #1 will feature a variant cover by Roche.

�TRANSFORMERS fans braved some pretty bad Chicago weather to come out and get TRANSFORMERS: Last Stand of the WRECKERS #1 on Wednesday. Both old and new fans of TRANSFORMERS alike were quickly drawn to the book due to the amazing art by fan-favorite Nick Roche. And honestly, nobody can resist a Kup story,� said Jimmy PS Hayes of Graham Cracker Comics in Wheaton, IL.

Written by Mike Costa and Christos Gage, G.I. JOE: COBRA II continues the danger and suspense of the acclaimed G.I. JOE: COBRA series, as the G.I. JOE team penetrates the evil COBRA organization and eventually comes face to face with COBRA COMMANDER himself. The masterful art of Antonio Fuso gives new layers to the subtle yet undeniable divide that fans have witnessed within COBRA, highlighted in the celebrated G.I. JOE: COBRA Special #1. The second printing of G.I. JOE: COBRA II #1 will offer an exclusive new variant cover treatment.

�With the recent success of the G.I. JOE comics, we were on top of this new series and made plans to bring it in. Early demand caused us to increase quantities before release and we still sold out the first week,� commented Mike D'Elia of Astro-Zombies in Albuquerque, NM.

TRANSFORMERS: Last Stand of the WRECKERS #1 (of 5; $3.99; 32 pages; full color, 2nd printing) will be available in stores on February 10th. Diamond order code: DEC09 8305.

G.I. JOE: COBRA II #1 ($3.99; 32 pages; full color; 2nd printing) will be available in stores on February 10th. Diamond order code: DEC09 8306.

Visit IDWPublishing.com to learn more about the company and its top-selling books.

About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro's The Transformers and G.I. JOE, Paramount's Star Trek; Fox's Angel; the BBC's Doctor Who; and television's #1 prime time series CBS' CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studios; and is the print publisher for ComicMix.

IDW's original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.

About Hasbro

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children�s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. � 2010 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Simon Furman Talks Nefarious #2

Tim Formas — Mon, 1 Feb 2010 02:54:06

Long-time Transformers comic writer Simon Furman has updated his blog with teaser tibdits for the upcoming Transformers: Nefarious #2. Having just wrapped up the script for the issue, Simon talks briefly about the events of the issue, which is quite full of spoilers. Nefarious #2 is due out in April, written by Simon Furman, art by Carlos Magno, and colors by Kris Carter.

Comics Continuum IDW Interview with Andy Schmidt reveals Ironhide Miniseries

Sol Fury — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:28:09

Comics Continuum has posted a new video interview with Andy Schmidt. The interview covers two sections - the first half covers the main ongoing series, while the second half covers the Movie comics. Some interesting points come out of the interview - including an upcoming Ironhide miniseries later on in the year (although this is probably set before the first issue of the ongoing series). Also revealed is that Transformers Nefarious, the Movie continuity miniseries, will last for six issues, and the next movie miniseries will be a "very different, new take" on the Movie universe.

Also revealed is a big spoiler for issue seven of the Transformers Ongoing - so if you do not want to be spoiled, you may want to skip over this interview.

Transformers #6 Wildman Cover

Tim Formas — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:07:29

IDW Publishing Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall has posted, via his Ryalltime blog, the alternate cover (Cover B) to Transformers #6. The alternate cover, drawn by Andrew Wildman, features Optimus Prime standing in a forest with hands clenched. Check out the cover by clicking on the thumbnail to the left.

Diamond Comics Shipping Lists for February 3, 2010

Tim Formas — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:12:54

Thanks to D-Drive, TFW2005 has a list of items to be shipped by Diamond Comic Distributors to comic book stores for release next Wednesday, February 3rd. Although no new comics will be released, the following toys will be available next Wednesday:

Revenge of the Fallen N.E.S.T. Battle Pack
Revenge of the Fallen Scout 2010 Wave 2 Assortment
Revenge of the Fallen Voyager 2010 Wave 2 Assortment

The N.E.S.T Battle Pack, already sighted at US Retail, features a two-pack of Battlefield Bumblebee & Infiltrator Soundwave. The Scout 2010 Wave 2 Assortment includes Breakdown, Wideload, Sonar, Skystalker, Scattershot, and Divebomb. The Voygar 2010 Wave 2 Assortment includes Defender Optimus Prime and Mindwipe.

TFW2005 Reviews Last Stand of the Wreckers #1

Tim Formas — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:53:27

TFW2005 has an early review on another Transformers comic! Today's review is for Last Stand of the Wreckers #1 by IDW Publishing, which will be released in comic book stores tomorrow - Wednesday, January 27th.

Last Stand of the Wreckers #1

Credits
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Written by: Nick Roche & James Roberts
Script: Nick Roche
Pencils: Nick Roche
Inks : Nick Roche and John Wycough
Colors by: Josh Burcham
Letters by: Neil Uyetake
Editor: Andy Schmidt
Associate Editor: Denton J. Tipton

Covers
Cover A � Art by Nick Roche and Colors by Josh Burcham
Cover B � Art by Trevor Hutchison
Retailer Incentive � Art by Trevor Hutchison

Review
Last Stand of the Wreckers #1 marks the debut of another IDW title that the reader needs to keep tabs on in order to understand the publishing company�s current canon. Whereas the Transformers ongoing series and Bumblebee mini-series are intimately tied together story-wise, Last Stand of the Wreckers so far appears to be more of a stand-alone story within IDW�s Transformers timeline.

Last Stand of the Wreckers takes place before the events of Transformers Ongoing #1. The series kicks off three years ago, with other fallout from Sunstreaker�s betrayal that leads into the All Hail Megatron series. The issue jumps to various points in time in those three years and primarily serves as the background for the story that will kick-off full steam in Issue #2.

Nick Roche wears several badges with this issue, serving as co-writer, script writer, pencil guy, and sharing inking duties. Together with James Roberts, the two have developed a story that takes on a completely different tone that the two other series currently offered by IDW. Whereas the ongoing series and Bumblebee are very serious in tone, Last Stand of the Wreckers is a little more light-hearted with quite a bit of comedy mixed in. The comedy is added in quite nicely, taking nothing away from the storyline or action. Most of the comedy comes from the interaction between the Wreckers team as they assemble and head to their next mission. Decepticon fanatics, worry not. There are plenty of Decepticon jokers as well.

As far as the cast of characters, it�s a mix of the familiar and unfamiliar. The casual Generation One fan will recognize the likes of Ultra Magnus, Springer, Kup, Perceptor, and Fortress Maximus. However, they may not recognize much of the cast of the Wreckers and the Decepticon forces. Much of the rest is rounded out with characters who only received toys and coverage in Europe and Japan. Will the casual reader know about Overlord and his background? To make matters even more complicated, the reader has to have background knowledge of both past Transformers storylines in IDW as well as even Marvel. A past IDW human character (see attached spoiler picture) returns and has integrated herself as part of the Wreckers team for over a year. The issue finishes with a bang with the reveal of a Transformer not seen since the Marvel days.

Nick Roche�s art in the issue matches up perfectly to the overtone of the story. During the comedy bits scattered throughout the issue, the illustrations sometimes actually make you laugh louder than the written bit. Nick�s done a great job of illustrating laughter and hilarious expressions. The art style overall is what you have seen from Nick Roche in the past, with little deviation. For those following the other two current IDW series, it�ll be a little jarring as the art style is again different than the other styles featured in the other two. That said, though, the only character in the series to appear thus far in the ongoing series or the Bumblebee mini-series is Ultra Magnus.

Last Stand of the Wreckers is definitely worth a look. It�s a refreshing break from all the seriousness that has been dealt with in the last two years with All Hail Megatron and the Ongoing story arc, it part because of the nature of the team and in part because of the comedy used in the writing. While this issue may have been light on the big action sequences due to having to set the story up, they are indeed called the Wreckers. Knowing the Wreckers, damage and deaths are some forthcoming!

Last Stand of the Wreckers #1 Five-Page Preview

Tim Formas — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:46:12

Comic Book Resources has posted a five-page preview of Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers #1. Last Stand of the Wreckers #1, written by Nick Roche and James Roberts with pencils by Nick Roche, is out in comic book stores tomorrow, Wednesday, January 27th. Check out the five-page preview and covers by clicking on the thumbnail to the left.

Last Stand of the Wreckers Issue 4 Trevor Hutchison Cover

Sol Fury — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:36:57

Trevor Hutchison has posted the alternate cover to Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers Issue 4 on his Deviant Art Account. The cover continues the trend of strong, retro styled covers for the series and does not give too much of what is happening in this issue away.

Don't forget that Last Stand of the Wreckers Issue #1 will be hitting comic stores this week, so be sure to check out this series that is already being called a "future fan favorite".

Comics Shipping List for January 27th, 2010

Tim Formas — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:03:47

Thanks to D-Drive, TFW2005 has a list of comics to be shipped by Diamond Comic Distributors to comic book stores for release next Wednesday, January 27th. Available next Wednesday will be:

Last Stand of the Wreckers #1
Last Stand of the Wreckers #1 (10 Copy Incentive)

IDW Publishing Solicitations for April 2010

Tim Formas — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:24:34

IDW Publishing has posted their solicitations for comic books and other media to be released in April 2010. The Transformers-related titles to be released are:

Transformers #6
Spotlight: Prowl
Last Stand of the Wreckers #4
Nefarious #2
Tales of the Fallen TPB
Movie Collection, Volume 2

Check out a look at some of the covers and the full solicitation text below. Be warned that the cover for Transformers #6 features a HUGE spoiler

Transformers #6
Mike Costa (w) � Don Figueroa (a) � Figueroa x2 (c)
It�s the AUTOBOTS versus the biggest foe they�ve faced since DEVASTATOR! But with OPTIMUS PRIME in captivity, do our heroes stand a chance? The action keeps coming courtesy of Mike Costa and Don Figueroa!
*2 regular connecting covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.
FC � 32 pages � $3.99

Transformers Spotlight: Prowl
Mike Costa (w) � E.J. Su (a) � Nick Roche, Su (c)
The end of the war between AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS had profound changes throughout the ranks, even for the coldly logical PROWL. Learn of his change of heart and its impact on his actions in the ongoing series.
*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.
FC � 32 pages � $3.99

Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers #4 (of 5)
Nick Roche, James Roberts (w) � Nick Roche (a) � Trevor Hutchison, Roche (c)
The WRECKERS have found Aequitas, and things have suddenly become a whole lot more complicated! As the AUTOBOTS� special ops team stands on the brink of dissolution as the fatalities mount, PERCEPTOR realizes that drastic action is called for�but having come this far, who among his teammates is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice?
*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.
FC � 32 pages � $3.99

Transformers: Nefarious #2
Simon Furman (w) � Carlos Magno (a) � Brian Rood, Magno (c)
Layers within layers are revealed as the massive global conspiracy that is Project: Nefarious continues to unfold. OPTIMUS PRIME wants answers, and he�s prepared to go to any lengths to get them. But how far is too far? And by committing his forces to stopping SOUNDWAVE, is Prime just playing right into The Initiative�s hands?
*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.
FC � 32 pages � $3.99

Transformers: Tales of the Fallen
Simon Furman, Chris Mowry (w) � Carlos Magno, Alex Milne (a) � Alex Milne (c)
The characters from TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN reveal events surrounding the film in this collection of the six-issue series. See and understand how BUMBLEBEE, SIDESWIPE, JETFIRE, and more fit into the full scope of REVENGE OF THE FALLEN.
TPB � FC � $19.99 � 132 Pages � ISBN: 978-1-60010-628-6

Transformers Movie Collection, Volume 2
Chris Mowry, Simon Furman (w) � Alex Milne, Dan Khanna, Andrew Griffith, Don Figueroa, John Davis-Hunt (a) � Josh Nizzi (c)
The action for the 2009 blockbuster TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN comes to bookshelves in this collector's edition hardcover. Including the two Movie Prequel stories, ALLIANCE and DEFIANCE, as well as the Official Movie Adaptation, TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, this book tells it all!
HC � FC � $50.00 � 320 Pages � 8.5� x 13� � ISBN: 978-1-60010-644-6

TFW2005 Reviews Bumblebee #2

Tim Formas — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:14:50

Bumblebee #2

Credits
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Written by: Zander Cannon
Art by: Chee
Colors by: Moose Baumann
Letters by: Chris Mowry
Editor: Andy Schmidt
Associate Editor: Denton J. Tipton

Covers
Cover A � Art by Guido Guidi and Colors by Josh Burcham
Cover B � Art by Chee and Colors by Moose Baumann
Retailer Incentive � Art by Chee

Review
Bumblebee #2 takes place soon after where Issue #1 left off and immediately following Transformers Ongoing Issue #3. The start of the issue features Blurr on the run following the ambush by Skywatch that resulted in the capture of three Autobots while Bumblebee and his crew of Autobots are hunting him down following the ultimatum from Skywatch�s rogue Colonel Horiuchi.

Whereas the first issue of the Bumblebee mini-series appeared as if the four-issue set would be a self-contained story spinning off from the events of the ongoing series, Issue #2 definitely illustrates that the remainder of this series will likely intertwine itself with the events of the ongoing series over the next few months. With the recap of the ongoing series events in the first issue, Zander Cannon is able to dive right into the story and kick off the issue immediately with action. At the same time, Zander is able to tie in the events of the ongoing series quite easily and ensuring readers of both comics do not get confused between the stories written by two different authors.

Bumblebee begins to step up to his newly elected title this episode, starting to drive the events of this issue instead of having the events guide him like seen in Bumblebee #1. An event from the first half of the issue results in Bumblebee evaluating the situation and determining that he, as elected leader, is responsible for the well-being of his crew. Bumblebee, as a result, takes the initiative, develops a game plan, and speaks eloquently to his crew without hesitation. A motivational speech delivered by Bumblebee moves his crew emotionally and any sign of dissent within the group is no longer evident. More so than any other recent Transformers comic, this issue does a terrific job at defining the spirit of both the Autobot and Decepticon causes.

On that note, the issue is not devoid of Decepticon presence. Provided is more insight on Skywarp�s mission and a surprise appearance that will carry into the next issue.

Along with the positives in the writing mentioned above, there was an aspect of the writing that seemed to slow down the issue whenever that aspect was utilized. In an effort to simulate in writing how Blurr would talk (ala the Generation One cartoon), there are no spaces between the words (see preview images below) which in turn makes each speech bubble harder to read. While the trick is meant to simulate Blurr�s super fast speech patterns, it causes one to read slower and think harder just to comprehend what Blurr is saying. It�s also an effect that was not used for Blurr in previous IDW comics until now.

Chee�s art continues to provide another shock to the system, mostly in part because of the style featured in this mini-series continues to be quite different than that featured in the ongoing series. The art is very stylized, with a very washed out feel. The designs revert back to the traditional robots versions that long time fans are used to. The style does not illustrate facial emotions well, so emotion is generally shown through hand gestures and character actions.

Bumblebee #2 is definitely worth the read, but one would need to read the first three issues of the ongoing series and Bumblebee #1 to completely understand the events that occur. Although the story does not seem to be headed towards one of the greatest battles or resolution in Transformers comic history, the story remains interesting and continues to make the reader wonder where it�s heading. Plus, who can resist a likeable little guy who takes charge?

Transformers Bumblebee Issue 2 five page preview

Sol Fury — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 23:17:43

Big Small Comix has posted an exclusive first look five page preview of IDW Publishing's Transformers: Bumblebee issue 2. This issue continues to follow Bumblebee's trials and tribulations as the new leader of the Autobots, and you can get a flavor of what is in store when the book hits the stores this Wednesday by clicking on the link above to take a look at the preview.

Comics Shipping List for January 20th, 2010

XJunky — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:50:53

Board member D-Drive has provided TFW2005 with Diamond Comics shipping list for next week. The list is a bit light, containing:

TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE #2
TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE #2 10 COPY CHEE B&W INCENTIVE

IDW Issues Press Release for Transformers: Nefarious

Tim Formas — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:45:20

IDW Publishing has issued a press release for the upcoming Transformers: Nefarious mini-series. The six-part mini-series will start in March, written by Simon Furman with art by Carlos Magno.

TRANSFORMERS Movie Continues in Comics

New miniseries launches in March

San Diego, CA (January 12, 2010) - The biggest movie of 2009 continues in IDW Publishing's latest series based on Hasbro's iconic TRANSFORMERS brand. Coming in March, TRANSFORMERS: Nefarious follows a shadowy organization, known as The Initiative, with devious designs on the TRANSFORMERS. Scripted by Simon Furman with art by Carlos Magno, this six-issue series takes fans on an action-packed mission as the robots in disguise fight to stop this unseen enemy.

"It's time to move forward in the movie-verse and Furman and Magno are just the creators to do it," said Andy Schmidt, IDW's TRANSFORMERS editor. "Simon came up with a great idea and a fantastic story that Carlos is just hitting out of the park. I'm thrilled to be along for the ride and I'm sure fans will be too!"

Picking up just months after the end of the blockbuster movie's storyline, TRANSFORMERS: Nefarious follows the all-seeing SOUNDWAVE as he leads the charge against The Initiative, and is joined by such fan-favorites as OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE and IRONHIDE. The threat is so great that all TRANSFORMERS must work together, forcing the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS to form a tentative alliance.

Veteran TRANSFORMERS writer Furman crafts this thrilling tale, while Magno draws suspense into every panel. Brian Rood will contribute gripping variant covers.

TRANSFORMERS: Nefarious #1 (of 6; $3.99, 32 page color) will be available in stores in March. Diamond order code JAN10 0963.

Visit IDWPublishing.com to learn more about the company and its top-selling books.

About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renown for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro's The Transformers and G.I. JOE, Paramount's Star Trek; Fox's Angel; the BBC's Doctor Who; and television's #1 prime time series CBS' CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studios; and is the print publisher for ComicMix.

IDW's original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.

About Hasbro

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. � 2010 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved