I am trying to figure out the order of the IDW Transformers TPB's and I am having a bit of a hard time. I know there is the

IDW collected edition 1
IDW collected edition 2
IDW collected edition 3
IDW collected edition 4
IDW collected edition 5
IDW collected edition 6
IDW collected edition 7
IDW collected edition 8

but I see that there is more than that. I am not sure were they go in the over all order or if they are connected. I know there is a series called Robots In Disguise and others. Is there a reading order of collected editions that has all the info out there, everything I have found is a bit all over the place and advanced for a newbie.

Any help would be appreciated, Thanks

 

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-comics-discussion/803136-idw-transformers-g1-reading-orders.html

 

I'm looking for the reading order of the collected editions aren't those single issues?

 

The Collected Editions are meant to be ALL of the IDW G1 TF series rolled into one deluxe format. So you can just read them in their numerical order. Everything should be contained in those editions.

However, when IDW started publishing their Collection volumes, they did something kind of weird... they arranged all the stories in their "chronological" suggested reading order... which means that stories that take place in the extreme past (even if they were just flashbacks) are first. That means that the stories are not always arranged in the order that they were released. Sometimes this works fine, other times it's a bit awkward. But it still gives you the whole story in a fairly clear order.

I believe the last IDW Collection (vol. 8) brings you right up to the starting point of the two most recent series, which are Robots in Disguise and More Than Meets the Eye. From there, you can just read the trade paperbacks for those in order, starting with Volume 1 for each. The two series take place simultaneously, and don't cross over that much, so you can read one and then the other, or alternate... doesn't matter much.

Or... you could just wait for the IDW Collection #9 to come out. I presume the next volume will pick up with MTMTE and RID. That way they'll all look consistent on your bookshelf.  

I recommend jumping into More Than Meets the Eye as soon as you can. It's excellent. RID is ok. Not my fave, but much better than most of the stuff that preceded it (in Vol. #8)

zmog

 

That makes loads of sense. Thank you very much. I'm looking forward to reading these.

 

You're welcome!

Like any comic series, it's up and down with the various writers and creative teams. But I think there's enough good stuff mixed in with the bad to keep it interesting. Have fun!  

zmog

 

"Volume 9" incidentally is "Phase 2 Volume 1". Comes out end of August.

And agree with jumping right in to RID/MTMTE, it's fantastic stuff. It's the best TF comics have ever been. There's really no need to worry overly much about the IDW backstory. Anything you need to know is explained as you need it.

 

"Phase 2 Volume 1"?

Shouldn't it start with The Death of Optimus Prime?

(that's not a spoiler, that's the name of the spotlight issue   )

zmog

 

I believe "Phase 2" is IDW's term for how they've changed the comic format, splitting it from assorted ongoings and mini-series after mini-series, into 2 main comics. (For example, phase 1 would've been from inflitration to chaos theory, and phase 2 would be from the death of optimus prime to the present)

 

It does, actually.

 

Ah, that's what "phase 2" is.

I guess that terminology hasn't really caught on in a big way. I never hear people refer to it that way.

zmog