I don't think there's a thread for this yet, and it was released weird, so maybe that's why? Scioli was told the issue was delayed, and then the print version was on time and the digital version came a week later, and... Whatever. Stuff happens. So, this comic was as amazing as all the previous ones. The return of the Harvester Unit is great, Junkions as junkies, also awesome, Optimus "taming" the Decepticon war machines on his way to battle Megatron is again, awesome, but really though, just awesome. The introduction of Omega Supreme as the enemy of the Astrotrain is perfect. So is the way Decepticons keep using variations on Megatron's name as adjetives. Scioli gets at the core of what a character's about and reworks them to directly represent that on all levels. Or he takes some attention grabbing aspect and makes that the core of his version. Unicron's an engine of destruction, usually used as a common enemy to unite the warring factions, here, he's the literal representation of the way. Megatron's transformed Cybertron into a war machine. The literalization of a character's symbology is very Kirby, and perhaps more of a tribute to the man than any of the art or big sci-fi concepts. I mean, Kirby called the guy who represents the dark side of humanity... Darkseid. Transformers is uniquely suited to this because it A) has all the out there sci-fi concepts you could ask for, and B) the characters literally turn into things, which adds a whole new layer to how Kirby did things. Megatron's philosophy is all about exploiting every possible resource, integrating it into the Decepticon war machine, and he literally turns himself into a gun. Grimlock is an outdated barbarian who is an actual T-Rex. I love it. My one problem with the entire series, and this issue in particular, is that the GI Joe stuff is super weak. Largely nonsensical and nowhere near as engaging as the Transformers side of things. Especially Snake-Eyes. I get that he's supposed to be mysterious, but there's mysterious, "characters we're invested in are trying to figure him out," and there's mysterious, "I don't have enough info to care about this asshole,". Also, did this issue have no commentary or is it just the digital version?
I asked Tom Scioli about it on Twitter and he said the commentary was in print issues. The digital version was also late and a lot of single pages were turned into double page spreads. Tom Scioli's reply
I'm just gonna pop in to echo your enthusiasm. I'm consistantly pleased with these books that Tom Scioli's turning out. This one ended with an extra juicy cliffhanger!
I was confused by the lack of commentary, although I find it a bit self-congratulatory at times it usually is worth the time to read. This issue was another fun ride.
You guys, Tom Scioli favorited one of my tweets. This is the most amazing thing that's happened to anyone ever.
LOL!!! Just tweet Scioli that you're going to the bathroom and he'll favorite your tweet. This issue was pretty great. I'm beginning to think Scioli needs to use old fashioned narration to help with his compression. Great art and it looks like Cybertron and Earth are finally coming together, but not next issue. Going by his art on his Twitter next issue will be a flashback issue. Snake Men, Scotts, Iron Mask, and Transformers collide in the past next issue.
really looking forward to the next issue. i like the joe side of things quite a bit myself, though yeah, the snake eyes thread is a little odd at this stage. happy to see where it leads. anyone else remember when he was talking about the series when it eas first announced and was saying how he'd love to see other artists (he mentioned rob liefeld) do one off in-universe stand alone side stories? would love to see an anthology on those lines.
If you go by Scioli's art work on Twitter, the Earth must be fucked. but yeah who knows what Snake Eyes is doing anymore. He's all over the place story wise to the point that there's no real point in trying to figure it out. And I don't Scioli is gonna ever tell. In Scioli's mind it all makes sense to Snake Eyes, and I guess that's all that matters. Way Scioli talks, the big main story will end with issue 12, based off his 100 page outline he had when he started. After that it's open waters. Still say this comic would make an ideal Cartoon.
So, general series question. Only one trade of this series is out so far, right? How many issues does it collect? I'm thinking of buying it. What I've read about the series seems pretty interesting on the Transformers side of things.
Yeah, just the first trade is out, I think the 2nd one arrives soon (December?)... The series is great! I'm pretty sure that the volume 1 includes 6 issues (#0 and 1-5), but haven't been able to confirm it online... (I bought the single issues as they came out, so I don't have it to physically reference.) The trade is an excellent format too, as you get all the alternate covers bound up in the volume and some of the other guest covers are amazing (I particularly liked the Ed Piskor Blaster vs. Soundwave cover and the Jim Rugg cover for issue 3 and the James Stokoe cover for issue 1.) It also has all the commentary in the back of the volume. Flip through it to be sure it jives with you, as the book has been divisive (on these boards). Definitely scroll down Tom Scioli's tumblr page for some (spoilerish) previews of whats to come! Tom Scioli
This series has made me a fan of both General Flagg and Dr. Venom. I think the G.I. Joe side is up there, too. The re-imagining of the Oktober Guard is still pretty amazing, too.
