I've dabbled in a few comics here and there, but practically zero Transformers material. I think it's time I changed that. I'd like to find physical collections or omnibuses, but have no idea which series to read or what format to buy comics in. Digital comics are okay too, just not preferred. I think I'm interested in IDW? What comics involve Megatron becoming an Autobot, Cyclonus & Tailgate being a couple as well as Chromedome & Rewind/Eject? I looked into Comixology, but it seems their Unlimited membership is only available in the USA which doesn't work for me. Is Comixology still worth it? Are there physical collections of comics out there for sale new, or would I have to track down used copies? Should I look on ebay, or are there other sites better suited to buying comics?
The series you’re asking about is Transformers More than Meets the Eye. Started in 2012. Written by James Roberts with phenomenal art by Alex Milne.
I would absolutely recommend reading Chaos Theory (issue #22 and #23 of "The Transformers" comic from 2009) and Last Stand of the Wreckers (only a few issues and it's really good) before starting MtmtE because a lot of things happening in this series hit differently when you know their context and certain worldbuilding facts MtmtE doesn't explain in detail. I would also read Megatron Origin, but that can be done before MtmtE or later, when the arc about Megatron's past is starting. It's another mini-comic story about how Megatron became a rebel.
Okay, thanks. I'll look into it. Is Sins of the Wreckers any good? Also, do you prefer physical or digital comics?
I just started reading the series for the first time and I started at the very beginning with the Marvel comics. I bought all 100 volumes of the definitive G1 collection.
If you want to get into IDW, I recommend starting from the beginning with Infiltration, and going from there. Though, All Hail Megatron, the ongoing series MTMTE/RiD, and LL/Optimus Prime are all great starting points, even if they are varying degrees of quality. The entire Wreckers series is amazing. Go read them. As for me, I prefer either or. But physical cause it's nice to display them.
To elaborate on a previous post, this is referring to the run of IDW comics written by James Roberts, which goes through several books, but most prominently More than Meets the Eye and direct sequel Lost Light. You can find a reading guide for these comics on the TFWiki community blog here - just looking for the heading titled "James Roberts". This includes Roberts' earlier stories before MTMTE for extra context. In terms of other recommendations I'd make: John Barber and Mairghread Scott's run from IDW, reading guide at the appropriate heading here. Really great overall mix of interesting plot, compelling character journeys and "big idea" thematic storytelling. I've described the run's main theme in the past as "a Transformer can change into a car, but can they change into a better person?" Nick Roche's run from IDW, reading guide at the Nick Roche heading here. Skews kinda bleak, but also very funny and always with a spark of hope and positivity. The original Marvel Transformers run, particularly the first 55 issues. Some fans claim the later issues, when UK writer Simon Furman took over, are better, but IMO the earlier part of the run is way more compelling, and remains perhaps the best and most interesting exploration of humans and Transformers interacting to date, delving into all sorts of unusual dynamics of the different characters and cultures colliding. The current IDW run, which began with a full reboot in 2019 - reading guide here. Big benefits here are that there's not much to catch up on since it's only been running for a bit over two years, and it's what people are currently talking about. It's got a slower, more novel-like pace that some people dislike, but if you can get on board with that it's fantastic stuff. In terms of how to read these comics, buying collected editions on comiXology is probably the easiest approach. Collections are almost always a bit cheaper than individual issues, and digital collections are easy to pick up compared to physical copies, which may have gone out of print for older titles.
You gotta dig into the Marvel stuff when you get the chance. Original scans of the original stories are available online. PM me for links.
For the best TF comic experience, I would HIGHLY recommend James Roberts' MTMTE and the sequel, Lost Light: Clever, epic stories, witty/comical writing, and incredible character development. And talk about cliff-hangers! Man, what a ride. I miss it. Try to avoid Robots in Disguise or the ongoing Transformers series... really anything by John Barber or Brian Ruckley, snoozers, only for the most hard-core fans. I also love the Marvel stuff. You could pick it up starting at issue #50 if you don't want to read it all. The last 15 or so issues is the greatest TF story ever told, IMHO. I also loved the follow-on, series Regeneration One.
