I don’t really have a lot to say for this issue, since the two stories in this issue are self-contained. But, it’s a nice distraction from the main series and Galaxies, with a easy to understand plot, great artwork and some nice Easter eggs. A pretty decent issue overall.

Here’s the Easter eggs from this issue:

Spoiler

 

I really enjoyed it. As a Combaticon fan I read the Cosmos story first, lol.

Spoiler

I'm wondering who the other bots in that photo are. I see the other Combaticons, so there's that question answered- they're working together at this point in time. We don't know if it's as the Combaticons yet but they're obviously part of some group. I wish we'd gotten more of a look at Blast Off but maybe we'll see that at Swindle's in issue 20, or maybe they'll have a sequel for this, who knows. Sure will be interesting if they are close but then one becomes a Bot and one a Con! Loved Sara P-D's art, as always, AND the writing. Was a great take on internet relationships.
Also Vortex finger-gunning had me laughing.

 

I have to confess as to why you call these Easter eggs. I'm obviously missing the references.

 

I deleted the last post because I misread the question. Sorry about that.

I'll admit, it would have been better to say highlights, instead of Easter eggs, but nevertheless:

Spoiler

Picture 1: Glyph has her faceplate, a nice nod to her toy figure.
Picture 2: Gears is there.
Picture 3: All of those bots in the picture. I don't know if there are any known bots there or there are generics.

 

I liked it well enough for what it is.

 

I get it now. Quite a few known Transformers from different series there...

Movie/Animated Black Out
Tidal Wave
Armada Jetfire
Titans Return Hardhead
The Combaticons
RID Towline
Armada Demolisher
Quake though strangely larger than Hardhead given they're mold buddies.
Lugnut
A large character with a head similar to RID Strongarm on Leader Jetfire's body which has a slight orange hue to it which I'd love to be a hidden Easter egg of an upcoming G2 Hooligan toy.

 

I liked it! Art was nice, story was simple but wholesome.
I had no idea there was a back up story about Cosmos, so I was pleasantly surprised. Clearing space debris is a perfect role for him. In one of the the "what do you want to see in the reboot" threads I could've sworn there was a comment about wanting a story with Cosmos and Blastoff having long distance calls in space.

 

I remember people being upset that Glyph didn't have her battle mask when the solicits first appeared, lol

 

This reminds me of one of those Christmas stories that the old UK Marvel TF comics used to do - lightweight, amiable character pieces that were bright and breezy, but a bit throwaway and easily dispensable.

Not quite sure why this was included in my ComiXology subscription for the main title (as it’s clearly not part of that), but I don’t begrudge paying for it. If anything, I preferred the wit and sparkle of this issue to the main series (which I generally find a bit dry and soulless).

You could tell that the script and the art came from the heart, from people with a clear love and care for the franchise.

So, yeah, this was something different, a cool little interlude, an oasis in a sea of grey. But I’ll have probably forgotten most of it by the morning.

 

This new continuity is at its best when it does contained, stand-alone stories like this Valentine special and issue 6 and 12 of the main series imo. They do a good job of telling relatable stories within the new universe. I hope they do a lot of these types of issues because this was legitimately fun and charming. And damn I love Jack and Sara’s art.

 

Cosmos and Soundwave will always be my OTP, but I really liked Cosmos and Blast Off's back-up story here. The lead story was also a lot of fun.

 

I liked these stories. I want to explore this... "Combat Worshiping Badger/Raccoon" planet more. Hoping it pans out to include Battle Beasts.

 

Unfortunately, Hasbro lost the license to Battle Beasts ages ago. IIRC Minimates has the rights to them now. Maybe they could do something analogous but there's no chance for actual Battle Beasts.

 

Looks like a giant Aileron in the upper right hand corner of the group photo. I had great fun picking out all the various continuity's characters in that pic, and for the most part they were well-considered, as all those 'bots (and future 'cons) are rough-and-tumble types.

EDIT: I think that might be Micromaster Greasepit in the front all the way to the left?

 

Really loved this issue! Glyph and Tapout's banter was charming and the art from Jack was great as always. I especially loved his designs for the little space foxes or whatever you wanna call them. Lowkey wish he could've sneaked a kiss in this issue, but of course because those types of fans don't wanna get triggered we probably didn't get that.

The backup with Cosmos was EXCELLENT! As someone who talked to my current partner online for 2 years before finally meeting them in person, I could relate to that story so much. Now I'm hoping we get a holiday special for this continuity in Decemeber!

9.5/10

 

Is this thing like Free Comicbook Day (in which case I'll probably miss out on getting it because I never get the chance to pick up my comics in person) or just a one-off special issue available like normal?

 

This is a one-off special issue.

 

I wonder if we’ll actually see more of these characters in the main title. I’m feeling maybe not, which is a shame since these felt like introductory pieces to characters rather than full stories in their own right. The Cosmos story felt especially abrupt. Granted there IS Galaxies...

 

I hope so too! I'd love to see more of Glyph and Tap Out in the future!

 

I am hoping we will. I think the Cosmos/Blast Off story has a lot of potential, with them on opposite sides of the upcoming war. Forbidden romance/friendship anyone? If not the main title, then yes, maybe something in Galaxies.