Transformers Ongoing

[Dr Headache Rushing]

Got it through and read it this morning, thanks Steve.

Impressed with the story, I think this one could be interesting, and it was a plus to have so many pages of story, some of the recent releases seem to have been about 50% story and 50% advertising for IDW's other products.

I really enjoyed seeing Streetwise and Prowl out together, both being police cars it makes sense, kind of like Hotspot and Inferno working at the same place. Very disappointed that Ironhide has been, apparently, killed off so early into the story. His character is an important part of the earth based Autobot command structure and I can't see any real reason for killing him off other than for a cheap shock factor in the new series, especially after all the character development that he went through in AHM.

Quick question, page 2 of the comic, the big gatefold battle picture of Autobots vs Decepticons. Top left, who is the Decepticon that Grimlock is fighting? Any ideas?

Now, good stuff out the way, a complaint. WTF is going on with the artwork? Jeez, it was horrible. Kind of like a cross between G1 and the movie art style. I really didn't like it, not one bit, it's so unpleasing on the eye. The movie style is OK within it's own continuity but this is a G1 based continuity and this style doesn't belong or work here in my opinion. Hopefully the upcoming Bumblebee and Wreckers stories will be more traditional in their artwork.

[sentinelprime2006]

I agree partly about the art. On the one hand, I'm all for taking a different approach on things, but at the same time it is very hard to gauge reactions on the faces, and sometimes that magnifies a script far more. A point in question was at the end: you could make out Hot Rod's expression, but not really anyone else. I have a feeling that either Hot Rod or Ultra Magnus step up to lead. BTW, the decepticon Grimbo is attacking is Devastator. Again, he has a G1 body, but a movie face!

[sentinelprime2006]

Apologies, I may have misinterpreted your statement. There is a decepticon badged robot that looks a lot like Sludge. I think even the best artists have an off day!

[Omega Steve]

Thanks for posting guys. I noticed its been a bit quiet on here lately and its good to read what people are thinking about this new start for TF. Keep checking the main site as I hope to be posting an interview with Nick Roche and James Roberts re: Wreckers soon.

But back to TF Ongoing. Drheadacherushing, I think you may be a little harsh on the writers suggesting that Ironhide's death is shock value only, I think it has more significance than that. Look at it in the context of Prime's leadership already feeling the strain from his decision to stay put on Earth while the humans (who they are supposedly there to protect) take pot shots at them and lock them up. Later it's Prime's decisions (both to stay and then authorise Prowl's rescue) which costs him one of his oldest friends - Ironhide. It's this that persuades him to step down and surrender himself Fortress Maximus in Headmasters-like to the humans. That's a pretty major plot thread and needed a major catalyst, and I guess the 'death' of a major character qualifies. Will Ironhide be back? I wouldn't bet against it.

The art? Don's work is still technically very good, but I can't say I'm a fan of his redesigned Transformers either. The body changes I can live with, but those faces are pretty awful, almost skeletal and rictus-like.

I've two theories. One, Don just fancied a change after seven or so years drawing the same bots. Or two, he's gunning for the new fans, those who don't know about G1, only the 2007 and 2009 films, and wants them to feel familiar with the G1 crew. It may well be an IDW strategy to widen the scope of potential readers. Maybe it'll work, maybe not, but its probably worth the gamble as most true G1 fans will stick with the book even if the art is not entirely to the liking - as long as the script holds out of course.

There'll also be the other spin-offs with different artists so we'll probably get a range of styles. Any thoughts on who the new leader will be? Three names come to mind a) Hot Rod, b) Magus, and c) Bumblebee - controversial I know, but he has got a mini-series so this might not be entirely far fetched.

[ukbot575]

Hey, yep got my copy through in pristine condition and right on time, thanks Steve

I really enjoyed the story! #1's always tend to be a bit awkward cos they're either intros or scene setters, but this was a really awesome start. There was so much packed in and the pace was really high

I also enjoyed seeing Prowl and Streetwise teamed up, that was cool, but im not so sure about Prowl's decision to break cover!! He's always been the master tactician and logical hub of the autobots crew and im not convinced his decision was either. I think it would of been more fitting for Streetwise to break first, he's always been a much more compassionate character (e.g. check out the afterdeath story)

The cynical side of me agrees that Ironhide's
death was just put in for impact and helped to hype the series up, but it did serve to illustrate how powerful the humans have become and that they have become the major players in the struggle. That is interesting and an excitin thread to develop cos now the transformers are shown to be vulnerable and are going to have to really rely on their disguising abilities to get an edge to get ahead, and for me thats what the transformers were originaly all about... they could be anywhere...
But im sure ol' Ironhide will be back. Anyone remember the black ehobby Ironhide released a while back? Hehe could there be a return of an evil Ironhide with an axe to grind against the humans...

Prime's decision to wander off certainly isnt a new thought (i recall prey and crisis of command etc) maybe its time for Rodimus to make an appearance, but i reckon Prime's got a plan yet.

Sadly i have to agree with you guys about the artwork. Im a huge fan of D. Fig. He's probably my fav ever TF artist but in this instance im really not likin the zombie look, all those sharp, skeletic and pointy teeth and features
Its very movie-verse and i really hope its not a permanent shift or a wierd kinda merger with the movie-verse

On the whole tho really enjoyed this epic start. Bring on #2!

[sentinelprime2006]

Nov 26, 2009 14:28:49 GMT Omega Steve said:

Any thoughts on who the new leader will be? Three names come to mind a) Hot Rod, b) Magus, and c) Bumblebee -

I had a very similar thought about Bumblebee, particularly after AHM#16 where, in the last three panels, he seems annoyed at Prime's thoughts towards him, and the last panel was either him slowly closing his eyes, or a look of anger, not sure as you cant see the rest of his face. Certainly would be interesting!

[MissingSea]

This was a welcome start to the new story arc, AHM failed in many ways for me, and at least for the first issue of the ongoing I'm suitably impressed. There was good pacing, decent dialogue and (so far) doesn't seem to be taking the cartoon as it's base line for characterisations. This is definately an issue that I will go back to at some point (whereas I doubt I'll read AHM again).

I agree on the art front as well, while I can live with and in some cases like the new body styles, I don't like the movified faces. My guess is it could be down to Hasbro asking for that facial style to tie into the movie??

As for the new leader.... I doubt it'll be Hot Rod since I expect he'll be beating himself up over Ironhide's (apparent) death. Though we all know that seemingly dead bots can come back to life, Prime being a prime example (excuse the terrible pun).

[Omega Steve]

I suppose the new leader could be Prowl as he's filled in for Optimus before (in Marvel) and wants the war waged his way, as we saw in AHM Coda #15. But I just reckon its going to be Hot Rod - think about it, who is the successor to Op in the original continuity? Magnus initially but long term it was Rodimus Prime, and now the current crop of IDW creatives have a chance to put Hot Rod in that Rodimus role without having to kill off Oppy. We'll see soon enough.

Meantime check out this Lil Formers cartoon, re: Don's new faces.

[Dr Headache Rushing]

I'm not expecting too much from the new leader, I think Prime will be back in command in a relatively short period of time anyway. Bearing in mind this is IDW and not Marvel continuity, and that Galvatron was not Megatron in this line, perhaps Rodimus is a different 'bot to Hot Rod? How about Rodimus being another Prime like Optimus? Maybe brothers or something similar? Would be a different take on it but could be interesting.

I have to be honest, the stuff I've seen about Last Stand Of The Wreckers has got me proper excited. Overlord! Looks like the cast is going to be primarily Japanese and European G1/1.5 exclusives which could be really interesting as these guys have never really had any character development before and there are some fantastic looking robots in that mix. I got so carried away that I bought a 100% Springer from eBay to complete my Wreckers collection, I've got all of them now :-)

Lovin' the Lil Formers cartoon Steve, I can relate to Junior!

[s2h6]

Yeah I thought it was a good start to the series and I have said it before and I'll say it again I don't enjoy the new style.

[rb]

Lilformers hit it spot-on. Bleh on the faces, thumbs up on the story. Question, though: Is Furman scheduled to do any TF stories in the near future or were there - disagreements with the man?

[Omega Steve]

Furman has never said anything publicly about disagreements and I'd be surprised if there were any. I think his unceremonious dumping as the main writer on the book was purely for commercial reasons, as I think Chris Ryall has said. After three years of the 'ations some readers were dropping off and they wanted to shake things up with a new writer and change of direction - and AHM certainly shook things up. It's questionable whether it lost more readers than it brought in, but it certainly kept the IDW boards buzzing for a while.

Simon's next work for IDW will be a five part movie series called TF Nefarious, but personally I'd like to see him back on G1 soon, doing a mini-series if not the main run. This new guy Mike Costa seems pretty good though, even though its early days.

[Omegastoopreme]

I'll bet its Mr Roddy in charge. In the back of isue 1 the preview page lists him as RODIMUS, NOT Hot Rod. Its the page near the back where it shows a few of them with their names listed. if thats not a hint what is.

[europrime]

Sorry guys but i love the new artwork and seeing that the new series is off with a bang and selling out (good news hopefully more fans) change is good hopefully you guys will adapt over time and get to love it just think of some artwork in coda lol total ****.
Rodimus for leader TILL ALL ARE 1.

[Omega Steve]

No problems, all opinions are welcome and I think I detect some changes to the faces in issue 2, so it might be that Don is taking some of the reaction on board and adapting his new designs a little. Don's still a great artist and I respect him for shaking things up and trying something new, but it might be a little too extreme for G1.

If on the other hand the designs strike a chord with the Movie devotees and bring more readers in then it can't be bad for the book. We are still getting a mix of styles anyway from the Wildman covers and the spin offs.

Just to say though that I've read (and re-read) issue 2 and I can't remember enjoying a TF comic this much in ages. I enjoyed Furman's IDW work but it was a touch convoluted, Shane had a great concept but the pacing felt a bit slow, and as for Dreamwave - I couldn't make head nor tale of their ongoing at times - Mike Costa though, from what I've seen so far, is the best of all worlds and I hope he stays around a long time. Granted its only two issues but I have high hopes.

Just wait till you see issue 2. It's still setting the scene but there's lots going on... including the answer to the all important question of who leads the Autobots!!!

[s2h6]

Not wrong steve, a great issue. Don't really want to say anything at the moment in case I spoil it for anyone. Still don't like the faces though, I'm finding it hard sometime to figure out who some of them are.

[Omegastoopreme]

I just read it too. cool. I quite like the new looks to be honest, am trying to figure out what car Hot Rod is, anyone else think he might be a Zonda?

[ukbot575]

Hey,
Yep got mine through and thought it was superb. Story's really takin off and i thoroughly enjoyed it.
The original g1 Hot Rod released in 1986 although described as a 'futuristic' cybertronian racecar was based on the 1978 Japanese Dome Zero car which was a concept car designed to compete at Les Mans. But tragically it never went into production.
The Rodimus Classic toy was going to be based on the Zonda and even the designs were drawn up but at the last minute they bottled it and went back to the Dome Zero.
In his spotlight by IDW, and in escalation, too me, hot rod looks like a modified Bugatti Veyron, but after his time in the CR chamber on Earth he gets modified to be (no pun intended) a 'hot rodded' Dodge Viper.
And thats his alternate mode through Devastation and Max Dinobots. Assuming he hasnt changed he still should be a Dodge Viper, but its difficult to tell with Don's recent change in art style.
In #1 he defo started out as a Viper but hes kinda morphed into something new by #2. Looking very Zonda like to me too mmmm!

[Omegastoopreme]

I knew about the dome zero already, and I'd read it wasnt the base for the original, just the classics version.



But i'm glad to here someone agreed on the Zonda line, just look at the headlights then the ones on Hotrods shoulders.





I did read that classics Hotrod was going to be a Zonda originally before they decided to go with the Dome.

[ukbot575]

Wow! Minted Zero! Fantastic! Yeah defo with the Zonda. It is so cool. And somehow suits Hot Rod better than the Viper.

[Dr Headache Rushing]

Guys, found this posting over on the Seibertron boards and wanted to share it with you. Don't know this guy but I think he captures completely my feelings towards the ongoing series;


Re: Transformers 'Ongoing' #2 Five-Page Preview
by Carcass » Fri Dec 04, 2009 10:53 pm

I grew up on G1, so that's my favourite facet of the Transformers franchise and it always will be. I've hated the Bay movies and I probably always will. I've hated Animated and I probably always will. The reason that I know I hate them though, is because I gave them a chance. I watched them and because of that, I know I don't like them for any given reason. But hey, that's just me. Anyone else likes that stuff, more power to you. But, I also enjoyed Carrobo when it first came out. I think some of the transformation schemes for some of the new toys over the past few years are really cool even if I don't like the supporting media. I also think Beast Machines was a superbly written series with beautifully engaging character development. So when I say that I do not like Don's new artwork on the ongoing IDW series, please... do not point a finger and scream 'Geewunner' at me.

I've always been a bit leery anytime someone announces their 'bold new direction' with an already established part of the franchise. G1 has always been, for me, over and finished. The original G1 cartoon is over and finished with a beginning and end. The original G1 Marvel comics are over and finished with a beginning and end. Any time someone (Dreamwave, IDW, whoever) has gone out of their way to redo the entire G1 story from scratch and take it in a new direction, it's always left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I do love those characters and their mythos, so why wouldn't I want to see more of it? The difference is whether or not proper respect is paid to the original and how much crap I'm willing to put up with in order to see the new comic stay on the shelves. Little easter eggs and half-assed homages are not enough for me. On top of that, I'm tired of seeing how many times that goddamned ship is going to crash into a volcano.

I gave Dreamwave a chance and I began to like it for a while, but that's all over and done with. IDW came to the rescue and all of a sudden it's just another reboot of the same characters, the same ideas, but I began to like that too. I gave it a chance and thought as long as they stick with the formula, it should be all good in the hood. Then All Hail Megatron came.

I know a lot of people liked AHM. I'm not saying it's a bad story. The artwork is pretty amazing usually. But it really flew in the face of pre-established plot points and that pissed me off. Coda didn't do much to tie up loose ends or suture glaring problems between writers and Continuum was really insulting to anyone who gave AHM a chance (and was willing enough to look over all the potholes it left in the road).

The fact that the Transformers in IDW's G1 keep changing their forms and modes is probably the most annoying thing about the comic. Don's take on the current ongoing series and all of its supporters doesn't hold up against other established comic franchises. Even when you had so many different artists on the previous G1 comic books, the individual appearance of the characters were essentially the same and recognizable because of the fact that the character models were used and a concerted effort was made to make the enormous cast of characters just that. With IDW, the characters change forms and appearances every few issues depending on the artist (or Hasbro's suggestion maybe) and the result is obnoxious, creating confusing plot holes where there NEEDN'T BE ANY. Don's current take is just one step further by recreating the ENTIRE TRANSFORMERS LOOK and thereby making all of the previous stuff borderline apocrypha. On top of that, I think the explanation we've been given for the alt-mode inconsistencies is that these are 'Transformers' and they like to change their form and appearance whenever they feel like it is bull-puckey; aggravating and irritatingly unbelievable.

Artistic interpretation is fine. I don't think anyone is saying that Don's artwork is BAD in and of itself. It's pretty damn good artwork if you ask me! But it's not something that fits G1. In fact, it flies in the face of it. I know many fans are complaining about the Transformers' faces in the new book, but I still feel that the overall gist of the new designs feels a lot like shellformers, with the interior robot and armor plates that are mounted on the outside of their limbs and bodies, something that I equated a bit with the Bayformers designs from the beginning (although of a much less intricate nature). I keep hearing IDW tell us that Don's new designs are not influenced by the look of the movie designs, but when half of the fandom keeps referring to it as such, then what is that telling us about the final product whether or not that was the initial intent? Sorry, everyone... but these look like Bayformers mixed with some G1 elements to me. I'm not the only one from the sound of things.

Artistic interpretation and authorial intent will always change the face of a comic book run depending on who is working on it, and that's a good thing. It's always necessary to stir the pot a bit, to shake things up just a tad and make them more interesting, otherwise we'd get bored as readers! However the changes made between the IDW's G1 comics are glaringly different and they don't support the theme of the original idea. AHM should have been a different reality or alternate take on Simon's G1 comic. The current ongoing series has even less to do with what IDW started with. And before anyone brings up the fact that even Batman or Spider-Man changes their costumes every once in a while, please remember that it's just one character making a conscious decision (based on artistic interpretation or authorial intent). You're gonna tell me that the entire race of G1 Transformers woke up one day and decided to look like Bayformers?

If Don's sick of drawing blocky G1 Transformers, then he shouldn't be drawing G1. I don't like what he's doing with it and I'm sick of being force-fed G1 stuff that doesn't jibe with G1. Make a new comic with these ideas and designs or just stop dicking around with G1 altogether.

[sentinelprime2006]

I agree with his misgivings towards this series, but I am hoping that IDW has realised it's mistakes with past series, like changing writer and artist every couple of issues, and that this series will have the continuity that we are all asking for. I am not happy that G1 is being messed around with, but I am willing to give it a try. After all, Star Trek has been re-done a few times, and Battlestar Galactica (another favourite from childhood) has been modernised.

[Omegastoopreme]

The problem nowadays is that everything is open to a remake.

Look at every decent 80's show, its either had a remake series or movie, the A-Team just joined the list along with GI Joe. TF has been going so long you cant do pure G1 anymore anyway, that story has been told. If you do anything G1 people will complain it contradicts an older story, thats why DC and Marvel do things like the Crisis storylines to give their continuities a blank slate every so often. You cant please everybody so personally I like the new take on thingsits the only sensible way to go, especially as company's like IDW want to attract newer readers whoi wont have any understanding of G1 Dogma.

[Omega Steve]

I suppose if you look at the original Marvel TF it changed many times. The original cast more or less vanished after a couple of years to be replaced by all new characters (Headmasters, Pretenders and the like) and Furman took the books in a new direction after Bob Budiansky put away his pen. On the UK books the much loved (by me) 11 page format eventually gave way to the six pages of black and white light-weight material, only to revert back later.

My point is that writers, artists, and even story directions change, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. I personally feel the Ongoing is the breath of fresh air that's needed after AHM and is an engaging new direction for the series. Although the Decepticons are off-world for now, it nevertheless feels like TF has gone back to basics, with the Autobots starved of Energon and forced to conceal themselves. It's just like the Marvel early days and I quite like it.

Don's new designs don't do much for me either, but i'm getting used to it and overall his art is very good. I'm happy with the compromise IDW offers, which is that artists are free to draw G1 characters as they want, hence the more traditional look in the TF Bumblebee spin off. It might be inconsistent but I'm not too bothered. As long as the stories don't contradict then all's well.

[s2h6]

Don is a good writer and I don't mind that IDW is giving the artists freedom but at the moment I just think its a bit too much freedom. At the moment we have the ongoing and Bumblebee story which is happening at the same time and yet the Transformers look different in both. I'm not saying introduce a Marvel approach where each character has to be drawn a specific way but I think there should be some rought sort of guide line that should be followed so as soon as you look at it you think that is the G1 comic or that is the Movie comic. At the moment you see a page of the ongoing and its not imediately clear.