Transmasters SPRING 2012 Magazine!

Spring is sprung! And so is the latest, greatest, most awesome-est ever issue of...

TRANSMASTERS MAGAZINE!

http://transmasters.angelfire.com/tmmag/issue14/index1.html


Read it and weep! Nay, read it and rejoice! :)


Praise, hugs and kisses, wads of cash are welcome and appreciated (but not really necessary). :D

- Thunder

Comic Review...

Transformers: Robots in Disguise #4

Writer: John Barber
Artist: Andrew Griffith
(covers by Andrew Griffith and Casey Coller)

Summary:  PROWL UNCHAINED! In what's sure to be the most shocking Transformers comic of 2012-PROWL defends the fledgling government of CYBERTRON against the DECEPTICONS. But how far will he go-and who will chose to stand by his side? The answers will shock you!


Comments:  Dirge discovers a dead Decepticon. When Prowl investigates, he finds Dirge less then cooperative so he follows him and discovers he has been brainwashed by a Cerebro Shell. Prowl, Arcee and Blurr come up against Bombshell and the Constructicons. Sunstorm shows up for a couple of panels to die at Arcee's hands. Blurr chases Bombshell but is outnumbered by the Constructicons. Prowl kills Bombshell when he refuses to give over his fellow conspirators...Dirge escapes (technically he's innocent anyway). Prowl detonates all of the Constructicons I/D chips, blowing all of their heads up. He resolves to do whatever it takes to maintain control and order from here on in.
   I still like this title better of the two. It just seems a bit more focused...  I do wonder about the logic of killing so many "named" Decepticons though. At this rate, who will be left to restart the War when it happens in the next series with the next writer (and we all know it will, sooner or later). They'll have to implausibly bring everyone back now (the usual "they're just there and alive again for no reason" thing). I think, while less dramatic, they could've opted to use the I/D chips to put the Decepticons into perma-stasis instead (thus giving them an "out" in-story).
   I guess Prowl's transitioning into more of a hardline character as of this story... I would also like some overall arc in this comic. The Autobots are slowly being pushed in a more tyrannical direction as they try to maintain order and--whatever. Right now, it also seems a bit too episodic for my liking (I do like episodic, but I also like some overall direction too). There does seem to be a hint there's more Decepticons out there planning to do something radical but right now we haven't gotten anything else to go on. I hope whenever it happens that they succeed and aren't just put down by Prowl's forces in one issue or something.
   Continuity award: This issue and MTMTE #4 each share the same joke. In MTMTE, we are told a dead TF was once called "Prowl" (but then changed his name to "Dent"). Drift is disbelieving but Ratchet reminds him "all the good names are taken". In RID #4, the dead Decepticon in the beginning is named "Skydive". "Like the Aerialbot?" :) (Incidentally, Skydive is/was a Decepticon Predator). Barber gets points for using this in his story--it was just kind of neat to see across two titles simultaneously.


Verdict:  Good. I do hope it goes somewhere bigger soon though.

Cover "B" by Casey Coller

Comic Review...

Cover "A" by Alex Milne

Transformers: More Then Meets The Eye #4

Writer: James Roberts
Artist: Alex Milne
(covers by Alex Milne and Nick Roche)

Summary:  DANGER IN SPACE! Investigating the abandoned AUTOBOT facility on DELPHI-one-time home of fan-favorites THE WRECKERS-RATCHET uncovers a danger greater than he's ever faced and the return of a character long thought lost! Will this bring them closer to their goal of finding the Knights of Cyberton-or kill them?!

 Comments:  The Autobots visit Delphi, where First Aid (and others are). It turns out there's a plague of Red Rust happening at the medical facility there. Of the landing party, Pipes accidentally gets infected (I think this is probably the first time I can ever remember Pipes being in a TF comic. Cool!) Then Drift gets infected too, leaving First Aid and Ratchet to try to figure out how to cure them. Elsewhere, Tailgate learns the truth of the Great War and confronts Cyclonus over it. Back on Delphi, the Decepticon Justice Division Decepticons get into the base--just in time to be confronted by a resurrected Fortress Maximus!
    This issue was better then last issue's tale about the Spark Eater. Having said that, I still didn't find it all that great. I keep wondering if Roberts comic is going to be mostly about (nearly) mundane happenings on the Autobots ship and mostly episodic--or if it will get some kind of general arc going on. I need something more to get invested in this comic and so far it hasn't delivered on it (I don't want a "writing for the trade" style like Mike Costa seemed to do but I do want to feel like we're going somewhere, at least generally, in the comic and so far it feels like the writer's making it all up as he goes). Whatever he thinks he's doing with this comic (trying to reinvent the wheel? Do an action comedy? I dunno), it hasn't been working for me so far.

Verdict:  Average.

Comic Review...

Cover by Andrew Wildman

Transformers: Regeneration One #80.5

Writer: Simon Furman

Artist: Andrew Wildman

(cover by Andrew Wildman)

Summary:  From Zero Space, we see all of time and space...past, present, future...alternate timelines? We observe Primus and Unicron engage in their grand battle, we see Unicron later devouring worlds...the rise of the Transformers and the Great War... important moments from the Transformers past (the Marvel Series) play throughout the story even as in the present Soundwave rallies his Decepticons in a call to arms. They are tired of Autobot peace and resolve to act! Kup, Ultra Magnus and Hot Rod come to Optimus Prime warning him of the Decepticons recent unrest. Kup suggest summoning the Wreckers and putting them down before they try something but Optimus vetoes him, seeming disinterested in it all. As history continues to be recalled, Soundwave and his warriors make their move, breaking into some facility. From there, Soundwave reprograms a defense satellite to strike a target on the surface--the exact location of (Spoiler. Highlight to read redacted text)The Last Autobot! He is destroyed, much to everyone's shock.

   The War has begun anew...

Comments: Most of the story serves as a continuity primer more then anything else but what parts are new--wow! Marvel's G1 continuity is, by and far, my favorite G1 continuity period. I've written fanzines and fanfics relating back to it. Fumanisms often get used in my writings (It is over. Finished!) And now, it's back. I can only hope this series reignites the magic of the original G1 comic (and G2 as well).

   If the story is classic Simon Furman then the art is classic Andrew Wildman. Stephen Baskerville inks like back in the old days and even the word balloons are done the same.

   One minor nitpick--Soundwave gives a long-winded speech in the story. It's necessary to move the plot along but I always preferred the monotone cartoon Soundwave more so seeming him giving a speech strikes me as weird.

   I also can't believe they destroyed (Spoiler. Highlight to read redacted text) The Last Autobot! I guess we'll never get to find out if he had a personality or not. :) Still, it was necessary for the story to move forward, so, oh well...

   Can't wait for the new issues to come!  Bring it on!

Verdict: Awesome! The best Transformers comic I've read in years--and that's only slightly hyperbole. :)

Comic Review...

Transformers: Autocracy #7

Writers: Chris Metzen and Flint Dille
Artist: Livio Ramondelli


Summary:  ORION PAX-- the 'bot who will someday be Optimus Prime-- lies defeated. Cybertron is in flames. ZETA PRIME is poised to conquer all. Does any hope remain-- or is this a very short chapter?

Comments:  After the awesome cliffhanger last time, I was expecting something very impressive here. Unfortunately, we get a bit of a filler story instead. Megatron and the Decepticons show up and basically Zeta Prime's Vamparc weapon is overloaded. He beats a hasty retreat rather then fight Megatron head-on (wimp!) The Decepticons take the Autobots back to their headquarters and repair them. Megatron proposes they join forces to take down Zeta Prime before it's too late. Optimus reluctantly agrees... (Hot Rod apparently joins them as well).
   I found this issue a bit of a letdown. I'm hoping the next issue and going forward will be as exciting as this story should be (there's also only five parts left to go so they can't waste much more time getting to the resolution). I also hope it makes sense with the Blurr spotlight (where Zeta Prime and news of his death are first mentioned).


Verdict: Average.

Cover by Livio Ramondelli

Available online only (from www.comixology.com for 0.99 USd)

Comic Review...

Cover by Livio Ramondelli

Transformers: Autocracy #6

Writers: Chris Metzen and Flint Dille
Artist: Livio Ramondelli

Summary:  ZETA PRIME MAKES HIS MOVE! When the Autobot leader strikes out, ORION PAX--the future Optimus Prime--witnesses scenes of devastation beyond his wildest imagination! Will Pax be changed? Or will he fall?

Comments:  The Omega Destructors (basically, Omega Supreme clones) attack Torus-City Nyon. Zeta leads the way, using his new Vamparc weapon to absorb Energon out of the citizens as he goes. Orion Pax and his team attempt to slow down the giant robots but have little success. Hot Rod finally detonates all his bombs, annihilating the city in the process (with the thought that it's better to kill them himself then let Zeta use the innocent civilians to power his war machine). Orion laments Hot Rod's difficult decision--and then his team is attacked by Zeta, who quickly drains them of their Energon!
    Another exciting chapter. I've been enjoying the story so far and this part pays off quickly with the action and drama. I can't wait to see where it all ends up.

Verdict:  Good. 




Available online only (from www.comixology.com for 0.99 USd)

Comic Review...

Transformers: Autocracy #5

Writer: Chris Metzen and Flint Dille
Artist: Livio Ramondelli
(cover by Livio Ramondelli)

Summary:  THE HUNT IS ON! ORION PAX's strike team follows the trail of a young rebel into the ancient ACROPLEX! But what they find there is more than a single dissident-- it's a secret that will shake CYBERTRON to the core!

Comments:  Orion Pax and his team go to the ruins of the old Acroplex to pursue their target, one Cybertronian named Hot Rod. After a short chase, they emerge in a large complex to find various dying neutrals, low on Energon. Hot Rod explains that this is Zeta Prime's doing and says he showed Orion this because he believes he's different then Zeta. He's seen the holo-vid of Orion calling out the Senate on their corruption. He tells Orion he has a choice--carry on with things as they are or join them against the real threat. Later, Orion Pax and his team are outside considering his words when they notice a fire on the horizon and a Guardian robot in its midst. Zeta has begun to make his move!
   Another exciting chapter in the story and a very clear indicator that Orion is about to defy Zeta Prime (a logical choice at this point). The art continues to be fairly good (I can't think of anything wrong about it). It will be interesting to see how this tale all ends...

Verdict:  Good. Check out the series if you haven't already!

Cover by Livio Ramondelli

Available online only (from www.comixology.com for 0.99 USd)

Comic Review...

Cover "B" by Casey Coller

Transformers: Robots In Disguise #3

Writer: John Barber
Artist: Andrew Griffith

(covers by Andrew Griffith and Casey Coller)


Summary:  CYBERTRON IN CRISIS! An explosion in the middle of the capitol city strikes. Was it a DECEPTICON attack? Suspicions run high, and the uneasy peace unravels! Only Wheeljack can solve the puzzle--but will he do it before Starscream takes advantage of the AUTOBOTS weakness! The bold new direction in Transformers storytelling continues!

Comments:  This issue sees the introduction of a sixth Aerialbot. A short lived character called Barrel Roll (he becomes a green jet that vaguely resembles a SR-117). Unfortunately, he blows up in the story's introduction. I don't recall the Aerialbots getting much, if any, spotlight before now in IDW so I can accept another character on their team without being concerned about continuity issues.
   This issue sees more of the volatile relations between the Autobots, Decepticons and Neutrals. Someone is causing massive explosions on the planet, leading to terrible carnage and it falls to Wheeljack to figure how to stop it before it happens again. Right behind him, is Starscream. This was a good look at how Wheeljack fits into this new world. We also see more of Starscream's new direction...is he truly reforming or is this all some sort of elaborate play for power? A real reform would be more interesting but I am reminded of the Decepticons supporting Rodimus in the previous series and it ended up being a ruse. I guess time will tell...
   The artwork continues to look reasonably good. Prowl is even starting to look the right colors now (white and black instead of just black). Griffith has been the artist since the first issue and the consistency also helps this series. I hope he stays for the foreseeable future.
   I am interested to see if there is a long range plan for this series. Will the Decepticons eventually revolt? Or will everyone pull together? What about threats from the outside? There is a lot of potential no matter what direction they ultimately take.


Verdict:  Good. Worth a look...

Review: How To Draw Transformers Prime

How To Draw Transformers Prime

Publisher:  IDW
Writer/Artist:  Nick Roche
Price:  $4.99 USd (I paid $5.03 Cdn)
Available:  Now

Back Cover

Comments:  I picked this up on a lark when I saw it, figuring it might be a good reference guide for drawing the Prime characters. I don't usually bother with "how-to" art books (in fact, this is the first one I've ever actually bought). After examining it, I realized Nick Roche did it (they should've had his name on the cover but don't. Perhaps they figured kids primarily would pick it up and wouldn't know who he is?)
   It goes without saying, but the art is pretty good (granted, it's just characters standing there and basic "draw a stick figure then do the details in, etc." type instruction but he does a good job on what's there).

   I especially enjoyed the inclusion of non-marquee characters such as Airachnid, Breakdown and Skyquake. The book doesn't include any humans in it (presumably assuming the reader would rather draw the cool robots). I'm neutral on the humans thing. I could take it or leave it so their absence doesn't really matter to me one way or the other.

Verdict:  Good. Worth picking up if you want good character references to draw off (especially for characters such as Skyquake, who doesn't have a lot of official art out there currently).

Inside Cover

Titan Transformers UK issue 4.7, EASTER 2012

"I am the Law!"

Titan Transformers UK issue 4.7, April 2012.

I recieved this comic by post wednesday the 4th of April. Yeah I know it's been late but I've had no time on wednesday and was not feeling all that well on thursday so...I'll do it here and Now !

Page 01:Also known as the cover.
Free gifts:
- Transformers Prime Disc Bomber. And Transformers Prime Stickers! The Disc bomber is a disc shooter variant and the stickers feature Optimus, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Arcee, Starscream and Megatron. Always cool, stickers.
The cover also features PRIME promo art of Optimus and Megatron and tucked away under the free gift, a drawn picture of Starscream !
Page 02-03: Index Page.
Page 04-05: Arcee VS Bulkhead Ultimate Smackdown! here´s a couple of factfiles about mentioned bots.
Page 06: Titan Magazines - Batman Brave and the Bold Magazine subscription - advert
Page 07-10: Part one of the the strip begins.

"Megatron´s Law !"
Script: Robin Etherington
Art: Dario by Brizuela
Lettering: Comicraft

Location: Danakil desert, Erta Ale Volcano. Megatron(HAIL!) wonders why the Autobots are still walking freely among the human parasites of this planet. (and he's right ofcourse !) his conclusion is that the warriors under his command must be too weak and shows Starscream his solution to the problem. Gladitorial combat, survival of the fittest! Starscream objects and mentions that there's no way to force Decepticons to kill Decepticons.
His comments are noted and gets thrown into the pit to fight Fearstorm instead of the expected 'factory reject drone'. Still citing Decepticon law, Megatron(HAIL!) warns Starscreams that unless he finds the Key, the shackle attached to his wrist will explode 10 minutes after the start of the contest. The Key being the opponents spark.....to be continued on page 22

Page 11: Titan Magazines -get 2 transformers with subscription- offer advert.
Page 12-13: Part 7 of the PRIME episode guide, reviewing Scrapheap. Also a micro quiz.
Page 14: Megatron's Law gladiator game rules.
Page 15: The Big Tough Wordsearch hosted by Megatron(HAIL!)
Page 16-17: Megatron's Law Gladatorial game cards! short summary: rules and examples, see pictures below






Page 18: Titan Magazines - Spongebob Magazine subscription - advert
Page 19: Win Transformers Prime Cyberverse figures competition.
Page 20: Terror of the Scraplets (although it sounds like a forgotten DR Who story from the seventies it is actually a factfile on the scraplets.
Page 21: Scraplets Attack Maze, Help Ratchet find the route, the scraplet took to get into the control system.
Page 22-25: Part 2 of the strip!
Starscream is attacked and must fight for his life! unable to transform due to the magnetic pull of the vulcano he resorts to his brain. Using Fearstorm as jumppoint he manages to get a spike and traps Fearstorm with it. He takes his spark just in case Megatron wasn't lying. Megatron admits that is wasn't a bad effort and welcomes him back to the bridge of the Nemesis while Starscreams vows revenge.
Page 26: Starscream's Stumpers! Arms Race. Match Weapon to description.
Page 27: Spot the difference and Fighting talk
Page 28-29: The letterpages, hosted by Megamouth Megatron(HAIL!) (PRIME version) with a little help from Arcee (also PRIME version).
Page 30: Transformers Prime Painted Poster featuring the Dcepticons!
Page 31: Next issue blurb which looks like an Optimus centric cover.
Page 32: StarWars Clone Wars Magazine advert

Conclusion: Good Comic strip, simple and fun! Stickers are cool! Nice battle card game!
score: 7.5 out of 10

-Johan