This page contains affiliate links. We may earn commissions when readers interact with or purchase items through these links. For more information, see our affiliate disclosures here.

IDW Hasbro Universe First Strike Thread

Discuss anything about the Transformers cartoons and comics! You can discuss anything from G1 to Cybertron as well as the comics from Marvel, Dreamwave, IDW and more!

IDW Hasbro Universe: First Strike Details - New GI Joe, Tie-Ins, Covers, More

Postby Va'al » Wed Jun 07, 2017 1:29 pm

Motto: "Till All Are Pun!"
Fellow Seibertronian Daniel Adkins has spotted over on CBR an interview with IDW Publishing editor David Hedgecock about the next event in the company's planned Hasbro franchises crossover: First Strike! The interview can be read in full here, and some snippets of interest below, such as the end of most major (non-TF, bar Till All Are One) series, rebranding into First Strike monickers as of September, and why that might be. Also included are solicits and covers for some of the books - check it all out!

Image


IDW Publishing’s next Hasbro crossover is looming, and it looks to have an even bigger impact on the line than fans might have initially guessed. First Strike, which brings together Transformers, G.I. Joe, M.A.S.K. and more, gets going next week with a #0 issue from co-writers Mairghread Scott & David A. Rodriguez and artist Max Dunbar, also the creative team of the main six-issue First Strike miniseries which kicks off with twice-monthly issues in August.

Along with the imminent debut comes the news that some of IDW’s current licensed Hasbro books will end in August — due to a “seasonal” model and in-story changes brought by the events of First Strike. August will bring the last issues of G.I. Joe (with #9), M.A.S.K. (#10), Micronauts: Wrath of Karza (#5) and Rom (#14).

But those characters, naturally, aren’t going away for good — September sees a G.I. Joe: First Strike by Aubrey Sitterson and Ilias Kyriazis and a Micronauts: First Strike one-shot by Christos Gage and Chris Panda; October follows with a M.A.S.K.: First Strike one-shot from Sitterson and Kyriazis and Rom: First Strike from Christos Gage and Chris Panda. Additionally, a Optimus Prime: First Strike one-shot is scheduled for September from John Barber and Guido Guidi; Barber is joined by artist Guido Guidi in October for the Transformers: First Strike one-shot in October.

Then in November, a new series titled G.I. Joe: Unmasked (uniting G.I. Joe and M.A.S.K.) is set to debut in the wake of First Strike, and Rom & The Micronauts is slated for December.

[...]

2. For story reasons that will become clear during First Strike, the titles we’re drawing to a close won’t really make any sense any more! After the events of First Strike, we’ve got plans for radically new, fresh takes on some of these properties and we want to signify how important the changes are. We couldn’t do that and keep the current series titles in place.

[...]

This is coming a year after Revolution — are you planning on annual Hasbro events?

We have a three-year story arc in mind for the shared Hasbro universe. First Strike is the second act. While Revolution brought everything together, First Strike is the first chance we get to see the ramifications of this bold direction we’ve undertaken, and it leads us directly into… well, I can’t wait to tell you what it leads us into but I can’t just yet!


Image


G.I. JOE: First Strike #1—Cover A: Drew Johnson—SPOTLIGHT

Aubrey Sitterson (w) • Ilias Kyriazis (a) • Drew Johnson (c)
As Scarlett heads off to Cybertron to confront the events of First Strike, her G.I. Joe team on Earth faces an unusual enemy… V.E.N.O.M.! With the help of a former M.A.S.K. member, G.I. Joe looks to put an end to Miles Mayhem’s sinister group once and for all, in the Greatest Crossover One-Shot Of All Time!
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/27/17

G.I. JOE: First Strike #1—Cover B: Ilias Kyriazis

Aubrey Sitterson (w) • Ilias Kyriazis (a & c)
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/27/17
*Retailer incentives: Order 10 copies, get one free variant cover by Nick Bradshaw!



Image


Micronauts: First Strike #1—Cover A: Nelson Daniel—SPOTLIGHT

Christos Gage (w) • Chris Panda (a) • Nelson Daniel (c)
Rom, remaining on Earth as the events of First Strike take place, finds himself in a most unusual team-up… with Earth’s smallest heroes, The Micronauts! Together, these two forces must prevent a catastrophe on Earth even while Cybertron descends into chaos!
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/13/17

Micronauts: First Strike #1—Cover B: Chris Panda

Christos Gage (w) • Chris Panda (a & c)
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/13/17
*Retailer incentives: Order 10 copies, get one free variant cover by Nick Bradshaw!


Image


Optimus Prime: First Strike #1—Cover A: Sara Pitre-Durocher—SPOTLIGHT

John Barber (w) • Guido Guidi (a) • Sara Pitre-Durocher (c)
With Cybertron under siege by Baron Ironblood’s forces, Optimus Prime and Arcee defend their homeland! Caught in the middle is the human/Transformer team known as the Revolutionaries—and one of them has a secret that puts everyone at risk!
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/20/17


Image


Optimus Prime: First Strike #1—Cover B: Guido Guidi

John Barber (w) • Guido Guidi (a & c)
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/20/17
*Retailer incentives: Order 10 copies, get one free variant cover by Nick Bradshaw!
User avatar
Va'al
God Of Transformers
Posts: 17010
News Credits: 6188
Joined: Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:00 am
Location: Italy
Buy from Va'al on eBay

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Kurona » Wed Jun 07, 2017 3:13 pm

Motto: "Don't forget to subscribe to the official Doctor Who youtube channel"
Weapon: Temperature Variant H20 Gun
Now this is where I get a bit worried about the expanded universe - if they're joining multiple franchises into a single book for each, then that not only says bad things about how this is working out from a financial standpoint but it's likely not gonna go down well with fans of each. You were loving the Micronauts but you weren't fond of ROM's story? Too bad, he's in Micronauts now! You were kinda liking where MASK was going but you really couldn't be bothered with GI Joe? Guess what, they're the exact same team now!

And I know, detractors to the Hasbro universe would argue this is already a thing; but for the most part outside of actual crossovers every book in the Hasbro universe was allowed to be its own thing with minimal effect from the other books. You could easily read GI Joe without giving one iota of a **** about what's happening in Lost Light, and you can have a fine time reading Optimus Prime without really needing to know what that ROM dude's up to. I just hope Transformers is popular enough as a brand on its own to not have the whole "two-franchises-in-one-book" thing happen to it. And what about Action Man?!


One thing I'm very confused about though. Why does GI Joe need to combine with any book? I thought it was the CROWN JEWEL OF THE HASBRO UNIVERSE, surely it was doing fine on its own? :-P
User avatar
Kurona
Matrix Keeper
Posts: 7879
News Credits: 191
Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2016 3:48 pm
Location: Scotland
Strength: 1
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 2
Endurance: 1
Rank: 8
Courage: 3
Firepower: 1
Skill: 2

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby RNSrobot » Wed Jun 07, 2017 4:35 pm

Nope nope nope nope nope nope
RNSrobot
Minibot
Posts: 140
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2016 2:41 pm
Watch RNSrobot on YouTube
Buy from RNSrobot on eBay

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Daniel Adkins » Wed Jun 07, 2017 4:38 pm

Kurona wrote:Now this is where I get a bit worried about the expanded universe - if they're joining multiple franchises into a single book for each, then that not only says bad things about how this is working out from a financial standpoint but it's likely not gonna go down well with fans of each. You were loving the Micronauts but you weren't fond of ROM's story? Too bad, he's in Micronauts now! You were kinda liking where MASK was going but you really couldn't be bothered with GI Joe? Guess what, they're the exact same team now!

And I know, detractors to the Hasbro universe would argue this is already a thing; but for the most part outside of actual crossovers every book in the Hasbro universe was allowed to be its own thing with minimal effect from the other books. You could easily read GI Joe without giving one iota of a **** about what's happening in Lost Light, and you can have a fine time reading Optimus Prime without really needing to know what that ROM dude's up to. I just hope Transformers is popular enough as a brand on its own to not have the whole "two-franchises-in-one-book" thing happen to it. And what about Action Man?!


One thing I'm very confused about though. Why does GI Joe need to combine with any book? I thought it was the CROWN JEWEL OF THE HASBRO UNIVERSE, surely it was doing fine on its own? :-P


I hate to say it, but Action Man will probably go with Kup and join the cast of Optimus Prime.
User avatar
Daniel Adkins
Fuzor
Posts: 232
News Credits: 16
Joined: Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:58 pm
Location: North Carolina
Watch Daniel Adkins on YouTube

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Targetmaster Kup » Wed Jun 07, 2017 4:45 pm

Motto: ""Whatever it takes, as long as it is moral, legal, and just.""
Weapon: Grenade Launcher
Maybe TAAO will be replaced by Kup of Action, a buddy comic with Kup and Action Man?
Find what Transformers; Titans Return, Legends, Combiner Wars, Unite Warriors, Generations, Masterpiece, Universe, Adventure, & RiD 2015 toy action figures are on sale at https://goo.gl/3UaMAu
User avatar
Targetmaster Kup
Combiner
Posts: 481
News Credits: 11
Joined: Fri Feb 19, 2016 8:54 am
Location: Earth
Buy from Targetmaster Kup on eBay
Alt Mode: Spaceship
Strength: 6
Intelligence: 8
Speed: 6
Endurance: 3
Rank: 7
Courage: 7
Firepower: 10
Skill: 10

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Nexus Knight » Wed Jun 07, 2017 4:49 pm

Motto: ""I fight for the honor of those whom the Decepticons crush under their pathetic heel.""
Weapon: Star Saber Sword
Daniel Adkins wrote:
Kurona wrote:Now this is where I get a bit worried about the expanded universe - if they're joining multiple franchises into a single book for each, then that not only says bad things about how this is working out from a financial standpoint but it's likely not gonna go down well with fans of each. You were loving the Micronauts but you weren't fond of ROM's story? Too bad, he's in Micronauts now! You were kinda liking where MASK was going but you really couldn't be bothered with GI Joe? Guess what, they're the exact same team now!

And I know, detractors to the Hasbro universe would argue this is already a thing; but for the most part outside of actual crossovers every book in the Hasbro universe was allowed to be its own thing with minimal effect from the other books. You could easily read GI Joe without giving one iota of a **** about what's happening in Lost Light, and you can have a fine time reading Optimus Prime without really needing to know what that ROM dude's up to. I just hope Transformers is popular enough as a brand on its own to not have the whole "two-franchises-in-one-book" thing happen to it. And what about Action Man?!


One thing I'm very confused about though. Why does GI Joe need to combine with any book? I thought it was the CROWN JEWEL OF THE HASBRO UNIVERSE, surely it was doing fine on its own? :-P


I hate to say it, but Action Man will probably go with Kup and join the cast of Optimus Prime.


That's probably actually the logical thing to do. Action Man is admittedly only one person (whose book surprisingly did poorly) teamed up with a big alien robot, especially since. It makes sense (to me) for him to join the Transformers and provide a human prospective. Of course they already have plenty of characters doing that, but hey, I'm alright with the human perspective.
Favorite quotes from The Transformers: The Movie-

"Ride in style!" Hot Rod (ever humble)

"Such heroic nonsense" Megatron

"I have better things to do tonight than die" Springer

"Till the day that all are one" Optimus Prime

"I belong to no one!" Megatron

"This is bad comedy" Galvatron (seeing Starscream's last bid for control)

"Ba wee gra na weep nini bong" Universal Greeting

"Till all are one" Rodimus Prime
Nexus Knight
Combiner
Posts: 433
News Credits: 11
Joined: Sun Jul 26, 2015 3:31 pm
Location: Guarding over Cybertron...
Alt Mode: Arsonist SnowCat and Stargazer
Strength: 9
Intelligence: 10
Speed: 5
Endurance: 6
Rank: ???
Courage: 7
Firepower: 5
Skill: 9

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Daniel Adkins » Wed Jun 07, 2017 6:02 pm

Nexus Knight wrote:
Daniel Adkins wrote:
Kurona wrote:Now this is where I get a bit worried about the expanded universe - if they're joining multiple franchises into a single book for each, then that not only says bad things about how this is working out from a financial standpoint but it's likely not gonna go down well with fans of each. You were loving the Micronauts but you weren't fond of ROM's story? Too bad, he's in Micronauts now! You were kinda liking where MASK was going but you really couldn't be bothered with GI Joe? Guess what, they're the exact same team now!

And I know, detractors to the Hasbro universe would argue this is already a thing; but for the most part outside of actual crossovers every book in the Hasbro universe was allowed to be its own thing with minimal effect from the other books. You could easily read GI Joe without giving one iota of a **** about what's happening in Lost Light, and you can have a fine time reading Optimus Prime without really needing to know what that ROM dude's up to. I just hope Transformers is popular enough as a brand on its own to not have the whole "two-franchises-in-one-book" thing happen to it. And what about Action Man?!


One thing I'm very confused about though. Why does GI Joe need to combine with any book? I thought it was the CROWN JEWEL OF THE HASBRO UNIVERSE, surely it was doing fine on its own? :-P


I hate to say it, but Action Man will probably go with Kup and join the cast of Optimus Prime.


That's probably actually the logical thing to do. Action Man is admittedly only one person (whose book surprisingly did poorly) teamed up with a big alien robot, especially since. It makes sense (to me) for him to join the Transformers and provide a human prospective. Of course they already have plenty of characters doing that, but hey, I'm alright with the human perspective.

Action Man was always intended to be a 4-issue miniseries.
User avatar
Daniel Adkins
Fuzor
Posts: 232
News Credits: 16
Joined: Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:58 pm
Location: North Carolina
Watch Daniel Adkins on YouTube

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Nexus Knight » Wed Jun 07, 2017 7:31 pm

Motto: ""I fight for the honor of those whom the Decepticons crush under their pathetic heel.""
Weapon: Star Saber Sword
Daniel Adkins wrote:Action Man was always intended to be a 4-issue miniseries.


The series takes place immediately before the Revolution event in which it takes part; unfortunately, due to poor sales, "Action Man: Revolution" also happened to be the last issue of Action Man, with the series ending after a single four-issue arc.


This implies it was actually supposed to go on longer than the four issues. To be fair, though, I'm getting this off the IDW Hasbro Wiki (the offshoot of TFwiki, for those that don't know) on Action Man's comic page.
Favorite quotes from The Transformers: The Movie-

"Ride in style!" Hot Rod (ever humble)

"Such heroic nonsense" Megatron

"I have better things to do tonight than die" Springer

"Till the day that all are one" Optimus Prime

"I belong to no one!" Megatron

"This is bad comedy" Galvatron (seeing Starscream's last bid for control)

"Ba wee gra na weep nini bong" Universal Greeting

"Till all are one" Rodimus Prime
Nexus Knight
Combiner
Posts: 433
News Credits: 11
Joined: Sun Jul 26, 2015 3:31 pm
Location: Guarding over Cybertron...
Alt Mode: Arsonist SnowCat and Stargazer
Strength: 9
Intelligence: 10
Speed: 5
Endurance: 6
Rank: ???
Courage: 7
Firepower: 5
Skill: 9

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Daniel Adkins » Wed Jun 07, 2017 8:12 pm

Nexus Knight wrote:
Daniel Adkins wrote:Action Man was always intended to be a 4-issue miniseries.


The series takes place immediately before the Revolution event in which it takes part; unfortunately, due to poor sales, "Action Man: Revolution" also happened to be the last issue of Action Man, with the series ending after a single four-issue arc.


This implies it was actually supposed to go on longer than the four issues. To be fair, though, I'm getting this off the IDW Hasbro Wiki (the offshoot of TFwiki, for those that don't know) on Action Man's comic page.

As one of the admins who helped write that article, that was what we assumed at the time. I conducted an interview with John Barber at NC Comicon Oak City 2017, and he confirmed that it was only supposed to be a miniseries. But thanks for reminding me to fix that.
User avatar
Daniel Adkins
Fuzor
Posts: 232
News Credits: 16
Joined: Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:58 pm
Location: North Carolina
Watch Daniel Adkins on YouTube

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Nexus Knight » Wed Jun 07, 2017 9:13 pm

Motto: ""I fight for the honor of those whom the Decepticons crush under their pathetic heel.""
Weapon: Star Saber Sword
Daniel Adkins wrote:
Nexus Knight wrote:
Daniel Adkins wrote:Action Man was always intended to be a 4-issue miniseries.


The series takes place immediately before the Revolution event in which it takes part; unfortunately, due to poor sales, "Action Man: Revolution" also happened to be the last issue of Action Man, with the series ending after a single four-issue arc.


This implies it was actually supposed to go on longer than the four issues. To be fair, though, I'm getting this off the IDW Hasbro Wiki (the offshoot of TFwiki, for those that don't know) on Action Man's comic page.

As one of the admins who helped write that article, that was what we assumed at the time. I conducted an interview with John Barber at NC Comicon Oak City 2017, and he confirmed that it was only supposed to be a miniseries. But thanks for reminding me to fix that.


My apologies if it seemed I insulted your intel, I didn't know that. But anything help! ;)^
Favorite quotes from The Transformers: The Movie-

"Ride in style!" Hot Rod (ever humble)

"Such heroic nonsense" Megatron

"I have better things to do tonight than die" Springer

"Till the day that all are one" Optimus Prime

"I belong to no one!" Megatron

"This is bad comedy" Galvatron (seeing Starscream's last bid for control)

"Ba wee gra na weep nini bong" Universal Greeting

"Till all are one" Rodimus Prime
Nexus Knight
Combiner
Posts: 433
News Credits: 11
Joined: Sun Jul 26, 2015 3:31 pm
Location: Guarding over Cybertron...
Alt Mode: Arsonist SnowCat and Stargazer
Strength: 9
Intelligence: 10
Speed: 5
Endurance: 6
Rank: ???
Courage: 7
Firepower: 5
Skill: 9

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby ricemazter » Thu Jun 08, 2017 1:18 am

Motto: "Search and Attack,
Attack and Destroy,
Destroy and Rejoice!"
Weapon: Ionic Displacer Rifle
Shoot, I was really starting to get into ROM since the IDA digital sale. He was one of those rare conduits into the wider galactic side of the transformers universe, and I always really like the concept of multi-species coalitions with their own gimmick like the Solstar Order or the Green lantern corps. It'll be a shame if he ends up stuck in a completely different universe or shrunk down with the micronauts.
ricemazter
Fuzor
Posts: 223
Joined: Sat Oct 15, 2011 9:19 pm
Watch ricemazter on YouTube
Strength: 4
Intelligence: 8
Speed: 5
Endurance: 5
Rank: 8
Courage: 7
Firepower: 9
Skill: 8

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Big Grim » Thu Jun 08, 2017 5:07 am

Weapon: Galaxial Rocket Launcher
Kurona wrote:One thing I'm very confused about though. Why does GI Joe need to combine with any book? I thought it was the CROWN JEWEL OF THE HASBRO UNIVERSE, surely it was doing fine on its own? :-P

Came here to say just that! :D
User avatar
Big Grim
Headmaster
Posts: 1173
News Credits: 148
Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2003 8:00 am
Location: Darkest Scotland

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby ScottyP » Thu Jun 08, 2017 1:19 pm

Weapon: Battle Blades
Daniel Adkins wrote:As one of the admins who helped write that article, that was what we assumed at the time. I conducted an interview with John Barber at NC Comicon Oak City 2017, and he confirmed that it was only supposed to be a miniseries. But thanks for reminding me to fix that.
Off topic: hey, another NC guy! Raleigh resident myself, always nice to see more folks from the state here!

On topic: intentions aside, Action Man did really poorly from the physical monthly sales perspective. I don't even think 4 cracked the top 300 :/
Listen to me ramble about robots on the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast
User avatar
ScottyP
Guardian Of Seibertron
Posts: 5636
News Credits: 645
Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:42 pm
Location: Raleigh, NC
Buy from ScottyP on eBay

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Kurona » Thu Jun 08, 2017 1:23 pm

Motto: "Don't forget to subscribe to the official Doctor Who youtube channel"
Weapon: Temperature Variant H20 Gun
It's a shame too as it was a pretty decent mini. For the most part it was pretty standard (the whole 'the actually well-trained and experienced people don't trust this daredevil newcomer but it turns out the latter is in fact correct and justified' thing has been done to death), but the characters were likeable and it pulled off a few legitimately well-done and surprising twists while having the expanded universe thing play into character motivations without being overly-intrusive. I honestly think Micronauts aside it was the best of all five new Hasbro books.
User avatar
Kurona
Matrix Keeper
Posts: 7879
News Credits: 191
Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2016 3:48 pm
Location: Scotland
Strength: 1
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 2
Endurance: 1
Rank: 8
Courage: 3
Firepower: 1
Skill: 2

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Daniel Adkins » Thu Jun 08, 2017 1:33 pm

I still think ROM has been the best ongoing, because Micronauts hit some major pacing problems once they got to Earth, but Action Man is such a solid standalone story that I will always recommend the trade to people. I'd certainly love to see another series or mini after Revolutionaries and First Strike.
User avatar
Daniel Adkins
Fuzor
Posts: 232
News Credits: 16
Joined: Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:58 pm
Location: North Carolina
Watch Daniel Adkins on YouTube

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby D-Maximal_Primal » Thu Jun 08, 2017 6:45 pm

Motto: "There are no impossibilities in the multiverse, just small minds unable to comprehend the possibilities"
Weapon: Armor Axe
The only good thing so far from the "expanded universe" thing is Action Man and Kup. That is my one jewel from the mess of the past almost year
I'm looking for parts, Help Me Out Please!
Wanna talk? Or Rollerblade? Click below and head on over to the D-Max Den!!Image
User avatar
D-Maximal_Primal
Site Moderator
Posts: 24893
News Credits: 1642
Joined: Thu Feb 19, 2015 5:53 pm
Location: Western Pennsylvania
Buy from D-Maximal_Primal on eBay
Alt Mode: Transmetal Spinosaurus
Strength: 5
Intelligence: 9
Speed: 7
Endurance: 7
Rank: 8
Courage: 10
Firepower: 8
Skill: 8

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Daniel Adkins » Thu Jun 08, 2017 8:17 pm

But Rom is there. Rom improves anything by at least 20%.
Last edited by Daniel Adkins on Fri Jun 09, 2017 6:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Daniel Adkins
Fuzor
Posts: 232
News Credits: 16
Joined: Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:58 pm
Location: North Carolina
Watch Daniel Adkins on YouTube

IDW Hasbro Universe First Strike - Interview with Writers Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez

Postby Va'al » Fri Jun 09, 2017 6:00 am

Motto: "Till All Are Pun!"
From Vince Brusio of Previews World, we have some more information about the upcoming IDW Publishing Hasbro Universe event First Strike - which will apparently change the concept of shared universe even further - courtesy of an interview with the two writers Mairghread Scott and David Rodriguez! The full piece can be read here, but some relevant snippets (such as who is directly involved, and what is the role played by Joe Colton in it all) are copied below - check them out, and beware that some spoilers for current stories are present!

Vince Brusio: What core idea helped to first strike sparks for this story? How did the concept of this Hasbro crossover first begin, and then grow to the point where it took two writers to make it all fit?

Mairghread Scott: The core concept is two-fold: IDW and Hasbro very much wanted G.I. Joe on Cybertron – a fight so big it dragged all the other Hasbro brands into it, and that idea is super-fun! The two franchises have a long history together and it’s definitely something I was interested in exploring. But I wanted to bring a second, more personal, layer to the story and so we hit on our central theme. Scarlett, the head of G.I. Joe is now being pitted against her own mentor, Joe Colton, who seems to be hell-bent on dragging Earth into an interplanetary war!

So it’s not just a question of saving the Transformers, or saving all of Earth, it’s also a question of saving one man in the midst of this who means the world to you. Is it really Colton doing this? Could he be brainwashed or coerced? If not, can he be redeemed? That balance is one we’re really striving for in this book. Big action, but with a big heart behind it.

David Rodriguez: It gives the entire story a great, emotional core. We’re all for piles of ninjas (so many ninjas) and explosions, but having this conflict that the series pivots on grounds it in stakes that are relatable on a human level. And to make matters more interesting, Colton is not a supervillain with a grandiose or cartoonish plan. He is thoughtful, tactical and incredibly dangerous. He’s spent years planning and assembling the execution of this mission. And Scarlett knows that Colton would not have pulled the trigger unless he knew he had a reasonable shot at pulling this off. So even though the Transformers think the humans pose little to no threat to Cybertron, the reality is that the entire planet is in very real and immediate danger.

[...]

Mairghread Scott: Well, fighting global genocide should never take away from petty squabbling. Naturally our primary heroes (Scarlett and her team from G.I. Joe, Matt and Gloria from MASK, Soundwave and Optimus from Transformers) get along fairly well, they’re not without conflict. Lady Jaye throws a lot of shade at people and Soundwave is not a fan of humans, but his character is weirdly adorable. (He’s really trying to be respectful of these vastly inferior, squishable things but…ugh.)

On the bad guys’ side, keeping competing minds like Storm Shadow from GI Joe and Shazraella from Micronauts (who gets a big upgrade in our story) together is a tall order. Miles Mayhem totally lives up to his name and it’s a joy to write whenever he gets cut down a peg. But they’re not the only people causing trouble. Elita One ends up throwing a wrench in everyone’s works when she steamrolls in with her own agenda. Let’s just say she makes Starscream seem like an upright citizen.

David Rodriguez: The twins (Skyburst and Stormclash) might be my new favorites. I wasn't really familiar with them before the series, but after researching them and seeing them in action in the story I am totally smitten. They have so much energy in their designs and personality that its hard not to enjoy every panel that they're on. But what is great about the human characters is that they hold their own in every scene. Any normal person would be dwarfed (in every sense) by the Transformers, but there really isn't anything “normal” about Scarlett and her team. They rise to the occasion and stand shoulder to shoulder with their robot allies. (Well, metaphorically. In the literal sense they sometimes stand on their shoulders. But that's purely tactical). The other duo that caught me by surprise are Stormshadow and Shaz. They need to have their own, buddy-villain, spin-off after this is said and done. Luckily vans and talking animals are easy to come by.


Image

Image

Image
User avatar
Va'al
God Of Transformers
Posts: 17010
News Credits: 6188
Joined: Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:00 am
Location: Italy
Buy from Va'al on eBay

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Daniel Adkins » Fri Jun 09, 2017 6:06 am

Might wanna put that in spoiler tags, Va'al, considering it spoils the identity of Baron Ironblood.
User avatar
Daniel Adkins
Fuzor
Posts: 232
News Credits: 16
Joined: Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:58 pm
Location: North Carolina
Watch Daniel Adkins on YouTube

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Va'al » Fri Jun 09, 2017 6:13 am

Motto: "Till All Are Pun!"
Daniel Adkins wrote:Might wanna put that in spoiler tags, Va'al, considering it spoils the identity of Baron Ironblood.


Was already spoiled in previous news, and the tags don't show up on the front page due to formatting! It's.. frustrating, but I did warn against them in the write-up. :(
User avatar
Va'al
God Of Transformers
Posts: 17010
News Credits: 6188
Joined: Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:00 am
Location: Italy
Buy from Va'al on eBay

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby SG Roadbuster » Fri Jun 09, 2017 6:46 am

ugggghhhh, another crossover "mega-event" that de-rails the books i actually care about for 3-6 months and forces in characters that I just can't bring myself to care about.

IDW, please stop trying to be Marvel.

at least they're leaving Lost Light alone. RIP TAAO
SG Roadbuster
Minibot
Posts: 175
Joined: Thu Oct 13, 2011 9:51 am

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Kurona » Fri Jun 09, 2017 6:49 am

Motto: "Don't forget to subscribe to the official Doctor Who youtube channel"
Weapon: Temperature Variant H20 Gun
Friggin' sweet, more of Elita One! She quickly became one of my faves in TAAO.
User avatar
Kurona
Matrix Keeper
Posts: 7879
News Credits: 191
Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2016 3:48 pm
Location: Scotland
Strength: 1
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 2
Endurance: 1
Rank: 8
Courage: 3
Firepower: 1
Skill: 2

Variant Covers for IDW Hasbro Universe First Strike #3 and #4

Postby Va'al » Mon Jun 12, 2017 2:33 pm

Motto: "Till All Are Pun!"
Courtesy of Newsarama, we have some more covers for the First Strike comics event happening with IDW Publishing as of this August/September, featuring a number of Hasbro Universe franchises - namely, G.I. Joe, Transformers, and M.A.S.K.. Check out the covers for issues #3 and #4 below!

Image


First Strike #3—Cover A: Freddie E. Williams II—SPOTLIGHT
Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez (w) • Max Dunbar (a) • Freddie E. Williams II (c)
Secrets revealed! G.I. Joe, the Autobots and M.A.S.K. make their way to Cybertron to stop the siege and encounter the COBRA leader, but all is not as it seems! Will their arrival help—or just bring more disaster?
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/13/17


Image


First Strike #3—Cover B: Max Dunbar
Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez (w) • Max Dunbar (a & c)
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/13/17


Image


First Strike #3—Cover C: Alex Ronald
Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez (w) • Max Dunbar (a) • Alex Ronald (c)
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/13/17


Image


First Strike #3—Cover D: Rob Duenas


Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez (w) • Max Dunbar (a) • Rob Duenas (c)
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/13/17


Image


*Retailer incentives:
Order 10 copies, get one free “Cartoon Noir” variant cover by Jay Fosgitt!
Order 25 copies, get on free variant cover by Davide Fabbri!
Order 50 copies, get one free variant cover by Leonardo Manco!
Order 50 copies of both issues #3 and #4 and get one free variant cover of issue #3 by Whilce Portacio!

Bullet points:
· The Hasbro comic book event of 2017 continues!
· G.I. Joe strikes back! So, I guess you could call this issue “SECOND STRIKE!”


Image


First Strike #4—Cover A: Freddie E. Williams II—SPOTLIGHT
Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez (w) • Max Dunbar (a) • Freddie E. Williams II (c)
Captured by Transformers! Even with the Autobots on their side, G.I. Joe is in trouble! Starscream doesn’t trust anyone, much less armed humans who show up during Cybertron’s darkest hour and he’ll do anything he can to keep G.I. Joe under control—including let COBRA get even closer to their goal!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/27/17


Image


First Strike #4—Cover B: Max Dunbar
Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez (w) • Max Dunbar (a & c)
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/27/17

First Strike #4—Cover C: Alex Ronald
Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez (w) • Max Dunbar (a) • Alex Ronald (c)
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/27/17

First Strike #4—Cover D: Rob Duenas
Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez (w) • Max Dunbar (a) • Rob Duenas (c)
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 9/27/17

*Retailer incentives:
Order 10 copies, get one free “Cartoon Noir” variant cover by Jay Fosgitt!
Order 25 copies, get on free variant cover by Davide Fabbri!
Order 50 copies, get one free variant cover by Leonardo Manco!
Order 50 copies of both issues #3 and #4 and get one free variant cover of issue #3 by Whilce Portacio!

Bullet points:
· The Hasbro comic book crossover event of 2017 is here!
· Time is running out! It’s G.I. Joe and M.A.S.K. vs. the Transformers vs. the other Transformers vs. COBRA!
· We’re in the home-stretch! It wouldn’t be hard to envision what is coming down the line! No tricks, no illusions, no holograms! So pony up because it is about to get wild! Okay, maybe not everything is part of the shared line, but some exciting stuff is! It’ll be a whole new status quo with all-new books!
[/quote]
User avatar
Va'al
God Of Transformers
Posts: 17010
News Credits: 6188
Joined: Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:00 am
Location: Italy
Buy from Va'al on eBay

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby Daniel Adkins » Mon Jun 12, 2017 2:49 pm

...Huh. Maybe we were wrong about Baron Ironblood's identity.

BUT HEY LOOK GUYS, THE SOLSTAR ORDER! Nikomi, Q'b, and Blob Guy are here to help save Cybertron!
User avatar
Daniel Adkins
Fuzor
Posts: 232
News Credits: 16
Joined: Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:58 pm
Location: North Carolina
Watch Daniel Adkins on YouTube

Re: IDW Hasbro Universe Comics Event First Strike to Arrive in September 2017

Postby SG Roadbuster » Mon Jun 12, 2017 2:56 pm

the max Dunbar cover......is that Antagony?
SG Roadbuster
Minibot
Posts: 175
Joined: Thu Oct 13, 2011 9:51 am

PreviousNext

Return to Transformers Cartoons and Comics Forum

Transformers and More @ The Seibertron Store

Visit our store on eBay
These are affiliate links. We may earn commissions when you purchase items or services through these links.
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "TMNT #1 SDCC 2024 PX Color IDW Comics 2024 APR247217 Ninja Turtles (CA) Tucci"
NEW!
TMNT #1 SDCC 2024 ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "TMNT #1 SDCC 2024 PX B&W IDW Comics 2024 APR247218 Ninja Turtles (CA) Tucci"
NEW!
TMNT #1 SDCC 2024 ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO #1 Cvr B Boom Studios Comics 2024 JUL240041 1B (CA) Sakai"
NEW!
MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO #1 Cvr A Boom Studios Comics 2024 JUL240040 1A (CA) Clarke"
NEW!
MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "TURTLES OF GRAYSKULL #1 Cvr A Dark Horse Comics 2024 JUN241135 1A MOTU TMNT"
NEW!
TURTLES OF GRAYSKU ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "TURTLES OF GRAYSKULL #1 Cvr C Dark Horse Comics JUN241137 1C MOTU TMNT Ziritt"
NEW!
TURTLES OF GRAYSKU ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO #1 Cvr G 1:15 Boom Studios Comics 2024 JUL240046 1G Miyazawa"
NEW!
MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "TMNT Saturday Morning Adv #7 Cvr A IDW Comics 2023 SEP231296 7A Lawrence 240908"
NEW!
TMNT Saturday Morn ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO #1 Cvr E Foil Boom Studios Comics 2024 JUL240044 1E (CA)Sakai"
NEW!
MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO #1 Cvr C Boom Studios Comics 2024 JUL240042 1C (CA) Cullum"
NEW!
MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "TURTLES OF GRAYSKULL #1 Cvr B Dark Horse Comics JUN241136 1B MOTU TMNT (CA)Sakai"
NEW!
TURTLES OF GRAYSKU ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO #1 Cvr F 1:10 Boom Studios Comics 2024 JUL240045 1F Clarke"
NEW!
MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO #1 Cvr H Unlock Boom Studios Comics JUL240047 1H (CA) Cullum"
NEW!
MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO #1 Cvr D Foil Boom Studios Comics 2024 JUL240043 1D (CA) Mora"
NEW!
MMPR USAGI YOJIMBO ...
* Price and quantities subject to change. Shipping costs, taxes and other fees not included in cost shown. Refer to listing for current price and availability.
Find the items above and thousands more at the Seibertron Store on eBay
Transformers Podcast: Twincast / Podcast #361 - Doppelganger
Twincast / Podcast #361:
"Doppelganger"
MP3 · iTunes · RSS · View · Discuss · Ask
Posted: Saturday, October 19th, 2024

Featured Products on Amazon.com

These are affiliate links. We may earn commissions when you purchase items or services through these links.
Buy "Transformers Authentics Bumblebee" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Authentics Starscream" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Bumblebee -- Energon Igniters Nitro Series Barricade" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Toys Optimus Prime Cyberverse Ultimate Class Action Figure - Repeatable Matrix Mega Shot Action Attack Move - Toys for Kids 6 & Up, 11.5"" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Power of the Primes Punch-Counterpunch and Prima Prime" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Titans Return Deluxe Windblade and Scorchfire" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Combiner Wars Blast Off Megatronus Prime Master" on AMAZON
Buy "Masterpiece MPM-7 Bumblebee" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Devastator Figure Set(Discontinued by manufacturer)" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Robots in Disguise Warrior Class Optimus Prime Figure" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Titans Return Overlord Decepticon Figure" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Class Dead End Figure" on AMAZON