IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview
Thursday, May 4th, 2017 6:34PM CDT
Category: Comic Book NewsPosted by: D-Maximal_Primal Views: 15,198
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Finally, after a long wait, we have a new Revolutionaries preview, courtesy of itunes! The new book doesn't give much away, but sure makes a scene with some Predacons showing up right off the bat, and let us not forget the Hearts of Steel styled Transformer from last time! Check out the 3 page preview below, and let us know what you think of these new developments in the comments section below!
Cobra Commander vs. Hearts of Steel! Thousands of years ago, a starship crashed on Earth—and the Hearts of Steel Transformers were born... but how can these steampunk Cybertronians be real?! And what does Cobra Commander want with them, when he hasn't even got Cobra to back him up? The Revolutionaries have uncovered one of the darkest and most incredible secrets on Earth!
Credit(s): iTunes
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Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1879296)
Posted by Deadput on May 4th, 2017 @ 6:53pm CDT
Posted by Deadput on May 4th, 2017 @ 6:53pm CDT
Ok lion head chest flamethrower is cool.
More of that please!
More of that please!
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1879300)
Posted by Kurona on May 4th, 2017 @ 7:07pm CDT
Posted by Kurona on May 4th, 2017 @ 7:07pm CDT
Razorclaw's head is... certainly looking quite a bit different.
Not that I mind. Bring on the Predaking! Wonder if they'll have any Stormbringer or Spotlight Jazz flashbacks with Kup...
Not that I mind. Bring on the Predaking! Wonder if they'll have any Stormbringer or Spotlight Jazz flashbacks with Kup...
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1879304)
Posted by Soundwave902 on May 4th, 2017 @ 7:20pm CDT
Posted by Soundwave902 on May 4th, 2017 @ 7:20pm CDT
So, I guess the Predacons are stranded on Earth following Galvatron's attack.
That probably means Flamefeather, Squawktalk, Beastbox, Cutthroat, Cindersaur, and Red Wing are doing something here too, I'm guessing random appearances in various comics
That probably means Flamefeather, Squawktalk, Beastbox, Cutthroat, Cindersaur, and Red Wing are doing something here too, I'm guessing random appearances in various comics
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1879318)
Posted by Deadput on May 4th, 2017 @ 8:45pm CDT
Knowing IDW their dead wasted potential or will never be heard from again.
Posted by Deadput on May 4th, 2017 @ 8:45pm CDT
Soundwave902 wrote:So, I guess the Predacons are stranded on Earth following Galvatron's attack.
That probably means Flamefeather, Squawktalk, Beastbox, Cutthroat, Cindersaur, and Red Wing are doing something here too, I'm guessing random appearances in various comics
Knowing IDW their dead wasted potential or will never be heard from again.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1879385)
Posted by Silverwing on May 5th, 2017 @ 12:25am CDT
Posted by Silverwing on May 5th, 2017 @ 12:25am CDT
The Predacons have never looked more awesome! And seeing Ironblood, Iron Klaw, and Blitz is making my inner Joe fan geek out too! Honestly, I never really cared for Revolutionaries much, but now I think I might just have to pick it up!
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1879406)
Posted by Big Grim on May 5th, 2017 @ 6:33am CDT
Posted by Big Grim on May 5th, 2017 @ 6:33am CDT
Hrm. Might have to read up on Revolutionaries. It has seemed fun from what I've heard.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1879410)
Posted by Kurona on May 5th, 2017 @ 6:52am CDT
Its quality fluctuates imo but it's not that bad, and focusing on a smaller ragtag group of characters rather than all the big names and all their teams and all their major antagonists like Revolution had to is most certainly a huge advantage. It's a bit rough around the edges but this sort of thing shows why I was really down on Revolution and the prospect of other big crossovers happening constantly but why I'm actually quite enthusiastic about the shared universe itself; it makes the world a lot bigger and you have the potential for a lot of interesting little connections and team-ups.
Posted by Kurona on May 5th, 2017 @ 6:52am CDT
Big Grim wrote:Hrm. Might have to read up on Revolutionaries. It has seemed fun from what I've heard.
Its quality fluctuates imo but it's not that bad, and focusing on a smaller ragtag group of characters rather than all the big names and all their teams and all their major antagonists like Revolution had to is most certainly a huge advantage. It's a bit rough around the edges but this sort of thing shows why I was really down on Revolution and the prospect of other big crossovers happening constantly but why I'm actually quite enthusiastic about the shared universe itself; it makes the world a lot bigger and you have the potential for a lot of interesting little connections and team-ups.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1879468)
Posted by Hydrargyrus on May 5th, 2017 @ 11:39am CDT
I dunno... although I'm still reading pre-Dark Cybertron stuff, I'd say they're just as likely to give them a Spotlight.
Also, glad to hear IDW is succeeding on multiple fronts. I was just thinking about IDW Predaking from the covers featured a while back.
Posted by Hydrargyrus on May 5th, 2017 @ 11:39am CDT
Deadput wrote:Soundwave902 wrote:So, I guess the Predacons are stranded on Earth following Galvatron's attack.
That probably means Flamefeather, Squawktalk, Beastbox, Cutthroat, Cindersaur, and Red Wing are doing something here too, I'm guessing random appearances in various comics
Knowing IDW their dead wasted potential or will never be heard from again.
I dunno... although I'm still reading pre-Dark Cybertron stuff, I'd say they're just as likely to give them a Spotlight.
Also, glad to hear IDW is succeeding on multiple fronts. I was just thinking about IDW Predaking from the covers featured a while back.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1879511)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 5th, 2017 @ 2:26pm CDT
it's pretty good. It, in my opinion, is what Revolution was meant to be but never got to be. it's good, and the Kup/Action Man duo is pretty fun! My favorite human/tf pair up in this universe, right there with Verity and Springer
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 5th, 2017 @ 2:26pm CDT
Big Grim wrote:Hrm. Might have to read up on Revolutionaries. It has seemed fun from what I've heard.
it's pretty good. It, in my opinion, is what Revolution was meant to be but never got to be. it's good, and the Kup/Action Man duo is pretty fun! My favorite human/tf pair up in this universe, right there with Verity and Springer
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1879584)
Posted by Soundwave902 on May 5th, 2017 @ 7:45pm CDT
This probably won't happen, but it would be funny to see a "Revenge Squad" of sorts to attack Sanctuary Station for leaving them behind
Posted by Soundwave902 on May 5th, 2017 @ 7:45pm CDT
MagicDeath wrote:Deadput wrote:Soundwave902 wrote:So, I guess the Predacons are stranded on Earth following Galvatron's attack.
That probably means Flamefeather, Squawktalk, Beastbox, Cutthroat, Cindersaur, and Red Wing are doing something here too, I'm guessing random appearances in various comics
Knowing IDW their dead wasted potential or will never be heard from again.
I dunno... although I'm still reading pre-Dark Cybertron stuff, I'd say they're just as likely to give them a Spotlight.
Also, glad to hear IDW is succeeding on multiple fronts. I was just thinking about IDW Predaking from the covers featured a while back.
This probably won't happen, but it would be funny to see a "Revenge Squad" of sorts to attack Sanctuary Station for leaving them behind
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1879850)
Posted by Big Grim on May 7th, 2017 @ 9:43am CDT
Awesome! That kinda human TF interaction is how I like it.
Posted by Big Grim on May 7th, 2017 @ 9:43am CDT
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Big Grim wrote:Hrm. Might have to read up on Revolutionaries. It has seemed fun from what I've heard.
it's pretty good. It, in my opinion, is what Revolution was meant to be but never got to be. it's good, and the Kup/Action Man duo is pretty fun! My favorite human/tf pair up in this universe, right there with Verity and Springer
Awesome! That kinda human TF interaction is how I like it.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1879855)
Posted by Kurona on May 7th, 2017 @ 10:08am CDT
Also kind of helps that Action Man ends up being one of the Revolution comics that's actually pretty good. It's only gone for 4 issues so far which take place before Revolution - I'd recommend them, pretty fun - and Action Man himself is an enjoyable character.
Revolution was a bit of a mess but there are some properties involved that are pretty great.
Posted by Kurona on May 7th, 2017 @ 10:08am CDT
Big Grim wrote:D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Big Grim wrote:Hrm. Might have to read up on Revolutionaries. It has seemed fun from what I've heard.
it's pretty good. It, in my opinion, is what Revolution was meant to be but never got to be. it's good, and the Kup/Action Man duo is pretty fun! My favorite human/tf pair up in this universe, right there with Verity and Springer
Awesome! That kinda human TF interaction is how I like it.
Also kind of helps that Action Man ends up being one of the Revolution comics that's actually pretty good. It's only gone for 4 issues so far which take place before Revolution - I'd recommend them, pretty fun - and Action Man himself is an enjoyable character.
Revolution was a bit of a mess but there are some properties involved that are pretty great.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1880412)
Posted by Big Grim on May 9th, 2017 @ 8:20am CDT
Posted by Big Grim on May 9th, 2017 @ 8:20am CDT
I got a couple of Action Man issues from the last IDW Humble Bundle. I liked him. He seemed fun!
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1880480)
Posted by Kurona on May 9th, 2017 @ 2:40pm CDT
That's actually every issue of Action Man so far
Revolutionaries has essentially become his ongoing for now.
Posted by Kurona on May 9th, 2017 @ 2:40pm CDT
Big Grim wrote:I got a couple of Action Man issues from the last IDW Humble Bundle. I liked him. He seemed fun!
That's actually every issue of Action Man so far
Revolutionaries has essentially become his ongoing for now.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1880547)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 9th, 2017 @ 7:28pm CDT
Love the character, and his pairing up with Kup. It is literally perfect
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 9th, 2017 @ 7:28pm CDT
Big Grim wrote:I got a couple of Action Man issues from the last IDW Humble Bundle. I liked him. He seemed fun!
Love the character, and his pairing up with Kup. It is literally perfect
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1880557)
Posted by Big Grim on May 9th, 2017 @ 8:09pm CDT
Really? Huh. I liked him.
This makes me happy. I think I'll check this out!
Posted by Big Grim on May 9th, 2017 @ 8:09pm CDT
Kurona wrote:Big Grim wrote:I got a couple of Action Man issues from the last IDW Humble Bundle. I liked him. He seemed fun!
That's actually every issue of Action Man so far
Really? Huh. I liked him.
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Big Grim wrote:I got a couple of Action Man issues from the last IDW Humble Bundle. I liked him. He seemed fun!
Love the character, and his pairing up with Kup. It is literally perfect
This makes me happy. I think I'll check this out!
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1880912)
Posted by Va'al on May 11th, 2017 @ 8:34am CDT
Synopsis
BLAST FROM THE PAST! In the deadly catacombs beneath an ancient pyramid, Joe Colton—the original G.I. Joe—found something far worse than any curse or boobytrap. He found the Decepticon Soundwave... scouring Earth for Cybertron's salvation. Their meeting remained classified—until the Revolutionaries crashed headlong into the modern-day results!
Cameo 1!
Story
This is a very late review indeed, but one that I had promised myself I would get back to once life had stopped being so busy this side of a keyboard, and before the next issue. So apologies, first of all, and I hope you'll forgive the weird scheduling of it all. Call it 'doing an IDW' if you want. Onwards!
Cameo 2!
The third issue of the strangely appealing Revolutionaries series, or, the Adventures of Action Man and Kup in the Hasbro Universe (and I Guess Some Other Characters Too) delves into some very old and obscure Transformers stories, along with some cinematic classics, and actually delivers a decently satisfying book in its long flashback format - with a bit of a pleasing twist or two towards the end.
Cameo 3!
John Barber nicely works in a lot of backstories for teams we'll probably never really encounter, and still make the various universes fit into the very complex timeline of both GI Joe and Transformers comics (in their IDW incarnation, of course), while also fully revelling in the references and easter eggs scattered throughout the book. It's good to see the fun being had, and the results show.
Art
Ron Joseph's art is an interesting take on what is going in the book, as I felt that the style suited the entirety of the characters really well - especially with the flashback work framing of the story - except for the one entirely non-organic character: Soundwave. Or rather, his head. I have no criticisms anywhere else, but the head/face for the Cybertronian just felt a little off.
But you also get these beauties
Colourist Sebastian Cheng, usually working with Fico Ossio on a much glossier look, does some pretty impressive colour works on here, keeping the sandy, dusty, grainy feel of both the setting in space (Egypt) and time (the past) in a significantly different approach to other books he works with. Very pleasing indeed.
also some nice purples
The usual caption devices, both in narration and exposition, work really really well here, and Tom B. Long makes sure of it, along with some crafty sound effects and production. As for the covers, they are all easily accessible via our database page (along with full character roster too, here), but the one highlighted specifically in the thumbnail is another take by Joseph and TF vet JP Bove on the issue's contents.
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
Once again, I find myself having to say 'if you're not reading the crossover-y titles, it's fine' but with an issue such as this one, and if you've been an IDW reader for Transformers and/or GI Joe - and trust John 'Continuity' Barber, plus Hedgecock and Mariotte both assisting on editing work - you'll probably enjoy it even if just for the hunt the hints games you can play throughout. It's a step out of the current Talisman story, but still about that story.
Confirmed: Kup is a fan of Josh Boyfriend
With MASK not doing too well editorially, Miles Mayhem gets a bit of a shine here; Micronauts have a cameo (see above, second image); Soundwave is at his snappiest; the ending made the whole thing fit into the current Revolutionaries timeframe, and we have some major hints as to what may happen in the next issues too. Seriously, take some time to give it a chance.
Posted by Va'al on May 11th, 2017 @ 8:34am CDT
Transform like an Egyptian
(Spoiler free-ish)
(Spoiler free-ish)
Synopsis
BLAST FROM THE PAST! In the deadly catacombs beneath an ancient pyramid, Joe Colton—the original G.I. Joe—found something far worse than any curse or boobytrap. He found the Decepticon Soundwave... scouring Earth for Cybertron's salvation. Their meeting remained classified—until the Revolutionaries crashed headlong into the modern-day results!
Cameo 1!
Story
This is a very late review indeed, but one that I had promised myself I would get back to once life had stopped being so busy this side of a keyboard, and before the next issue. So apologies, first of all, and I hope you'll forgive the weird scheduling of it all. Call it 'doing an IDW' if you want. Onwards!
Cameo 2!
The third issue of the strangely appealing Revolutionaries series, or, the Adventures of Action Man and Kup in the Hasbro Universe (and I Guess Some Other Characters Too) delves into some very old and obscure Transformers stories, along with some cinematic classics, and actually delivers a decently satisfying book in its long flashback format - with a bit of a pleasing twist or two towards the end.
Cameo 3!
John Barber nicely works in a lot of backstories for teams we'll probably never really encounter, and still make the various universes fit into the very complex timeline of both GI Joe and Transformers comics (in their IDW incarnation, of course), while also fully revelling in the references and easter eggs scattered throughout the book. It's good to see the fun being had, and the results show.
Art
Ron Joseph's art is an interesting take on what is going in the book, as I felt that the style suited the entirety of the characters really well - especially with the flashback work framing of the story - except for the one entirely non-organic character: Soundwave. Or rather, his head. I have no criticisms anywhere else, but the head/face for the Cybertronian just felt a little off.
But you also get these beauties
Colourist Sebastian Cheng, usually working with Fico Ossio on a much glossier look, does some pretty impressive colour works on here, keeping the sandy, dusty, grainy feel of both the setting in space (Egypt) and time (the past) in a significantly different approach to other books he works with. Very pleasing indeed.
also some nice purples
The usual caption devices, both in narration and exposition, work really really well here, and Tom B. Long makes sure of it, along with some crafty sound effects and production. As for the covers, they are all easily accessible via our database page (along with full character roster too, here), but the one highlighted specifically in the thumbnail is another take by Joseph and TF vet JP Bove on the issue's contents.
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
Once again, I find myself having to say 'if you're not reading the crossover-y titles, it's fine' but with an issue such as this one, and if you've been an IDW reader for Transformers and/or GI Joe - and trust John 'Continuity' Barber, plus Hedgecock and Mariotte both assisting on editing work - you'll probably enjoy it even if just for the hunt the hints games you can play throughout. It's a step out of the current Talisman story, but still about that story.
Confirmed: Kup is a fan of Josh Boyfriend
With MASK not doing too well editorially, Miles Mayhem gets a bit of a shine here; Micronauts have a cameo (see above, second image); Soundwave is at his snappiest; the ending made the whole thing fit into the current Revolutionaries timeframe, and we have some major hints as to what may happen in the next issues too. Seriously, take some time to give it a chance.
. 
½ out of
½ out of
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1881349)
Posted by william-james88 on May 12th, 2017 @ 11:47pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on May 12th, 2017 @ 11:47pm CDT
The G1 Predacons are back and at the forefront of this next issue of Revolutionaries.
Check out the preview, courtesy of Multiversity comics, below full of Predacon goodness!
Check out the preview, courtesy of Multiversity comics, below full of Predacon goodness!
Written by John Barber
Illustrated by Fico Ossio
Colored by Sebastian Cheng
Lettered by Tom B. Long
Cobra Commander vs. Hearts of Steel! Thousands of years ago, a starship crashed on Earth—and the Hearts of Steel Transformers were born… but how can these steampunk Cybertronians be real?! And what does Cobra Commander want with them, when he hasn’t even got Cobra to back him up? The Revolutionaries have uncovered one of the darkest and most incredible secrets on Earth!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
The secret history of Cybertonians on Earth—but how can it be!
Who is behind the Cobra Commander mask?!
Springing from the fan-favorite Transformers: Hearts of Steel limited series!
Variant cover by John Royle!
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1881510)
Posted by YoungPrime on May 14th, 2017 @ 8:13am CDT
Posted by YoungPrime on May 14th, 2017 @ 8:13am CDT
Yeah, I don't like these crossover books were humans take center stage. Even Kup isn't getting the respect he deserves from mouthy, iratating humans.
A Predaking one shot or Mini-series would've been nice, not as minions for some lame human terrorist group!
This book is a pass.
A Predaking one shot or Mini-series would've been nice, not as minions for some lame human terrorist group!
This book is a pass.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1881623)
Posted by Blozor on May 14th, 2017 @ 4:51pm CDT
Posted by Blozor on May 14th, 2017 @ 4:51pm CDT
I love how all thr humans in Hasbro properties have teams divided between good and bad, amd they know the differences between the good guys and the bad guys, and they wear badges to differentiate between the good guys and the bad guys, but when the Transformers tell them they have good guys and bad guys and there's a way to easily differentiate the good guys from the bad guys, THAT is mind-blowing information.
I mean, you're GI Joe. You fight Cobra. You can handle Autobots and Deceptions.
I mean, you're GI Joe. You fight Cobra. You can handle Autobots and Deceptions.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1881626)
Posted by Kurona on May 14th, 2017 @ 4:55pm CDT
Huh? This is the Revolutionaries thread, not Revolution.
GI Joe as a whole isn't in this preview, nor have they been in Revolutionaries at all yet beyond a few members. And none of their appearances have them attacking Transformers indiscriminately since Revolution.
Posted by Kurona on May 14th, 2017 @ 4:55pm CDT
Blozor wrote:I love how all thr humans in Hasbro properties have teams divided between good and bad, amd they know the differences between the good guys and the bad guys, and they wear badges to differentiate between the good guys and the bad guys, but when the Transformers tell them they have good guys and bad guys and there's a way to easily differentiate the good guys from the bad guys, THAT is mind-blowing information.
I mean, you're GI Joe. You fight Cobra. You can handle Autobots and Deceptions.
Huh? This is the Revolutionaries thread, not Revolution.
GI Joe as a whole isn't in this preview, nor have they been in Revolutionaries at all yet beyond a few members. And none of their appearances have them attacking Transformers indiscriminately since Revolution.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1881687)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 14th, 2017 @ 11:05pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 14th, 2017 @ 11:05pm CDT
well, the Predacons attempted to combine, and now I guess they will!
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1886001)
Posted by Va'al on June 1st, 2017 @ 4:18pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on June 1st, 2017 @ 4:18pm CDT
In other comics news today, we have another iTunes preview for an upcoming IDW Publishing comics: Revolutionaries #5! The full preview and comic will be released in two weeks' time, but for now, enjoy the three pages below, opening with a G1-tastic-but-also-Beast-Wars-esque flashback by (quite probably) Guido Guidi...
M.A.S.K. vs. the ATOMIC MAN! The Revolutionaries uncover the deep, dark secret of Mike Power, the Atomic Man—and enlist the help of M.A.S.K. to bring in the long-lost agent! But there's more to Power's story than anyone imagined, in the oddest story of 2017!
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1886004)
Posted by Kurona on June 1st, 2017 @ 4:30pm CDT
Posted by Kurona on June 1st, 2017 @ 4:30pm CDT
I am so ready for this.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1886195)
Posted by Targetmaster Kup on June 2nd, 2017 @ 8:19am CDT
Posted by Targetmaster Kup on June 2nd, 2017 @ 8:19am CDT
So the Hearts Of Steel Transformers were in the past and were Beast Transformers taking on names of the Transformers they thought we from Earth?
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1886201)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on June 2nd, 2017 @ 8:27am CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on June 2nd, 2017 @ 8:27am CDT
As someone who's already seen the profile for Centurion form the Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook, trust me, it's even crazier than that.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1886203)
Posted by Kurona on June 2nd, 2017 @ 8:28am CDT
I can't wait
Posted by Kurona on June 2nd, 2017 @ 8:28am CDT
Daniel Adkins wrote:As someone who's already seen the profile for Centurion form the Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook, trust me, it's even crazier than that.
I can't wait
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1886206)
Posted by Targetmaster Kup on June 2nd, 2017 @ 8:35am CDT
Spoil me please!
Posted by Targetmaster Kup on June 2nd, 2017 @ 8:35am CDT
Daniel Adkins wrote:As someone who's already seen the profile for Centurion form the Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook, trust me, it's even crazier than that.
Spoil me please!
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1886216)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on June 2nd, 2017 @ 8:52am CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on June 2nd, 2017 @ 8:52am CDT
Alright. But trust me, it's worth the wait.
Basically, the Axalon crew are servants of Onyx Prime who crash on Earth while looking for the Enigma of Combination. During the crash, the Talisman erases their memories. Shockwave, coming to Earth during the events of his Spotlight issue, discovered their wreckage. The crew were initially confused as to their identities and saw a video transmission bounced from Shockwave's ship of the Autobots and Decepticons. Shockwave decided to use the Axalon crew in a sick experiment, convincing them that they were the Autobots and Decepticons of his era. These ersatz Autobots and Decepticons became the characters that would later wake in the 19th century, becoming the Hearts of Steel Transformers.
So yes, Hearts of Steel (and by extent, Infestation 2) happened in the main IDW universe.
Basically, the Axalon crew are servants of Onyx Prime who crash on Earth while looking for the Enigma of Combination. During the crash, the Talisman erases their memories. Shockwave, coming to Earth during the events of his Spotlight issue, discovered their wreckage. The crew were initially confused as to their identities and saw a video transmission bounced from Shockwave's ship of the Autobots and Decepticons. Shockwave decided to use the Axalon crew in a sick experiment, convincing them that they were the Autobots and Decepticons of his era. These ersatz Autobots and Decepticons became the characters that would later wake in the 19th century, becoming the Hearts of Steel Transformers.
So yes, Hearts of Steel (and by extent, Infestation 2) happened in the main IDW universe.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1886230)
Posted by Kurona on June 2nd, 2017 @ 9:12am CDT
Welp, time to buy Hearts of Steel
Posted by Kurona on June 2nd, 2017 @ 9:12am CDT
Daniel Adkins wrote:Alright. But trust me, it's worth the wait.
Basically, the Axalon crew are servants of Onyx Prime who crash on Earth while looking for the Enigma of Combination. During the crash, the Talisman erases their memories. Shockwave, coming to Earth during the events of his Spotlight issue, discovered their wreckage. The crew were initially confused as to their identities and saw a video transmission bounced from Shockwave's ship of the Autobots and Decepticons. Shockwave decided to use the Axalon crew in a sick experiment, convincing them that they were the Autobots and Decepticons of his era. These ersatz Autobots and Decepticons became the characters that would later wake in the 19th century, becoming the Hearts of Steel Transformers.
So yes, Hearts of Steel (and by extent, Infestation 2) happened in the main IDW universe.
Welp, time to buy Hearts of Steel
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1886827)
Posted by o.supreme on June 4th, 2017 @ 12:09pm CDT
Posted by o.supreme on June 4th, 2017 @ 12:09pm CDT
ok, so I just got issue #4 (2 months late, but I guess better late than never, don't worry about them trying to connect this to other series, or chronological reading order or anything...) 
But at this rate I cant see this series going much longer. I was so excited to finally see Predaking in IDW, only to have him taken down in like 2 seconds...Like TAAO, I'm betting this title doesn't make it past the 12 issue mark. IDW really needs to figure out what they want, they've created a huge mess with this Hasbroverse. 2 TF titles a month and some occasional one shots or mini-series were ok, and even they couldn't keep up at times.
Sorry for the rant its just frustrating. I go to the comic store once a month, on the last Wednesday to be precise because I know that's when the books come out.
Currently Revolutionaries is 2 months behind, unless we get an unprecedented 3-issues this month, LL is a month behind, and I cant even keep track of some of the other releases...
But at this rate I cant see this series going much longer. I was so excited to finally see Predaking in IDW, only to have him taken down in like 2 seconds...Like TAAO, I'm betting this title doesn't make it past the 12 issue mark. IDW really needs to figure out what they want, they've created a huge mess with this Hasbroverse. 2 TF titles a month and some occasional one shots or mini-series were ok, and even they couldn't keep up at times.
Sorry for the rant its just frustrating. I go to the comic store once a month, on the last Wednesday to be precise because I know that's when the books come out.
Currently Revolutionaries is 2 months behind, unless we get an unprecedented 3-issues this month, LL is a month behind, and I cant even keep track of some of the other releases...
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1886828)
Posted by Kurona on June 4th, 2017 @ 12:10pm CDT
Posted by Kurona on June 4th, 2017 @ 12:10pm CDT
Revolutionaries is ending rather soon. Deliberately, not by cancellation.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1886829)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on June 4th, 2017 @ 12:11pm CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on June 4th, 2017 @ 12:11pm CDT
Well, we already know Revolutionaries is ending at issue 8, leading directly into the First Strike event.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1886977)
Posted by Va'al on June 5th, 2017 @ 2:17am CDT
Followed by Action Man and the First Strikers.
Posted by Va'al on June 5th, 2017 @ 2:17am CDT
Daniel Adkins wrote:Well, we already know Revolutionaries is ending at issue 8, leading directly into the First Strike event.
Followed by Action Man and the First Strikers.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1887427)
Posted by Va'al on June 6th, 2017 @ 3:59pm CDT
Synopsis
Cobra Commander vs. Hearts of Steel! Thousands of years ago, a starship crashed on Earth—and the Hearts of Steel Transformers were born… but how can these steampunk Cybertronians be real?! And what does Cobra Commander want with them, when he hasn’t even got Cobra to back him up? The Revolutionaries have uncovered one of the darkest and most incredible secrets on Earth!
But actually also none of that
Story
Keeping with my regular lateness on the non-core Transformers titles from IDW - much like IDW itself really, all things considered - this review of Revolutionaries happens a couple of weeks after the book's release, but still worth having here given the arrival of First Strike and a LOT of references to TF lore so far. Also note: the synopsis is, in fact, for issue 5.
Hey Costa run!
In issue 4, there's more Iron than a gym full of anaemia-battling robots, with an array of GI Joe villains showing up to play the part of 'super evil bad guys' working behind the scenes of everything we've seen so far, and to continue some of the storylines from that book in its more recent IDW incarnation.
Iron.. Who?
But what this issue is also brimming with, is allusions and references to some very early TF stories from IDW runs, including International Incident and the personal issues with Kup after his Spotlight and the Coda to All Hail Megatron, and not just in passing, but woven into the fabric of the story from continuity and dialogue perspectives. In John Barber we still trust.
Art
Fico Ossio returns to bring the more dynamic, if not indeed flexible, and softer lineart for the issue - and the Predacons take on some different guises than previously seen. Overall, however, the action scenes can be followed easily, there isn't too much overcrowding, the panels flow, and the only moment things are a little unclear may also be due to the script.
And this is a Good Panel™
Reuniting the dynamic duo, colourist Sebastian Cheng brings the usual gloss to the lineart, but this time round, I was able to appreciate the shading and different use of lighting in some of the panel compositions, thanks to the fire theme brought on by the highly theatrical villains of the week month, too.
Toasty
Instead of the usual caption devices, we have a slight twist to how it's employed allowing Tom B. Long to make the most of it and the multiple soundwords spread across the book during the numerous fights. As for the covers, I have highlighted, in the thumbnail, the Tone Rodriguez and Thomas Teyowisonte Deer variant; all others are easily accessible via our database page (along with full character roster too, here),
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
Despite the healthy dose of exposition - and believe me, a lot of it in this issue - the pacing worked well, and all the recapping that takes place actually covers up some holes in various storylines, from Cobra to the Predacons, and follows up on previous characterisations of a number of characters with tact and precision, really.
Movie cameo! Oh, Barber..
This is also probably the clearest the visuals have been in a while, with Ossio and Cheng working together nicely on layouts within the panels too, and reinforcing the feeling that Revolution was indeed too early for its times and the books involved. Plus, Predaking looks great. Different, sure, but good. And as always - the book has humour. Like, actually funny moments. Do not underestimate this part.
Posted by Va'al on June 6th, 2017 @ 3:59pm CDT
Iron Filings
(Spoiler free-ish)
(Spoiler free-ish)
Synopsis
Cobra Commander vs. Hearts of Steel! Thousands of years ago, a starship crashed on Earth—and the Hearts of Steel Transformers were born… but how can these steampunk Cybertronians be real?! And what does Cobra Commander want with them, when he hasn’t even got Cobra to back him up? The Revolutionaries have uncovered one of the darkest and most incredible secrets on Earth!
But actually also none of that
Story
Keeping with my regular lateness on the non-core Transformers titles from IDW - much like IDW itself really, all things considered - this review of Revolutionaries happens a couple of weeks after the book's release, but still worth having here given the arrival of First Strike and a LOT of references to TF lore so far. Also note: the synopsis is, in fact, for issue 5.
Hey Costa run!
In issue 4, there's more Iron than a gym full of anaemia-battling robots, with an array of GI Joe villains showing up to play the part of 'super evil bad guys' working behind the scenes of everything we've seen so far, and to continue some of the storylines from that book in its more recent IDW incarnation.
Iron.. Who?
But what this issue is also brimming with, is allusions and references to some very early TF stories from IDW runs, including International Incident and the personal issues with Kup after his Spotlight and the Coda to All Hail Megatron, and not just in passing, but woven into the fabric of the story from continuity and dialogue perspectives. In John Barber we still trust.
Art
Fico Ossio returns to bring the more dynamic, if not indeed flexible, and softer lineart for the issue - and the Predacons take on some different guises than previously seen. Overall, however, the action scenes can be followed easily, there isn't too much overcrowding, the panels flow, and the only moment things are a little unclear may also be due to the script.
And this is a Good Panel™
Reuniting the dynamic duo, colourist Sebastian Cheng brings the usual gloss to the lineart, but this time round, I was able to appreciate the shading and different use of lighting in some of the panel compositions, thanks to the fire theme brought on by the highly theatrical villains of the week month, too.
Toasty
Instead of the usual caption devices, we have a slight twist to how it's employed allowing Tom B. Long to make the most of it and the multiple soundwords spread across the book during the numerous fights. As for the covers, I have highlighted, in the thumbnail, the Tone Rodriguez and Thomas Teyowisonte Deer variant; all others are easily accessible via our database page (along with full character roster too, here),
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
Despite the healthy dose of exposition - and believe me, a lot of it in this issue - the pacing worked well, and all the recapping that takes place actually covers up some holes in various storylines, from Cobra to the Predacons, and follows up on previous characterisations of a number of characters with tact and precision, really.
Movie cameo! Oh, Barber..
This is also probably the clearest the visuals have been in a while, with Ossio and Cheng working together nicely on layouts within the panels too, and reinforcing the feeling that Revolution was indeed too early for its times and the books involved. Plus, Predaking looks great. Different, sure, but good. And as always - the book has humour. Like, actually funny moments. Do not underestimate this part.
. out of
out of
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1887629)
Posted by ScottyP on June 7th, 2017 @ 9:03am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on June 7th, 2017 @ 9:03am CDT
Agreed on the visuals, definitely avoided the cluttered feel I got from some of their other work.
Just a short PSA: if you read this series and pick up the Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook today, avoid the bios for Centurion and Atomic Man as these spoil big chunks of upcoming Revolutionaries issues! To be fair to the editors, Rev 6 was supposed to be out in June, but here we are with 5 coming out next week.
Just a short PSA: if you read this series and pick up the Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook today, avoid the bios for Centurion and Atomic Man as these spoil big chunks of upcoming Revolutionaries issues! To be fair to the editors, Rev 6 was supposed to be out in June, but here we are with 5 coming out next week.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1887634)
Posted by Big Grim on June 7th, 2017 @ 9:49am CDT
Posted by Big Grim on June 7th, 2017 @ 9:49am CDT
Centurion? Not heard that name alongside Transformers since G1 Marvel UK! I loved the design of that Mechanoid!
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1887644)
Posted by o.supreme on June 7th, 2017 @ 10:32am CDT
Corrected to be accurate, yes they are THAT far behind. Also its kind of sad...after years of wanting another sourcebook, specific to all the TF characters (more specifically Japanese characters and newly created ones since the DW one came out). We finally get this...
Now I'm not complaining that it is including GI Joe, MASK, Action Man etc.... However, Transformers itself had well over 300 entries in the original DW 8 issue series which covered pretty much every North American toy based character from 1984-1991. GI Joe alone has probably just as many characters. I don't see this sourcebook being as extensive as it should be. Each series should have dedicated sourcebooks so that fans can pick-and choose which ones they like, or all if they so choose. Having this one mish-mash covering only a few of the characters from each series seems quite a wasted effort.
Posted by o.supreme on June 7th, 2017 @ 10:32am CDT
ScottyP wrote:Just a short PSA: if you read this series and pick up the Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook today, avoid the bios for Centurion and Atomic Man as these spoil big chunks of upcoming Revolutionaries issues! To be fair to the editors, Rev 6 7 was supposed to be out in June, but here we are with 5 coming out next week.
Corrected to be accurate, yes they are THAT far behind. Also its kind of sad...after years of wanting another sourcebook, specific to all the TF characters (more specifically Japanese characters and newly created ones since the DW one came out). We finally get this...
Now I'm not complaining that it is including GI Joe, MASK, Action Man etc.... However, Transformers itself had well over 300 entries in the original DW 8 issue series which covered pretty much every North American toy based character from 1984-1991. GI Joe alone has probably just as many characters. I don't see this sourcebook being as extensive as it should be. Each series should have dedicated sourcebooks so that fans can pick-and choose which ones they like, or all if they so choose. Having this one mish-mash covering only a few of the characters from each series seems quite a wasted effort.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1887681)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on June 7th, 2017 @ 12:54pm CDT
Yes, Centurion was established as the name of the Hearts of Steel Bumblebee-looking guy who may or may not BE Hearts of Steel Bumblebee. So, not really the same character.
Posted by Daniel Adkins on June 7th, 2017 @ 12:54pm CDT
Big Grim wrote:Centurion? Not heard that name alongside Transformers since G1 Marvel UK! I loved the design of that Mechanoid!
Yes, Centurion was established as the name of the Hearts of Steel Bumblebee-looking guy who may or may not BE Hearts of Steel Bumblebee. So, not really the same character.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1887727)
Posted by Kurona on June 7th, 2017 @ 3:48pm CDT
Except unlike the Dreamwave sourcebook, this one doesn't seek to give bios on the entire universe's character set nor is it centred around Transformers. The entire point is a focus on the expanded Hasbro universe and the characters that have had specific fictional focus within it (aside from the books that haven't had anything to do with the extended Hasbro universe; like Lost Light and Sins of the Wreckers). You are coming at it from a completely different premise and judging it unfairly because it's not what you personally wanted.
For what it is, this Sourcebook is excellent. It gives you a good reminder of major players within the universe, ties everything in in ways you might not have thought of, has a good sense of humour (that DOC, Buster and Bob page is pure beauty), and in general is just a good fact file.
Posted by Kurona on June 7th, 2017 @ 3:48pm CDT
o.supreme wrote:ScottyP wrote:Just a short PSA: if you read this series and pick up the Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook today, avoid the bios for Centurion and Atomic Man as these spoil big chunks of upcoming Revolutionaries issues! To be fair to the editors, Rev 6 7 was supposed to be out in June, but here we are with 5 coming out next week.
Corrected to be accurate, yes they are THAT far behind. Also its kind of sad...after years of wanting another sourcebook, specific to all the TF characters (more specifically Japanese characters and newly created ones since the DW one came out). We finally get this...
Now I'm not complaining that it is including GI Joe, MASK, Action Man etc.... However, Transformers itself had well over 300 entries in the original DW 8 issue series which covered pretty much every North American toy based character from 1984-1991. GI Joe alone has probably just as many characters. I don't see this sourcebook being as extensive as it should be. Each series should have dedicated sourcebooks so that fans can pick-and choose which ones they like, or all if they so choose. Having this one mish-mash covering only a few of the characters from each series seems quite a wasted effort.
Except unlike the Dreamwave sourcebook, this one doesn't seek to give bios on the entire universe's character set nor is it centred around Transformers. The entire point is a focus on the expanded Hasbro universe and the characters that have had specific fictional focus within it (aside from the books that haven't had anything to do with the extended Hasbro universe; like Lost Light and Sins of the Wreckers). You are coming at it from a completely different premise and judging it unfairly because it's not what you personally wanted.
For what it is, this Sourcebook is excellent. It gives you a good reminder of major players within the universe, ties everything in in ways you might not have thought of, has a good sense of humour (that DOC, Buster and Bob page is pure beauty), and in general is just a good fact file.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1887904)
Posted by Big Grim on June 8th, 2017 @ 8:20am CDT
Ah, okay. Interesting to hear! Cheers!
Posted by Big Grim on June 8th, 2017 @ 8:20am CDT
Daniel Adkins wrote:Big Grim wrote:Centurion? Not heard that name alongside Transformers since G1 Marvel UK! I loved the design of that Mechanoid!
Yes, Centurion was established as the name of the Hearts of Steel Bumblebee-looking guy who may or may not BE Hearts of Steel Bumblebee. So, not really the same character.
Ah, okay. Interesting to hear! Cheers!
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1888274)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on June 9th, 2017 @ 1:28pm CDT
Posted by Daniel Adkins on June 9th, 2017 @ 1:28pm CDT
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1888286)
Posted by Targetmaster Kup on June 9th, 2017 @ 2:11pm CDT
THis makes it clear, to anyone who was doubting, that Centurion is Hearts of Steel Bumblebee.
Posted by Targetmaster Kup on June 9th, 2017 @ 2:11pm CDT
Daniel Adkins wrote:http://www.comiccrusaders.com/exclusive-preview-revolutionaries-5/
The full preview for issue 5 is out.
THis makes it clear, to anyone who was doubting, that Centurion is Hearts of Steel Bumblebee.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1888289)
Posted by Va'al on June 9th, 2017 @ 2:16pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on June 9th, 2017 @ 2:16pm CDT
Fellow Seibertronian Daniel Adkins has spotted the first of several expected full previews on ComicCrusaders for next week's releases from IDW Publishing: Revolutionaries #5! Featuring art by both Fico Ossio / Sebastian Cheng and Guido Guidi, the five pages can be seen below - check them out, and head back for a review on Seibertron.com after the book is released.
M.A.S.K. vs. the ATOMIC MAN! The Revolutionaries uncover the deep, dark secret of Mike Power, the Atomic Man—and enlist the help of M.A.S.K. to bring in the long-lost agent! But there’s more to Power’s story than anyone imagined, in the oddest story of 2017!
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1888307)
Posted by Lore Keeper on June 9th, 2017 @ 3:28pm CDT
Posted by Lore Keeper on June 9th, 2017 @ 3:28pm CDT
Hearts of Steel and Beast Wars? My inner child is jumping for joy! I have a very strong feeling this is how they're going to introduce Optimus Primal into the story.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1888357)
Posted by Silverwing on June 9th, 2017 @ 7:10pm CDT
Posted by Silverwing on June 9th, 2017 @ 7:10pm CDT
Wait, is that one of the O parts from RID on the ship?
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1888358)
Posted by Kurona on June 9th, 2017 @ 7:12pm CDT
Nope - unless the resemblance is intentional; this is in fact the Talisman that has been featured throughout the entire Revolutionaries series.
Posted by Kurona on June 9th, 2017 @ 7:12pm CDT
Silverwing wrote:Wait, is that one of the O parts from RID on the ship?
Nope - unless the resemblance is intentional; this is in fact the Talisman that has been featured throughout the entire Revolutionaries series.
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1888448)
Posted by Windsweeper on June 10th, 2017 @ 2:21am CDT
Posted by Windsweeper on June 10th, 2017 @ 2:21am CDT
Very interesting. At first glance that crew resemble Ironhide, Prowl, Bumblebee (or Bugbite).
Domitus resembles Big Convoy, I think that was the mammoth's name in Beast Wars and the guy with the Ratchet looking head's colour scheme reminds me of Clench or Tarantulus.
I wonder who they are?
Domitus resembles Big Convoy, I think that was the mammoth's name in Beast Wars and the guy with the Ratchet looking head's colour scheme reminds me of Clench or Tarantulus.
I wonder who they are?
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1888455)
Posted by Daniel Adkins on June 10th, 2017 @ 3:54am CDT
Have you read the miniseries Hearts of Steel?
Posted by Daniel Adkins on June 10th, 2017 @ 3:54am CDT
Windsweeper wrote:Very interesting. At first glance that crew resemble Ironhide, Prowl, Bumblebee (or Bugbite).
Domitus resembles Big Convoy, I think that was the mammoth's name in Beast Wars and the guy with the Ratchet looking head's colour scheme reminds me of Clench or Tarantulus.
I wonder who they are?
Have you read the miniseries Hearts of Steel?
Re: IDW Revolutionaries #4 iTunes Preview (1888879)
Posted by o.supreme on June 12th, 2017 @ 9:22am CDT
Posted by o.supreme on June 12th, 2017 @ 9:22am CDT
In a way this kind of makes sense. Since IDW's inception 11 1/2 years ago, They have had the main "New" Transformers Universe. They have also had comics for the movie verse, and tie-in comics for TFA, and several series for the aligned continuity (FOC, TFP, BH etc...) Even a 2 issue GI Joe/TF crossover (Prior to the Hasbroverse). And a separate continuity for BW.
But Hearst of Steel was always an oddity. Unfortunately no other "alternate" universe stories were ever published, so I guess it makes sense to retcon it into the main continuity somehow.
I wonder though...because I collect the individual issues, and not the TPB's, I like to sort my comics by chronological reading order
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Transformers_(IDW_Publishing)#Chronological_Comic_Order
I wonder where Hearts of Steel will eventually officially be placed? I guess its not a big deal at the moment since all my comic books are in storage, but eventually I'll have to take that 4 issue series out of my "Miscellaneous" collection and file it in somewhere with the main IDW continuity.
But Hearst of Steel was always an oddity. Unfortunately no other "alternate" universe stories were ever published, so I guess it makes sense to retcon it into the main continuity somehow.
I wonder though...because I collect the individual issues, and not the TPB's, I like to sort my comics by chronological reading order
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Transformers_(IDW_Publishing)#Chronological_Comic_Order
I wonder where Hearts of Steel will eventually officially be placed? I guess its not a big deal at the moment since all my comic books are in storage, but eventually I'll have to take that 4 issue series out of my "Miscellaneous" collection and file it in somewhere with the main IDW continuity.
