IDW Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye - Alex Milne Riptide Concept Art

*sniff* I smell a new toy.

But seriously, dude looks boss.

Black Bumblebee wrote:

sabrigami wrote:It only took 7 pages to remind me just how much I missed MTMtE. Funny how just this preview alone feels like a full fledged comic in their own right. I tried to resist, but what the hell, it's been waaaaaay too long without my fix. Also, Prowl being giddy is never a good sign

Here, here! I love the humor in MTMTE. Although I feel bad for Hot Rod that he's about to lose his ship to Megatron...

As to the bloke complaining about Transformers referring to themselves as "people," consider the fluidity of language. "They're my Cybertronians" just doesn't have the same effect as "my people," does it? And as to the bit about organs, I've NEVER viewed the Transformers as robots. They're just... not. They're mechanical lifeforms. There's a difference, there. As Arcee said in Transformers: Prime--can you build a small intestine? No, of course not. They have mechanical organs that are not easily replicated.

Yes not EASILY replicated, but they can be replicated... just not by Prime Ratchet because he was a Quack. G1 Sunbow Ratchet would have had no problem fixing the damages that Transformers from these other KO continuities have to suffer with.

And Starscream saying "they're my Cybertronians" sounds just fine to me.

So does this mean we'll see some Air Nomad, Earth Kingdom, and Fire Nation -themed Transformers?

I imagine with a name like Riptide he'd be a Decepticon.

Still looks cool. Will you post a picture of the high sped catamaran it transforms into?

I don't think there's a character design from Milne that I don't like.

Riptide is awesome. Seriously, more IDW-based toys need to be made ASAP.

Stormtalon wrote:I imagine with a name like Riptide he'd be a Decepticon.

He's an Autobot.

Reminds me of Energon Mirage

Va'al wrote:

1984forever wrote:

Va'al wrote:The horror.

The shock.


The boredom.

Yeah, I agree. For characters who walk around with missile launchers on their shoulders they sure do a lot of talking! So much talk, little action... James Roberts just doesn't get Transformers.

And you clearly don't get sarcasm and frustration, as my post was directed at you, and at your unchanging, predictable (hence boring) reaction. But hey, I've tried reasoning with you previously, and you just won't listen. I'm not saying you have to like the comics, but I am asking, and a lot of other users have too, for constructive posts.



Continue to offer your opinion in this way, I'll go back to ignoring you.

And you clearly did not even read my post before commenting! I very carefully and thoughtfully instructed Roberts on the right words to use to make his book seem less like Fanfic and more like the real thing.

You wanna know what's frustrating? Watching talentless hacks turn your favorite franchise into chrome crumbs for the last 28 years! That's frustrating!

1984forever wrote:You wanna know what's frustrating? Watching talentless hacks turn your favorite franchise into chrome crumbs for the last 28 years! That's frustrating!

Can you not bring your gig into this? Please? It's all I can do to keep my sanity.

Not that we'll see Transformers actually TRANSFORM in these books anyway.

1984forever wrote:

Va'al wrote:

1984forever wrote:

Va'al wrote:The horror.

The shock.


The boredom.

Yeah, I agree. For characters who walk around with missile launchers on their shoulders they sure do a lot of talking! So much talk, little action... James Roberts just doesn't get Transformers.

And you clearly don't get sarcasm and frustration, as my post was directed at you, and at your unchanging, predictable (hence boring) reaction. But hey, I've tried reasoning with you previously, and you just won't listen. I'm not saying you have to like the comics, but I am asking, and a lot of other users have too, for constructive posts.



Continue to offer your opinion in this way, I'll go back to ignoring you.

And you clearly did not even read my post before commenting! I very carefully and thoughtfully instructed Roberts on the right words to use to make his book seem less like Fanfic and more like the real thing.

You wanna know what's frustrating? Watching talentless hacks turn your favorite franchise into chrome crumbs for the last 28 years! That's frustrating!

Guys, Venom shaped coffee mug! Totally on topic.


Wow, I thought Riptide would have been a Decepticon, that'S a very Decepticon like name. And man he looks awesome. And I kinda squee at the fact he's inspired by Avatar <3
He looks incredibly hardcore, never thought a boatformer could look this badass.

Mindmaster wrote:So does this mean we'll see some Air Nomad, Earth Kingdom, and Fire Nation -themed Transformers?

Oh yes please, especially Firenation.

MR Optimus Prime wrote:Not that we'll see Transformers actually TRANSFORM in these books anyway.

Tarn is addicted to transforming, and it's shown.

The whole Delphi plague was activated via transformation, and it's shown.

Pipes' death at Overlord's foot included multiple attempts at transforming.

Same with Tailgate, in the early issues of MTMTE.

Va'al wrote:

MR Optimus Prime wrote:Not that we'll see Transformers actually TRANSFORM in these books anyway.

Tarn is addicted to transforming, and it's shown.

The whole Delphi plague was activated via transformation, and it's shown.

Pipes' death at Overlord's foot included multiple attempts at transforming.

Same with Tailgate, in the early issues of MTMTE.

Exactly, EARLY issues. NOTHING recent.

ooh, pretty. toy please?

wonder if he knows Nautica? ...and if all these water-based bots showing up means we'll see a Mk 2 Rod-pod?

MR Optimus Prime wrote:

Va'al wrote:

MR Optimus Prime wrote:Not that we'll see Transformers actually TRANSFORM in these books anyway.

Tarn is addicted to transforming, and it's shown.

The whole Delphi plague was activated via transformation, and it's shown.

Pipes' death at Overlord's foot included multiple attempts at transforming.

Same with Tailgate, in the early issues of MTMTE.

Exactly, EARLY issues. NOTHING recent.

On Luna-1 Chromedome hangs a lampshade on this, asking why they've even got alt modes if they're going to use the MARBs to travel, before changing into his vehicle mode and then Hot Rod uses his alt mode to try and get away from Lockdown and his Titan Hunters. And of course we see Ratchet's alt mode there too. Cyclonus and Whirl use their alt modes to fly about as well. all within the last arc of the book.

craggy wrote:

MR Optimus Prime wrote:

Va'al wrote:

MR Optimus Prime wrote:Not that we'll see Transformers actually TRANSFORM in these books anyway.

Tarn is addicted to transforming, and it's shown.

The whole Delphi plague was activated via transformation, and it's shown.

Pipes' death at Overlord's foot included multiple attempts at transforming.

Same with Tailgate, in the early issues of MTMTE.

Exactly, EARLY issues. NOTHING recent.

On Luna-1 Chromedome hangs a lampshade on this, asking why they've even got alt modes if they're going to use the MARBs to travel, before changing into his vehicle mode and then Hot Rod uses his alt mode to try and get away from Lockdown and his Titan Hunters. And of course we see Ratchet's alt mode there too. Cyclonus and Whirl use their alt modes to fly about as well. all within the last arc of the book.

Also, even more recently: Windblade transforms multiple times in #1. Prowl formed Devastator at the end of Dark Cybertron. RID #28 had Thundercracker once, Optimus, Kup, Jazz multiple times.

I had a good long laugh at Rodimus' "Suicide by face palm" line. I can't wait to start reading this series again.

Honestly it's a waste of a name not because "all the good ones were taken" lol but Riptide reminds me of a G1 Depth Charge.

And Riptide just screams Decepticon.

I wonder if, given the other new bot aboard the Lost Light, and the possibility that at some point he might turn back to the purple side, maybe Riptide will end up as a Decepticon?

Shadowstream wrote:I had a good long laugh at Rodimus' "Suicide by face palm" line. I can't wait to start reading this series again.

Priceless. There were so many good moments in these pages. It also makes me aware how hollow other comics I've read have been. the last arc included. So hyped for tomorrow and for another season

1984forever wrote:

Va'al wrote:

1984forever wrote:

Va'al wrote:The horror.

The shock.


The boredom.

Yeah, I agree. For characters who walk around with missile launchers on their shoulders they sure do a lot of talking! So much talk, little action... James Roberts just doesn't get Transformers.

And you clearly don't get sarcasm and frustration, as my post was directed at you, and at your unchanging, predictable (hence boring) reaction. But hey, I've tried reasoning with you previously, and you just won't listen. I'm not saying you have to like the comics, but I am asking, and a lot of other users have too, for constructive posts.



Continue to offer your opinion in this way, I'll go back to ignoring you.

And you clearly did not even read my post before commenting! I very carefully and thoughtfully instructed Roberts on the right words to use to make his book seem less like Fanfic and more like the real thing.

You wanna know what's frustrating? Watching talentless hacks turn your favorite franchise into chrome crumbs for the last 28 years! That's frustrating!

You know what, get over the fact that G1 is over!

What the writers and artist did in making this comic is superb! Yes you can hate or love this story!Yes you can hate or love the toys from it! I love to watch the G1 episodes and Animated episodes because they have great stories! I like the Bayformer movies because the story line is great!

You need to move on from this Idea that every thing must be G1. I think Hasbro could have done a better job at making them. And back then Transformers had chrome! I hate some Transformer toys because I don't like how they look. I love some Transformers because they look mind blowing.

You can love G1, just don't say something is bad because it is not G1.

Review done. The title was the hardest part. And choosing what to talk about. And what to include. And what to not spoil. And what to hint at. And..

*Derpy double post. Please ignore*

1984forever wrote:

Va'al wrote:

1984forever wrote:

Va'al wrote:The horror.

The shock.


The boredom.

Yeah, I agree. For characters who walk around with missile launchers on their shoulders they sure do a lot of talking! So much talk, little action... James Roberts just doesn't get Transformers.

And you clearly don't get sarcasm and frustration, as my post was directed at you, and at your unchanging, predictable (hence boring) reaction. But hey, I've tried reasoning with you previously, and you just won't listen. I'm not saying you have to like the comics, but I am asking, and a lot of other users have too, for constructive posts.



Continue to offer your opinion in this way, I'll go back to ignoring you.

And you clearly did not even read my post before commenting! I very carefully and thoughtfully instructed Roberts on the right words to use to make his book seem less like Fanfic and more like the real thing.

You wanna know what's frustrating? Watching talentless hacks turn your favorite franchise into chrome crumbs for the last 28 years! That's frustrating!

simple as that G1 is DEAD and it was a bad cartoon in the sense that it was not serious.

It died in 1986 its dead it will never come back me and other fans don't want to hear your shit on why you hate the new reboot comics no one else needs to.

If you want to tell people make a thread about it

nothing else needs to be said about worthless hacks like you to try bringing down other peoples good moods

if you believe that Hasbro, IDW or Roberts will listen to you'r suggestions you need to wake up.


reply only when you have a good argument

nothing else needs to be said.

Boat-formers are weird......but i like them anyways.

mirageandjazz1197 wrote:

1984forever wrote:

Va'al wrote:

1984forever wrote:

Va'al wrote:The horror.

The shock.


The boredom.

Yeah, I agree. For characters who walk around with missile launchers on their shoulders they sure do a lot of talking! So much talk, little action... James Roberts just doesn't get Transformers.

And you clearly don't get sarcasm and frustration, as my post was directed at you, and at your unchanging, predictable (hence boring) reaction. But hey, I've tried reasoning with you previously, and you just won't listen. I'm not saying you have to like the comics, but I am asking, and a lot of other users have too, for constructive posts.



Continue to offer your opinion in this way, I'll go back to ignoring you.

And you clearly did not even read my post before commenting! I very carefully and thoughtfully instructed Roberts on the right words to use to make his book seem less like Fanfic and more like the real thing.

You wanna know what's frustrating? Watching talentless hacks turn your favorite franchise into chrome crumbs for the last 28 years! That's frustrating!

simple as that G1 is DEAD and it was a bad cartoon in the sense that it was not serious.

It died in 1986 its dead it will never come back me and other fans don't want to hear your shit on why you hate the new reboot comics no one else needs to.

If you want to tell people make a thread about it

nothing else needs to be said about worthless hacks like you to try bringing down other peoples good moods

if you believe that Hasbro, IDW or Roberts will listen to you'r suggestions you need to wake up.


reply only when you have a good argument

nothing else needs to be said.

you deleted that part of my message because of rules you know what whatever


over protectiveness of children going on this site whatever only delaying the inevitable.

a boat-former! how about a toy of that
kind of reminds me of energon tidal wave

Riptide is badass.

I love these comics because they take the parts of the characters that made them unique in Bob Budiansky's original ideas and just build off of them. Wheeljack isn't a stupid wrecker, he's wheeljack, but not in the campy G1 cartoon way. And they are pulling off some cool turns with characters like Ultra Magnus and Arcee that are not frustrating, but in fact needed - they are making all the right bets on who to expand on and who to reinvent.

that said I do want more vehicle mode art!!!

Mkall wrote:I don't think there's a character design from Milne that I don't like.

Riptide is awesome. Seriously, more IDW-based toys need to be made ASAP.

Agreed man. Bring them on!


And did he seriously say KO continuities? Hahaha, that's a new one.

Synopsis
CERTAIN DEATH, HERE WE COME! MEGATRON assumes control of the quest to find the Knights of Cybertron—a quest that has never before been so urgent, so personal, and so likely to end in tears. An incredulous Lost Light crew is left asking the same thing you are: how exactly did it come to this?



Story

This week in the third beginning of Dawn of the Autobots, we finally get back to the Lost Light ship, and the events between Megatron becoming its new captain and the defeat of Shockwave in Dark Cybertron - though we flit between the two settings, taking a look at how Cybertron reacted to buckethead donning the red instead of the purple, and the beginning of his trial.



James Roberts shakes up the crew of the ship, too, adding some new faces like Nautica and Riptide to old friends like loudmouthed Swerve (who actually appears to have toned down a little, or has he?) and dutiful Ultra Magnus. Dynamics have changed, there is very expected tension on board, but not as much really, as everything seems to have solved itself in the time since the trial - more or less.



Swerve and Rodimus still hold some of the best lines, or at least some of the best dialogue happens around them. Nautica is a really interesting addition to the crew, and one that speaks to my linguist self, but as expected, it's Megatron that holds centre stage - in his sessions with Rung, in the preparation to the trial, in his reflections and in his actions, there's definitely a lot more than mee-- fine, sorry.



The issue definitely does a lot of packing of multiple threads and plots. A lot of them. In terms of action, nothing actually happens except for one brilliant scene over a number of pages, because everything has happened in the six months leading to this issue and moment, and the six million odd years before that. But in that void of action, a lot happens.

Art

As far as the art is concerned, Alex Milne returns to pencils and inks, and in something that seems almost impossible, increases the amount of detail we were used to seeing in the pre-Dark Cybertron run of the series! The double-page spread with the beginning of the trial is astonishing, and the panelwork between the multiple time frames excellently executed.



Everything is helped by colourist Josh Burcham, who makes sure the linework really pops or shines where needed. There are some amazing sequences, one in particular, where the colours prove that red is not a single hue at all, and each character really comes through with their own deco - and again, that trial scene is ridiculous.



Tom B. Long continues on the legendary lettering, from fonts to effects, to graffiti to captions and more fonts - it's always a good thing to get good lettering, especially non-intrusive, art-complementing lettering. Word. Three excellent covers, too, with Casey Coller and Joana Lafuente on A, Milne and Josh Perez on B (thumbnail) and Livio Ramondelli on interlocking RI!

Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead

All the packing I mentioned earlier? That's both the strength and, for lack of a better word, weakness of this issue. Flitting between time frames can be distracting, though both the storytellers do it well, and the plotting has seeded so many different things that you will have to read it multiple times. Including the whole first season, too.



The art team have upped their game in terms of everything, and Roberts has gone all the way back to the very first issue of More Than Meets the Eye, and picked up some unanswered questions from there. Will we finally see answers to them though? Eventually? Maybe? Perhaps? ..please?

MR Optimus Prime wrote:Not that we'll see Transformers actually TRANSFORM in these books anyway.

Yup. Not 1 transformation in the whole book. How is this TRANSFORMERS? it was a good read... but it ain't Transformers.

1984forever wrote:

MR Optimus Prime wrote:Not that we'll see Transformers actually TRANSFORM in these books anyway.

Yup. Not 1 transformation in the whole book. How is this TRANSFORMERS? it was a good read... but it ain't Transformers.

I'm sure someone would explain it to you, but I highly recommend they not waste their time.

Move on people. >:oP

4.5/5? Confirmed - Va'al will never give a 5/5 again

ScottyP wrote:4.5/5? Confirmed - Va'al will never give a 5/5 again

I was going to give it 5-.
But re-re-re-re-re-re-reading it, it felt too crammed to be perfect.

Va'al wrote:

ScottyP wrote:4.5/5? Confirmed - Va'al will never give a 5/5 again

I was going to give it 5-.
But re-re-re-re-re-re-reading it, it felt too crammed to be perfect.

You're probably correct, I still have excitement goggles on. Been what, 6 months since a proper MTMTE issue? I was more than ready.

I like the artwork a lot. I am always excited to see more details of Cybertron. Megatron switching sides is a refreshing take on the series.

ScottyP wrote:4.5/5? Confirmed - Va'al will never give a 5/5 again

Va'al uses his 5/5's very sparingly. I don't think he'd even give his girlfriend a 5/5.

Mindmaster wrote:

ScottyP wrote:4.5/5? Confirmed - Va'al will never give a 5/5 again ;)

Va'al uses his 5/5's very sparingly. I don't think he'd even give his girlfriend a 5/5. :P

I hope he has more than 5 to give her >:oP

Don't see the issue how the comic series have been going, sure it's not everyone cup of tea and I can respect that, but I personally love what direction they been going.

I love generation 1 as much as the next fan (Also probably this year alone watch the whole series back to front half a dozen times) but as some said its not a serious show and the on going story (when there was one) was horrible and couldn't keep it facts right.

The TV shows over the years have been a hit and miss with me, the latest one Transformers Prime I liked but didn't go as far in depth with its lore as I would of liked to have seen which is naturally due to the limits of a TV show.

The IDW comics by far is starting to be my favorite transformers series, its has evolved past the typical Autobots vs Decepticons, it has gone to great detail whats been going on from the past few millions years till now and I think this new step puting Megatron in command of the lost light as a Autobot is a great idea since I feel ever since all hail Megatron we havn't seen nearly enough of him let alone get to know what makes IDW Megatron who he is and this has put him in the spot light finally.

Those are my thoughts anyway, sorry if I rambled on a bit there

Mindmaster wrote:

ScottyP wrote:4.5/5? Confirmed - Va'al will never give a 5/5 again

Va'al uses his 5/5's very sparingly. I don't think he'd even give his girlfriend a 5/5.

He might not, but I sure did!

Zarmat wrote:Don't see the issue how the comic series have been going, sure it's not everyone cup of tea and I can respect that, but I personally love what direction they been going.

[...]

its has evolved past the typical Autobots vs Decepticons, it has gone to great detail whats been going on from the past few millions years till now

That is precisely what I really enjoy about these comics too. They are rooted in a 30-year spanning tradition, use the resources they can use, and pushes them in new directions.

What have we had so far, thematically, and overtly so?

Genocide, same-sex relationships, asexuality, gender issues, eugenics, classism, racism, *character development*, creation myths, faith, pros and cons of progress and scientific advancement, popular culture and its impact, friendship, war, democracy and fallacies of it, *actual real-life politics*, intertextual references to both itself and previous incarnations of the franchise.

Does it always do it well? No. But the writers, from Roberts, to Scott, to Barber, to McCarthy, Furman, Roche, Holmes, Dille, Metzen, even Costa, are doing it. Some more successfully than others, but they are doing what the medium allows them to do.

Zarmat wrote:Don't see the issue how the comic series have been going, sure it's not everyone cup of tea and I can respect that, but I personally love what direction they been going.

I love generation 1 as much as the next fan (Also probably this year alone watch the whole series back to front half a dozen times) but as some said its not a serious show and the on going story (when there was one) was horrible and couldn't keep it facts right.

The TV shows over the years have been a hit and miss with me, the latest one Transformers Prime I liked but didn't go as far in depth with its lore as I would of liked to have seen which is naturally due to the limits of a TV show.

The IDW comics by far is starting to be my favorite transformers series, its has evolved past the typical Autobots vs Decepticons, it has gone to great detail whats been going on from the past few millions years till now and I think this new step puting Megatron in command of the lost light as a Autobot is a great idea since I feel ever since all hail Megatron we havn't seen nearly enough of him let alone get to know what makes IDW Megatron who he is and this has put him in the spot light finally.

Those are my thoughts anyway, sorry if I rambled on a bit there

I was thinking similar things after reading this review. IDW series has done a great job of breaking down the stereotypical barrier that the Autobots are good and the Decepticons are evil. I am glad that they are exploring new avenues.

Burn wrote:

Mindmaster wrote:

ScottyP wrote:4.5/5? Confirmed - Va'al will never give a 5/5 again

Va'al uses his 5/5's very sparingly. I don't think he'd even give his girlfriend a 5/5.

He might not, but I sure did!

Pictures or GTFO.

is whirl still on the ship? please tell me whirl and cyclonus are still on the ship

durroth wrote:is whirl still on the ship? please tell me whirl and cyclonus are still on the ship

Yes, yes they are.

Burn wrote:

Mindmaster wrote:

ScottyP wrote:4.5/5? Confirmed - Va'al will never give a 5/5 again

Va'al uses his 5/5's very sparingly. I don't think he'd even give his girlfriend a 5/5.

He might not, but I sure did!

Wow, that really escalated quickly!

I am no longer suprised at anything involving my allegedly personal life.

Someone tried putting together posts about all the stuff that went missing during the issue - and it's ridiculous.

Va'al wrote:Someone tried putting together posts about all the stuff that went missing during the issue - and it's ridiculous.

Wait what?

I don't get it i'm kinda a slow person.

mirageandjazz1197 wrote:

Va'al wrote:Someone tried putting together posts about all the stuff that went missing during the issue - and it's ridiculous.

Wait what?

I don't get it i'm kinda a slow person.

Found the posts again.

A lot of speculation, definitely spoilers, and very minute details.
Part 1: http://purajobot935.tumblr.com/post/843 ... -i-mention

Part 2: http://purajobot935.tumblr.com/post/843 ... warned-for

Va'al wrote:

mirageandjazz1197 wrote:

Va'al wrote:Someone tried putting together posts about all the stuff that went missing during the issue - and it's ridiculous.

Wait what?

I don't get it i'm kinda a slow person.

Found the posts again.

A lot of speculation, definitely spoilers, and very minute details.
Part 1: http://purajobot935.tumblr.com/post/843 ... -i-mention

Part 2: http://purajobot935.tumblr.com/post/843 ... warned-for

Thanks this is interesting.

I thought it was mostly a great issue, although referring to Chromedome as 'widowed' undoes a lot of the subtlety of that relationship.

The fembots were handled well enough, I'd hate to see such a great comic become an avilicious SJW soapbox.