Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1
Wednesday, July 11th, 2018 2:03AM CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews, Site ArticlesPosted by: Va'al Views: 27,226
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B.U.M.B.L.E.B.E.E
(Spoiler free-ish)
(Spoiler free-ish)
Synopsis
Some call him Goldfender, but the name's Bee... Bumblebee. On loan to MI6 and teamed with a human partner, Bee's trapped in the middle of a Cold War plot to disrupt British Secret Intelligence. But when things go wrong, it's up to Bee to discover if there's a traitor in their midst. In the spy world, allegiances can change just as easily as a Transformer.
well, kinda
Story
It has been a very long time since we saw anything in print or digital as a tie-in or lead-in or even just promotion, for the Paramount live action universe, as directed by Michael Bay. It looks as though, now that the plans are changing - and very much so - we're back in business however, and the old movie comics making team is back for the ride!
with a theme song!
John Barber is clearly having fun with this mini-series, even just from the first issue, as the puns are aplenty, the references even more so, and the dynamic between Bumblebee and Omega Zero / David Reeve is hard to shake too far away from Ian Noble-Action Man and Kup, from the pages of Revolutionaries. The action is worthy of something that can be a movie blockbuster for sure, but it's their dialogue (and the acronyms) that sticks the most.
and the cheesy one-liners
That said, I am a little confused at the pitching of this series - as it's intended to be aimed at a younger audience, yet has very pulp, noir, crime references and context which a younger audience may very well not get at all. Plus, if it is indeed to lead into the upcoming Bumblebee movie, I'm very curious to see what this story established about the current Cybertronian situation on Earth.
Art
As team is back, Andrew Griffith returns next to Barber to work on the visuals for the former's script as the A.R.T.I.S.T., and as we already knew, his mechanical-but-organic, movie designs work amazingly (as does his architecture), and are dynamic without fault in their execution - which cannot otherwise be entirely said about some of the human renditions of the other side of the cast, unfortunately. It may, at this point, just be my personal taste getting in the way, however.
from Griffith's Twitter
Priscilla Tramontano does some seriously impressive work as the C.O.L.O.R.I.S.T. to go with the excellent base lines, and manages to bring both a fresh coat over some old-style looks, and make it all work as a new perspective on an old visual aesthetic. Partnering that up with some well placed, even spot on, SFX from regular L.E.T.T.E.R.E.R. Tom B Long, and you get an explosive mix that works extremely well with the punchy script for this opening issue.
boomboom
The covers for this series so far have been a huge selling point for myself and several other fans online, be it the regular Griffith / Tramontano variant, the Fico Ossio, Megatron-cameoing version, or the pulpy Sara Pitre Durocher take on the story - you can view them all in our comics database here, with credits!
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
Consider my interest very slightly piqued, at least insofar as we're getting some more human-bot interaction from Barber - as well as his usual net weaving, with Sector Seven, various continuity issue jugglings and fun dialogue - along with what this story will say about Bee losing his voice, how the movie version we saw develops from this very different character, and what other cameos might make it in both character and style.
but we are
The movie aesthetic may turn off a fair few regular IDW style accustomed readers, but keeping the target in mind, younger fans will probably have grown up with this style and it's a great idea to have something Transformers comics based for them in the hands of Griffith and Tramontano. The covers are definitely also a big draw, and not one to be underestimated.
. 
1/2 out of
1/2 out of Credit(s): IDW
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Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1970265)
Posted by ZeroWolf on July 11th, 2018 @ 3:50am CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on July 11th, 2018 @ 3:50am CDT
This does look pretty fun and doesn't seem to take itself too seriously which is a plus for me. Depending on other reviews I may pick this up when completed.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1970315)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on July 11th, 2018 @ 8:58am CDT
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on July 11th, 2018 @ 8:58am CDT
I bought it because I really miss having movie comics and it's the only TF thing from IDW I really used to enjoy. This issue was alright though my main problem with it was I'm really not a James Bond fan and so this whole Bond homage thing doesn't do much for me. Also a bit strange having movie Bee actually talk. I'm so used to his soundbites and such that it feels like too different a character. Still, what I did like were some more movie-style Decepticons with Wild Rider, Runabout and Diabla joining the roster even if just in comic form. Toys would be nice.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1972428)
Posted by Va'al on July 19th, 2018 @ 3:08pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on July 19th, 2018 @ 3:08pm CDT
And finally, from the iTunes page for the next issue, we also have a three page preview for the movieverse comic book that will tie in to the upcoming Transformers Bumblebee Movie - written by John Barber with art by Andrew Griffith and Priscilla Tramontano - all mirrored out below for your convenience!
THE LIVING HEADLIGHTS! In swinging 1960s London, Bumblebee teams with a pair of bickering master spies to unravel a Decepticon conspiracy— but is one of Bee’s friends a double agent?
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1973600)
Posted by Va'al on July 24th, 2018 @ 8:34am CDT
Posted by Va'al on July 24th, 2018 @ 8:34am CDT
Out this week with IDW Publishing are three new issues in their Transformers comics as we rush towards the end of it all in the Summer of Transformers - starting below with the second part of the Bumblebee Movie prequel comic: From Cybertron With Love! Check out the preview and join the conversation in the Energon Pub discussion boards.
Transformers: Bumblebee Movie Prequel #2 (of 4)—Cover A: Andrew Griffith
John Barber (w) • Andrew Griffith (a & c)
THE LIVING HEADLIGHTS! In swinging 1960s London, Bumblebee teams with a pair of bickering master spies to unravel a Decepticon conspiracy—but is one of Bee’s friends a double agent?
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Transformers: Bumblebee Movie Prequel #2 (of 4)—Cover B: Fico Ossio
John Barber (w) • Andrew Griffith (a)• Fico Ossio (c)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
The prequel to the new Bumblebee film (coming this winter), geared toward a younger audience!
Sometimes serious, sometimes campy action spy adventure for fans of James Bond or Mission Impossible!
Variant cover by Andrew Griffith!
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1976692)
Posted by Va'al on August 5th, 2018 @ 4:13pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on August 5th, 2018 @ 4:13pm CDT
From Previews World, we have three new covers - with two effectively new pieces of artwork, as you'll see - for the third issue of the Transformers Bumblebee Movie tie-in comic, written by John Barber and with art by Andrew Griffith and Priscilla Tramontano.
The third chapter (out of four) features the usual main and retail incentive work from Griffith, coloured (without credit, again) in the former and with plain line art in the latter, while Fico Ossio (plus colourist) takes on the B variant for the issue. Check them out below!
The third chapter (out of four) features the usual main and retail incentive work from Griffith, coloured (without credit, again) in the former and with plain line art in the latter, while Fico Ossio (plus colourist) takes on the B variant for the issue. Check them out below!
Energon is Forever. It's war in the streets of swinging 1960s London, baby-and it freaks Bumblebee out! The Decepticon scheme to lure the world's top espionage organizations into war shifts to high gear-so Bee and his super-spy friends call in some international help!
In Shops: Aug 29, 2018
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1976859)
Posted by MarkNL on August 6th, 2018 @ 2:34pm CDT
Oh my god, that island underneath Bumblebee.. Le Mont Saint-Michel in France! That's awesome! I've been there several times. Last time was the summer of 2017. This comic surely is a must have for me now, haha!
Posted by MarkNL on August 6th, 2018 @ 2:34pm CDT
Va'al wrote:
Oh my god, that island underneath Bumblebee.. Le Mont Saint-Michel in France! That's awesome! I've been there several times. Last time was the summer of 2017. This comic surely is a must have for me now, haha!
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1980555)
Posted by Va'al on August 25th, 2018 @ 2:30am CDT
Posted by Va'al on August 25th, 2018 @ 2:30am CDT
In comics news from IDW Publishing, we have a quick iTunes preview of next week's release in Transformers comics, with the third issue of the four-issue prequel mini-series to the Bumblebee Movie due this December - From Cybertron With Love - by John Barber, Andrew Griffith, and Priscilla Tramontano!
Energon is Forever can be seen in the images below, and we get the first (chronological, at least) appearance of jet Blitzwing, plus more wordplay, references and acronyms than a single news post can handle. Check it out, and let us know what you think!
Energon is Forever can be seen in the images below, and we get the first (chronological, at least) appearance of jet Blitzwing, plus more wordplay, references and acronyms than a single news post can handle. Check it out, and let us know what you think!
Description
Energon is Forever. It's war in the streets of swinging 1960s London, baby—and it’s freaking Bumblebee out! The Decepticon scheme to lure the world's top espionage organizations into war shifts into high gear—so Bee and his super-spy friends call in some international help!
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1980557)
Posted by ZeroWolf on August 25th, 2018 @ 2:53am CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on August 25th, 2018 @ 2:53am CDT
So blitzwing is a triple changer in the comics at least...everyone looks like they are having a lot of fun making this series.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1980910)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 27th, 2018 @ 7:27pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 27th, 2018 @ 7:27pm CDT
Insert Starscream/Blitzwing memes here 
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1980972)
Posted by Va'al on August 28th, 2018 @ 5:02am CDT
Posted by Va'al on August 28th, 2018 @ 5:02am CDT
I'm glad we are getting Blitzwing introduced here, actually! It clarifies more about why he's the one we see in the movie (though clashes with the alleged Cybertron opening).
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1980976)
Posted by ZeroWolf on August 28th, 2018 @ 5:08am CDT
I was wondering about that myself, the weird thing is that this series could easily work with the previous films. I have to wonder why there's a disconnect between this and how the Bee movie opens...unless this prequel ends with bee back in cybertron to set up the movie.
Posted by ZeroWolf on August 28th, 2018 @ 5:08am CDT
Va'al wrote:I'm glad we are getting Blitzwing introduced here, actually! It clarifies more about why he's the one we see in the movie (though clashes with the alleged Cybertron opening).
I was wondering about that myself, the weird thing is that this series could easily work with the previous films. I have to wonder why there's a disconnect between this and how the Bee movie opens...unless this prequel ends with bee back in cybertron to set up the movie.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1981132)
Posted by Va'al on August 29th, 2018 @ 2:48am CDT
Posted by Va'al on August 29th, 2018 @ 2:48am CDT
This week sees the release of the third issue in the four issue mini series that serves as a prequel to the Transformers Bumblebee Movie due out this December 2018 - From Cybertron With Love! Still riffing on the James Bond / 007 theme for the titles, this week's issue from IDW Publishing sees John Barber, Andrew Griffith and Priscilla Tramontano dive into Energon is Forever, bringing in Decepticon Blitzwing and some more ..external help.
Check it out mirrored below thanks to flickeringmyth, and let us know what you think in the discussion thread!
Check it out mirrored below thanks to flickeringmyth, and let us know what you think in the discussion thread!
Transformers: Bumblebee Movie Prequel #3 (of 4)—Cover A: Andrew Griffith
John Barber (w) • Andrew Griffith (a & c)
Energon is Forever. It's war in the streets of swinging 1960s London, baby—and it’s freaking Bumblebee out! The Decepticon scheme to lure the world's top espionage organizations into war shifts into high gear—so Bee and his super-spy friends call in some international help!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
The prequel to the new Bumblebee film (coming this winter), geared toward a younger audience!
Sometimes serious, sometimes campy action spy adventure for fans of James Bond or Mission Impossible!
Black and white variant cover by Andrew Griffith!
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1981136)
Posted by ZeroWolf on August 29th, 2018 @ 3:29am CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on August 29th, 2018 @ 3:29am CDT
Blitzwing should be grateful that prime isn't there 
otherwise he would have lost his head/face already.
otherwise he would have lost his head/face already.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1981157)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on August 29th, 2018 @ 7:46am CDT
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on August 29th, 2018 @ 7:46am CDT
i still find it extremely jarring to see bumblebee with a human like face and talking. Like my brain can't seem to accept that's the same character I've watched in movies the past decade and have multiple toys of.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1981173)
Posted by ZeroWolf on August 29th, 2018 @ 9:44am CDT
I have a feeling that in the final issue, he won't be looking the same
Posted by ZeroWolf on August 29th, 2018 @ 9:44am CDT
Carnivius_Prime wrote:i still find it extremely jarring to see bumblebee with a human like face and talking. Like my brain can't seem to accept that's the same character I've watched in movies the past decade and have multiple toys of.
I have a feeling that in the final issue, he won't be looking the same
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1981176)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on August 29th, 2018 @ 9:51am CDT
maybe but it kinda bugs me that they've even done that to him to begin with.
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on August 29th, 2018 @ 9:51am CDT
ZeroWolf wrote:Carnivius_Prime wrote:i still find it extremely jarring to see bumblebee with a human like face and talking. Like my brain can't seem to accept that's the same character I've watched in movies the past decade and have multiple toys of.
I have a feeling that in the final issue, he won't be looking the same
maybe but it kinda bugs me that they've even done that to him to begin with.
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1985657)
Posted by Va'al on September 24th, 2018 @ 6:25am CDT
Posted by Va'al on September 24th, 2018 @ 6:25am CDT
Directly from the direct market source of Previews World, we have two new covers for the next issue of the miniseries introducing the new, upcoming live action movie Transformers Bumblebee - both by Andrew Griffith, as they are the same art with and without colours as the A cover and the incentive cover for issue #4!
Take a look below, with a reminder of the blurb, and join the conversation in the Energon Pub!
Take a look below, with a reminder of the blurb, and join the conversation in the Energon Pub!
(W) John Barber (A/CA) Andrew Griffith
In 1960s England, Bumblebee and his super-spy allies infiltrate the Decepticons' clandestine island headquarters. Is it a trap? Of course it's a trap. But in the high-stakes game of counterintelligence, who's trapping who?
The prequel to the new Bumblebee film (coming this winter), geared toward a younger audience!
Sometimes serious, sometimes campy action spy adventure for fans of James Bond or Mission Impossible!
In Shops: Oct 03, 2018
SRP: $3.99
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1986741)
Posted by Va'al on September 29th, 2018 @ 11:31am CDT
Posted by Va'al on September 29th, 2018 @ 11:31am CDT
Once more from the order page over on iTunes, the first three page preview for the next issue in the prequel mini series for the upcoming Transformers Bumblebee Movie are now available to be seen - and we've mirrored them below for your viewing convenience!
The comic is allegedly out next week, but in the world of direct markets and IDW Publishing scheduling, all is possible. Stay tuned for updates once we have them, and join the discussion in the Energon Pub discussion boards.
The comic is allegedly out next week, but in the world of direct markets and IDW Publishing scheduling, all is possible. Stay tuned for updates once we have them, and join the discussion in the Energon Pub discussion boards.
In 1960s England, Bumblebee and his super-spy allies infiltrate the Decepticons’ clandestine island headquarters. Is it a trap? Of course it’s a trap. But in the high-stakes game of counterintelligence, who’s trapping who?
Re: Review of IDW Transformers Bumblebee: From Cybertron with Love #1 (1987153)
Posted by Va'al on October 2nd, 2018 @ 2:01am CDT
Posted by Va'al on October 2nd, 2018 @ 2:01am CDT
The final issue in the Transformers Bumblebee Movie prequel comic from IDW Publishing is due for release this week, with John Barber, Andrew Griffith, and Priscilla Tramontano taking on the live-action universe one more time - in the 1960s! Take a look at the full preview below, and join the discussion about the book in the Energon Pub discussion boards.
Transformers: Bumblebee Movie Prequel #4 (of 4)—Cover A: Andrew Griffith
John Barber (w) • Andrew Griffith (a & c)
In 1960s England, Bumblebee and his super-spy allies infiltrate the Decepticons’ clandestine island headquarters. Is it a trap? Of course it’s a trap. But in the high-stakes game of counterintelligence, who’s trapping who?
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
• The prequel to the new Bumblebee film (coming this winter), geared toward a younger audience!
• Sometimes serious, sometimes campy action spy adventure for fans of James Bond or Mission Impossible!
• Black & white variant cover by Andrew Griffith!
