Scan of Takara Tomy Legends LG-EX God Ginrai In-Pack Comic

Honestly, the recurring portrayal of these young girls getting naked is getting downright creepy. Like, Kiss Players level of creepy...

That's something of an exaggeration. Basically every character is canonically older than they were in their original portrayal, and unlike in Kiss Players there's no rapey subtext or penis tongues (not to mention they're not drawn like children). Sure it's a little risque but on the whole it's very, very tame.

Va'al wrote:God Magnus

Wrong god.

So, any guesses who the guy at the end with Overlord's Master Braces is? He has Giga's non-Godmaster armor gloves on, but how would that work?

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

Va'al wrote:God Magnus

Wrong god.

So, any guesses who the guy at the end with Overlord's Master Braces is? He has Giga's non-Godmaster armor gloves on, but how would that work?

Emerje

That is Giga. He’s been showing up quite a bit in the past few stories. They’re building up to Overlords return

Black Hat wrote:That's something of an exaggeration. Basically every character is canonically older than they were in their original portrayal, and unlike in Kiss Players there's no rapey subtext or penis tongues (not to mention they're not drawn like children). Sure it's a little risque but on the whole it's very, very tame.

I understand that there is a notable difference, but I don't know. It still comes off as excessive to me. Is the legends line not marketed to children? I have no problem with nudity, but I would have a problem with my son opening up a toy and this comic was inside.

Lore Keeper wrote:

Black Hat wrote:That's something of an exaggeration. Basically every character is canonically older than they were in their original portrayal, and unlike in Kiss Players there's no rapey subtext or penis tongues (not to mention they're not drawn like children). Sure it's a little risque but on the whole it's very, very tame.

I understand that there is a notable difference, but I don't know. It still comes off as excessive to me. Is the legends line not marketed to children? I have no problem with nudity, but I would have a problem with my son opening up a toy and this comic was inside.

It's definitely marketed to collectors rather than children. The Legends line as a whole is aimed more at older collectors.

Though it is worth noting the Japanese have a MUCH more lax view on nudity than the West (at least, in cartoons). If a kid WERE to read it their reaction would probably be "LOL, boobs!" in much the same way as kids' comics in the West might wedgie gags or the like. AFAIK nobody much in Japan outside of a very small group of moral busybodies (basically "Won't someone please think of the children!?!" types) really cares. Compare that with Kiss Players where the Japanese fanbase were outright disgusted and were worried that Westerners might think that sh!t was considered "normal" in Japan.

To quote TV Tropes, Naked People are Funny. A shame then that TV Tropes isn't anymore.

But yeah, either way it's really nothing to get upset about. Equal parts cultural dissonance and Sakamoto exercising his ability to not give a toss thanks to an older audience.

(Of course, given that Sakamoto-senpai is actually pretty familiar with the Western fanbase it's entirely possible he's doing it just to upset certain silly individuals.)

But yeah, either way it's really nothing to get upset about.

Nope, too late. I'm upset! Reeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

People wouldn't be getting upset about it so much if Sakamoto only put that kind of stuff in these Legends pack-in comics every once in a blue moon instead of consistently going out of his way to put it in nearly every single pack-in comic.

Black Hat wrote:That's something of an exaggeration. Basically every character is canonically older than they were in their original portrayal,

We really don't know how long after the Masterforce cartoon the year 2021 takes place, as the Masterforce cartoon still has no official year placement of its own. For all we know, the Headmaster Juniors could all now just be one year older than they were in the cartoon, which would make Minerva merely 16 as she was 15 in the cartoon.

Ya know it’s not just Sakamoto ya know? It’s not like Takara is just taking what he draws and prints them and puts them in the box. They are reading and approving the comics.

Sabrblade wrote:People wouldn't be getting upset about it so much if Sakamoto only put that kind of stuff in these Legends pack-in comics every once in a blue moon instead of consistently going out of his way to put it in nearly every single pack-in comic.

Black Hat wrote:That's something of an exaggeration. Basically every character is canonically older than they were in their original portrayal,

We really don't know how long after the Masterforce cartoon the year 2021 takes place, as the Masterforce cartoon still has no official year placement of its own. For all we know, the Headmaster Juniors could all now just be one year older than they were in the cartoon, which would make Minerva merely 16 as she was 15 in the cartoon.

It’s post 2030. The intro to Broadsides comic took place in 2030 so the kids are in their 20s now if you’re saying master force was 2021 and they were 15-16 so that would put the master force trio on their mid 20s

Randomhero wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:People wouldn't be getting upset about it so much if Sakamoto only put that kind of stuff in these Legends pack-in comics every once in a blue moon instead of consistently going out of his way to put it in nearly every single pack-in comic.

Black Hat wrote:That's something of an exaggeration. Basically every character is canonically older than they were in their original portrayal,

We really don't know how long after the Masterforce cartoon the year 2021 takes place, as the Masterforce cartoon still has no official year placement of its own. For all we know, the Headmaster Juniors could all now just be one year older than they were in the cartoon, which would make Minerva merely 16 as she was 15 in the cartoon.

It’s post 2030. The intro to Broadsides comic took place in 2030 so the kids are in their 20s now if you’re saying master force was 2021 and they were 15-16 so that would put the master force trio on their mid 20s

No no no. The Headmaster Juniors came to the Legends World from the year 2021 of the G1 World. Broadside and the Aerialbots (and Megatron, for that matter) came to the Legends World from the 2030s of the G1 World.

Sabrblade wrote:

Randomhero wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:People wouldn't be getting upset about it so much if Sakamoto only put that kind of stuff in these Legends pack-in comics every once in a blue moon instead of consistently going out of his way to put it in nearly every single pack-in comic.

Black Hat wrote:That's something of an exaggeration. Basically every character is canonically older than they were in their original portrayal,

We really don't know how long after the Masterforce cartoon the year 2021 takes place, as the Masterforce cartoon still has no official year placement of its own. For all we know, the Headmaster Juniors could all now just be one year older than they were in the cartoon, which would make Minerva merely 16 as she was 15 in the cartoon.

It’s post 2030. The intro to Broadsides comic took place in 2030 so the kids are in their 20s now if you’re saying master force was 2021 and they were 15-16 so that would put the master force trio on their mid 20s

No no no. The Headmaster Juniors came to the Legends World from the year 2021 of the G1 World. Broadside and the Aerialbots (and Megatron, for that matter) came to the Legends World from the 2030s of the G1 World.

So there’s time traveling or has 9 years just passed in the legends univers? because there has been a lot of stuff that’s happened in the legends universe. I’d honestly be okay if just time has passed.

Randomhero wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Randomhero wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:People wouldn't be getting upset about it so much if Sakamoto only put that kind of stuff in these Legends pack-in comics every once in a blue moon instead of consistently going out of his way to put it in nearly every single pack-in comic.

Black Hat wrote:That's something of an exaggeration. Basically every character is canonically older than they were in their original portrayal,

We really don't know how long after the Masterforce cartoon the year 2021 takes place, as the Masterforce cartoon still has no official year placement of its own. For all we know, the Headmaster Juniors could all now just be one year older than they were in the cartoon, which would make Minerva merely 16 as she was 15 in the cartoon.

It’s post 2030. The intro to Broadsides comic took place in 2030 so the kids are in their 20s now if you’re saying master force was 2021 and they were 15-16 so that would put the master force trio on their mid 20s

No no no. The Headmaster Juniors came to the Legends World from the year 2021 of the G1 World. Broadside and the Aerialbots (and Megatron, for that matter) came to the Legends World from the 2030s of the G1 World.

So there’s time traveling or has 9 years just passed in the legends univers? because there has been a lot of stuff that’s happened in the legends universe. I’d honestly be okay if just time has passed.

Time in the Legends World is grossly out of sync with time in the G1 World to the point of nonsense. For instance, Megatron arrived in the Legends World from the G1 World's 2030s. Then, the Headmaster Juniors, Headmasters, Targetmasters, Twincast, and Soundblaster all arrived in the Legends World after Megatron, but having come from the G1 World's year of 2021. And now, Broadside and the Aerialbots have arrived in the Legends World after all of those guys, but came from a point in the G1 World's 2030s before Megatron's original departure date in that same G1 World's 2030s. It's like anyone can just come and go between worlds at any point in time in the G1 World, only to arrive in the same era of the Legends World completely out of chronological order from the G1 World's timeline and all within a reasonably close proximity to each other's arrival time in the Legends World.

Sabrblade wrote:

Randomhero wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Randomhero wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:People wouldn't be getting upset about it so much if Sakamoto only put that kind of stuff in these Legends pack-in comics every once in a blue moon instead of consistently going out of his way to put it in nearly every single pack-in comic.

Black Hat wrote:That's something of an exaggeration. Basically every character is canonically older than they were in their original portrayal,

We really don't know how long after the Masterforce cartoon the year 2021 takes place, as the Masterforce cartoon still has no official year placement of its own. For all we know, the Headmaster Juniors could all now just be one year older than they were in the cartoon, which would make Minerva merely 16 as she was 15 in the cartoon.

It’s post 2030. The intro to Broadsides comic took place in 2030 so the kids are in their 20s now if you’re saying master force was 2021 and they were 15-16 so that would put the master force trio on their mid 20s

No no no. The Headmaster Juniors came to the Legends World from the year 2021 of the G1 World. Broadside and the Aerialbots (and Megatron, for that matter) came to the Legends World from the 2030s of the G1 World.

So there’s time traveling or has 9 years just passed in the legends univers? because there has been a lot of stuff that’s happened in the legends universe. I’d honestly be okay if just time has passed.

Time in the Legends World is grossly out of sync with time in the G1 World to the point of nonsense. For instance, Megatron arrived in the Legends World from the G1 World's 2030s. Then, the Headmaster Juniors, Headmasters, Targetmasters, Twincast, and Soundblaster all arrived in the Legends World after Megatron, but having come from the G1 World's year of 2021. And now, Broadside and the Aerialbots have arrived in the Legends World after all of those guys, but came from a point in the G1 World's 2030s before Megatron's original departure date in that same G1 World's 2030s. It's like anyone can just come and go between worlds at any point in time in the G1 World, only to arrive in the same era of the Legends World completely out of chronological order from the G1 World's timeline and all within a reasonably close proximity to each other's arrival time in the Legends World.

All that and people get pissy over Sakamoto drawing what some(not me) call controversial things. This entire universe is a giant joke. I’m reading the tfwik articles of each comic right now and am at LG Megatron and all I can do is shake my head.

People take this comic too seriously to get offended by its content.

I don't think anyone is offended by these comics. It's just beginning to seem that Sakamoto is going out of his way to include a naked girl in every issue he can for some reason. Definitely coming off as kind of pervey.

English summary for the God Ginrai comic:

Cab drags Shūta along to peek on Minerva in the shower, trying to defend the violation of privacy as "appreciating beauty", and they end up caught in the act when Godbomber chimes in using telepathy and Minerva overhears his thoughts. Ginrai interrupts to bring them all along on a delivery to Bonapar Island, but as they fly across the Pacific Ocean on Godbomber, they get shot down by the Gigatank firing from the island. Godbomber transforms to robot mode fight back, only for the Megajet to appear, blast the Headmasters off of both Super Ginrai and Godbomber, and capture them.

Giga and Mega haven't accounted for the Headmaster Juniors traveling inside Godbomber, however, and Shūta is able to kick the head-mode Minerva and Cab at the Super Ginrai and Godbomber transtectors, allowing them to become "Super Minerva" and "God Cab". The two combine into "God Minerva" mode and recover Ginrai and Godbomber from Giga and Mega, who make their escape with Ginrai's shipment—new Master-Braces made for research purposes. While Ginrai and the others are left wondering why their old enemies have come back to life, Giga revels in the fact that he and Mega can once again operate a transtector and finally get their revenge on Ginrai.

Lore Keeper wrote:I don't think anyone is offended by these comics. It's just beginning to seem that Sakamoto is going out of his way to include a naked girl in every issue he can for some reason. Definitely coming off as kind of pervey.

That’s your perspective and again, Takara publishes it. They look at the comics too and if they find it just fine and meets their standards who are we to judge?

Oh there are. Not gonna get into it too deep but let’s just say someone was so out right offended they were blowing up not just this just other sites boards demanding the sites change stuff around to accommodate them and their personal views. Tfw2005 ended up deleting entire pages of posts.

Honestly I’m just going to say this:

If you repeatedly get upset over the content of the Legends comic over and over every time new releases happen then stop reading them. After so many times why continue clicking on the articles? It’s not like complaining does anything. Unlike some comic artists and writers, Sakamoto is not part of the community outside Japan. He doesn’t know know English. He has to have a translator when he goes to cons and has to have scripts from IDW translated to Japanese when he does work for them. He doesn’t see the complaints.

Randomhero wrote:

Lore Keeper wrote:I don't think anyone is offended by these comics. It's just beginning to seem that Sakamoto is going out of his way to include a naked girl in every issue he can for some reason. Definitely coming off as kind of pervey.

That’s your perspective and again, Takara publishes it. They look at the comics too and if they find it just fine and meets their standards who are we to judge?

Oh there are. Not gonna get into it too deep but let’s just say someone was so out right offended they were blowing up not just this just other sites boards demanding the sites change stuff around to accommodate them and their personal views. Tfw2005 ended up deleting entire pages of posts.

Oh wow. I wish I could have seen that little tirade before they deleted it!

Lore Keeper wrote:

Randomhero wrote:

Lore Keeper wrote:I don't think anyone is offended by these comics. It's just beginning to seem that Sakamoto is going out of his way to include a naked girl in every issue he can for some reason. Definitely coming off as kind of pervey.

That’s your perspective and again, Takara publishes it. They look at the comics too and if they find it just fine and meets their standards who are we to judge?

Oh there are. Not gonna get into it too deep but let’s just say someone was so out right offended they were blowing up not just this just other sites boards demanding the sites change stuff around to accommodate them and their personal views. Tfw2005 ended up deleting entire pages of posts.

Oh wow. I wish I could have seen that little tirade before they deleted it!

It’s happened a couple times in the past couple months but the one I’m mentioning was certainly a thing

This pervert of Sakamoto surpassed the fanservice to include nude in his comic haha...

I love these Legends comics. So crazy and out there but still working to connect Japan G1 lore. Sakamoto has been great here and on his TFCC stuff.

RacerCheetor wrote:This pervert of Sakamoto surpassed the fanservice to include nude in his comic haha...

Fan service is quite common in manga and anime for older children. Read and watch some, and you'll see how much we censor it

Moonshot wrote:I love these Legends comics. So crazy and out there but still working to connect Japan G1 lore. Sakamoto has been great here and on his TFCC stuff.

To be fair, the Legends manga is nothing more but fanwank deep down with hints to every single corner of the overall fiction, to Japanese pop culture in general, and then some, without any desire to connect it to anything. That's all there is to it.

primalxconvoy wrote:Image removed

So let me get this straight.

You expressed your dislike of the Legends comic when it was all one thread and demanded the comics be split into their own thread because the sight of cartoon skin pains your posterior. Your demands were accepted and the threads were split...

...And you then came into the comics thread SOLELY to stir sh!t up, knowing full well there would be material within you disliked, which had been split into this thread thanks to your bleatings?

Hey primalxconvoy, see what you just posted? Worse than what these comics show.

You've made it perfectly clear you don't approve of these comics, so I have no idea what you're doing in this thread other than intentionally starting shit.

Which is why I deleted your post.

Black Hat wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:Image removed

So let me get this straight.

You expressed your dislike of the Legends comic when it was all one thread and demanded the comics be split into their own thread because the sight of cartoon skin pains your posterior. Your demands were accepted and the threads were split...

...And you then came into the comics thread SOLELY to stir sh!t up, knowing full well there would be material within you disliked, which had been split into this thread thanks to your bleatings?

I asked for a separare thread for a number of reasons:

- it was interfering with discussing about the toys.

-some people found the comics offensive.

- Having a place to discuss, negatively or positively, the comics
is important. It's not the "Let's extol the virtues of these comics", it's a DISCUSSION. Thus, people should be free to comment or criticize such content.

My original post was not racist, sexist or offensive in anyway. There might be people that didn't agree with the views contained in it, but removing it, while keeping the original (which is media that HAS caused offense) seems to not be in keeping with the promotion of free speech. At worst, it seems to be supporting the right to post such comics, while removing criticisms or parodies of such content.

Drop it. NOW.

Edit

Ive never read anywhere that we as users have free speech "protection" here. If the owner or mods dont like what we post, they have every right to delete it. Whether or not that is hypocritical is irrelevant. So again I say I love these comics and the Legendverse.

I'm just waiting for poor old Atari Hitotonari to get a shot at "redemption". Shaoshao Li got the opportunity and she was hilarious, and Marissa existed prior to KP, which means Atari is the only one of the three main Kiss Players yet to get a lucky break in fiction that isn't monstrously awful.

Moonshot wrote:Ive never read anywhere that we as users have free speech "protection" here. If the owner or mods dont like what we post, they have every right to delete it. Whether or not that is hypocritical is irrelevant. So again I say I love these comics and the Legendverse.

That's true. In any private website or physical establishment or service, people have the right to say what they want, up to the point they are removed. In the UK, this even goes up to the point where someone can be refused entry for any reason and/or given no reason. The person refused entry then has the option of sueing, of course (which isn't relevant to this discussion). This is basically used in nightclubs, or even some snobby shops to refuse entry to customers the staff "don't like the look of".

My point was that, regardless of actual rights, does any website want to be seen as not promoting free speech? In my context, it wasn't the fact that I criticised the comic, but the language I used. I'm sure if I had used different language, it wouldn't have been removed.

I think people are kinda forgetting that in Japan they have fanservice all the time in their anime and manga even the kid shows.

Anyone remember the Pokemon episodes or moments that either never came to the west or were edited to be less adult? Do people remember James in the bikini...ugh

It's creepy for us but it's a bit less so in Japan as long as it doesn't go to far like Kiss Players.

primalxconvoy wrote:

Moonshot wrote:Ive never read anywhere that we as users have free speech "protection" here. If the owner or mods dont like what we post, they have every right to delete it. Whether or not that is hypocritical is irrelevant. So again I say I love these comics and the Legendverse.

That's true. In any private website or physical establishment or service, people have the right to say what they want, up to the point they are removed. In the UK, this even goes up to the point where someone can be refused entry for any reason and/or given no reason. The person refused entry then has the option of sueing, of course (which isn't relevant to this discussion). This is basically used in nightclubs, or even some snobby shops to refuse entry to customers the staff "don't like the look of".

My point was that, regardless of actual rights, does any website want to be seen as not promoting free speech? In my context, it wasn't the fact that I criticised the comic, but the language I used. I'm sure if I had used different language, it wouldn't have been removed.

Since we're talking the concept of free speech, why not continue in the Political Related thread? It could use some action

Back to the manga... I agree the amount of fanservice is a bit over the top at the moment, but we're plainly forgetting the female bots got their share as well:

- having clothes torn off by Apeface
- Arcee as a cheerleader having her skirt flipped up by Wheelie
- dressing up in costumes of all kinds

Also, poor Cab...

Legends is getting closer to its end with Power of Prime in the starting blocks. Maybe this is a way for Sakamoto to go out with a bang?

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:go out with a bang?

I see what you did there.

Burn wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:go out with a bang?

I see what you did there.

Sigh...

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Burn wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:go out with a bang?

I see what you did there.

Sigh...

Oh lighten up buttercup. FFS, I was just trying to have a bit of fun.

I thought Legends would keep on going considering that it did not start with Titans returns figures but rather it started with thrilling 30 and continued on to the Titans return toys.

They have pints, err, I mean, political discussion?

Someone who's worked with Sikomofo told me that perhaps he's trying to emulate the early 80's "uncensored" comics and/or cartoons in Japan. However, although there may not have been any condemnation of it amongst Japanese TF fans, like I've said, most Japanese I've shown the comics to raised eyebrows at the least.

If Sikomofo IS trying to emulate the original comics, etc, then why not show male nudity or have males in compromising or embarrassing positions? Crayon Shinchan, Brock in a bikini, or even the original TF cartoons:

-

It's not necessarily the naked, or sexualized imagery (for some) that is an issue, it's Sikomofo's consistent use of (young/underaged) females. It's either an old joke by now, or a sign that he's only interested in portraying females in this way.

Burn wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Burn wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:go out with a bang?

I see what you did there.

Sigh...

Oh lighten up buttercup. FFS, I was just trying to have a bit of fun.

I know, and I love you for it

Deadput wrote:I thought Legends would keep on going considering that it did not start with Titans returns figures but rather it started with thrilling 30 and continued on to the Titans return toys.

The Power of the Prime toys will be released in a new line, as detailed here. So yeah, outside of exclusives Legends will be ending.

Mini-rant.

Two problems with that hypothesis, primalxconvoy.

1: Nudity gags are incredibly common in Japanese media, in much the same way as fart jokes in Western media (fun fact: for centuries, Japan had literally no nudity taboo at all, and in Japanese mythology nudity is usually associated with purity. Associating nudity with sexuality was a Western import).

2: Whilst the chronology in the Legends universe is all over the place, it's HEAVILY implied that most of the cast are older than they were in their respective debut media (case in point, Shaoshao Li is now 30 in the Legends verse).

It's also worth noting that Sakamoto-senpai is very familiar with the Western fanbase (especially by Japanese standards) and even reads the Wiki. So, combined with the fact that a lot of Japanese really, REALLY resent Western PC culture (remember the reaction to the UN's wibbling over the rights of fictional women whilst they had SAUDI ARABIA at the head of their women's rights council?), there's every chance he's literally putting that stuff in solely to wind up over-sensitive numpties on the internet.

So if you really want to stick it to "Sikomofo" the BEST thing you can do is just keep your hair on and not whine about it.

Moving SWIFTLY on...

I wonder what Blitzwing and Octane are going to get for their comics? Blitzwing I suspect will be football related somehow, whilst Octane has that ghostly Starscream headmaster, so who knows...

NOTE TO ADMINS: - I'm using spoiler tags to hide a long post, but it doesn't seem to be working. Any help in doing so, to help others reduce scrolling would be helpful. Presently, it just puts blocks over the text, rather than behind the word "SPOILER" (like other sites do)

Black Hat wrote:Mini-rant.

Two problems with that hypothesis, primalxconvoy.

1: Nudity gags are incredibly common in Japanese media, in much the same way as fart jokes in Western media (fun fact: for centuries, Japan had literally no nudity taboo at all, and in Japanese mythology nudity is usually associated with purity. Associating nudity with sexuality was a Western import).

According to Wikipedia, you are partially right. Japan, like most places in the world, was affected by trade and contact with other cultures and nations. This isn't really any different from the UK adopting Roman roads, or India receiving railways from the UK (although the methods in which countries like the UK used is debatable).

However,in portrayals of nudity in Japanese media, it's a different matter:

-

"...Despite the lack of taboos on public nudity, traditional Japanese art seldom depicted nude individuals except for paintings of bathhouses. When the first embassies opened in Western countries in the late 19th century, Japanese dignitaries were shocked and offended at the European predilection for nude statues and busts. However, Japanese students traveling to Europe to study became exposed to Western art and its frequent nudity. In 1894, Kuroda Seikia was the first Japanese artist to publicly exhibit a painting of a nude woman grooming herself. The work caused a public uproar, but gradually nudity became more accepted in Japanese art and by the 1910s, it was commonplace and acceptable as long as pubic hair was not shown. By the 1930s, pubes were accepted as long as they were not overly detailed or the main focus of the picture.

In traditional Japanese culture, nudity was typically associated with the lower class of society, i.e. those who performed manual labor and frequently wore little when the weather permitted. The upper class, for comparison, were expected to be modest and fully clothed, with fine clothing in particular considered more erotic than nudity itself. After the Meiji Restoration, upper-class Japanese began adopting Western clothing, which included underwear, something not part of the traditional Japanese wardrobe except for loincloths worn by men..."

(Source: - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_nudity )

Also, as this is about FEMALE depictions of nudity, abd how women seem to be treated differently from a male viewpoint in Japan, then feel free to read this article on how "open and carefree Japan is on female nudity in art":

- https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/ ... iXQOmjqbV4

Personally, I've got a print of a pixellated Tokyo, featuring naked males and females, made by "eBoy" (a German design company) on the wall of my living room, and I'd love to have some of that vagina art on my wall, too. I'm not against nudity or expression in art. However, it could be said that Sikomofo's depictions represent male-dominated views of women being subservient, sexually available and looking or being young/youthful/underage.

Also, here is an opinion piece on how it's believed that male-dominating rules on pornography/nudity are in place to hinder women from enjoying nudity abd sexuality in Japanese media, rather than men:

- http://www.comicsbeat.com/japanese-sexu ... r-illegal/

Regardless, using past depictions to state present ones is not really helpful here. A similar argument could also be used to state that using the "N-Word" in English prose today is fine because it was used in books many years ago (such as books by Mark Twain).

Also, I stated that the issue is more complex than that. Is it just the nudity that is a problem, the degrees in which it is shown or the constant use of only FEMALES, rather than males? Japanese manga and cartoons have had a healthy history of using naked males in cartoons and comics, but Sikomofo hasn't.

2: Whilst the chronology in the Legends universe is all over the place, it's HEAVILY implied that most of the cast are older than they were in their respective debut media (case in point, Shaoshao Li is now 30 in the Legends verse).

Regardless of saying how old she is meant to be, looking at the way said females are exclusively drawn in these comics gives a contrary image. They LOOK underage, which is a deliberate ploy by the artist. Stating that they are "old enough", next to the pictures is like calling a 3P Optimus Prime "Not Optimus Prime", or for using "Not Mother and Not Son" in some adult video title.

It's also worth noting that Sakamoto-senpai is very familiar with the Western fanbase (especially by Japanese standards) and even reads the Wiki. So, combined with the fact that a lot of Japanese really, REALLY resent Western PC culture (remember the reaction to the UN's wibbling over the rights of fictional women whilst they had SAUDI ARABIA at the head of their women's rights council?), there's every chance he's literally putting that stuff in solely to wind up over-sensitive numpties on the internet.

Firstly, I think you meant to write "sensei" instead of "sempai" (Sensei is used, if wanted, for, say a major or senior artist, at least by some people). I agree somewhat, that Sikomofo is "trolling" people (that's what someone I know, who's worked with him, believes). However, if true, is that good business? Should Takara really be making media (especially media that's included with the products that they're trying to sell) that's trolling part of their customer base, however small it may be? Should Hasbro go back to using "spastic" in toy bios, just for "teh lulz"?

Secondly, I don't agree with your views on "most Japanese people". Where is your evidence? It's too broad a statement, without any links or evidence to back up the claim. However, I believe that most Japanese people don't agree with Sikomofo's depictions of females, in the context of a comic that's inside toys sold to children. This is because the ones I've spoken with (and ones other Japanese have spoken to on my behalf) felt just as uncomfortable add myself and also because Japanese people, not just foreigners, have been behind changes to child pornography laws in Japan, for example.

However, if you are talking about the Japanese government (with regards to the UN), then I would say that any given government isn't always an accurate reflection of its people. The LDP just recently blocked/neutered a law that would ban smoking in all bars and restaurants in Japan (to make Japan more hospitable to foreign tourists for the upcoming Olympic Games in Japan). Even though this was wanted by many other non-smoking Japanese people, the LDP blocked it. Why? Probably due to the LDP having close links with Japan Tobacco...

So if you really want to stick it to "Sikomofo" the BEST thing you can do is just keep your hair on and not whine about it.

Not really. The best thing I can do is to take action, including giving my opinions and criticising it online. However, you are more than welcome to take your own advice regarding my views, if you wish.

Moving SWIFTLY on...

Firstly, no, I meant senpai. Sakamoto is a wonderful man and I have nothing but admiration for him. The salt that flows forth when he draws his silly comics is glorious.

Secondly, yes, Takara should be actively trying to excise the fools that whine about "le problematic depictions of [minority of the week here]" from the fanbase. Modern day Marvel is an example of what happens if the cancer is allowed to set in. If a few self-entitled morons are going to quit Transformers because of some cartoon boobs, they probably didn't belong in the fandom to begin with. Besides, if we're talking about "problematic" content then how about IDW, with its graphic violence (poor Ambulon)? Heck, one could argue that the normalization of homosexual relations in IDW is "problematic"- there's probably far more people offended by the gay relationships in IDW than by a few silly illustrations of boobs. Or do they not count because they're icky conservatives?

Thirdly, "They LOOK underage" is not an argument. Mainly because aside from basic "big head with big eyes" manga stylings they...really don't. They're not even particularly alluring images- the fact you interpret a clearly comedic image as sexual says a lot more about you than it does about Sakamoto.

Finally, congratulations on missing my point entirely. You "taking action" is just going to give Sakamoto and his fans (myself included) more laughter. There is precisely nothing you can do to stop Sakamoto from exercising his reasonable right to draw silly comics advertising plastic toys, and by continuing to do so you are actively sh*tting up the discussion forum and making a complete idiot of yourself. If you really enjoy humiliating yourself then by all means carry on, but realize you're probably going to turn yourself into a complete laughing stock. You're also making it impossible for those who actually want to, you know, just talk about our silly robot comics to do so, and you're likely to make quite a few people very, very angry.

To sum up: Don't be daft lad.

primalxconvoy wrote:NOTE TO ADMINS: - I'm using spoiler tags to hide a long post, but it doesn't seem to be working. Any help in doing so, to help others reduce scrolling would be helpful. Presently, it just puts blocks over the text, rather than behind the word "SPOILER" (like other sites do)

Black Hat wrote:Mini-rant.

Two problems with that hypothesis, primalxconvoy.

1: Nudity gags are incredibly common in Japanese media, in much the same way as fart jokes in Western media (fun fact: for centuries, Japan had literally no nudity taboo at all, and in Japanese mythology nudity is usually associated with purity. Associating nudity with sexuality was a Western import).

According to Wikipedia, you are partially right. Japan, like most places in the world, was affected by trade and contact with other cultures and nations. This isn't really any different from the UK adopting Roman roads, or India receiving railways from the UK (although the methods in which countries like the UK used is debatable).

However,in portrayals of nudity in Japanese media, it's a different matter:

-

"...Despite the lack of taboos on public nudity, traditional Japanese art seldom depicted nude individuals except for paintings of bathhouses. When the first embassies opened in Western countries in the late 19th century, Japanese dignitaries were shocked and offended at the European predilection for nude statues and busts. However, Japanese students traveling to Europe to study became exposed to Western art and its frequent nudity. In 1894, Kuroda Seikia was the first Japanese artist to publicly exhibit a painting of a nude woman grooming herself. The work caused a public uproar, but gradually nudity became more accepted in Japanese art and by the 1910s, it was commonplace and acceptable as long as pubic hair was not shown. By the 1930s, pubes were accepted as long as they were not overly detailed or the main focus of the picture.

In traditional Japanese culture, nudity was typically associated with the lower class of society, i.e. those who performed manual labor and frequently wore little when the weather permitted. The upper class, for comparison, were expected to be modest and fully clothed, with fine clothing in particular considered more erotic than nudity itself. After the Meiji Restoration, upper-class Japanese began adopting Western clothing, which included underwear, something not part of the traditional Japanese wardrobe except for loincloths worn by men..."

(Source: - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_nudity )

Also, as this is about FEMALE depictions of nudity, abd how women seem to be treated differently from a male viewpoint in Japan, then feel free to read this article on how "open and carefree Japan is on female nudity in art":

- https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/ ... iXQOmjqbV4

Personally, I've got a print of a pixellated Tokyo, featuring naked males and females, made by "eBoy" (a German design company) on the wall of my living room, and I'd love to have some of that vagina art on my wall, too. I'm not against nudity or expression in art. However, it could be said that Sikomofo's depictions represent male-dominated views of women being subservient, sexually available and looking or being young/youthful/underage.

Also, here is an opinion piece on how it's believed that male-dominating rules on pornography/nudity are in place to hinder women from enjoying nudity abd sexuality in Japanese media, rather than men:

- http://www.comicsbeat.com/japanese-sexu ... r-illegal/

Regardless, using past depictions to state present ones is not really helpful here. A similar argument could also be used to state that using the "N-Word" in English prose today is fine because it was used in books many years ago (such as books by Mark Twain).

Also, I stated that the issue is more complex than that. Is it just the nudity that is a problem, the degrees in which it is shown or the constant use of only FEMALES, rather than males? Japanese manga and cartoons have had a healthy history of using naked males in cartoons and comics, but Sikomofo hasn't.

2: Whilst the chronology in the Legends universe is all over the place, it's HEAVILY implied that most of the cast are older than they were in their respective debut media (case in point, Shaoshao Li is now 30 in the Legends verse).

Regardless of saying how old she is meant to be, looking at the way said females are exclusively drawn in these comics gives a contrary image. They LOOK underage, which is a deliberate ploy by the artist. Stating that they are "old enough", next to the pictures is like calling a 3P Optimus Prime "Not Optimus Prime", or for using "Not Mother and Not Son" in some adult video title.

It's also worth noting that Sakamoto-senpai is very familiar with the Western fanbase (especially by Japanese standards) and even reads the Wiki. So, combined with the fact that a lot of Japanese really, REALLY resent Western PC culture (remember the reaction to the UN's wibbling over the rights of fictional women whilst they had SAUDI ARABIA at the head of their women's rights council?), there's every chance he's literally putting that stuff in solely to wind up over-sensitive numpties on the internet.

Firstly, I think you meant to write "sensei" instead of "sempai" (Sensei is used, if wanted, for, say a major or senior artist, at least by some people). I agree somewhat, that Sikomofo is "trolling" people (that's what someone I know, who's worked with him, believes). However, if true, is that good business? Should Takara really be making media (especially media that's included with the products that they're trying to sell) that's trolling part of their customer base, however small it may be? Should Hasbro go back to using "spastic" in toy bios, just for "teh lulz"?

Secondly, I don't agree with your views on "most Japanese people". Where is your evidence? It's too broad a statement, without any links or evidence to back up the claim. However, I believe that most Japanese people don't agree with Sikomofo's depictions of females, in the context of a comic that's inside toys sold to children. This is because the ones I've spoken with (and ones other Japanese have spoken to on my behalf) felt just as uncomfortable add myself and also because Japanese people, not just foreigners, have been behind changes to child pornography laws in Japan, for example.

However, if you are talking about the Japanese government (with regards to the UN), then I would say that any given government isn't always an accurate reflection of its people. The LDP just recently blocked/neutered a law that would ban smoking in all bars and restaurants in Japan (to make Japan more hospitable to foreign tourists for the upcoming Olympic Games in Japan). Even though this was wanted by many other non-smoking Japanese people, the LDP blocked it. Why? Probably due to the LDP having close links with Japan Tobacco...

So if you really want to stick it to "Sikomofo" the BEST thing you can do is just keep your hair on and not whine about it.

Not really. The best thing I can do is to take action, including giving my opinions and criticising it online. However, you are more than welcome to take your own advice regarding my views, if you wish.

Moving SWIFTLY on...

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn TLDR (noisy minority).

Black Hat wrote:Firstly, no, I meant senpai. Sakamoto is a wonderful man and I have nothing but admiration for him. The salt that flows forth when he draws his silly comics is glorious.

Secondly, yes, Takara should be actively trying to excise the fools that whine about "le problematic depictions of [minority of the week here]" from the fanbase. Modern day Marvel is an example of what happens if the cancer is allowed to set in. If a few self-entitled morons are going to quit Transformers because of some cartoon boobs, they probably didn't belong in the fandom to begin with. Besides, if we're talking about "problematic" content then how about IDW, with its graphic violence (poor Ambulon)? Heck, one could argue that the normalization of homosexual relations in IDW is "problematic"- there's probably far more people offended by the gay relationships in IDW than by a few silly illustrations of boobs. Or do they not count because they're icky conservatives?

Thirdly, "They LOOK underage" is not an argument. Mainly because aside from basic "big head with big eyes" manga stylings they...really don't. They're not even particularly alluring images- the fact you interpret a clearly comedic image as sexual says a lot more about you than it does about Sakamoto.

Finally, congratulations on missing my point entirely. You "taking action" is just going to give Sakamoto and his fans (myself included) more laughter. There is precisely nothing you can do to stop Sakamoto from exercising his reasonable right to draw silly comics advertising plastic toys, and by continuing to do so you are actively sh*tting up the discussion forum and making a complete idiot of yourself. If you really enjoy humiliating yourself then by all means carry on, but realize you're probably going to turn yourself into a complete laughing stock. You're also making it impossible for those who actually want to, you know, just talk about our silly robot comics to do so, and you're likely to make quite a few people very, very angry.

To sum up: Don't be daft lad.

Agree x infinity. The skin exposure no different from the canned American shows like Babe Watch etc. Or even Sports Illustrated. Fact is, the "shower scenes" or even alien tentacle loving are much a creation of Hollyweird than the Japanese culture.

And the so called "protesting online"? I remembered some noisy western "fans" protesting online against Big"N"'s Miyamoto concerning the portrayal of Zelda as demeaning to women or something..........nothing HAPPENED!
Too much ruffled feathers will get you nowhere and at worst look what's going to happen to Appu in the Simpsons as PC goes runsamuck!

Heck, I'm more interested in how Giga and Mega got resurrected and how the upcoming Power of the Prime Convoy and Rodimusconvoy will be shoe horned into this reality.

First off I would like to give a big THANK YOU to Hayato Sakamoto
Your art is so awesome, and considering that I love Minerva I have no problems seeing "more of" her in your comics.
And second I would like to say I completely agree with Black Hat. I was going to bring up the IDW comics as well, and how everyone doesn't question them, but most likely my words would not have been as "nice" to say the least. But it is nice to know I am not alone in loving the art in these Legend comics.

Black Hat wrote:Firstly, no, I meant senpai. Sakamoto is a wonderful man and I have nothing but admiration for him. The salt that flows forth when he draws his silly comics is glorious.

If you really like him and respect him or his work that much, calling him "senpai" would look odd, at best if you ever met him (being too casual) The correct honorific, in Japanese, especially from your POV, is still "sensei". I'm not trying to trick you on this one.

Secondly, yes, Takara should be actively trying to excise the fools that whine about "the problematic depictions of [minority of the week here]" from the fanbase. Modern day Marvel is an example of what happens if the cancer is allowed to set in. If a few self-entitled morons are going to quit Transformers because of some cartoon boobs, they probably didn't belong in the fandom to begin with.

Referring to such people so negatively isn't constructive. Secondly by bringing comics into the 21st century, and reflecting more views, cultures and groups of people is only a good thing. I would say it's the majority of fans that have no problem with these issues. They might criticise the ways they were implemented, but the spirit is only a good as welcome thing. Such changes brought about the fantastic and critically acclaimed "Wonderwoman" film, for example (or arguably, the "Jessica Jones" Netflix show). And honestly, do you really think a female character, for example, should be defined by her sexual attractiveness to males (unless it's intrinsic to the story)? I believe that social change is a welcome part of all media, including comics:

- http://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-17-comic ... al-change/

As a related side note, there was internal criticism of the "Kawaii" style depictions of Wonder Woman in the film's Japanese marketing, essentially stripping her off her power for a traditional, Japanese male-dominated view:

-: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/201 ... iYOumjqbV4.

Also, Japanese people have been debating the work of a major artist when he was arrested for possessing child porn:

- https://www.google.co.jp/amp/s/kotaku.c ... 633519/amp

And recently, Japanese women have protested depictions of women in both tourist marketing and in porn magazines available at a convenience store in Japan. These aren't enraged, ethnocentric foreigners, nor far-left people. They are the general, Japanese public:

- https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2017 ... icism.html
- https://www.google.co.jp/amp/s/en.rocke ... -year/amp/ (While 7-11 refused to remove them, after a local Chiba body asked them to).

"If we're talking about "problematic" content then how about IDW, with its graphic violence (poor Ambulon)? Heck, one could argue that the normalization of homosexual relations in IDW is "problematic"- there's probably far more people offended by the gay relationships in IDW than by a few silly illustrations of boobs. Or do they not count because they're icky conservatives?

That's a very good question. If sexual issues are problematic, especially in the context of media aimed at children, then how about violence or other issues, such as social ones (gender, race, etc)? Is it better to "make love, not war" in comics such as these?

For me, there are suitable rules in place for violence in cartoons (look at the lengths cartoons had to go to be suitable for even 80's Saturday morning cartoon syndication, for example), but I'm open for debate and change, if it's needed. It's not fair to criticise some issues, while defending others, right?
However, although I'm not myself comfortable with some of the changes that IDW has brought to their franchises ("Black Tracker" in MASK and a black Leonus in Visionaries, for example), I welcome such issues in TF comics, especially as the world of robots makes a suitable canvas to discuss issues without making them blatant.
For example, the "shipping" you described between two TF charcters isn't "homosexual" as both characters are genderless. Similar issues about gender were raised in the Arcee arc and even (slightly differently) in the original G1 Marvel TF comic about Arcee. I loved how social issues, such as a TFs alt mode, affected their place in society, etc. I wasn't happy that two original characters were changed, and the subject matter challenged my views, but I'd be more happier if NEW characters were used to tell the same story too (again, the way it was handled, rather than the issues themselves). A similar story was in the recent show, "The Orville", where a baby's gender was discussed. Social and political issues were also heavily referenced in the original Star Trek shows and I believe that's part of why they were so popular and have remained so (somewhat).
However, if some people were offended by references to homosexuality (which is a fair description, IMO), then why? My own personal religious beliefs don't support homosexuality, but I can "live in the world and not be part of it" and respect that it is the legal right of any adult to engage in relationships with almost anyone they please, as long as that does not cause harm to others, etc. I believe also that it is an (increasing) minority of people that are offended by such issues. Relating to the Sikomofo comic, hs depiction of a group of people (females) can be considered negative, while the IDW depiction of (alternate sexual choices) is positive. Which is a better way to show sexual isuues?

Thirdly, "They LOOK underage" is not an argument. Mainly because aside from basic "big head with big eyes" manga stylings they...really don't. They're not even particularly alluring images- the fact you interpret a clearly comedic image as sexual says a lot more about you than it does about Sakamoto.

It most certainly is. The easy argument is "if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck..."mm
Minerva is 15 years old (source: - http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Minerva_(Masterforce_human) ), and whether she's suddenly "older" in this new comic is irrelevant, due to her visual depiction remaining the same. Compare that, in the same Wiki article and ask yourself which of these depictions of the character looks older, the Western version, or the version by Sikomofo?

Original version:
-
Legends comic "older version":

-

Alternative depiction of "older version"
-
It's true that in Japan, cute depictions of characters may transcend actual intended ages, so that we might see cute old ladies, such as the famous "Sazesan":

-

However, Sazaesan isn't being looked at by two boys, while she is naked, in the shower, is she? Thus, if semiotic analysis is employed, we can see a pattern of young looking females being put into situations whereby they are either naked, subject to humiliation and/or while being objects to be gazed at by males. In the case of this comic, a 15 year old high school girl has been subjected to this.

Also, a casual friend/acqueintance of mine wrote a book on the subject, extolling the virtues of "Moe Love". Although he didn't attack the ideas (quite the opposite), there is discussion about the issue of YOUNG girls being depicted as sexual objects. The book may not agree with my views, but it does seem to at least admit that such girls ARE young, regardless of whatever arbitrary ages are tagged onto them to justify their existence, at times:

- https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/20 ... iYPh2jqbV4

(BTW, Patrick is a great guy and is a professor in North Carolina still, I believe. I believe his wife teaches at the nearby rival University, so there's a Chapel Hill/Duke split, I believe).
Japan also has a well documented history of the objectification of young girls, both in manga, video and photography (such as "Chaku ero") and a term,"lolicon":

- https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/ ... iYWW2jqbV4

- http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/item/57ea ... f2563b38aa

What makes you think this comic is somehow different from these issues?

Finally, congratulations on missing my point entirely. You "taking action" is just going to give Sakamoto and his fans (myself included) more laughter. There is precisely nothing you can do to stop Sakamoto from exercising his reasonable right to draw silly comics advertising plastic toys, and by continuing to do so you are actively sh*tting up the discussion forum and making a complete idiot of yourself. If you really enjoy humiliating yourself then by all means carry on, but realize you're probably going to turn yourself into a complete laughing stock. You're also making it impossible for those who actually want to, you know, just talk about our silly robot comics to do so, and you're likely to make quite a few people very, very angry.

To sum up: Don't be daft lad.

Not really. Like I have said before, I am in the process of drafting a letter of complaint, in Japanese, to Takara, on the matter. I'm raising awareness with Japanese parents to let them know about the issue, voicing my opinions here to keep awareness up and engage in discussion and also learning more about it from my friends and acquaintances in Japan who are far more knowledgeable about this subject myself. In fact, it was debating cultural issues about Japan that was one of the things that allowed me to meet my current Japanese girlfriend, and we still engage in debate or discussion about various social issues in the UK, Japan and USA.

I'm having a blast in Japan, in the process. How about you?

Michael Alex Kawa wrote:First off I would like to give a big THANK YOU to Hayato Sakamoto
Your art is so awesome, and considering that I love Minerva I have no problems seeing "more of" her in your comics.
And second I would like to say I completely agree with Black Hat. I was going to bring up the IDW comics as well, and how everyone doesn't question them, but most likely my words would not have been as "nice" to say the least. But it is nice to know I am not alone in loving the art in these Legend comics.

It's a shame that a lot of JP themed products get's sanitized because the publishers are so afraid to offend. And I'm talking about stuff like Yugioh cards. Though JP versions of American products (i.e. games) too GET sanitized. But sometimes, the complaints are kind of OT!

I always love when someone "questions" the current "relationships" in the IDW Universe, the response is always "they are gender-less".
Using that mindset, I could say what is the big deal with how T-AI is portrayed in these Legend comics, since she is really just a "hologram image".
Or in all reality all of these characters in these comics (Legends/IDW/whatever), don't exist, and they are just lines on a piece of paper. It is all in how we perceive these "lines" in our mind and how we interpret them.
And what my mind sees is a girl with a nice a** taking a shower,
and you really don't want to know how I perceive the "relationships" in the IDW Universe....you really really don't.

Michael Alex Kawa wrote:I always love when someone "questions" the current "relationships" in the IDW Universe, the response is always "they are gender-less".
Using that mindset, I could say what is the big deal with how T-AI is portrayed in these Legend comics, since she is really just a "hologram image".
Or in all reality all of these characters in these comics (Legends/IDW/whatever), don't exist, and they are just lines on a piece of paper. It is all in how we perceive these "lines" in our mind and how we interpret them.
And what my mind sees is a girl with a nice a** taking a shower,
and you really don't want to know how I perceive the "relationships" in the IDW Universe....you really really don't.

That wasn't my point. In science fiction, a common (trope?) is to use ambiguity to tackle social, political issues, etc. Robots, aliens with extra genders, brings from other dimensions, etc can all be used to allow people in our world to consider alternate ideas and opinions equally.

Thus, taboo subjects can be discussed. In the case of the IDW story, the universe features two genderless robots dealing with a taboo relationship in their own culture. In our world, this can reflect a number of issues, from homosexual, bisexual, inter-racial, etc relationships (although, for the sake of argument, let's assume it's only homosexual). Thus, in the IDW stories, real life issues were explored via an ambiguous framework. It's a way to allow readers to all be on the same page, even ones who have issues with (homosexuality) in the real world. So to, with things like "Primus" (religion), "Arcee" (gender, transgender, identity, etc).

With things like AI in RID, in that universe, she is a female artificial intelligence, which, depending on the stories, media or PVC figurine discussed, has been treated as a sexual object, usually without her knowledge or permission. However, in that universe, unlike the IDW stories, there was little or no story too give reasons for such behavior, nor any noticable repurcussions. There was no ambiguity used, not any social commentary, as far as I am aware.

Which one do you think was more effective in conveying a story, or dealing with issues such as gender, identity, different perspectives on morality, etc?

primalxconvoy wrote:

Michael Alex Kawa wrote:I always love when someone "questions" the current "relationships" in the IDW Universe, the response is always "they are gender-less".
Using that mindset, I could say what is the big deal with how T-AI is portrayed in these Legend comics, since she is really just a "hologram image".
Or in all reality all of these characters in these comics (Legends/IDW/whatever), don't exist, and they are just lines on a piece of paper. It is all in how we perceive these "lines" in our mind and how we interpret them.
And what my mind sees is a girl with a nice a** taking a shower,
and you really don't want to know how I perceive the "relationships" in the IDW Universe....you really really don't.

That wasn't my point. In science fiction, a common (trope?) is to use ambiguity to tackle social, political issues, etc. Robots, aliens with extra genders, brings from other dimensions, etc can all be used to allow people in our world to consider alternate ideas and opinions equally.

Thus, taboo subjects can be discussed. In the case of the IDW story, the universe features two genderless robots dealing with a taboo relationship in their own culture. In our world, this can reflect a number of issues, from homosexual, bisexual, inter-racial, etc relationships (although, for the sake of argument, let's assume it's only homosexual). Thus, in the IDW stories, real life issues were explored via an ambiguous framework. It's a way to allow readers to all be on the same page, even ones who have issues with (homosexuality) in the real world. So to, with things like "Primus" (religion), "Arcee" (gender, transgender, identity, etc).

With things like AI in RID, in that universe, she is a female artificial intelligence, which, depending on the stories, media or PVC figurine discussed, has been treated as a sexual object, usually without her knowledge or permission. However, in that universe, unlike the IDW stories, there was little or no story too give reasons for such behavior, nor any noticable repurcussions. There was no ambiguity used, not any social commentary, as far as I am aware.

Which one do you think was more effective in conveying a story, or dealing with issues such as gender, identity, different perspectives on morality, etc?

To be honest I do see what you mean, and all.
And I guess for myself I find these little comics fun and comical with a little bit of "fan service" to boot. No I can't deny that the females are shown just as "sexual objects", and I could try to justify it, but I would just be running in circles. As for if this is wrong or right is what is debatable.
In my opinion, or I should say in a perfect world, I wish I could have the best of both worlds.
Lately in western comics, women have been portrayed in this....I don't know how to say it....cantankerous manner....like unless they have a "kick a**, take no prisoner" attitude, then it is an insult towards female readers.
Ever wonder why if Thor takes off his shirt there are "hoots and hollering" from the audience, yet if Black Window does, then there is a "call to arms". It reminds me of a Family Guy episode where a crowd was yelling "all sex is rape", and this is how the world is becoming.
Western comics give fans of Thor or Batman fan-service, but no longer can we expect to see a Marvel Swimsuit special again with the likes of Rouge or Scarlet Witch....and why.....well we all know why.
For me I have been a fan of Minerva since I first saw Masterforce, and I am not gonna push away or not enjoy the little bit of fan service I might get of her in these comics.
Do I wish that these "stories: had more meat to them, yeah I do, and yes for me if would make the "fan service" even more enjoyable.....but I also know if lets say IDW ever uses Minerva they would strip (not in a good way ) away every aspect about her that makes her likable and make her yet another ANGRY GUN TOTING BI*** THAT HATES MEN....like they (and other comic book companies) have done lately to most other female characters.
It is like what a guy I knew once that owned a comic book store once said to me "Most super hero females are just men with tits".........BTW he was talking about Wonder Woman....just saying.

That's a very valid point. Like I said before, (regardless of it being right or wrong), I don't like having a black Matt Tracker, but I'm not against the notion of having a non-white leader for MASK, or exploring that issue (which I should really discuss in a relevant thread). I felt that the respect for the original subject matter wasn't given and changes were made to MASK arbitrarily.

In the case of the Legends comics, the staff go to great lengths, even in this parody style universe, to explain EVERY facet of TF lore. Sikomofo is known to have an almost encyclopedic knowledge of TF lore, so why can't he also use his skills to acknowledge traditional Japanese conventions whilst bringing it to a more modern audience. In essence, exactly what he's doing with marrying new toys with established lore? Have Minerva "perv" at the boys, or have the boys perv at a transformer by mistake (and get scolded for it), have older versions of the characters wax lyrical about the good old days, only for the females to tell them to "get with the times", or something else.

As for the "kick ass Mary Sue" then I agree somewhat. It's perfectly feasible to have a physically strong female, such as She Hulk, Beast Machines Strika, etc. In fact, I introduced my Japanese preschool learners to He-Man and She-Ra. They are around 3-5 years old and the girls love Disney Princesses. They now LOVE She-Ra and want to be strong, like her, Moanna and Elsa. The boys and girls in my class get treated the same as I want all of them to be brave, strong, caring and smart (which they all are).

However, it's all about context. Those characters are strong for a reason, whereas I think you're saying that it's almost ANY female in media these days that seems to be able to fight men twice their size in the same style of combat and win. I take issue with that. It doesn't show how a physically weaker or smaller opponent can actually win a fight against one that is stronger or bigger. It's like showing Indiana Jones winning a sword fight, instead of just "shooting first" (honestly, didn't that sword guy watch Star Wars?)

I think some people here are worried that their values and/or beloved hobbies are becoming increasingly generic and lost to "PC gone mad", but there IS a way to balance traditional ideas with modern sensibilities, or for different cultures to find common ground and make stuff that's accessible for all.

Thanks for your honest post!