Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview
Monday, March 23rd, 2015 4:53AM CDT
Category: Comic Book NewsPosted by: Va'al Views: 23,420
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The next chapter in the IDW Transformers crossover event between the Transformers ongoing and the return of Windblade in an all-new series has been previewed by iTunes in the usual short short sneak peek - and mirrored below thanks to a tip from Seibertronian SW's Silverhammer; check them out!
THE WAR BEGINS! The first strike in COMBINER WARS is against WINDBLADE’S homeworld—and she’s not happy about it! Her long- lost CYBERTRONIAN colony is found… and the only thing that can protect it is SUPERION.
Credit(s): iTunes, Mariel Romero
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Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665753)
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 23rd, 2015 @ 5:48am CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 23rd, 2015 @ 5:48am CDT
I wonder, is that a new body for Swindle?
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665761)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 23rd, 2015 @ 6:13am CDT
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 23rd, 2015 @ 6:13am CDT
"Mah nam ish Shwindl, an dish ish mah combinator."
IDK why, but that's what I imagine Swindle saying right now.
IDK why, but that's what I imagine Swindle saying right now.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665764)
Posted by Va'al on March 23rd, 2015 @ 6:33am CDT
Looks like a Cybertronian reworking of the Figueroa/Costa version - and one that may have featured already in the previous Windblade series. The only issues is that all the angles that he's drawn in, we never really see the full body design. So definitely maybe.
Posted by Va'al on March 23rd, 2015 @ 6:33am CDT
ZeroWolf wrote:I wonder, is that a new body for Swindle?
Looks like a Cybertronian reworking of the Figueroa/Costa version - and one that may have featured already in the previous Windblade series. The only issues is that all the angles that he's drawn in, we never really see the full body design. So definitely maybe.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665766)
Posted by Optimizzy on March 23rd, 2015 @ 6:43am CDT
Posted by Optimizzy on March 23rd, 2015 @ 6:43am CDT
The "Commander" reminds me of Prime Dreadwing
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665768)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 23rd, 2015 @ 6:58am CDT
Same here, but that head is something else entirely.
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 23rd, 2015 @ 6:58am CDT
Optimizzy wrote:The "Commander" reminds me of Prime Dreadwing
Same here, but that head is something else entirely.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665797)
Posted by jaws on March 23rd, 2015 @ 8:48am CDT
Posted by jaws on March 23rd, 2015 @ 8:48am CDT
I want to see the next page after Swindle reveals his identity, I see Menasor.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665801)
Posted by Va'al on March 23rd, 2015 @ 8:56am CDT
Tomorrow's preview may bring the answers you seek.
Posted by Va'al on March 23rd, 2015 @ 8:56am CDT
jaws wrote:I want to see the next page after Swindle reveals his identity, I see Menasor.
Tomorrow's preview may bring the answers you seek.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665803)
Posted by prjkt on March 23rd, 2015 @ 8:59am CDT
Posted by prjkt on March 23rd, 2015 @ 8:59am CDT
big guy looks like Beast Hunters Dreadwing, though that staff reminds me of TFCC Depthcharge
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665810)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 23rd, 2015 @ 9:06am CDT
READ IT NAO!!!
But seriously, Can't wait to see what Starscream does. I really love it when Miss Scott writes him. But I certainly hope he doesn't revert to being an "evil" character - he's been so interesting these last 2 years.
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 23rd, 2015 @ 9:06am CDT
Va'al wrote:jaws wrote:I want to see the next page after Swindle reveals his identity, I see Menasor.
Tomorrow's preview may bring the answers you seek.
READ IT NAO!!!
But seriously, Can't wait to see what Starscream does. I really love it when Miss Scott writes him. But I certainly hope he doesn't revert to being an "evil" character - he's been so interesting these last 2 years.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665812)
Posted by Va'al on March 23rd, 2015 @ 9:14am CDT
Posted by Va'al on March 23rd, 2015 @ 9:14am CDT
I think there's a general reading of Starscream as 'the bad guy'. Does he want power? Yes. Is he a bad guy in the ways in which he goes about getting it? Yes. But he is not an enemy of Cybertron. He's a narcissistic leader, who actually believes he can bring better things to Cybertron, but has a tendency to slip into too much of a tyrant silhouette.
And I quote Zangief:
He is a really interesting, if morally dubious and questionable a lot of the time, character. And I think both Barber and Scott have given him some great writing and room to grow.
And I quote Zangief:
He is a really interesting, if morally dubious and questionable a lot of the time, character. And I think both Barber and Scott have given him some great writing and room to grow.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665839)
Posted by evogrg on March 23rd, 2015 @ 9:58am CDT
The shape of his chest reminds me of the chest "plates" Breakdown and Dead End have in their new Combiner Wars bodies.
Posted by evogrg on March 23rd, 2015 @ 9:58am CDT
ZeroWolf wrote:I wonder, is that a new body for Swindle?
The shape of his chest reminds me of the chest "plates" Breakdown and Dead End have in their new Combiner Wars bodies.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665842)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 23rd, 2015 @ 10:03am CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 23rd, 2015 @ 10:03am CDT
I'm really excited for this, though I wish More than meets the eye came out between the Combiner Wars stories so that it came out on an almost every other week basis. Sarah Stone's art is awesome as always and I think we will have Superion v. Menasor round 1 this issue.
Plus, since that is Hot Shot and Lightbright in Camien versions, that, in my opinion, must be Camien Dreadwing with a battle mask.
Plus, since that is Hot Shot and Lightbright in Camien versions, that, in my opinion, must be Camien Dreadwing with a battle mask.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665877)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 23rd, 2015 @ 11:19am CDT
Exactly, that's what I've loved about him lately. I Just feel like everyone is saying "we need to rebel because our leader is Starscream" even though he (a) hasn't done anything seriously detrimental to the planet or society and (b) was elected by the majority of the populace. Even Ironhide should know that would make them enemies of the people that actually want him in charge, other than the Decepticons.
Granted, whatever he does with the Enigma probably is Bad, but still, that's like the first truly bad thing he's done since getting elected.
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 23rd, 2015 @ 11:19am CDT
Va'al wrote:I think there's a general reading of Starscream as 'the bad guy'. Does he want power? Yes. Is he a bad guy in the ways in which he goes about getting it? Yes. But he is not an enemy of Cybertron. He's a narcissistic leader, who actually believes he can bring better things to Cybertron, but has a tendency to slip into too much of a tyrant silhouette.
And I quote Zangief:
He is a really interesting, if morally dubious and questionable a lot of the time, character. And I think both Barber and Scott have given him some great writing and room to grow.
Exactly, that's what I've loved about him lately. I Just feel like everyone is saying "we need to rebel because our leader is Starscream" even though he (a) hasn't done anything seriously detrimental to the planet or society and (b) was elected by the majority of the populace. Even Ironhide should know that would make them enemies of the people that actually want him in charge, other than the Decepticons.
Granted, whatever he does with the Enigma probably is Bad, but still, that's like the first truly bad thing he's done since getting elected.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665881)
Posted by Decepticon619 on March 23rd, 2015 @ 11:30am CDT
Posted by Decepticon619 on March 23rd, 2015 @ 11:30am CDT
Definitely looks like G2 Afterburner, not Prime Dreadwing
http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/attach ... 338189.jpg
http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/attach ... 338189.jpg
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665892)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 23rd, 2015 @ 11:54am CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 23rd, 2015 @ 11:54am CDT
Decepticon619 is correct. That is G2 Afterburner. Nice catch!
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665961)
Posted by Optimizzy on March 23rd, 2015 @ 3:44pm CDT
yep that fits perfectly!
Posted by Optimizzy on March 23rd, 2015 @ 3:44pm CDT
Decepticon619 wrote:Definitely looks like G2 Afterburner, not Prime Dreadwing
http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/attach ... 338189.jpg
yep that fits perfectly!
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665965)
Posted by Flashwave on March 23rd, 2015 @ 3:49pm CDT
Posted by Flashwave on March 23rd, 2015 @ 3:49pm CDT
Hmm, Hot Shot, who already died at least once becomes another filler character, and next to him is "Animated" LightBright.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665972)
Posted by Deadput on March 23rd, 2015 @ 3:59pm CDT
Except that was not HotShot who died just a look alike plus since Hot Shot is on Caminus the two can't be the same guy.
Plus he is called Hot Rod and not Hot Shot here http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hot_Rod_(Henkei!)
Posted by Deadput on March 23rd, 2015 @ 3:59pm CDT
Flashwave wrote:Hmm, Hot Shot, who already died at least once becomes another filler character, and next to him is "Animated" LightBright.
Except that was not HotShot who died just a look alike plus since Hot Shot is on Caminus the two can't be the same guy.
Plus he is called Hot Rod and not Hot Shot here http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hot_Rod_(Henkei!)
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1665979)
Posted by Optimizzy on March 23rd, 2015 @ 4:16pm CDT
He is? I didn't see that. That's strange but, I guess all the bet names arnt taken on Caminus.
Posted by Optimizzy on March 23rd, 2015 @ 4:16pm CDT
mirageandjazz1197 wrote:Flashwave wrote:Hmm, Hot Shot, who already died at least once becomes another filler character, and next to him is "Animated" LightBright.
Except that was not HotShot who died just a look alike plus since Hot Shot is on Caminus the two can't be the same guy.
Plus he is called Hot Rod and not Hot Shot here http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hot_Rod_(Henkei!)
He is? I didn't see that. That's strange but, I guess all the bet names arnt taken on Caminus.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666022)
Posted by Deadput on March 23rd, 2015 @ 6:29pm CDT
Since Caminus left Cybertron before the war it would not be possible for those two Hot shots to coexist unless Hot Shot was just injured super bad by Dragstrip, got fixed up, left the planet and found his was to Caminus
Posted by Deadput on March 23rd, 2015 @ 6:29pm CDT
Optimizzy wrote:mirageandjazz1197 wrote:Flashwave wrote:Hmm, Hot Shot, who already died at least once becomes another filler character, and next to him is "Animated" LightBright.
Except that was not HotShot who died just a look alike plus since Hot Shot is on Caminus the two can't be the same guy.
Plus he is called Hot Rod and not Hot Shot here http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hot_Rod_(Henkei!)
He is? I didn't see that. That's strange but, I guess all the bet names arnt taken on Caminus.
Since Caminus left Cybertron before the war it would not be possible for those two Hot shots to coexist unless Hot Shot was just injured super bad by Dragstrip, got fixed up, left the planet and found his was to Caminus
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666111)
Posted by Flashwave on March 23rd, 2015 @ 10:41pm CDT
I didn't so much mean that it was the same IDW Hot Shot, so much as "Cool, the Hot Shot character concept is being recycled again. Didn't he die already?"
And thank you, I couldn't remember who it was who killed him
Posted by Flashwave on March 23rd, 2015 @ 10:41pm CDT
mirageandjazz1197 wrote:Optimizzy wrote:mirageandjazz1197 wrote:Flashwave wrote:Hmm, Hot Shot, who already died at least once becomes another filler character, and next to him is "Animated" LightBright.
Except that was not HotShot who died just a look alike plus since Hot Shot is on Caminus the two can't be the same guy.
Plus he is called Hot Rod and not Hot Shot here http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hot_Rod_(Henkei!)
He is? I didn't see that. That's strange but, I guess all the bet names arnt taken on Caminus.
Since Caminus left Cybertron before the war it would not be possible for those two Hot shots to coexist unless Hot Shot was just injured super bad by Dragstrip, got fixed up, left the planet and found his was to Caminus
I didn't so much mean that it was the same IDW Hot Shot, so much as "Cool, the Hot Shot character concept is being recycled again. Didn't he die already?"
And thank you, I couldn't remember who it was who killed him
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666174)
Posted by Va'al on March 24th, 2015 @ 5:04am CDT
Posted by Va'al on March 24th, 2015 @ 5:04am CDT
We have seen a tiny preview for this week's first issue of the returning Transformers: Windblade series, also serving as the second chapter of Combiner Wars - but how about another couple of pages to get some more hype up? Check them out below, and head back here to Seibertron.com for a review tomorrow!
Transformers: Windblade #1 (of 3)—Combiner Wars Part One—SPOTLIGHT
Mairghread Scott (w) • Sarah Stone (a) • Casey W. Coller (c)
THE WAR BEGINS! The first strike in COMBINER WARS is against WINDBLADE’S homeworld—and she’s not happy about it! Her long- lost CYBERTRONIAN colony is found… and the only thing that can protect it is SUPERION.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
The creative team from the first smash-hit WINDBLADE series returns!
WINDBLADE is the biggest new TRANSFORMERS character in years—don’t miss out!
All the drama and pathos of the original WINDBLADE series—plus more COMBINERS!
Variant Cover by Transformers game and toy artist Sara Pitre-Durocher!
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666200)
Posted by prjkt on March 24th, 2015 @ 7:05am CDT
Posted by prjkt on March 24th, 2015 @ 7:05am CDT
did Dreadwing/Depthcharge (whoever that is) just get crushed?
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666206)
Posted by Umbra on March 24th, 2015 @ 7:23am CDT
Posted by Umbra on March 24th, 2015 @ 7:23am CDT
I find Blackjack's description on the roll call page particularly interesting as well
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666209)
Posted by CrankyOldTruck on March 24th, 2015 @ 7:36am CDT
That would be the polite way to put it, yes!
Posted by CrankyOldTruck on March 24th, 2015 @ 7:36am CDT
prjkt wrote:did Dreadwing/Depthcharge (whoever that is) just get crushed?
That would be the polite way to put it, yes!
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666212)
Posted by Va'al on March 24th, 2015 @ 7:50am CDT
It's a severe case of Pipes syndrome.
Posted by Va'al on March 24th, 2015 @ 7:50am CDT
CrankyOldTruck wrote:prjkt wrote:did Dreadwing/Depthcharge (whoever that is) just get crushed?
That would be the polite way to put it, yes!
It's a severe case of Pipes syndrome.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666236)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 24th, 2015 @ 8:34am CDT
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 24th, 2015 @ 8:34am CDT
I can't wait to read it! Menasor's face looks awesome in that panel.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666346)
Posted by Shuttershock on March 24th, 2015 @ 11:52am CDT
Posted by Shuttershock on March 24th, 2015 @ 11:52am CDT
MENASOR HATE MACHINE WARS FACES!!!
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666348)
Posted by Optimizzy on March 24th, 2015 @ 11:56am CDT
You sir, have just made me guffaw.
Posted by Optimizzy on March 24th, 2015 @ 11:56am CDT
Shuttershock wrote:MENASOR HATE MACHINE WARS FACES!!!
You sir, have just made me guffaw.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666372)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 24th, 2015 @ 1:23pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 24th, 2015 @ 1:23pm CDT
Can't wait to read this.
The art is amazing (As I have repeatedly addressed), and I love Menasor's head and Hot Shot and Afterburners looks are beautiful.
finally, Damn you Menasor! Afterburner looked really cool! Superion is gonna kick your A$$!!
The art is amazing (As I have repeatedly addressed), and I love Menasor's head and Hot Shot and Afterburners looks are beautiful.
finally, Damn you Menasor! Afterburner looked really cool! Superion is gonna kick your A$$!!
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666382)
Posted by Shuttershock on March 24th, 2015 @ 1:38pm CDT
Pssh, the hell you say!
Stunticons kick your aft!
Stunticons kick your face!
Stunticons kick your bearings into OU-TER-SPAAACE!
Posted by Shuttershock on March 24th, 2015 @ 1:38pm CDT
D-Mamus_Prime wrote:Can't wait to read this.
The art is amazing (As I have repeatedly addressed), and I love Menasor's head and Hot Shot and Afterburners looks are beautiful.
finally, Damn you Menasor! Afterburner looked really cool! Superion is gonna kick your A$$!!
Pssh, the hell you say!
Stunticons kick your aft!
Stunticons kick your face!
Stunticons kick your bearings into OU-TER-SPAAACE!
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666411)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 24th, 2015 @ 2:35pm CDT
Aerialbots will grab stunticons,
CARRY them to outerspace,
And then drop them where they SHATTER WITH NO HOPE OF BEING PUT BACK IN PLACE!
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on March 24th, 2015 @ 2:35pm CDT
Shuttershock wrote:D-Mamus_Prime wrote:Can't wait to read this.
The art is amazing (As I have repeatedly addressed), and I love Menasor's head and Hot Shot and Afterburners looks are beautiful.
finally, Damn you Menasor! Afterburner looked really cool! Superion is gonna kick your A$$!!
Pssh, the hell you say!
Stunticons kick your aft!
Stunticons kick your face!
Stunticons kick your bearings into OU-TER-SPAAACE!
Aerialbots will grab stunticons,
CARRY them to outerspace,
And then drop them where they SHATTER WITH NO HOPE OF BEING PUT BACK IN PLACE!
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666512)
Posted by Optimizzy on March 24th, 2015 @ 5:21pm CDT
Posted by Optimizzy on March 24th, 2015 @ 5:21pm CDT
You know, Sarah Stone's art has actually improved if you can wrap your head around it. It was good before but now it just seems even better.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666545)
Posted by Deadput on March 24th, 2015 @ 6:24pm CDT
It's G2 Afterburner.
Posted by Deadput on March 24th, 2015 @ 6:24pm CDT
prjkt wrote:did Dreadwing/Depthcharge (whoever that is) just get crushed?
It's G2 Afterburner.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666636)
Posted by Triptykon on March 25th, 2015 @ 12:03am CDT
Posted by Triptykon on March 25th, 2015 @ 12:03am CDT
Love that Swindle is inspired by his Transformers Animated iteration. Rewatched the final season of animated, and, while I didn't care much for it when the first season originally aired, it is now one of my favorite Transformers runs.
Been back collecting figures from this line, and kicking myself in the ass for not picking up Rodimus the only time I ever saw one at retail right after the show ended.
Maybe this year at Chicago Comic-Con I'll find one, last year I picked up Jetstorm and Jetfire. Love em.
Been back collecting figures from this line, and kicking myself in the ass for not picking up Rodimus the only time I ever saw one at retail right after the show ended.
Maybe this year at Chicago Comic-Con I'll find one, last year I picked up Jetstorm and Jetfire. Love em.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666662)
Posted by prjkt on March 25th, 2015 @ 2:13am CDT
Is that confirmed? Character seems to take design cues from all three characters.
Posted by prjkt on March 25th, 2015 @ 2:13am CDT
mirageandjazz1197 wrote:prjkt wrote:did Dreadwing/Depthcharge (whoever that is) just get crushed?
It's G2 Afterburner.
Is that confirmed? Character seems to take design cues from all three characters.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666669)
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 25th, 2015 @ 2:57am CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 25th, 2015 @ 2:57am CDT
You know I was just thinking, with all these regards about a cybertonian empire and starscream becoming even more power hungry, I wonder if it will turn out that Jihaxus is in control, and we're seeing the plot after combiner wars laid out.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666675)
Posted by Va'al on March 25th, 2015 @ 4:28am CDT
Synopsis
THE WAR BEGINS! The first strike in COMBINER WARS is against WINDBLADE’S homeworld—and she’s not happy about it! Her long- lost CYBERTRONIAN colony is found… and the only thing that can protect it is SUPERION.
And of course, Alpha Bravo
Story
Last week's Opening Salvo to Combiner Wars highlighted the major players and stages for the IDW event to take place, but it's with the first issue of a returning Windblade series (reuniting its creative team, if briefly) that the refuse really hits the propeller. And you can blame Swindle again, of course.
..or can you?
Mairghread Scott, one half of the plotting team behind the event with John Barber, takes the writing duties as seriously and as cruelly as she can, with death death rampage, death, destruction, no gardening, a bit more destruction and, on a different side altogether, talks of religion, diplomacy, incorporation and assimilation, politics and cultural differences - and makes both sides work really really well, if sometimes a little disjointed due to two worlds almost literally clashing.
ALL THE BACK-UP
Swindle is still pretty glorious all the way through this issue too, though the spotlight goes to Windblade unsurprisingly, and her political, diplomatic (with an edge) skills as a Camien and a Cityspeaker - as opposed to the machinations of Starscream or war-like leadership of Optimus Prime. The interactions and moments that the three have are wonderful, and at times smirk-inducing, as a result.
And some dynamics never really die
What the issues offers, then, other than some mighty fine scenes of destruction and good old fashioned imperial foreign policy, is a glimpse into how different strands of continuities are addressed as belief systems, how ex-Cybertronian societies have evolved very differently from their original soil, and how all of that, right now, holds a trepidantly unexpected set of consequences.
Art
Sarah Stone returns to interiors, too, and shows off some more lovely digital artwork, spreads, splashes, body language and physical/facial interactions corresponding and developing Scott's script ever so marvellously. Especially with the foregrounded characters, new Camien introductions and Starscream's undying quest for the perfectly suited chassis befitting his own ego.
So haaard to choooose..
We had seen Stone's amazing work on chases and landscape type panels, and we are now also treated to bigger scale creatures that are not hanging from rafters in repair workshops - and the interactions between the big brutes. Coupled with some trademark contrasting chromatic effects, highlighting key moments in fights and heated exchanges.
Dennis the Menasor
If at times, especially in the second half of the book, you might feel a little dazzled by the locations, Tom B. Long's letters are a godsend (heh), identifying not only voices but pinpointing the scenes with needed, fontastic accuracy. A slew of covers also allows to cover the multiplicity of worlds we're encountering, slowly, from the Travis Sengaus/Josh Burcham Devastator retailer variant, the Casey Coller/Joana Lafuente established Superion cover, Livio Ramondelli's poster Menasor - and the thumbnailed gorgeous Sara Pitre-Durocher Superion/Windblade variant.
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
There is a lot going on in this issue, even more than was the case in Opening Salvo. While it may not sit entirely well with some readers, the material Scott (with Barber) are covering is both established and a new take, new aspects and new introductions to the mythology, world-building and conventions of the until now Cybertron/Earth axis - with minor detours - of the Transformers fiction, thanks to the Way of the Flame and its repercussions among the governing side of Caminus. And it works, for this reviewer.
Holy Mistress of Tall Flames, Batman
It is really good to see more Sarah Stone artwork too, and the fight scenes look great - but much like the writing aspect of the issue, it's what is going on around the fighting that is really the crux of the story. And trust me, you want to get all the engines running on multiple franchise continuities with this one, and revisit and reassess some older pacts that were made in light of the ongoing ark arc.
Posted by Va'al on March 25th, 2015 @ 4:28am CDT
We Caminus, We Sawinus, We..
(Spoiler free-ish)
(Spoiler free-ish)
Synopsis
THE WAR BEGINS! The first strike in COMBINER WARS is against WINDBLADE’S homeworld—and she’s not happy about it! Her long- lost CYBERTRONIAN colony is found… and the only thing that can protect it is SUPERION.
And of course, Alpha Bravo
Story
Last week's Opening Salvo to Combiner Wars highlighted the major players and stages for the IDW event to take place, but it's with the first issue of a returning Windblade series (reuniting its creative team, if briefly) that the refuse really hits the propeller. And you can blame Swindle again, of course.
..or can you?
Mairghread Scott, one half of the plotting team behind the event with John Barber, takes the writing duties as seriously and as cruelly as she can, with death death rampage, death, destruction, no gardening, a bit more destruction and, on a different side altogether, talks of religion, diplomacy, incorporation and assimilation, politics and cultural differences - and makes both sides work really really well, if sometimes a little disjointed due to two worlds almost literally clashing.
ALL THE BACK-UP
Swindle is still pretty glorious all the way through this issue too, though the spotlight goes to Windblade unsurprisingly, and her political, diplomatic (with an edge) skills as a Camien and a Cityspeaker - as opposed to the machinations of Starscream or war-like leadership of Optimus Prime. The interactions and moments that the three have are wonderful, and at times smirk-inducing, as a result.
And some dynamics never really die
What the issues offers, then, other than some mighty fine scenes of destruction and good old fashioned imperial foreign policy, is a glimpse into how different strands of continuities are addressed as belief systems, how ex-Cybertronian societies have evolved very differently from their original soil, and how all of that, right now, holds a trepidantly unexpected set of consequences.
Art
Sarah Stone returns to interiors, too, and shows off some more lovely digital artwork, spreads, splashes, body language and physical/facial interactions corresponding and developing Scott's script ever so marvellously. Especially with the foregrounded characters, new Camien introductions and Starscream's undying quest for the perfectly suited chassis befitting his own ego.
So haaard to choooose..
We had seen Stone's amazing work on chases and landscape type panels, and we are now also treated to bigger scale creatures that are not hanging from rafters in repair workshops - and the interactions between the big brutes. Coupled with some trademark contrasting chromatic effects, highlighting key moments in fights and heated exchanges.
Dennis the Menasor
If at times, especially in the second half of the book, you might feel a little dazzled by the locations, Tom B. Long's letters are a godsend (heh), identifying not only voices but pinpointing the scenes with needed, fontastic accuracy. A slew of covers also allows to cover the multiplicity of worlds we're encountering, slowly, from the Travis Sengaus/Josh Burcham Devastator retailer variant, the Casey Coller/Joana Lafuente established Superion cover, Livio Ramondelli's poster Menasor - and the thumbnailed gorgeous Sara Pitre-Durocher Superion/Windblade variant.
Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead
There is a lot going on in this issue, even more than was the case in Opening Salvo. While it may not sit entirely well with some readers, the material Scott (with Barber) are covering is both established and a new take, new aspects and new introductions to the mythology, world-building and conventions of the until now Cybertron/Earth axis - with minor detours - of the Transformers fiction, thanks to the Way of the Flame and its repercussions among the governing side of Caminus. And it works, for this reviewer.
Holy Mistress of Tall Flames, Batman
It is really good to see more Sarah Stone artwork too, and the fight scenes look great - but much like the writing aspect of the issue, it's what is going on around the fighting that is really the crux of the story. And trust me, you want to get all the engines running on multiple franchise continuities with this one, and revisit and reassess some older pacts that were made in light of the ongoing ark arc.
. ½ out of
½ out of
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666694)
Posted by TimothyR on March 25th, 2015 @ 6:29am CDT
Posted by TimothyR on March 25th, 2015 @ 6:29am CDT
the next panel after the shot of the jets in pursuit should show how ridiculously far behind alpha bravo is, and showing how he's incapable of catching up with the jets.
then, they should murder him and bring slingshot back.
then, they should murder him and bring slingshot back.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666695)
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 25th, 2015 @ 6:31am CDT
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 25th, 2015 @ 6:31am CDT
I see that Starscream is going to get the Jetfire toy mold. How sad. 
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666699)
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 25th, 2015 @ 6:45am CDT
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 25th, 2015 @ 6:45am CDT
TimothyR wrote:the next panel after the shot of the jets in pursuit should show how ridiculously far behind alpha bravo is, and showing how he's incapable of catching up with the jets.
then, they should murder him and bring slingshot back.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666701)
Posted by Tigertrack on March 25th, 2015 @ 6:59am CDT
Posted by Tigertrack on March 25th, 2015 @ 6:59am CDT
Now wishing I had never made that GOT connection. Can't stop unseeing it.
It's good stuff. Enjoying your reviews as always Vaal. The Blackjack and Starscream interactions confuse me slightly... But I think I get the gist of it, and if so... Stupid, Starscream just have to continuously stir the pot. I wonder if he is bored because of actually achieving his goal of being ruler. Trying to strengthen his power base I suppose. I don't know how nobody has taken him out yet...I guess people/Cybertronians must like him better than I do.
It's good stuff. Enjoying your reviews as always Vaal. The Blackjack and Starscream interactions confuse me slightly... But I think I get the gist of it, and if so... Stupid, Starscream just have to continuously stir the pot. I wonder if he is bored because of actually achieving his goal of being ruler. Trying to strengthen his power base I suppose. I don't know how nobody has taken him out yet...I guess people/Cybertronians must like him better than I do.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666715)
Posted by ScottyP on March 25th, 2015 @ 7:36am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on March 25th, 2015 @ 7:36am CDT
You Alpha Bravo haters take your Quickslinger toys and be happy already. 
Very happy to have read Covenant of Primus, especially after issues such as RiD 34 and this one. Not fundamental, but having a lot of those concepts and ideas actually used is great to see. Tons of stuff to draw upon.
Also Tigertrack, I assume the GOT thing is the Lady of Flame? If her alt mode is the Iron Throne that'd be pretty darn amazing.
And since I'm too lazy to look, when the hell did Optimus Prime get the matrix back in this continuity? Was that at the end of Dark Cybertron? I don't remember it off hand but here it is in this issue as if Rodimus never broke his half or anything.
Very happy to have read Covenant of Primus, especially after issues such as RiD 34 and this one. Not fundamental, but having a lot of those concepts and ideas actually used is great to see. Tons of stuff to draw upon.
Also Tigertrack, I assume the GOT thing is the Lady of Flame? If her alt mode is the Iron Throne that'd be pretty darn amazing.
And since I'm too lazy to look, when the hell did Optimus Prime get the matrix back in this continuity? Was that at the end of Dark Cybertron? I don't remember it off hand but here it is in this issue as if Rodimus never broke his half or anything.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666729)
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 25th, 2015 @ 8:28am CDT
I'm sorry, I really am, but the idea of a helicopter keeping up with a team of jets is just ridiculous. I just can't comprehend how the editors have let this be, or how Hasbro has signed off on it.
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 25th, 2015 @ 8:28am CDT
ScottyP wrote:You Alpha Bravo haters take your Quickslinger toys and be happy already.
I'm sorry, I really am, but the idea of a helicopter keeping up with a team of jets is just ridiculous. I just can't comprehend how the editors have let this be, or how Hasbro has signed off on it.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666733)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 25th, 2015 @ 8:41am CDT
First off, there is no physical way Rodimus could've given Prime his half of the Matrix. So it's not that. It's possible that it could be Bumblebee's half, as we havn't actually seen that one since "Death of Optimus Prime".
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 25th, 2015 @ 8:41am CDT
ScottyP wrote:You Alpha Bravo haters take your Quickslinger toys and be happy already.
Very happy to have read Covenant of Primus, especially after issues such as RiD 34 and this one. Not fundamental, but having a lot of those concepts and ideas actually used is great to see. Tons of stuff to draw upon.
Also Tigertrack, I assume the GOT thing is the Lady of Flame? If her alt mode is the Iron Throne that'd be pretty darn amazing.
And since I'm too lazy to look, when the hell did Optimus Prime get the matrix back in this continuity? Was that at the end of Dark Cybertron? I don't remember it off hand but here it is in this issue as if Rodimus never broke his half or anything.
First off, there is no physical way Rodimus could've given Prime his half of the Matrix. So it's not that. It's possible that it could be Bumblebee's half, as we havn't actually seen that one since "Death of Optimus Prime".
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666741)
Posted by ScottyP on March 25th, 2015 @ 9:00am CDT
"This is the day which ALPHA BRAVO has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24:ROFL:COPTER:2, New Cybertronian Standard Translation. Also see:
These are all my smart-alec ways of saying just roll with it like Bob Marley and have fun
Ok, so in this issue he has the whole darn thing. It's even referred to as the hilt of the Star Saber (the blade, not the 'bot), meaning it couldn't just be half. There has to be something I missed, because this just isn't normal for John "Continuity" Barber.
Posted by ScottyP on March 25th, 2015 @ 9:00am CDT
Ironhidensh wrote:ScottyP wrote:You Alpha Bravo haters take your Quickslinger toys and be happy already.
I'm sorry, I really am, but the idea of a helicopter keeping up with a team of jets is just ridiculous. I just can't comprehend how the editors have let this be, or how Hasbro has signed off on it.
"This is the day which ALPHA BRAVO has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24:ROFL:COPTER:2, New Cybertronian Standard Translation. Also see:
These are all my smart-alec ways of saying just roll with it like Bob Marley and have fun
Nemesis Maximo wrote:First off, there is no physical way Rodimus could've given Prime his half of the Matrix. So it's not that. It's possible that it could be Bumblebee's half, as we havn't actually seen that one since "Death of Optimus Prime".
Ok, so in this issue he has the whole darn thing. It's even referred to as the hilt of the Star Saber (the blade, not the 'bot), meaning it couldn't just be half. There has to be something I missed, because this just isn't normal for John "Continuity" Barber.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666742)
Posted by Umbra on March 25th, 2015 @ 9:01am CDT
Posted by Umbra on March 25th, 2015 @ 9:01am CDT
I love the characterization in this chapter. I'm particularly hoping we get to see Alpha Bravo's reaction to be gestalted once they finally separate.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666746)
Posted by RevTibe on March 25th, 2015 @ 9:05am CDT
Posted by RevTibe on March 25th, 2015 @ 9:05am CDT
The crystal core was split in half, one given to Bumblebee, one to Rodimus. As of Opening Salvo, we see that Optimus has placed Bumblebee's half of the crystal core back into the complete "Container".ScottyP wrote:Nemesis Maximo wrote:First off, there is no physical way Rodimus could've given Prime his half of the Matrix. So it's not that. It's possible that it could be Bumblebee's half, as we havn't actually seen that one since "Death of Optimus Prime".
Ok, so in this issue he has the whole darn thing. It's even referred to as the hilt of the Star Saber (the blade, not the 'bot), meaning it couldn't just be half. There has to be something I missed, because this just isn't normal for John "Continuity" Barber.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666748)
Posted by Darth Jumpy on March 25th, 2015 @ 9:10am CDT
In some of the extras in Punishment, I believe, it was confirmed that Optimus has the half that Bumblebee had (half a sphere) and the Matrix container (the handles and stuff). That, or Punishment was where we first saw where the Matrix was after the time skip. I am sure I read that explanation somewhere, though.
Posted by Darth Jumpy on March 25th, 2015 @ 9:10am CDT
RevTibe wrote: Maximo wrote:First off, there is no physical way Rodimus could've given Prime his half of the Matrix. So it's not that. It's possible that it could be Bumblebee's half, as we havn't actually seen that one since "Death of Optimus Prime".
In some of the extras in Punishment, I believe, it was confirmed that Optimus has the half that Bumblebee had (half a sphere) and the Matrix container (the handles and stuff). That, or Punishment was where we first saw where the Matrix was after the time skip. I am sure I read that explanation somewhere, though.
Re: Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Combiner Wars Windblade #1 iTunes Preview (1666758)
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 25th, 2015 @ 9:32am CDT
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 25th, 2015 @ 9:32am CDT
You know, these spoiler tags suck ass if you are using a phone.
