Transformers Linkfest

Another catch-up news, reviews, and galleries on Transformers that doesn't involve the soon to be released movie. The info includes more hints on Transformers: The Ride, a new novel series, a comics related interview, amusing videos and reviews of most of the Botcon exclusive toys.

Transformers: The Ride Concept Art
Beyond the plans, there has been very little revealed about the attraction that is being built at Universal Studios Hollywood and Singapore. Some new artwork, four images total, have been released that hints at a tiny bit of what the attraction may contain including a look at an Autobot cavern, the line area for customers, control room and All Spark containment area.

New Transformers: Classified Novel Series
A leak on Amazon Japan indicates that a new young adult novel series is in the works called Transformers: Classified. The first novel, called "Switching Gears", written by Ryder Windham is scheduled to be released on October 21, 2011. The description provides few details, "An original Transformers novel series! Secrets are uncovered in the Nevada desert when a boy witnesses two Transformers arrive on Earth." There is no indication which TF universe this takes place in by considering Hasbro is at least trying to create a single one, I assume it is the War for Cybertron one. Read More »

IDW August Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for August that starts the main Chaos storyline that will run through the books through the end of the year. A total of two books and one trade is being released. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, and relaunch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more click here.

Transformers #23
Written by James Roberts, art and covers by Alex Milne.
CHAOS Prelude! Last issue, you discovered the first ever meeting between Optimus Prime and Megatron. And if the surprises there weren't enough -- you won't believe what happens just hours later! Optimus Prime recounts the fascinating end of their introduction as he decides the fate of the jailed Megatron.
32 pages, $3.99.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Decepticon Base Diarama (10x)
From Transformers customizer frenzy_rumble is a gallery of images of his latest custom which is a diarama of G1 Decepticons. The base is a modified version of iGear Ark playset and I believe the figures are custom paint jobs of various G1, Masterpiece toys and others.

Starscream and the Seekers Cover "Bad"
A few months ago there was a music video to Michael Jackson's Thriller mostly featuring Autobots and now here is one covering Bad with all the Decepticon jets.
Read More »

Hearts of Darkness #3 Preview

Today brings a new Transformers comic to stores and a 7 page preview online. Transformers: Hearts of Darkness #3 continues the "Chaos" prelude that involves Galvatron discovering a major threat to everyone. For the covers and first seven pages of the issue head over to AllSpark.

TRANSFORMERS: Hearts of Darkness #3 (of 4)
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning(w) • Ulises Farinas (a) • Farinas, Casey Coller (c)
“CHAOS” PRELUDE! We learn new truths about the TRANSFORMERS’ ancient history—truths that may lead to their ruin. GAVATRON and company gather arms and recruit major forces. With a raving lunatic leading the DECEPTICON forces—absolute destruction is sure to follow. HoD leads directly into “CHAOS”—the first-ever TRANSFORMERS event book from IDW!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • 2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.

Transformers Foundation, Ongoing Preview & Schmidt Leaving IDW

New comic book Wednesday is bringing two Transformers related books to the shelves. The first is Transformers: Foundation #4, the official prequel to Dark of the Moon and the other is Transformers #19 which continues the prelude story to IDW's "Chaos" storyline. Seibertron has the covers and and first seven pages of each book at these links - Foundation #4 | Ongoing #19

On a related note IDW Senior Editor Andy Schmidt is leaving IDW and joining Hasbro. I guess the last two years he spent over seeing their Transformers and G.I. Joe got their attention. He will leave the role at the end of May and IDW is looking for a replacement to start sometime in June. It will be interesting to see if they promote from within or hire someone from outside the company. The talent pool to choose from is fairly deep as DC recently jettisoned a few editors when they closed Wildstorm and downsized a few positions and TokyoPop recently ended its U.S. operations. With Transformers Chaos storyline and G.I. Joe's Cobra Civil War story lines pretty much set through the end of the year the new editor will have plenty of time to get up to speed.Read More »

Dark of the Moon Comic Adaptation Preview Reveals Story Spoilers (Updated)

Per the request of Transformers: Dark of the Moon producer Don Murphy, the copyrighted images and spoilers have been removed. Due to the content of the comments, they have been cut off.

Amazon.com has posted a preview of the official comic book adaptation of Transformers: Dark of the Moon scheduled for release on May 25th. If you click the cover or "Search inside this book" you get about the first seven and last seven pages of the trade. A system error revealed more pages than intended leading to major story points being revealed.

I don't consider characters and alt modes to be spoilers. So knowing that, I will reveal that the leaked images did confirm that Soundwave's alt mode is the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as indicated by the game image. Also Wheeljack is a confirmed Autobot in the movie but I saw only has his name being said. Did not see his robot mode or vehicle mode to confirm if "Einstein", the blue 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550.

It should be noted that adaptations usually work from a final movie script along with designs and storyboards offered by production. However, as Sir Peter Jackson points out, there are three phases to a script - writing it, filming it and editing it. As a result what the comic shows for a scene and what the movie shows may not be the same. Certain elements like the major plot points, characters, etc tend to stay static due to cost but the specific details can easily change (scenes, characters, etc being left on cutting room floor).

If you wish to seek out the spoilers, that is up to you. Be warned the pages did reveal major plot and character developments in the story. If you are even a little bit sensitive about spoilers it is advised to not seek out that information.

IDW July Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for July that is one of their smaller months after the May and June Dark of the Moon crop of books. The month kicks off their "CHAOS" event that takes the ongoing series bi-monthly through the end of year. A total of two books and one trade is being released. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Angel and more click here.

Transformers # 21
Mike Costa (w) • Guido Guidi, Brendan Cahill (a) • Marcelo Matere, Cahill (c)
TRANSFORMERS goes bi-weekly! Two stories for the price of one, kicking off the “CHAOS” event!! In part one, Rodimus makes his triumphant return to Earth, and sets off the major events that will spin off into CHAOS. And in part two, Prowl begins his investigation... of Spike. This storyline will change TRANSFORMERS forever! No, really!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • 2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratioRead More »

Transformers: Rising Storm #4 Preview

Another new comics Wednesday, another preview of a new Transformers comic, this time for Rising Storm #4 which servers as a prequel to Dark of the Moon. The covers and first seven pages of the issue can be found here.

TRANSFORMERS: Rising Storm #4 (of 4)
John Barber (w) • Carlos Magno (a) • Brian Rood (c)
Just as OPTIMUS PRIME stands ready to score a decisive victory against STARSCREAM's army of Decepticons, MEGATRON's plan becomes clear—and the Autobots are right where he wants them! This essential lead-in to TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON comes to a head, as new characters are introduced... and familiar faces meet their final fate!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers: Foundation #3 Preview

By now you know the drill. New comic Wednesday brings a new Transformer book, in this case a Transformers: Dark of the Moon prequel book. Comics Continuum has the covers and first five pages of Foundation #3 here (mirrored at TFW2005).

Transformers: Foundation #3
Written by John Barber, art by Andrew Griffith, covers by Brian Rood.
Optimus Prime has reached his goal: the gates of Megatron's citadel. Prime has one thing in mind and he won't let Shockwave or Starscream slow him down -- tonight, Megatron must die! Secrets are revealed and lines are crossed as the countdown to Transformers 3 ramps up. How far will Prime go to stop the Decepticons?
32 pages, $3.99.

Heart of Darkness #2 Preview

Transformers: Heart of Darkness #2 mini-series hit comic book shelves today. The story serves as a prequel the summer "Chaos" storyline that is hitting the G1 comics. The covers and five page preview can be found at Seibertron.com.

Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, art by Ulises Farinas, covers by Farinas, Casey Coller.
Galvatron is on the move! With the mystery surrounding Gorlam Prime still unsolved, Cyclonus and Scourge are tasked with helping raise an army! But an army to do what?! Find out as the ROAD TO "CHAOS" finds its first travelers!
32 pages, $3.99.

Transformers #18 & Rising Storm #3 Preview

Another Wednesday, another new issue of Transformers. Two actually with Transformers #18 and Transformers: Dark of the Moon - Rising Storm #3. Comic Book Resources brings the covers and first five pages of Transformers #18 while Seibertron provides the preview to Rising Storm #3 which continues to Dark of the Moon prequel story.

Transformers #18
Written by Mike Costa, art by Alex Milne, covers by Marcelo Matere, Nick Roche.
The Autobots have been beaten down, backed into a corner, and harried into making a huge mistake. But the biggest blow has yet to fall, as Prime sets out to face Megatron one-on-one in the final chapter of REVENGE OF THE DECEPTICONS. Nobody dies... but somebody's gonna wish they had. 32 pages, $3.99.

Transformers: Rising Storm #3
Written by John Barber, art by Carlos Magno, covers by Brian Rood.
It's all out war in Philadelphia, as Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots roll out to stop Starscream and his forces from killing Sam Witwicky! The biggest, most explosive battle in Transformers history begins here! The fate of the universe rests on the outcome and the action of this summer's hottest movie heats up right here!
32 pages, $3.99.

IDW 2011 Transformers Plans

IDW revealed some of their publishing plans through the year while holding their WonderCon panel this weekend that included a few Transformers details. The Transformers ongoing comics will go bi-weekly starting in July with the launch of the "Chaos" story arc that runs through the end of the year (schedule below). With resources shifted to the bi-weekly series, the Transformers: Spotlight one-shots have been dropped for now with some of the intended stories being put into Chaos as has the the four issue series called "Legacy of Rust". Beyond the title, no idea what the Chaos story is about. (via TFormers)Read More »

DOTM: Rising Storm #2 Preview

Wednesday is here and with it comes two new Transformers comic books - Transformers: Heart of Darkness #1 and Transformers: Dark of the Moon - Rising Storm #2. Darkness is part of the non-movie IDW TF universe while Rising Storm is a prequel to the movie but I am not clear if it before or after whatever events are part of the video games. The covers and first five pages of Rising Storm #2 can be found here.

Transformers: Rising Storm #2 (of 4)
John Barber (w) Carlos Magno (a) Brian Rood (c)
MEGATRON's deadliest plan yet kicks into high gear-it's all-out war! Plus-BUMBLEBEE squares off against BARRICADE for what may prove to be the final time, while OPTIMUS PRIME calls in every AUTOBOT on Earth to put an end to STARSCREAM! The stakes rise in this intense prequel to Transformers 3!
FC 32 pages $3.99Read More »

IDW June Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for June that is one of their biggests month yet due to Tranformers: Dark of the Moon being released at the end of the month. The month will have eight Transformers books (4 of em the movie adaptation), one trade and the first TF comic hardcover in ages. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Angel and more click here.

Transformers # 20
Mike Costa (w) • Guido Guidi (a) • Marcelo Matere, Guido Guidi (c)
Through a series of misunderstandings, Rodimus and his two strange new partners arrive on a planet we haven't visited in a long time, and meet a few other 'bots everyone thought were lost forever. Those are a lot of vague words, because this issue has a TON of surprises. Check them out in SPACE OPERA Part 2.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • 2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio. Read More »

Transformers #17 Preview

New Comics Wednesday is just around the corner and this week will bring Transformers #17 to stands. The conflict with the humans and Transformers continues as Megatron seeks revenge against the human race that nearly killed him. Newsarama has the covers and first five page preview.

Mike Costa (w) Alex Milne (a) Matere, Nick Roche (c)
Megatron's plan enters its second stage as the Autobots continue to fall under attack from heavily armed humans. Elsewhere, Starscream attempts to initiate a plan of his own with an old ally. Costa and Milne aren't bringing everyone out of this issue in one piece as the REVENGE OF THE DECEPTICONS continues!
2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio | FC 32 pages $3.99

Transformers: Foundation Preview

IGN has posted a five page preview of the other Transformers: Dark of the Moon tie in comic called Transformers: Dark of the Moon - Foundation #1. Rising Storm preview was released yesterday. Both #1 issues are in comic book stores now. The covers and first five pages can be found here or here.


Written by John Barber, art by Andrew Griffith, cover by Brian Rood.
The first Transformers 3 movie prequel begins here! The origin of the bitter rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron starts here! But what is the secret connection that will forever bind them? And how will it affect the future of all Transformers?
32 pages, $3.99.

Transformers: Rising Storm Preview and Interview

Tomorrow will bring the first issue of Transformers: Rising Storm which is one of the two prequel comics for Transformers: Dark of the Moon hitting comic book stores. The other is Transformers: Foundation which takes place even before the first movie. MTV posted a brief interview with Transformers editor Andy Schmidt as he talks about the comics and posted a 7 page preview (mirrored here).

MTV NEWS: What guidelines were you given for the series in order to make it gel with the movie’s continuity?
ANDY SCHMIDT: We were asked to do what we would want to do anyway, which is tie-in with the universe as established and lead into the movie in a meaningful way.

MTV: Do the comics take place right before the film starts, years before it starts, or something else entirely?
SCHMIDT: There are two prequel series: "Foundation" takes place long before the events of even the first film. The second prequel is "Rising Storm," and that one leads directly into the opening of the new film. It takes place in between the second and third films, sort of bridging the two.

IDW May Transformers Comics, Novel Update

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for May which has a heavy emphasis on Tranformers: Dark of the Moon. The month will have four Transformers books and four trades. Three of the trades are specifically related to DOTM either as prequels or an adaptation. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Angel and more click here.

On a somewhat related note, Transformers: Dark of the Moon novel by Peter David has a price ($7.99), page count (400 pages), and release date (May 24, 2011) thanks to Amazon. (via TFW2005)

TRANSFORMERS #19
Mike Costa (w) • Guido Guidi (a) • Marcelo Matere, Guido Guidi (c)
“CHAOS” PRELUDE! The situation on Earth continues to deteriorate while we shift focus to outer space where RODIMUS was last seen dead! A classic character returns as the things heat up and we begin our descent into “CHAOS”—THE YEAR’S BIGGEST TRANSFORMERS EVENT! Don’t miss “SPACE OPERA, Part 1!”
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • 2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.Read More »

Transformers: Infestation #2 Preview

For New Comic Day this Wednesday, Transformers: Infestation #2 hits the shelves. The storyline continues IDW's event where zombies spread across the various universes. The last issue began with Galvatron landing on Earth and ended with the maybe death of Kup. Newsarama has the covers and first five page preview here.

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (w) Nick Roche (a) John K. Snyder III, Nick Roche with Gabriel Rodriguez (c)
It's 106 miles to Vegas, They've got full tanks of gas, half a pack of energon, it's dark, and they're wearing disguises. HIT IT. Zombies are the latest show on the Vegas Strip, and it's going to be an action-packed battle of machine and mayhem to get this town cleaned up! Don't miss the conclusion of TRANSFORMERS: INFESTATION! The concluding issue of the bi-weekly TRANSFORMERS Infestation tie-in! And wait'll you see where new writing mainstays DnA take the TRANSFORMERS next month!
2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio | FC 32 pages $3.99

Transformers: Infestation #1 Preview

The first issue (of 2) of Transformers: Infestation hits this Wednesday at your local comic book store. The series is part of IDW's Infestation event that has zombies invading various universes including GI Joe and Star Trek. Unlike most zombie stories, these particular ones have the ability to turn robots into zombies too. Don't ask why, better to just go with it. The covers and first five pages can be found at Issuu.com.

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (w) Nick Roche (a) John K. Snyder III, Nick Roche with Gabriel Rodriguez (c)
The biggest event in IDW Publishing's history infects the TRANSFORMERS universe with this two-part, bi-weekly series written by Infestation architects Abnett and Lanning! BOOM! BAM! SMASH! Buildings are falling, and the dead are rising! When Big-Bad GALVATRON crash lands on Earth, something ain't right. It's up to our 'Bots-in-blue to run to the rescue or... well... EVERYONE to fight off not just Galvatron, but the zombie horde spreading through Las Vegas! (via Allspark)