World How important are the comics, really?

[ultimatefan]

When TF are mentioned as a comic book property, it feels kinda funny to me, cuz that franchise always felt to me like it was primarily about the cartoons and toys, and that the comics were kinda secondary to them. Do you think the comics represent an important part of the popularity and appreciation for the TF world?

 

[DrSpengler]

Yes, very much.

The Marvel comic told stories that were considerably more intelligent than the cartoon and lasted quite a bit longer, too. It added several key concepts to the Transformers mythos (Primus) and, when you consider the UK series which tied-in with the US stuff, has a LOT of material.

It wasn't as high-profile as the cartoon, but the stories were better and it lasted longer.

 

[CherryRedSpider]

I read the 80's early 90's comic. There was alot more deaths like Bumblebee got destoryed and came as GoldBug with a chip on his shoulder. It was campy at times but the action was good. I don't know how it is today.

 

[DrSpengler]

I read the 80's early 90's comic. There was alot more deaths like Bumblebee got destoryed and came as GoldBug with a chip on his shoulder. It was campy at times but the action was good. I don't know how it is today.

The quality fluctuated in the old Marvel comic, particularly toward the end of Budianski's run. But Furman's run up through G2 was pure gold.

The Dreamwave era comics were pretty forgettable, especially since they were larely left unfinished after the bankruptcy and IDW has rebooted continuity.

The IDW comics have been improving; Stormbringer has been really good so far.

 

[Headless Knight]

Budianski wasn't a very good writer, but his run had a few awesome moments. The arrival of Shockwave, Ratchet making a deal with Megatron which led to the first appearence of the dinobots, that back-to-Cybertron mini-arc led by Blaster, etc.

But it's mostly crap, if you ask me. I started hating it when it became clear that the most important thing in the series was introducing new toys in each issue. And, you know, Circuit-Breaker is probably the most annoying character ever.

 

[DrSpengler]

Yeah, the Ratchet arc from #5-12 as well as the Blaster/Straxus arc from #16-18 was some VERY good Transformers fiction. However, the vast majority of Budianski's run was just painful, particularly toward the end.

The Intergalactic Wrestling Championship? Egad.

I lost faith in Budianski after Prime comitted suicide over a video game.

Still, he showed that when he wanted to, he was capable of writing some good stories.

And, hey, at least Furman reduced Circuit Breaker to a drooling braindead vegetable at the end of the series. Thank you, Simon Furman!

 

[Randomhero984]

I loved Dreamwave's run! I was 16 when Transformers was brought back into the fold and collected every comic TF comic that they made(sadly even Micromasters). I felt their problem was expanding too many titles at once and trying to buy every 80's property available. They just got too greedy. I think they should have stayed with G1, Armada/Energon, and War Within, then it would have been fine, other than the fact that Pat lee was spending everyone's paychecks on a Ferarri. lol.

I though their G1 story was good, and I am hoping that IDW is still wanting to pick up where they left off. I'm just not a fan of IDW's infiltration story. Stormbringer and Beastwars is fentastic, but the new robot modes, and all about humans just ruins it for me.

 

[Avangarde]

Not essential, but well worth the read for enjoyment. Some of the plots dont bind with the animated series eg. Evolution, but the art alone is wicked.

 

[riggs]

I prefer the comics over everything. I was four years old when I started reading it (well, I at least looked at the pictures) so I regard them highly. I've recently got hold of the entire UK series is digital form and looking forward to reading them again. I remember some great stories but now I'm somewhat older they may only appeal to me as a bit of nostalgia. Hopefully I'll enjoy them as much now on another level.

 

[Randomhero984]

I gotta say, Simon Furman is the best Transformers writers ever! But recently, I wish he'd leave some characters alone. Bludgeon, Thunderwing, Jetfire and Grimlock mainly. All great characters, but they've been done too much, I know he likes to take small nobodies and make them into big mechs, but I think it's time to move on! He said early this year that he doesnt want to use Unicron b/c he's been used to death in the past years, but he feels the need to incorporate these guys in almost all his comic titles, and not use some of the old favs. like Optimus, Prowl, Starscream, and Megatron(who have been shown very little in his past titles.)

I just want to see some new stuff that doesnt have Bludgeon, Thunderwing, Grimlock, and Jetfire for a while.

 

[kalininkalinin]

Please Who is this?? He is grean but he isnt hulk and he is big. He is maybe giant-man but I dont know. Please Who is this??

 

[Avangarde]

WTF does that have to do with Transformers?

 

[Destructicus]

Please Who is this?? He is grean but he isnt hulk and he is big. He is maybe giant-man but I dont know. Please Who is this??

????????

 

[Randomhero984]

I just picked up the first issue. It is awesome! I love the art, it looks so good. Everyone has bad mouthed Don's style looking blocky and Pat Lee-ish but it really works here. He makes it his own with respecting the movies original look. My only complain is that you can play a drinking game with all the dialogue errors! So many bots are saying someone else's dialogue! I hope this is looked at more closely in the next 3 issues and fixed with the TPB. I highly recommend it.

 

[Randomhero984]

I'm guessing this is the time frame to IDW's Transformers series:

Shockwave: Spotline
Infiltration 1-3
Stormbringer 1-4
Infiltration 4-6
Escalation1-6

I think thats how it goes.

also, Im wondering whats going with this series, is it not G1, b/c IDW is also re-issuing Dreamwave's g1 aswell. I also heard that once the court thing is over IDW will start where Dreamwave left off. Is this true?

 

[Orko Is King]

Please Who is this?? He is grean but he isnt hulk and he is big. He is maybe giant-man but I dont know. Please Who is this??

I'm guessing Impossible Man since he's purple/green and changing.