Sneak Peek - IDW Transformers: Till All Are One #2 iTunes Preview

Is it just me, or is Obsidian's vehicle mode kinda dumb looking? It looks like Generations Scourge with some arbitrarily placed propeller blades, not very imaginative...

It looks kind of like they figured modelling him after Generations Scourge was a good idea, then at the last minute remembered what he originally transformed into.

Kurona wrote:It looks kind of like they figured modelling him after Generations Scourge was a good idea, then at the last minute remembered what he originally transformed into.

Yeah, exactly. Or there's a crummy, last-minute figure in the works from HasTak lol.

Actually if anything, it looks like G2 Dreadwing by way of movie Mindwipe

I honestly thought it was Dreadwing which made me go "what the Hell is going on?"

There's some nice use of 'camera' angles in this. Very dynamic.

This week we see another issue of the new IDW Publishing ongoing, Transformers: Till All Are One, looking at the life on Cybertron in the new sort of unified world - check out the full preview below, via Newsarama, and head back on Wednesday for the Seibertron.com review!

Transformers: Till All Are One #2
Mairghread Scott (w) • Sara Pitre-Durocher (a & c)
PANIC ON THE STREETS OF CYBERTRON! As STARSCREAM’S secret police continue on their rampage, IRONHIDE is caught between the BADGLESS and a population looking for retribution!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:
CYBERTRON takes center stage—can STARSCREAM hold on while power slips through his fingers?
Fan favorite character WINDBLADE tries to keep the peace!
Part of IDW’s month-long variant cover program, celebrating the return of ROM!
Variant cover by Carlos Valenzuela!

Dr Va'al wrote:Concepts!

Why couldn't they have looked like this in CW?

Can anybody identify the white robot yet? (The one that looks like Obsidian?)

Raintime Rainmaker wrote:Can anybody identify the white robot yet? (The one that looks like Obsidian?)

Which one do you mean? The one on the cover in the thumbnail? (I can't think of any other white robots in those pages..)

If so, that is ROM, part of the cross-branding promotional covers, and nothing to do with the story itself so far.

Raintime Rainmaker wrote:

Dr Va'al wrote:Concepts!

Why couldn't they have looked like this in CW?

Can anybody identify the white robot yet? (The one that looks like Obsidian?)

Because they're toys?

There's something unusually beautiful about that first cover by Sara... Windblade looks as though she's made of porcelain or something, it's great!

Synopsis
PANIC ON THE STREETS OF CYBERTRON! As STARSCREAM’S secret police continue on their rampage, IRONHIDE is caught between the BADGLESS and a population looking for retribution!



Story

We're back on Cybertron once more, as the second issue of the new Transformers: Till All Are One ongoing series from IDW Publishing hits the stands (be they digital or physical) - and there is little time lost since last month's issue, as the streets boil, the 'law' is questioned, and Starscream looks on, apprehensive.



We had already seen Ironhide as being one of the major players in the first issue, but it feels like he's more of an instrument of the new orders trying to establish themselves than anything fully agent - though time will tell on this front. He is charismatic, and his dialogue works better now that emotion runs a little higher, too.



Who really gets the spotlight this time round though, are the Combaticons, with Onslaught and Blastoff in particular hogging all of the spotlight. Mairghread Scott has not only tapped into their 'original' writing, but has given them an extra spin in the new post-colonial, post-war, post-combiner, and the interactions all show their individual voices, in both clash and rapport.



While Starscream is a pleasure to read in this new take on his dry approach to life, the weariness and edge to his voice is palpable, and an interesting way to see where it might all go. Add that to the fact that Obsidian is obviously planning things with Elita One, and you got yourself the political intrigue we were (/I was) looking for. More thoughts below.

Art

In how many ways can one Starscream be depicted as bored, despondent, scheming and trying to feign superiority? Sara Pitre-Durocher manages quite a few, with a truly entertaining and impressive array of facial expressions. That, and some really effectively used cinematographic techniques in the more fraught discussion and scenes, create a palpable sense of underlying tension across the whole book - as there should well be.



Much like last issue, again, Priscilla Tramontano bring some clean, crisp colouring to the linework, and gives some nice depth to the larger crowd scenes, picking out details where needed, and making the mob more mob-like on the other side of the coin. The glow of the various optics is a nice touch, too, and one I keep going back to admire.



Tom B. Long, despite not having the space to have too much fun with the fonts, does a great job, and my quibbles with last month's issue are nowhere to be found this time. I have also tried showing off the multiple covers in previous stories, with the regular, and powerful Pitre-Durocher Windblade taking the main stage, followed by her collaboration with Thomas Teyowisonte Deer on the ROM variant, and finally, this review's thumbnail variant, by Carlos Valenzuela.


Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead

Allow me an excursus: I have some ideological concerns with the direction that some of the story is taking, especially in terms of handling powers and justice systems - trying not to spoil anything here - but am also willing to see how it's employed in the larger picture. The political drama being set up (the multiple stages, even) are promising something fairly big, and I don't just mean another combiner.



While a little slower than the previous issue, this month's TAAO brings the set-up that the new status quo on Cybertron probably needs, from a fictional standpoint, and it does it well; it also manages to sneak in a number of issues that can easily be found in our own reality, and that is where I am really interested in their handling and development, hoping for a critical evaluation of sorts, really. Plus, it all looks So Good.

I liked this issue but the 4 page prelude was my favorite. It's four pages that explains how GI Joe and MASK are in this universe and its makes complete sense. I read it and said "alright that works for me"

Did no one else read this it is there just nothing to discuss about it?

I read it!

Randomhero wrote:Did no one else read this it is there just nothing to discuss about it?

With revolution coming, I've kinda lost interest in the comics.

Ironhidensh wrote:

Randomhero wrote:Did no one else read this it is there just nothing to discuss about it?

With revolution coming, I've kinda lost interest in the comics.

I think that's not ideal right now, there's definitely good stuff happening before the event hits. I mean, I get what you're saying, but I'm still sticking to it until it burns (if it does, that is).

I may have to go update the Revolution thread, actually..

Revolution should not be anyone's reason to stop reading the comics. Like I've said and others have, there is a preview story in TAAO and it's good! It makes sense! Please people! Have faith. This isn't marvel and DC with over a dozen editors that don't follow they're own stuff. It's a small group of people that are communicating and making this work.

People are so worked up about MTMTE getting ruined and James has said so many times "stop worrying, I'm still writing what I always had plans for"

I can see the sort of world weary of Starscream. I am not sure if it is why the artist seems to draw Starscream with his head frequently tilted to the right - this lends an extremely fatigued sense.

I don't think bumblebee is a hallucination, I am starting to think he is actually there, as a spectre, trying to help Starscream rule their world. I am liking the artwork.

I am curious as to where this comic goes, I almost feel like Starscream is dying.

Sunstar wrote:I can see the sort of world weary of Starscream. I am not sure if it is why the artist seems to draw Starscream with his head frequently tilted to the right - this lends an extremely fatigued sense.

I don't think bumblebee is a hallucination, I am starting to think he is actually there, as a spectre, trying to help Starscream rule their world. I am liking the artwork.

I am curious as to where this comic goes, I almost feel like Starscream is dying.

The head tilt is actually a thing with starscream. He does it a lot in fiction





It's a sign of arrogance

Yeah, that as it may be, this is not the same. he has life in those pics, he lacks life in the comic. its as if his head is too heavy to hold and he just wants to lay down and die type position. There is no life or power in his drawings. Only just extreme fatigue.

Those are just two quick examples I found online. I just typed in starscream in Google and there's examples of him tilting his head. It's a small thing not many notice or discuss. He did it even back in 1986 when he tossed megatron out of astrotrain. He said "how it pains me to do this" and then tilts his head.

Sunstar wrote:Yeah, that as it may be, this is not the same. he has life in those pics, he lacks life in the comic. its as if his head is too heavy to hold and he just wants to lay down and die type position. There is no life or power in his drawings. Only just extreme fatigue.

I agree on the fatigue (the whole point of this issue, as I hoped to highlight in the review, was that he's kind of had enough of things - he caught the car, now he's getting bored of it) but I disagree on the lack of life or dynamic art. I think both Sarah Stone and Sara Pitre Durocher have had and are having a lot of fun with the expressive elements of the body language that these characters can have.

Look at him sitting into his place at the Council - look at how weary and tired he looks:



Then compare to his nonchalant pose at the beginning of the issue:



Starscream has always been a favourite for fan art, too, and - on my part - I see the appeal is in the 'aloof', 'not caring', 'bad boy' vibes that his character has brought to the fiction. His power is sleek, subtle and lean, he is not a bulky, strong, imposing Megatron, in that sense.

Randomhero wrote:Those are just two quick examples I found online. I just typed in starscream in Google and there's examples of him tilting his head. It's a small thing not many notice or discuss. He did it even back in 1986 when he tossed megatron out of astrotrain. He said "how it pains me to do this" and then tilts his head.

And I quote this as an example. There is so much art about Starscream tilting, and one panel in particular in issue two captured his character wonderfully, I thought (same tilt and position as first image I just used, but look at the overhaul that comes from the expression change and bold font):

One thing to comment on,



This is a complete lie. Screamer's totally hot for Onslaught

I am not saying its drawn with a lack of life.... HE has a distinct lack of life... its drawn well. Other pics of him shows intensity of life, but he has that sort of intense depression. the art is well done and portrays his exhaustion.

I loved the Ironhide bits. He is my character to watch for this storyline. Enjoying him being back in the spotlight

Sunstar wrote:I am not saying its drawn with a lack of life.... HE has a distinct lack of life... its drawn well. Other pics of him shows intensity of life, but he has that sort of intense depression. the art is well done and portrays his exhaustion.

Oooooh, I get you now, sorry! Misread your post.

Dr Va'al wrote:

Sunstar wrote:I am not saying its drawn with a lack of life.... HE has a distinct lack of life... its drawn well. Other pics of him shows intensity of life, but he has that sort of intense depression. the art is well done and portrays his exhaustion.

Oooooh, I get you now, sorry! Misread your post.

sometimes my working can be clunky. Its a side of Starscream we don't usually see.

Kurona wrote:One thing to comment on,



This is a complete lie. Screamer's totally hot for Onslaught

I still want Blackarachnia and Starscream to hook up

(he's so not into it, but she is)

Though thinking about it, it would be an interesting plot development if Starscream had to get a Conjunx Endura for political purposes; provided he stays ruler which i hope he does.

Finally got around to reading this - had to get through ex-RID and Windblade first, but now I've actually caught up on all of them and MTMTE.

I just have one thing to ask... what's the thing everyone was talking about that 'explains' Revolution? I couldn't find anything about that.

It was a short story but not all issues had it with some having a preview of ROM instead.

Hmmm. Is there anywhere I can read it?

Randomhero wrote:People are so worked up about MTMTE getting ruined and James has said so many times "stop worrying, I'm still writing what I always had plans for"

That doesn't necessarily makes it a good thing. What if what he planned to write all along is garbage? I hate to say it, but Dying of The Light has been a disappointment so far. Maybe if I'll read it all together it'll come off better, but I expected more from someone who's supposedly the best TF writer in the game right now. After DoTL, I will probably put down MTMTE for a while, at least until it's well into the Revolution story, so I can refresh my view on it and get back to it with renewed enthusiasm. Same with Transformers, even though I think Barber has done better than Roberts.

A week light on comics from IDW Publishing still brings some Transformers news, in the form of a new iTunes preview for Till All Are One #3 - check out the three pages mirrored below, and come back in a couple of weeks for the full preview/review combo on Seibertron.com!

WINDBLADE TURNS TRAITOR?! With the rise of the COMBATICON threat, STARSCREAM issues an ultimatum to WINDBLADE: do his—or everyone on Cybertron will learn her darkest secrets!

Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

Another prediction: this happens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PkqSl2o8h8

Kurona wrote:

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

Another prediction: this happens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PkqSl2o8h8

Oh damn, if they manage to homage that....

well, Starscream is already leader, but... loved watching that. that episode was fun.

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

My first was was "you really think that will happen this soon?" Then I realized this is just a 4 issue story arc.

Randomhero wrote:

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

My first was was "you really think that will happen this soon?" Then I realized this is just a 4 issue story arc.

Lest we forget that epic attack on titan cover for next issue

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:

Randomhero wrote:

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

My first was was "you really think that will happen this soon?" Then I realized this is just a 4 issue story arc.

Lest we forget that epic attack on titan cover for next issue

Which is weird to me when Starscream's got Devastator before Ironhide... but we'll see.

Kurona wrote:

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:

Randomhero wrote:

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

My first was was "you really think that will happen this soon?" Then I realized this is just a 4 issue story arc.

Lest we forget that epic attack on titan cover for next issue

Which is weird to me when Starscream's got Devastator before Ironhide... but we'll see.

But remember how well Devastator worked last time? He's the reason onslaught and brawl escaped anyway

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:

Kurona wrote:

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:

Randomhero wrote:

D-Maximus_Primal wrote:Prediction: They find Swindle at the same time the combaticons do, and Bruticus is formed on the last page in front of horrified Windblade and Chromia

My first was was "you really think that will happen this soon?" Then I realized this is just a 4 issue story arc.

Lest we forget that epic attack on titan cover for next issue

Which is weird to me when Starscream's got Devastator before Ironhide... but we'll see.

But remember how well Devastator worked last time? He's the reason onslaught and brawl escaped anyway

Still better than nothing.
Maybe.
They haven't been the same since Prowl left. Now they've got some preaching nut

The second IDW Publishing listing on online retailer Amazon is for the first volume of the new ongoing Transformers: Till All Are One, by partners in crime Mairghread Scott and Sara Pitre-Durocher, expected for release in December 2016, and collecting the first story arc (issues 1-4) of the series. Check it out below, and here for the listing!

Starscream rules Cybertron. He and Windblade vie for control of the Council of Worlds, each aligning themselves with as many long-lost colonies as they can. But Starscream's secret police keep increasing the tension, destablizing the fragile peace that has been established. Collects issues #1-4.

Paperback: 100 pages
Publisher: IDW Publishing (15 Dec. 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1631408089
ISBN-13: 978-1631408083
Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 26 cm

So far, I'm not impressed with the series, but if it has a good ending, I'll get the TPB. It's good to see the Combaticons getting some focus. I really don't like that cover, though, I hope they change it. The one with all the Combaticons standing next to each other with the silhouette of Bruticus above them is great. That should be used.

There's going to be 2 or 3 variant covers as always. Hopefully there will be one you like.

That Bot wrote:There's going to be 2 or 3 variant covers as always. Hopefully there will be one you like.

Not for the trades, unfortunately! Though the one we newsed is preliminary, it's highly likely that it will be the one that sticks, given it was the main artist's main cover for the first issue. We'll see.

Newsarama has uploaded their second preview of the week, this time in the form of Till All Are One issue 3! In this issue, Windblade takes on the combaticons and the hunt for Swindle continues! Check out the full preview below and stay tuned next week for the Seibertron.com review!

Transformers: Till All Are One #3
Mairghread Scott (w) * Sara Pitre-Durocher (a & c)
WINDBLADE TURNS TRAITOR?! With the rise of the COMBATICON threat, STARSCREAM issues an ultimatum to WINDBLADE: do his-or everyone on Cybertron will learn her darkest secrets!
FC * 32 pages * $3.99
Bullet points:
* Will WINDBLADE betray her own ideals and become STARSCREAM's crony?
* Is ONSLAUGHT really the threat to world peace that STARSCREAM claims?
* And where in the name of the Primes is SWINDLE?!
* Sets the stage for next month's REVOLUTION!
* Variant cover by Thomas Deer!

I need to greet all new News Staff like Ironhide does.

Dr Va'al wrote:I need to greet all new News Staff like Ironhide does.

Huh