Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound
Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 11:02AM CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, InterviewsPosted by: william-james88 Views: 53,420
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We had the pleasure to talk to the writer and artist of the new Transformers series from Skybound, Daniel Warren Johnson, to get to know more about what to expect in the coming months along with an explanation for the big spoiler moment. Below is a summary of what was discussed.
Firstly, it was interesting to see that while Johnson grew up with the Transformers brand and was heavily influence by Geoff Senior for his art style, he has been removed from the modern Transformers content and discussion. So don't expect new characters to show up, even those which have retroactively become part of "G1" fiction, like Drift, Barricade or Windblade. The stories will instead have characters he is ore familiar with, though there may certainly be some G1 deepcuts.
The first issue had a passing remark regarding Megatron's absence and Johnson was not going to tell us more about that. BUT he did explain to us why he picked Bumblebee as the character to bite the dust in the first issue. At a basic level, the scene was made to establish to both new readers and the human characters in the story who were the good guys and the bad guys and how ruthless the bad guys are. Plus, since this comic is meant to be as accessible as possible, Johnson wanted to have well known characters, including the one who dies. This had nothing to do with Bumblebee's overexposure in the past 15 years, though it is interesting to note that Johnson never had a great affinity to Bumblebee growing up.
While the book has a very familiar premise for anyone who grew up in the G1 era, the book is meant to be accessible to all and Johnson asks us to leave everything we know at the door. The story he will be telling is fresh and new. It will be written as a series of arcs, with no end planned at the moment. At the same time though, Johnson is adamant to make each issue feel satisfying in its own right, as we saw with the first issue, with a full character arc for Jetfire. This is something extremely important to him.
A change we felt was significant was the talk of time. In most Transformers fiction, eras are measured in "millions of years" be it the Cybertronian war or the time between the Arc crashing and the bots awakening. Johnson changed that to "hundreds of years" in the dialogue since it felt more logical, but the impact story wise is minimal. It wasn't that big a decision for him and Hasbro had no notes on it. Speaking of Hasbro's involvement, they did give him feedback about the way he draws Optimus' hands. While they would want them to look less human, Johnson is sticking to the Geoff Senior school of robot hands, which are simply human hands with some rings drawn on the fingers. It is also less taxing for him, since he does have the double duty of being the writer and artist.
Speaking of that double duty, it gives an added layer to what we see in the comic and which characters appear. For instance, the cassette Soundwave chooses to deploy is Ravage. Johnson, as a writer, wanted to include this character that he loves and Johnson as an artist really wanted him in the story because it adds a different kind of element to draw. Him being an animal makes him fun to draw and adds contrast to the more blocky shapes of the other bots.
Those were the main parts of the interview, if you want to watch the full interview, you can do so below. But please be aware of some issues with framerate and the interviewer going on some random rants/tangents.
Firstly, it was interesting to see that while Johnson grew up with the Transformers brand and was heavily influence by Geoff Senior for his art style, he has been removed from the modern Transformers content and discussion. So don't expect new characters to show up, even those which have retroactively become part of "G1" fiction, like Drift, Barricade or Windblade. The stories will instead have characters he is ore familiar with, though there may certainly be some G1 deepcuts.
The first issue had a passing remark regarding Megatron's absence and Johnson was not going to tell us more about that. BUT he did explain to us why he picked Bumblebee as the character to bite the dust in the first issue. At a basic level, the scene was made to establish to both new readers and the human characters in the story who were the good guys and the bad guys and how ruthless the bad guys are. Plus, since this comic is meant to be as accessible as possible, Johnson wanted to have well known characters, including the one who dies. This had nothing to do with Bumblebee's overexposure in the past 15 years, though it is interesting to note that Johnson never had a great affinity to Bumblebee growing up.
While the book has a very familiar premise for anyone who grew up in the G1 era, the book is meant to be accessible to all and Johnson asks us to leave everything we know at the door. The story he will be telling is fresh and new. It will be written as a series of arcs, with no end planned at the moment. At the same time though, Johnson is adamant to make each issue feel satisfying in its own right, as we saw with the first issue, with a full character arc for Jetfire. This is something extremely important to him.
A change we felt was significant was the talk of time. In most Transformers fiction, eras are measured in "millions of years" be it the Cybertronian war or the time between the Arc crashing and the bots awakening. Johnson changed that to "hundreds of years" in the dialogue since it felt more logical, but the impact story wise is minimal. It wasn't that big a decision for him and Hasbro had no notes on it. Speaking of Hasbro's involvement, they did give him feedback about the way he draws Optimus' hands. While they would want them to look less human, Johnson is sticking to the Geoff Senior school of robot hands, which are simply human hands with some rings drawn on the fingers. It is also less taxing for him, since he does have the double duty of being the writer and artist.
Speaking of that double duty, it gives an added layer to what we see in the comic and which characters appear. For instance, the cassette Soundwave chooses to deploy is Ravage. Johnson, as a writer, wanted to include this character that he loves and Johnson as an artist really wanted him in the story because it adds a different kind of element to draw. Him being an animal makes him fun to draw and adds contrast to the more blocky shapes of the other bots.
Those were the main parts of the interview, if you want to watch the full interview, you can do so below. But please be aware of some issues with framerate and the interviewer going on some random rants/tangents.
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Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2170932)
Posted by ScottyP on October 4th, 2023 @ 11:03am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on October 4th, 2023 @ 11:03am CDT
I thought it was average. Plenty of good stuff, plenty of stuff that wasn't for me.
Really liked the war not being ancient/on an insane timescale, felt the balance of human drama to robot stuff was done well and some of the small nods like Prime's trailer having a real purpose were neato.
The art is not to my taste overall, but the only part that seemed actually bad to me were the attempts at using Geoff Senior-style action. That only works for Senior because his entire style is like that, it's really awkward and jarring here. The tone also gets too edgelord for my liking by the end, but I think a lot of people will like that and not view it as a negative point.
Really liked the war not being ancient/on an insane timescale, felt the balance of human drama to robot stuff was done well and some of the small nods like Prime's trailer having a real purpose were neato.
The art is not to my taste overall, but the only part that seemed actually bad to me were the attempts at using Geoff Senior-style action. That only works for Senior because his entire style is like that, it's really awkward and jarring here. The tone also gets too edgelord for my liking by the end, but I think a lot of people will like that and not view it as a negative point.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2170933)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on October 4th, 2023 @ 11:06am CDT
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on October 4th, 2023 @ 11:06am CDT
Just seeing the preview, I wasn't interested in this. It's been nearly 40 years since G1 and that doesn't make seeing the crashed Ark or dormant occupants as anything other than an 80's throwback. As much as I loathed IDWverse post-Furman. At least they had the guts to be different.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2170946)
Posted by william-james88 on October 4th, 2023 @ 2:18pm CDT
I get all your points (except for the edgelord stuff, I didn't feel that), but I think the wholesomeness and accomplishment of a G1 reboot made me look past them. I don't really care that it's a G1 reboot, but I like that it is done well. Some fans wanted that and I am happy for them. I hated the IDW 2.0 stuff, especially in terms of pacing, so by comparison this issue felt like a great read.
Posted by william-james88 on October 4th, 2023 @ 2:18pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:I thought it was average. Plenty of good stuff, plenty of stuff that wasn't for me.
Really liked the war not being ancient/on an insane timescale, felt the balance of human drama to robot stuff was done well and some of the small nods like Prime's trailer having a real purpose were neato.
The art is not to my taste overall, but the only part that seemed actually bad to me were the attempts at using Geoff Senior-style action. That only works for Senior because his entire style is like that, it's really awkward and jarring here. The tone also gets too edgelord for my liking by the end, but I think a lot of people will like that and not view it as a negative point.
I get all your points (except for the edgelord stuff, I didn't feel that), but I think the wholesomeness and accomplishment of a G1 reboot made me look past them. I don't really care that it's a G1 reboot, but I like that it is done well. Some fans wanted that and I am happy for them. I hated the IDW 2.0 stuff, especially in terms of pacing, so by comparison this issue felt like a great read.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2170948)
Posted by ScottyP on October 4th, 2023 @ 3:48pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on October 4th, 2023 @ 3:48pm CDT
Gonna keep it vague since I think this will show in the news story view comments where spoiler tags don't work - what I'm mostly referring to is the final panel of the issue. Made me roll my eyes. In a vacuum it doesn't bother me but as it is, it felt like the definition of a first issue trying way too hard to be serious/grim/important. Move that scene to a later point in the story, heck not even much later, and I think it has more impact.william-james88 wrote:I get all your points (except for the edgelord stuff, I didn't feel that)
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2170964)
Posted by william-james88 on October 4th, 2023 @ 4:29pm CDT
Ah right, I get it now. While I felt it was in line with the way the character was portrayed through the comic, I won't disagree with any of that.
Posted by william-james88 on October 4th, 2023 @ 4:29pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:Gonna keep it vague since I think this will show in the news story view comments where spoiler tags don't work - what I'm mostly referring to is the final panel of the issue. Made me roll my eyes. In a vacuum it doesn't bother me but as it is, it felt like the definition of a first issue trying way too hard to be serious/grim/important. Move that scene to a later point in the story, heck not even much later, and I think it has more impact.william-james88 wrote:I get all your points (except for the edgelord stuff, I didn't feel that)
Ah right, I get it now. While I felt it was in line with the way the character was portrayed through the comic, I won't disagree with any of that.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2170982)
Posted by sol magnus on October 4th, 2023 @ 6:22pm CDT
Posted by sol magnus on October 4th, 2023 @ 6:22pm CDT
There was plenty to enjoy, but there were some things I have...opinions on. There's something in there I felt was making a point that didn't really need to be made, but we got the truest version of a character I've ever seen in fiction due to that plot decision.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171004)
Posted by Supreme Convoy on October 4th, 2023 @ 11:06pm CDT
Posted by Supreme Convoy on October 4th, 2023 @ 11:06pm CDT
Transformers #1 is one of my most anticipated comics this year and it did not disappoint! It really is the perfect mix of DWJ sensibilities mashed up with the Transformers.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171006)
Posted by william-james88 on October 5th, 2023 @ 12:33am CDT
Yeah, I know people here aren't really feeling it, but the reaction online has been positive overall. While I'm indifferent on it being a G1 reboot, I think it accomplishes what it sets out to be.
Here are some more words of excitement I found for this issue:
Posted by william-james88 on October 5th, 2023 @ 12:33am CDT
Supreme Convoy wrote:Transformers #1 is one of my most anticipated comics this year and it did not disappoint! It really is the perfect mix of DWJ sensibilities mashed up with the Transformers.
Yeah, I know people here aren't really feeling it, but the reaction online has been positive overall. While I'm indifferent on it being a G1 reboot, I think it accomplishes what it sets out to be.
Here are some more words of excitement I found for this issue:
We are so fuckin back, I knew DWJ wouldn't fail us.
The art's pulpy and fresh, the human and cybertronian characters are both interesting, it's got the signature robot-ultra-violence. 9/10, wish it was longer. Great start, hope we got years ahead of us.
What a fantastic read with some interesting twists to the formula. You can also already tell DWJ gets these characters.
I enjoyed it. How nice it is to see the 'compassionate warrior' take on Optimus Prime again as opposed to angry and vengeful in other media.
Welcome back, Caring Warrior Dad G1 Optimus
Just read the comic. I have to say this is the best TF comic I've read for a very, very long time. Feels good to be excited about Transformers comics again!
Really enjoyable. It is a pretty fresh look at the Sunbow Pilot Episode MtMtE with a ton of hooks for new story.
Listen, you there. That’s right, you reading this. I want you to read this carefully and picture these words in your mind. You understand? Good. Pick. Up. This. Book. It’s everything I wanted in a new Transformers series, going back to the core strengths of the franchise, the mechanical lifeforms learning and changing through their interactions with humanity, with amazing artwork and engaging writing and pacing. Pick it up. ‘Nuff said.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171053)
Posted by Big Grim on October 5th, 2023 @ 9:08am CDT
Posted by Big Grim on October 5th, 2023 @ 9:08am CDT
I rather enjoyed it, though I don't remember Cybertronians ever feeling as fragile as they seem to be here. Maybe I'm just used to how hard to kill they were in the IDW days. It certainly looks like two deaths in this issue alone.
~ Grim
~ Grim
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171101)
Posted by ScottyP on October 5th, 2023 @ 12:56pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on October 5th, 2023 @ 12:56pm CDT
Gotta get that shock value in or something. Tbh, characters dying in a premiere issue is probably more predictable now than the opposite.Big Grim wrote:I rather enjoyed it, though I don't remember Cybertronians ever feeling as fragile as they seem to be here. Maybe I'm just used to how hard to kill they were in the IDW days. It certainly looks like two deaths in this issue alone.
~ Grim
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171107)
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on October 5th, 2023 @ 1:28pm CDT
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on October 5th, 2023 @ 1:28pm CDT
And Thundercracker missed being a part of the main Con cast by *that* much.
That aside, I am so stunned and excited by this first issue! I’m loving all the reimaginings of the human characters, I love Carly and her van so much already (hope Ironhide becomes her van, they had a great dynamic in the G1 cartoon.)
One thing that seems new(ish?) that I’m VERY interested in is the duration of the war. It appears to barely have gotten started, so we’re going to see some interesting “early days” of the war that other series (looking at you IDW2019!) didn’t manage to grasp.
It’s going to be hard waiting for #2 is all I have left to say!
That aside, I am so stunned and excited by this first issue! I’m loving all the reimaginings of the human characters, I love Carly and her van so much already (hope Ironhide becomes her van, they had a great dynamic in the G1 cartoon.)
One thing that seems new(ish?) that I’m VERY interested in is the duration of the war. It appears to barely have gotten started, so we’re going to see some interesting “early days” of the war that other series (looking at you IDW2019!) didn’t manage to grasp.
It’s going to be hard waiting for #2 is all I have left to say!
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171111)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on October 5th, 2023 @ 2:22pm CDT
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on October 5th, 2023 @ 2:22pm CDT
Post-Furman IDW didn't even grasp the war to begin with. Let alone how to "end" it in a logical and satisfying narrative way.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171116)
Posted by Hero Alpha on October 5th, 2023 @ 2:54pm CDT
War rarely ends in a logical and satisfying narrative way. I thought IDW handled it quite realistically, as far as giant space robots go. Both sides losing, trying to move on, even the "bad" guy, kinda getting away with it, for a time, with plenty of the other side backing him. Pretty good grasp on war to me.
As for the new comic; I liked it a lot. Carly should be blonde though.
Posted by Hero Alpha on October 5th, 2023 @ 2:54pm CDT
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Post-Furman IDW didn't even grasp the war to begin with. Let alone how to "end" it in a logical and satisfying narrative way.
War rarely ends in a logical and satisfying narrative way. I thought IDW handled it quite realistically, as far as giant space robots go. Both sides losing, trying to move on, even the "bad" guy, kinda getting away with it, for a time, with plenty of the other side backing him. Pretty good grasp on war to me.
As for the new comic; I liked it a lot. Carly should be blonde though.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171171)
Posted by william-james88 on October 5th, 2023 @ 11:00pm CDT
The war under IDW post Furman was always nebulous to me. It only ever made sense, time wise, when Roberts made this beautiful 2 page spread explaining how the leaders would over-strategize to the point of taking 100 years to plan one battle.
Posted by william-james88 on October 5th, 2023 @ 11:00pm CDT
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Post-Furman IDW didn't even grasp the war to begin with. Let alone how to "end" it in a logical and satisfying narrative way.
The war under IDW post Furman was always nebulous to me. It only ever made sense, time wise, when Roberts made this beautiful 2 page spread explaining how the leaders would over-strategize to the point of taking 100 years to plan one battle.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171192)
Posted by snavej on October 6th, 2023 @ 5:27am CDT
Posted by snavej on October 6th, 2023 @ 5:27am CDT
The whole idea of Teletraan-1 was SO 1950s, when computers were huge. It's redundant now. I'm glad that Image Optimus blew it up.
It's 'good' (realistic) to see Starscream & co. casually killing humans, who Decepticons would see as offensively inferior and an obstacle to progress. Maybe they will start a programme of human eradication this time. Given the increasing use of drones in real-world war, the Decepticons could unleash self-replicating attack drones against human civilisation. That way, the genocidal process would be automated, leaving the Decepticons free to strengthen their positions and fight the Autobots.
It's 'good' (realistic) to see Starscream & co. casually killing humans, who Decepticons would see as offensively inferior and an obstacle to progress. Maybe they will start a programme of human eradication this time. Given the increasing use of drones in real-world war, the Decepticons could unleash self-replicating attack drones against human civilisation. That way, the genocidal process would be automated, leaving the Decepticons free to strengthen their positions and fight the Autobots.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171200)
Posted by sol magnus on October 6th, 2023 @ 6:10am CDT
Re: Starscream, - this is the truest take on the stated characterization of Starscream going back to his 1984 file card we've ever gotten. He was probably the best character in the book, and while I don't think his other major action was needed whether or not for overexposure - it made me feel something, so on that level this book is a success in my eyes.
Posted by sol magnus on October 6th, 2023 @ 6:10am CDT
snavej wrote:The whole idea of Teletraan-1 was SO 1950s, when computers were huge. It's redundant now. I'm glad that Image Optimus blew it up.
It's 'good' (realistic) to see Starscream & co. casually killing humans, who Decepticons would see as offensively inferior and an obstacle to progress. Maybe they will start a programme of human eradication this time. Given the increasing use of drones in real-world war, the Decepticons could unleash self-replicating attack drones against human civilisation. That way, the genocidal process would be automated, leaving the Decepticons free to strengthen their positions and fight the Autobots.
Re: Starscream, - this is the truest take on the stated characterization of Starscream going back to his 1984 file card we've ever gotten. He was probably the best character in the book, and while I don't think his other major action was needed whether or not for overexposure - it made me feel something, so on that level this book is a success in my eyes.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171260)
Posted by william-james88 on October 6th, 2023 @ 1:58pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on October 6th, 2023 @ 1:58pm CDT
The first issue of Daniel Warren Johnson's new Transformers title is a success both critically and in sales. Many fans who have wanted a modern take on G1 are saying they finally have it. So the anticipation for issue 2 is pretty big. Below you will see preview images for the second issue. Some are in black and white while others are in colour. We see Optimus killing a deer by mistake, realizing how fragile creatures of Earth are and saddened by his action (a direct contrast to the way the first issue ended) and we also see Cliffjumper, who will be a main player in this series. Enjoy!
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171262)
Posted by ScottyP on October 6th, 2023 @ 2:36pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on October 6th, 2023 @ 2:36pm CDT
Optimus stepping on a deer is so entirely unnecessary. Someone needs to check this writer's basement, that's some deranged, twistedly cruel stuff to put on a page. Might not be sticking around for much of this series!
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171264)
Posted by sol magnus on October 6th, 2023 @ 2:47pm CDT
Seems completely on-brand for Kirkman's comics in general, though.
Posted by sol magnus on October 6th, 2023 @ 2:47pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:Optimus stepping on a deer is so entirely unnecessary. Someone needs to check this writer's basement, that's some deranged, twistedly cruel stuff to put on a page. Might not be sticking around for much of this series!
Seems completely on-brand for Kirkman's comics in general, though.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171266)
Posted by bluecatcinema on October 6th, 2023 @ 2:52pm CDT
Posted by bluecatcinema on October 6th, 2023 @ 2:52pm CDT
Wow, they're referencing the Matrix already. That's got to be some kind of record.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171267)
Posted by sol magnus on October 6th, 2023 @ 3:23pm CDT
They referenced it in issue 1.
Posted by sol magnus on October 6th, 2023 @ 3:23pm CDT
bluecatcinema wrote:Wow, they're referencing the Matrix already. That's got to be some kind of record.
They referenced it in issue 1.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171284)
Posted by william-james88 on October 6th, 2023 @ 9:11pm CDT
So I guess this means this story takes place post 1999
Posted by william-james88 on October 6th, 2023 @ 9:11pm CDT
bluecatcinema wrote:Wow, they're referencing the Matrix already. That's got to be some kind of record.
So I guess this means this story takes place post 1999
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171307)
Posted by snavej on October 7th, 2023 @ 3:32am CDT
Posted by snavej on October 7th, 2023 @ 3:32am CDT
Could everyone please take their red pills? [Matrix movie reference. 'Toxic male' reference. Right wing reference. Conspiracy theory reference. Red-coloured medicine capsule reference.]
Anyway, Cliffy has the glass gas, which means that some Decepticons are gonna get shattered soon.
By the way, no one show OP the movie 'Bambi', OK?!
Anyway, Cliffy has the glass gas, which means that some Decepticons are gonna get shattered soon.
By the way, no one show OP the movie 'Bambi', OK?!
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171357)
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on October 7th, 2023 @ 5:40pm CDT
I can’t help but disagree. Look at the following page, Optimus is clearly suddenly overwhelmed by the weight of the war, his inability to save his own men, his home world. He’s only been online on Earth for probably no more than a couple days. The deer stepping, while admittedly gruesome (let’s not forget who’s in control of this series) serves as a really poignant moment of despair and Optimus’ feelings of despair and helplessness at the situation laid before him. So much is out of his control, or worse, so much is his fault.
Also… He hasn’t been a Prime that long, given what we know about the timeframe of the war. He must be so overwhelmed. This to me, serves as some EXCELLENT character building, and without a single spoken word or marvel-movie quip. It’s one of those things you have to take behind face value.
Can’t wait for issue 2!!!
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on October 7th, 2023 @ 5:40pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:Optimus stepping on a deer is so entirely unnecessary. Someone needs to check this writer's basement, that's some deranged, twistedly cruel stuff to put on a page. Might not be sticking around for much of this series!
I can’t help but disagree. Look at the following page, Optimus is clearly suddenly overwhelmed by the weight of the war, his inability to save his own men, his home world. He’s only been online on Earth for probably no more than a couple days. The deer stepping, while admittedly gruesome (let’s not forget who’s in control of this series) serves as a really poignant moment of despair and Optimus’ feelings of despair and helplessness at the situation laid before him. So much is out of his control, or worse, so much is his fault.
Also… He hasn’t been a Prime that long, given what we know about the timeframe of the war. He must be so overwhelmed. This to me, serves as some EXCELLENT character building, and without a single spoken word or marvel-movie quip. It’s one of those things you have to take behind face value.
Can’t wait for issue 2!!!
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171358)
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on October 7th, 2023 @ 5:42pm CDT
Do you want to shatter the poor guy even more?!
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on October 7th, 2023 @ 5:42pm CDT
snavej wrote:By the way, no one show OP the movie 'Bambi', OK?!
Do you want to shatter the poor guy even more?!
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171379)
Posted by Randomhero on October 8th, 2023 @ 12:13am CDT
Lol okay dude. I’m sure you’ll be here every month to find something to complain about
Posted by Randomhero on October 8th, 2023 @ 12:13am CDT
ScottyP wrote:Optimus stepping on a deer is so entirely unnecessary. Someone needs to check this writer's basement, that's some deranged, twistedly cruel stuff to put on a page. Might not be sticking around for much of this series!
Lol okay dude. I’m sure you’ll be here every month to find something to complain about
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171474)
Posted by TulioDude on October 8th, 2023 @ 8:17pm CDT
Posted by TulioDude on October 8th, 2023 @ 8:17pm CDT
Even they didn't want to use Bumblebee, they could just not have him appear in the story, feels to unnecessary for me.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2171869)
Posted by JazZeke on October 12th, 2023 @ 3:35am CDT
Posted by JazZeke on October 12th, 2023 @ 3:35am CDT
I read the first issue of the new TF comics today. Overall, it feels like a fresh take on an old story, so I'm willing to give it a few more issues. I understand going back to basics after IDW1 did something radically different and IDW2 flopped. But I really feel like THIS level of reversion to the original story feels like a step back and mere nostalgia-bating.
The most interesting element is the humans, actually. Sparkplug is a Vietnam vet with PTSD and a strained relationship with Spike, who's basically acting like the parental figure in the relationship. And he dreams of becoming an astronaut.
I do have a... TON of nitpicks though. Art is okay. At this point though I'm starting to resent the Sunbow animation model designs. I feel like they're starting to hold the overall brand back at this point. I'd rather have robots that actually look like they can turn into stuff. Apparently Optimus' trailer is now a TARDIS capable of fitting all the other Autobots inside it. And they all come back online speaking English immediately, no accounting for a language barrier, which is a sci fi pet peeve of mine.
Bumblebee is snuffed out unceremoniously before he even comes online. And while I do believe said character is overexposed, it just feels like a mean-spirited way of doing it. Not "edgelord," but pushing the envelop. At least in Prime when Cliffjumper was brought in just to be killed off, he got a moment to be established for audiences to connect to and feel the weight of his death.
I'd rate it a 5/10.
The most interesting element is the humans, actually. Sparkplug is a Vietnam vet with PTSD and a strained relationship with Spike, who's basically acting like the parental figure in the relationship. And he dreams of becoming an astronaut.
I do have a... TON of nitpicks though. Art is okay. At this point though I'm starting to resent the Sunbow animation model designs. I feel like they're starting to hold the overall brand back at this point. I'd rather have robots that actually look like they can turn into stuff. Apparently Optimus' trailer is now a TARDIS capable of fitting all the other Autobots inside it. And they all come back online speaking English immediately, no accounting for a language barrier, which is a sci fi pet peeve of mine.
Bumblebee is snuffed out unceremoniously before he even comes online. And while I do believe said character is overexposed, it just feels like a mean-spirited way of doing it. Not "edgelord," but pushing the envelop. At least in Prime when Cliffjumper was brought in just to be killed off, he got a moment to be established for audiences to connect to and feel the weight of his death.
I'd rate it a 5/10.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2172051)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on October 13th, 2023 @ 8:28pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on October 13th, 2023 @ 8:28pm CDT
Finally decided to get the first issue, after hearing a lot of good things. Still need to read it, but I ended up with 2 copies of Issue 1 from the Seibertron store. Bossman included one in a package I bought almost 2 weeks ago, and I only just opened it last night AFTER buying a copy. Guess one of these will be framed for the wall!
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2172080)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on October 14th, 2023 @ 10:40am CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on October 14th, 2023 @ 10:40am CDT
Well the comics aren't aimed at children AFAIK and the character has been way overused in the last 15 years anyway. It was alright for the 1st 5 years, but then it got repetitious and annoying.TulioDude wrote:Even they didn't want to use Bumblebee, they could just not have him appear in the story, feels to unnecessary for me.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2172147)
Posted by sol magnus on October 14th, 2023 @ 7:55pm CDT
I don't think too many people are upset with what happened so much as the WAY it happened.
Posted by sol magnus on October 14th, 2023 @ 7:55pm CDT
Rodimus Prime wrote:Well the comics aren't aimed at children AFAIK and the character has been way overused in the last 15 years anyway. It was alright for the 1st 5 years, but then it got repetitious and annoying.TulioDude wrote:Even they didn't want to use Bumblebee, they could just not have him appear in the story, feels to unnecessary for me.
I don't think too many people are upset with what happened so much as the WAY it happened.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2172157)
Posted by JazZeke on October 15th, 2023 @ 1:03am CDT
Yep.
Posted by JazZeke on October 15th, 2023 @ 1:03am CDT
sol magnus wrote:Rodimus Prime wrote:Well the comics aren't aimed at children AFAIK and the character has been way overused in the last 15 years anyway. It was alright for the 1st 5 years, but then it got repetitious and annoying.TulioDude wrote:Even they didn't want to use Bumblebee, they could just not have him appear in the story, feels to unnecessary for me.
I don't think too many people are upset with what happened so much as the WAY it happened.
Yep.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2172163)
Posted by SkyFire Prime on October 15th, 2023 @ 5:00am CDT
Dude your reaction is not connected to reality, I listened to you on the podcast and I rushed to see what was so deranged....
"Optimus taking a moment to appreciate nature, accidently stepping on a deer (as we might accidently step on an ant) but then feeling remorse and triggering PTSD flashback of violence on Cybertron"
This is actually a tender moment where get to see that this Prime appreciates all life, even more so than us. Because that deer amounts to an ant for him.
I might add, did you criticize Micheal Bay when Prime was stealing faces?, now there's a basement that needs checking!
Posted by SkyFire Prime on October 15th, 2023 @ 5:00am CDT
ScottyP wrote:Optimus stepping on a deer is so entirely unnecessary. Someone needs to check this writer's basement, that's some deranged, twistedly cruel stuff to put on a page. Might not be sticking around for much of this series!
Dude your reaction is not connected to reality, I listened to you on the podcast and I rushed to see what was so deranged....
"Optimus taking a moment to appreciate nature, accidently stepping on a deer (as we might accidently step on an ant) but then feeling remorse and triggering PTSD flashback of violence on Cybertron"
This is actually a tender moment where get to see that this Prime appreciates all life, even more so than us. Because that deer amounts to an ant for him.
I might add, did you criticize Micheal Bay when Prime was stealing faces?, now there's a basement that needs checking!
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2172164)
Posted by JazZeke on October 15th, 2023 @ 5:04am CDT
It kinda hearkens back to The Iron Giant, IMO
Posted by JazZeke on October 15th, 2023 @ 5:04am CDT
SkyFire Prime wrote:ScottyP wrote:Optimus stepping on a deer is so entirely unnecessary. Someone needs to check this writer's basement, that's some deranged, twistedly cruel stuff to put on a page. Might not be sticking around for much of this series!
Dude your reaction is not connected to reality, I listened to you on the podcast and I rushed to see what was so deranged....
"Optimus taking a moment to appreciate nature, accidently stepping on a deer (as we might accidently step on an ant) but then feeling remorse and triggering PTSD flashback of violence on Cybertron"
This is actually a tender moment where get to see that this Prime appreciates all life, even more so than us. Because that deer amounts to an ant for him.
I might add, did you criticize Micheal Bay when Prime was stealing faces?, now there's a basement that needs checking!
It kinda hearkens back to The Iron Giant, IMO
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2172193)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on October 15th, 2023 @ 7:44pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on October 15th, 2023 @ 7:44pm CDT
I finally got to read my issue Friday night, and then I read it again last night. It was pretty good. I admit to not liking the cartoon robots, but once I started reading the comic, I felt a little more OK with it after I saw they are using updated vehicle modes, and the artist did a good job of the v-mode details (he actually included the wires and stuff trucks actually use with trailers!). Still wish the robot mode details were better, but seeing the interior work, it was really solid all the way around.
I also really liked the writing. It was a good pace, and it accomplished a lot in those pages. It moved without feeling like it was speeding.
I liked the characterizations too. Love Prime so far, it feels like a welcome change of pace for the character. Starscream is cranky and deranged, and I like it in this case. Soundwave caring for a wounded Ravage was a nice touch, glad they are continuing that kind of relationship with Soundwave and his cassettes.
The human cast also seems good so far, I like Carly and Spike, and I feel like we are going to get a unique sparkplug story here I am interested to see.
Overall, very strong start. I guess I will check out this continuity as we go for now. They got me hooked, now let's see what else we got.
I also really liked the writing. It was a good pace, and it accomplished a lot in those pages. It moved without feeling like it was speeding.
I liked the characterizations too. Love Prime so far, it feels like a welcome change of pace for the character. Starscream is cranky and deranged, and I like it in this case. Soundwave caring for a wounded Ravage was a nice touch, glad they are continuing that kind of relationship with Soundwave and his cassettes.
The human cast also seems good so far, I like Carly and Spike, and I feel like we are going to get a unique sparkplug story here I am interested to see.
Overall, very strong start. I guess I will check out this continuity as we go for now. They got me hooked, now let's see what else we got.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2172265)
Posted by ScottyP on October 16th, 2023 @ 6:09pm CDT
Gonna take a hiatus from this thread. Good or bad, you won't be hearing from me about it.
Posted by ScottyP on October 16th, 2023 @ 6:09pm CDT
I found your post in the episode thread entirely fair. This is too, but ouch. This one hurt.SkyFire Prime wrote:ScottyP wrote:Optimus stepping on a deer is so entirely unnecessary. Someone needs to check this writer's basement, that's some deranged, twistedly cruel stuff to put on a page. Might not be sticking around for much of this series!
Dude your reaction is not connected to reality
Gonna take a hiatus from this thread. Good or bad, you won't be hearing from me about it.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2172267)
Posted by sol magnus on October 16th, 2023 @ 6:22pm CDT
A quick review!
Posted by sol magnus on October 16th, 2023 @ 6:22pm CDT
A quick review!
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2173361)
Posted by snavej on November 10th, 2023 @ 6:31am CST
Posted by snavej on November 10th, 2023 @ 6:31am CST
Issue 2 is out. Starscream's having fun: see him smile on the cover. GI Joe made a small appearance. The situation for the Autobots seems very, very bad this time. They might even be on the verge of extinction. There were some reader letters at the end. Overall, it's pretty good. I was left wanting more. I could read this kind of material for hours.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2173362)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 10th, 2023 @ 6:41am CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 10th, 2023 @ 6:41am CST
i ordered mine last night, should hopefully be here early next week. Looking forward to it!
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2173397)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 11th, 2023 @ 8:18am CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 11th, 2023 @ 8:18am CST
Thanks to an update from Skybound, we have our first look at next months Transformers #3 comic. Following the explosive Issue #2 released this week, a confrontation between Autobot and Decepticon is brewing, and Sparkplug is ready to dive headlong into action as well.
Much like the preview for Issue #2, no dialogue is present for this early 3 page preview.
Check out the preview below, and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Much like the preview for Issue #2, no dialogue is present for this early 3 page preview.
Check out the preview below, and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Today Skybound, in collaboration with leading toy and game company Hasbro, revealed an impressive lineup of variant covers and a first look at interior pages of Daniel Warren Johnson’s TRANSFORMERS #3. The third issue of the smash hit series, TRANSFORMERS, will be available on shelves in comic book shops December 13, 2023.
TRANSFORMERS #3 continues the Energon Universe and the all-new era of the iconic TRANSFORMERS franchise from Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb) and colorist Mike Spicer (Stillwater, Murder Falcon). Outnumbered and overpowered, it’s time for the Autobots to stand their ground, as Optimus Prime goes toe-to-toe with Skywarp!
In addition to the main cover by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer, the stacked list of variant covers for TRANSFORMERS #3 includes a cover by Taurin Clarke (Black Panther), a 1:10 incentive variant continuing the connecting cover series by Orlando Arocena (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), a 1:25 incentive variant by Matias Bergara (Coda), and a 1:50 incentive variant by Nick Dragotta (Creepshow).
The Energon Universe officially began in June 2023 with the surprise first appearance of iconic TRANSFORMERS character Jetfire in Void Rivals #1, introducing the historic new collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound, with TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE comics finding a new home with the publisher.
The Energon Universe expands in December with Duke #1, a limited series from Joshua Williamson (DC’s Superman, Dark Ride), Tom Reilly (The Thing) and Jordie Bellaire (W0rldtr33). This will be followed by the launch of Cobra Commander #1 in January 2024, from Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana (Impact Winter: Rook) and Annalisa Leoni (Oblivion Song). Fans should expect can’t-miss moments from every issue of the Energon Universe, as secrets are unveiled along the path to answering the BIG questions, including #WhereIsMegatron.
TRANSFORMERS #3 (Lunar Codes Below | $3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.
The full list of variant covers is below:
TRANSFORMERS #3 Cover A by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer (1023IM385)
TRANSFORMERS #3 Cover B by Taurin Clarke (1023IM386)
TRANSFORMERS #3 Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive) by Orlando Arocena (1023IM387)
TRANSFORMERS #3 Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Matias Bergara (1023IM388)
TRANSFORMERS #3 Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive) by Nick Dragotta (1023IM389)
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2173438)
Posted by Big Grim on November 13th, 2023 @ 5:56am CST
Posted by Big Grim on November 13th, 2023 @ 5:56am CST
Gotta say, I love the art for fast and frantic action sequences like this.
~ Grim
~ Grim
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2173439)
Posted by snavej on November 13th, 2023 @ 6:11am CST
Posted by snavej on November 13th, 2023 @ 6:11am CST
And the mayhem continues. Laserbeak didn't use his laser eyes. Cliffjumper didn't use his glass gas. Perhaps they're saving energy? (I know that Laserbeak is always worried about losing power in his lasers.)
Perhaps they're not sure how the weapons will work on Earth? Cliffjumper certainly doesn't want to hurt the humans.
Perhaps they're not sure how the weapons will work on Earth? Cliffjumper certainly doesn't want to hurt the humans.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2173454)
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on November 13th, 2023 @ 11:15pm CST
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on November 13th, 2023 @ 11:15pm CST
So much carnage and killing, and we’re just getting started! Kinda scared for Megatron to show up, if Starscream is this vicious.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2173455)
Posted by snavej on November 14th, 2023 @ 5:59am CST
This is realistic. In order to defeat the mighty Autobots (and almost anyone else), the Decepticons have to be hard-hitting and relentless. As a general rule, if they don't achieve multiple casualties per trooper per day, they won't beat the Autobots.
Posted by snavej on November 14th, 2023 @ 5:59am CST
Stormshot_Prime wrote:So much carnage and killing, and we’re just getting started! Kinda scared for Megatron to show up, if Starscream is this vicious.
This is realistic. In order to defeat the mighty Autobots (and almost anyone else), the Decepticons have to be hard-hitting and relentless. As a general rule, if they don't achieve multiple casualties per trooper per day, they won't beat the Autobots.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2173497)
Posted by partholon on November 15th, 2023 @ 9:15am CST
Posted by partholon on November 15th, 2023 @ 9:15am CST
i think MORE has happened in two issues of this skybound reboot of the comic than the first 8 of IDWs last one.
amazing what ya can achieve when your not walking up and down stairs all the fecking time.
im not a mad fan of the artstyle but theres been worse in the francise and the derpy look of the bot modes is more than offset by the technical stuff on the vehicle modes/enviroments. especially on the dynamism front. theres some real nice feelings of mass and motion.
the books FEELS like a proper reboot too. ive seen some complaining about prime killing bambi but that whole scene was a shorthand route to showing his character. if your a normie buying this odds are your only view on prime is the movies where hes a fkn psychopath.
so the secnes in issue two showing him giving a toss is welcomed, especially when it contrasts with PROPER decepticons not giving a flying fig about killing the squishes themselves. a nice return to "good " and "evil" .
in fact so far the whole series reminds me of the VERY early days of G1 in the UK comcic.
dinobot hunt/ crisis of command level where the much smaller cast made more compelling stories. the colouring even in issue two took me back to the aul gina hart days, not QUITE as good, but in that direction.
its can still go aresways,but right now im glad i came back to the book. its nice to see the characters ACT like who they are again. i'll give warren johnson that. he knows these bots and cons.
amazing what ya can achieve when your not walking up and down stairs all the fecking time.
im not a mad fan of the artstyle but theres been worse in the francise and the derpy look of the bot modes is more than offset by the technical stuff on the vehicle modes/enviroments. especially on the dynamism front. theres some real nice feelings of mass and motion.
the books FEELS like a proper reboot too. ive seen some complaining about prime killing bambi but that whole scene was a shorthand route to showing his character. if your a normie buying this odds are your only view on prime is the movies where hes a fkn psychopath.
so the secnes in issue two showing him giving a toss is welcomed, especially when it contrasts with PROPER decepticons not giving a flying fig about killing the squishes themselves. a nice return to "good " and "evil" .
in fact so far the whole series reminds me of the VERY early days of G1 in the UK comcic.
dinobot hunt/ crisis of command level where the much smaller cast made more compelling stories. the colouring even in issue two took me back to the aul gina hart days, not QUITE as good, but in that direction.
its can still go aresways,but right now im glad i came back to the book. its nice to see the characters ACT like who they are again. i'll give warren johnson that. he knows these bots and cons.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2174033)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 3rd, 2023 @ 7:51pm CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 3rd, 2023 @ 7:51pm CST
Starting to get more into the universe, got Void Rivals 1 and 2, and Skybound #2. This universe really is a damn good read so far, and I am excited for more
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2174082)
Posted by Halfofme07 on December 5th, 2023 @ 9:29am CST
Posted by Halfofme07 on December 5th, 2023 @ 9:29am CST
Finally read the first two issues. Great comic. Not great Transformers. Yet another grim n gritty this-is-how-it-would-really-happen adaptation of beloved fiction. Writing, art, and characterization is great, but the feel is all wrong.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2174155)
Posted by wyokid on December 8th, 2023 @ 6:40pm CST
Posted by wyokid on December 8th, 2023 @ 6:40pm CST
This is the best Transformers has been since Prime season one. It is the best Transformers comics have been since Furman's IDW run. This is what dreams are made of.
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2174501)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 18th, 2023 @ 7:15pm CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 18th, 2023 @ 7:15pm CST
Finally got to read issue 3, and re-read, and re-read some more.
They are COOKING with this book. It has well and truly surprised me with how good it is, This is a great team to handle Transformers right now. Great stuff.
Prime is a heroic dad trying his best, Cliffjumper wants to be helpful and open minded, Ratchet the responsible adult, starscream a grumpy scary dude, Skywarp just chilling, and so much more. It's just great!
Some of my favorite panels from the newest issue, just showing how good they are cooking:
And the best one:
They are COOKING with this book. It has well and truly surprised me with how good it is, This is a great team to handle Transformers right now. Great stuff.
Prime is a heroic dad trying his best, Cliffjumper wants to be helpful and open minded, Ratchet the responsible adult, starscream a grumpy scary dude, Skywarp just chilling, and so much more. It's just great!
Some of my favorite panels from the newest issue, just showing how good they are cooking:
And the best one:
Re: Spoiler Filled Interview with Daniel Warren Johnson on new Transformers Comic from Skybound (2175216)
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on January 12th, 2024 @ 10:05am CST
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on January 12th, 2024 @ 10:05am CST
After reading issue 4, I'm really loving this version of Optimus. The amount of character they've shown for him in four issues is more than some other modern takes on the character have shown in a lot more.
It's also refreshing to have an Optimus that is both fierce and gentle.
Very interested in what's to come with his new arm
It's also refreshing to have an Optimus that is both fierce and gentle.
Very interested in what's to come with his new arm
