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IDW's TRANSFORMERS Bumblebee #3- Reviewed

Date: Monday, February 15th 2010 5:32pm CST
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews, Site Articles
Posted by: Tigertrack | Credit(s): IDW Publishing

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Views: 49,635

February 17th you have a chance to increase your enjoyment of Transformers. Last Stand of the Wreckers, and Transformers Bumblebee are both set to be released in just a few short days. Unsure whether you want to pick them up? Check out the advance review of LSOTW here, and keep reading for a review of TRANSFORMERS Bumblebee #3. Beware readers, there are spoilers ahead.

In our last issue:

Thanks to Blurr’s interference, Bumblebee was able to counteract the locking, tracking, and control mechanism of the ‘badge’ that Skywatch has bound their Autobot ‘allies’ with. Now with his plate removed and placed on a decoy, Bumblebee, along with Ratchet’s help, hatches a plan to free the rest of his comrades before things get even worse for them. Hunting down rogue Decepticons was one thing, but when the Autobots were assigned to bring in Blurr, they became even more challenged about their uneasy alliance with the humans. Issue #3 does not see these expectations by Skywatch getting any easier for the beloved good guys.

Bumblebee now traveling in cognito and ‘off the grid’ must act quickly to find a way to free his allies before Skywatch finds out that they are being duped.

In the first step of his journey, Bumblebee tries to recruit former Constructicon Scavenger claiming that there are no sides anymore, and that the Decepticons actually won anyway. Scavenger turns him down cold, and Bumblebee continues on his journey.

Issue #3 picks up with Skywatch trying to replace and fix Bumblebee’s badge. (Check out the five page preview for the beginnings of this issue). The savy tech starts to get suspicious, a theme built upon again throughout this issue.

The development of Bumblebee as a leader is as one would expect, not going too well. He’s still very unsure about his decisions, and needs the support of his closest friends to feel any success, and to gain support from his Autobot disbelievers (even though they elected him by popular vote). However, he is sure about what is morally right, and that he will do whatever he can to help his friends.

In direct conflict with the Last Stand of the Wreckers, this book is much more slowly-paced. This issue Bumblebee spends most of the pages trying to befriend a young, human girl, the daughter of the creator and maintainer of the control grid that the colonel uses to keep the Autobots in line by activating/controling their badges.

Moral issues arise for poor Bumblebee, and the savy Skywatch tech from earlier makes another huge discovery about the Autobots that may quicken the pace of this series.

If you have been enjoying the previous two issues of this series, this is another issue that you will like. If you read this after reading LSOTW, you may feel that this story is missing something, and that the artwork is perhaps not as fun. Fans of the ongoing space odyssey will not enjoy this as much, but fans of the Earth faring bots ongoing conflicts with being accepted by humans will enjoy this parallel story to the Transformers Ongoing.

IDW seems to be creating a little Transformers for all the fans out there, and if you are a fan of Transformers like I am, you are reading them all. However, if you are being picky-and-choosy for whatever reasons, this may be one that you want to skip.

Of note: A nice, little side story building slowly in the background of TF Bumblebee and TF Ongoing is Skywarp’s desire to be ready for Megatron’s return. It seems that Skywarp’s activities will be bringing him into conflict with the Skywatch Autobot team very soon (but not this issue).

Writer:
Zander Cannon

Artist:
Chee

Colorist:
Moose Baumann

Letter:
Chris Mowry

Associate Editor:
Denton J. Tipton

Editor:
Andy Schmidt




Seibertron.com for all of your Transformers news and resource needs.

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IDW's TRANSFORMERS 'Last Stand of The Wreckers'- Issue #2 Review

Date: Monday, February 15th 2010 5:27pm CST
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews, Site Articles
Posted by: Tigertrack | Credit(s): IDW Publishing

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Views: 54,197

Due to hit stands this week (February 17th domestically), LSOTW, as it has become affectionately called (‘cause face it, LAST STAND OF THE WRECKERS is a mouthful), is the second issue in this five issue mini-series. This should be a nice week for Transformers fans at the comic shop, as Bumblebee #3 also comes out the same day! Read the two reviews and you can figure out which one to read first after this week’s trip!

LSOTW #2 picks up with the action and excitement right where issue #1 left off (Check out First Gen's review of Issue #1). I want to keep the spoilers for this issue vague, but intriguing, you should know I will be referencing plots and characters in issue #1 as if you have read it!

First of all, for those of us who have begged and pleaded to start seeing more variety (and Verity, I suppose) in the cast of Transformers used in the comics other than Seasons 1, 2, and 3 of the old cartoon series, this series is a ‘must read’ for you. With the introduction of uber-Decepticon baddie Overlord as this series main villain, and obscure new Wrecker recruits such as the later G1 lightformer Ironfist, UK aerial acrobat Rotorstorm, and Optimus Prime wanna-be firefighter and Pyro, we get some new blood to enjoy characterizations of.

Then there are all the numerous background robots who just make you salivate because you want to see and hear more of them. Issue #2 continues to build on this and should not disappoint. This reader was happy with a huge revelation, provided by the inclusion of one of these characters...

The plot continues to thicken as in issue #2, we learn more about Overlord’s motivations, and origins. Kup generously provides these, partially from first hand experience, as the Wreckers learn from last issues climactic character reveal... Impactor... that Overlord is the cause of the Garrus-9 situation, and then the nightmares begin to be shared. As we saw the fear created in the eyes of the Decepticons attacking Garrus-9 in issue #1 when Overlord showed up and took leadership of the mission from Skyquake, we now see the same fear reflected in the Wreckers’s eyes as they hear the Decepticon commander’s name mentioned with the incident they are now going to navigate. Overlord’s character development in this issue has made THIS Overlord fan feel like IDW has treated this Decepticon with the amount of respect he deserves.

Interested in some character development? How about learning more about Overlord and Megatron’s relationship? Or if Autobot’s are more your ‘kup of tea’, the Springer and Impactor dynamic is beginning to unfold and the rockiness of their relationship makes even the reader feel awkward for the two of them. And as the Wreckers start forming their plan of attack and retrieval, a new mystery is revealed in the name Aequitas. Who or what that is will have to wait until future issues of the mini-series.

Nick Roche and company have clearly created a book worth reading and continuing to read. The characters are new and fresh, and yet the story also gives us new insight into some previous characters. The art is top notch and fun, leaving the reader secure in knowing they are reading a Transformers comic, and that they can pretty freely identify characters, both known and unknown without too much wonder. The dialogue and writing is also witty, and yet, interwoven with a sense of straightforwardness, and also a bit of psychoanalysis, as one wonders who might betray whichever team they are routing for first, and just how will the Wreckers survive this, or will they (note, the title of the series is, “Last Stand of the Wreckers”).

There are some great moments that I don’t want to spoil, but you should enjoy this both intellectually, and artistically, but mostly as a TRANSFORMERS fane. It should leave you impatiently waiting for the next issue.

I was disappointed that, even though we have added the huge new cast of characters that may or may not be recognizable to others, they opted to leave out the “More than meets the eye” profile this time. More pages for story, or advertisements? Regardless, I really enjoyed reading more about Rotorstorm last issue, and was looking forward to seeing another on Ironfist, Overlord, Pyro, Guzzle, Impactor, Snare, Fortress Maximus, or even Skyquake, or Kick-off. There are plenty of new characters to choose from, and it can be used as a device to help tell more of the story that we are perhaps not going to see in the panels of the comic.

If the sellout, and 2nd printing of Issue #1 are any indicators, this is an issue you should not miss.

TRANSFORMERS: Last Stand of the Wreckers

Written by: Nick Roche and James Roberts
Script by: Nick Roche
Pencils by: Nick Roche
Inks by: Nick Roche and John Wycough
Colors by: Josh Burcham
Letters by: Neil Uyetake
Associate Editor: Denton J. Tipton
Editor: Andy Schmidt




Seibertron.com for all of your Transformers news and resource needs.

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Most Recent Transformers News

Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander

Date: Wednesday, February 10th 2010 10:21pm CST
Categories: Toy News, Reviews, Site Articles, Unlicensed Products News
Posted by: Mach | Credit(s): Real Devastator

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Views: 76,716

This is the first time that I am doing a toy review of any form, of either an official or 3rd party product. When I received the toy, I had mixed feelings. The reason is I knew in advance that I needed to conduct a toy review, which gave me a certain amount of pressure. However, I have come through and would like to present to you: Knight Morpher Commander!

The dilemma I am facing is how should I treat this toy and give an objective view. Do I compare it with an official product? How about I compare it with a 3rd Party product? Not much to compare it to though, as there are not many to compare with in terms of 3rd party figures. FansProject? Nope, not until they release a full figure. So far FP’s products are mainly add-ons, thus it is not fair to do a straight comparison.

Anyway, as we are considering this as part of our collection, I will review it with my personal opinions and preferences. You may find that your views may differ from mine.

Rating: 5 ★s is full marks

Colour & Material: ★★★★

The main colors of the robot are dark red and dark blue. The rear cabin of the train is mainly grey and dark blue. I do not wish to comment on color choice as sometimes color is more of a personal preference, however the quality of paint applications on the figure aare reasonably well done.

Material used for the figure is ABS plastic and it feels solid. The joints and rotating parts of the figure are acceptable, however, I still believe MMC can further improve on some of the connections and joints.



Train Mode: ★★★★

The alternate mode of Knight Morpher Commander (KMC) is a locomotive train. The length of the toy is about 9 inches long making it about as long as a Generation 1 Optimus Prime trailer.



The train is formed by 2 parts. The front part of the train transforms into the robot, and the rear part can become KMC's battle station, just like his G1 counterpart.



Both parts of the train are connected by two slots as shown, and it holds on firmly. The train also rolls on it's wheels pretty well.

In the back of the train, there is a connector that enables it to tow another train, if one should be available.



There are no accessories such as weapons that need to be stored separately. All can be kept within the train mode, which I like. I love figures with this provision, such as Beast Wars Optimus Primal.



Transformation: ★★★

The transformation from train to robot or vice versa, is rather simple. The transformation difficulty level is probably about the same as Classics/Henkei Optimus Prime. The front cabin of the train transforms into the robot, with the smoke stack turn into his hand gun. The rear cabin can be transformed into a battle station.



Robot Mode: ★★★★

The robot mode of KMC is pretty comic accurate.
KMC is a bit taller than Classic/Henkei Optimus Prime.



The head sculpt can rotate 360 degree and comes with light piping, which is a nice touch. The shoulders can rotate 360 degree upwards or downwards. The upper arm can move inwards or outwards and at the elbow to connect with lower arms. The waist is capable of rotating 360 degree. The upper thighs can move forward, backward, and outwards. The knee and lower legs also able to rotate forward, backward and rotate 360 degree. In another words, this figure has plenty of articulation and can do some crazy moves.



The chest of KMC is able to open up and inside shows an object resembles the Matrix of Leadership. Unfortunately, there is no articulation on KMC’s hands, so he is unable to hold onto the matrix.


KMC's fists are able to interchange with normal a straight fist or slanted fist. The reason for this is mainly for holding his weapons, especially the sword as it will look better with the slanted fist. The image shows that the fists are light blue, however I've been informed that the mass produced versions will have dark blue fists instead.


The rear cabin can be open up, ala G1 trailer, and a huge canon can be used by KMC. KMC’s sword is stored within the canon. The canon can be pushed forward or backward, and rotated 360 degrees. One side of the cabin door can form his shield in robot mode.
My only complaint is the connection of the canon parts is a bit loose for my liking.




Conclusion: As an Optimus Prime collector, I warmly welcome KMC into my Prime lineup. As a 3rd party company, I think MMC did fairly well on their first attempt.

KMC is a fun figure to play with, however, I personally still prefer a Galaxy Convoy/Fire Convoy type of figure rather than G1 Optimus Prime type of figure as I always feel its more fun to have Prime in “Super Mode” by combining the robot mode with his trailer rather than having a seperate battle station.

Finally, below are some of the creative ways of playing this figure:




































Stay tuned to Seibertron.com, your Ultimate Resource for Transformers!

The Official Seibertron.com RPG - Invasion of the Shadow Parasites

Date: Sunday, January 31st 2010 5:12pm CST
Categories: Site News, Site Articles, Game News
Posted by: First Gen | Credit(s): Seibertron.com RPG

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Views: 94,591

The Official Seibertron.com RPG is in motion and set into it's next phase: The Invasion of the Shadow Parasites!


The Autobots are back on Cybertron, continuing the eternal battle with the evil Decepticons when a new menace arrives that threatens both factions: The Shadow Parasites!

Infecting the host Cybertronian, the Shadow Parasites, alien entities that live only within the shadows, take over the host body, causing violent and combatative actions from peacekeeper and warmonger alike. Attempting to stop the Shadow Parasites is Elita - 1, who's Autobot team based on another planet was completlely destroyed by the dark entities. Elita - 1 has made it her mission to end the evil threat.


Want to get in on the action? The Seibertron.com RPG is looking for new players to enter the fray and either help the heroic Autobots win peace for Cybertron and the Universe or side with Decepticons and conquer everything in your path!

A new list of available characters has been made available. See all playable characters below:

Autobots:

Wheeljack
Ultra Magnus
Jazz
Ironhide
Slag
Swoop
Ratchet
Trailbreaker
Cliffjumper
The Aerialbots
Jetfire
Blaster
Bluestreak
Blurr
The Protecobots
Perceptor
Nightbeat


Decepticons:

Starscream
Bonecrusher
Mixmaster
Scavenger
Headstrong
Rampage
Thrust
Ramjet
Dirge
Blitzwing
Octane
Onslaught
Brawl
Vortex
Blastoff
The Stunticons
Reflector trio
Insecticons

Learn everything you know and prepare yourself for battle by visiting the official RPG Forums!

Review of Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers #1

Date: Saturday, January 30th 2010 12:33am CST
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews, Site Articles
Posted by: First Gen | Credit(s): First Gen

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Views: 47,384

Hello Seibertronians, First Gen here with a (hopefully) better late than never review of one of the most anticipated comic books to be brought to us by IDW Publishing, Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers #1!

Our story begins 3 years in the past from the current story arc, Transformers Ongoing, in the Autobot Penitentiary Garrus-9. Under seige by Decepticon attack, Fortress Maximus and the few Autobots who are left to fend off the attack, fall to Overlord and his destructive onslaught. From there we get taken back and forth through time, witnessing the induction of new "Wreckers", the reappearance by a very influential human from the Autobots past, a Decepticon manhunt and ending with an "explosive" finale that will have you second guessing.

Story: Written by Nick Roche and James Roberts, with the script being done by Nick Roche as well, Last Stand of the Wreckers is a serious, comedic and sometimes dark comedic treat that is sure to please. From the showmanship and brass rule of fan favorite Decepticon Overlord to the servo busting between the Wreckers, the story flows very well despite the time displacement that occurs throughout the comic. The story and mood of Last Stand is a stark contrast to the serious nature of Transformers Ongoing, offering light and dark humor amidst well timed action. Seeming to take page from Transformers Animated at one point and even throwing a Star Trek joke in there, Last Stand is setting itself up to be an instant classic.



Art: Aside from writing and scripting, Nick Roche also took on penciling and inking duties for Last Stand. G1 fans will be pleased to see that, like the story, Nick took the book in a more traditional direction, giving us familiar faces and throwing a couple obscure ones in there for good measure. Nick also made sure that the art fit the scenario, giving us some great comedic facial expressions, one ala Blitzwing from TF Animated (along with some chin-tastic hints), and hard, edgy battle scenes that capture the horror of battle well. Hardcore fans and casual readers alike will definitaly enjoy the visuals provided. The colors on the panels are very well balanced and background imaging is present on most pages, giving you the feeling of being there rather than just Bots and Cons standing in emptiness.

One of the most pleasing things about the book is the way Nick did the namedropping within the script, negating the need for "nametags" like we've seen in Ongoing. If you are a casual reader that only picks up a book every so often, you'll be fine reading Last Stand. The book even includes a More Than Meets The Eye type profile in the back for one of the "new" Wreckers, giving you more background on the seldom seen bots.

Overall this book delivers on all levels. It was fun to read, great to look at and is shaping up to be a great addition to the Transformers Universe. If you haven't gotten the book, I highly recommend that you do. Last Stand starts with a bang, ends with a bigger bang and will keep you on your toes to the last panel.



TRANSFORMERS: Last Stand of the Wreckers
Written by: Nick Roche and James Roberts
Script by: Nick Roche
Pencils by: Nick Roche
Inks by: Nick Roche and John Wycough
Colors by: Josh Burcham
Letters by: Neil Uyetake
Associate Editor: Denton J. Tipton
Editor: Andy Schmidt
Keep your optics locked, right here at Seibertron.com, your Ultimate Transformers Resource!

A New Twist with Transformers Twist-Ties

Date: Tuesday, January 26th 2010 3:28am CST
Categories: Toy News, Site Articles
Posted by: Blurrz

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Views: 47,815

They're the enemy of all non-Mint-in-Box toy collectors. To many of us Transformers fans, they are the last hurdle before we take our precious figures out of their plastic prisons. Some are easy, some are agitating, and some are just excruciatingly painful to deal with. (Have a go with the Titanium series lately?) No matter what vaccines we have, whether it is clippers, scissors, or swift fingers, twist-ties are like a virus that always get to us every time we buy a Transformer!

And now we come to the gist of this story, as our website's creator, Ryan, stumbled upon a revelation when working on the upcoming galleries of Battlefield Bumblebee and Infiltrator Soundwave. Instead of the usual plastic and metal combination of twist-ties, the figures were held in with twined paper ties. Now one might wonder what the big deal is with the change of material in twist-ties. Well, they are more environmentally friendly, and that's exactly what Hasbro told us at Botcon 2009

Are you guys looking into moving away from using so many twist ties?
We are looking to move away from them and moving towards smaller packaging which is more biodegradable. In the future you’ll see smaller packages with Tam, which is easier to cut and biodegradable.

Take a look at the change below, as many will be dealing with these when the Battlefield Bumblebee vs. Infiltrator Soundwave two-pack is sent out to mass retail.






So there we have it, looks like the nightmarish twist-ties are a figment of the past! Have any stories of the wrong doings you've experienced with twist-ties? Share it with us in the Energon Pub!

Keep it at Seibertron.com - The most informative Transformers news site on the net!

Transtopia Newsletter - January 2010

Date: Saturday, January 23rd 2010 2:51am CST
Categories: Site Articles, Transtopia
Posted by: First Gen | Credit(s): Art of Transtopia

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Views: 90,288

Hello Seibertronians,

With the coming of a New Year we bring you more custom and art goodness courtesy of the fine folks of Transtopia. Transtopians work diligantly to bring fresh new ideas to the Transformers Universe and we are proud to display their hard work for your viewing pleasure.

The year 2010 will feature some changes to the Transtopia Forums that we hope will make them better and more enjoyable for you. Resident Transtopia Moderator Dead Metal is taking a break from the duties of posting the newsletter for the time being, so if you have any questions or comments about Transtopia, feel free to contact me via PM or email at first_gen@seibertron.com.

Lets get this bad boy started!

How to Showcase Your Work...
The newsletter is your opportunity to show off your work and talent. We rely on your articles, artwork, and customs to make it interesting. Entries will be reviewed on a monthly basis. You can submit your work here:
Repaints, Kitbashes, Scratchbuilds
Fan Art
Fan Fiction
Guides

Banner credits: Flix



Revenge of the Fallen Megatron X2

Shadow CMNDR's Version





Mykltron's modded version





ROTF Rampage by Flix





See more in the repaints forum!



Novawave's G1 Devastator



f90happy's first post features a great Pretender's Bludgeon custom




De Real Transworks-V2 G1 Blaster 1/32


Zildjian's ROTF Nemesis Prime




hinomars19's Alternity Megatron (ish)

mitchsantona's TF Animated Sideburn and Sideswipe


ScreamGhost's Kup and Cosmos

Deludedcon's TF Animated Shockwave



Nightmarehero's "Battle of the Titans"



This month's Fan Fiction brings us a one shot story by resident Fan Fic writer hellkitty giving us a new perspective on a well known Autobot.
Azimuth by hellkitty

Azimuth

Ironhide realized, once again, he had outstripped the rest of the Autobot assault forces that were supposed to be with him. He sighed, slowing to a halt, ducking behind some cover. Again and again he had drilled into them the pace they should run, the importance of covering flanks, interval, everything that a lifetime of military service had settled hardware-deep into his cortex. And still, when it mattered, even when they were trying to retake their own former base, when they not only knew the terrain but knew there were injured waiting for rescue, they failed him. Failed the objective. Frag.

He heard a soft moan from across the corridor. A door hung off its tracks, its surface pitted with impacts that had chipped the paint, the space beyond it flickering in intermittent light. Someone was there. A trap, possibly. Luring him in. Playing on his Autobot sympathies.

Huh. Best way to fox a Decepticon trap was to go in knowing it was a trap. Benefit of having been one. Ironhide combat rolled across the hallway, pressing himself inadequately flat against the wall, risking a peek at the room to get an idea where, if it was a trap, his enemy might hide.

The room was cluttered with desks—a classroom or briefing room, that left way too many places for an enemy to hide. The moan again. It sounded genuine. Eh. He was an Autobot now, and Autobots went to the rescue.

Even if his own Autobot team had fallen behind.....
Read the rest by clicking the link above.