See Me, I’m Trying to Pretend I Know on My PC Where That CD Go.
Infiltration: Issue 1. January 18th 2006.
Actually—it kind of tickles.
One thing that’s easy to forget the significance of now the market has changed so much in the last 15 years, is that there were three full months between the taster issue and this. We know, though not to the full extent, that IDW pushed through some pretty big changes to Furman’s original plans fairly quickly once fans started moaning. With three months to play with (and as I’ll discuss further down, IDW were immediately overly defensive of the criticisms issue 0 received), it’s entirely possible the long-term game-plan was already fatally compromised by the time the first issue came out.
We’ll talk more about that as we hit the first really overt sign of an attempted course correction (and there’s going to be a lot across the different authors over the years). More immediately, another key difference between 2006 and now is the comic can’t just assume everyone read issue 0.
Today, especially with just the one previous instalment to catch up on, I think you could reasonably assume anyone buying issue 1 of a comic that had an issue 0, would just grab that off ComiXology as well. Even if they otherwise just stuck to physical media.
Actually—it kind of tickles.
One thing that’s easy to forget the significance of now the market has changed so much in the last 15 years, is that there were three full months between the taster issue and this. We know, though not to the full extent, that IDW pushed through some pretty big changes to Furman’s original plans fairly quickly once fans started moaning. With three months to play with (and as I’ll discuss further down, IDW were immediately overly defensive of the criticisms issue 0 received), it’s entirely possible the long-term game-plan was already fatally compromised by the time the first issue came out.
We’ll talk more about that as we hit the first really overt sign of an attempted course correction (and there’s going to be a lot across the different authors over the years). More immediately, another key difference between 2006 and now is the comic can’t just assume everyone read issue 0.
Today, especially with just the one previous instalment to catch up on, I think you could reasonably assume anyone buying issue 1 of a comic that had an issue 0, would just grab that off ComiXology as well. Even if they otherwise just stuck to physical media.
A mere 15 years later, you can recreate this with new toys.
Here, in a print only world, there’s a need to recap what was in the teaser comic. And to try and not make it awkward for readers who taking it all in one go in the trade.
This is where Furman’s basic craftsmanship is a plus, as he smartly buries the repeated information in character detail and action.
Starting with a summary of what brought Hunter here. Opening on him in his room, running his conspiracy website, that’s full of some impressive foreshadowing (robot dinosaurs, Mt. St Helens) and either a red herring or one of the plots that got lost the way (crop circles). The fact that he’s sat in front of an X-Files poster (a show that finished three years earlier and was last relevant about ten years earlier) hints at ways Hunter really hasn’t aged well. Read now, he reeks of a “Nice Guy” basement dwelling incel who’d be spreading anti-vac conspiracies and harassing women on Twitter if he was still around today.
Which probably explains why, back in the present, Verity is convinced he’s getting off on being sandwiched between her and an alien.
This is where Furman’s basic craftsmanship is a plus, as he smartly buries the repeated information in character detail and action.
Starting with a summary of what brought Hunter here. Opening on him in his room, running his conspiracy website, that’s full of some impressive foreshadowing (robot dinosaurs, Mt. St Helens) and either a red herring or one of the plots that got lost the way (crop circles). The fact that he’s sat in front of an X-Files poster (a show that finished three years earlier and was last relevant about ten years earlier) hints at ways Hunter really hasn’t aged well. Read now, he reeks of a “Nice Guy” basement dwelling incel who’d be spreading anti-vac conspiracies and harassing women on Twitter if he was still around today.
Which probably explains why, back in the present, Verity is convinced he’s getting off on being sandwiched between her and an alien.
"No way a GIRL would have one of those!"
The antagonism in the ambulance is matched by what’s going on outside, as Runabout and Runamuck (apparently both worse than Thundercracker) attack and start doing the full Mad Max road combat.
During which we get Hunter realising he’s finally found one of the aliens he set out from home (and picked up a hitchhiker along the way) to find, and Verity to recall getting on a bus and sitting behind a guy with a tempting computer.
Bringing us up to date in more ways than one.
Amidst all this, we also get some solid character work for Ratchet, as a calm, wry and trying to be reluctant at telling the humans anything hologram with an odd smile.
Mind, whilst the hologram isn’t perfect, him having a Transformers style speech bubble is always what confused me as it presumably means he has a Transformer voice, but no one ever comments on it.
I’m also not sure what the 3D map that floats out of his steering wheel would normally be for as he’s not supposed to carry passengers. And his ability to see himself from an elevated 360-degree view is the sort of very handy thing that would never come up again.
During which we get Hunter realising he’s finally found one of the aliens he set out from home (and picked up a hitchhiker along the way) to find, and Verity to recall getting on a bus and sitting behind a guy with a tempting computer.
Bringing us up to date in more ways than one.
Amidst all this, we also get some solid character work for Ratchet, as a calm, wry and trying to be reluctant at telling the humans anything hologram with an odd smile.
Mind, whilst the hologram isn’t perfect, him having a Transformers style speech bubble is always what confused me as it presumably means he has a Transformer voice, but no one ever comments on it.
I’m also not sure what the 3D map that floats out of his steering wheel would normally be for as he’s not supposed to carry passengers. And his ability to see himself from an elevated 360-degree view is the sort of very handy thing that would never come up again.
I hope you likeJimmy Pink's look, he'll dress like that for a decade.
But up till the road battle ends with Ratchet doing some serious smashing up of the two cars and jet, this is an extremely solid romp that pulls off the job it’s trying to do extremely well.
The second half, with all the needed exposition out of the way and where the full plot can actually start, is ironically where the wheels come off. And all from Ratchet (and again, I’m using the names for ease of reference, that’s still a mystery here) needing a place to get repaired.
Causing Verity to pull out her stolen (fictional) SM40 and send a “Flash mail” to someone who has a place that can take care of things.
Obviously, as she’s being helpful despite not needing to, Hunter gives her grief about it being impossible for this person he doesn’t know to have such a fancy PDA and, when she tells him to mind his own business, Ratchet (who has already bordered on the sexist by initially only paying attention to Hunter till she forced herself into the conversation) declares this person in the middle of a terrifying situation and doing the best they can to be “Prickly”.
Which is just one up from “Uppity”.
I’d also love to know how she got an internet connection in the desert in 2005. That is indeed some fancy tec.
The second half, with all the needed exposition out of the way and where the full plot can actually start, is ironically where the wheels come off. And all from Ratchet (and again, I’m using the names for ease of reference, that’s still a mystery here) needing a place to get repaired.
Causing Verity to pull out her stolen (fictional) SM40 and send a “Flash mail” to someone who has a place that can take care of things.
Obviously, as she’s being helpful despite not needing to, Hunter gives her grief about it being impossible for this person he doesn’t know to have such a fancy PDA and, when she tells him to mind his own business, Ratchet (who has already bordered on the sexist by initially only paying attention to Hunter till she forced herself into the conversation) declares this person in the middle of a terrifying situation and doing the best they can to be “Prickly”.
Which is just one up from “Uppity”.
I’d also love to know how she got an internet connection in the desert in 2005. That is indeed some fancy tec.
Hello fellow kids!
After a quick flashback for Ratchet to an undersea spaceship where he was refused permission to investigate Something by an unseen Someone, we cut to who Verity was taking them to meet...
Jimmy Pink. Because what’s one more ridiculous name.
To be blunt, Jimmy is going to be one of the most pointless and personality-free human characters in the entirety of Transformers. Especially in relation to the amount of page-time he’s going to get. Whether this is the fault of changes to the planned plot or just general bad writing, he’s dead weight that in this issue only really serves the purpose of dragging it out to the right length.
He’s presented as being a kindred spirit to Verity, a loner outsider on The Net.
Who is also a mechanic that is successful enough to have his own garage.
Why he wasn’t just called Spike Witwicky if “Mechanic” was going to be his big USP is a bit of a mystery. But at least he brings out some good stuff from Ratchet as the Autobot pretends not to be the ambulance whilst Jimmy fixes him, including revealing that it tickles.
But it also brings out the worst in Verity. Or rather the treatment of Verity.
First, when she’s trying to explain her relationship with Jimmy despite not having met him before, she describes themselves as “Net-hikers” and in that lonely place, Jimmy had been there for her in a “Virtual sense”.
Jimmy Pink. Because what’s one more ridiculous name.
To be blunt, Jimmy is going to be one of the most pointless and personality-free human characters in the entirety of Transformers. Especially in relation to the amount of page-time he’s going to get. Whether this is the fault of changes to the planned plot or just general bad writing, he’s dead weight that in this issue only really serves the purpose of dragging it out to the right length.
He’s presented as being a kindred spirit to Verity, a loner outsider on The Net.
Who is also a mechanic that is successful enough to have his own garage.
Why he wasn’t just called Spike Witwicky if “Mechanic” was going to be his big USP is a bit of a mystery. But at least he brings out some good stuff from Ratchet as the Autobot pretends not to be the ambulance whilst Jimmy fixes him, including revealing that it tickles.
But it also brings out the worst in Verity. Or rather the treatment of Verity.
First, when she’s trying to explain her relationship with Jimmy despite not having met him before, she describes themselves as “Net-hikers” and in that lonely place, Jimmy had been there for her in a “Virtual sense”.
I'm betting there are no women on his conspiracy forums.
I’m not sure how old Verity is meant to be (Jimmy tells us he’s 17. With his own garage), but she could be anywhere from 15-18. Not one teenager in 2006 was talking like that. Furman’s entire research for Noughties internet culture seems to have been watching that 1997 episode of Buffy where people keep saying they’re “Jacking on”.
Then, as Hunter has decided this person, that he knows nothing about other than being online is extremely important to her (so, she would reasonably have a top-of-the-line palm pilot if she happened to have good money. And he doesn’t know she doesn’t), couldn’t legitimately own the SM40, he grabs it when she’s out the room.
He doesn’t even have a hint it’s connected to what’s going on yet, so that just has big online guy “A WOMAN CAN’T REALLY BE INTO THIS” vibes.
Then, after a quick detour to the searching Decepticons that makes it clear that as soon as the SM40 is turned on, they’ll be able to trace it, things get worse as Hunter, delighted to be right, confronts her with what he found on the computer, a photo red and white robot.
Then, as Hunter has decided this person, that he knows nothing about other than being online is extremely important to her (so, she would reasonably have a top-of-the-line palm pilot if she happened to have good money. And he doesn’t know she doesn’t), couldn’t legitimately own the SM40, he grabs it when she’s out the room.
He doesn’t even have a hint it’s connected to what’s going on yet, so that just has big online guy “A WOMAN CAN’T REALLY BE INTO THIS” vibes.
Then, after a quick detour to the searching Decepticons that makes it clear that as soon as the SM40 is turned on, they’ll be able to trace it, things get worse as Hunter, delighted to be right, confronts her with what he found on the computer, a photo red and white robot.
Yeah, this definitely should be one of the biggest panels in the issue.
You’d think the most advanced computer, used for SECRET stuff, would need a password, even in 2006.
Oddly for a conspiracy driven guy, he just assumes she’s a thief rather than a deep cover agent. And even though he’s now got the proof he’s craved and was clear at the start of the issue he’s prepared to face anything to see the aliens, he’s incredibly pissed at the being put into danger, even though she didn’t know she was putting anyone in danger.
And indeed, she never got a chance to work out this was anything to do with her, because the boys were determined to make it all about themselves in their conversation.
Then, after she quite rightly tells everyone to STFU and storms out, Ratchet and Hunter repeat the “Prickly” comment, because women, right?
And it turns out Jimmy Pink is only prepared to back her up in a virtual sense as he stays completely silent throughout.
I suppose you could argue Hunter’s pettiness here is out of a sense of entitlement due to this turning out to be about someone other than him, despite him being the Internet Conspiracy Guy. But that’s the sort of entitlement you see a lot in fandom spaces, and only from arses.
Thankfully things get back on track as Hunter demands at least a name for their enemies, but before Ratchet can answer properly, Verity comes running back in shouting about Decepticons. And then the wall is gone.
Yes, thanks to Hunter (good job), the ‘Cons have found them, with the issue ending on a full-page splash of Runabout and Runamuck standing where the wall was, demanding the device.
Oddly for a conspiracy driven guy, he just assumes she’s a thief rather than a deep cover agent. And even though he’s now got the proof he’s craved and was clear at the start of the issue he’s prepared to face anything to see the aliens, he’s incredibly pissed at the being put into danger, even though she didn’t know she was putting anyone in danger.
And indeed, she never got a chance to work out this was anything to do with her, because the boys were determined to make it all about themselves in their conversation.
Then, after she quite rightly tells everyone to STFU and storms out, Ratchet and Hunter repeat the “Prickly” comment, because women, right?
And it turns out Jimmy Pink is only prepared to back her up in a virtual sense as he stays completely silent throughout.
I suppose you could argue Hunter’s pettiness here is out of a sense of entitlement due to this turning out to be about someone other than him, despite him being the Internet Conspiracy Guy. But that’s the sort of entitlement you see a lot in fandom spaces, and only from arses.
Thankfully things get back on track as Hunter demands at least a name for their enemies, but before Ratchet can answer properly, Verity comes running back in shouting about Decepticons. And then the wall is gone.
Yes, thanks to Hunter (good job), the ‘Cons have found them, with the issue ending on a full-page splash of Runabout and Runamuck standing where the wall was, demanding the device.
Holy fuck, they are robots!
This got a lot of ribbing at the time, trying to make a cliff-hanger in a Transformers comic about Transformers appearing, but it’s a striking visual and the first indication of how E.J. Su is going to be the best human eye-level drawer of the robots the comic will ever have. With a style that’s still fresh and exciting because pretty much no one has tried to copy it. Because frankly, it’s bloody hard without his technical drawing skills.
Another creator who deserves a shout-out is Josh Burcham, who does his first colours here and is still around today, and about to draw and write a Beast Wars miniseries.
This is very much an issue of two halves. The opening plays to all of Furman’s strengths and feels like his attempt to update his style is going to work.
The second half is creaky, full of casual sexism and dialogue no-one from these backgrounds would say. I don’t know about a Jimmy Pink, but it feels more like someone’s about to be handed a pink slip.
It also makes me realise that a lot of my dislike for Verity in these early days came from how other characters react to her rather than anything she herself does. This time around, I’m actually more on her side.
I think the art in the chase and the final page just tips that 50/50 split into being a UK voting to leave the EU level victory. But it’s definitely close.
Another creator who deserves a shout-out is Josh Burcham, who does his first colours here and is still around today, and about to draw and write a Beast Wars miniseries.
This is very much an issue of two halves. The opening plays to all of Furman’s strengths and feels like his attempt to update his style is going to work.
The second half is creaky, full of casual sexism and dialogue no-one from these backgrounds would say. I don’t know about a Jimmy Pink, but it feels more like someone’s about to be handed a pink slip.
It also makes me realise that a lot of my dislike for Verity in these early days came from how other characters react to her rather than anything she herself does. This time around, I’m actually more on her side.
I think the art in the chase and the final page just tips that 50/50 split into being a UK voting to leave the EU level victory. But it’s definitely close.
"And if not issue 2... then 3 for sure. Maybe 4...
For this issue, I do have the letters page. Or rather pages, as there’s multiple. Amidst things like direct comparisons to The Ultimates, the most interesting is a reply from Chris Ryall to Chris Boothroy. Which simply praising the alternate modes looking like real vehicles, but Ryall goes off on one about his namesake “Getting” what they’re doing, that have extensive Transformers action would have been at the expense of a good story and they got lots of angry emails suggesting the book be called The Humans. But page 22 of this issue will have totally proven them wrong… or at least issue 2 will.
Which doesn’t sound completely convincing, even if complaining about issue 0 on that score when it’s just a teaser seems a bit unfair. But the slightly pissy response certainly shows wheels are already turning behind the scenes to try and give the people what they want.
Always a fool’s errand.
Boothroy also calls Verity a “Sexy loner girl”, so let’s hope IDW not editing that bit out means she’s meant to be at the older end of her potential age range.
Next week, lots more robots and hopefully, less sexism.
INFILTRATION 0
2005-2006
COMMENT
KO-FI
Which doesn’t sound completely convincing, even if complaining about issue 0 on that score when it’s just a teaser seems a bit unfair. But the slightly pissy response certainly shows wheels are already turning behind the scenes to try and give the people what they want.
Always a fool’s errand.
Boothroy also calls Verity a “Sexy loner girl”, so let’s hope IDW not editing that bit out means she’s meant to be at the older end of her potential age range.
Next week, lots more robots and hopefully, less sexism.
INFILTRATION 0
2005-2006
COMMENT
KO-FI
