You can Stick Your Heroes, Your Robert De Niros, Your Al Pacino too, and Big Stallone? He’s Just Another Phoney.
Last Stand of the Wreckers Issue 1. January 27th 2010.
In return I will protect you. I will reward you. I will entertain you.
Well, this is the big one. If IDW Transformers, at least as people remember IDW Transformers, really has a ground zero, this is it. That’s not to say there’s nothing of value in what came before, it’s just that, in terms of reputation, what Nick Roche (and from issue 2, James Roberts as co-writer) does here is to that what Giant-Sized X-Men #1 was to that franchise. A big rock dropped into a stagnating pond, which changed everything that came after.
Now of course, a reputation is like dignity, in that your reputation and an empty sack is worth the empty sack. So how well does this miniseries, that famously went through quite a tortuous development process and needed a second writer and a supporting artist brought in to stay on track, actually hold up over a decade later?
The first thing to note is, that on their solo works, Nick and James love to answer questions, do extensive interviews on podcasts and panels and throw all sorts of details out there. They’re probably the most communicative people to have ever work on Transformers, and that means when they’re working together on 4 out of 5 issues of a project, this series has what is probably the most documented creation process of any comic in the franchise. There’s far more than I can even touch upon, or even possibly know, in these write-ups.
For instance, here’s one anecdote I heard Nick tell at an Auto Assembly panel and that I’ve never heard him repeat anywhere else, is the reason for the third of the relaunch series being a Wreckers based one. That being that Hasbro already knew the following year’s third Michael Bay film was going to feature the Wreckers and wanted IDW to do something that could raise more awareness of the relatively obscure subgroup.
Now, that I’ve only heard this story once, means it could be a great piss-take on Nick’s part, but that’s such a gloriously infuriating to the people who really don’t like the films idea, I really hope it is true.
In return I will protect you. I will reward you. I will entertain you.
Well, this is the big one. If IDW Transformers, at least as people remember IDW Transformers, really has a ground zero, this is it. That’s not to say there’s nothing of value in what came before, it’s just that, in terms of reputation, what Nick Roche (and from issue 2, James Roberts as co-writer) does here is to that what Giant-Sized X-Men #1 was to that franchise. A big rock dropped into a stagnating pond, which changed everything that came after.
Now of course, a reputation is like dignity, in that your reputation and an empty sack is worth the empty sack. So how well does this miniseries, that famously went through quite a tortuous development process and needed a second writer and a supporting artist brought in to stay on track, actually hold up over a decade later?
The first thing to note is, that on their solo works, Nick and James love to answer questions, do extensive interviews on podcasts and panels and throw all sorts of details out there. They’re probably the most communicative people to have ever work on Transformers, and that means when they’re working together on 4 out of 5 issues of a project, this series has what is probably the most documented creation process of any comic in the franchise. There’s far more than I can even touch upon, or even possibly know, in these write-ups.
For instance, here’s one anecdote I heard Nick tell at an Auto Assembly panel and that I’ve never heard him repeat anywhere else, is the reason for the third of the relaunch series being a Wreckers based one. That being that Hasbro already knew the following year’s third Michael Bay film was going to feature the Wreckers and wanted IDW to do something that could raise more awareness of the relatively obscure subgroup.
Now, that I’ve only heard this story once, means it could be a great piss-take on Nick’s part, but that’s such a gloriously infuriating to the people who really don’t like the films idea, I really hope it is true.
Bringing sexy back.
What is absolutely true (and maybe ongoing contempt for the films at IDW added to it) is that this was considered the underdog of the relaunch. The extreme fan-service series starring a bunch of obscure European only toys? Well, that’s not going to have any chance against the books staring Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. And at the time, its critical reception and its sales were not equivalent (though it also still did better than expected as issue 1 went to a reprint), even if I’d say Last Stand won the marathon. It seems sometimes, the least likely can be the most dangerous.
Though for a comic that will go on to be famous for its sophisticated plotting and themes, it does start immediately in on the action, in an opening set three years ago as the manor of Fortress Maximus, Garrus 9, once again turns out to be as secure as a sieve as it comes under massive Decepticon attack as part of the Sunstreaker/Hunter caused big push.
Which is actually a sign of how the forthcoming Golden Era tm will treat the past, anything and everything is fodder for launching a new story and ideas that were perhaps only explored in an anaemic way can now be given full life. Up till now, we’ve only seen the side-lines of the massive galaxy wide Decepticon attack. Here, it’s a full ranging battle full of brutal death.
And brutal is the word, across these opening few pages, characters, including (in a nod from colourist Josh Burcham), movie Skids and Mudpflap being decapitated. Which, if this comic was the result of the films, is a little bit rich.
The gonzo violence was a part of the zombie nature of Spotlight: Kup of course, but here it really becomes an expected trademark of Nick (and subsequently, James), even though it’s for fairly pragmatic reasons in this war comic: With Transformers established as incredibly hard to kill in IDW, to show they’re dead, you really have to kill them.
Though for a comic that will go on to be famous for its sophisticated plotting and themes, it does start immediately in on the action, in an opening set three years ago as the manor of Fortress Maximus, Garrus 9, once again turns out to be as secure as a sieve as it comes under massive Decepticon attack as part of the Sunstreaker/Hunter caused big push.
Which is actually a sign of how the forthcoming Golden Era tm will treat the past, anything and everything is fodder for launching a new story and ideas that were perhaps only explored in an anaemic way can now be given full life. Up till now, we’ve only seen the side-lines of the massive galaxy wide Decepticon attack. Here, it’s a full ranging battle full of brutal death.
And brutal is the word, across these opening few pages, characters, including (in a nod from colourist Josh Burcham), movie Skids and Mudpflap being decapitated. Which, if this comic was the result of the films, is a little bit rich.
The gonzo violence was a part of the zombie nature of Spotlight: Kup of course, but here it really becomes an expected trademark of Nick (and subsequently, James), even though it’s for fairly pragmatic reasons in this war comic: With Transformers established as incredibly hard to kill in IDW, to show they’re dead, you really have to kill them.
"Oh no, not Skyquake!" said people who had never thought of Skyquake before this page.
Amidst this, Fortress Maximus, presumably hoping no one will remember his own record, is determined to beat off this attack and get revenge on whoever is responsible. That he makes it clear to Kick-Off that only he knows all the security codes for the prison. Which initially seems just a handwave for the attacking forces facing any resistance at all, but it will actually become pivotal to the plot going forward.
Outside, despite the fight back, Predator General Skyquake is having a good day leading the assault for Megatron.
Until Overlord arrives. Falling out of the sky in his full camp glory and with inexplicably big kissable lips and demanding to know who thinks they’re in charge. Tim Curry is the official inspiration for the character, but there’s also a lot of John Simm’s Master in the character with his attention seeking obsession with what verges on an ex-boyfriend.
The mere sight of him is so intimidating that it induces an X-Files homage when, as in the later years episode This is not Happening, the shocked Decepticon troops start chanting “This is not happening.”
Skyquake however, is made of sterner stuff and when Overlord insists this is now his command and he has far better plans for the place than Megatron does, and even goes as far as to offer the Predator (not to be confused with Predator) the chance to be magnificent for once.
But, and it is probably a good indicator of the real power dynamic between Overlord and Megatron, Skyquake not only refuses to turn on his current boss, but throws some shade, saying he won’t let Overlord co-opt the team for one of his “Legendary whimsical displays.”
Which is as good a one-line pitch for a Nick Roche comic as any.
Indeed, he’s so contemptuous he makes the great mistake of turning his back on Overlord, getting his killed with an eviscerating blast.
Outside, despite the fight back, Predator General Skyquake is having a good day leading the assault for Megatron.
Until Overlord arrives. Falling out of the sky in his full camp glory and with inexplicably big kissable lips and demanding to know who thinks they’re in charge. Tim Curry is the official inspiration for the character, but there’s also a lot of John Simm’s Master in the character with his attention seeking obsession with what verges on an ex-boyfriend.
The mere sight of him is so intimidating that it induces an X-Files homage when, as in the later years episode This is not Happening, the shocked Decepticon troops start chanting “This is not happening.”
Skyquake however, is made of sterner stuff and when Overlord insists this is now his command and he has far better plans for the place than Megatron does, and even goes as far as to offer the Predator (not to be confused with Predator) the chance to be magnificent for once.
But, and it is probably a good indicator of the real power dynamic between Overlord and Megatron, Skyquake not only refuses to turn on his current boss, but throws some shade, saying he won’t let Overlord co-opt the team for one of his “Legendary whimsical displays.”
Which is as good a one-line pitch for a Nick Roche comic as any.
Indeed, he’s so contemptuous he makes the great mistake of turning his back on Overlord, getting his killed with an eviscerating blast.
Me as well, mate.
Which, because as obscure as he is, Skyquake is still a toy that was released and therefore somebody’s favourite, did annoy a lot of people. You wait nearly 20 years for a European G1.5 (or whatever we’re calling it these days) toy to appear in a comic and he’s immediately killed, denying future stories the chance to develop him.
However, and I say this as someone who will be deeply annoyed when his favourite is killed off unceremoniously after dozens of major appearances right at the end of the first IDW continuity, in this series, the deaths of “Nobody” characters and how that is traditionally treated in fiction is rather the point. As I’ll no doubt be discussing as we go along.
Overlord then leads the charge to victory through more elaborate violence, ending with greeting not only the victorious Decepticons, but the growing number of released prisoners as more and more undergo Spark reintegration.
And it’s here he sets out his stall for not just his plan (whatever Megatron was up here we’ll never know for sure, but later events will give some suggestions), but for the series. Overlord is staying right here, and he’s going to take everyone in, protect them from the nasty outside world of what else is going on in Transformers. And he is going to entertain them.
Yep, I’ll have five issues of that please.
And that entertainment starts with a battered Fortress Maximus, throw to the crowd ns a stunning, red and black panel that’s more iconic than a Wreckers Hammer and is a visual that will be revisited more than once. All the Decepticons have to do is try not to kill him as they’re having fun. No wonder Overlord thinks he’s going to like it here.
However, and I say this as someone who will be deeply annoyed when his favourite is killed off unceremoniously after dozens of major appearances right at the end of the first IDW continuity, in this series, the deaths of “Nobody” characters and how that is traditionally treated in fiction is rather the point. As I’ll no doubt be discussing as we go along.
Overlord then leads the charge to victory through more elaborate violence, ending with greeting not only the victorious Decepticons, but the growing number of released prisoners as more and more undergo Spark reintegration.
And it’s here he sets out his stall for not just his plan (whatever Megatron was up here we’ll never know for sure, but later events will give some suggestions), but for the series. Overlord is staying right here, and he’s going to take everyone in, protect them from the nasty outside world of what else is going on in Transformers. And he is going to entertain them.
Yep, I’ll have five issues of that please.
And that entertainment starts with a battered Fortress Maximus, throw to the crowd ns a stunning, red and black panel that’s more iconic than a Wreckers Hammer and is a visual that will be revisited more than once. All the Decepticons have to do is try not to kill him as they’re having fun. No wonder Overlord thinks he’s going to like it here.
Transformers if Del Boy was the brand manager.
We then skip forward to a mere 8 months ago and the Igue-Moor fuel depot, to meet the new Wreckers recruits in the aftermath of them having accidentally wrecked the place whilst showing off their guns, especially Ironfist’s new lightformer cannon. You’d think them living up to the name would be a good start, but dock worker Dipstick (Nick is nothing if not perfectly capable of being immature) is not impressed.
The introduction to the hardback spells out that is a story about redshirts, making you care about the nobodies who are just there to die whilst the Famous Characters remain bulletproof. And the choices here are those that may well be familiar and loved to that came to Transformers in the later days in Europe (like Nick Roche), but are otherwise largely making their first appearances and would have been unknown to nearly everyone reading. Pyro, Rotorstorm, Ironfist and, the exception in that he’s an early enough toy to have made appearances in the original comics, Guzzle.
And the scene quickly establishes that everyone, except the fairly quiet Ironfist with his little scabby scar on his head (get that ‘bot a plaster), is putting on a very cocky front at making the team selection. Something that will be heavily deconstructed as we go along.
As Ultra Magnus’ ship (his original Spotlight ship, not his sleeker number from the ongoing) arrives, they board and are greeted by…
…Verity Carlo.
The introduction to the hardback spells out that is a story about redshirts, making you care about the nobodies who are just there to die whilst the Famous Characters remain bulletproof. And the choices here are those that may well be familiar and loved to that came to Transformers in the later days in Europe (like Nick Roche), but are otherwise largely making their first appearances and would have been unknown to nearly everyone reading. Pyro, Rotorstorm, Ironfist and, the exception in that he’s an early enough toy to have made appearances in the original comics, Guzzle.
And the scene quickly establishes that everyone, except the fairly quiet Ironfist with his little scabby scar on his head (get that ‘bot a plaster), is putting on a very cocky front at making the team selection. Something that will be heavily deconstructed as we go along.
As Ultra Magnus’ ship (his original Spotlight ship, not his sleeker number from the ongoing) arrives, they board and are greeted by…
…Verity Carlo.
And only just clicked as I wrote this caption that "Ultra Magnus has shrunk" gets a much later callback when we find out what his holoavatar is.
Now, for a long time, her presence was my main issue with the series. Nick has been honest he included her because he didn’t just want to draw robots for five months, but the idea she’d have run away with Ultra Magnus (someone we’d never seen her interact with) to escape the increasingly troubled situation on Earth feels a rather forced way to get her in there.
But, to the overall Wreckers trilogy, she’s absolutely essential, so in the context of the sequels, it’s now hard to imagine her not being there. And Roche also remembers she’s older and adjusts he look and fashion. And that she’s confident enough to skate about in a sports bra and shorts suggests she feels safer in the environment curated by Ultra Magnus than she ever did on Earth. Plus, she’s gotten a Hunter tribute tattoo, of the little alien he had on his t-shirt.
Which is all in sharp contrast to Jimmy Pink, who will turn out to have been wearing the same overalls for a decade when we see him again.
Verity also gives Nick the chance to make pop-culture references without it seeming too unlikely (an issue in later years will be Transformers having exactly the same taste in music as a middle-aged man from Guernsey), chucking out references to British band The Darkness and comparing Rotorstorm’s pink optics to Bret Hart.
That Pyro reacts to this Teran by immediately bringing in Optimus Prime, saying he now understands why their leader wants to protect humans so much as she’s adorable, neatly foreshadows his character issues. Though Rotorstorm is more overtly a guy with issues as he makes cracks about Verity being a good cleaner.
But, to the overall Wreckers trilogy, she’s absolutely essential, so in the context of the sequels, it’s now hard to imagine her not being there. And Roche also remembers she’s older and adjusts he look and fashion. And that she’s confident enough to skate about in a sports bra and shorts suggests she feels safer in the environment curated by Ultra Magnus than she ever did on Earth. Plus, she’s gotten a Hunter tribute tattoo, of the little alien he had on his t-shirt.
Which is all in sharp contrast to Jimmy Pink, who will turn out to have been wearing the same overalls for a decade when we see him again.
Verity also gives Nick the chance to make pop-culture references without it seeming too unlikely (an issue in later years will be Transformers having exactly the same taste in music as a middle-aged man from Guernsey), chucking out references to British band The Darkness and comparing Rotorstorm’s pink optics to Bret Hart.
That Pyro reacts to this Teran by immediately bringing in Optimus Prime, saying he now understands why their leader wants to protect humans so much as she’s adorable, neatly foreshadows his character issues. Though Rotorstorm is more overtly a guy with issues as he makes cracks about Verity being a good cleaner.
"Our mole worked so hard, he's dog tired"
Ironfist however, only has eyes for Kup, as the Wreckers themselves (including the Jumpstarters, Perceptor and the world’s widest Springer) walk in. And, thankfully, Springer is all business and cuts off the conversation from Verity about how Kup doesn’t change his oil enough.
Instead, in what may be one of the greatest bits of unintentional foreshadowing in comics as Roberts will later take this throwaway line and run with it, Springer reveals they have a pet mole in the Decepticon Justice Division. Who has revealed that assumptions about the fall of Garrus 9 being down to Megatron’s masterplan have been wrong, as even the ‘Cons haven’t been able to go near the planet. So, they’re going to investigate, even if it means having to go the slow way with all the Space Bridges destroyed.
Which is where it’s worth mentioning that Nick Roche can be his own worst critic, and he dislikes how long it takes the Wreckers to arrive at the plot in this series. Which was, apparently an editorial mandate as Andy Schmidt really wanted the book to have a sense of it taking time to get places. Which certainly deals with some of my issues with Revelation at least.
But that all adds into the fact this was an extremely closely edited series, with drafting and re-drafting and re-re-drafting according to whatever notes IDW had. Which is part of the reason a second writer had to come aboard from next issue. Without similar in-depth behind the scenes stuff from other writers, we can’t be sure that Schmidt wasn’t also making them earn their spurs to the same extent, but boy would it be depressing if he were, and Mike Costa was still giving us that level.
Springer closes this briefing by pointing out that for all the hell the Autobots have been through in the last few years, each one of this new team has done stuff to justify their place… but…err… sometimes the first day on the Wreckers is your last.
Gotta work on that prep-talk mate.
Instead, in what may be one of the greatest bits of unintentional foreshadowing in comics as Roberts will later take this throwaway line and run with it, Springer reveals they have a pet mole in the Decepticon Justice Division. Who has revealed that assumptions about the fall of Garrus 9 being down to Megatron’s masterplan have been wrong, as even the ‘Cons haven’t been able to go near the planet. So, they’re going to investigate, even if it means having to go the slow way with all the Space Bridges destroyed.
Which is where it’s worth mentioning that Nick Roche can be his own worst critic, and he dislikes how long it takes the Wreckers to arrive at the plot in this series. Which was, apparently an editorial mandate as Andy Schmidt really wanted the book to have a sense of it taking time to get places. Which certainly deals with some of my issues with Revelation at least.
But that all adds into the fact this was an extremely closely edited series, with drafting and re-drafting and re-re-drafting according to whatever notes IDW had. Which is part of the reason a second writer had to come aboard from next issue. Without similar in-depth behind the scenes stuff from other writers, we can’t be sure that Schmidt wasn’t also making them earn their spurs to the same extent, but boy would it be depressing if he were, and Mike Costa was still giving us that level.
Springer closes this briefing by pointing out that for all the hell the Autobots have been through in the last few years, each one of this new team has done stuff to justify their place… but…err… sometimes the first day on the Wreckers is your last.
Gotta work on that prep-talk mate.
"Sorry, could you explain it again?"
Two years ago, back on Garrus 9, we get the only real scene in the issue that doesn’t quite work for me. This is Overlord overseeing a somewhat reluctant “Hunting party” (have a drink for a TFUK reference) across the surface, chasing an Autobot for sport. And then killing the two ‘Cons when the Autobot nearly gets the better of them. Like Galvatron to Scourge in Rhythms of Darkness. The main thing here, other than some admittedly very nice Overlord smugness, is seeing Predator Snare looking on with distaste. Which could have been easily incorporated into the next sideways look at the prison planet.
On the Wreckers trip, we get a more important character moment as Ironfist has inexplicably passed out and won’t acknowledge anything is wrong.
On the Wreckers trip, we get a more important character moment as Ironfist has inexplicably passed out and won’t acknowledge anything is wrong.
Garfield: I wonder who that's for?
Luckily for him, the assumption from Guzzle is that it was caused by Ironfist meeting his heroes, as he’s actually famous SPACE blogger “Fisitron” (a very meta joke on Hasbro having to give new toys of characters new names for trademark reasons, and indeed, the only new toy of him we’ve had since this comic uses “Fisitron” because Marvel have Ironfist sewn up), author of the “Wreckers Declassified” Datalogs. Which are famous and widely read enough for this to impress everyone present.
Which is all the excuse to give the feeling better Ironfist a chance to go-off on his hobby and distraction from the boredom of working on Kima. The siege of T’MUK (a UK Transformers Fanclub nod); The Roadbuster Affair (I guess probably not the one we’ll see later), the showdown on POVA (hmm), he’s fascinated and obsessed by it all, even having tried to declassify Topspin and Twin Twist’s files.
Now of course, this is a joke on fandom. But, as Nick started as a fan, it’s well-meaning and affectionate, probably helped by it feeling more like the guy who’s really into World War II history than pop culture, creating just enough distance for it not to feel personal. And the energy Nick puts into the art is just adorable. It’s a tricky thing to have pulled off, it could have gone all Whiz Kid in The Greatest Show in the Galaxy, but stays affectionate.
The Jumpstarters react to all this like a comic writer confronted by a fan who has written 3000 words on one issue of a comic from 12 years ago. Starting with a “Maybe I should change my name to Top Secret” joke—and the fact the Wreckers do jokes surprises Rotorstorm—before saying they’re just normal, innocent men and please, please stop.
There’s something very familiar to me about all this, but I can’t quite place it. Still, though it does seem here that it’s a celebrity trying to calm down the fan at the bar, their reasons for not wanting their confidential files seen will become apparent. And the need for a change of subject gets Rotorstorm asking why Pyro looks so much like Optimus Prime.
Which is all the excuse to give the feeling better Ironfist a chance to go-off on his hobby and distraction from the boredom of working on Kima. The siege of T’MUK (a UK Transformers Fanclub nod); The Roadbuster Affair (I guess probably not the one we’ll see later), the showdown on POVA (hmm), he’s fascinated and obsessed by it all, even having tried to declassify Topspin and Twin Twist’s files.
Now of course, this is a joke on fandom. But, as Nick started as a fan, it’s well-meaning and affectionate, probably helped by it feeling more like the guy who’s really into World War II history than pop culture, creating just enough distance for it not to feel personal. And the energy Nick puts into the art is just adorable. It’s a tricky thing to have pulled off, it could have gone all Whiz Kid in The Greatest Show in the Galaxy, but stays affectionate.
The Jumpstarters react to all this like a comic writer confronted by a fan who has written 3000 words on one issue of a comic from 12 years ago. Starting with a “Maybe I should change my name to Top Secret” joke—and the fact the Wreckers do jokes surprises Rotorstorm—before saying they’re just normal, innocent men and please, please stop.
There’s something very familiar to me about all this, but I can’t quite place it. Still, though it does seem here that it’s a celebrity trying to calm down the fan at the bar, their reasons for not wanting their confidential files seen will become apparent. And the need for a change of subject gets Rotorstorm asking why Pyro looks so much like Optimus Prime.
"Must be hard not to think about that guy we never mentioned before"
Springer and Kup catches the end of this, and when Springer says they’ll need to keep an eye out for Ironfist, Kup is more concerned about keeping an eye on Springer, as boy must going back to Garrus-9 bring up memories of IMPACTOR.
I mean, bless Nick for trying not to have a new major character appear from nowhere, but this very short foreshadowing rather ruins the surprise for those who will recognise what’s coming and doesn’t really do anything to counter a “Who’s that?” reaction to the cliff-hanger from those who don’t. Before anything more can be discussed though, they’re called to the bridge because, in the finest tradition of Star Trek officers summoning a superior whilst maintaining suspense, there’s something they need to see.
The third, and considerably better than the second, visit to a just a year ago now Garrus-9 sees Overlord set up in a big throne and overseeing that favourite pastime of Decepticons: Gladiatorial combat.
Here though, we get a glimpse into the descent of the Autobot prisoners, as it’s Kick-Off verses the Decepticon Borehole, and he has completely given into the fight for survival lifestyle, brutalising his opponent and, when he begs and points out Kick-Out is an Autobot, the response is “Know what that means in this place, Borehole? Nothing.” Before ripping the guy’s head off.
Which effectively sells the cost of the long-term trauma to the guards turned inmate, and the real humanitarian (robotitarian?) need for this rescue mission.
I mean, bless Nick for trying not to have a new major character appear from nowhere, but this very short foreshadowing rather ruins the surprise for those who will recognise what’s coming and doesn’t really do anything to counter a “Who’s that?” reaction to the cliff-hanger from those who don’t. Before anything more can be discussed though, they’re called to the bridge because, in the finest tradition of Star Trek officers summoning a superior whilst maintaining suspense, there’s something they need to see.
The third, and considerably better than the second, visit to a just a year ago now Garrus-9 sees Overlord set up in a big throne and overseeing that favourite pastime of Decepticons: Gladiatorial combat.
Here though, we get a glimpse into the descent of the Autobot prisoners, as it’s Kick-Off verses the Decepticon Borehole, and he has completely given into the fight for survival lifestyle, brutalising his opponent and, when he begs and points out Kick-Out is an Autobot, the response is “Know what that means in this place, Borehole? Nothing.” Before ripping the guy’s head off.
Which effectively sells the cost of the long-term trauma to the guards turned inmate, and the real humanitarian (robotitarian?) need for this rescue mission.
Said the 1990 Transformers toyline designer as he was dragged out of the building.
I’ll even forgive Kick-Off making an Action Master joke by stopping Borehole transforming with “Alt-modes are for wimps!.”
He’s then told he’s fought so well, for so long, he can go to Overlord’s room to choose his “reward”.
Well, that could go a few ways.
One thing that does involve a big bang is what has brought Springer and Kup to the bridge: An incredibly battered and ready to explode Decepticon ship that must have come from Garrus-9. Indeed, it’s so ready to explode, it does so even before Magnus can get a, as Verity calls it, “Uhura” hail out. Which seems to be that.
Until out of the explosive flame and asking for permission to come aboard… comes a now one-armed Impactor!
No one could have seen that coming. Unless you bought the second printing of the issue, where this page was the cover.
I honestly don’t know how this would have worked for people who didn’t know Impactor. And now, years after he’s been a far bigger part of IDW (and television!) than he ever was Marvel, I wonder if anyone who hadn’t heard of him can even recapture their reaction now.
He’s then told he’s fought so well, for so long, he can go to Overlord’s room to choose his “reward”.
Well, that could go a few ways.
One thing that does involve a big bang is what has brought Springer and Kup to the bridge: An incredibly battered and ready to explode Decepticon ship that must have come from Garrus-9. Indeed, it’s so ready to explode, it does so even before Magnus can get a, as Verity calls it, “Uhura” hail out. Which seems to be that.
Until out of the explosive flame and asking for permission to come aboard… comes a now one-armed Impactor!
No one could have seen that coming. Unless you bought the second printing of the issue, where this page was the cover.
I honestly don’t know how this would have worked for people who didn’t know Impactor. And now, years after he’s been a far bigger part of IDW (and television!) than he ever was Marvel, I wonder if anyone who hadn’t heard of him can even recapture their reaction now.
The explosion being how old fans reacted.
But a Marvel UK created character returning. And not a cute little background gag, nor like his Marvel US counterpart Straxus as a mook, but as a big end of issue reveal leading to a major role. Considering that IDW would struggle, and ultimately fail, to reprint all the UK stories, that’s actually kind of extraordinary. If the idea of doing a Wreckers book did come from higher up rather than Nick directly, he certainly grabbed hold of the organic opportunity to bring a childhood favourite over. Starting Impactor down a path to him having an almost sarcastic amount of official toy releases.
I’ve already written a lot here (so the profiles that came with the original issue will get discussed with those from the trades all together), so I’ll try to sum up the issue as succinctly as possibly…
This is really good. And still fresh. As I’d given up on the comics at this time, I’ve never read it in its actual context before and the difference between this issue and the two preceding ones I’ve talked about is staggering. In hindsight, we know it’s the start of something amazing (and Nick is very good at writing comics that get better on each reread), but at the time it felt like a shifting of gears. Even the couple of bits that don’t work, are still interesting and have genuine good intent behind them.
How refreshing.
And that’s not all, because the amount of stuff that was created around this series means you also get an addendum on some Dead Men’s Boots.
BUMBLEBEE ISSUE 2
2010
COMMENT
KO-FI
I’ve already written a lot here (so the profiles that came with the original issue will get discussed with those from the trades all together), so I’ll try to sum up the issue as succinctly as possibly…
This is really good. And still fresh. As I’d given up on the comics at this time, I’ve never read it in its actual context before and the difference between this issue and the two preceding ones I’ve talked about is staggering. In hindsight, we know it’s the start of something amazing (and Nick is very good at writing comics that get better on each reread), but at the time it felt like a shifting of gears. Even the couple of bits that don’t work, are still interesting and have genuine good intent behind them.
How refreshing.
And that’s not all, because the amount of stuff that was created around this series means you also get an addendum on some Dead Men’s Boots.
BUMBLEBEE ISSUE 2
2010
COMMENT
KO-FI
