Monday, December 30, 2013

New and nifty!

At long last, the Fall 2013 issue of the Transmasters Magazine is now available! Check it out in all its glory here:

http://transmasters.angelfire.com/tmmag/issue19/index1.html




I had hoped to get a bit more in this issue (a few more reviews, my story), but next time, I guess. :)
Next issue will be out in February 14!  Feedback is always welcome.

- Thunder

Monday, November 18, 2013

Winter is Coming!

The Fall 2013 Issue of Transmasters Magazine is in the works! Submissions (art, stories, articles, etc.) are always welcome (stuff should be sent in any common, easy to open format). I hope to have the issue ready sometime in December. As always, submissions can be sent to tkphoton at hotmail.com

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Titan Transformers UK issue 4.17, Nov/Dec 2013.

Titan Transformers UK issue 4.17, Nov/Dec 2013.

 

"BeastHunters are here !" 

Hi all ! 
Arriving yesterday the 15th of October through the mailbox, another issue of the Titan series of Transformers comics !
(and yes, I've stopped doing the video reviews, experiment not succesfull. maybe i'll pick it up later 'down the road' )

Now let's go to the Issue! 

Page 00: cover consist of PRIME art of well...Ratchet, Raf and Predaking! Free toy is a "Bumblebee car disc shooter !" far from original since it's still another variant of the disc shooter/blaster weapon ! 



Page 02-03: Index Page. 
Page 04-05: All you wanted to know about Predaking but were afraid to ask because he might eat ya !

Page 06-10: Part one of the the strip begins. 

"Collider Scope"
Script: Robin Etherington Art: Horacio Domingues Colours: Nestor Pereya Lettering: Comicraft 

Earthquakes are occuring in Switzerland and France which baffles experts because those areas are not prone to seismic activity. Agent Fowler informs the team that they've lost contact with a base containing a top secret particle accelerator. Prime, Bulkhead, Wheeljack and Arcee take the groundbridge to the base to find Decepticons ! Meanwhile, we find out that the source of the quakes is Shockwave, testing out the accelerator while trying to convert it to a spacebridge. The Autobots engage the Decepticons until....Predaking !.....to be continued on page 20  Great art by Domingues. 

Page 11: Titan Magazines - Transformers subscription - offer advert.
Page 12-13:Soundwave's Stumpers-Puzzles and Quizzes.
Page 14: SpyNet Competition.
Page 15: Plants VS Zombies Magazine advert .
Page 16-17: the BEASTHUNT- more puzzles and brainteasers.
Page 18-19: Bumblebee Poster. 



Page 20-22: Part 2 of the strip! SPOILERS !

Predaking attacks the Autobots with his firebreath while Bulkhead has a brief homesick moment when seeing Cybertron through the Spacebridge(this is a nice idea) not noticing Predaking.
Prime orders Bulkhead and Wheeljack to keep Predaking busy while he tries to shut down the powercore.
Sadly, Predaking goes after Optimus who does not dare go further in fear of sparking a nuclear explosion!
So after planning a very familiar third doctor moment from Prime



(see also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLD03bU5R5M   )

Predaking fires wrong and and destroys the powercore unintentionally. The Decepticons flee and the Autobots live to fight another day.



Page 23: Bulkheads wordsearch.
Page 24-25: The TransFiles: The Forge of Cybertron. information about the ancient artifact.
Page 26-27: Hunter or Hunted ? Find out what Beasthunter you would be. choose from Optimus, Starscream, Bulkhead or Raf. I ended up with Optimus.

Page 28-30: The letterpages, hosted by Megamouth Megatron(HAIL!) (PRIME version) with a little help from Arcee (also PRIME version). 
Page 31: Ballistic Brain Busters ! - more puzzles. 
Page 32: Spot the Difference - Help agent Fowler ! 
Page 33: Next issue blurb which looks like an Bumblebee centric XMAS cover. On Sale 12 december ! 
Page 34: LiteBrix advert.
Page 35: ESCAPE ! Escape from Darkmount castle !
Page 34: Bumblebee's Beast Blaster - Cut out.be careful with scissors.



Conclusion: 
Good Comic strip scriptwise, art a little better than last time, just fun! I don't understand why Optimus refers to Predaking as 'The Predaking'? You would have thought that it's his name and not it's title ?

score: 7.5 out of 10 

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Review: SXS Continuously Variable toy...

R-01 Continuously Variable (aka "not Gears") 

Manufacturer: SXS
Price: $70 USD
Available: Now 
(http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SXS10004&mode=retail)


Comments:  I never had a G1 Gears and he hasn't gotten the Classics treatment (so far) so I sprang for this third party guy (there's also a iGear version out there, btw).
   As a toy he's comparable to the Deluxe class size that Hasbro puts out. He comes with two hand guns (same mold, different colors). Contrary to the BBTS website, the toy does not have swords (no idea why they're pictured).
   He's not bad... my only real complaints are that his head seems a bit flat. It turns 360 degrees but they could've added a little bit more "bulk" to it, made it more rounded out (like I always pictured Brawn being). Also, his backpack in robot mode (i.e. car rooftop, wheels, etc.) doesn't really lock down as well as it could. They really should've made a piece to clip it together instead of hoping it would more or less stay where it is (some of Hasbro's Classics toys also have this problem though).
   His SUV mode is pretty good overall. It does lock together fairly well and looks quite good. I suppose they could've made some holes for his weapons to store on the vehicle mode (but it's not a big deal really. I'm just nitpicking now).
   The price is...iffy. Honestly, this toy should be a bit cheaper. I realize all third party toys are expensive and they're a very small run compared to what Hasbro or Takara do, but part of me wonders why a Deluxe sized toy is so much money. Couldn't they have sold it for, say, $50 instead?

Verdict:  Good. If you love Gears and don't mind the price, pick this guy up. He's not perfect (what is, though? :) but he's fairly decent overall.



Blurr appears to be next...



A bit flat headed...




Comic Review...




Transformers Regeneration One #0

Writer: Simon Furman
Artists: Casey Coller. Geoff Senior, Jeff Anderson, Jose Delbo, Nick Roche
Covers: Andrew Wildman (A), Guido Guidi (B), Geoff Senior (RI), Casey Coller (RE)

Summary:  ZERO POINT! Adventure in the time stream, as HOT ROD desperately attempts to identify the rogue elements that are leading him, and the entire CYBERTRONIAN race, inexorably towards the catastrophic end of time itself. What hidden stories do the DEATHBRINGER, BOLTAX, BUSTER WITWICKY, and GALVATRON have to tell, and what—if any—solutions are there? Or is it already too late?

Comments: This was a cool gimmick issue, utilizing past popular TF artists to portray eras they were known for (Geoff Senior for the Deathbringer flashback, Jose Delbo for the Buster/Jesse story, etc.) The art styles clash and the differences are quite noticeable but I can see what they were trying to do here so I'll give that a pass. 
   We're not really given a clear reason in-story for why the timeline is fracturing. One would assume that it would be clearly "drawn" for the reader but instead all the reader gets is hints... something to do with the evil Matrix residue, Spike's guilt over the loss of family, Jhiaxus existence and plans, the alternate timeline where Galvatron and his Decepticons triumphed over the Autobots. It will be interesting to see how Furman draws these disparate plot points into something coherent in the final five issues that remain of this series (I hope we're not disappointed).
   I would also like to see some real explanation in-story for why Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime resembles Primus. Is he the ultimate Prime? Perhaps created to unite their kind once and for all, ending war for all time? If not... frankly, I'd be disappointed if he ends up being another Prime "just because".


Verdict: Very Good.


 

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman




















Cover "B" by Guido Guidi


























Retailer Incentive cover by Geoff Senior

Sunday, September 08, 2013

The Time Has Come...

The Spring/Summer 2013 issue of the Transmasters Magazine is now available! Check it out TODAY! Feedback is always welcome (as are submissions toward future issues).


http://transmasters.angelfire.com/tmmag/issue18/index1.html


(My Crimson Destiny story is not ready yet but I didn't wish to wait any longer so I'll post it when it is. Also, the next issue will be out in November, assuming all goes to plan).


- Thunder

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

TM Mag, Spring Edition in the works...

The Spring 2013 Issue of Transmasters Magazine is in the works! Submissions (art, stories, articles, etc.) are always welcome (stuff should be sent in any common, easy to open format). I hope to have the issue ready sometime in mid-July (which is technically the summer, but oh well. :). As always, submissions can be sent to tkphoton at hotmail.com

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Comic Review...

Transformers: Regeneration One #90

Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman (pencils), Stephen Baskerville (inks)
Covers: Andrew Wildman (A), Guido Guidi (B), Geoff Senior (RI)

Summary:  TOO LITTLE—TOO LATE! As Scorponok’s Dark Reign comes ever closer to spreading right across Cybertron, Grimlock launches a desperate counterstrike, in the face of almost innumerable odds. Does the Dinobot commander really have one last ace up his sleeve, or does his “plan” amount to a glorious—but doomed—last stand?


Comments:  This is still my favorite TF comic at the moment.
   This issue wraps up the Scorponok storyline by undoing the damage he's done and having the seemingly final confrontation between Grimlock and his nemesis. I still think they could've done a bit more with this storyline (I feel the need to package each storyline neatly into a TPB worked against the artistry of the story here) but the wrap-up is reasonably good as it is.
   We also get a bit more about Hot Rod and his sub-plot with the under-dwellers. He believes they are to be destroyed as this is what Primus wanted. But it's not what he is willing to do. I look forward to seeing how this plot thread turns out.
   The art is mostly good although, as mentioned before, Pounce and Wingspan--the clones--still look different. This issue seemed to have a few less anamolies this time around though overall. (Apparently, Guido Guidi will be taking over the art duties at some point which I'm torn on. He's a great artist--but it will be strange if Wildman doesn't complete this run).




















Verdict: Excellent! A must-buy!


Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman
















Cover "B" by Guido Guidi


Retailer Incentive Cover by Geoff Senior






Comic Review...

Transformers: Robots In Disguise #15

Writer: John Barber
Artist: Andrew Griffith
Covers: Andrew Griffith (A), Casey Coller (B), Marcelo Matere (RI)


Summary:  FINAL BATTLE! The leadership of Cybertron will be decided once and for all! It’s all-out war against the forces of MEGATRON! Will the Autobots wrest control from their attackers—or will the DECEPTICON flag fly over Cybertron forever? Heroes will fall, and nothing will stay the same.


Comments:  The fight begins. As the Decepticons try to overrun the city, Ironhide, the Dinobots and Superion all show up and fight back. The Autobots fight valiantly until Devastator begins to think on his own...
   A good issue overall. After so much build-up for so long these issues are worth it. It's mostly a battle issue but I enjoyed it all the same. By issue's end, it's still anybody's guess as to who will come out on top in the end. And no matter who wins, what will the ultimate fate of Cybertron and the TF race as a whole be?

Cover "B" by Casey Coller

Verdict: Very Good.

Comic Review...

Cover "B" by Livio Ramondelli
Transformers Spotlight: Trailcutter

Writer: James Roberts
Artist: Matt Frank
Covers: Matt Frank (A), Livio Ramondelli (B), Clayton Crain (RI/RE)


Summary:  STEALTH ATTACK! Trailcutter has a problem: the Lost Light has been taken over by the Decepticons—and no one else seems to have noticed! Can the Autobots’ defense strategist singlehandedly see off an army of infiltrators? And even if he does, will it convince his crew mates that he's got more to offer than kind words and forcefields?



Comments: This issue tells us why Trailbreaker changes his name to "Trailcutter" (I don't care about these Hasbro mandated changes. He'll always be Trailbreaker to me--just like Hot Rod will never be "Rodimus" just because).
   On the plus side, it also shows us the Deluxe Insecticons, characters who rarely, if ever, get any spotlighting in a TF story.
   Otherwise...meh. The artwork fails to impress me and the story was kind of run of the mill. Trailcutter has to save the day when the others are incapacitated and hijinks ensue. It's not a bad story or anything it just didn't really impress me either. It doesn't move the overall story along and I don't really know enough about this character (in this continuity) to be all that interested in his plight.


Verdict:  Average.

Sunday, April 07, 2013

Transformers Titan UK Magazine 4.14 VIDEO review.


Transformers Titan UK Magazine 4.14 VIDEO review.

Got it by mail on April 4th 2013.
Again as last time, a video review of the issue. I tried a different approach this time, next time I will prepare a bit more. (saves a bit of editing)

Excuse my poor english.

Greetz Johan/Backbreaker

WATCH

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Comic Review...

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (one-shot)

Writer: John Barber
Artist: Dheeraj Verma
Covers: Dheeraj Verma (regular), Norwood Cole (RI. High Moon Studios FOC concept art)


Summary:  RISE OF THE DINOBOTS! Searching for a missing teammate, GRIMLOCK leads his team deep into SHOCKWAVE’s citadel—and they’ll pay for their trespass with their lives! It’s the origin of the Dinobots as you’ve never seen it before!

Comments:  This apparently started life as a web exclusive comic which has now been compiled into physical issue.
   Grimlock risks his life, and the lives of the Lightning Strike Coalition (what the Dinobots are called in this story before they become the Dinobots) to save Swoop, who has been caught behind enemy lines with essential information. All of his team succumb to Shockwave, who uses their indomitable spirits to transform them into something all-together new... Grimlock holds on to his hatred of Shockwave as his last bastion of will. Will it be enough?
   The story is decent and presumably serves as set-up for what happens in the FOC game itself (I haven't yet had time to play all the way through it). It's an okay story and I think Barber makes the most of what he has to work with.
   The art is neither good nor terrible. Usually I land on one side of the fence or the other but this issue's art (by Dheeraj Verma) alternates with some good panels and some where I have no idea what I'm looking at. It could be better in places but it's decent overall.

Verdict: Average. Not essential reading but an okay distraction.

Cover by Dheeraj Verma

Comic Review...

Transformers: Regeneration One #89

Writer:  Simon Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman (pencils), Steven Baskerville (inks)
Covers: Andrew Wildman (A), Guido Guidi (B), Geoff Senior (RI)


Summary:  DINOBOT WAR! Happy reunions are in short supply as Grimlock seeks out his Dinobots in a desperate attempt to salvage something from the mounting carnage in Iacon. But as far as they’re concerned, he’s a traitor who has brought shame on the Dinobot name—and if they’re going down, he’s coming with them!


Comments: I had trouble thinking of what to say about the story with this review. It continues on and, yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing where it all ends up. It seems like that's my sentiment with every issue to-date. It was nice seeing the other Dinobots finally (in the here-and-now) and the revelation that the "demons" are the first inhabitants of Cybertron was fairly obvious even from their first appearance waaaay back in TF #76.

   I had some art issues though. The last page shows what appears to be the Decepticon clones, Wingspan and Pounce.  They're supposed to have identical robot modes but here they have entirely different head designs (does someone not grasp the concept of clones?) Also, there is still the issue of the Autobot Headmasters heads looking wrong. And some of the background art could be better too--it's almost like Wildman's being a bit lazy this time (series) around. 

Verdict: Very Good.


Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman























Cover "B" by Guido Guidi












Retailer Incentive cover by Geoff Senior







Saturday, March 23, 2013

It's hot! It's here! It's now, baby! :)

Introducing, the latest greatest issue of....

TRANSMASTERS MAGAZINE!

http://transmasters.angelfire.com/tmmag/issue17/index1.html



(Note: The Crimson Destiny story's not quite ready but the rest of it is, so I'll update soon-ish with the rest).

Thunder

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Comic Review...

Transformers Spotlight: Bumblebee

Writer: John Barber
Artist: David Daza

Covers: David Daza (A), Livio Ramondelli (B), Clayton Crain (RI and Convention Exclusive covers)


Summary:  ESCAPE FROM EARTH! Before Cybertron was reborn—BUMBLEBEE lead the Autobots on Earth. In this untold tale, he must take the reigns of command… and he’s got hundreds of rogue Decepticons standing between him and respect!


Comments:  This is yet another story set during the Mike Costa era, a series I patently hated and don't need to be reminded of. Bumblebee's scouring Earth looking for any remaining Decepticons while most of the Autobots have returned to Cybertron to deal with Galvatron.
   Overall, the story is logical and decently written. Like the Megatron spotlight, it has no real bearing on current events but it a good look at Bumblebee's character and what he has to face while being in command of the Autobots (Who ever thought that putting him in command was a good idea?)
   My real complaint is with the terrible artwork. Drawn by David Daza (this is my first exposure to his work) everything looks cartoony and ill-defined. Can IDW not afford good artists? Yuck!

Verdict:  Average. A decent story with terrible art.


Cover "B" by Livio Ramondelli

Comic Review...

Transformers: Robots In Disguise #14
Cover "B" by Casey Coller

Writer: John Barber
Artist: Andrew Griffith (pencils), Brian Shearer (inks)
Covers: Andrew Griffith (A), Casey Coller (B), Marcelo Matere (RI)



Summary:  MEGATRON IS BACK! The day the AUTOBOTS hoped would never arrive… is here. CYBERTRON is burning, BUMBLEBEE’s government is crumbling, and MEGATRON is here. Sides are chosen… and heroes fall.


Comments: We finally step behind the curtain and find out what's been going on all this time--Prowl's been manipulated by one of Bombshell's cerebral shells! Used to help aid the Decepticons as they made key players "die" so they could escape undetected and help prepare for the coming domination of Cybertron. All of this is Megatron's ultimate plan.
   An excellent plot twist and quite an interesting turn. Still, it did take an awfully long time to reach this point in the story. They really needed thirteen issues to get to this? After such a long wait, it seems worth it though. I just hope the story going further can maintain this level of interest and doesn't drop back to mediocrity (given IDW's twenty to thirty issue format they've been doing in recent years, I do hold out hope it will stay good from here on in).
   Some further threads have also come together--we will shortly find out what became of Ironhide, the Dinobots and the Aerialbots (they appear at issue's end, ready for battle). It's unclear what, if any, bearing the Bludgeon and Orion Pax sub-plots might eventually have on the ultimate outcome of this series though (time will tell).



Verdict:  Excellent. A must-buy!

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Comic Review...

Transformers: Regeneration One #88

Writer: Simon  Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman
(covers by Andrew Wildman, Guido Guidi and Geoff Senior (RI))


Summary:  WAR IN THE CITY! Anarchy reigns on the streets of Iacon as SCORPONOK’s grip tightens further, and those AUTOBOTS still willing and able to resist look to their absent leader--who is on an endangered list all of his own. Beneath the surface of CYBERTRON, HOT ROD runs for his life, locked on a collision course with his maker, PRIMUS!


Comments:  Scorponok, his Decepticons and converted Autobots overrun Cybertron while a select few characters evade his forces. Grimlock makes a short-lived stand against Scorponok but the other quickly shows him who is truly in-control. Elsewhere, Hot Rod flees the cyber demons beneath the surface, who give chase. Bludgeon and Soundwave make their own plans aboard the Warworld and it's insinuated Soundwave is alerted that Scorponok is on Cybertron remotely (via Spinister). And on Earth, Galvatron prepares to take the Ark (under control of the lobotomized Shockwave) to space. 
   The plot continues. The story is advancing slowly and, to be honest, I miss the old days when more stuff happened in one issue. It doesn't seem like all that much significant happens in this issue, just baby steps. But I like the overall plot so I can't really complain.
   In the bigger scheme, I would've thought that Bludgeon and company would've attacked first and then Scorponok would've shown up afterward to throw a spanner into things with his own plan. That sort of happens (in the sense that Soundwave makes the first move back in #80.5) but was a little surprised the Scorponok/Grimlock plot got priority (not that it really matters, of course).
   I also speculated that the Scorpy plot would've been complicated--that we would've gotten true neutral minded Transformers as opposed to just Autobots that now act like Decepticons. I feel like there could've been a lot more to that plot point and to see it executed so simply (we slap a device on you and boom! You're a Decepticon!) is a bit disappointing. It's not a game killing choice or anything, of course, but I wanted a bit more.
   Some online have commented that Andrew Wildman's art is a bit, well...lazy and I have to agree unfortunately. The primary characters and action looks fine but the background characters and settings have felt rushed and simplistic right from the get-go. If you've seen his earlier work (or Horizon, his graphic novel) then you know he's capable of more.
   I still like this series and will follow it through to the end. I just hope we get some more story surprises and depth before it's all over.

 Verdict: Pretty Good.




Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman
Cover "B" by Guido Guidi
RI cover by Geoff Senior

Friday, February 15, 2013

Comic Review...

Cover "A" by Nick Roche
Transformers Spotlight: Megatron

Writer: Nick Roche
Artist: Nick Roche
(covers by Nick Roche, Livio Ramondelli, Clayton Crane (RI) and Alex Milne (RE))


Summary:  MEGATRON IS BACK! Writer/artist Nick Roche takes us back to the last time MEGATRON returned--when he found his DECEPTICON forces in tatters under the control of STARSCREAM. In this never-before-revealed tale, we learn exactly how Megatron reacted… and how Starscream survived!


Comments:  Megatron is reborn in his new stealth bomber form (during the Mike Costa series) and is surprised by how his forces have crumbled to all but nothing under Starscream's command. He is also stunned by how even Starscream seems to have given up his will to rule in the face of having insubordinate troops. He sets out to resolve this by engaging Starscream in a short battle, forcing the other to snap out of his stupor and return to normal. He then rallies the troops, plotting his next terrifying strike against their enemies.
   This issue is a bit of a mixed bag. The plot is good, as stand-alone stories go. I found the dialogue a bit long-winded for Megatron though. It seems to me like he should act more and talk/think less. In this case, Roche could've let his art do the talking a bit more in the action scenes. Instead we get long thought boxes with Megatron thinking about everything and using long, formal style sentences for it all.

   The Megatron/Starscream dynamic in this story works fine (generally) but the state of their relationship in IDW is a bit confusing. Megatron all but killed him in the earlier Furman stories (remember how he shot a big hole through Starscream at one point?) Later, Starscream all but shames the Autobots over their victory and the loss of Megatron in AHM. Then, he seems fine with Megatron being out of commission in the subsequent stories so that he can rule and finally, here he's lost all hope and resolve. Granted, this is different writers doing different things but it makes things confusing if you were actually paying attention all this time.
   One could argue that Megatron doesn't really care all that much about Starscream and all this attention to getting him psyched back up for battle seems like a bit too much effort on his part. I always saw Megatron as more of a user of his troops to get what he wants rather then really being too concerned about their well-being (but I admit I might be nitpicking here).
   Also, this story is set during the ongoing TF comic/Costa era. A series I truly hated and have no interest in nor wish to recall. This story is largely irrelevant to the current stuff and doesn't really advance either character along in my estimation (also, Megatron rallies the troops then enacts his plan, beats the crap out of Optimus and surrenders to him afterward. The chronology is bizarre and inconsistent, isn't it. Why be so gung-ho to return to glory in this story but then ultimately seem to give up in the Costa stuff?)
   The art (also by Roche) is pretty good and it's always nice to see him draw more when he can.


Verdict:  Average. I didn't care for it but it seems to be about par for the course with IDW's output.

Cover "B" by Livio Ramondelli

Comic Review...

Cover "B" by Livio Ramondelli
Transformers Spotlight: Thundercracker

Writer: John Barber
Artist: Chee
(covers by Chee, Livio Ramondelli and Clayton Crain (RI))


Summary:  In the dark days of the war for Cybertron, THUNDERCRACKER had a special mission--one never revealed before! Now, as he faces off against BUMBLEBEE for the first time, the fate of METROPLEX--and an entire civilization--is at stake!


Comments:  Thundercracker is part of a team lead by Bludgeon in deep space, searching for any sign of the titan, Metroplex.  With his skills, he determines how to track Metroplex's unique energy signature and leads the Decepticons to a planetoid where the Titan is hidden beneath the surface. While there, he watches an organic life-form try to assist Bumblebee (who had come to defend the inhabitants with some other Autobots). He is fascinated by the alien's resolve and informs his party that he's found nothing (a blatant lie) and leaves. Metroplex is awoken by his departure and subsequently teleports away.
    Of the current batch of spotlight comics, this one is easily the best. The story is tight, highlights the titular character and is entertaining. Thundercracker is not like his fellow Decepticons (which goes right back to his original tech spec) and this is well shown throughout the story. He lies to his superiors and ultimately keeps them away from exploiting Metroplex's advanced technological power. The story doesn't meander and is actual relevant to the larger story at play as well as concluding its point in one singular issue. A textbook spotlight story.
   The art, by Chee (whoever that is. This is the first I've heard of him, I think) is competently drawn and easy to follow.


Verdict:  Excellent. A must-buy!


Thursday, February 14, 2013

TM Winter 2013 issue in the works!

The Winter 2013 Issue of Transmasters Magazine is in the works! Submissions (art, stories, articles, etc.) are always welcome. I hope to have the issue ready by about March 1st. As always, submissions can be sent to tkphoton at hotmail.com

Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Transformers Titan UK Magazine 4.13 review

Transformers Titan UK Magazine 4.13 review.
Got it by mail on feb 4th.
Something a little bit different this time, a video review of the issue.
Excuse my poor english and be gentle, after all this is my first time ;)
Greetz Johan/Backbreaker

Watch the video here !

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Comic Review...

Transformers: Robots in Disguise #13

Writer: John Barber
Artist:Andrew Griffith
(covers by Andrew Griffith, Casey Coller and Marcelo Matere)


Summary:  ON THE PROWL! It's 'no more mister nice guy,' as CYBERTRON burns and one AUTOBOT is all that stand between order and anarchy. Meet the new PROWL--deadlier than ever, colder then any other AUTOBOT, and ready to end the DECEPTICON threat-forever.
  
Comments:  The blurb above does an excellent job of totally misleading you on the premise of this issue (is that a good or bad thing?) In this issue, Starscream tells the supposedly-comatose Megatron how he was almost in-charge; the Decepticons continue to riot while Prowl leads Wheeljack to the "black room" in order to ensure their race's survival. Meanwhile, Bumblebee and Metalhawk try to hold things together and Arcee makes Blurr a proposal regarding Dirge and Swindle...
    The story ends on an unexpected plot twist, one that was truly impressive and I did not see coming. I'm hoping things move forward from here on and we don't get some kind of stupid "this is what Prowl planned all along" sort-of note. I would like to see that he did what he thought was best, hence the outcome of this issue and go from there, not this-is-a-double-think on his part, etc. plot (I'm tired of all the spotlighting on Prowl and how clever he is stuff. We get it. Move along already!)
   The art continues to be fairly good. Everyone is recognizable and looks good... no complaints there. :)


Verdict:  Good. Staying on the pull-list for now...



Cover "A" by Andrew Griffith

Comic Review...

Transformers: Regeneration One #87

Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Andrew Wildman
(covers by Andrew Wildman, Guido Guidi and Geoff Senior)

Summary:  WAR CRY! The conquest of IACON begins in earnest, as SCORPONOK's game-changing strategy threatens the very nature of what it means to be AUTOBOT... Or DECEPTICON! And HOT ROD begins his own personal odyssey to the very heart of CYBERTRON--where ancient forces are stirring!


Comments:  Grimlock and others arrive on Cybertron and begin killing or converting Autobots to their cause. Hot Rod goes to find Primus below the surface, unaware of the evil demon-y creatures down there. On Earth, Optimus Prime stays behind to try and help humanity rebuild (even though they previously said they don't want his help). Meanwhile, Galvatron and Starscream meet up and a plot their next move.
    I continue to enjoy this series. It's interesting to see Grimlock switch sides in order to help out his fellow Dinobots... but at what terrible cost?  Thanks to him, at least a few Autobots are already dead...and the others are acting like Decepticons. I do wonder why messing with their "C.N.A" automatically turns everyone into a Decepticon... it's an interesting idea but it would be better if they still had some self-control despite it. Otherwise, the net result is a bunch of good guys acting like they're brainwashed instead. It's a fine line and this issue crossed it a bit too easily.
   I also wonder why Optimus decided to stay behind on Earth. The humans don't want Transformers there and what can he really accomplish? (Other then being there to conveniently stop Galvatron's machinations--whatever they turn out to be). I also don't care for the return to his whiny, overly-introspective persona. Again, it's something that can be effective if used right in the story...but sometimes he reads like a Manic Depressive personality.
   There are several art mistakes/odd choices in this issue. All of the restored Headmaster head designs look wrong (off-model compared to the classic designs). Also, Grimlock's head is now wrong--he has his classic body but should still have his Action Master head (but doesn't!) Not sure if Wildman had the wrong reference art or tried to remember it from memory or what...it was weird and a tad distracting in an otherwise good issue. 

Verdict: Pretty Good. The series continues to be worth reading...

Cover "A" by Andrew Wildman

Cover "B" by Guido Guidi
Retailer Incentive cover by Geoff Senior