IDW Publishing

2012-08-28T04:47:48Z

174.3.131.15:

[[Image:Idw_logo.png|right|75px|Idw logo.png]]
'''Idea and Design Works, LLC''' currently owns the [[Transformers brand|Transformers]] [[Comics|comic book]] license as of May [[2005]], following the financial collapse of the previous license holder, [[Dreamwave Productions]], at the tail-end of 2004.

IDW's flagship storyline is a [[IDW timeline|rebooted Generation 1 continuity]], which started out being written by longtime Transformers scribe [[Simon Furman]] and told through a succession of mini-series and one-shot [[The Transformers: Spotlight|''Spotlight''s]], before finally producing a monthly comic in [[2009]]. IDW has also been authorized to re-release trade paperbacks published by [[Dreamwave Productions]], such as the ''[[War and Peace]]'' mini-series and ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'' and ''[[Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages]]''. In May 2008, IDW's relationship with [[Hasbro]] proved to be quite healthy indeed as they snapped up the ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' comic book license as well.

==Series published==
=== G1 rebooted ===
Initial ideas for IDW's Transformer line included a ''Crisis on Infinite Earths''-style story crossing over with the new [[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'' toyline]], starting ongoings in both G1 and ''Cybertron'' continuity. The G1 cast would suffer Cybertron's destruction and learn [[Unicron]]'s death had destabilized the entire [[omniverse]], forcing them to try and assemble an artifact called the "Decepticon Matrix" in order to ''resurrect'' Unicron. This would parallel with the ''Cybertron'' plot, in which the Autobots seek out the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s to revive [[Primus]], and [[Vector Prime]] would have appeared as a guide in both series. It seems that series would then have come together with the concurrent ''Cybertron'' comic as Transformers from across the [[multiverse]] were brought together for a final, epic clash.<ref>Pitch printed in ''[[The Transformers: The Best of Simon Furman]]''</ref>

This was considered too confusing for new readers, however, and dropped for a [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|continuity reboot of ''Generation 1'']]. Furman mostly oversaw this, creating a more sophisticated universe around the familiar characters and tropes: Marvel Comics' ''Ultimate'' line was the inspiration, and Furman deliberately borrowed the more leisurely pacing of Ultimate Marvel. <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSyBtqe67uk Moonbase 2m AA2010 interview]</ref>

Instead of an ongoing civil war on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] which spills over to [[Earth]] by accident, Furman presented us with an interstellar war between the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s, a war of [[Code of Interplanetary Conflict]] and alt-form-and-dagger covert operations, with [[energon]] the prize and whole planets at stake. A surprising development on Earth heats up the war and turns our planet from just another proxy battleground into the ultimate prize.

This slow, measured storyline was eventually abandoned in an attempt to bring in more casual fans with a more G1 Cartoon-inspired revamp in ''All Hail Megatron''. This failed to have the desired effect both in terms of sales and fan-response, so ''another'' revamp was attempted with the start of ''The Transformers'' ongoing series. It has met with sharp fan criticism as well. ''(sigh)''

The general order of publications to date is as follows:

* ''[[The Transformers: Infiltration]]'' ([[2005]]–[[2006]]) Establishes the presence of the Transformers on modern-day Earth and re-establishes the theme of "robots in disguise" as central to the new continuity; a seven-issue story arc (issues #0 to #6).
* ''[[The Transformers: Spotlight]]'' (2006–present) Series of one-shot stories focusing on a single Transformer per issue; this series has no fixed publication format and is ongoing. It went on hiatus after "[[Spotlight: Metroplex]]" while the new ongoing series was getting established, but has since returned, although at a greatly reduced pace.
* ''[[The Transformers: Stormbringer]]'' (2006) A four-issue miniseries tie-in to ''Infiltration'', establishing Cybertron's current situation in the re-boot and focusing squarely on the Transformers.
* ''[[The Transformers: Escalation]]'' (2006–[[2007]]) Sequel to ''Infiltration''; a six-issue story arc detailing a conflict with the Decepticons in [[Brasnya]] and the abduction of [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Hunter O'Nion]].
* ''[[New Avengers/Transformers]]'' (2007) A collaboration between [[Marvel Comics]] and IDW featuring the first ever crossover between the Transformers and New [[Avengers]]. Though it has minimal effects on the overall universe, it was specifically designed to fit into continuity between ''Infiltration'' and ''Escalation''.
* ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin]]'' (2007) A four-issue story arc detailing the events surrounding [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s rise to power and the founding of the Decepticon faction.
* ''[[The Transformers: Devastation]]'' (2007–[[2008]]) Sequel to ''Escalation''; a six-issue story arc following up on what happened to Sunstreaker, as well as the Decepticons' battle with the [[Reaper]]s and seeds are planted for the upcoming [[Dead Universe]] arc.
* ''[[Revelation (IDW)|Revelation]]'' (2008) Sequel to ''Devastation''; composed of 4 ''Spotlight''s; [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], [[Doubledealer]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. This series wraps up the events of the Dead Universe.
{{note|The sequel to ''Revelation'' at one point was to be titled '''Expansion''', but it was canceled in favor of ''All Hail Megatron''. However, Furman stated that some of the ideas from the series may pop up in other series.}}
* ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron]]'' (2008–[[2009]]) A twelve-issue maxi-series, extended to sixteen to include the ''All Hail Megatron Coda'' series. It chronicles the aftermath of the defeat of the Autobots and the Decepticon conquest of Earth. The publication schedule overlaps with ''Revelation'' and ''Maximum Dinobots''. Issues 13–16 each consist of two 11-page stories that help strengthen the flaws in ''All Hail Megatron'' and tie into the ongoing series.
* ''[[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots]]'' (2008–2009) A five-issue which takes place chronologically between ''Revelation'' and ''All Hail Megatron'' (which it was published concurrently with). The series wraps up Furman's story arcs with the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]], Sunstreaker, the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], [[Skywatch]] and the [[Machination]].
* ''[[The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers]]'' (2009–[[2011]]) An ongoing series which began in November 2009 [http://www.tfarchive.com/comics/idw/guide.php?s=ongoing]. The series is penned by [[Mike Costa]] with art on the first arc by [[Don Figueroa]]. Different artists have contributed as well.
* ''[[The Transformers: Bumblebee]]'' (2009–[[2010]]) A four-issue miniseries chronicling Bumblebee's journey on Earth after the events of ''All Hail Megatron'', focusing on the conflicts and decisions 'Bee makes (sort of like a ''Spotlight''). It began in December 2009, written by [[Zander Cannon]] with art by [[Chee Yang Ong]] (the team that worked on the second story of [[All Hail Megatron issue 16|''All Hail Megatron'' #16]]).
* ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' (2010) A five-issue miniseries which began in January 2010, written by [[Nick Roche]] and [[James Roberts]] and drawn by Roche with colors by [[Josh Burcham]]. It chronicles the actions of the [[Wrecker]]s in deep space after ''All Hail Megatron''.
* ''[[The Transformers: Ironhide]]'' (2010) A four-issue miniseries covering Ironhide, with story by Mike Costa and art by [[Casey Coller]]. It was published from May through August, 2010.
* ''[[The Transformers: Drift]]'' (2010) A four-issue miniseries that chronicles [[Drift (G1)|Drift]]'s origins as the Decepticon Deadlock to becoming an Autobot. It's written by Shane McCarthy, with art by Alex Milne and colors by Josh Perez. It was released bi-weekly in September, 2010.
* ''[[Infestation (IDW)|The Transformers: Infestation]]'' (2011) A two-issue story set within the larger ''Infestation'', a cross-over in which zombies invade multiple IDW properties. In addition to ''Transformers'', ''[[Star Trek]]'', ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' and ''Ghostbusters'' are all invaded by the cross-dimensional zombies. The Transformers segment involves the Autobots teaming up with Galvatron's crew to stop the menace. It is written by [[Dan Abnett]] and [[Andy Lanning]], with art by Nick Roche and colors by Joana Lafuente and Josh Perez. The entire series was released weekly over 10 weeks, starting in February, 2011.
* ''[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness]]'' (2011) A four-issue miniseries featuring Galvatron and crew, following the events in ''Infestation''. It's written by Abnett and Lanning, with art by [[Ulises Farinas]]. Released March through June, 2011.
* ''[[Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime]]'' ([[2011]]) IDW #125 written by James Roberts and John Barber, with art by Nick Roche.
* ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye]]'' ([[2012]]) An new ongoing written by James Roberts, with art by Alex Milne.
* ''[[The Transformers: Autocracy]]'' (2012) A twelve-issue digital comic starring Orion Pax and featuring his transformation into Optimus Prime. It's written by [[Flint Dille]] and [[Chris Metzen]], with art by [[Livio Ramondelli]], and was released bi-weekly from January to June, 2012.
* ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise]]'' (2012) Another new ongoing written by [[John Barber]], with art by [[Andrew Griffith]].

====See also====
* [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
* [[IDW timeline]]

===''Beast Wars''===
Taking place within the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon universe, this line eschews the previous [[3H Productions]] fan club comics that previously continued the show's story to strike out in a new direction, focusing mainly on the non-show toy characters.

* ''[[Transformers, Beast Wars: The Gathering]]'' (2006) A four-issue mini-series marking the 10th anniversary of the ''Beast Wars'' franchise.
* ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars: The Ascending|Transformers: Beast Wars: The Ascending]]'' (2007–08) A four-issue sequel to ''The Gathering'' that began publication in October 2007.
*''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' (2007) profile series of the Beast Era.
====See also====
* [[Beast Wars timeline (IDW)]]

===''Evolutions''===
Intended to be a series of [[wikipedia:Elseworlds|Elseworlds]]-like stories that exist in their own separate continuities, each taking different takes on Transformers. Only one has so-far been produced. (Reportedly, Hasbro has asked IDW to hold back on ''Evolutions'' as to not confuse customers looking for merchandise based on the 2007 film.){{fact}} [[Chris Ryall]] stated that with the Movie and ''Animated'' series, it is unlikely we will see any more of these series.<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=3845&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30 Post by Chris Ryall at IDW's forums]</ref>

* ''[[Hearts of Steel]]'' (2006) Places the Generation 1 Transformers in the American West during the Industrial Revolution.
* ''[[Infestation 2]]'' (2012) The sequel to ''Infestation''. This time, it's Lovecraftian demons that invade the various licensed properties. The Transformers-specific issues take place in the ''Hearts of Steel'' universe.

===Live-action film series===
* ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel]]'' (2007) A four-part series detailing the lead-up to the [[Transformers (film)|2007 ''Transformers'' movie]].
* "[[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]" and "[[Interlude]]" (2007) [[Target]] [[exclusive]] prequel comics for the 2007 film.
* ''[[Transformers: Movie Adaptation]]'' (2007) A four-part comic adaptation of the film, released weekly in June 2007.
* ''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream]]'' (2008) IDW's official sequel to the 2007 film, continuing where the ''Movie Adaptation'' left off. It began in May 2008.
* ''[[Transformers: Saga of the Allspark]]'' (2008) Reprinting the [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|UK Movie comics]] from Titan Magazine.
* ''[[Transformers: Destiny]]'' (2008–2009) The 2-miniseries prequel to ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
** ''[[Transformers: Alliance]]'' (2008-2009) A 4-issue prequel to ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
** ''[[Transformers: Defiance]]'' (2008–2009) A 4-issue prequel to ''Revenge of the Fallen''.
* ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Official Movie Adaptation]]'' (2009) A four-part comic adaptation of the film, released weekly in May and June 2009.
* ''[[Transformers: Tales of the Fallen]]'' (2009–2010) A series of spotlights for six ''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' characters.
* ''[[Transformers: Nefarious]]'' (2010) A 6-issue sequel to ''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen''.
* ''[[Transformers: Sector 7]]'' (2010-2011) A 5-issue series telling the history of Sector 7. The first prequel to ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]''
* ''[[Transformers: Foundation]]'' (2011) A 4-issue series telling the history of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] on Cybertron. Second prequel to ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''.
* ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' (2011) A 4-issue series. Third prequel to ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''.
* ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]'' (2011) A four-part comic adaptation of the film that will be released in July 2011.
** ''[[Transformers: Convergence]]'' (2011) A prose story published in the adaptation's individual issues.

===''Transformers Animated''===
* ''[[Transformers Animated (IDW Publishing)|Transformers Animated]]'' (2008) — An ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' cartoon adaptation series with screenshots from the series.
* ''[[Transformers Animated: The Arrival|Transformers Animated: The Arrival]]'' (2008) — A six-issue mini-series set in the same continuity as the ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' cartoon.
* ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac]]'' (2009) — Covers ''The Arrival'' and seasons 1 and 2 of the cartoon.
* ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II]]'' (2010) — Covers season 3 of the cartoon and other information.

===Reprint series===
* ''[[The Transformers: Generations]]'' — Reprints old [[Marvel Comics]] issues, specifically ones that did not feature Marvel-owned characters such as [[Circuit Breaker]].
* ''[[The Transformers: Target: 2006]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Transformers: Magazine]] (2007)'' — Reprints three comics per issue from the Marvel, [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]], and IDW runs.
* ''[[The Transformers: Best of UK: Dinobots]]'' (2007)
* ''[[The Transformers: Best of UK: Space Pirates]]'' (2008)
* ''[[The Transformers: Best of UK: Time Wars]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Classic Transformers]]'' (2008) — Collects old [[Marvel Comics]] issues in trade paperback format, starting with [[The Transformers (issue)|Transformers #1]] and summarizing those featuring Marvel-owned characters such as [[Spider-Man]] and [[Circuit Breaker]] (until Volume 5, by which point the Marvel-owned characters are allowed).
* ''[[The Transformers: Best of UK: City of Fear]]'' (2009)
* ''[[The Transformers: Best of UK: Prey]]'' (2009)
* ''[[The Transformers Classics]]'' (2011) - Second run of Classic Transformers with the missing issues restored
* ''[[The Transformers Classics UK]]'' (2011)

===Others===
* ''[[Transformers: The Animated Movie]]'' (2006) A four-issue adaptation of the original ''Transformers'' film, 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''; marks the film's 20th anniversary and new DVD release.
* ''[[The Transformers: The Best of Simon Furman]]'' (2007)
* ''[[The Transformers: The Best of Don Figueroa]]'' (2007)
* ''[[The Art of IDW's Transformers]]'' (2007)
* ''[[The Transformers: The Premiere Collection#Volume 1|The Transformers: The Premiere Collection, Volume 1]]'' (2007)
* ''[[The Transformers: Greatest Battles of Optimus Prime and Megatron]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Transformers: The Ark]]'' (2007) — A Complete Compendium Of Transformers Animation Models
* ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Transformers: The Ark II]]'' (2008) — A Compendium of Japanese Character Designs
* ''[[Transformers: War Within Omnibus]]'' (2009)
* ''[[The Transformers: The Premiere Collection#Volume 2|The Transformers: The Premiere Collection, Volume 2]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Transformers: The Complete Ark]]'' (2009) — Combines the first and second volumes.
* ''[[The Transformers Continuum]]'' (2009) — A book theoretically chronicling the history of the Transformers Universe.
* ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]'' — A partial adaptation of the novel ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
* ''[[Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)|Transformers: Prime]]'' (2010) — Prequel to the television series.
* ''[[The Transformers: Best of Optimus Prime]]'' (2010)
* ''[[The Transformers: Best of Megatron]]'' (2010)
* ''[[The Transformers: Best of Grimlock]]'' (2010)
* ''[[The Transformers: Best of Starscream]]'' (2010)
* ''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Alex Milne Sketchbook: The Transformers]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots]]'' (2012)

==Artistic variance==
[[Image:IDWBumblebeeDesignvsStyle.jpg|thumb|250px|right|One of these changes is an in-story plot point. The rest is artistic license. Can you tell which is which?]]
Where [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] enforced a rigid "house style", IDW actively encourages artists to use their own style, which for a time extended to the designs and alternate modes of the Transformers themselves. Beginning in force with the [[The Transformers (IDW)|ongoing series]], characters would, depending on artist, alternate between Cybertronian alternate modes, [[E. J. Su]]'s modernized robot mode designs, entirely new designs, and almost slavish rehashes of the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1]]'' [[character model|animation models]]. Artist [[Guido Guidi]] even noted that he had been specifically ''asked'' to ignore the designs [[Don Figueroa]] had used in previous issues of the ongoing and "do [his] own thing".<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=192461#192461 Guido post in which he says that IDW asked him to not bother with Don's designs, and to redraw half of the issue he already made using his own preference in design.]</ref> This visual fluctuation became one of the most distinctive things about IDW's artistic output during the time it was occurring, and a popular [[fandom]] gripe that appears to have been actively addressed with the inception of 2012's ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'', in which characters once again adhere to consistent designs.

==External links==
*[http://www.idwpublishing.com/ IDW Publishing]
*[http://www.tfarchive.com/comics/idw/guide.php?s=ongoing TF Archive's guide to the Ongoing ''Transformers'' comic]

==Footnotes==
<references />
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