IDW Publishing

2020-11-07T16:52:17Z

Danforth: Changed description of Heart of Darkness as it said it was the final act of Phase 1. Rather, it folded back into the ongoing and Phase 1 ended there.

[[File:IDW Logo2.svg|right|250px]]
'''Idea and Design Works, LLC''' currently holds 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 license excludes [[manga]]; those rights are handled by [[Viz Media]] in the English-language market.)

IDW's flagship storyline was, for ''thirteen years'', [[2005 IDW continuity|a new ''Transformers'' continuity]], which started out in [[2005]] 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, and in 2010 obtained the license to ''Dungeons & Dragons''. Then in 2012 they started publishing ''[[My Little Pony|My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic]]'' comics. Hasbro definitely seems to like them.

In [[2016]], IDW and Hasbro decided to create a "shared universe" for many of its properties. The ''[[Revolution]]'' event merged the Transformer books with the recently acquired ''{{i|ROM (comic)|ROM}}'', ''[[Micronauts]]'', [[Action Man]], {{i|M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand|''M.A.S.K.''}} and currently-running ''G.I. Joe''. This met with tenuous levels of success, and all of the non-Transformers titles were consolidated and relaunched after [[2017]]'s ''[[First Strike]]'' crossover event, which led into a ''[[Visionaries]]'' [[Transformers vs. Visionaries|miniseries]]. For various reasons, IDW and Hasbro decided the Transformers universe needed a complete reboot; in 2018, the ''[[Transformers: Unicron]]'' crossover concluded IDW's first ''Transformers'' universe before a [[2019 IDW continuity|full continuity reboot]] debuted in 2019.

Other licensed comics published by the company include ''[[Doctor Who]]'', ''[[Ghostbusters]]'', ''[[Godzilla]]'', ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', ''[[Star Trek]]'', ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'', ''[[The X-Files: Conspiracy: The Transformers|The X-Files]]'', and many, MANY others.

==Series published==
=== 2005 IDW continuity ===
{{main|2005 IDW continuity}}
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 [[2005 IDW continuity|hard continuity reboot]], based on the Generation 1 characters. 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 with a [[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 was met with sharp fan criticism as well.

Yet '''another''' revamp was attempted with two concurrent ongoing series, ''More Than Meets The Eye'' and ''Robots In Disguise'' beginning in 2012, later dubbed "Phase 2". Positive fan response came at last, and the writers of those books ([[James Roberts]] and [[John Barber]]) would continue to be the main writers of the universe until its conclusion in late 2018.

====Publications to date====
*'''''[[The Transformers: Infiltration]]'''''
:(October [[2005]] – July [[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: Stormbringer]]'''''
:(July – October 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: Spotlight]]'''''
:(September 2006 – May [[2013]])
:A series of one-shot stories focusing on a single Transformer per issue; this series has no fixed publication format, and often jumps around in the universe's chronology. It went on a hiatus after "[[Spotlight: Metroplex]]" while the new ongoing series was getting established, returned with a tie-in to the [[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|''Generations'' toyline]] with several issues packed in with (usually) relevant toys, but petered out shortly after the toyline's format shift.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Escalation]]'''''
:(November 2006 – May [[2007]])
:The direct sequel to ''Infiltration''; a six-issue story arc detailing a conflict with the Decepticons in [[Brasnya]] and the abduction of [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] and [[Hunter O'Nion]].
*'''''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin]]'''''
:(June – October 2007)
:A four-issue story arc detailing the events surrounding [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s rise to power and the founding of the Decepticon faction.
*'''''[[New Avengers/Transformers]]'''''
:(July – October 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''. This series has been effectively rendered non-canon for both IDW and Marvel... or at least "yeah we don't talk about that" territory.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Devastation]]'''''
:(October 2007 – February [[2008]])
:The direct 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]]'''''
:(June – October 2008)
:The sequel to ''Devastation'' composed of four ''Spotlight''s in fairly direct continuity: "[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]]", "[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]", "[[Doubledealer]]" and "[[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]]". This series wraps up the first set of [[Dead Universe]]-related events.
*'''''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron]]'''''
:(April 2008 – October [[2009]])
:A twelve-issue maxi-series, extended to sixteen to include the ''All Hail Megatron Coda'' series. Intended to be a "soft reboot" of the 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]]'''''
:(December 2008 – April 2009)
:A five-issue miniseries taking 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)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], [[Skywatch]] and the [[Machination]].
*'''''[[The Transformers Continuum]]'''''
:(November 2009)
:A one-shot intended as a 'catch-up' for new readers, ahead of the new ongoing series.
*'''''[[The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers]]'''''
:(November 2009 – December [[2011]])
:An ongoing series in the aftermath of ''All Hail Megatron''. The series is penned by [[Mike Costa]], with art on the first arc by [[Don Figueroa]], and eventually a string of different artists.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Bumblebee]]'''''
:(December 2009 – March [[2010]])
:A four-issue miniseries chronicling [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]]'s journey on Earth after the events of ''All Hail Megatron'', focusing on the conflicts and decisions 'Bee makes. Written by [[Zander Cannon]] with art by [[Chee Yang Ong]].
*'''''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'''''
:(January – May 2010)
:A five-issue miniseries chronicling the actions of the [[Wrecker]]s in deep space after ''All Hail Megatron''. A number of short supplemental stories were also released across a number of outlets. Written by [[Nick Roche]] and [[James Roberts]], drawn (mainly) by Roche with colors by [[Josh Burcham]].
*'''''[[The Transformers: Ironhide]]'''''
:(May – August 2010)
:A four-issue miniseries in which the thought-to-be-dead [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] wanders the wastelands of Cybertron. Story by Mike Costa and art by [[Casey Coller]].
*'''''[[The Transformers: Drift]]'''''
:(September – October 2010)
:A bi-weekly four-issue miniseries that chronicles [[Drift (G1)|Drift]]'s origins as the Decepticon Deadlock to becoming an Autobot. Written by Shane McCarthy, with art by Alex Milne and colors by Josh Perez.
*'''''[[Infestation (IDW)|The Transformers: Infestation]]'''''
:(February 2011)
:A two-issue story set within the larger ''Infestation'' series, a large-scale cross-over in which cross-dimensional zombies invade the universes of ''Transformers'', ''[[Star Trek]]'', ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' and ''Ghostbusters''. The ''Transformers'' segment involves the Autobots teaming up with [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron's]] crew to stop the menace. 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.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness]]'''''
:(March – June 2011)
:A four-issue miniseries featuring Galvatron and crew, following the events in ''Infestation'', and leading into the final arc of [[The Transformers (IDW)|the Costa ongoing]] which marks the end of IDW's "phase 1" by ending the long-running Autobot-Decepticon war. Written by Abnett and Lanning, with art by [[Ulises Farinas]].
*'''''[[Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime]]'''''
:(December [[2011]])
:The start of IDW's "phase 2". [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] makes a decision about his role in a post-[[Great War (G1)|Great War]] Cybertron. IDW's 125th issue, written by James Roberts and John Barber, with art by Nick Roche.
*'''''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye]]'''''
:(January [[2012]] – September [[2016]])
: Following the revitalization of Cybertron and the departure of Optimus Prime, [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] sets out to find the legendary [[Knights of Cybertron]] with a crew of like-minded Autobots aboard the ''[[Lost Light]]''. Ended after issue #57 and rebranded as ''The Transformers: Lost Light''. Written by James Roberts, with art (mainly) by Alex Milne.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Autocracy]]'''''
:(January – June 2012)
:A bi-weekly twelve-issue digital comic set in the days just before the start of the Great War, focusing on Orion Pax's transformation into Optimus Prime. Written by [[Flint Dille]] and [[Chris Metzen]], with art by [[Livio Ramondelli]].
*'''''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise]] / The Transformers vol. 2'''''
:(January 2012 – September 2016)
:Bumblebee, [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], and [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] attempt to forge a government and maintain control on the revitalized Cybertron, while personal mistrusts, old grudges, and new problems seek to shatter the fragile peace. This title was renamed to "''The Transformers'' vol. 2" at issue #35 to avoid confusion with the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|new ''Robots In Disguise'']] toy-and-TV-show franchise, which included [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)|an IDW tie-in comic]]. Ended at issue #57 and rebranded as ''Optimus Prime''. Written by [[John Barber]], with art by [[Andrew Griffith]].
*'''''[[The Transformers: Monstrosity]]'''''
:(March – July [[2013]])
:The direct sequel to ''Autocracy'', set in the early days of the Great War. Released digitally bi-weekly, then later compiled into four print issues.
*'''''[[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]]'''''
:(June 2013 – March [[2014]])
:A twelve-issue maxi-series primarily told within the ongoing ''Robots in Disguise'' and ''More Than Meets the Eye'' series, with a number of side-stories and setups. The series focuses on Shockwave's machinations to change the entire universe. Written by John Barber and James Roberts with a variety of artists.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Windblade]]'''''
:(April – July [[2014]])
:A four-issue miniseries focusing on [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] in the wake of the "Dark Cybertron" crossover event, as she tries to help rebuild a shattered Cybertron while dealing with the planet's duly-elected leader Starscream. Written by [[Mairghread Scott]] and drawn by [[Sarah Stone]].
*'''''[[The Transformers: Punishment]]'''''
:(June 2014)
:A five-issue digital motion comic miniseries, eventually collected into a print one-shot. Optimus Prime investigates a series of murders on Cybertron after the events of "Dark Cybertron". Written by John Barber and illustrated by Livio Ramondelli.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Primacy]]'''''
:(August – November 2014)
:The direct sequel to ''Monstrosity'', concluding the Great War trilogy. [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] clash as Megatron discovers an ancient secret on a dilapidated planet. By the same creative team as the previous installments.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone]]'''''
:(November 2014 – February [[2015]])
:As Drift rights wrongs in the galaxy, he is joined by [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] and winds up facing an old enemy. Written by [[Shane McCarthy]] with artwork by the ''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' team of penciller [[Guido Guidi]], inker [[Stephen Baskerville]], and colorist [[John-Paul Bove]].
*'''''[[The Transformers: Windblade]]'' vol. 2'''
:(March – September 2015)
:A seven-issue miniseries advancing the ''[[Combiner Wars (comic)|Combiner Wars]]'', trading issues with the main series. Windblade and Starscream seek out the lost Cybertronian colony worlds, with Windblade constantly trying to blunt and stymie Starscream's aggressive (and sometimes deadly) machinations. Written by Mairghread Scott and drawn by [[Corin Howell]].
*'''''[[An Uneventful Night|The Transformers: Combiner Hunters]]'''''
:(July 2015)
:A one-shot directly following ''Windblade'' vol. 2. On the trail of the stolen [[Enigma of Combination]], Windblade and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] run afoul of both [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] and the [[Torchbearer]]s. Written by Mairghread Scott and drawn by [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]].
*'''''[[The Transformers: Redemption]]'''''
:(October 2015)
:The Dinobots head out into the Cybertronian wilderness on a secret mission. A one-shot story written by John Barber and drawn by Livio Ramondelli.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers]]'''''
:(November 2015 – June [[2016]])
:Five-issue miniseries. Dark secrets come to light when a mission to rescue the kidnapped [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] leads the Wreckers into a sinister web of shocking revelations. Written and drawn by Nick Roche.
*'''''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]'''''
:(December 2015)
:A one-shot anthology of holiday-themed tales set on Earth, Cybertron, and deep space.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Till All Are One]]'''''
:(June 2016 – December [[2017]])
:A continuation of the ''Windblade'' miniseries as an ongoing book. Windblade tries to maintain the peace on Cybertron while dealing with the [[Council of Worlds]], and, of course, Starscream. Cancelled after issue #12, with a thirteenth "Annual" issue to wrap up the primary storylines. Written by Mairghread Scott and drawn by Sara Pitre-Durocher.
*'''''[[The Last Autobot|Titans Return]]'''''
:(July 2016)
:A one-shot issue setting up events in ''Till All Are One'', ''Transformers'' vol. 2 and ''More Than Meets the Eye''. [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] returns, but he's unhappy with what Cybertron has become in his absence. Written by Mairghread Scott, James Roberts, and John Barber, and drawn by Livio Ramondelli.
*'''''[[Revolution]]'''''
:(July – November 2016)
:A five-issue miniseries with associated one-shots and setups across several books, setting up the ''massive'' cross-property "shared universe" that will be the setting for the ''Transformers'' books from here til the end. [[Hasbro]]'s greatest heroes and villains collide in a battle for Earth's [[Ore-13]]. Written by John Barber and [[Cullen Bunn]], and drawn by [[Fico Ossio]].
*'''''[[Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime]]'''''
:(December 2016 – November [[2018]])
:The re-retitled continuation of ''Robots in Disguise''. Optimus Prime grapples with what it means to be a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] as he defends his adopted homeworld of Earth. Written by John Barber and drawn (mainly) by [[Kei Zama]].
*'''''[[The Transformers: Lost Light]]'''''
:(December 2016 – November 2018)
:The retitled continuation of ''More than Meets the Eye''. The marooned crew of the ''Lost Light'' deal with new allies and surprising new enemies as they try to get back home. Written by James Roberts and illustrated by [[Jack Lawrence]].
*'''''[[G.I. Joe vol. 5|''G.I. Joe'' vol. 5]]'''''
:(December 2016 – March 2018)
:The [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe team]]'s adventures continue with the strangest member they've ever seen: the Decepticon [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]]! Written by Aubrey Sitterson and drawn by Giannis Milonogiannis. Ended at issue #9, rebranded as ''[[Scarlett's Strike Force]]'', which was cancelled after three issues.
*'''''[[Revolutionaries]]'''''
:(January – July [[2017]])
:[[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]], [[G.B. Blackrock]], [[Action Man]], and [[Ayana Jones]] embark on a globetrotting adventure in search of an ancient [[Talisman (G1)|Talisman]] and uncover a globe-spanning conspiracy in the process. Sets up the upcoming ''First Strike'' miniseries. Written by John Barber and drawn by Fico Ossio.
*'''''[[Micronauts: Wrath of Karza]]'''''
:(April – September 2017)
:Five-issue miniseries. Wielding Cybertronian technology, Baron Karza returns to Earth to turn it into a new home for his people. Written by Cullen Bunn and [[Jimmy Johnston]] and drawn by Andrew Griffith.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Salvation]]'''''
:(June 2017)
:One-shot concluding the "Dinobot Trilogy" following on from ''Punishment'' and ''Redemption'' The Dinobots join forces with [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] to face the twin threats of [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and Trypticon. From the same creative team as prior installments.
*'''''[[Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor]]'''''
:(July – November 2017)
:Five issue miniseries. Set two hundred years ago, the [[Solstar Order]] finds themselves caught up in the Cybertronian Great War, with their one-of-a-kind warrior [[Stardrive]] and an alliance between the [[Dire Wraith]]s and Decepticons in the center of it all. Written by John Barber and [[Christos Gage]], and drawn by Alex Milne.
*'''''[[First Strike]]'''''
:(June – October 2017)
:Six-issue multi-brand crossover miniseries with associated one-shots. The time has finally come for Earth to formally join the Council of Worlds... that is, if the Transformers and G.I. Joe can defeat the villainous [[Joe Colton|Baron Ironblood]] in time! Written by Mairghread Scott and [[David Rodriguez]] and drawn by [[Max Dunbar]].
*'''''[[Transformers vs. Visionaries]]'''''
:(January – May 2018)
:Five-issue miniseries. Science and [[magic]] clash as the forces of [[Prysmos]] emerge from Cybertron. Written by [[Magdalene Visaggio]] and drawn by Fico Ossio.
*'''''[[Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers]]'''''
:(May 2018)
:One-shot ending the ''Wreckers'' trilogy. The few remaining Wreckers come under fire from an old foe and an anti-Cybertronian campaigner. Written and drawn by Nick Roche with other art duties by Josh Burcham, [[Geoff Senior]], and Guido Guidi.
*'''''[[Transformers: Unicron]]'''''
:(May – November 2018)
:Seven issue miniseries, wrapping up the first Generation 1 continuity in advance of 2019's ''Transformers'' ongoing. [[Unicron]] awakens and begins to consume all in its path. Written by John Barber and drawn by Alex Milne.

====See also====
*[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
*[[2005 IDW timeline]]
*[[Hasbro Universe]]

===2019 IDW continuity===
*'''''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'''''
:(March 2019-present)
:The first installment of IDW's new continuity, ''Transformers'' begins on a utopian Cybertron before the Autobot-Decepticon war. Written by [[Brian Ruckley]] and illustrated by [[Angel Hernandez]] and [[Cachét Whitman]].

*'''''[[Transformers: Galaxies]]'''''
:(September 2019-October 2020)
:A companion to ''Transformers'', ''Galaxies'' is an anthology series that ties into the ongoing, featuring a rotating creative cast and a variety of characters from across the new ''Transformers'' universe.

*'''''[[Transformers Valentine's Day Special]]'''''
:(February 2020)
:A special romance-themed one-shot.

*'''''[[Transformers: Escape]]'''''
*(December 2020-March 2021)
:[[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] organize the evacuation of Cybertron. Written by Brian Ruckley and illustrated by [[Beth McGuire-Smith]].

====See also====
*[[2019 IDW continuity]]

===''Beast Wars''===
Taking place within the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon universe, this line eschews the previous [[3H Productions]] fiction 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]]'' (2007–08) — A four-issue sequel to ''The Gathering'' that began publication in October 2007.
*''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' (2007) — A profile series of the Beast Era.
*''[[Dawn of the Predacus]]'' (2016)— A [[BotCon]] exclusive comic prequel to ''The Gathering''.

====See also====
*[[Beast Wars timeline (IDW)]]

===''Evolutions''===
''Evolutions'' was originally intended to be a series of {{w|Elseworlds}}-like stories that existed in their own separate continuities, each taking different takes on Transformers. Only one miniseries – ''Hearts of Steel'' – was ever produced; reportedly, Hasbro asked IDW to hold back on ''Evolutions'' as to not confuse customers looking for merchandise based on the live action films.{{fact}} [[Chris Ryall]] stated that the subsequent focus on Movie and ''Animated'' meant that it was unlikely that ''Evolutions'' would continue further,<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=3845&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30 Post by Chris Ryall at IDW's forums]</ref> though various comic stories over the years have sporadically revisited the ''Hearts of Steel'' universe.

In 2017, a version of the ''Hearts of Steel'' story was retroactively folded into the main IDW universe via [[Revolutionaries]]; the first two stories listed here are also canon in the ongoing G1 continuity.

*''[[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.
*''[[The X-Files: Conspiracy: The Transformers|The X-Files: Conspiracy]]'' (2014) — Another multi-brand crossover, this time involving ''The X-Files'' series, whose Transformers-specific issue takes place in the present day of 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. In the wake of the film, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] returns to Cybertron to take his place as new Decepticons leader.
*''[[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]]'' chronicling the formation of [[NEST]] in response to new waves of Decepticons arriving on Earth.
**''[[Transformers: Defiance]]'' (2008–2009) — A 4-issue prequel to ''Revenge of the Fallen''. In the distant past on Cybertron, Megatron comes under the sway of The Fallen and declares war on his former comrade Optimus.
*''[[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'' dealing with a group of humans trying to create their own AllSpark.
*''[[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''. [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] is tasked with reassembling the fractured Decepticons.
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]'' (2011) — A four-part comic adaptation of the film released in July 2011.
**''[[Transformers: Convergence]]'' (2011) — A prose story published in the adaptation's individual issues chronicling some of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave's]] adventures and also filling in some loose ends in preparation for what was assumed to be, at the time, the end of the live-action film series.
*''[[How to Ride a Dinobot!]]'' (2014) — One-shot digital comic based on a series of [[How to Ride Your Dinobot|web videos]] loosely related to ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]''.
*''[[A New Friend|Schick Hydrobot and the Transformers]]'' (2017) — One-shot digital promotional comic tying in to ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight]]''.
*''[[Transformers: Bumblebee Movie Prequel]]'' (2018) — A 4-issue prequel to the film ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]''.

===''Transformers Animated''===
*''[[Transformers Animated (IDW)|Transformers Animated]]'' (2008) — An ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' cartoon adaptation series with screenshots from the series.
*''[[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.
*''[[Transformers Animated: The Complete AllSpark Almanac]]'' (2015) — An omnibus volume containing the two books and ''[[The AllSpark Almanac Addendum]]'' with some new information added.

===Marvel Comics continuity===
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One]]'' (2012–2014) — A limited series set in the main [[Marvel Comics continuity]] that continues on from the [[End of the Road! (US)|final issue]] of the Marvel's original ''[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Transformers]]'' series 21 years later, ignoring the events of both of the Marvel UK material and the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|Generation 2]]'' comics.
* ''[[Transformers '84 issue 0|Transformers '84]]'' (2019) — A one-shot prequel to the 1980s Marvel comic series.
* ''[[Transformers '84: Secrets & Lies]]'' (2020) — Four-issue limited sequel series to the aforementioned one-shot.

===Aligned continuity family===
*''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]'' (2010) — A partial adaptation of the novel ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
*''[[Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)|Transformers: Prime]]'' (2010) — A graphic novel prequel to the television series, later released as four issues.
*''[[Transformers: Prime (comic series)|Transformers: Prime]]'' (2011) — A ''Prime'' cartoon adaptation series with screenshots from the series.
*''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron]]'' (2012) — A digital-first prequel/tie-in to the video game, focusing on the [[Dinobot (FOC)|Dinobots]].
*''[[Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots]]'' (2012–2013) — A four-part mini-series which continues the Dinobots' story and leads into the television series' third season.
*''[[Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic)|Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters]]'' (2013) — An eight-part maxi-series depicting the Dinobots' efforts to survive on a desolate Cybertron.
*''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)|Transformers: Robots in Disguise]]'' (2015–2016) — An six-issue series tying in the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|second]] ''Robots in Disguise'' TV series.

====See also====
*[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]]
*[[Aligned timeline]]

===Crossovers===
* ''[[Mars Attacks: The Transformers]]'' (2013) One-shot crossover comic with the trading card franchise.
* ''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' (2014–2017) — Crossover maxi-series set in a separate continuity.
* ''[[Angry Birds Transformers (comic)|Angry Birds Transformers]]'' (2014–2015) Four-issue limited series based on the crossover [[Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|video game]].
* ''[[Star Trek vs. Transformers]]'' (2018–2019) — Five-issue limited crossover series featuring the cast of ''[[Star Trek]]'''s 1974 {{w|Star Trek: The Animated Series|animated series}}.
* ''[[Transformers/Ghostbusters]]'' (2019) — Five-issue limited crossover series set in IDW's ''Ghostbusters'' comics continuity.
* ''[[Transformers vs. The Terminator]]'' (2020) — Four-issue limited crossover series.
* ''[[My Little Pony/Transformers]]'' (2020) — Four-issue limited crossover series.
* ''[[Transformers/Back to the Future]]'' (2020-2021) — Four-issue limited crossover series.

===Reprint series===
====U.S. Marvel reprints====
*'''''[[The Transformers: Generations (comic)|The Transformers: Generations]]''''' (2006–2007) — [12 issues] Reprints old [[Marvel Comics]] issues, specifically ones that did not feature Marvel-owned characters such as [[Circuit Breaker (G1)|Circuit Breaker]].
*'''''[[Classic Transformers]]''''' (2008–2010) — [6 volumes] 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 (G1)|Circuit Breaker]] (until Volume 5, by which point the Marvel-owned characters are allowed).
*'''''[[The Transformers Classics]]''''' (2011–2015) — [8 volumes] Second run of ''Classic Transformers'' with the missing issues restored.
*'''''[[The Transformers Classics Compendium, Vol. 1]]''''' (2016) — The first 50 issues of the U.S. Marvel series in one volume.
====U.K. Marvel reprints====
*'''''[[The Transformers: Target: 2006]]''''' (2007) — [5 issues] Reprints the titular Marvel UK story.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Best of UK: Dinobots]]''''' (2007–2008) — [6 issues] Reprints of UK Dinobot stories.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Best of UK: Space Pirates]]''''' (2008) — [5 issues] Reprints the UK "[[Space Pirates!]]" saga and other stories.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Best of UK: Time Wars]]''''' (2008) — [5 issues] Reprints the UK "[[Time Wars]]" saga and other stories.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Best of UK: City of Fear]]''''' (2009) — [5 issues] Reprints the UK "[[City of Fear!]]" saga and related stories.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Best of UK: Prey]]''''' (2009) — [5 issues] Reprints the UK "[[Prey!]]" and related stories.
*'''''[[The Transformers Classics UK]]''''' (2011–2014) — [5 volumes] Aimed to reprint the Marvel UK stories in order of publication, including the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK#Marvel UK Annuals|Annuals]], but was cancelled after the fifth volume.
====Dreamwave reprints====
*'''''[[Transformers: War Within Omnibus]]''''' (2009) — Smaller sized TPB reprinting Dreamwave's ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'' (including [[The War Within Preview|the preview]]) and ''[[Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages]]''.
*Straight reprints of some of other collections previously released by Dreamwave.
====IDW reprints====
*'''''[[The Transformers: The Premiere Collection#Volume 1|The Transformers: The Premiere Collection, Volume 1]]''''' (2007) — Hardcover reprinting IDW's first three arcs plus the first volume of ''Spotlight''.
*'''''[[The Transformers: The Premiere Collection#Volume 2|The Transformers: The Premiere Collection, Volume 2]]''''' (2009) — Hardcover reprinting IDW's ''Devastation'', ''Revelation'' and volumes 2 and 3 of ''Spotlight''.
*'''''[[Transformers Movie Collection Volume 1]]''''' (Hardcover 2010), (TPB 2013) — Collects ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel|Movie Prequel]]'', the 2007 ''[[Transformers: Movie Adaptation|Movie Adaptation]]'' and ''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]''.
*'''''[[Transformers Movie Collection Volume 2]]''''' (Hardcover 2010), (TPB 2013) — Collects ''[[Transformers: Defiance|Defiance]]'', ''[[Transformers: Alliance|Alliance]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Official Movie Adaptation|Revenge of the Fallen Movie Adaptation]]''.
*'''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection]]''''' (2010–2013) — [8 volumes] Hardcover collection reprinting the IDW Transformers stories in a "suggested reading order" up through the end of the [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009 ongoing series]].
*'''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection|The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two]]''''' (2014–???) — [??? volumes] Hardcover collection reprinting the IDW Transformers stories in a "suggested reading order" starting with the one-shot "[[Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime]]".
*'''''[[The Transformers: Phase One Omnibus]]''''' (2014) — Smaller sized TPB reprinting IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Infiltration|Infiltration]]'', ''[[The Transformers: Escalation|Escalation]]'', and ''[[The Transformers: Devastation|Devastation]]''.
====Miscellaneous reprints====
*'''''[[The Transformers: Greatest Battles of Optimus Prime and Megatron]]''''' (2007) — TPB reprinting Prime vs Megatron fights from the Marvel, [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]], and IDW runs.
*'''''[[Transformers: Magazine]]''''' (2007) — [4 issues] Reprints three comics per issue from the Marvel, Dreamwave and IDW runs.
*'''''[[The Transformers: The Best of Simon Furman]]''''' (2007) — Hardcover collection reprinting [[Simon Furman]]-written stories from Marvel, Dreamwave and IDW.
*'''''[[The Transformers: The Best of Don Figueroa]]''''' (2007) — Hardcover collection reprinting [[Don Figueroa]]-illustrated stories from Dreamwave and IDW.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Best of Optimus Prime]]''''' (2010) — TPB collection reprinting Optimus Prime stories from Marvel, Dreamwave and IDW.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Best of Megatron]]''''' (2010) — TPB collection reprinting Megatron stories from Marvel, Dreamwave and IDW.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Best of Grimlock]]''''' (2010) — TPB collection reprinting Grimlock stories from Marvel, Dreamwave and IDW.
*'''''[[The Transformers: Best of Starscream]]''''' (2010) — TPB collection reprinting Starscream stories from Marvel, Dreamwave and IDW.
*In addition, there have been several "100-page" one-shot comics collecting a variety of material.

===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.
* ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Transformers: The Ark]]'' (2007) — A complete compendium Of ''Transformers'' animation models.
* ''[[The Art of IDW's Transformers]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Transformers: The Ark II]]'' (2008) — Collected Japanese character designs.
* ''[[Transformers: The Complete Ark]]'' (2009) — Combines the first and second volumes.
* ''[[Alex Milne Sketchbook: The Transformers]]'' (2011)
* ''[[The Art of Transformers: Fall of Cybertron]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Transformers: The Art of Prime]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Transformers: Deviations]]'' (2016) — One-shot taking place in an alternate version of the G1 cartoon continuity.
* ''[[Aw Yeah Revolution!]]'' (2017) — Limited series goofing on the ''Revolution'' event with the distinguishing writing and art style of its creator, Art Baltazar.
* ''[[Transformers: Bumblebee - Win If You Dare]]'' (2018) — A self-contained graphic novel set in a version of the Generation 1 cartoon continuity.
* ''[[Transformers: Bumblebee - Go For the Gold]]'' (2018) — A one-shot prequel to the aforementioned graphic novel.

==Notes==
* From 2008 to 2011, IDW developed a reputation amongst the [[fandom]] for its cavalier approach both visual and storytelling continuity in both ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' and ''[[The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers]]'' ongoing—an attitude exemplified by then-Senior Editor [[Andy Schmidt]]'s infamous remark that suggested readers prioritized these things more than IDW's own editorial team. <ref> [http://boards.idwpublishing.com/3/viewtopic.php?p=214908#p214908 Andy Schmidt in a 2010 interview: "If I could go back to the 70s and 80s and stop Marvel and DC from ingraining in comics fans brains that continuity is paramount, I would."]</ref> Eventually, however, corporate shakeups resulted in new creative and editorial teams taking the reins, and [[John Barber]]'s subsequent tenure as Senior Editor resulted in a ''much'' tighter approach—indeed, IDW now regularly expects ''us'' to remember obscure details from previous stories.
* "Phase Three" of the [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]] was going to be IDW doing comics with Aligned backstories instead of the established ones. Hasbro first proposed a "[[Dan DiDio|New 52]]" reboot event (uh oh)... and then ''instead'' agreed that IDW had put five years of work in, upcoming plans would have to be cancelled, and it'd be too confusing for readers to do another reboot, so they let IDW carry on. Hasbro ''definitely'' seems to like them.<ref>[[Rik Alvarez]] panel at TFcon Charlotte in 2015 - [http://sunnybutte.tumblr.com/post/131367083128/that-explains-a-lot-of-the-mess-that-was See fan photos] of the slides.</ref>

==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==
{{reflist}}

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Talk:Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King