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[[Image:Infiltration_tpb.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Buy this book, or I'll kill you, man!]]
{{disambig2|the IDW comic series|the protocol out of the Decepticon invasion handbook|infiltration protocol}}
'''''The Transformers: Infiltration''''' is the first in a line of miniseries by [[IDW Publishing]] set in a re-booted [[IDW continuity|Generation 1 continuity]]. The series brings the Transformers' presence on [[Earth]] into the present day and places the "robots in disguise" concept firmly in the forefront of its narrative.
[[File:Infiltration EJ covers.jpg|center|750px|thumb|Wraps around and around!]]
'''''The Transformers: Infiltration''''' was the first in a line of miniseries by [[IDW Publishing]] set in a re-booted [[2005 IDW continuity|Generation 1 continuity]]. The series brought the Transformers' presence on [[Earth]] into the present day and places the "robots in disguise" concept firmly in the forefront of its narrative.


It is issues #0-6 in the IDW overarching "sub-numbering" (shown by a number in an Autobot-sigil shaped shield beside the bar code on each issue).
It is issues #0–6 in the IDW overarching "sub-numbering" (shown in later series by a number in an Autobot-sigil shaped shield beside the bar code on each issue—''Stormbringer'' picks up with #7), and was originally published between October, [[2005]] and July, [[2006]].


{|style="margin:0 auto;padding:0 auto" align=center id=toc
{{chapters |style=3 |next=The Transformers: Stormbringer
!align=center bgcolor=#6699CC|'''<font color="white">''Infiltration'' issues:</font>'''
|series=infiltration|content=
|-align=center
* [[Infiltration issue 0|#0]]
|| [[Infiltration issue 0|#0]] | [[Infiltration issue 1|#1]] | [[Infiltration issue 2|#2]] | [[Infiltration issue 3|#3]] | [[Infiltration issue 4|#4]] | [[Infiltration issue 5|#5]] | [[Infiltration issue 6|#6]]  
* [[Infiltration issue 1|#1]]
|}
* [[Infiltration issue 2|#2]]
* [[Infiltration issue 3|#3]]
* [[Infiltration issue 4|#4]]
* [[Infiltration issue 5|#5]]
* [[Infiltration issue 6|#6]]  
}}


''Followed by: [[Stormbringer]]''
__TOC__
<br clear="all">
==Overview==
==Overview==
The most immediate shift from original continuity is the nature of the Transformers' presence on Earth. In this continuity, there was no ancient starship crash, nor robots awakening from a four million-year slumber; the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s have arrived on Earth fairly recently and on purpose, operating undercover for at least four years. The story is told through the eyes of four main characters: [[Verity Carlo]], a young drifter; [[Hunter O'Nion]], a conspiracy theorist; [[Jimmy Pink]], mechanic and Verity's net-friend; and [[Ratchet (G1)#IDW_Comics_continuity|Ratchet]], a medic who puts his conscience over his mission.
The most immediate shift from original continuity is the nature of the Transformers' presence on Earth. In this continuity, there was no ancient starship crash, nor robots awakening from a four million-year slumber; the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s have arrived on Earth fairly recently and on purpose, operating undercover for at least four years. The story is told through the eyes of four main characters: [[Verity Carlo]], a young drifter; [[Hunter O'Nion]], a conspiracy theorist; [[Jimmy Pink]], mechanic and Verity's net-friend; and [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]], a medic who puts his conscience over his mission.


The series quickly and consistently establishes a strong Cold War, cloak-and-dagger theme, where secrecy and rules of espionage are as important as, or perhaps even more than, vanquishing the enemy. [[Thundercracker_(G1)#IDW_Comics_continuity|Thundercracker]] and the [[Battlecharger]]s attack the humans and Ratchet to retrieve data on [[SM-40|a palmtop PC]] that might reveal their existence; Ratchet is arrested by [[Prowl_(G1)#IDW_Comics|Prowl]] for breaking cover to rescue the humans; both Autobot and Decepticon operations are small cells instead of full-fledged armies. Also, a third faction is at work: a secret human organization known only as the [[Machination]] which appears to be aware of the Transformers' presence on Earth and has its own plans, as yet unknown, for the robots. Finally, it becomes evident to the Autobots that the Decepticon operation is up to something unusual, and their new human allies may have a part in unraveling the mystery.
The series quickly and consistently establishes a strong Cold War, cloak-and-dagger theme, where secrecy and rules of espionage are as important as, or perhaps even more than, vanquishing the enemy. [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] and the [[Battlecharger]]s attack the humans and Ratchet to retrieve data on [[SM-40|a palmtop PC]] that might reveal their existence; Ratchet is arrested by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] for breaking cover to rescue the humans; both Autobot and Decepticon operations are small cells instead of full-fledged armies. Also, a third faction is at work: a secret human organization known only as the [[Machination]] which appears to be aware of the Transformers' presence on Earth and has its own plans, as yet unknown, for the robots. Finally, it becomes evident to the Autobots that the Decepticon operation is up to something unusual, and their new human allies may have a part in unraveling the mystery.


The series has taken an interesting and rather unique approach to the standard ''Transformers'' story: introducing only a few new characters with each issue. This enables each issue to focus on a small selection of leads (Ratchet, the humans and later [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]) without overwhelming them and gives each issue space to explore their characters.
The series has taken an interesting and rather unique approach to the standard ''Transformers'' story: introducing only a few new characters with each issue. This enables each issue to focus on a small selection of leads (Ratchet, the humans and later [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]]) without overwhelming them and gives each issue space to explore their characters.


The series culminates in a battle between [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who leads the Decepticons on Earth, and the recently arrived [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] attempting to put his house in order. Their animosity seems to be a constant in any Transformers continuity!
The series culminates in a battle between [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], who leads the Decepticons on Earth, and the recently arrived [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] attempting to put his house in order. Their animosity seems to be a constant in any Transformers continuity!


==Creative team==
==Creative team==
''Infiltration'' was scripted by long-time Transformer writer [[Simon Furman]] and penciled by [[E. J. Su]]. The two also worked together on multiple follow-up miniseries including ''[[Escalation|The Transformers: Escalation]]'' and ''[[Devastation|The Transformers: Devastation]]''.
''Infiltration'' was scripted by long-time Transformer writer [[Simon Furman]] and penciled by [[E. J. Su]]. The two also worked together on multiple follow-up miniseries including ''[[The Transformers: Escalation]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Devastation]]''. Colors were provided primarily by [[John Rauch]], with help from [[Josh Burcham]] on issue #1 and assists on issue #6 by [[Simon Bork]], [[Mark Englert]], [[Aaron Myers]], [[Sunder Raj]], and [[Blond]].


==Items of note==
==Notes==
* Each of ''Infiltration''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s seven issues were released in a choice of multiple covers{{m-}}some issues had as many as ten. As this was apparently too many to include in the normal trade paperback, IDW released an ''Infiltration'' cover gallery book which included every cover.
* The model for ''Infiltration'' and its fellow -ations was very much the contemporary ''Ultimate'' comics by [[Marvel Comics]], which rebooted old franchises in modernised forms (something far less common in the early 2000s). Much like those comics, the plan was to have a slower pace and drip feed the appearances of the characters, but internet feedback was going "GIVE US THE ROBOTS" while the comic was still coming out. ''[[The Transformers: Stormbringer|Stormbringer]]'' would come out earlier than planned to relieve the pressure on the -ations.<Ref>[https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zVnSGOzfwfIbro02yGhnJ?si=d1634ba768a34a54&nd=1 ''AAARGH! MY OPTICS!'' episode 25, 30th January 2023] 35:00 to 37:20</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060629235142/http://fractalmatter.com/main/?p=201 Furman & Wildman interview at Fractal Images (archived)]</ref>
* Each of ''Infiltration''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s seven issues were released in a choice of multiple covers—some issues had as many as ten. As this was apparently too many to include in the normal trade paperback, IDW released an ''Infiltration Cover Gallery'' book which included every cover. This was actually released prior to the normal TPB collection of the series' issues.


==Collections==
==Collections==
[[Image:Infiltration manga.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Manga cover]]
* '''''[[The Transformers: Infiltration Cover Gallery]]''''' <small>([[August 16]], [[2006]]) ASIN: B0039GX7BG</small>
* ''Infiltration'' TPB <small>(Sep, 2006) ISBN 978-1600100109</small>
** Includes (almost) all covers from the series.
:Bonus material includes sketch art by E. J. Su. It wields the number #1 on its side.
** Trade paperback format.
* ''Infiltration'' Manga <small>(Nov, 2006) ISBN 978-1600100192</small>
 
* '''''The Transformers: Infiltration''''' <small>([[September 13]], 2006) ISBN 1600100104 / ISBN 978-1600100109</small>
** Collects ''Infiltration'' issues #0–6.
** Bonus material includes sketch art by E. J. Su.
** Trade paperback format. It bears the number #1 on its side.
 
* '''''The Transformers: Infiltration Manga'' {{sic}}''' <small>([[November 29]], 2006) ISBN 1600100198 / ISBN 978-1600100192</small>
** Collects ''Infiltration'' issues #0–6.
** Small size format: 5 x 0.5 x 7 inches.
** Trade paperback format.
 
* '''''[[The Transformers: The Premiere Collection]] Volume 1''''' <small>([[December 5]], [[2007]]) ISBN 1600101186 / ISBN 978-1600101182</small>
** Collects ''Infiltration'' issues #0–6, ''[[The Transformers: Stormbringer|Stormbringer]]'' issues [[Stormbringer issue 1|#1]]–[[Stormbringer issue 4|4]], ''[[The Transformers: Escalation|Escalation]]'' issues [[Escalation issue 1|#1]]–[[Escalation issue 6|6]], and ''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|Spotlight]]: [[Spotlight: Shockwave|Shockwave]]'', ''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat|Nightbeat]]'', ''[[Spotlight: Hot Rod|Hot Rod]]'', ''[[Spotlight: Sixshot|Sixshot]]'' & ''[[Spotlight: Ultra Magnus|Ultra Magnus]]''.
** Hardcover format.
 
* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Volume One]]''''' <small>([[May 26]], [[2010]]) ISBN 978-1600106675</small>
** Collects ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' issues [[Megatron Origin issue 1|#1]]–[[Megatron Origin issue 4|4]], ''Spotlight: [[Spotlight: Blurr|Blurr]]'', ''[[Spotlight: Cliffjumper|Cliffjumper]]'', ''Shockwave'', ''Nightbeat'', ''Hot Rod'' & ''[[Spotlight: Soundwave|Soundwave]]'', and ''Infiltration'' issues #0–6.
** Hardcover format.
 
* '''''[[The Transformers: Phase One Omnibus]]''''' <small>([[September 10]], [[2014]]) ISBN 1631401130 / ISBN 978-1631401138</small>
** Smaller-sized collection of ''Infiltration'' issues #0–6, ''Escalation'' issues #1–6, and ''[[The Transformers: Devastation|Devastation]]'' issues [[Devastation issue 1|#1]]–[[Devastation issue 6|6]].
** Trade paperback format.
 
<gallery>
File:Infiltration Cover Gallery.jpg|'''''Infiltration Cover Gallery''''' – cover art by [[E. J. Su]]
File:Infiltration_tpb.jpg|'''''Infiltration''''' – cover art by E. J. Su
File:Infiltration manga.jpg|'''''Infiltration Manga''''' – cover art by E. J. Su
File:Premier Collection 1.jpg|'''''The Premiere Collection Volume 1''''' – cover art by [[Klaus Scherwinski]]
File:IDWCollection1.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Volume One''''' – cover art by E. J. Su
File:phase-1-omnibus.jpg|'''''Phase One Omnibus''''' – cover art by Klaus Scherwinski
</gallery>
 
* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Compendium, Vol. 1]]''''' <small>([[July 6]], [[2016]]) ISBN 163140637X / ISBN 978-1631406379</small>
** Collects ''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection|The IDW Collection]] One'' and ''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Volume Two|Two]]''.
** Trade paperback format.
 
* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 32: Infiltration''''' <small>([[September 5]], [[2018]])</small>
** Collects ''Infiltration'' issues #0–6.
** Bonus material includes an article on "Creating the IDW-Verse: From the Ground Up", "The Pitch" — Furman's original pitch to IDW for ''Infiltration'', sketch art by E. J. Su., a cover gallery and an intro by Simon Furman.
** Hardcover format.
 
* '''''[[Transformers: Best of Starscream]]''''' <small>([[September 21]], [[2022]])</small>
** Contains ''Infiltration'' #6, ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Three Monologues|#20: "Three Monologues"]], ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]:'' "[[Choose Me]]", ''[[The Transformers: Till All Are One|Till All Are One]]'' [[Your First Mistake|#12: "Your First Mistake"]], and [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (IDW)|''Shattered Glass'']] [[Shattered Glass issue 3|#3]].
** Bonus material includes an art gallery.
** Comic format.
 
<gallery>
File:IDWCollectionCompendiumV1.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Compendium, Vol. 1''''' – cover art by [[Jeffrey Veregge]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v32.jpg|'''''The Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 32: Infiltration''''' – cover art by [[Don Figueroa]] and E. J. Su
File:BestOfStarscream_cvr.jpg|'''''Best of Starscream''''' – cover art by [[James Biggie]]
</gallery>
 
===International printings===
 
====Spain====
''The Transformers: Infiltration'' was translated and released in Spain by [[NORMA Editorial]].
* ISBN 978-84-9847-595-1
 
====China====
''The Transformers: Infiltration'' was translated and released in China by Children's Fun Publishing, [[StarFish]] or [[DMAN]].
<gallery>
File:InfiltrationChineseChildren'sFun.jpg|'''''Children's Fun Publishing version'''''<br><small>([[June]], 2014)<br>ISBN 9787115352057</small>
File:InfiltrationChineseStarFish.jpg|'''''Star Fish version'''''<br><small>([[May]], 2020)<br>ISBN 9787541090899</small>
File:InfiltrationChineseDMAN.jpg|'''''DMAN version'''''<br><small>([[August]], 2021)<br>ISBN 9787531970088</small>
</gallery>


[[Category:IDW titles]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>
{{DEFAULTSORT:Infiltration}}
[[Category:IDW (2005) comic series]]
[[Category:Infiltration issues| ]]

Latest revision as of 16:53, 17 September 2025

This article is about the IDW comic series. For the protocol out of the Decepticon invasion handbook, see infiltration protocol.
Wraps around and around!

The Transformers: Infiltration was the first in a line of miniseries by IDW Publishing set in a re-booted Generation 1 continuity. The series brought the Transformers' presence on Earth into the present day and places the "robots in disguise" concept firmly in the forefront of its narrative.

It is issues #0–6 in the IDW overarching "sub-numbering" (shown in later series by a number in an Autobot-sigil shaped shield beside the bar code on each issue—Stormbringer picks up with #7), and was originally published between October, 2005 and July, 2006.

The Transformers: Infiltration issues: »

Overview

[edit]

The most immediate shift from original continuity is the nature of the Transformers' presence on Earth. In this continuity, there was no ancient starship crash, nor robots awakening from a four million-year slumber; the Autobots and Decepticons have arrived on Earth fairly recently and on purpose, operating undercover for at least four years. The story is told through the eyes of four main characters: Verity Carlo, a young drifter; Hunter O'Nion, a conspiracy theorist; Jimmy Pink, mechanic and Verity's net-friend; and Ratchet, a medic who puts his conscience over his mission.

The series quickly and consistently establishes a strong Cold War, cloak-and-dagger theme, where secrecy and rules of espionage are as important as, or perhaps even more than, vanquishing the enemy. Thundercracker and the Battlechargers attack the humans and Ratchet to retrieve data on a palmtop PC that might reveal their existence; Ratchet is arrested by Prowl for breaking cover to rescue the humans; both Autobot and Decepticon operations are small cells instead of full-fledged armies. Also, a third faction is at work: a secret human organization known only as the Machination which appears to be aware of the Transformers' presence on Earth and has its own plans, as yet unknown, for the robots. Finally, it becomes evident to the Autobots that the Decepticon operation is up to something unusual, and their new human allies may have a part in unraveling the mystery.

The series has taken an interesting and rather unique approach to the standard Transformers story: introducing only a few new characters with each issue. This enables each issue to focus on a small selection of leads (Ratchet, the humans and later Bumblebee) without overwhelming them and gives each issue space to explore their characters.

The series culminates in a battle between Starscream, who leads the Decepticons on Earth, and the recently arrived Megatron attempting to put his house in order. Their animosity seems to be a constant in any Transformers continuity!

Creative team

[edit]

Infiltration was scripted by long-time Transformer writer Simon Furman and penciled by E. J. Su. The two also worked together on multiple follow-up miniseries including The Transformers: Escalation and The Transformers: Devastation. Colors were provided primarily by John Rauch, with help from Josh Burcham on issue #1 and assists on issue #6 by Simon Bork, Mark Englert, Aaron Myers, Sunder Raj, and Blond.

Notes

[edit]
  • The model for Infiltration and its fellow -ations was very much the contemporary Ultimate comics by Marvel Comics, which rebooted old franchises in modernised forms (something far less common in the early 2000s). Much like those comics, the plan was to have a slower pace and drip feed the appearances of the characters, but internet feedback was going "GIVE US THE ROBOTS" while the comic was still coming out. Stormbringer would come out earlier than planned to relieve the pressure on the -ations.[1][2]
  • Each of Infiltration's seven issues were released in a choice of multiple covers—some issues had as many as ten. As this was apparently too many to include in the normal trade paperback, IDW released an Infiltration Cover Gallery book which included every cover. This was actually released prior to the normal TPB collection of the series' issues.

Collections

[edit]
  • The Transformers: Infiltration (September 13, 2006) ISBN 1600100104 / ISBN 978-1600100109
    • Collects Infiltration issues #0–6.
    • Bonus material includes sketch art by E. J. Su.
    • Trade paperback format. It bears the number #1 on its side.
  • The Transformers: Infiltration Manga [sic] (November 29, 2006) ISBN 1600100198 / ISBN 978-1600100192
    • Collects Infiltration issues #0–6.
    • Small size format: 5 x 0.5 x 7 inches.
    • Trade paperback format.
  • Infiltration Cover Gallery – cover art by E. J. Su
    Infiltration Cover Gallery – cover art by E. J. Su
  • Infiltration – cover art by E. J. Su
    Infiltration – cover art by E. J. Su
  • Infiltration Manga – cover art by E. J. Su
    Infiltration Manga – cover art by E. J. Su
  • The Premiere Collection Volume 1 – cover art by Klaus Scherwinski
    The Premiere Collection Volume 1 – cover art by Klaus Scherwinski
  • The IDW Collection Volume One – cover art by E. J. Su
    The IDW Collection Volume One – cover art by E. J. Su
  • Phase One Omnibus – cover art by Klaus Scherwinski
    Phase One Omnibus – cover art by Klaus Scherwinski
  • Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 32: Infiltration (September 5, 2018)
    • Collects Infiltration issues #0–6.
    • Bonus material includes an article on "Creating the IDW-Verse: From the Ground Up", "The Pitch" — Furman's original pitch to IDW for Infiltration, sketch art by E. J. Su., a cover gallery and an intro by Simon Furman.
    • Hardcover format.
  • The IDW Collection Compendium, Vol. 1 – cover art by Jeffrey Veregge
    The IDW Collection Compendium, Vol. 1 – cover art by Jeffrey Veregge
  • The Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 32: Infiltration – cover art by Don Figueroa and E. J. Su
    The Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 32: Infiltration – cover art by Don Figueroa and E. J. Su
  • Best of Starscream – cover art by James Biggie
    Best of Starscream – cover art by James Biggie

International printings

[edit]

Spain

[edit]

The Transformers: Infiltration was translated and released in Spain by NORMA Editorial.

  • ISBN 978-84-9847-595-1

China

[edit]

The Transformers: Infiltration was translated and released in China by Children's Fun Publishing, StarFish or DMAN.

  • Children's Fun Publishing version (June, 2014) ISBN 9787115352057
    Children's Fun Publishing version
    (June, 2014)
    ISBN 9787115352057
  • Star Fish version (May, 2020) ISBN 9787541090899
    Star Fish version
    (May, 2020)
    ISBN 9787541090899
  • DMAN version (August, 2021) ISBN 9787531970088
    DMAN version
    (August, 2021)
    ISBN 9787531970088
  1. ↑ AAARGH! MY OPTICS! episode 25, 30th January 2023 35:00 to 37:20
  2. ↑ Furman & Wildman interview at Fractal Images (archived)
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