IDW Publishing

Idea and Design Works, LLC is a publishing company that held the Transformers comic book license from May 2005 through December 2022. Their tenure followed the financial collapse of previous license holder Dreamwave Productions at the tail-end of 2004. (IDW's license excluded manga; those rights are handled by Viz Media in the English-language market.)

IDW's flagship storyline was, for thirteen years, a new Transformers continuity that started in 2005. Initially written by longtime Transformers scribe Simon Furman, it was told through a succession of mini-series and one-shot Spotlights, before becoming a monthly comic in 2009. IDW was also authorized to re-release trade paperbacks published by Dreamwave Productions, such as the War and Peace mini-series and The War Within and 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 comic book license as well, and in 2010 obtained the license to Dungeons & Dragons. Then in 2012 they started publishing My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic comics. Hasbro definitely seemed 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 ROM, Micronauts, Action Man, 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 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 full continuity reboot debuted in 2019.

Other licensed comics published by the company over the years include Doctor Who, Ghostbusters, Godzilla, Marvel Adventures, Sonic the Hedgehog, Star Trek, Star Wars Adventures, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The X-Files, and many, MANY others.

On January 20, 2022, following months of rumors, IDW announced that they would be losing the Transformers and G.I. Joe licenses at the end of the year; their very last miniseries, Shattered Glass II, concluded in December 2022. The Transformers and G.I. Joe comic licenses subsequently went to Skybound Entertainment, who debuted a new Transformers universe in June 2023.

Series published

2005 IDW continuity

Initial ideas for IDW's Transformer line included a Crisis on Infinite Earths-style story crossing over with the new 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 Keys 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.

This was considered too confusing for new readers, however, and dropped for a 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.

Instead of an ongoing civil war on Cybertron which spills over to Earth by accident, Furman presented us with an interstellar war between the Autobots and Decepticons, 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.

• 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 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 and Hunter O'Nion.

• The Transformers: Megatron Origin

(June – October 2007)

A four-issue story arc detailing the events surrounding 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 Reapers, and seeds are planted for the upcoming Dead Universe arc.

• Revelation

(June – October 2008)

The sequel to Devastation composed of four Spotlights in fairly direct continuity: "Cyclonus", "Hardhead", "Doubledealer" and "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 Dynobots, Sunstreaker, the Headmasters, 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

(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'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 Wreckers 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 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's origins as the Decepticon Deadlock to becoming an Autobot. Written by Shane McCarthy, with art by Alex Milne and colors by Josh Perez.

• 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 and Ghostbusters. The Transformers segment involves the Autobots teaming up with 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 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 Fariñas.

• Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime

(December 2011)

The start of IDW's "phase 2". Optimus Prime makes a decision about his role in a post-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, 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, and 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 new Robots In Disguise toy-and-TV-show franchise, which included 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

(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 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 Saren 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 and 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 and winds up facing an old enemy. Written by Shane McCarthy with artwork by the 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, 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.

• 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 run afoul of both Arcee and the Torchbearers. 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 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.

• 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 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

(December 2016 – November 2018)

The re-retitled continuation of Robots in Disguise. Optimus Prime grapples with what it means to be a 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

(December 2016 – March 2018)

The G.I. Joe team's adventures continue with the strangest member they've ever seen: the Decepticon 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 – September 2017)

Kup, G.B. Blackrock, Action Man, and Ayana Jones embark on a globetrotting adventure in search of an ancient 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 to face the twin threats of 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 Wraiths 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 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

• IDW continuity
• 2005 IDW timeline
• Hasbro Universe

2019 IDW continuity

Four months after the end of Unicron and IDW's first Transformers continuity as a whole, IDW relaunched its Transformers continuity, a rebooted universe with no connections to IDW's previous output. Under the pen of writer Brian Ruckley, IDW's new Transformers ongoing adopted a back-to-basics approach to the mythos, a single comic that established a "Year One"-style origin story for Optimus Prime, Megatron, and many other characters as the Great War unfolds against the backdrop of a utopian Cybertron.

Compared to IDW's previous Transformers output, the debut of the 2019 continuity marked a shift in IDW's approach to Transformers comics as a whole—while IDW's previous Transformers books pinballed between dozens of different miniseries and sometimes several simultaneous ongoings, the rebooted comic is confined to a single ongoing, with one companion miniseries at a time focusing on a different cast of characters set far away from the main story. Perhaps to compensate for this tightly focused storyline, IDW shifted its approach to include multiple self-contained miniseries not set in this continuity, including crossover comics advertising Hasbro's Collaborative and Shattered Glass toylines.

• Transformers

(March 2019-June 2022)

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-December 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-July 2021)

Nautica, Hound, and Wheeljack organize the evacuation of Cybertron. Written by Brian Ruckley and illustrated by Beth McGuire-Smith.

• Transformers Halloween Special

(September 2021)

A special horror-themed one shot.

• Transformers: Wreckers—Tread & Circuits

(October 2021-January 2022)

A miniseries documenting the adventures of a new team of Wreckers. Written by David Mariotte and illustrated by Jack Lawrence.

• Transformers: War's End

(February 2022-May 2022)

A companion to Transformers, War's End focuses on the return of the ancient warlord Exarchon and his renewed plan for conquest. Written by Brian Ruckley and illustrated by Jack Lawrence.

See also

• 2019 IDW continuity

2006 Beast Wars continuity

Weaving in and around the events of the 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)

2021 Beast Wars continuity

• Transformers: Beast Wars (February 2021 – June 2022)

A brand new retelling of Beast Wars set in an original continuity.

Evolutions

Evolutions was originally intended to be a series of 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. Chris Ryall stated that the subsequent focus on Movie and Animated meant that it was unlikely that Evolutions would continue further, 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 (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 4-issue series detailing the lead-up to the 2007 Transformers movie.
• "Planetfall" and "Interlude" (2007) — A Target-exclusive 2-issue prequel to 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) — A 5-issue sequel to the 2007 film dealing with Starscream's return to Cybertron to take his place as the new leader of the Decepticons.
• Transformers: Saga of the Allspark (2008) — IDW's Reprint of the UK Movie comics from Titan Magazine.
• Transformers: Destiny (2008–2009) — The 2-miniseries prequel to Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
  • Transformers: Alliance (2008–2009) — A 4-issue series chronicling the formation of NEST in response to new waves of Decepticons arriving on Earth. The first prequel to Revenge of the Fallen.
  • Transformers: Defiance (2009) — A 4-issue series set in the distant past on Cybertron, Megatron comes under the sway of The Fallen and declares war on his former comrade Optimus. The second 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 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
• Transformers: Foundation (2011) — A 4-issue series telling the history of Optimus Prime and Megatron on Cybertron. The second prequel to Dark of the Moon.
• Transformers: Rising Storm (2011) — A 4-issue series dealing with Shockwave being tasked with reassembling the fractured Decepticons. The third prequel to Dark of the Moon.
• Cyberglyphics pack-in comics (2011) — A Target-exclusive series of mini-comics.
• Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation (2011) — A four-part comic adaptation of the film, released weekly in June and July 2011.
  • Transformers: Convergence (2011) — A prose story published in the adaptation's individual issues chronicling some of Soundwave's adventures and also filling in the 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 web videos loosely related to Age of Extinction.
• Schick Hydrobot and the Transformers (2017) — One-shot digital promotional comic tying in to The Last Knight.
• Transformers: Bumblebee Movie Prequel (2018) — A 4-issue prequel to the film Bumblebee.

See Also

• Movie expanded universe timeline

Transformers Animated

• Transformers Animated (2008) — An 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 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.

See also

• Transformers Animated timeline

Marvel Comics continuity

• The Transformers: Regeneration One (2012–2014) — A limited series set in the main Marvel Comics continuity that continues on from the final issue of the Marvel's original Transformers series 21 years later, ignoring the events of both of the Marvel UK material and the Generation 2 comics.
• 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 (2010) — A partial adaptation of the novel Transformers: Exodus.
• Transformers: Prime (2010) — A graphic novel prequel to the television series, later released as four issues.
• Transformers: Prime (2011) — A Prime cartoon adaptation series with screenshots from the series.
• Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (2012) — A digital-first prequel/tie-in to the video game, focusing on the 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 (2013) — An eight-part maxi-series depicting the Dinobots' efforts to survive on a desolate Cybertron.
• Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015–2016) — An six-issue series tying in the second Robots in Disguise TV series.
• Transformers: Robots in Disguise: A New Mission (2016) — An adaptation of the pilot of the Robots in Disguise Robots in Disguise TV series.

See also

• 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 (2014–2015) Four-issue limited series based on the crossover video game.
• Star Trek vs. Transformers (2018–2019) — Five-issue limited crossover series featuring the cast of Star Trek's 1974 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: Friendship in Disguise! (2020) — Four-issue limited crossover series featuring the cast of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
• Transformers/Back to the Future (2020–2021) — Four-issue limited crossover series.
• My Little Pony/Transformers: The Magic of Cybertron (2021) — Four-issue limited crossover series and direct sequel to Friendship in Disguise!

Other continuities

• 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: 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.
• Synergy: A Hasbro Creators Showcase (2019) — Features a short story set in an unspecified Transformers continuity.
• Transformers: King Grimlock (2021) — A five-issue miniseries starring Grimlock in a pulp fantasy adventure.
• Transformers: Shattered Glass (2021) — A five-issue miniseries that returns to the fan-favorite Shattered Glass universe.
• Transformers: Last Bot Standing (2022) — A hypothetical "last Transformers story".
• Transformers: Shattered Glass II (2022) — A sequel to IDW's first Shattered Glass comic.

Reprint series

U.S. Marvel reprints

• The Transformers: Generations (2006–2007) — [12 issues] Reprints random old Marvel Comics issues, specifically ones that did not feature Marvel-owned characters such as Circuit Breaker.
• Classic Transformers (2008–2010) — [6 volumes] Collects old Marvel Comics issues in trade paperback format, starting with 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 Classics (2011–2015) — [8 volumes] Second run of Classic Transformers with the missing issues restored.

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 Annuals, but was cancelled after the fifth volume.

Dreamwave reprints

Straight reprints of some TPB collections previously released by Dreamwave.

G.I. Joe/Transformers

Paperback collections of various G.I. Joe crossovers from over the years.

• G.I. Joe and the Transformers (2012–2013) — [3 volumes] The first volume covers Marvel's crossovers, while the second two cover the Devil's Due Press series.

IDW hardcovers

• The Transformers: The Premiere Collection (2007, 2009) — [2 volumes] Larger-format hardcover reprints collectively covering Furman's tenure on IDW's G1 continuity (minus Maximum Dinobots).
• Transformers Movie Collection Volume 1 (2010), (TPB 2013) — Hardcover reprint of the tie-in comics for the first live-action movie: the Movie Prequel, the 2007 Movie Adaptation and The Reign of Starscream. Later reprinted as a paperback.
• Transformers Movie Collection Volume 2 (2010), (TPB 2013) — Hardcover reprint of the tie-in comics for the second live-action movie: Defiance, Alliance and the Revenge of the Fallen Movie Adaptation. Later reprinted as a paperback.
• 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 2009 ongoing series.
• The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two (2014–2020) — [12 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: The IDW Collection Phase Three (2020–2022) — [3 volumes] Hardcover collection reprinting the IDW Transformers stories in a "suggested reading order" starting with the crossover "Revolution". Unfortunately, due to the loss of the Transformers license, it ends right before "First Strike", and the remaining five or so volumes will probably never be published, at least not by IDW.

Omnibuses

Smaller-format TPBs collecting specific larger runs of material.

• Transformers: War Within Omnibus (2009) — Reprints Dreamwave's The War Within (including the preview) and War Within: The Dark Ages.
• Transformers: Beast Wars Omnibus (2009) — Reprints IDW's Beast Wars: The Gathering, Beast Wars: The Ascending, and the Beast Wars Sourcebook.
• Transformers: Best of UK Omnibus (2009) — Reprints the first three runs of IDW's Best of UK Marvel reprint series: Dinobots, Space Pirates, and Time Wars.
• All Hail Megatron: Earth War (2010) — Reprints IDW's All Hail Megatron series (excluding the four "Coda" issues and the Spotlight stories).
• Transformers: Armada Omnibus (2010) — Reprints Dreamwave's Armada (including the preview but not the Free Comic Book Day issue).
• The Transformers: Phase One Omnibus (2014) — Reprints IDW's Infiltration, Escalation, and Devastation.
• Transformers: Spotlight Omnibus (2015) — [2 volumes] Companion to the above collectively containing the relevant spotlight issues, including the Revelation follow-up and the All Hail Megatron spotlights.
• Infestation Omnibus (2014) — Collects both Infestation events in full, including the tie-in issues but presumably missing the Classified Secrets of Infestation flyer.
• The Transformers: Rise of the Autobots (2017) — Reprints IDW's Autocracy series under a different title and format.

Compendiums

Reprints of reprints—doorstopper paperback collections of previous volumes. Each was apparently intended to be the first in a series, but no more instalments ever materialised.

• The Transformers Classics Compendium, Vol. 1 (2016) — The first four volumes of The Transformers Classics combined, collectively covering the first 50 issues of the U.S. Marvel series.
• The Transformers: The IDW Collection Compendium, Vol. 1 (2016) — The first two volumes of The IDW Collection combined.

Compilations

Themed collections of random highlights from the Transformers back catalogue.

• The Transformers: Greatest Battles of Optimus Prime and Megatron (2007) — TPB reprinting Prime vs Megatron fights from the Marvel, 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: Heroes & Villains (2009) — Smaller-format collection of Spotlight stories (Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, Grimlock, Shockwave, Ramjet, and Soundwave) most likely produced for book fairs.
• 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.
• The Transformers 30th Anniversary Collection (2013) — Hardcover collection celebrating 30 years of Transformers comics.

100-Page Giants

Perfect-bound one-shots containing themed collections of stories.

• Transformers: Regeneration One 100-Page Spectacular (2012) — The final five Marvel US issues, to support the launch of The Transformers: Regeneration One.
• Revolution: The Road To Revolution 100-Page Special (2016) — Material from IDW's back catalogue with essays from John Barber tying them in to the Revolution event.
• Transformers 100-Page Giant: Power of the Predacons (2020) — Comics featuring Predacons of all kinds.
• Transformers '84: Legends & Rumors 100-Page Giant (2021) — Comics that "inspired" the Transformers '84: Secrets & Lies series.
• Transformers: Best of Optimus Prime (2022) — Comics featuring Optimus Prime.
• Transformers: Best of Megatron (2022) — Comics featuring Megatron.
• Transformers: Best of Hot Rod (2022) — Comics featuring Hot Rod.
• Transformers: Best of the Beasts (2022) — Comics featuring Beast Wars characters.
• Transformers: Best of the Rarities (2022) — Rare or never-before-reprinted stories, curated by James Roberts.
• Transformers: Best of Bumblebee (2022) — Comics featuring Bumblebee.
• Transformers: Best of Starscream (2022) — Comics featuring Starscream.
• Transformers: Best of Arcee (2022) — Comics featuring Arcee.
• Transformers: Best of Grimlock (2022) — Comics featuring Grimlock.
• Transformers: Best of Shockwave (2022) — Comics featuring Shockwave.
• Transformers: Best of Windblade (2022) — Comics featuring Windblade.

Artbooks

• 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.
• The Transformers: The Art of Trevor Hutchison (2009)
• Alex Milne Sketchbook: The Transformers (2011)
• Livio Ramondelli Sketchbook: The Transformers (2011)
• The Art of Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (2012)
• Transformers: The Art of Prime (2013)

Unpublished

• Transformers: The Thirteen
• Legacy of Rust
• Spy Games
• Transformers: Collision Course

Notes

• From 2008 to 2011, IDW developed a reputation amongst the fandom for its cavalier approach to both visual and storytelling continuity in both All Hail Megatron and 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. 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 far tighter approach.
• "Phase Three" of the Aligned continuity was going to be IDW doing comics with Aligned backstories instead of the established ones. Hasbro first proposed a "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.

External links

• IDW Publishing
• TF Archive's guide to the Ongoing Transformers comic