Combiner Wars (franchise)
Combiner Wars is a 2015 multimedia branding used by Hasbro, encompassing Transformers toys, comics and other merchandise. As the name suggests, it focuses on combiners, specifically those from Generation 1.
Toys
Following the conclusion of the Generations toyline's Thrilling 30 subline imprint, it was refreshed with Combiner Wars branding. This new subline ushered in a new, unified play pattern whereby a Voyager Class toy and any four Deluxe Class figures can form a combiner robot. Furthermore, some Legends Class toys can form accessories for the combined figures, such as armor and weapons.
Comics
IDW Publishing's contribution to Combiner Wars comes in the form of a six-issue "event" storyline, spanning both flagship ongoing title The Transformers and the second Windblade miniseries.
The series sees tensions surrounding the IDW universe's combiners come to a head when Starscream-led Cybertron re-establishes contact with the long-lost colony Caminus, turning what had been a simmering arms race into an all-out war.
| "Combiner Wars" chapters: | |||
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"First Strike"
"Combiner Wars"
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Prequels
Explicit buildup for the event began in Robots in Disguise #33, which introduced the notion of a combiner arms race, as well as setting the stage for Superion's new team members. The next five issues would go on to tell a story about the Enigma of Combination, an ancient Cybertronian artifact holding the key to successful combiners. Whilst not billed as such in their initial release, the trade paperback collecting these issues was labeled "Combiner Wars—First Strike".
Creative team
The Transformers issues are written and drawn by John Barber and Livio Ramondelli respectively, whilst Windblade sees the return of the first miniseries' writer and artist team of Mairghread Scott and Sarah Stone. Casey Coller draws the regular covers, and Ramondelli provides subscription covers which form larger images in pairs. Retailer incentive covers feature art from Transformers Legends artist Sara Pitre-Durocher.
