Transformers Galaxies (2019 IDW series)

The modern comics universe has had such a different take on G1, one that's significantly represented by the Generations toys, so they share a forum. A modern take on a Real Cybertronian Hero. Currently starring Generations toys, IDW "The Transformers" comics, MTMTE, TF vs GI Joe, and Windblade. Oh wait, and now Skybound, wheee!
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Shockwave
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Re: Transformers Galaxies (2019 IDW series)

Post by Shockwave »

In all fairness, we're talking about a species that has the same substance used as food, money, blood, and now poop. So this really isn't that big of a stretch to me.
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Re: Transformers Galaxies (2019 IDW series)

Post by Dominic »

This is still two consecutive arcs where characters are eating some kind of excretion.
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Re: Transformers Galaxies (2019 IDW series)

Post by Ursus mellifera »

Dominic wrote: Wed Mar 18, 2020 12:55 pm This is still two consecutive arcs where characters are eating some kind of excretion.
I hope this is the series theme. "Transformers: Galax-feces."

I love the Constructicon arc. It makes me appreciate them in a way I never did. I also love, love the point behind the Insecticons. Maybe it's my entomology background.

It also makes me wonder about the level of sapience of Cybertron itself. The Insecticons are clearly shown to emerge, newly forged, with insect legs already hanging off of their backs, which is odd to me since I'm under the impression that new Cybertronians are "born" without alt modes. Since the Cybertronians build the bodies, and Cybertron supplies the sparks, it seems to me like Cybertron might "decide" which sparks to give to which bodies based on the construction of those bodies, like "these guys look like bugs, I'll give them these creepy sparks that don't mind cannibalism." I don't know. Maybe I'm reading too much into this.

Either way, I am so happy with the 2019 reboot so far, and I really hope it continues at this level of quality.
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issue 7

Post by Dominic »

Galaxies #7:

Issue 7 is the arc that continues from the main series.

The setting appears to be some time after Gauge was escorted off-planet by Greenlight and Arcee in the main series.

Since leaving the planet, Gauge has fallen (reluctantly) in to life as a Reversionist (one of the factions mentioned in the main series).

My guess is that there is some degree of brainwashing involved.

As ever, the art is glaring weakness with IDW's current Transformers run.

The writing is passable, but the Reversionist leader being named "Heretech" is a bad combination of Silver Age writing quality and what passes for "clever" among hipsters.
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Re: issue 7

Post by Ursus mellifera »

Dominic wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 4:10 pmAs ever, the art is glaring weakness with IDW's current Transformers run.

The writing is passable, but the Reversionist leader being named "Heretech" is a bad combination of Silver Age writing quality and what passes for "clever" among hipsters.
I noticed that in the earlier issues. I thought it was kind of clever, but kind of dumb.

I actually like the art in this issue, though the coloring seems to be from the 1980's.
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Re: Transformers Galaxies (2019 IDW series)

Post by Ursus mellifera »

I'm super confused by the end of issue 8. As far as I remember from earlier, the Reversionists left Cybertron because of the upheaval, and the tether crashing, and everything else,
Spoiler
but now they seem to have just gone in a big circle to end back up at Cybertron, which they're now going to conquer somehow? With what? Did they raise an army in an issue I missed?
So many questions.

Well, really just the one.
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Issue 8

Post by Dominic »

The idea is (probably) that the Reversionist ship was hastily leaving Cybertron during a crisis, and they intended to return later.


The issue itself focuses on what it is like to break out of mind-control, sans the worst clichesvof that type of story.

And, I would be remiss for not crediting IDW with consistent branding with "Galaxies" and the main "Transformers" series. Both are defined by better than average writing paired with some of the worst art on shelves.
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issue 9

Post by Dominic »

The third arc of IDW's anthology series resolves more or less as predicted.

Gauge's questions about direction and purpose are fine as a premise. But, the execution, particularly in part 3, relies a little too heavily on bronze age style monologue.

The fact that gauge is supposed to be young makes the monologues a little more tolerable. And, I suspect that the real reason is simple expedience. (The writer might have been able to handle it better given another issue or two.) But, it reads like something from 35 years ago, when comics tried dealing with complex ideas bu lacked the skill with language to do so well.

It is not entirely clear when this issue is set relative to the main series. But, that is probably intentional for the sake of not spoiling details about what happens next. (This issue, by necessity, is likely set some time ahead of the main comic.)


The third arc of "Galaxies" is also notable for avoiding scatological McGuffins.
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Re: issue 9

Post by Ursus mellifera »

Dominic wrote: Fri Sep 11, 2020 7:17 amThe third arc of "Galaxies" is also notable for avoiding scatological McGuffins.
Here's hoping the next issue can make that up to us, am I right?
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issue 10

Post by Dominic »

The fourth (and reportedly final) arc of "Galaxies" focuses on Magnus. Much like the early 2005-19 run, the current run of comics is treating Magnus as a variant of the character established in the 80s.

In this case, Magnus' motivation is a sense of duty to Alpha Trion (who has been missing since before the current series began).

The flashback sequences include an Easter Egg, specificallygiving Magnus the (pre-Transformers) Diaclone colors.
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