Last Stand of the Wreckers discussion

[Onslaught Six]

Pyro: seems to be more of a G2 bot, and tfu.info lists him as "Autobot leader". Probably why he looks like Prime.

Pyro and Clench were the last Bigass Leader Toys in the late Euro G1 toyline--and the G2 symbols were based off their heads. They were also rereleased in G2 packaging as that line started.

[andersonh1]

Last Stand of the Wreckers
Issue 1
Not bad at all. This is clearly a setup issue, but it’s a good one.

The first issue cuts back and forth between two major plot threads as characters are introduced and situations established. It begins with the fall of the Garrus-9 prison to the Decepticons, led by Overlord. I’m not very familiar with early 90s G1 characters, particularly European exclusives, so I’ve had to look up the various characters featured in the story to learn who they are. I’m sure Nick Roche will put his own spin on them, but I was still curious to learn who Skyquake was, or Kick-Off, or Ironfist. I always enjoy seeing obscure G1 characters get some page time and development, and this series will certainly do that.

That leads to the second plot, the introduction of the new additions to the Wreckers crew. Now I’ve never been a big fan of the Wreckers, but I’m willing to be won over. Kup and Springer’s commando group who take on near-suicidal missions has a rotating roster, and Springer expresses doubts about training new recruits who will likely end up dead. Given the severity of the violence under Overlord’s rule, I’d bet he’s right.

The violence is brutal under Overlord’s rule, as Autobots are hunted down for sport or corrupted as they try to survive. Kick-Off’s situation references his toy bio, as he’s trapped and forced to fight for his life, becoming just as ruthless as any Decepticon in the process. I did get a good laugh out of his “alt modes are for wimps” remark, since he’s an Action Master. Then of course, he rips off his opponent’s head, and the scene turns dark again.

I was surprised to see Verity turn up in the story. I’ve missed Simon Furman’s three human sidekicks, so it’s good to see Verity again, and her presence adds a much needed sense of scale to the characters and events. It’s amusing that she decided to stow away on Ultra Magnus’ ship and see the universe rather than go back to her old life on Earth. I hope she doesn’t suffer the same fate as poor Hunter.

I liked this issue quite a bit. The story is strong on continuity with earlier IDW stories, and gives us a glimpse of Megatron’s offensive that led to his victory in AHM, as well as showing us what’s going on elsewhere in the universe while the ongoing is focusing on Earth. It also shows us what life under Decepticon rule would be like, or at least what it would be like under a sadist like Overlord. It’s a good start to the series.

[andersonh1]

Pyro: seems to be more of a G2 bot, and tfu.info lists him as "Autobot leader". Probably why he looks like Prime.

Pyro and Clench were the last Bigass Leader Toys in the late Euro G1 toyline--and the G2 symbols were based off their heads. They were also rereleased in G2 packaging as that line started.

So they were sort of 'transitional' toys then. Interesting.

[Onslaught Six]

In a way. It's more like they got made, and then Hasbro was all "We're doing new logos and G2 and stuff. You can shove those toys in new boxes." Truthfully, the G2 symbols are only based on Pyro and Clench as much as the G1 symbols are based off Prowl and Soundwave, but it's all relative.

I'm told Impactor shows up at the end. What's he doing?

[Dominic]

Impactor is doing stuff. I dunno.

I ain't read it yet. Too tired, and I am reading enough comics that I cannot read and remember them all. My studies are not helping with this.

Screw this.

Grade: F This is IDW's fault for having it come out when I cannot read it. I might revise this grade once I actually read it though.


Dom
-really, really tired today.

[BWprowl]

I'm told Impactor shows up at the end. What's he doing?

Blowing up a whole Decepticon ship because he's pissed.

Dude, why haven't you bought this damn comic yet?

[Onslaught Six]

I'm told Impactor shows up at the end. What's he doing?

Blowing up a whole Decepticon ship because he's pissed.

Dude, why haven't you bought this damn comic yet?

My current financial situation means I basically can't buy *anything.* Plus, the only local comic shop is in Indiana, and I work in Altoona now--about an hour away. This wouldn't be too horribly bad if I actually had a car and everything to 'get over there,' too...Trust me, I'd love to be buying it, but right now I guess I'm stuck with scans and waiting for the trade.

[andersonh1]

So what's the big deal with Impactor? I haven't read much of the UK comics of course, so I'm assuming that's where he shows up in that continuity and gains notoriety. What is the character like, and what did he do, other than lead the Wreckers at one point?

[Dominic]

Not much actually.

He led the Wreckers during "Target: 2006" and got killed off at the end. I think he was there largely to give at least one of the plots in that story an ending that did not require readers to see the movie.

But, he was an obscure UK character, so now he is just so awesome.

Dom
-OMFG, him am Impactor teh bestist evar!

[Onslaught Six]

Hey, don't you knock obscure UK characters, man! Impactor 'is' awesome. As long as he dies.