Hello, welcome to celebrating 31 years of one of the biggest worldwide franchises. I am talking about the Transformers, who have been the most successful toys based franchise in history. You have seen them in movies, TV, and of course sitting on shelves at the stores, but did you know they first appeared in what was a 4 issue mini series?
Spoiler warning for the current run of IDW comics near bottom of page, this is your first warning.
On May 8th, 1984 we were introduced to the transformers for the first time. What was planned as a 4 part mini series spanned all the way into the 90’s as surprise hit. The first issues were made before the final toy line so some characters don’t appear as they would become known to be. The issue also would have the world it set up changed and mended to fit with the growing cast and history added to the franchise. Overall it was a marketing ploy for an upcoming toy line made up from another group of toys in Japan and some figures from other series for good measure. The toy line however had caught fire and pushed the comics beyond the 4 issue contract.
The comics with the TV show were the main source of finding out how the personalities listed on the bio cards worked together. It was also the main way to introduce new toys and gimmicks into the franchise as they could align with the launches better the adjoining show. In the UK there were even bonus issues made to accommodate the different printing schedules and regional differences. A few characters were even born from original creations in the comics as either need for fodder or giving a name to a alternatively painted toys.
However as all good things the initial run met its end in 1991 when the deal with Marvel finally closed. This was the end of transformers comics till the early 2000’s when a few companies like Dreamwave and Devil’s Due took their own take on the series. The later of that deal did it as a crossover of the G.I. Joe series which launched a revival right beside the launch of Transformers. Also an official fan club exclusive book was printed by 3H and later Fun Publications featuring a more expansive look with tie ins to Convention exclusive releases or unreleased toy lines.
IDW rather then run off the popularity of the original run has set up its own universe in which they have a little more freedom to do the stories they set up. While they still do tie ins to current toys, including having issues packaged with select figures. They have also taken up collecting all of the past issues and did a short retelling of the end of the original run of the Marvel Comics by long time writer Simon Furman.
Last Spoiler warning, as while this was news when announced, is still a big shock to those who didn’t see it.
As for trying to pick up the current running comics, the best points to jump into would either the current crossover of the Combiner Wars in IDW; that deals with political intrigue and the arrival new teams of combining Transformers fighting for domination. The other good place would be form the end of the last crossover Dark Cybertron which begins “season 2” of book and follows the fall out of Megatron becoming an Autobot. Other recommendations would be the omnibus collection of the original series or current mini series Transformers vs G.I. Joe from IDW for those who just want to remember the 80’s series.
If the comics don’t interest you, the toys are still out there. Waiting for someone to take them home and help them defend/conquer Cybertron. They maybe a little pricier then you remember, but they are out there. Also if you want just a quick recap or a good summary of what you missed check out the transformers wiki for anything dealing with these robots in disguise.
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