Category Archives: Cliffjumper

The 20 Days of Transformers #18-20

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Yeah, so yesterday and Christmas Eve fell to bits, I should have seen that coming when I said I’d post the reviews on those days ;-)

So, here we go with numbers 3, 2, and 1, plus a bonus!

For #3 we have an intro to space, and Cybertron

#3: IDW Transformers Stormbringer Issue 1

Transformers: Stormbringer #1

Open on the maelstrom of hell on Cybertron before cutting to Jetfire and the Technobots who are investigating a power reading on the dead planet Cybertron, a trace of Super Energon. Deciding they need to investigate they head down, making sure they have as much protection against the elements as they can. As they follow the trace to it’s source they discover they’re back to where it all went wrong… Thunderhead Pass!

In a flashback we find Megatron and Optimus Prime working together to stop an unnamed adversary. In the present Optimus Prime can’t shake the feeling that it isn’t over yet. Shaken out of his memories Prime is handed a report from Prowl on Earth, he orders Searchlight to keep him informed before slipping back into his memories of the maelstrom.

Harsh Environment

Back on Cybertron Jetfire and the Technobots are setting up a scanner as Jetfire relates what happened many years earlier, Thunderwing approached the leading Cybertronian scientists regardless of their affiliation his figures point to an inescapable fact… Cybertron is dying. And they need to do something.

In the here and now Jetfire and the Technobots are ambushed by cloaked figures. They attempt to fight back but being unable to see their adversaries they lose and are taken down. Meanwhile their ship is blown out of the sky with missiles.

The Maelstrom

Prime is still lost in his memories of fighting against an apocalyptic creature, he knows that they only contained it, they didn’t destroy it, and that sooner or later everywhere will hear it’s name. On Cybertron Jetfire awakens to see a cult chanting the name of it’s deity… Thunderwing!

As the second arc in the new IDWverse, Stormbringer was our first real intro to the space bound Transformers, and it works so well, but then the story comes from Simon Furman, and that man had a plan all the way back then, couple that with Don Fig’s art and Josh Burcham’s colors, what else could one expect by perfection?

Hail Thunderwing

At #2 we have the end…

#2: Marvel Generation One Issue 80: Ed of the Road

Transformers #80

We open, this the final issue of Marvel’s G1 run, with the death of Getaway at the hands of Dreadwing before we pull back and see that Bludgeon’s ‘Cons have killed a lot of the Autobots, but not all, he has sent out a part to find the remaining ‘Bots and exterminate them for good.

The team in question, Octopunch, Weirdwolf, Fangry and Quake, have gone passed the place where Grimlock hid with the remainder of his troops, as they emerge from hiding Prowl tells Grimlock off for the way he has led them to this point, jumping in as soon as he spotted a ‘Con and leading them right into a text book ambush. As they’re attempting to decide what to do next, Blaster is shot and presumably killed by Quake, it seems Fangry ha led the ‘Cons to double back and ambush the ‘Bots.

Me, Grimlock, Hide Well

Back with Bludgeon and co, they were just wiping out the few remaining living ‘Bots when out of nowhere the human superhero team of The Neo Knights (well, the remaining sane ones), but they’re just the opening act, the main event is above them all… The New Optimus Prime!

Prime explains what happened, how after the last Optimus Prime died, Hi-Q and the Neo Knights sought out the Last Autobot, who, upon seeing the truth behind Hi-Q, that he was a small body, cybernetics wrapped in flesh, with a soul buried deep down, a wise, and noble leader. Taking from their memories The Last Autobot created a new body to house the two souls, making them, finally, one.

We Can Go Home

As The Last Autobot is telling them that the Civil War must end, Bludgeon interrupts, ordering his troops to kill Optimus Prime. As they do so The Last Autobot gets to work, resurrecting the fallen Autobots. Prime is fighting off the ‘Cons when Grimlock’s team returns and wades into the fight, turning the tide with the help of the resurrected ‘Bots.

As the ‘Cons call a retreat they vow that this isn’t the end. Prime then tells the ‘Bots that Cybertron has been reborn, and that it is time for them to return home, that the war is over.

For a finale, this is certainly a good one, it feels almost like the story is too short, that Simon was almost building up to something new and exciting (and maybe now we’ll find out with IDW’s announcement of Transformers Regeneration One). As always with Simon Furman’s writing, this is top notch, Andrew Wildman’s art is, maybe not as good as Don FIg’s, but it’s still way up there with the greats. If that had been the end, it would have been a fitting end, but as we all know, it never ends there…

Well, That's Just Prime

And at #1 we have The Beginning of it all!

#1: Marvel Transformers Generation One Issue 1

Transformers #1

We open this, the first ever Transformers comic with the requisite backstory that tells how the Decepticons came to be and their launching of the first strike in the Civil War that rages to this day. We learn that the war has knocked the planet out of it’s orbit and into deep space. Soon it’s realized that the planet will soon pass through a giant asteroid belt, to clear a path the Autobots build and launch a giant spacecraft, The Ark.

Unbeknown to them Ravage has been spying on them and sees the launch, reporting back to Megatron they decide to go after the ‘Bots. As the Autobots finish clearing a path for Cybertron the ‘Cons attack, taking them by surprise, and quickly gain the upper hand over the weakened ‘Bots, knowing that the only way to stop the secrets of The Ark falling into the Decepticon’s hands Prime sends the ship on a collision course for the nearest planet.

Arise Optimus Prime

The Ark crashes into a volcanic mountain where it lies dormant for four million years until an eruption manages to reactivate the main computers. Knowing it needs to repair the Transformers it launches a probe to scan for life forms to use as templates. The world it encounters is full of vehicles, flying and rolling, and some unidentified organic creatures that seem to work with the lifeforms.

Using the templates from the probe The Ark sets to repairing the Transformers, both Autobot and Decepticon alike. With some of it’s memory banks damaged however The Ark knew nothing of the Great War, but still kept the basic nature of the Transformers the same, so the ‘Bots became vehicles while the ‘Cons become weapons and communications devices.

With the rebuilding complete, the obligatory roll call happens with the Decepticons sounding off before transforming and leaving The Ark, and the Autobots staying behind to observe this new world and it’s inhabitants, and the organic beings that The Ark had dismissed..

We now go to meet one of these beings, Buster Witwicky and his father Sparkplug, after they discuss Buster’s plans for the future, Buster takes a car and heads off to meet his friends. Meanwhile Prime has sent a recon team out into the world, as Prowl, Bumblebee, Hound, Brawn and Cliffjumper come across a drive-in cinema they don’t notice Laserbeak following them, and reporting back to Megatron.

Humans Run The Planet

At the drive-in, the Autobots enter, and Bumblebee decides to go say hi, by crashing into Buster’s car! As Buster finds that no-one’s driving the car the Decepticons attack, damaging Bumblebee in the process. The other Autobots leap into action and fight back, and while they fight the humans run in panic.

As Soundwave and Ravage join the fight Prowl comes to realize that the vehicles are not the inhabitants of the world, the humans are, and that they need to take the fight elsewhere to protect them. As they transform and roll out they draw the ‘Cons with them. Buster meanwhile has come across Bumblebee and manages to jump start him, damaged though he is Buster gets Bumblebee back to his father’s garage where he pleads with him to help fix Bumblebee.

Well, as a start to what would become a major legacy, this was a good story, if a little crude in places, it works, think of the first 4 issues of the series as the pilot story, which it is really. The art is crude too, although I guess it is on par with the art of the times, remember we are talking like 1984, and some of the character colors are off, but then we are talking the very first issue they were still feeling their way.

The Beginning

And lastly as a bonus we got a smoking hot Prima…

Bonus: Optimus Prima: Reformatted

Optimus Prima: Reformatted

Yes, it’s not official, but what can I say, it’s based upon Transformers and it’s just plain awesome.

We open on Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Carly looking out over the Grand Canyon, as they discuss their next destination, Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp ambush them, as Prime and ‘Bee fight back Carly gets away to safety, at least until she gets involved and throws a rock at Starscream.

In anger ‘Screamer orders the destruction of the ledge the ‘Bots are standing on. After falling Prime finds his gun destroyed, so borrowing from Carly, Prime throws boulders at the ‘Cons, damaging Thundercracker and Skywarp. As the ‘Cons retreat Prime calls it in but is interrupted by Bumblebeen who has found Carly, badly injured by the fall.

Reformatted!

As the other Autobots scramble to the rescue Prime resorts to desperate measures and uses The Matrix to heal her. With it’s power The Matrix transforms Carly, granting to her power and the resolve to protect life, oh and some really nifty armor, arise now Optimus Prima! The effort however has drained Prime, as he collapses Megatron arrives with the Seekers.

Without Prime ‘Bee and Carly are sitting ducks until Carly comes up with an idea… She gets Bumblebee to throw her at the ‘Cons. Using her new found power Carly hacks off Skywarp’s arm and Thundercracher’s leg, using the leg as a battering ram she flies it right into Starscream before using her gun to blow off part of his face.

Leg Riding

With no way to stay in the air Carly falls and is caught by Megatron, who promptly fires on her, sending her back into the cliff wall. But not to worry, Carly’s back for round two in no time, as Megatron is about to destroy Prime the other ‘Bots arrive, with his troops badly damaged Megatron calls a retreat.

As the ‘Bots repair their fallen comrades Carly is applauded for her actions, including a decent fist bump from Ironhide, and some innocent flirting between Skyrifre and Carly.

Heavy Armor

Right, this is just plain cool, this comic was done by a fan, an awesomely talented fan, Silas Zee, and I tell you, if you haven’t read this comic, go read it I was lucky enough to get one of the limited run of printed ones, and that is just awesome. The story is as one would expect, different to the standard Transformers story, as is the art, but I feel it benefits from that, amazingly so.

And so, there we have it our top 20 Transformers comics ever, at least as far as I am concerned :) I hope you enjoyed my reviews, I’ll be bringing you more as they come, but from now on no particular order. Also some news on Transformers as it comes to me.

The 20 Days of Transformers #8 & #9

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Well, since circumstances beyond my control (see also Minecraft ;) ) meant that you didn’t get a review yesterday, we’ll give you two today! At #13 we have the end of an era, and at #12 we have the start of a new one!

#13: Marvel Generation Two Issue 12

The End Of The Road!

For the final issue of Generation Two we begin with Prime giving us a quick history lesson as to the true nature of Transformer reproduction, and the side effect of rediscovering it. Aboard the War World that is Starscream, Prime tells ‘Screamer that The Swarm is after the Transformers and then the universe, and Starscream (who currently possesses the Matrix) is feeling the urge to save lives, despite his finely tuned self preservation subroutines. Prime and Starscream come to an agreement, as yet unknown to the readers.

Aboard the Second Gen Decepticon flagship Twilight Jihaxus believes The Swarm is a trick, one that has mass and can be destroyed. As they prepare aboard Twilight, on the War World Megatron and Optimus arrive at the room that holds the physical form of Starscream and The Matrix, just as Starscream tells them that one of the 2nd Gen ‘Con ships is opening fire on The Swarm, aggravating it into destroying the ship and all lifeforms on it. Taking the opportunity of the distraction Prime tells Starscream to hand over The Matrix, finally restoring Optimus to the Full Prime so to speak.

The Full Prime

Ending Chapter One aboard Twilight and Jihaxus starting to loose control while Optimus heads towards them on a Sky Sled.

Chapter Two finds Megatron and Starscream aboard the War World loading a shuttle with a gas that will protect against The Swarm and Optimus aboard Twilight heading to the bridge where he’s ambushed by Jihaxus, who, with one hit, destroys Prime’s vocal components. We see that Jihaxus has pretty much lost it, a savage beast. As he’s about to deliver the final blow The Swarm breaks through the hull. Angered even further Jihaxus challenges The Swarm, that responds by starting to mimic Jihaxus’ look before consuming him.

The second chapter ends with Twilight’s main reactor rupturing and throwing Prime out of the way, although not far enough and Megatron aboard the shuttle testing the protective gas first hand.

The Imitation Is the Most Sincere Form of Flattery

As Chapter 3 starts we find the Earth bound Transformers preparing for the coming of The Swarm. When one of Megatron’s new recruits, Manta Ray, ignores Razorclaw’s order in favor of Grimlock’s, Razorclaw goes to take him out. Manta Ray is saved by another Rotor Force member as they both switch sides to the Autobots. Back with Prime we find he’s been rescued by Starscream, which seems to have aggravated The Swarm. Prime comes to the conclusion that it is an empty vessel, and that maybe he has the answer.

Planet-fall Minus the Ship

Meanwhile back on Earth the ‘Bots and ‘Cons are fighting The Swarm, and loosing. Ramjet being consumed, Rumble channeling so much sound he disintegrates, Dirge and Nightbeat self destructing. As Grimlock looks around he spots Megatron walking through The Swarm unharmed, he starts to hand out the protective gas, declaring “It’s payback time!”

Meanwhile on the War World Prime decides not to use the gas left by Starscream and lets himself be consumed, releasing the life and wisdom and power of The Matrix into The Swarm, changing it, giving it purpose. In return The Swarm rebuilds Optimus and leaves the planet. Optimus has finally united the Decepticons and Autobots, but he still has a doubt. As an epilogue we go to The Hub, we meet Liege Maximo, the wellspring of all Decepticons, and he has plans for the Transformers.

The New Prime

Whew, a long issue this, but lets get to it, the story is a little disjointed in places, and it doesn’t really feel like a final of the series, but then we know Simon Furman had plans, one only has to seek out Alignment, Furman’s text based conclusion to know this. Art is a little harder to review as there are two distinct styles in this issue, the first is a smoother, but slightly distorted form, that does represent the characters in a good fashion, the second is rougher, more gritty, and yet more solid in some ways. All in all, a good story and great comic.

The Creative Team

Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Geoff Senior
Penciller: Manny Galan
Inker: Jim Amash
Editor: Rob Tokar

Release Date: October 1994
Cover Price: $2.25

Trivia: This is the third time Optimus Prime has died in the Marvel US continuity, and the second time he has sacrificed himself specifically by unleashing the light of the Matrix into a devouring evil.

Prime’s new form is based on his Combat Hero toy, which was then his most recent toy incarnation.

During Prime’s victory speech, Megatron is visible standing at his feet. One would normally expect him to be standing beside Prime as co-leader of the Alliance… but he did seem really impressed by Prime’s resurrection…

#12: IDW Transformers Prime Issue 1

That's Just Prime

For the first issue of TFP, we follow Cliffjumper as he meets up with Arcee… Cybertron is an abandoned husk, at least is should be, Cliffjumper is investigating ‘Con activity when he is captured. Interrogated by a Decepticon, he is forced to decode a message from none other than Optimus Prime who says where the battleground has been moved to… Earth. However as the ‘Cons can’t read the message Cliff tells them that it says “Megatron smells like Unicron’s Armpit”

As they are about to execute him, Arcee swoops to the rescue, taking out the ‘Cons and freeing Cliff. It turns out she’s looking for the location of the ‘Con’s top secret weapons lab, a lab that’s located in Kaon City!

Can you hear The Rock?

As Arcee sets off, Cliff starts to tag along, they discuss their respective tactics, Arcee needing this to be a stealth mission, while Cliff is more… Trigger happy… Deciding that it would be better to work together they they set off, Arcee teasing Cliff to “try to keep up”

A shorter review this one, but the story is one that to me is a great intro to the new world of Transformers Prime, and a good start to a good prequel to the cartoon. Story wise, it’s not bad, definitely a smaller part of a larger story, but on it’s own it works. Art wise, this is actually awesome, the detail is great, although I found the colors to be a little dark, but again, it works. My only grumble is the Autobot eyes, there’s something a little off-putting about them, but maybe that’s just me…

Arcee to the Rescue

The Creative Team

Writer: Mike Johnson
Artist: E.J. Su
Colors: Andrew Dalhouse
Letters: Chris Mowry and Robbie Robbins
Assistant Edits: Carlos Guzman
Edits: Andy Schmidt

Release Date: January 2011
Cover Price: $3.99

A Deal is Struck

The 20 Days of Transformers #7: Fun Publications Timelines Vol 2 #3

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Now, for some fun, lets go to the other side of the shattered looking glass with our #14…

Fun Publications Transformers Timelines Volume 2 Issue 3

Shattered Glass

For those that don’t know, the Fun Pub Timelines comics are the ones that are available at BotCon, this issue I believe was for the 2008 BotCon.

It begins with darkness… Doesn’t it always? But then we find Classics Cliffjumper falling through a portal of some sort. Encountering a Decepticon he is saved by a rather darkly colored Rodimus (or Hot Rod for those of you who want the original names). Cliff is understandably confused and annoyed, not the least by Rodimus’ almost cheesy mustache…

Brought back to Autobot HQ he is met by Optimus Prime (painted in appropriate dark colors) and given the obligatory tour of the deactivated wrecks that adorn the entrance way as they head to the Smelting Pool! When Cliff objects to the execution of Rumble, Prime gives him the chance to do it personally, when he still objects Prime, to use a Earth term, fills him full of lead and has his damaged body dumped.

To be an evil double one needs a mo

Cliff’s damaged body is found by the Constructicons (painted as medics), who revive him. When he wakes he tries to get away, running head-long into Megatron (painted in appropriately heroic colors) and Sideswipe. From the way Megatron talks we can see that he’s not evil. Sideswipe talks with Cliff privately and tells him that he’s crossed into a different universe, and then proceeds to fill him in on the history of the Shattered Glass universe.

We switch to the Autobot combat training room and Optimus Prime as he hears a report from Blurr that the Decepticons are planning to attack The Ark. Meanwhile in the Decepticon war room the plans are being laid for the attack on The Ark, Starscream (clearly not an incompetent coward in this universe) comes up with the answer, don’t attack the shop, attack the launch pad instead!

The attack is launched with the planes making the first strike with some sort of acid bombs. As Megatron and Prime face off, Prime lets loose Grimlock, a savage animalistic creature (so not much difference there then) and Cliff finds himself confused as his former friends are shooting at him and the ‘Cons are protecting him. As he deliberates Prime takes a shot at him, and he’s saved by Megatron jumping in-front of the shot.

Parting Shots

Taking the cover Cliff decides to make the difference and fires the shot that brings down The Ark. Calling a retreat Megatron and his army head out, in the confusion Prime is shot by Megatron, possibly fatally. And Cliffjumper tells Megatron that he can count on him.

This comic is a shining example of the awesomeness that can come of giving writers and artists a small idea and then letting them go for it. The story is amazing, the art just as amazing. The colors, while dark are very appropriate, and work so well with the storyline.

As a bonus we have some More Than Meets the Eye profiles of Rodimus and Starscream, and a 3 page fake leak of the story that is very reminiscent of the G2 style of art.

The Creative Team

Writer: Pete Sinclair, Ben Yee
Penciller: Don Figueroa
Artist: Alex Milne
Inker: Don Figueroa
Colorist: Espen Grundetjern
Letterer: Jesse Wittenrich
Editor: Pete Sinclair
Editor In Chief: Brian Savage

Release Date: 2008
Cover Price: $4.95

Trivia: Sideswipe’s history of “Shattered” Cybertron closely mirrors (so to speak) the version told in the very first Transformers story, and even Optimus Prime’s initial rallying cry to his troops is an homage to Generation 1 Megatron’s in that issue. However, Optimus Prime’s early name, Optronix, and his profession as a archivist, are references to Dreamwave’s The War Within.

Jazz blurts out “I ain’t gettin’ bombed by no plane!”, a reference to the oft-repeated mantra of B.A. Baracus (played by Mr. T) from The A-Team; “I ain’t gettin’ on no plane!”.

Heroic Megatron