THE TRANSFORMERS: COMICS, BOOKS AND MANGA

Notes: This annual was published in late 1994 by Grandreams. It included one strip story, an introduction to Transformers, two text stories and lots of profiles.The cover is a collage, mixing the CGI "Transnet Space Cube" from the Generation 2 TV series, a cel of Optimus Prime, and original art of Starscream and Blaze.

"Day of the Decepticons"

Synopsis: Starscream informs Megatron that the Autobots have found out how to return to Cybertron. The Decepticons set off to Table Top Mountain, where the Autobots have discovered an ancient Cybertronian vessel. However, the Autobots are ready for them, and battle commences. The Autobots retreat. The Decepticons enter the ship, but it's a trick, and the ship sets off into space, uncontrollable.

Notes: This could fit in the UK G2 continuity at some point. Among the Transformers mentioned are the Autobots Optimus Prime, Jazz, Prowl, Slipstream [huh? Probably a mistake, meant to be Speedstream, an Aquaspeeder - the UK version of Deluge], Jetfire, Sideswipe and Blaze, and for the Decepticons there's Megatron, Starscream, Skywarp, Ramjet, Soundwave, Shockwave and Lazerbeak [complete with the ignorant fanboy spelling...].

Review: Dull, but generally amiable. Though it gets docked two stars for the worst closing line in the history of written language.

"The Dinobots!"

Synopsis: The Dinobots reawaken in Brazil, and Prime, Jazz and Blaze set off to investigate. They're jumped by the Decepticons, but saved by Grimlock and Snarl, who set off to look for their missing team-mates.

Notes: This doesn't really fit anywhere, showing the awakening of the Dinobots in quite different terms to, well, anything else. It's possible it's sent some time before UK G2 #1, but I wouldn't bank on it. Or really bother trying to fit it anywhere... Everyone bar Megs is in their original, rather than G2 colours [okay, so Soundwave didn't have any aside from the random Go-Bot scheme, but you get my point].

Transformers featured [in rough order of appearance]: Grimlock, Snarl, Optimus Prime, Jazz, Blaze, Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave.

Review: A bit poor. It's a different twist on the Dinobot origin, but not an especially good one. Even for the ages 6-9 audience this was aimed at, the narrative wouldn't prove too interesting, being the same old discovery/ambush/escape storyline, with nothing worthwhile to distinguish itself from a host of similar stories.

"Moving Day Planet Earth"

Synopsis: The Autobots investigate an abnormality at the Clarke Atoll, where Megatron has built rocket boosters to turn Earth into a giant spaceship. There's a battle, as the Decepticons try to hold the Autobots off for 20 minutes until they can fire the engines. Jetfire and Deftwing fly into the engines, and destroy their power source.

Notes: Again, this could slot into the none-too-gargantuan UK G2 continuity somewhere. Autobots featured include Optimus Prime, Jetfire, Deftwing and Mirage, while the Decepticons turn out Megatron and Scrapper.

Review: Some nice bits, such as the stuff about electromagnetic channels for the plasma, but it's very simple and straightforward.