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THE TRANSFORMERS: COMICS, BOOKS AND MANGA

Marvel Comics
(1984-1994)
Japanese
Manga
Other Books
and Titles
Titan Books
(2001-2010)
Club/Con
(2001-2016)
Dreamwave
(2002-2004)
Devil's Due
(2003-2007)
IDW Publishing
(2005-now)

CURRENT TRANSFORMERS COMICS FROM IDW PUBLISHING

The Transformers: Robots in Disguise

| #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 | #7 | #8 | #9 | #Annual | #10 |

Robots in Disguise #1: The Autonomy Lesson

Published Date: January 25 2012
Written by: John Barber
Art by: Andrew Griffith
Colours by: Josh Perez
Edited by: Carlos Guzman
Cover price: $3.99

Synopsis: More and more Cybertronians are returning to their re-born home planet. As each new ship arrives , they are greeted by a welcoming committee of Bumblebee, the leader of the Autobots and Metalhawk, the somewhat self-appointed head of the Non-aligned Indigenous Life-forms (or NAILs as the Autobots refer to them). Bumblebee's attempts to win over new arrivals is being sabotaged by Metalhawk's scathing assessment of the effectiveness of the Autobot government. The growing melting pot of Autobot, Decepticon and Cybertronian is starting to bubble over.

Some of the Decepticons are acting as enforcers on behalf of the Autobot government, kept in check by a remote detonation chip embedded in their head. This still isn’t an ideal situation and trouble occurs when two enforcers, Horri-bull and Needlenose, get overzealous taking care of a graffiti scrawling NAIL and only the intervention of Prowl and his Autobot peacekeepers stop the situation from getting worse. The NAIL is arrested for disturbing the peace and Prowl brings the two ‘cons back to the Decepticons home of the ruins of Kimia. Finding Senator Ratbat to be leading the rabble of what remains of the Decepticon army, Prowl demands that Ratbat keeps his troops in line. After he leaves, Ratbat chastises Horri-bull and Needlenose and demands that they stay out of trouble. Ratbat has a plan…

Back at the Autobot HQ, Bumblebee confronts Prowl over the actions of the Decpticons who would appear to be in some way under Prowls command. Prowl accepts 'Bee's requests but also notes that he suspects Ratbat is planning some scheme. The issue of the memorial for the crew of the Lost Light, presumed at this point to be dead, is also addressed with Prowl expressing serious concerns, especially given that 93 percent of the population would seem to be indifferent or worse to the deceased Autobots.

On the outskirts of the city, Ironhide returns from a trek into the new Cybertronian wilderness. He notes how wild and strange the planet has become, as if it is in conflict with its own population. As Ironhide and Wheeljack observe the sunset on this new Cybertron, back in the city Prowl laments to a shadowy ally about the need to be so ruthless when dealing with his fellow Autobots.

Things finally come to a head as Metalhawk and Bumblebee survey the city and discuss their different philosophies. Bumblebee is offended by Metalhawk's manner, particularly his allusion to the Autobots being responsible for the apparent destruction of the Lost Light. As they argue they come across Horri-bull and Needlenose once again assaulting various NAILs. 'Bee demands they stop but Horri-bull goads the Autobot leader on, daring him to activate his detonation chip. Feeling he has to lay down the law, Bumblebee complies with fatal consequences. Horri-bull's head explodes as several Cybertronains look on - including a hidden Skywarp on report duty for Ratbat. Bumblebee and Metalhawk are left to contemplate how the headless corpse of Horri-bull will affect the battered image of the Autobots.

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: Omega Supreme, Sky Lynx, Tappet, Bluestreak, Mirage, Jazz, Needlenose, Horri-Bull, Zetca, Bumblebee, Metalhawk, Hipotank, Sideswipe, Prowl, Blurr, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, Starscream, Acid Storm, Mindwipe, Triggerhappy, Rampage, Razorclaw, Divebomb, Dead End, Spinister, Wildrider, Hook, Bonecrusher, Shockwave, Rumble, Skywarp, Ravage, Soundwave, Ratbat, Brawl, Bombshell, Broadside, Sizzle, Ironhide, Wheeljack, Arcee (sssh, it's a secret!)

Reviews & Commentary: Reviewed by Red Dave Prime

Robots in Disguise #2: The World & Everything in it

Published Date: February 22 2012
Written by: John Barber
Art by: Andrew Griffith
Colours by: Josh Perez
Edited by: Carlos Guzman
Cover price: $3.99

Synopsis: Skywarp reports back to Ratbat of the demise of Horri-bull via the inhibitor chip. Ratbat seems less concerned with the loss of one of his troops and more interested in the Autobots still believing that all the Decepticons chips are still working. Content that the deception is still in place, Ratbat outlines his plan to strike at the memorial for the Lost Light. Not impressed by Ratbat's command, plan or the ex-senator's belief in his place in the creation of the Decepticons, Starscream leaves to chart his own future while Shockwave and Soundwave seem uninterested in Ratbat's grand plans. Long Haul is sent to follow Starscream.

Back at the Autobot command HQ, Metalhawk and Bumblebee continue to discuss the viability of the Lost Light memorial in light of Horri-bull's execution at the hands of the Autobots - Bumblebee no less. Sideswipe breaks the deadlock informing them that Starscream is outside. Bumblebee goes to confront him. Despite Starscream protesting that he has no ulterior motives, Bumblebee assaults the seeker with his cane - which is actually an electric shock staff. Knocked out, Starscream is taken away by a somewhat impressed Prowl.

Returned to normal status in an Autobot holding cell, Starscream informs Prowl about Ratbat's plan to assassinate Bumblebee and take over Cybretron in the ensuring panic. Prowl questions his motivations for supplying this information and Starscream explains it bluntly: Ratbat's plan will fail regardless and that Starscream's place in the Decepticon command hierarchy will be better with the former senator out of the way. Starscream merely suggests that if Prowl listens to him, at least Bumblebee won't be terminated.

Back on the streets, Skywarp and Needlenose assault Zetca, the Nail Horri-bull was attacking when he was killed. Skywarp warps off with the battered Zetca.

Starscream joins the crowd at the memorial, realising quickly that Long Haul is badly tailing him. As the two 'cons look on, Bumblebee takes to the stage flanked by Metalhawk, Wheeljack and Ironhide. As he works his way through his eulogy, Skywarp teleports into a nearby with Zetca and an impressive sniper rifle. Before he can execute the Autobot commander, Prowl attacks and eventually subdues Skywarp with twin electro-shock sticks. Surveying the scene, Prowl radios his unknown accomplice to proceed with an agreed plan. Meanwhile on stage, Bumblebee and Metalhawk agree to work together representing both the Autobots and the Neutrals.

Back in the crowd, Long Haul remarks that the plan has failed as Bumblebee should be dead by know. Not knowing what to report to Commander Ratbat, Starscream suggests that Long Haul simply lie to Ratbat and to let him have his moment.

Happy with the false information, Ratbat orders his troops to prepare for their final battle with the Autobots this very night. He goes to prepare in his own private chamber only to be attacked by twin-energon sword wielding Arcee. She slices his legs and left wing off quickly, before pinning him to the wall. Finally she stabs him through his spark core, leaving his dead body hanging.

Returning to Prowl she confirms that Ratbat has been taken out, somewhat sarcastically agreeing that he refused arrest. As they focus on the stage, Starscream unexpectedly joins 'Bee and Metalhawk, agreeing to join them in helping Cybertron heal itself and its people.

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: Zetca, Horri-Bull, Needlenose, Bumblebee, Metalhawk, Skywarp, Starscream, Bombshell, Soundwave, Ravage, Ratbat, Shockwave, Bonecrusher, Long Haul, Sideswipe, Prowl, Wheeljack, Ironhide, Mixmaster, Arcee

Reviews & Commentary: Reviewed by Red Dave Prime

Robots in Disguise #3: Stick Together

Published Date: March 28 2012
Written by: John Barber
Art by: Andrew Griffith
Colours by: Josh Perez
Edited by: Carlos Guzman
Cover price: $3.99

Synopsis: Silverbolt leads the Aerialbots to a rendezvous with Prowl and his security team as they remove the body of Ratbat from the Decepticon base. Prowl tries to convince the assembled Decepticons that Ratbat's death was a suicide but they aren't accepting it. Starscream tries to help by backing up Prowl's story but it doesn't convince the 'cons, especially an irate Dirge who storms off in disgust at the Autobots' attempt at a cover-up. Barrel Roll (you know, the sixth Aerialbot) tries to calm him down but before he can save the situation a massive explosion occurs, destroying Barrel Roll and sending many robots flying, Dirge included.

Sifting through the rubble in the aftermath of the blast, Wheeljack conducts an investigation while Metalhawk and Prowl clash over who gets the blame. Wheeljack theories that it was an extremely high temperature explosion of some sort given the heat involved but rules out a nuke given the blast radius. Metalhawk laments the damage the war has obviously done to his home world. Nine fatalities are recorded. Two Autobot, Seven Neutrals, but no Decepticons which pushes Prowls suspicions further. 'Bee, Metalhawk and Prowl go to confront Starscream but he is ready for them with a counter that the explosion highlights the poor safe housing situation on Cybertron.

Seeking answers, Wheeljack heads to the infirmary to talk to Dirge, given how close he was to the epicentre of the blast. He finds the Decepticon in little mood to co-operate and things get worse when an enraged Silverbolt tries to force the answers from Dirge. While Wheeljack tries to settle the situation, elsewhere in the city another blast occurs causing more damage.

Heading to the blast zone, Wheeljack encounters Starscream and the two quarrel about finding a solution. Starscream points out that Wheeljack needs to get his priorities in line - it's about Cybertronians, not Autobots now. Starscream brings up his seekers in the discussion which leads Wheeljack to name a few of them, including Thundercracker - and the breakthrough occurs. Wheeljack realises that the problem is because there is no second moon orbiting Cybertron anymore to help balance the flow of energy from the planet to the moons that normally revolve around it. This is causing the energy to superheat the atmosphere causing the massive explosions. With this new data, Wheeljack concludes that another explosion is imminent and its location will be the centre of the city. Both come up with plans to save the day.

Back at the Autobot HQ Prowl informs Bumblebee of the situation, but before the little yellow guy can over-react, Wheeljack informs them that he and Starscream have solved the problem. Starscream has taken the neutrals to the Kima facility as this can withstand the high levels of heat, while Wheeljack has engineered some missiles to help attract the energy away from the planet until he can create a permeant satellite solution. Sure enough, the missiles help direct the explosion away from the planet.

In the aftermath of all the drama, Wheeljack explains the Bumblebee that Starscream was as much the hero as he was. He stresses the importance of all of them working together but just as Bumblebee is about to agree, Silverbolt appears and strikes him to the ground. The Aerialbot commander is disgusted by his fellow Autobots working with their mortal enemy and he denounces the new government leads the Aerialbots into the wilderness.

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: Silverbolt, Barrel Roll, Skydive, Air Raid, Slingshot, Fireflight, Triggerhappy, Needlenose, Blurr, Prowl, Sideswipe, Bombshell, Hook, Fixit, Streetwise, Ratbat (corpse), Mixmaster, Motormaster, Starscream, Blot, Mindwipe, Dirge, Dead End, Ransack, Wheeljack, Tappet, Hipotank, Bumblebee, Hot Spot, Bonecrusher, Metalhawk, Scattershot, Broadside, Arcee, Ironhide

Reviews & Commentary: Reviewed by Red Dave Prime

Robots in Disguise #4: Devisive

Synopsis: TBA

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: TBA

Reviews & Commentary: TBA

Robots in Disguise #5: A Better Tomorrow

Synopsis: TBA

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: TBA

Reviews & Commentary: TBA

Robots in Disguise #6: Syndromica (1)

Synopsis: TBA

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: TBA

Reviews & Commentary: TBA

Robots in Disguise #7: Interference Patterns

Synopsis: TBA

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: TBA

Reviews & Commentary: TBA

Robots in Disguise #8: Dinobot Hunt

Synopsis: TBA

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: TBA

Reviews & Commentary: TBA

Robots in Disguise #9

Synopsis: TBA

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: TBA

Reviews & Commentary: TBA

Robots in Disguise 2012 Annual: Primus: All Good Things

Synopsis: TBA

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: TBA

Reviews & Commentary: TBA

Robots in Disguise #10: Syndromica (2)

Synopsis: TBA

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: TBA

Reviews & Commentary: TBA

 

| Transformers: Chaos | IDW Comics Guide | More than Meets the Eye |Spotlights V5 | Robots in Disguise #11-20 |

 
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