This review was delayed for a very important reason for what I am reviewing was not released until Saturday May 3rd 2014. I bring you something not made of plastic, vinyl or metal, but of paper and ink. On Free Comic Book Day a start of a new comic series began with IDW's Transformers vs GI Joe Issue #0.
There is no articulation with this comic book, no alt mode as well comes already bound in its own package, but what would you expect from a comic book? Within the 26 pages you have the start to a new story arc that brings together two of my childhood memories. Sure there have been crossovers before, but here I feel we may be in for a new treat.
Issue #0 was written by Tom Scioli and John Barber, with Tom receiving the credit for the artwork and cover. I would like to thank a co-worker of mine for scoring me this copy, as I was unable to attend FCBD this year. The cover screams classic Joe and Transformers from my days as a child. It appears they ripped the art directly from that time. On the cover you have Starscream and BumbleBee fighting it out, with Scarlet, Roadblock, Stalker and Snake Eyes battling an out of control weed.
Turning to the first page you see Starscream chasing down BumbleBee in space. Starscream's alt mode resembles the Nemesis. BumbleBee is piloting a mini (if anything in the Transformers Universe can be considered small in scale) of the Autobot Arc.
This appears to be an origin story, as soon as you meet the Joes, they are flying into a battle to stop a Cobra plot. Keeping in with an origin story idea, you get to meet Snake Eyes. He speaks, removes his mask and plays a large part in the story.
I could spend a paragraph explaining the story and art work on each page, but I will allow you to read the panels, as I have included them with my review. The look of the classic art work even continues to the feel of the comic. The pages are printed on the new glossy paper, but they went out of their way to make the white boarders look like the old newsprint, a look that I wish for them to continue with the series.
One great little addition to this issue is an interview with Tom Sciolo and John Barber explaining the process in creating not only this book but giving glimpses into the upcoming series. A page by page break down of the creative process, a very unique read if you are interested into how the writers, producers and artists choose what, where and when things go into making each page. I for one was amazed at the amount of discussion and planning goes into choosing which page a certain scene or panel should be placed.
Issue #1 is expected to be released in July 2014 and for a non comic book collector such as myself, this is a series I am looking forward to follow. I feel this will be a fresh retelling of an old and familiar story. So please enjoy Transformers vs GI Joe Issue #0.
TheRealRonin
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