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Review: Transformers: Best of Arcee

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Transformers: Best of Arcee

When it comes to 80s cartoons, I can’t say that there were really any strong female protagonists. The exception being She-Ra, and even that franchise was marred with problematic representations. Then there were overtly sexualized female characters like Smurfette in The Smurfs.

As it was very rare to find any real character development in any of those characters mentioned. It was not until the Transformers movie, where we even saw character like Arcee, who can stand on her own. She not only was a fierce warrior but had a prolific story that carried on in comics. In Transformers: Best of Arcee we get to know more about this Transformers’ iconoclast.

In “An Uneventful Night”, Arcee gets in a friendly fight with her brothers , one in which she learns a n important lesson and saves Earth from a falling spaceship. In ”No Fair Fight”, Arcee delivers the a decisive blow in defeating Galvatron.  In “The Life Of Sideswipe”, Arcee and the rest of the Transformers find out an old ally has outlived his usefulness, giving him an honorable death.  In “Unforgivable”, Arcee flirts with a long time rival, showing her true intentions at the very end.  In “Aspects Of Evil Part 2”, Hot Rod and Arcee fight off an ambush from Galvatron as he attempts to steal the Matrix. In the last story ”Run”, we find out how Arcee and her brothers left Cybertron for Earth

Overall, Transformers: Best of Arcee is a fun set of stories which gives this character her proper spotlight. The stories by the creators are exceptional. The art by the creative teams are magnificent. Altogether, it’s a set of stories that will have fans wishing there was more.

Story: Mairghread Scott, John Barber, Simon Furman, Brian Ruckley
Art: Sara Pitre-Durocher, Andrew Lee Griffith, Kei Zama, Art Wetherell, Umi Miyao, Beth McGuire-Smith
Color: Yamaishi, Josh Burcham, John-Paul Bove, Josh Burcham
Letterer: Tom B. Long, Glib, Jake M. Wood
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Preview: Transformers: Best of the Beasts

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Transformers: Best of the Beasts

(W) Simon Furman, Mairghread Scott, Erik Burnham, Nick Roche (A) Don Figueroa, Corin Howell, Sara Pitre-Durocher, Josh Burcham, Nick Roche (CA) James Biggie
In Shops: Jul 13, 2022
SRP: $6.99

Maximize or terrorize? Either way, things are going to get epic in this collection of the best of the Maximals, Predacons, and characters from the world of Beast Wars! Featuring classic characters like Optimus Primal, Megatron, Cheetor, Blackarachnia, Airazor, Tigatron, and Dinobot in clashes for the ages! Collects Transformers: Windblade (Vol. 2) #6, Transformers: Beast Wars #9, Beast Wars: The Gathering #4, and more exciting stories, including some rarely and never-before reprinted hits!

Transformers: Best of the Beasts

Preview: Transformers ’84: Legends & Rumors

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Transformers ’84: Legends & Rumors

(W) Bill Mantlo, Ralph Macchio, Steve Parkhouse, Simon Furman (A) Kim DeMulder, Frank Springer, John Ridgeway, Mike Collins (A/CA) Guido Guidi
In Shops: Apr 07, 2021
SRP: $7.99

Some events in history are so incredible, that they’ve gone down in legend-epic tales of epic heroes and villains. Others remain shrouded in mystery, only surfacing as snippets of the real story. Transformers ’84: Legends & Rumors is the perfect companion book to the Secrets & Lies mini-series. Representing the classic stories that inspired the series: “The Transformers” (Transformers #1), “Man of Iron” (Transformers UK #9-12), and the Transformers ’84 #0 one-shot!

Transformers '84: Legends & Rumors

Review: Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies

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Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies

As a child of the 80s, one of the major changes to Saturday morning cartoons was the introduction of mecha anime. The term wasn’t used then, we just saw it as cartoons with robots. We had a plethora to choose from, giving us different protagonists to root for. An example was Voltron.

One which actually was pretty great despite its comparisons to other cartoons was GoBots. The gold standard and the one which has spawned a massive franchise was The  Transformers. The series at its core is a story about refugees starting a new life. In the powerhouse miniseries, Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies, we’re transported back to that time and witness a battle for the Decepticons.

We catch up with our narrator, Shockwave, as he regales us with a tale about a time when Cybertron was still in existence. As we find Optimus and Megatron on the same side, but with differing opinions on how to guide Cybertron in its future, leading to the eventual civil war. This pushes Megatron to make hasty moves to steal power, send an unsanctioned group of Decepticons to look for the Ark on Earth in 1017. We also find the Autobots, on a mission of their own, the Ark, not knowing if they will ever be able to make it back, is also sent to Earth but to disrupt Megatron’s plans and with a double agent, Punch in their midst, every move is vital. As we soon find out Shockwave, is part of a group that keeps Cybertron alive, Project Dreadknought, turning the planet in a “war world”, something Megatron looks to use to eviscerate all life on Earth. Meanwhile, Shockwave and Skyfire, along with the Dinobots, have their own plan, which is spoiled by the Decepticons, who are killed. As we find out that this was part of Shockwave’s plan, leading Straxus to become an Ilege, in an effort to gain control for him and get Megatron out of the picture. What he didn’t count on, was a betrayal, and him taking a knee to Megatron. By the story’s end, the Autobots defeat the Decepticons but not without sacrifices, ones that would cost them dearly.

Overall, Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies is a fun story that gives the reader some insight into why the Dinobots were buried for so long. The story by Simon Furman is layered and exciting. The art by the creative team gives the reader, the feel of those 1980s comics. Altogether, a story that gives us a ton of character insight and is well worth a trip down memory lane

Story: Simon Furman Art: Guido Guidi, John Paul Bove, Jake M Wood and Tom B Long
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW – Bookshop

Preview: Transformers ’84: Legends & Rumors

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Transformers ’84: Legends & Rumors

(W) Bill Mantlo, Ralph Macchio, Steve Parkhouse, Simon Furman (A) Kim DeMulder, Frank Springer, John Ridgeway, Mike Collins (A/CA) Guido Guidi
In Shops: Apr 07, 2021
SRP: $7.99

Some events in history are so incredible, that they’ve gone down in legend-epic tales of epic heroes and villains. Others remain shrouded in mystery, only surfacing as snippets of the real story. Transformers ’84: Legends & Rumors is the perfect companion book to the Secrets & Lies mini-series. Representing the classic stories that inspired the series: “The Transformers” (Transformers #1), “Man of Iron” (Transformers UK #9-12), and the Transformers ’84 #0 one-shot!

Transformers '84: Legends & Rumors

Preview: Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies

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Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies

(W) Simon Furman (A/CA) Guido Guidi
In Shops: Mar 03, 2021
SRP: $17.99

An all-new miniseries in the original Transformers comic universe! What shocking revelations will forever change what we thought we knew of the beloved ’80s series?

As the Cybertronian Civil War rages between Optimus Prime’s Autobots and Megatron’s Decepticons, Shockwave has encountered a new obstacle to the Decepticons’ victory and subjugation of the planet: Megatron himself! As Optimus and his recruits take off to stop an even deadlier threat-an asteroid belt powerful enough to destroy the metal world-Megatron leads a team of Decepticons after in hot pursuit! But what other motivations does Prime have for this mission? How does it benefit Shockwave’s goals? And what does it all have to do with a secret on Earth in the eleventh century?

Collects the four-issue Transformers ’84: Secret and Lies series, plus the Transformers ’84 #0 one-shot.

Transformers '84: Secrets & Lies

ComiXology Has 8 New Digital Comics Including Final Fantasy, Death’s Head, New Universe, and more!

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There are eight new digital comics on comiXology today. You can get new comics from Marvel, Yen Press, and Harlequin right now. Check them all out now or the individual issues below.

Death’s Head 3.0: Unnatural Selection

Written by Simon Furman
Art by Shannon Gallant, James Raiz
Cover by Lucio Parrillo
Purchase

Collects Amazing Fantasy (2004) #16-20.

It’s one hundred years in the future and the now-benevolent organization known as A.I.M. has been fighting a non-violent conflict with the fascist government it wishes to change. But there’s a splinter group that’s ready to return to its violent roots with Death’s Head 3.0. Problem is, the killer robot isn’t sure what side it wants to be on.

Death's Head 3.0: Unnatural Selection

Final Fantasy Lost Stranger #31

Written by Hazuki Minase
Art by Itsuki Kameya
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As the struggle against Byblos rages on, Alus enters the fray! With a new form and powerful abilities, he’s determined to break through the barriers that have been holding him back… Read the next chapter of Final Fantasy Lost Stranger at the same time as Japan!

Final Fantasy Lost Stranger #31

The Man You’ll Marry

Written by Debbie Macomber
Art by Kaoru Shinozaki
Purchase

Vacation in Hawaii! Jill looks out the window of her luxurious hotel and her eyes meet the man in the room facing hers. He’s the workaholic she sat next to during her flight! Then Jill receives a package containing a wedding dress from her friend. There’s a legend that states whoever receives this dress will marry the next man she meets. As long as it’s not the neighbor across from her!

The Man You'll Marry

Marvel Two-In-One Masterworks Vol. 1

Written by Chris Claremont, Mike Friedrich, Steve Gerber, Len Wein
Art by Bob Brown, Sal Buscema, Gil Kane, Jim Starlin, Herb Trimpe, George Tuska
Cover by Jim Starlin
Purchase

Collects Marvel Feature (1971) #11-12 and Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #1-10.

Yes, the ever lovin’, blue-eyed Thing’s own series collected is between hard covers at last! Begun as a MARVEL FEATURE tryout, Ben Grimm’s headlining effort kicked off with Hulk and Iron Man battles (not to mention Thanos and the Blood Brothers), and then shifted into high gear with monster vs. monster – yup, it’s Thing vs. Man-Thing! Rounding out the first ten issues are the revival of the Guardians of the Galaxy; revelations in the life of the Valkyrie; and adventures with Daredevil, Sub-Mariner, Ghost Rider, Thor and Black Widow – and before you know it, you’ll be clamoring for more! Ya ain’t a Yancy Streeter, are ya?

Marvel Two-In-One Masterworks Vol. 1

Skin-Deep

Written by Kay Thorpe
Art by Amie Hayasaka
Purchase

Tessa’s summer job is babysitting a young boy. The boy’s father, Mark, is a travel writer who always wants things done his way. Tessa rebels against his forceful ways but soon finds herself attracted to him. Things get heated when Mark’s ex-wife files for custody of their son. Suddenly, Mark needs Tessa to marry him for the sake of his child!

Skin-Deep

The Taming Of Tyler Kincaid Vol. 4: The Barons

Written by Sandra Marton
Art by Eve Takigawa
Purchase

Caitlin McCord is riding her horse when she almost crashes into a strange man trespassing on her family’s ranch. She tries to kick him out, but she’s thrown off by his gorgeous eyes and forceful yet friendly nature. The man, Tyler Kincaid, can’t explain to Caitlin his reason for needing to talk to the ranch’s owner. He accepts a job on the ranch, but everything he does is a mystery. Who exactly is Tyler Kincaid and what does he want?

The Taming Of Tyler Kincaid Vol. 4: The Barons

Untold Tales Of The New Universe

Written by Tony Bedard, C.B. Cebulski, Peter David, Tony Lee, Jeff Parker, Fred Van Lente
Art by M.D. Bright, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Leonard Kirk, Arnold Pander, Javier Pulido
Cover by John Romita Jr.
Purchase

Collects Untold Tales Of The New Universe: Nightmask, Star Brand, Psi-Force, Justice And Dp7; And Stories From Amazing Fantasy #18-19 And New Avengers #16.

Five startling stories of the New Universe from the days of the ’80s – featuring NIGHTMASK, STAR BRAND, PSI-FORCE, JUSTICE and DP7! Plus: bonus stories featuring Mark Hazzard, MERC; Kickers Inc.; and Spitfire.

Untold Tales Of The New Universe

X-Men Fairy Tales

Written by C.B. Cebulski
Art by Kyle J Baker, Kei Kobayashi, Bill Sienkiewicz, Sana Takeda
Cover by Sana Takeda
Purchase

Collects X-Men: Fairy Tales #1-4.

In the tradition of the X-Men classic, “Kitty’s Fairy Tale,” comes a series of new legends, reimagining the greatest X-Men stories through folktales, myths and fables from across the globe.

X-Men Fairy Tales

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Preview: Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies #3 (of 4)

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Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies #3 (of 4)

(W) Simon Furman (A/CA) Guido Guidi
In Shops: Sep 02, 2020
SRP: $3.99

With Megatron, Shockwave, and the Decepticon brass gone, the power vacuum on Cybertron leads many Decepticon commanders to stake their claims on the world. And with the Decepticons divided, which Autobots will step up to take command? Meanwhile, on Earth, Grimlock wanders into the strangest battle yet!

Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies #3 (of 4)

Preview: Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies #2 (of 4)

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Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies #2 (of 4)

(W) Simon Furman (A/CA) Guido Guidi
In Shops: Aug 19, 2020
SRP: $3.99

The time has come for the Autobots’ Ark to launch-their goal: to save Cybertron from an imminent asteroid belt and the maniacal mayhem of Megatron. The Decepticon warship, the Nemesis, falls into the Autobot trap, following the heroes into the void. But… when the Ark crashed to Earth, the Nemesis did not. What skeleton crew remained and what was their business on the strange alien world below? A gripping new tale about the secret history of the original Transformers comic universe, by the fantastic team of Simon Furman, Guido Guidi, and John-Paul Bove!

Transformers '84: Secrets & Lies #2 (of 4)
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