Transformers: IDW Collection Phase Two Volume 1 Hardcover – September 16, 2014

It's been a long time since I read a Transformers comic. Mixed reviews for a lot of the IDW collections up to this point never persuaded me to jump in but with the positive reaction to this new start for the title i finally jumped in. I'm glad I did because this book is fantastic.With new writers and 2 new ongoing series the book manages to avoid getting bogged down in previous IDW continuity and not just tell some great stories but really begin to expand the Transformers concept into a considered and plausible (as far as sentient machines based on a toy line go) universe. Both "Robots in Disguise" (written by John Barber) and "More than Meets the Eye (written by James Roberts) take place largely simultaneously and follow what various characters and factions are up to following the end of the Cybertronian war between the Autobots and Decepticons. In the "Robots in DIsguise" issues we see the political maneuverings on Cybertron itself with Autobots and Decepticons and newly arrived neutral Cybertronians all trying to find their place on this new world. The political intrigue here is very well written with a certain Game of Thrones style three dimensionality to the characters where no one is necessarily good or bad and simply trying to do what’s best for them and theirs. This leads to some interesting partnerships and unexpected events that definitely lead to compelling reading.The real standout though is James Robert's "More Than Meets the Eye" which sees a wide cast of both Autobots and Decepticons leave Cybertron behind to pursue their history as a species and getting into a variety of troubles and adventures along the way. It's not hyperbole to say this is probably the finest Transformers book ever written. The pursuit of history through the universe not only lets Roberts expand the lore in interesting ways but the title is consistently funny. And i don't just mean the occasional smile, this stuff is laugh out loud hilarious. Not only does this make the book a blast to read but it shows how much Roberts genuinely cares about what he is writing when realistically one could expect a writer working on a comic based on toys from three decades ago to phone in the work. The artwork by Alex Milne on these issues is also top notch with a degree of detail and comic timing that easily matches Roberts writing.The book itself is oversized, which is always a plus for me and has great page stock.Not just a great Transformers but a great sci-fi adventure I was genuinely surprised by the quality of this book and can't recommend it enough.

I love Transformers and finding hardcover books for less than $50 is pretty hard, especially in really good condition. I got this book for a pretty good price including shipping, and I was not disappointed. the graphics are so bright and the book is in maculate condition. the seller was also really nice and helpful. would totally recommend.

Fantastic Book, The original eight volumes of the IDW were fantastic, and this volume continues the streak. Great art, great stories, and great packaging. My only complaint is that the book is noticeably thinner than previous volumes. The first collection averaged about 15 issues where this one contains 12. Even that said I want volume 2 now lol!!

This is a great collection of the new Roberts/Barber era. It reads well except for the parts that are set on Cybertron. There are clearly two separate story threads in this collection and as nice as the quality of the hardcover is, you can't help but feel that this hardcover would be better served by just focusing on the space-faring adventures part of the story.

The best jumping-on point for the current direction of the IDW Transformers universe (starting from "the 'death' of Optimus Prime"). IDW does a soft reboot that takes the stories in a bold, new direction that is much more cohesive, smoothing over previous continuity errors, as well as much more engaging. The segments from "More Than Meets the Eye" are probably the best batch of the bunch in this volume, with compelling stories, witty dialogue, and intriguing world-building of the history and culture of the Transformers.

A very good book for read comics

Here's the first collected volume of a really long-form story involving transforming alien robots.This entire series seems to be meant to be read in collected editions just because of the expansive story, which carries on way beyond this first volume. There are subplots that are carried through to resolution along the way. There are core characters; some come and go (guest appearances); some are around for a subplot arc; but no appearances are really wasted; almost all of them have some element, even if it's minor, to add to the story. That said, there are some background characters who are favorites who don't make their way to the foreground for long, if at all, but Transformers has a lot of characters. When I really think about it the long-form story makes sense for a species of alien robots who are nearly immortal.It has some really great Transformer art. The story involves mostly Generation One (the original) designs and characters, but they did not look this good for the original cartoon, the toys, or the original comic.The price is a bit up there, but the hardcover and the sturdy binding, in theory, serve to help this book last. It's page count is reasonably impressive, too.This is a quality product for a Transformers fan, and for anyone else who has an interest in cool robot art with a good story.

I own every single one of the IDW Transformers hardcovers. IDW is doing a great job keeping the torch going. As a G1 TF fan I just can't get enough of these! Print quality is amazing as well.