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Transformers IDW #30
The Transformers: Autocracy
Before Optimus became a Prime ...he fought for order. Before Megatron became a conqueror ...he fought for freedom. Before they were enemies ...they stood against - Autocracy.
120 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2012
18 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 12, 2017
SXSW 2014. South by Southwest is an interactive, music and film festival in Austin, Texas and since Comixology has a major presence there this weekend, it gave some free books accessible to its subscribers as it launched some major initiatives. This is one of those books.
Looks like this was wish granted unexpectedly. After reading the first chapter of this digital premiering series on Madefire where I gave it high marks, part of me was wishing I could have read the entire story. I almost bought this during a Comixology sale, opting for another Transformers collection but I didn't have to wait long though because Comixology made this collection part of its SXSW 2014 freebies.
Transformers: Autocracy was written to be the back-story to what has been a superlative run and handling of the franchise in comic book form by IDW. It's pre-war Cybertron where the Autobots, led by pre-Optimus Prime Orion Pax were the police force keeping the peace from the terrorist Decepticons who were of course led by the surprisingly charismatic Megatron.
I really liked how the writing team set the story up. The Decepticons here were actually a lot more sympathetic because they were standing up against a corrupt senate and ruthless tyrant in Zeta Prime. The Autobots were the "fuzz" or "pigs" or worse, seen as complicit in Zeta Prime's tyranny.
The entire 12 chapter story brought redemption to the Autobots or more specifically, Orion Pax as he began to move from sitting on the fence to a more proactive role in bringing justice and freedom back to Cybertron.
This was a great story, more so because it allowed Flint Dille to bring to full circle his involvement in Transformers. Dille is an animation veteran and was one of the writers and producers on the original Transformers cartoon and the 1986 animated movie. This story allowed him to redeem Hot Rod. I rather not reveal spoilers but the last chapter features a panel by panel rendition of a key scene in the animated movie that featured Optimus Prime, Megatron and Hot Rod. Does history repeat itself? If you're a Transformer fan worth his salt you would get this collection and read it and find out for yourself.
Looks like this was wish granted unexpectedly. After reading the first chapter of this digital premiering series on Madefire where I gave it high marks, part of me was wishing I could have read the entire story. I almost bought this during a Comixology sale, opting for another Transformers collection but I didn't have to wait long though because Comixology made this collection part of its SXSW 2014 freebies.
Transformers: Autocracy was written to be the back-story to what has been a superlative run and handling of the franchise in comic book form by IDW. It's pre-war Cybertron where the Autobots, led by pre-Optimus Prime Orion Pax were the police force keeping the peace from the terrorist Decepticons who were of course led by the surprisingly charismatic Megatron.
I really liked how the writing team set the story up. The Decepticons here were actually a lot more sympathetic because they were standing up against a corrupt senate and ruthless tyrant in Zeta Prime. The Autobots were the "fuzz" or "pigs" or worse, seen as complicit in Zeta Prime's tyranny.
The entire 12 chapter story brought redemption to the Autobots or more specifically, Orion Pax as he began to move from sitting on the fence to a more proactive role in bringing justice and freedom back to Cybertron.
This was a great story, more so because it allowed Flint Dille to bring to full circle his involvement in Transformers. Dille is an animation veteran and was one of the writers and producers on the original Transformers cartoon and the 1986 animated movie. This story allowed him to redeem Hot Rod. I rather not reveal spoilers but the last chapter features a panel by panel rendition of a key scene in the animated movie that featured Optimus Prime, Megatron and Hot Rod. Does history repeat itself? If you're a Transformer fan worth his salt you would get this collection and read it and find out for yourself.
February 21, 2017
The tale of the fall of Orion Pax and his raise as Optimus Prime is just the darkest and greatest Transformers story ever. A must read for all fans of the robots in disguise.
You need not having read other Idw comics to enjoy this one, but this volume is a great sequel to the "Chaos Theory "one and together with "Megatron: origins" is really the Watchmen of the Transformers saga. Highly recommended.
More than meets the eye.
January 24, 2022
the only reason this didn’t get five stars is bc of the art style. i’m so sorry ramondelli, it just doesn’t gel with me
January 20, 2024
Autocracy shows us the beginnings of the Cybertron Civil War, after Megatron's rise to power and Orion Pax's rise of infamy.
The ruling Auotobots are shown as fearful and desperate in this telling of the Transformers story. falling back on Zeta Prime, a mad man willing to sacrifice as many citizens as possible to stop Megatron. Prehaps being worse than Megatron in this regard, leading the Decepticons and Autobots to team up to stop him, only for the Decepticons to turn on the Autobots once Megatron had executed Zeta Prime.
And for the first time in this version of the Transformers, the Autobots are now the freedom fighters, fighting against the tyranny of Megatron. Who now falls to the same ideals of controlling society to win that Zeta Prime had.
Autocracy also includes this continuities version of how Orion Pax became Optimus Prime, again like Megatron Origins, probably the best version of Optimus' backstory.
The ruling Auotobots are shown as fearful and desperate in this telling of the Transformers story. falling back on Zeta Prime, a mad man willing to sacrifice as many citizens as possible to stop Megatron. Prehaps being worse than Megatron in this regard, leading the Decepticons and Autobots to team up to stop him, only for the Decepticons to turn on the Autobots once Megatron had executed Zeta Prime.
And for the first time in this version of the Transformers, the Autobots are now the freedom fighters, fighting against the tyranny of Megatron. Who now falls to the same ideals of controlling society to win that Zeta Prime had.
Autocracy also includes this continuities version of how Orion Pax became Optimus Prime, again like Megatron Origins, probably the best version of Optimus' backstory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2025
Helps solidify the background world of the transformers and what led to the ideological split between Optimus Prime and Megatron. It feels deep for a story about transforming robots, which I enjoyed.
The art style is very modern- like a computer rendering style. It works well with the characters, the world and the characters really shine in that style. A good read!
The art style is very modern- like a computer rendering style. It works well with the characters, the world and the characters really shine in that style. A good read!
July 19, 2012
Originally Reviewed At:Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Me
Transformers: Autocracy is the origin story of Orion Pax, or as he is better known, Optimus Prime. In the first six issues which were available on NetGalley for review, we learn of Prime’s history as a leader of a counter-terror strike team who were tasked with several mission in order to thwart dissident Decpticons. With each mission, Orion Pax discovers new information on the true agenda of the Autobot leader, Zeta Prime and the Autocracy. In the end, it is Orion Pax who has to decide which faction, Autocracy or Dissident, is truly worth fighting for.
I really enjoyed Transformers: Autocracy. For anyone who follows the Transformers lore, you already know it a vast universe that spans decades through cartoons, movies, video games, and action figures. One of the most fascinating parts of the universe is learning about Cybertron, the wars the Transformers had to endure, and of course how our characters became the totally awesome robots in disguise they are today. Who was Optimus before he was a Prime? Were he and Megatron once Allies fighting for the same cause? All this and more will be revealed in Autocracy. And yes my friends, it’s a turbulent adventure no true Transformers fan will want to miss!
Some of our favorite Transformers make an appearance throughout the story, Ironhide, Bumblebee, Soundwave, Prowl, Ratbat, Starscream are just few. I was definitely feeling nostalgic from seeing their faces inked onto the pages and hearing Ironhide’s sarcastic comments. From time to time I could feel myself screaming, “I had that action figure. Oh and that one too!” Transformers: Autocracy is very reminiscent of the original Transformers from 80’s, from the tone in their voices to the intricately way they were drawn. I loved, loved, LOVED every minute of it!
Overall, if you are a fan of the esteemed series then Transformers: Autocracy is definitely for you. Generations old and young will love the action, destruction, and mayhem in this comic. For those of you who missed the Transformers boat don’t worry. Autocracy is easy to follow and gives you just enough information so don’t feel overwhelmed by the limitless universe.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Me
Transformers: Autocracy is the origin story of Orion Pax, or as he is better known, Optimus Prime. In the first six issues which were available on NetGalley for review, we learn of Prime’s history as a leader of a counter-terror strike team who were tasked with several mission in order to thwart dissident Decpticons. With each mission, Orion Pax discovers new information on the true agenda of the Autobot leader, Zeta Prime and the Autocracy. In the end, it is Orion Pax who has to decide which faction, Autocracy or Dissident, is truly worth fighting for.
I really enjoyed Transformers: Autocracy. For anyone who follows the Transformers lore, you already know it a vast universe that spans decades through cartoons, movies, video games, and action figures. One of the most fascinating parts of the universe is learning about Cybertron, the wars the Transformers had to endure, and of course how our characters became the totally awesome robots in disguise they are today. Who was Optimus before he was a Prime? Were he and Megatron once Allies fighting for the same cause? All this and more will be revealed in Autocracy. And yes my friends, it’s a turbulent adventure no true Transformers fan will want to miss!
Some of our favorite Transformers make an appearance throughout the story, Ironhide, Bumblebee, Soundwave, Prowl, Ratbat, Starscream are just few. I was definitely feeling nostalgic from seeing their faces inked onto the pages and hearing Ironhide’s sarcastic comments. From time to time I could feel myself screaming, “I had that action figure. Oh and that one too!” Transformers: Autocracy is very reminiscent of the original Transformers from 80’s, from the tone in their voices to the intricately way they were drawn. I loved, loved, LOVED every minute of it!
Overall, if you are a fan of the esteemed series then Transformers: Autocracy is definitely for you. Generations old and young will love the action, destruction, and mayhem in this comic. For those of you who missed the Transformers boat don’t worry. Autocracy is easy to follow and gives you just enough information so don’t feel overwhelmed by the limitless universe.
September 1, 2012
Not bad, but I don't think I was the right audience for it. I grew up with the cartoons, but haven't really been exposed to any of the various different Transformers comic book series past or present. So early on I felt like I was missing some importnat details I should have learned before heading into this story. And then they copied almost word for word a memorable scene from the animated movie into the climax of the book. They used the exact same characters, in the exact same scenario. You may use a scene to set up that the universe runs in a cycle, and that there will always be a hero that will rise to fight chaos. But is it really that chaotic when it is going to be played out word for word and action for action the next time these characters all end up in the same place togehter?
January 13, 2017
Fantastic!
This comic blew me away. It was one of the best I've ever read. The artwork was absolutely amazing. Each panel looked like a finely detailed painting, and the way the eyes glowed, it just really brought all the bots to life. It looked especially good on my kindle fire HD 10, too.
And of course, the story... SO AWESOME. It was great! Lots of good callbacks for G1 fans, with all the characters here done right. I felt like I was watching a movie. This team really knows how to show Transformers at its best. I can't wait to read more!
This comic blew me away. It was one of the best I've ever read. The artwork was absolutely amazing. Each panel looked like a finely detailed painting, and the way the eyes glowed, it just really brought all the bots to life. It looked especially good on my kindle fire HD 10, too.
And of course, the story... SO AWESOME. It was great! Lots of good callbacks for G1 fans, with all the characters here done right. I felt like I was watching a movie. This team really knows how to show Transformers at its best. I can't wait to read more!
December 4, 2012
It was a decent enough look into Cybertron's past. Livio's art was gorgeous as always but what I felt let it down terribly was the constant references to and blatant rehashing of lines from the 86 movie. I'm all for fan nods but it got unbeatable to the point I wanted to be done with the book so I could stop reading them. A real shame. Here's hoping the follow up is better.
January 15, 2018
4,5. Maybe the dialogues are not as perfect as in Chaos Theory, but the story and the art are incredible. Livio Ramondelli is a miracle worker: he created a perfect mix of gritty and shiny, and colorful to show this world tumbling into an apocalypse. I would gladly put almost every panel of this volume on my walls. Wonderful.
December 23, 2024
Autos que se transforman, que hacen política y que se pegan tiros entre ellos. Lo disfruté. Optimus y Megatron ambos revolucionarios que buscan cambiar a su planeta pero haciéndolo de diferentes maneras. Megatron me gusta mucho, es malo muy malo pero no taaan malo-malo, es un malo querible. Me encanta que a él no le interese por nada del mundo que la matriz del liderazgo elija al próximo prime. Él odia la monarquía corrupta de los primes, por eso propone una tiranía para cybertron!!!
Y por otro lado está Orion Pax, que es un héroe y un líder con todas las letras. No le es difícil ponerse la causa de los autobots en los hombros, le podrá pesar pero nunca se va a quejar. Reconoce los errores de los primes y está decidido en que todo tiene que cambiar por el bien de todos en su planeta. Me gustó que toda la confianza que tenía por Zeta Prime se esfumara desde el momento en que se le reveló la verdad acerca de este, y tampoco dudó ni siquiera un instante en que él tenía que ser derrocado de cualquier forma. Te amo, orion paaaax<3
Y por otro lado está Orion Pax, que es un héroe y un líder con todas las letras. No le es difícil ponerse la causa de los autobots en los hombros, le podrá pesar pero nunca se va a quejar. Reconoce los errores de los primes y está decidido en que todo tiene que cambiar por el bien de todos en su planeta. Me gustó que toda la confianza que tenía por Zeta Prime se esfumara desde el momento en que se le reveló la verdad acerca de este, y tampoco dudó ni siquiera un instante en que él tenía que ser derrocado de cualquier forma. Te amo, orion paaaax<3
March 10, 2022
This story takes place after the era of Sentinel Prime, when Zeta Prime is in control and using his political influence to enact an endgame of genocide on Cybertron. Kind of a “paint-by-numbers”, tropey storyline that illustrates the final moments of Orion Pax.
The artwork, in particular the storyboarding, is this collection’s biggest downfall. Some pages are nearly indecipherable splotches of colours with speech bubbles floating everywhere. Some panels are close-ups of random robot body parts with speech bubbles coming from hands or guns, as if we are supposed to know whose zoomed-in optic sensors belong to whom. The character artwork is so off-model for everyone except Bumblebee that it becomes a task to figure out who is saying what to whom. Very confusing.
An interesting part of the timeline, but poorly executed storytelling.
2.5/5
The artwork, in particular the storyboarding, is this collection’s biggest downfall. Some pages are nearly indecipherable splotches of colours with speech bubbles floating everywhere. Some panels are close-ups of random robot body parts with speech bubbles coming from hands or guns, as if we are supposed to know whose zoomed-in optic sensors belong to whom. The character artwork is so off-model for everyone except Bumblebee that it becomes a task to figure out who is saying what to whom. Very confusing.
An interesting part of the timeline, but poorly executed storytelling.
2.5/5
April 3, 2018
just got recommended this book by goodreads cuz of how many other idw tf books ive shelved. this book SUCKS i read it like two years ago because i loved rodimus enough to suffer a lot for like two panels of backstory and was so deep in the 'wondering about the pre-war primes and about the matrix' hole that i was willing to read the rest of autocracy. dont read this unless youre really prepared for your eyes and brain to go on a journey and for that journey to be deeply unpleasant. the writing is incoherent at best and astoundingly bad at worst.
October 10, 2018
Dark, violent origin story...actually works quite well and sets up the motivations behind two of the most iconic characters in pop culture. And with a tidy reference to the '86 movie, I must say "Yes".
October 6, 2021
It's amazing how much (and how deep) story could be weaved around what used to be Hasbro toys commercials :)
Used to love TF when I was kid, so really happy to see they have not only evolved but even transformed (pun indented)
Used to love TF when I was kid, so really happy to see they have not only evolved but even transformed (pun indented)
December 17, 2019
The politics of this series continue to not surprise.
December 9, 2020
Great story
Great story about the rise of Optimus prime, the beginning of the faction war and pre war cybertron. Recommend for any transformers lovers
Great story about the rise of Optimus prime, the beginning of the faction war and pre war cybertron. Recommend for any transformers lovers
February 22, 2017
An interesting prequel giving the origin of Optimus Prime and the war with the Megatron and the Decepticons.
September 24, 2012
I've been a Transformers fan since I was a kid. I will never count myself among the cynics who dismiss the franchise as a mere toy commercial.
This story gives us an interesting take on the history of Cybertron, and turns every assumption about the Autobots and the Decepticons on their ears. Writer Chris Metzen is joined by Flint Dille, who wrote for the original Transformers animated series. It's very clear here that they believe they are writing something far better than a toy commercial. (In Dille's case, he has always believed this.)
Though the tale is set in current IDW Transformers continuity, the reader need not worry about having to know too much about it. If you've read older Transformers comics or watched the animated series, you'll know enough about the characters to just jump right in.
Speaking of the characters, this book made great use, not only of the "big name" characters like Optimus and Megatron, but even some unexpected third tier characters like Sky Lynx that I really didn't expect to see. And talk about seeing them! Liuio Ramondelli's artwork here is absolutely stunning! The Transformers have never looked more amazing than they do here.
Autocracy is the Transformers at their darkest, and their brightest.
This story gives us an interesting take on the history of Cybertron, and turns every assumption about the Autobots and the Decepticons on their ears. Writer Chris Metzen is joined by Flint Dille, who wrote for the original Transformers animated series. It's very clear here that they believe they are writing something far better than a toy commercial. (In Dille's case, he has always believed this.)
Though the tale is set in current IDW Transformers continuity, the reader need not worry about having to know too much about it. If you've read older Transformers comics or watched the animated series, you'll know enough about the characters to just jump right in.
Speaking of the characters, this book made great use, not only of the "big name" characters like Optimus and Megatron, but even some unexpected third tier characters like Sky Lynx that I really didn't expect to see. And talk about seeing them! Liuio Ramondelli's artwork here is absolutely stunning! The Transformers have never looked more amazing than they do here.
Autocracy is the Transformers at their darkest, and their brightest.
March 20, 2016
Transformers Autocracy is set during the period of Cybertronian history that covers the beginning of the war between the Autobots and the Decepticons and the rise of Megatron and Optimus Prime! :D
We get to see the rise of the Decepticons and the changing socio-political structure amongst the Autobots and their corrupt Senate! At the same time we are shown the deeper past of his universe with the inclusion of references to the Knights of Cybertron! As well as an appearance by Metroplex! :D
Many of the G1 characters are seen throughout Autocracy showing is that many of them have been around for a long time before the war had she kicked off and many of the 'old timers' were already 'old timers' at this period! :D We get to see how Megatron went about rising to power and we will to get to see how Orion Pax then an officer in the Autobot army rose to lead them in the war against the Decepticons! :D All the characters portrayed in Autocracy are shown in three-dimensional way through the script! :D
The artwork is brilliant and shows the action and the conflict over the choices they have to make brilliantly and this works excellently with the script showing us a different Cybertron than has been portrayed in previous books! :D
We get to see the rise of the Decepticons and the changing socio-political structure amongst the Autobots and their corrupt Senate! At the same time we are shown the deeper past of his universe with the inclusion of references to the Knights of Cybertron! As well as an appearance by Metroplex! :D
Many of the G1 characters are seen throughout Autocracy showing is that many of them have been around for a long time before the war had she kicked off and many of the 'old timers' were already 'old timers' at this period! :D We get to see how Megatron went about rising to power and we will to get to see how Orion Pax then an officer in the Autobot army rose to lead them in the war against the Decepticons! :D All the characters portrayed in Autocracy are shown in three-dimensional way through the script! :D
The artwork is brilliant and shows the action and the conflict over the choices they have to make brilliantly and this works excellently with the script showing us a different Cybertron than has been portrayed in previous books! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2015
A dark take on the origins of the Autobot-Decepticon war, echoing aspects of the War for Cybertron and Fall of Cybertron video games. I'm increasingly cold towards "darker and edgier" reinterpretations of older fictions, but this was still an interesting read. (I just wish they'd gone a bit easier on the references to the animated movie towards the end...)
July 21, 2013
I wasn't crazy about the art, but the story was terrific! A really good look at the early days of Cybertron, before Optimus became Prime. Very well written - links up well with established IDW continuity while giving us a new look at these familiar characters.
August 18, 2015
Fans of the War For Cybertron video games are sure to love this story of how Orion Pax became Optimus Prime. Transformers Autocracy is an interesting new take on the early Transformers mythos that I would recommend to any Generation One Transformers fan. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 4, 2012
Another great Transformers story! IDW has been churning out the best Transformers stories since they picked up the franchise. I loved this one, a great origin story for Optimus Prime.
October 28, 2012
I really enjoyed this. It's a neat take on the origins of Prime. It bears a lot of similarities to the games High Moon Studios have made. Still the art is gorgeous in my opinion.
October 13, 2014
An interesting tale, pleasingly 'untypical' art for a Transformers comic, but the story doesn't flow at all in the collection, compared to the individual digital issues.
October 16, 2013
Gorgeous artwork combined with an inspired Optimus Prime origin story. Fantastic.
November 18, 2014
And then you had to reference Transformers the Movie and sully an otherwise fun story. Blah
February 1, 2016
Interesting Art although not the greatest story. But definitely rather epic in sacle, especially in the second half of the series.
May 24, 2016
This is one of the best Transformers stories ever - 5 stars rating. The tragic past of Cybetron is here and told in the most epic way possible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews