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Transformers: Regeneration One #1
The Transformers: Regeneration One Vol. 1
The Transformers comic that began it all is back -- with a vengeance! 21 years have passed since Cybertron was restored to its former glory, and finally there is peace. But, after millions of years of bitter civil war, can all ever truly be one?
132 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2013
87 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Simon Furman
943 books56 followersSimon Christopher Francis Furman is a British comic book writer who is best known for his work on Hasbro/Tomy's Transformers franchise, starting with writing Marvel's initial comic book to promote the toyline worldwide, as well as foundations for both Dreamwave Production's and IDW Publishing's takes on the Generation 1 minifranchise.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 17, 2017
Sooo many different versions and series out there, it's sometimes hard to remember what happened to whom and when and in which of the said series. And that's not even considering the varied timelines.
Still, Regeneration One stuck out to me because this Simon Furman penned and Andrew Wildman drawn volume is the continuation of the TF series I grew up on in the late 80s and early 90s, so as far as I was concerned, we had history. (Gazing off into childhood memories of simpler times..."Mummy, the new Transformers comic is out! Can I please get it? Please?"
"Yes, it will keep you quiet and occupied for a time, especially with multiple readings."
"Thank you?")
Art is therefore consistent with that of the old books I read, which is great. Couldn't take to Spike decked out like a Neo Knight though, flying around with no shirt and weird tight pants. Very 90s but lacks any realistic combat applications I would have thought...
Still, Volume 2 is ordered.
Still, Regeneration One stuck out to me because this Simon Furman penned and Andrew Wildman drawn volume is the continuation of the TF series I grew up on in the late 80s and early 90s, so as far as I was concerned, we had history. (Gazing off into childhood memories of simpler times..."Mummy, the new Transformers comic is out! Can I please get it? Please?"
"Yes, it will keep you quiet and occupied for a time, especially with multiple readings."
"Thank you?")
Art is therefore consistent with that of the old books I read, which is great. Couldn't take to Spike decked out like a Neo Knight though, flying around with no shirt and weird tight pants. Very 90s but lacks any realistic combat applications I would have thought...
Still, Volume 2 is ordered.
February 15, 2016
It's amazing how much more assured Simon Furman's writing is with this volume, and it's very fulfilling to see the promise of his earlier Transformers work brought to fruition. This is great stuff; deeper characterization than before with some amazing plotting.
November 11, 2014
I wanted to give this four stars but it's a little too convoluted for that. There's a great number of subplots and characters to keep straight and it's trying at times. None of it's bad; it's just a case of plot overload. It's even understandable-picking up a story twenty years after the last issue is published is no easy thing. You can definitely see the seeds being planted for a truly enjoyable ongoing series; there's just a few growing pains to be found in these initial issues.
Also, if you're either an Optimus or Megatron fan, this book is worth taking a look at just for their (supposedly) final confrontation. It's pretty great.
Also, if you're either an Optimus or Megatron fan, this book is worth taking a look at just for their (supposedly) final confrontation. It's pretty great.
August 31, 2014
Something you'll occasionally see showing up in the media of comics are artists attempting to conclude their original work. With so many series being cycled between writers, handed from creator to creator or altered thanks to editorial decree, it's hardly surprising these crop up once in a while. Perhaps the reason they show up in comics the most is thanks to the degree of freedom available. After all, you don't need to spend time worrying about budgets as much as with film and television, the characters don't age and you can even evoke memories of a previous era by simply altering the art style.
Previous examples include the sadly short-lived X-Men Forever by Chris Claremont (which unfortunately ended with oh so many loose ends) and even George Lucas' original plans for Star Wars. Given just how often his saga styled plotlines were cut short, it's no real surprise Simon Furman returned with one last hurrah for the original Transformers comics.
Skipping Generation Two entirely, Regeneration One directly follows on from where the original Transformers comics left off, barring a slight time-skip. Set several decades after the Decepticons' apparently final defeat by the Last Autobot and Unicron's destruction, Cybertron is at peace. Under the rule of the Autobots, the world has been rebuilt and life flourishes once again. However, that peace is soon to be cut short. Under Soundwave, groups of disgruntled neo-Decepticons have been forming, ready to begin the Great War anew. Even as the first shots are fired, few realise just where this war will lead to, or what things are slowly awakening once more.
The first thing to be clear is that this is an entity in of itself. Unlike Alignment it doesn't weld together the Beast Wars and original continuities, and it's not beholden to what would follow years down the line. It's a story in of itself, based purely upon the Marvel comics which preceded it and, while not exactly panning out as originally planned, ultimately finishes by completely concluding the cybertronians' stories.
The first thing to truly praise is the decision to emulate the artwork of the late eighties. Much like X-Men Forever, the comic's artistic direction was a throwback to the era it was following on from rather than completely updating everything to IDW's level. This in many respects works in its favour, as it captures the charm of the original series thanks to the return of Andrew Wildman and Stephen Baskerville, but with the quality greatly enhanced. The styles, feel and general methods of an older era are all there, but they lack the limitations of their time. As a result, if you are after a classic looking comic, you'll be in for a real treat here.
The comic also offers plenty of action from the outset. While famed for expanding upon the universe's lore to the point of creating Primus, making Unicron the Chaos Bringer rather than a lab experiment gone wrong, Furman's comics are equally as well remembered for their brilliant battles. The series finds excuses to bring back the likes of Megatron, Galvatron and Shockwave again for one final time, while simultaneously introducing new foes which were originally planned for them to fight at a later date. While not being so overburdened with action that it drowns out any storylines, there's rarely a moment where the series drags. In many respects it's comparable to the pacing and plot/action balance found in the likes of The Thanos Imperative, where someone is always fighting someone but it nevertheless still fits in a fantastic tale.
Speaking of plot-lines, many characters key to the original series make a return here, both those previously living and dead, and each major name plays a core role in the story. While Omega Supreme and Blaster might have both disappeared into the background, they're still given memorable bits none the less and it's enough fan service to pay tribute to the older stories. Furthermore, those which were sadly cut short for time are done justice here as well. Rather infamously, after multiple issues of build-up for a massive final battle with Galvatron, Ultra Magnus was killed off in two panels by generic grunts in Time Wars. With a second chance to look at that story, Furman repeats many elements but allows them to play out as was originally intended.
This is really half the fun of this series, seeing certain story ideas play out properly this time around. However, those with a lack of foreknowledge of previous story arcs or the Transformers comics in general will not feel quite the same connection, and it doesn't do much to open itself up to new readers. This naturally goes without saying, and it was a problem with X-Men Forever, but it's still a definite issue which does hold the series back. Unless you've at least looked through TFwiki for a few hours to acclimatise yourself with the prior series or author's ideas, you may well end up feeling all at sea trying to read this one.
Another issue is that the comic's rapid pacing feels very much like a double edged sword. While the book rarely drags, far too often it can seem like it's racing from one point to the next with only fleeting focus placed upon one element at a time. The series only lasted for twenty-two issues, and in that time it tried to solve, pay tribute to, and revitalise plot threads which had started and ended over years of comics. Almost as soon as one beings, it abruptly ends and the series moves onto the next one. While this definitely allows the series to offer a massive amount of lore and story elements, it can often seem unfocused or over-encumbered by trying to juggle too much.
Regeneration One takes a fair number of issues to really find its footing despite a strong start, but once it does the series remains strong until the end. It's just reading that bit which can be something of a chore, trying to keep up with each development which arises and is then solved every few issues. However, for all these negative points the concluding issues of the series are worth their weight in gold to fans wanting to see the band get back together. With a genuinely surprising twist which works on every level, Furman manages to deliver a grand finale which offers far more closure and action than any prior series. Even then, the final moments of the last issue will stand out to anyone with investment with these characters.
While the heroes win once and for all, victory is bittersweet beyond all belief and knowing that this is the ultimate end to the comics which gave so much to the franchise makes it all the more tearjerking. If you had any investment in the classic characters, the very last moments of this series are worth buying the final issue for on their own.
While the continuity problems and pacing issues might lock out certain readers, Regeneration One manages to be a hit more than it is a miss. If you're familiar with the Generation One comics, definitely give it a look but otherwise you might want to look at a few series more friendly to new readers, particularly Autocracy.
Previous examples include the sadly short-lived X-Men Forever by Chris Claremont (which unfortunately ended with oh so many loose ends) and even George Lucas' original plans for Star Wars. Given just how often his saga styled plotlines were cut short, it's no real surprise Simon Furman returned with one last hurrah for the original Transformers comics.
Skipping Generation Two entirely, Regeneration One directly follows on from where the original Transformers comics left off, barring a slight time-skip. Set several decades after the Decepticons' apparently final defeat by the Last Autobot and Unicron's destruction, Cybertron is at peace. Under the rule of the Autobots, the world has been rebuilt and life flourishes once again. However, that peace is soon to be cut short. Under Soundwave, groups of disgruntled neo-Decepticons have been forming, ready to begin the Great War anew. Even as the first shots are fired, few realise just where this war will lead to, or what things are slowly awakening once more.
The first thing to be clear is that this is an entity in of itself. Unlike Alignment it doesn't weld together the Beast Wars and original continuities, and it's not beholden to what would follow years down the line. It's a story in of itself, based purely upon the Marvel comics which preceded it and, while not exactly panning out as originally planned, ultimately finishes by completely concluding the cybertronians' stories.
The first thing to truly praise is the decision to emulate the artwork of the late eighties. Much like X-Men Forever, the comic's artistic direction was a throwback to the era it was following on from rather than completely updating everything to IDW's level. This in many respects works in its favour, as it captures the charm of the original series thanks to the return of Andrew Wildman and Stephen Baskerville, but with the quality greatly enhanced. The styles, feel and general methods of an older era are all there, but they lack the limitations of their time. As a result, if you are after a classic looking comic, you'll be in for a real treat here.
The comic also offers plenty of action from the outset. While famed for expanding upon the universe's lore to the point of creating Primus, making Unicron the Chaos Bringer rather than a lab experiment gone wrong, Furman's comics are equally as well remembered for their brilliant battles. The series finds excuses to bring back the likes of Megatron, Galvatron and Shockwave again for one final time, while simultaneously introducing new foes which were originally planned for them to fight at a later date. While not being so overburdened with action that it drowns out any storylines, there's rarely a moment where the series drags. In many respects it's comparable to the pacing and plot/action balance found in the likes of The Thanos Imperative, where someone is always fighting someone but it nevertheless still fits in a fantastic tale.
Speaking of plot-lines, many characters key to the original series make a return here, both those previously living and dead, and each major name plays a core role in the story. While Omega Supreme and Blaster might have both disappeared into the background, they're still given memorable bits none the less and it's enough fan service to pay tribute to the older stories. Furthermore, those which were sadly cut short for time are done justice here as well. Rather infamously, after multiple issues of build-up for a massive final battle with Galvatron, Ultra Magnus was killed off in two panels by generic grunts in Time Wars. With a second chance to look at that story, Furman repeats many elements but allows them to play out as was originally intended.
This is really half the fun of this series, seeing certain story ideas play out properly this time around. However, those with a lack of foreknowledge of previous story arcs or the Transformers comics in general will not feel quite the same connection, and it doesn't do much to open itself up to new readers. This naturally goes without saying, and it was a problem with X-Men Forever, but it's still a definite issue which does hold the series back. Unless you've at least looked through TFwiki for a few hours to acclimatise yourself with the prior series or author's ideas, you may well end up feeling all at sea trying to read this one.
Another issue is that the comic's rapid pacing feels very much like a double edged sword. While the book rarely drags, far too often it can seem like it's racing from one point to the next with only fleeting focus placed upon one element at a time. The series only lasted for twenty-two issues, and in that time it tried to solve, pay tribute to, and revitalise plot threads which had started and ended over years of comics. Almost as soon as one beings, it abruptly ends and the series moves onto the next one. While this definitely allows the series to offer a massive amount of lore and story elements, it can often seem unfocused or over-encumbered by trying to juggle too much.
Regeneration One takes a fair number of issues to really find its footing despite a strong start, but once it does the series remains strong until the end. It's just reading that bit which can be something of a chore, trying to keep up with each development which arises and is then solved every few issues. However, for all these negative points the concluding issues of the series are worth their weight in gold to fans wanting to see the band get back together. With a genuinely surprising twist which works on every level, Furman manages to deliver a grand finale which offers far more closure and action than any prior series. Even then, the final moments of the last issue will stand out to anyone with investment with these characters.
While the heroes win once and for all, victory is bittersweet beyond all belief and knowing that this is the ultimate end to the comics which gave so much to the franchise makes it all the more tearjerking. If you had any investment in the classic characters, the very last moments of this series are worth buying the final issue for on their own.
While the continuity problems and pacing issues might lock out certain readers, Regeneration One manages to be a hit more than it is a miss. If you're familiar with the Generation One comics, definitely give it a look but otherwise you might want to look at a few series more friendly to new readers, particularly Autocracy.
January 24, 2022
After over twenty years, Furman was allowed to return to the Marvel Transformers story and give it a more proper conclusion. Not that the old run did not have an ending, but this one promised something more grand. Outside of a few groaners, it delivers. I look forward to the next three volumes.
February 4, 2017
I found this book incredibly enjoyable. Furman picks up where he left the Marvel Comics run of Transformers that ended in 1991. Optimus is back from the dead, and the Transformers have gone back to Cybertron. Optimus seems to have lost his edge and Kup is chomping at the bit for some action. After getting reamed out for foiling a Decepticon resurgence Kup and the Wreckers go awol and travel back to Earth after a 21 year absence. To find it conquered by Megatron. From here all hell breaks loose and it's left to Optimus Prime to prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with.
This story really was superbly done, and I plan on continuing this title.
This story really was superbly done, and I plan on continuing this title.
September 1, 2015
Picking up 20+ years after the end of the Marvel Transformers comic, this spins off a darker storyline centered around the return of Megatron. I have some mild questions over canon (but I'm holding out hope those issues will be explained later), and I'm disappointed that the Generation 2 comic was ignored (beyond some nods), but overall I was solidly entertained by the storyline and its plot twists. Looking forward to more! (B+)
May 7, 2014
This is the continuation of the original Transformers comic published back in the 80s / 90s. A real page turner.
May 1, 2018
Though I've been a Transformers fan since my early childhood, I've only stepped into the vast pool of books very recently. While I've been trying to read the IDW books in order, I've jumped around a bit with the Marvel books thanks mainly to this. Fortunately, I haven't had much trouble keeping things straight, but others might, so it's worth watching out for.
The story isn't too hard to pick up on. It's clear to me that Furman and his team wanted to make this book as much a jumping on point for new readers as a continuation for older readers. I've always thought this is a good philosophy for comic books, and while he wasn't super successful, I'll give him credit for trying nonetheless. That being said, the story is pretty easy to follow and has some great dark moments and high stakes action in the confrontation between the Autobots and the Decepticons.
It's also worth mentioning that the art is very solid. While not exactly the same in appearance as Marvel's older books, it's pleasing to the eye and captures the design of each Transformer pretty well.
The story isn't too hard to pick up on. It's clear to me that Furman and his team wanted to make this book as much a jumping on point for new readers as a continuation for older readers. I've always thought this is a good philosophy for comic books, and while he wasn't super successful, I'll give him credit for trying nonetheless. That being said, the story is pretty easy to follow and has some great dark moments and high stakes action in the confrontation between the Autobots and the Decepticons.
It's also worth mentioning that the art is very solid. While not exactly the same in appearance as Marvel's older books, it's pleasing to the eye and captures the design of each Transformer pretty well.
December 21, 2020
Action packed pointless fights with waxed sentiment for nostalgia: I enjoyed it. Sure, Furman's pacing is more TF:UK than US, which is problematic given the difference in page count, but he's definitely going for the simple tone of the original. Thirty years on from the original run, Wildman and Baskerville's art is the biggest draw: a woefully under-rated duo who combine to import the five elements in breakneck manifestation as Furman's dramatic senses ask for. Wildman adds expressions on a spectrum taking in high camp queen to rugged, grave and weary, and when it comes to fleshing out those complimentary self-worlds, Baskerville gives a depth and gravitas that can't be passed by.
August 15, 2022
Really enjoyed this trade.
As a big collector of the Marvel UK TF weekly comic back in the day this gave me a real nostalgia hit.
Simon Furman will be well known to many and is synonymous with Transformers.
Andy Wildman's art is excellent and like Simon has a well established pedigree with the brand.
Any child of the 80s, 90s or a TF fan from back in the day should really check this out.
As a big collector of the Marvel UK TF weekly comic back in the day this gave me a real nostalgia hit.
Simon Furman will be well known to many and is synonymous with Transformers.
Andy Wildman's art is excellent and like Simon has a well established pedigree with the brand.
Any child of the 80s, 90s or a TF fan from back in the day should really check this out.
January 15, 2019
Excellent story that continues off from where the comics I read as a child finished. I certainly didn't see certain twists coming and loved the little nods to the original comics which brought back memories.
January 1, 2025
First book in 2025 finished and I can't say I really enjoyed this one. It wasn't all bad, but the seemingly Liefeldian at times Spike and general 2000s edgy vibes brought it down a lot. Other than that, it's your standard Furman Transformers stuff, usually good at the worst.
March 15, 2018
I think the depth of main characters is expanded in this volume. Knowing that this storyline is coming to an end, I’m hoping the deaths that occur are permanent.
May 21, 2019
Great comic
Great comic. Recommend it to every body who likes the Transformers. Great story line. Great drawing stood stuff good stuff.
Great comic. Recommend it to every body who likes the Transformers. Great story line. Great drawing stood stuff good stuff.
September 25, 2022
Furman always feels like coming home.
January 6, 2016
I really wanted to like this book. Transformers was probably me and my brothers favorite comic growing up. I remember putting them in to my back pack and reading them on the bus with him on our way to day camp.
When it for canceled back in the early 90s trips to the comic shops were not the same anymore.
I was really excited when I heard that idw was going to bring back the original team and continue the original series. But now that I've read it, I've kind of ruined my happy childhood memories of reading transformers comics back in the day. Now I just remember how bad Furman's dialogue is and how ridiculous his story was and the Crap he added like the cosmic circus.
I don't think that he's original series back in the 90s was that bad... But he's definitely phoning in regeneration.
When it for canceled back in the early 90s trips to the comic shops were not the same anymore.
I was really excited when I heard that idw was going to bring back the original team and continue the original series. But now that I've read it, I've kind of ruined my happy childhood memories of reading transformers comics back in the day. Now I just remember how bad Furman's dialogue is and how ridiculous his story was and the Crap he added like the cosmic circus.
I don't think that he's original series back in the 90s was that bad... But he's definitely phoning in regeneration.
June 20, 2017
An interesting continuation picking up threads from the G1 comic. For US readers it adds a little from the UK comic too. I just find it hard to believe that Optimus Prime would have simply forgotten about Earth for 21 years.
September 17, 2015
via NYPL - perfectly entertaining disposable entertainment.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews