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Transformers: The IDW Collection #1.8
Transformers: The IDW Collection, Volume 8
The re-presentation of IDW's" Transformers Universe "continues in Volume 8! Includes "Heart of Darkness" and issues #19-31 which starts off with the "Chaos Theory" storyline and leads into the final "Chaos" arc of the ongoing series.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 15, 2021
Volume 8 of the IDW Transformers series completes "Phase One" of the story. Dan Abnett's take on the story was very interesting. There are some minor changes with Megatron's origin (different than what was shown in the first volumes) but it wasn't anything bad or even serious. One could say this Megatron has more depth.
Abnett really writes a great ending volume. The story arcs are epic. Firstly "Heart of Darkness" explains what Galvatron has been doing this entire series. We learn about D-Void (dumbass name..sorry) and the threat it poses to the universe. It was very interesting and did tie in a lot of the older story arcs regarding Galvatron.
Then we shift to Earth for "Chaos Theory" where it gets very interesting with the Autobots having a fallout with Skywatch. I thought the entire conflict between Spike-Prowl and Bumblebee to be a very interesting twist I didn't see coming. But the story does a very good job of tying up the story of the Autobots who remained on Earth.
Finally, there is the awesome "Chaos" story. It's the culmination of these past several volumes. Optimus Prime and his crew head to Cybertron to confront Galvatron. But, it turns out that Galvatron has an army and something terrible is happening to Cybertron. It will take the combined efforts of Optimus Prime and Megatron to survive the coming war. I have to admit this was a great Megatron story. Truly. The "new" Megatron is even a bigger bad-ass than the original.
All of these stories, including a final fluff piece that summarizes the past story arc, have great art. The art for the "Chaos" story was gorgeous! Abnett draws the end of Phase One to a satisfactory close. The entire journey has been wonderful. Only one of the volumes, out of eight, merited a three-star. All the rest were 4 or 5-star material. A great Transformers series that is a must-have for all fans. On to Phase Two.
Abnett really writes a great ending volume. The story arcs are epic. Firstly "Heart of Darkness" explains what Galvatron has been doing this entire series. We learn about D-Void (dumbass name..sorry) and the threat it poses to the universe. It was very interesting and did tie in a lot of the older story arcs regarding Galvatron.
Then we shift to Earth for "Chaos Theory" where it gets very interesting with the Autobots having a fallout with Skywatch. I thought the entire conflict between Spike-Prowl and Bumblebee to be a very interesting twist I didn't see coming. But the story does a very good job of tying up the story of the Autobots who remained on Earth.
Finally, there is the awesome "Chaos" story. It's the culmination of these past several volumes. Optimus Prime and his crew head to Cybertron to confront Galvatron. But, it turns out that Galvatron has an army and something terrible is happening to Cybertron. It will take the combined efforts of Optimus Prime and Megatron to survive the coming war. I have to admit this was a great Megatron story. Truly. The "new" Megatron is even a bigger bad-ass than the original.
All of these stories, including a final fluff piece that summarizes the past story arc, have great art. The art for the "Chaos" story was gorgeous! Abnett draws the end of Phase One to a satisfactory close. The entire journey has been wonderful. Only one of the volumes, out of eight, merited a three-star. All the rest were 4 or 5-star material. A great Transformers series that is a must-have for all fans. On to Phase Two.
November 13, 2014
IDW finishes the ongoing "The Transformers" series with a stunning conclusion that runs the gamut, from an epic cosmic monstrosity that threatens to engulf the entire universe, to an intricate police procedural mystery to solve in "the last story on Earth".
Everything in this Volume 8 revolves around the "Chaos" event, an insanely hyped finale to The Transformers, leading into the next "act" of their releases. The entire universe is under threat, and Galvatron, with his quasi-Matrix of Leadership, the Heart of Darkness, sees himself fit to be the one who leads the charge against this threat. He stumbles across the horrific D-Void in the Dead Universe, a beast that feeds on death itself, and it leads him to amass an army that can stop D-Void. The Autobots, meanwhile, don't take kindly to the fact that a former arch-nemesis is assembling a gigantic army to fight an ambiguous monster from beyond dimensions.
I love every story in this book. I love Heart of Darkness, which is drawn bizarrely but lends a dreamy, surreal, almost trance-like atmosphere to its pages; drenched in neon, purple and pink (and Galvatron is stripped down to his skeleton and screams in torment, which is delightfully terrifying). I love Chaos Theory, which sees Rodimus find Wheelie, and more, and team up with Ironhide who we last saw wandering Cybertron completely alone; and a short set of vignettes that explore Optimus and Megatron's toxic relationship, with flashbacks to Megatron's beginnings that tinge his rise to power with a bitterly tragic note (Optimus himself seems to agree completely with Megatron's ideals, when he's not enforcing them with such a mercilessly iron fist). I love Police Action, which is the last story set on Earth (for now), which sees Prowl and Jazz investigate corruption in the team of humans that assisted them in maintaining their profile while stationed on our blue planet. And I love Chaos - the sprawling, space-faring, haunting conclusion, one of the most spectacularly illustrated pieces of pop art I've ever seen.
What I don't love is that these stories are collected in a reading order that ensures that reading in chronological order, or even release order, is far and away an impossible desire to fulfill.
The first story in this book, "Heart of Darkness," takes place both before Infestation (which is placed at the start of the last book) and after Space Opera (which is the next story in this book). Originally, Police Action and Chaos were published side-by-side, with Police Action supposed to provide the finale to The Transformers ongoing series - here, it is stationed before Chaos, so the final goodbye to Earth leads in to a battle for Cybertron it's assumed we've already witnessed. It's bizarre.
The next volume of Transformers books no longer cuts these stories up into their TPB volumes - rather, they're intertwined with separate issues, providing a reading order far more accurate to release and chronological order. This final hoorah could have well done with that treatment, but it's a minor quibble that focuses on the editing employed in this particular collection, and not an indictment of the content wherein. It's a fantastic closing note on a fantastic ongoing series, a sprawling multi-volume explosion of sci-fi action and cosmic horror; everything great about Transformers fiction, rolled into one meticulously illustrated hardcover masterpiece.
If it were in a better order, it would be an absolute no-brainer of a purchase. ...hell, it's still a no-brainer - if you've read up to here, this is an absolute treat that will send you into Phase Two with a smile; and even if you're new to this, the artistry involved in winding up this gigantic coiled spring of an ending should adequately impress and astound you. IDW continues to one-up themselves, and this is no exception. Not in the slightest. If it was only in a better reading order, I could handsomely say this is quite likely the coolest single Transformers epic ever staged - as presented in this collection, it unfortunately trips up on itself just one too many times.
Everything in this Volume 8 revolves around the "Chaos" event, an insanely hyped finale to The Transformers, leading into the next "act" of their releases. The entire universe is under threat, and Galvatron, with his quasi-Matrix of Leadership, the Heart of Darkness, sees himself fit to be the one who leads the charge against this threat. He stumbles across the horrific D-Void in the Dead Universe, a beast that feeds on death itself, and it leads him to amass an army that can stop D-Void. The Autobots, meanwhile, don't take kindly to the fact that a former arch-nemesis is assembling a gigantic army to fight an ambiguous monster from beyond dimensions.
I love every story in this book. I love Heart of Darkness, which is drawn bizarrely but lends a dreamy, surreal, almost trance-like atmosphere to its pages; drenched in neon, purple and pink (and Galvatron is stripped down to his skeleton and screams in torment, which is delightfully terrifying). I love Chaos Theory, which sees Rodimus find Wheelie, and more, and team up with Ironhide who we last saw wandering Cybertron completely alone; and a short set of vignettes that explore Optimus and Megatron's toxic relationship, with flashbacks to Megatron's beginnings that tinge his rise to power with a bitterly tragic note (Optimus himself seems to agree completely with Megatron's ideals, when he's not enforcing them with such a mercilessly iron fist). I love Police Action, which is the last story set on Earth (for now), which sees Prowl and Jazz investigate corruption in the team of humans that assisted them in maintaining their profile while stationed on our blue planet. And I love Chaos - the sprawling, space-faring, haunting conclusion, one of the most spectacularly illustrated pieces of pop art I've ever seen.
What I don't love is that these stories are collected in a reading order that ensures that reading in chronological order, or even release order, is far and away an impossible desire to fulfill.
The first story in this book, "Heart of Darkness," takes place both before Infestation (which is placed at the start of the last book) and after Space Opera (which is the next story in this book). Originally, Police Action and Chaos were published side-by-side, with Police Action supposed to provide the finale to The Transformers ongoing series - here, it is stationed before Chaos, so the final goodbye to Earth leads in to a battle for Cybertron it's assumed we've already witnessed. It's bizarre.
The next volume of Transformers books no longer cuts these stories up into their TPB volumes - rather, they're intertwined with separate issues, providing a reading order far more accurate to release and chronological order. This final hoorah could have well done with that treatment, but it's a minor quibble that focuses on the editing employed in this particular collection, and not an indictment of the content wherein. It's a fantastic closing note on a fantastic ongoing series, a sprawling multi-volume explosion of sci-fi action and cosmic horror; everything great about Transformers fiction, rolled into one meticulously illustrated hardcover masterpiece.
If it were in a better order, it would be an absolute no-brainer of a purchase. ...hell, it's still a no-brainer - if you've read up to here, this is an absolute treat that will send you into Phase Two with a smile; and even if you're new to this, the artistry involved in winding up this gigantic coiled spring of an ending should adequately impress and astound you. IDW continues to one-up themselves, and this is no exception. Not in the slightest. If it was only in a better reading order, I could handsomely say this is quite likely the coolest single Transformers epic ever staged - as presented in this collection, it unfortunately trips up on itself just one too many times.
September 25, 2021
And so phase one of IDW's Transformers comics comes to a close, mostly with a bang but also with some whimpering along the way.
I'll get the biggest offender out of the way right off the bat, since it's the first story in this volume: Heart of Darkness is just awful, in pretty much every respect. The art is atrocious, with body proportions changing from one panel to the next. Ulises Farinas also introduces an ugly new design for Galvatron, that is blessedly never used again - when Galvatron next appears, he's back to his old design. The story drags on through several bits that are weirdly atonal and never mentioned again, and introduces a host of continuity errors that were ALSO never mentioned again throughout the rest of this volume, creating even more continuity errors. It introduces D-Void, a villain with a name that sounds like it was made up five minutes before the pitch meeting and whose entire motivation seems to be "it's evil, because." Precisely what it is is never addressed, and its plan is only ever revealed through the inferences of others.
On the other hand, Heart of Darkness is followed by Chaos Theory, which is actually quite good. The art is outstanding, and James Roberts gives us a compelling conversation between Megatron and Optimus Prime that really sells their relationship as bitter enemies who nevertheless respect each other. Their discussion is interspersed with glimpses of their history together, back before the events of Megatron: Origin, that do a lot to flesh out the world (James Roberts would take this and run with it in More Than Meets the Eye, but that's for later...). Police Action makes for a nice change of pace, with Prowl conducting an investigation of his own that leads to some surprising - and significant - conclusions for the Autobots on Earth.
And that brings us to the concluding story, Chaos. I have a love-hate relationship with Livio Ramondelli's artwork, here and in the other stories he's drawn. The painting style is eye-catching and evocative, and gives the story an appropriately dark and dismal feeling. Some of the splash pages are just gorgeous. At the same time, though, it can also at times be too dark to the point that detail is lost and the action is muddied. The story is better than Heart of Darkness, but it's still ultimately just a big fight against the uninteresting and barely-defined evil that is D-Void. Galvatron may steal the show, but that only goes so far.
All in all, it's an ending that could have been worse but could also have been so much better. Still, while it's the end of the first phase, it's not the end of the story, because the phase two volumes pick up right where Chaos leaves off... And that's where things really get good.
I'll get the biggest offender out of the way right off the bat, since it's the first story in this volume: Heart of Darkness is just awful, in pretty much every respect. The art is atrocious, with body proportions changing from one panel to the next. Ulises Farinas also introduces an ugly new design for Galvatron, that is blessedly never used again - when Galvatron next appears, he's back to his old design. The story drags on through several bits that are weirdly atonal and never mentioned again, and introduces a host of continuity errors that were ALSO never mentioned again throughout the rest of this volume, creating even more continuity errors. It introduces D-Void, a villain with a name that sounds like it was made up five minutes before the pitch meeting and whose entire motivation seems to be "it's evil, because." Precisely what it is is never addressed, and its plan is only ever revealed through the inferences of others.
On the other hand, Heart of Darkness is followed by Chaos Theory, which is actually quite good. The art is outstanding, and James Roberts gives us a compelling conversation between Megatron and Optimus Prime that really sells their relationship as bitter enemies who nevertheless respect each other. Their discussion is interspersed with glimpses of their history together, back before the events of Megatron: Origin, that do a lot to flesh out the world (James Roberts would take this and run with it in More Than Meets the Eye, but that's for later...). Police Action makes for a nice change of pace, with Prowl conducting an investigation of his own that leads to some surprising - and significant - conclusions for the Autobots on Earth.
And that brings us to the concluding story, Chaos. I have a love-hate relationship with Livio Ramondelli's artwork, here and in the other stories he's drawn. The painting style is eye-catching and evocative, and gives the story an appropriately dark and dismal feeling. Some of the splash pages are just gorgeous. At the same time, though, it can also at times be too dark to the point that detail is lost and the action is muddied. The story is better than Heart of Darkness, but it's still ultimately just a big fight against the uninteresting and barely-defined evil that is D-Void. Galvatron may steal the show, but that only goes so far.
All in all, it's an ending that could have been worse but could also have been so much better. Still, while it's the end of the first phase, it's not the end of the story, because the phase two volumes pick up right where Chaos leaves off... And that's where things really get good.
November 11, 2022
Phase 1 Complete.
I think volume 8 of the IDW Collection is the best of the collections and that is good considering it is the end of phase 1. It was for sure the most consistent of all the collections.
The first story: “Heart of Darkness” was the weakest, but it was still pretty interesting. The big bad being named D-Void is pretty lame but whatever.
The second story: “Chaos Theory” is where we learn more about Optimus and Megatron’s past. It may get changed later on (yet again) but it was still good and fun. It was very interesting and I liked seeing the contrast between Optimus and Megatron a lot.
The third story: “Police Action” focuses on Prowl and his investigations. Definitely one of the better plots that happen on Earth especially since it we get it from Prowl’s perspective pretty much the whole time. It was fun and unfortunately also set up more Earth plots that don’t sound too interesting going forward into Phase 2.
The last story: “Chaos” is a direct continuation of the main plot in the first two stories. Everything comes together in this and for the most part I really liked it. The D-Void wasn’t nearly as bad as it could have been, but everything else was so much better. I still think if it had maybe one or two more issues it would’ve been better. Anyway, it was all Chaos and it was all fun.
I think this was a fitting end to Phase 1 and if you were to stop here it would be a good stopping point, but I’d continue into Phase 2 since all these are on Comixology Unlimited and IDW lost the Transformers license so after January 1st you might have to shell out some dough to read these.
(Wheelie was the highlight for me and you can’t change my mind.)
I think volume 8 of the IDW Collection is the best of the collections and that is good considering it is the end of phase 1. It was for sure the most consistent of all the collections.
The first story: “Heart of Darkness” was the weakest, but it was still pretty interesting. The big bad being named D-Void is pretty lame but whatever.
The second story: “Chaos Theory” is where we learn more about Optimus and Megatron’s past. It may get changed later on (yet again) but it was still good and fun. It was very interesting and I liked seeing the contrast between Optimus and Megatron a lot.
The third story: “Police Action” focuses on Prowl and his investigations. Definitely one of the better plots that happen on Earth especially since it we get it from Prowl’s perspective pretty much the whole time. It was fun and unfortunately also set up more Earth plots that don’t sound too interesting going forward into Phase 2.
The last story: “Chaos” is a direct continuation of the main plot in the first two stories. Everything comes together in this and for the most part I really liked it. The D-Void wasn’t nearly as bad as it could have been, but everything else was so much better. I still think if it had maybe one or two more issues it would’ve been better. Anyway, it was all Chaos and it was all fun.
I think this was a fitting end to Phase 1 and if you were to stop here it would be a good stopping point, but I’d continue into Phase 2 since all these are on Comixology Unlimited and IDW lost the Transformers license so after January 1st you might have to shell out some dough to read these.
(Wheelie was the highlight for me and you can’t change my mind.)
March 23, 2023
Two great story arcs to finish off Phase 1 and tie everything together. I'm very pleased with the results, but I will say that I enjoyed the Police Action storyline more than the massive space battle for Cybertron. The ending left me wanting a little more details or resolution, which is what comics are all about I guess. Resolve most of the questions but not quite all of them. Have to buy that next issue! Really fun stuff here.
May 7, 2019
enjoyed teh conversation between megs and optimus and the optimus backstory,.
didn't care much for teh galvatron storyline.
didn't care much for teh galvatron storyline.
September 26, 2021
IDW solid series. Currently up to Phase 2 Vol. 9. Very happy all the way through.
October 25, 2021
This dead universe bit fell flat for me. Maybe I'm missing something.
September 9, 2022
Chaos theory peak comics⁉⁉⁉⁉
Also reading police action with film noir playing in the background changes you
Also reading police action with film noir playing in the background changes you
December 2, 2023
The 'Chos' is my second best storyline from this Phase-1 books. The art is just awesome!!! and the culmination of all the story lines till now was cool! Megatron's last stand was just ❤️🔥
August 27, 2025
Banger ending to phase one
September 21, 2014
Heart of Darkness: poor
Chaos Theory: outstanding
Police Action: okay, certainly a huge improvement over earlier Earth-based stories
Chaos: excellent
A word on the collection itself: there are no extras, no covers and no sense of this being a special package. It's just 4 trades, made slightly bigger, bound together in between a nice cover. If you already own these stories I wouldn't consider this version much of an upgrade unless you're in love with the art; even if you don't, you might be able to track down the trades, singles or e-versions for cheaper than the $49.99 cover price.
Chaos Theory: outstanding
Police Action: okay, certainly a huge improvement over earlier Earth-based stories
Chaos: excellent
A word on the collection itself: there are no extras, no covers and no sense of this being a special package. It's just 4 trades, made slightly bigger, bound together in between a nice cover. If you already own these stories I wouldn't consider this version much of an upgrade unless you're in love with the art; even if you don't, you might be able to track down the trades, singles or e-versions for cheaper than the $49.99 cover price.
October 6, 2018
I liked the build-up to the end of phase one but felt the ending to be completely rushed. Looking forward to phase two.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews