The Transformers: The IDW Collection, Vol. 3

Transformers: The IDW Collection #1.3

by Simon Furman

Continuing the re-presentation of IDW's TRANSFORMERS Universe! This third volume includes the TRANSFORMERS series Transformers/New Avengers and Devastation, as well as Spotlights: Galvatron, Blaster, Arcee, Grimlock, and Wheelie.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Comic Book, Media Tie In

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2011

About the author

Simon 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.

Reviews

[Sud666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The IDW Transformers Collection continues. Being able to re-read this series from start to finish, in chronological order, has managed to make this a far more enjoyable read than I previously felt. I have given it one more star due to a deeper appreciation of the stories that are not as relevant without context.

Without getting spoilery the context of this volume is that the Decepticons, led by Megatron, have decided that instead of being patient and working through the various Phases of their Infiltration policy, Megtraon ramps up the situation and moves onto the "destruction" phase.

There is a lot going on in this volume. From the introduction of Six-Shot, the return of Starscream, a resolution to the Hunter/Sunstreaker story, and into the Heralds for the mysterious Prime that Galvatron answers to.

The vast majority of the stories are quite good and a few are merely "good". Not too bad. The artwork is also sometimes quite good and sometimes not as much. But for the most part the art is pleasing and the story is exciting. On top of the usual Transformers story-arc, we are treated to the interesting, but completely odd Avengers vs Transformers story arc.

I was confused by this story's inclusion since it seems to be based on a universe very similar but not the same. Certain characters are alive, others are different..it's by no means a bad story. But other than for being a "completionist", I am not sure why it's included in this volume as it is more in the vein of an "Elseworlds" scenario.

The third volume of IDW's collection has been very entertaining. Having been read in order the story is making far more sense and I look forward to Volume 4. Highly recommended for Transformers fans, but read them in order and you'll appreciate the story far more.

[Ozan · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the spot light one shots were fun to read. The Transformers & Avengers crossover was medicore… It was the only part that was not written by Simon Furman and i got bored only at that part.

The Devistation Adventure after The TF & Avengers crossover was the best Transformeres event i have ever read so far. I really enjoyed it. Poor Sunstreaker… I hope The Autobots will save him from the mechanisation organisation. Those mechanisation guys really messed him up…That Scorponoc Headmaster guy really kicked Grimlock’s butt in The Spot Light: Grimlock one shot… He’s really formidable at least, unlike the Sunstreaker copy headmasters in The Davistation event cause Grimlock is a pretty tough dinobot. I like how all the spotlight one shots serves a purpose, they are not just self contained one shot stories but they also carry the overall story of The Transformers forward and connect to the events. That’s really fun to see, you are like ‘’oh that was happend in The Spot Light: Shock Wave and now continues in The Davistation event in another volume and then The Spot Light: Grimlock revealed what happend after them !’’ I love how everything is connected. Thinking about it, i really have a nerdgasm right now ! lol

Only thing i can say bad about The maincourse The Devistation event is; it didn’t have a proper end like all the comics’s biggest events, it just makes way, talks about an another big event in the end… which is not that bad actually at least in The Devistation event for me because i want more, much much more :D but if there are jaded TF fans out there, i can imagine how they roll their eyes. lol

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only thing in this collection worth mentioning was the Arcee Spotlight I enjoyed her story the most. The Blaster Spotlight was alright also.

The Earth story wasn't very good and had some really weird plot developments that I really didn't like. The New Avengers crossover was terrible and the other spotlights weren't very good.

I hope the next collection is better.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would've given this 5 stars if it weren't for the very meh avengers crossover series. The story in that was fine but the art was seriously lacking. The rest of this was fantastic, pulling great stories out of really deep lore. I'm excited to keep reading

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed immensly

[Christopher Colton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volume 3 is very much a mixed bag. On the one hand, it contains the New Avengers/Transformers crossover. I hadn't read it before, but it turns out that aside from being decidedly non-canon it's also not particularly good (which does, admittedly, make it easier to ignore). On the other hand, it also contains Devastation and Grimlock and Wheelie's Spotlights, which are excellent and do a great job setting up the coming conflicts of the next volume.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two longer stories in this one: New Avengers/Transformers, which is utter nonsense and totally forgettable, and a fun, tightly plotted six-parter titled Devastation.

A few Spotlights round out the book, though the one-shots are mixed this time around. Solid, particularly Devastation, but not as strong as earlier collections.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like how this story is moving along. The main story is excellent and a very fun read, lots of excitement and drama. Some of the extras didn't really seem relevant and just added more backstory clutter that confused things. Wish they'd streamlined it a bit. Very good artwork, this improved a lot over the last one.

[Kavinay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this gets full marks for Spotlight: Wheelie alone. What a wonderful take on such a maligned character!

I could live without the New Avengers/Transformers crossover--the only thing it points out is how boring the superheros are in comparison.

[Neurocomp · Rating 5 out of 5]

devastatino was a good read...and the graphics are good

didn't much like the galvatron story line (and the future ones...and the graphics for them)

The other spotlights were good ...arcee was a bit wierd

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having the Marvel crossover series with the New Avengers in this collection was a nice surprise.

[Sean DeLauder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently Galvatron is... not Megatron.

Optimus Prime continues his habit of getting his butt handed to him when confronting anyone but grunts.

Headmasters. Wtf?

[Mr. Marz P · Rating 4 out of 5]

IDW solid series. Currently up to Phase 2 Vol. 9. Very happy all the way through.

[Critter Readz]

EWWWWWWWWWWW

[Izzy Tongedahl · Rating 2 out of 5]

they gave a robot gender dysphoria lmfao
but instead of following up on that story they shoehorned in a bad avengers crossover

[Milo]

"Megatron using Spider-man's mutant blood to power up" is the funniest plot point we could have ever conceived. we've reached peak comics lads

[Merlin’ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have been five stars cause of my queen arcee I love you even if you commit war crimes and my guy wheelie but I do NOT freak with the Avengers bruh get them outta here

[Lena Fickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, this is the weakest installment in the series so far. The Spotlights are the strongest point, as usual. I was surprised to really like the Wheelie Spotlight. The Avengers/Transformers crossover was the weakest point in this book. It is also the worst chapters in the IDW main continuity up to this point. It is still readable though, and there are some fans who do enjoy it. Devastation was interesting, but kind of forgettable.

I do recommend this book to hardcore fans of the Transformers IDW universe who want to read all of the back issues. Really phase 1 isn't necessary to read, other than a few of the later stories. Phase 2 (Starting with Death of Optimus Prime, and continuing into the ongoing series More Than Meets the Eye and Robots in Disguise, and later Windblade) is where the Transformers IDW universe really shines. I usually recommend that you start with Phase 2 and if you enjoy it and want the back story, either get The IDW Collection Phase 1, or read the TFWiki.

[Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I'm a bit disappointed in this one. The 'spotlights' of this one were the 'highlights' (Galvatron, Blaster, Arcee, Grimlock and Wheelie).... even those were a bit lackluster. The Avengers / Transformers crossover was terribly weak and I had to basically force myself through it trying not to roll my eyes. Even Devestation was mediocre. I'll give Volume four a shot and if it doesn't really pick up I'm going to have to shelve the rest of the series for a few.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent Spotlights, average mini, dismal Marvel crossover.

[Jdetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to impress, with strong stories and great characterizations. I'm so impressed with how they utilize both original characters and newer creations in the storylines.