Tags
Alex Milne, Dark Horse Comics, David Mariotte, IDW Publishing, John Barber, Megatron, Optimus Prime, Sarah Conner, Starscream, T-800, Terminator, Tom Waltz, Transformers, Transformers Vs Terminator, Transformers Vs Terminator #1, Transformers Vs Terminator #1 review
Transformers Vs Terminator #1
Review by Paul Bowle
Skynet Vs Cyberton in Transformers Vs Terminator #1, an epic new crossover from IDW Publishing and Dark Horse Comics, where a lone Terminator is sent to 1984 to save Earth from a terrifying future!
This new mini-comic book series sees the Terminator going head to head with the Decepticons, to escape annihilation in the future, and potentially team up with Sarah Conner and the Autobots in the first part of Enemy of my Enemy. The creative writing talents of David Mariotte, Tom Waltz and John Barber have ingeniously spliced established legacies with a time-twisting storyline that effectively turns both franchises on their heads.
From the ravaged future of Los Angeles 2029, its clear Skynet and the Autobots have fallen before the might of the Decepticons. Fortunately Skynet (now the final remnants of the resistance), has managed to locate the last vat grown epidermal T-800 and sent him back in time to 1984. It doesn’t take long for the T-800’s path to cross Sara Conner’s, where the young waitress quickly becomes embroiled in his mission to reach Mount ST. Hilary, and alter future events by terminating the Cybertronians that have crash landed there.
The narrative and pacing were sound enough to make this first issue of Transformers Vs Terminator engaging enough. Some might baulk at the characterisation and depiction of Sarah Conner in this issue though. Her role and purpose may have been deemed irrelevant by Skynet, but there are still glimmers of the powerful warrior she was originally destined to become, and I have a feeling we will still see Sarah Conner become a force to be reckoned with as this mini-series progresses. The T-800 here is a bit of an oddity, he’s coldly logical one moment, and grinning with glee the next. Lots of familiar Easter eggs from the Terminator franchise pepper the narrative too. However, I found the scenes in the future far more engrossing than the somewhat pedestrian plotting as events unfolded in the present, and the issue felt a little disjointed in that respect as a result.
Alex Milne’s artwork is very good, along with the colors by David Garcia Cruz, and there’s some impressively staged sequences that positively leap out at you. Lots of familiar Autobot characters now litter the war torn battlefield of the future, and Skynets last stand in their stronghold against the advancing Decepticons is also brilliantly realised. I would have loved to seen more of the giant T-8000 in action here against the Decepticons, so it was a shame we only got a fleeting glimpse of it lumbering into battle. The Terminators have a mix of the Genisys / Dark Fate design of the T-800 Endoskeleton about them, which also looks really good. Some of the scenes set in 1984 do look a little rough around the edges in places, although I think that’s more to the choices of panel layout here, the rendition of the waitress Sarah Conner is spot on though, and the contrast between the future versions of the Decepticons and the more classic Transformers seen in this issue are also especially striking.
IDW Publishing and Dark Horse Comics uniting to bring their unique takes on the Transformers and Terminator franchises together is a clear no-brainer, in fact it makes you wonder why its taken so long for them to get around to it. I’ve always been a big fan of Dark Horse’s Terminator comics and IDW’s Transformers, so it’s great to finally see them team-up like this. The creative team has a long association with Transformers comics, but they’ve also cleverly incorporated the Terminator saga to weave a story where the T-800 travels back in time to wipe out the Cybertornians before they can jeopardise the future, whilst skilfully splicing the mythos of both properties in the process. Although Transformers Vs Terminator #1 wasn’t quite the mind-blowing start that I’d hoped for with the mini-series, the intriguing premise has me hooked, and if – like me – you are a fan of either franchise you’ll still find plenty to enjoy here as this epic clash between Skynet and Cybertron gets underway!
Publisher: IDW
Story By: David Mariotte, Tom Waltz, John Barber
Written by: David Mariotte and John Barber
Art: Alex Milne, Colors: David Garcia Cruz
Letters & Design: Jake M. Wood, Cover A: Gavin Fullerton
About The Author
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
Sci-Fi Jubilee 
Paul, you are always so sweet to come over and comment on my blog. I wish I could reciprocate by following comic books, but I don’t. HOWEVER, I have been collecting (a little) classic comics because it’s fun and maybe one day they will be worth something. When I was in London last summer, I purchased a Capt. Strange comic, one of the first originals. I paid 20 quid for it. It’s a fun souvenier at the very least. What I have been doing is when I’m at a flea market, there’s usually stalls that sell comics by the box load. It’s fun to rummage through them.
You’re welcome Cindy, always enjoy reading your blog. I do love comics and Doctor Who, so those are the main things I cover, but I do try to do some movie reviews when I can. I’ve always loved comic books for as long as I can remember. Sounds like you got a great memento there from your trip to London. I really enjoy looking at old comics at second hand stalls or markets like you mention, old comics often have the best stories as well, and there’s always something new to discover. Stay safe and well Cindy, we are in lockdown here in UK now. Tough times but we will get through it all. 🙂
I’m sure you will! Stiff upper lip, and all that. 😉
Oh yes, that will see us through! Well, that and a lot of Box Set binging! LOL 🙂
This definitely sounds like a really cool crossover. I’m surprised it sounds like in the future the Decepticons took out the Autobots and Skynet. They must have a crazy good roster at that point. This crossover makes perfect sense so I’ve got high hopes for it. Seems like it’s off to a great start
Its a great new mini-series, been looking forward to this one even since it was announced. I’m a big fan of Transformers and the Terminator so its awesome to see them squaring off like this. The future version of the Decepticons are really sleek and powerful looking, especially Starscream! Excited to see how this storyline develops and all the action that will unfold as these two franchises clash!
Thought this book was actually pretty good myself. Can’t wait for the rest.
I enjoyed Transformers Vs Terminator a lot, it was a strong start to the mini-series, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest as well. Thought this issue had an awesome cover, really eye catching, there were some cool variants as well. 🙂
This definitely sounds like an entertaining read, despite some of the flaws you point out Paul. As a fan of both franchises (and of course, comics!) – which I’ve just remembered both debuted in 1984 – I’ll have to check this out for sure when it’s collected. I still have the Transformers/Star Trek animated series crossover to read so will have to get around to that soon, brilliant review of this launch issue Paul.
Hi Chris! Yes, this was a good start to the mini-series and well worth checking out. I’ve been a big fan of Transformers and Terminator as well, so the concept of putting them together like this is such a great idea. The Transformers / Star Trek crossover you mention is fun, and nicely captures the spirit of the animated adventures. Cheers and glad you enjoyed the review. 🙂
Cool recommendation. I’ve never been a big fan of Transformers, but this is such a neat concept. I’ll have to see if my local library has a copy!
I’ve been a long term fan of the Transformers comics and the cartoon, so just had to get this comic mini-series. Its a great concept to have them taking on the Terminator as well, certainly one to check out. I’m looking forward to seeing where they take the story next as its such a clever blend of both franchises.
Great review, Paul. It’s an interesting and pretty wild concept they’ve gone with. That cover art is brilliant!
Thank you! Yes, such a great idea to have the Transformers and Terminator face off like this. I thought the cover was really good as well, really eye catching, ,
Sounds like a fun concept! Once the coronavirus pandemic winds down, I need to go over to the IDW’s museum in Liberty Station and see if they have a new comic book exhibition.
This was a good start to the series, will be fun to see the Transformers and the Terminator battling it out in the rest of the mini-series. That IDW museum and their exhibition sounds great1 Something to look forward to when all the pandemic is over.
The cover artwork is awesome. It looks simple, but there’s a lot going on. I like the bold use of 3 colours.
I really liked the cover art for this issue as well, its a simple mix of the Transformers and Terminator designs, but done in such an eye catching way. 🙂
I’m glad to hear Sarah Connor is part of the narrative, I always felt the Terminator movies that had her in them were better. Linda Hamilton was so good in T1 & T2.
Sarah Conner is such a key element to the Terminator mythos, and I think its clever how they’ve made her such an intrinsic part of this Terminator Vs Transformers comic book story as well. I prefer the movies that feature Linda Hamalton as Sarah as well, she’s such a great character.