Hearts of Steel!

Metal Vendetta · Post by **Metal Vendetta** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 11:13 pm

Well it's finally out, though of course Inflitration #6 was nowhere to be seen

The artwork is rather nice and there's nothing wrong with the concept. As a first issue it actually drew me right into the story and I'm genuinely intrigued as to how this one will turn out. There's a couple of unexpected twists, as well as some interesting characterisation, not least from old

...There's some weird stuff as well, I'm not sure if it falls in the realm of plothole or as-yet unexplained, but I won't post too may spoilers here just yet, I'll just say have a look at this original and very unusual Transformers comic.

man-with-the-dogs · Post by **man-with-the-dogs** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 5:42 am

Wait! Hearts Of Steel? They made a Transformers comic about my ex-girlfriend? Hahaha! I'm a funny [composite word including 'f*ck']!

Post by **snarl** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 4:16 pm

I too thought it was cool. Did you go forbidden planet to pick it up or somewhere else?

If you didn't go Forbidden Planet, well, those ***** dont have infiltration 6 either.

I can tell you that I've read most of the comics near the TF shelf now, just from going in there to get infiltration but it not being there.

I like that Marvel Zombies.

The Texas Chainsaw title is fun enough as well.

Metal Vendetta · Post by **Metal Vendetta** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 4:46 pm

snarl wrote:I like that Marvel Zombies.

The Texas Chainsaw title is fun enough as well.

Not read Texas Chainsaw but Marvel Zombies is great fun.

I went to Orbital on Charing+, by Centrepoint, where the weirdly-bearded (but wholly lovely) James let me know Infiltration's been pushed back to next week. I mentioned DW. He gave a hollow laugh.

Yaya · Post by **Yaya** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 1:28 am

Got it. Read it. Liked it.

Don't know why. But I liked it.

Actually, I think I do know. It's because it really took me back to the days of the Marvel run and the cartoon. At the same time, it's just different enough to avoid the "been there, done that" feeling.

It's seems to be a story that doesn't take itself too seriously, and thats the way you have to approach it.

It's a fun read, and even the pencilling by Guido is reminiscent of an episode from the cartoon.

Overall I give it a "B+", along the same lines of enjoyment as Infiltration's first two issues.

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 2:42 am

As with all comics I comment on, I liked it!

Aardvark · Post by **Aardvark** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 9:41 pm

Yeah I got it today, having a read over it I'd say it’s a pretty adequate opener just so long as the plot progresses in the next issue. I did enjoy reading it and it certainly has a subtle charm but I also felt that there was little to muse over; Sure I’m interested in what Shockwave is up to but in terms of the actual content there was nothing really to ponder.

I thought the artwork was fantastic; the dark, almost muddy, sketchy style works well, the ice age modes are superb and furthermore the humans are done rather well. The dark, subtle colours and the way in which the humans are rendered almost gives the impression we’re watching an old film. I found that quite pleasing to look at and furthermore it complements the story’s setting.

My only reservation regarding the art department is that I would have liked to see larger, somewhat more focused scenes of the Transformers.

I'm not too keen on the idea of having famous characters from throughout the ages in it; Tobias Muldoon is a sponge however Twain "ROXX" The dialogue is again adequate, not a bad, not good. Helped to move the plot along. There were a few moments were the script didn't seem to click, particularly when Bumblebee opened his mouth. "Spikes Laid, John Henry" (there's a first in Transformers w00t) seemed harked back to the days of the Marvel comics ("Indeed Minibot Bumblebee" and whatnot) rather than adding period charm to the piece.

I can't say I appreciated the "What is man" jive. It seemed rather silly and just didn't gel with the Transformers otherwise everyday English.

Bumblebee found it remarkably easy to reformat his alt mode didn't he...

The Shockwave cliffhanger did leave me yearning for more however the big Transformer reveal at the end of the issue is a tad tired.

All in all the artwork was where my interest lay even before I got the issue and for the most part, it lived up to my expectations. The story was fine and I'm certainly interested in where it’s going. A nice little opener.

KingMob · Post by **KingMob** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 7:54 am

Yeah, it was fun and interesting at the same time, despite the few blips. That's good enough for me on an 'elseworlds' story.

Post by **spiderfrommars** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 12:24 pm

Strange concept, but a fun read and really nice art. Be nice to have Guido on G1 at some stage.

Dixon said it wouldn't necessarily contradict Infiltration continuity. Can't see where he's coming from at the mo, but it doesn't really matter anyhow.

Post by **Denyer** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 2:13 pm

Re: the way John Henry's addressed, the others are in awe of his abilities, which very likely net the company (the group of workers) a nice few contracts -- and which is also why, as a black guy at the time, he has a lot of respect and rather servile deference from the working men.

Weird psychology thing: the issue feels longer without a letters page.

Also, getting to the Stormbringer preview -- the text seems bloody large, doesn't it? And it is -- comparing with the same preview pages from the back of Infiltration #5, it's wider type and some of the text actually rewraps.

Page breakdown seems fine (11 of Transformers focus, 11 of human focus) and the history's sharp enough. Characters are set up to be easy to engage with, without needing much background TF knowledge. The tinted colours -- I think -- reflect the plot: when Bumblebee observes the railroad laying team, they're working through twilight to finish off the fifth mile.

What's up with Bumblebee's instant reconfiguration? If they can do that -- and on very little energy -- transforming becomes more magic/morphing than mechanical.

Liked the rhythm of the dialogue, Twain with the drink, Henry's "somethin' to take our jobs", the realities of the period of history -- which is also why I hate historical fiction as a rule, so a light touch that skirts around the detail of the suffering is welcome.

Would've preferred Bumblebee on the front cover (I got the sketch one) to be gold and shaded like the train is on the back. Yellow/grey seems a bit flat without highlights, as John Rauch has at times made clear.

Now... question is how much (and what kind of) story can be packed into another three issues. Without some jumps in the timeframe, the arc will extend to a small local plot of Shockwave's being foiled and the TFs going back into hibernation.

But I think I'm in... it's likeable and standalone.

Post by **Best First** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:33 am

Denyer wrote:What's up with Bumblebee's instant reconfiguration? If they can do that -- and on very little energy -- transforming becomes more magic/morphing than mechanical.

Yeah, i thought that.

whole thing was... ok i guess. Not bown away but i'll stick with it.

The whole 'lets not wake up Oppy P' thing smacked of a massive contrivance though.

der2 · Post by **der2** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 8:17 pm

sadly have as yet not read any of the IDW comics, how much have I to catch up on? I take it that they'll be released in tradepaperback format.

Post by **Best First** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 10:58 am

der2 wrote:sadly have as yet not read any of the IDW comics, how much have I to catch up on? I take it that they'll be released in tradepaperback format.

i think that's a given.

so far you have missed:

TF Infiltration Issue 0
TF Infiltraion 1-5 (of 6)
Beast Wars 1-4 (of 4)
Hearts of Steel 1 (of...not sure, 4 or 5 i think)

Oh, and some marvel reprints.

So far its all been pretty good stuff, although i'll reserve judgement to some extent as we have yet to see how Infiltration wraps up.

der2 · Post by **der2** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:28 pm

thats cool BF, cheers, the marvel stuff is read already, while it would be nice to own I'm not going to go out of my way for it. Sounds as tho I'm not too horribly behind, waiting for paperbacks is probably for the best as I don't want to be chasing a load of back issues.

thanks for the info.

veritech · Post by **veritech** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:33 pm

So far I like what IDW is doing with TF's, especially with Beast Wars.

But they really need to pick up the pace with G1/Infiltration. Its been five issues and no one really knows what is going on. I know they are building up to this incredible splash page where Prime busts in to save the day, but its not like the readers have never seen Prime before!!!

Snowcat · Post by **Snowcat** » Sat Aug 05, 2006 1:45 am

Yaya wrote:Got it. Read it. Liked it.

Same here, but then I'm a sucker for "what if" stories.

BB Shockwave · Post by **BB Shockwave** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 5:53 pm

Well, I'd give it an 5 on a scale of 10...

Great art, story - mediocre at best.

I mean, I almost fell over when I read Prowl say "Nah, it's too early, let's go back and sleep a few more hunderd years. " WTF?!? And ignore the possibility of the Cons being active in the era? Or why are they there, even? Shouldn't they try to contact Cybertron?

BB's magical transformation ticked me off, too. The Battlechargers are slowpokes in transformation compared to him----

I really liked Shocky's speech and appearance (man, I hope that design makes it to a toy one day...).

One more thing... I'm not an american, and frankly, I must admit I never ever heard of John Henry. Who was he, anyway?

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:01 pm

Well, John Henry's a steel drivin' man.

Anybody?

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:37 pm

It's a story of man vs. technology

The myth goes that John Henry was this big black dude that laid railroad tracks in America. He could lay track quicker than anyone else.

So then one day, this guy comes by and he's got some sort of machine that lays railroad track as well. It's very impressive, and eventually they have a big contest to see who can lay more track, John Henry or the machine.

John Henry wins, but suffers a heart attack and dies on the process.

All the information you need is, as always, just a Wiki away!

Aardvark · Post by **Aardvark** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 10:26 pm

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JVf5I0Thu-o

Post by **snarl** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 10:29 am

That bloke is a bit thick...