Transformers: Dark Prelude
Trade Paperback | Kindle Edition
Written by James Roberts, John Barber and Nick Roche
Art by Steve Kurth, Chee, Nick Roche, David Daza, Matt Frank and Agustin Padilla
Inks for Orion Pax by Juan Castro
Colors by J. Aburtov, Graphikslava, Ronda Pattison, Len O’Grady, Zac Atkinson, Thomas Deer and Joana LaFuente
Letters by Shawn Lee
Series Edits by John Barber and Carlos Guzman
Collection Edits by Justin Eisinger and Alonzo Simon
Cover by Nick Roche
IDW Publishing
Release Date: August 14, 2013
Cover Price: $19.99

Transformers: Dark Prelude collects the storylines of Orion Pax, ThunderCracker, Megatron, Bumblebee, TrailCutter and Hoist in an overarching story that spans millions of years, from the distant past, to now. Each story shows a major event from each character’s life. This allows for a more in-depth view into each character’s make up and driving forces.

The abrupt changes between the different stories can be a bit much but do help to distance each story from the last. This was also helped by each character’s changes in appearance between stories. These stories add to lore of this Transformers universe in a wonderful way.

Molly Danger #1
Story & Art by Jamal Igle
Inks by Juan Castro
Colors by Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Letters by Frank Cvetkovic
Editor: Adam P. Knave
Action Lab Comics
Release Date: May 4, 2013
Cover Price: FREE!

The Molly Danger #1 comic is great place for fans of anything DIFFERENT to start with. And, I do mean DIFFERENT.

Written and drawn by Jamal Igle, this comic has something in it for everyone. Like super heroes? Check! Like giant robots? Check! Like angst and drama? Check and check! Igle has managed to include everything that you want in a comic without it seeming rushed or forced. The character of Molly Danger is a fun, playful, always looking for something to get into kind of girl. And boy does she find stuff to get into here! A charming comic that will have everyone smiling.

G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes & Storm Shadow #16
Written by Chuck Dixon
Artists: Robert Atkins & Atilio Rojo
Inks by Juan Castro & Atilio Rojo
Colors by Simon Gough & Joana LaFuente
Letters by Neil Uyetake
Editors: John Barber & Carlos Guzman
Covers by Alex Cal & Robert Atkins
IDW Publishing
Release Date: August 29, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99

In Snake Eyes & Storm Shadow #16 a TON of mysteries are revealed. The unfortunate part… they’re not solved. Yet. But, it’s a really fun ride trying to figure them out with the clues given in this issue.

Of the two G.I. Joe books that Chuck Dixon writes, I feel that this is his best. By far. In G.I. Joe, he has to juggle a TON of characters, both heroes and villains; here, he only has to write a handful of characters, and I think that’s why he excels on this title. This issue continues the battle between the Araskicage and Cobra. Cobra has declared war on the Arashikage clan, and it’s everyone for himself. During the issue we get some FANTASTIC flashbacks telling the origin of the Snake Eyes/Storm Shadow rivalry. I was very surprised at just how MEAN that Snake Eyes was a child, you almost get the feeling that you should be sympathizing with Storm Shadow, as he’s portrayed as the victim in their childhood feud. Now, I have a feeling that will change in upcoming issues, but for now, it’s really quite surprising.

Snake Eyes #15
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Robert Atkins & Atilio Rojo
Inks by Juan Castro & Atilio Rojo
Colors by Simon Gough & Joana LaFuente
Letters by Neil Uyetake
Editors: John Barber & Carlos Guzman
Covers by Andrea Di Vito & Lee Ferguson
IDW Publishing
Release Date: July 25, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99

What Snake Eyes #15 has that I love is a whole issue of build up that’s NOT pointless. Quite the opposite, actually. And what it’s building up to… well, let’s just say if you buy one book next month, it better be Snake Eyes #16!!!!!

I hate to say it, but it’s like there’s two different Chuck Dixons in the world. There’s the Chuck Dixon who writes the monthly G.I. Joe title, and then the one who writes Snake Eyes. It’s come to my attention that Snake Eyes is the more action orientated, by far, of the two. I don’t know if Dixon feels that it’s just the nature of the beast or that he’s set out to fill every page with as much action and intrigue as he can in this book. Don’t get me wrong, G.I. Joe is a GREAT comic, but this one is that, plus infinity.

Snake Eyes #7
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Casey Maloney
Inked by Juan Castro
Colors by Simon Gough, Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Letters by Shawn Lee
Covers by Robert Atkins, Agustin Padilla, and Trevor Hutchison
IDW Publishing
Release Date: November 16th, 2011
Cover Price: $3.99

Writer Chuck Dixon got my letters. After a few disappointing issues, I am happy to report there is 100% more Snake Eyes ninja butt-kicking in Snake Eyes #7 than in the last three issues combined. THANK YOU, CHUCK!! Not only that, but this issue actually moves the Hunt for Cobra Commander story arc forward, as we’ve only got two more issues of G.I. Joe comics until we find out who’s going to be the new Cobra Commander!