Transformers: The War Within Vol. 1

[Mase]

Transformers: The War Within Vol. 1
Written by Simon Furman
Pencils/Inks: Dan Figueroa
Inks: Elaine To
Colors: Rob Ruffolo
Price: $12 – $15
Available in trade or “Pocketbook” format (I recommend the trade, because of the fantastic art)

Forget the Generation One books, this is the one you want.
Transformers: The War Within is a prequel to the known TF universe, and takes place on Cybertron, in the beginning days of the civil war between Autobots and Decepticons. It begins before Optimus Prime was called "Optimus Prime" (using the Hot Rod -> Rodimus Prime model, the “Hot Rod” version of Optimus), when he was an information gatherer trying to make sense of a devastating civil war. The origin of the Decepticons is explored (Fight Club fans will be proud), and each character is given a depth of personality that I haven’t seen in any of the other TF comics that I've read.
The personalities are mined directly from the original Tech Specs rather than the cartoon, which is a big plus.
I’ve had my reservations about Dreamwave in the past, but I enjoyed every last panel. The writing was solid, the characterizations were on point, and the art was the best TF sequential work I’ve seen to date. There are plenty of great small moments – such as Bluestreak reminiscing about the destruction of his home city, mixed in with HOLY **** moments – such as Shockwave transforming and stabbing one energy round through two Omega Supremes.

For fans and non-fans alike, I highly recommend it

[cabralsoth]

SOLD!!! as soon as i can find a copy it will be mine, oh yes... it will be mine!

[xadrian]

Yeah I've been wanting and waiting to get this. G1 is good, but I've heard InTheKnowers shine on this story.

That is, if you like Transformers.

Sold here too, thanks Mase.

[Carter]

I liked it well enough, but it really bugged me that it couldn't choose which canon it wanted to play with. Mostly, I'm talking about Grimlock here, but the pre-Optimus Prime didn't jive too well with my childhood memories, either.

Overall, you're right about it being the shining star among Dreamwave's TF series, especially artwise. I'm looking out for the rest of hit on the shelves of B&N every time I duck my head in there.

[Mase]

*Bump*
Just in case there are any Transformer fans out there hungering for a good story.