The final issue of TALES OF THE FALLEN has been approved to print and will show up on shelves sometime in January. Shown here is Alex Milne's (who is also doing the interior art!) awesome cover. So what is so special about this issue you may ask? For me, a few things.
First off, this is my final TF issue for the time being. Second, this book wraps up the REIGN OF STARSCREAM storyline by showing us what happened to ARCEE and THUNDERCRACKER after that last issue. Finally, it's allowed me to introduce a new character to the already vast TF universe.
This character was originally set to appear in the REIGN OF STARSCREAM book, but was left out when the ending was changed. For those of you that have the trade, the ending that featured this character was the one that featured a mutated DEVASTATOR basically tearing up the city. When STARSCREAM finally "saves" the day, this new character helps to refine and create the combiner technology for future use. Basically, a semi-nod to the "Starscream's Brigade" episode of the original cartoon series.
So who is this character? Well, it's going to be a bit longer before he's revealed, but in the meantime, I'll give you his name: FLATLINE.
It's been far too long since I've updated this thing, but that will change soon. The script for Tales of The Fallen #6 is done. That's the one featuring Arcee, if you didn't know. It was a lot of fun to work on because of how much Arcee changed for the film. It allowed me to introduce an original character into the mix, while at the same time finishing off the Reign of Starscream storyline. It's fitting that the RoS story ends with this issue because it will also feature Alex Milne on art duties with Josh Perez doing the colors.So what does the future hold? Unfortunately, nothing Transformers-related for me. TOTF #6 will be my last issue for the foreseeable future. But there are a few projects in the works that I might be attached to. One of which you could say would be a dream come true.If you haven't yet, pick up Tales of The Fallen #3. It's the story featuring JETFIRE (the covers are up top) and how he managed to end up on Earth and why he chose to fight for good, rather than do those evil things like destroying planets and what not. After issue #4 is out, I'll be happy to answer any questions... just don't want to spoil anything for anyone.
...and TRANSFORMERS: ALLIANCE and TRANSFORMERS: DEFIANCE are kicking ass on the iTunes store! Yeah, yeah, it's all because of the new movie, but what's most surprising is that people seem to enjoy the format. Could this be a new door opening to comics as we know them? Who knows, but in the meantime, I'll just enjoy the stories doing well for as long as I can. Major kudos to the teams on these books (and a special shout out to Gilberto Lazcano—the guy at IDW who's been piecing these books together), without them it just isn't possible. Plus, all that delicious artwork transfers over so well! We'll just have to watch the overlapping panels in the future.In somewhat related news, Starscream returns! Well, kind of. Just found out today that TRANSFORMERS: THE REIGN OF STARSCREAM is going back to press. I'm seriously stoked about that because not only is the first thing I ever wrote professionally, but it's also my favorite story. I just love that guy and have some great memories of working on that. Heh, there's some not -so-great ones, too, but we'll save those.Matter of fact, I was toying around with the idea of getting another tattoo and having it be Starscream (movie version), but then the idea of some of his tattoos from the new movie instead was kicked around. What do you think?
So I found out today that both prequels are on the New York Times Best Seller list for Graphic Books (fancy speak for trade paperback). While this is absolutely because of the franchise, I wanted to take a moment and imagine that it's not and that it's really because of the great team I've been able to work with. Let's just say that it's really because of these people (in no particular order):Josh Perez: The guy amazes me and has grown to be one of my best friends that I hardly talk to. Seriously, his talent is only matched by his passion for the franchise. What can I say? I love the guy. It's hard not to.
Alex Milne: The other third of "Team Scream," Alex continues to deliver art that blows me away. The detail, the thought that goes into the designs, it's all there. Doesn't smile as often as he should though. If I were him, I'd be grinning ear-to-ear.
Dan Khanna: This was the first time Dan and I worked together and I couldn't be more pleased. Dan took some very tight deadlines and laid out some fine work. I still remember getting that first Defiance splash page and having to pick my jaw up off of the floor. Nice job, Dan.
Andrew Griffith: I think somewhere, somehow, Andrew and I were separated at birth. We like the same music (mostly), same art styles, it's quite amazing. But for someone that is new to the comic book industry (and HATES the movie), he's done some fine work so far. Be on the lookout for him in the future I'm sure.
Don Figueroa: What can you say that hasn't been said about Don before? He's a god, a legend, and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. It was a great honor to work with someone that I admire so much finally. The day that Denton told me Don would be doing an issue, was one of the best.
Denton J. Tipton: Last but certainly not least, Denton. I couldn't ask for a better editor (say it five times fast). When there were problems arising, Denton handled it. When things were tough for me and I was ready to walk away (back in Issue #2 of Alliance, #1 of Defiance), he was ready to talk me through it and get me back on track. And by the way, he's a hell of a storyteller, too. You'll see.
Kris Carter, John Wycough, and Andy Schmidt. Please know that every contribution you made to the projects were not only needed (as in saving our butts), but very, very appreciated. Hats off to you all and a very sincere "thank you."
And finally, Chris Ryall. Without whom none of this would have happened. Although we differ in height, I'm always looking up to him. Sorry, had to go there.
Great job,everyone!
Wow. The New York Times Best Seller list. Crazy. I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
-Chris
Wow, what a fun show. Seriously, it was the best one yet. It's always so cool to get to meet new fans and see familar faces once again. Highlights were definitely meeting Josh Van Reyk & Shaun Knowler. These two guys have been some of the most supportive and critical friends I've had. The biggest surprise for me had to have been the really nice things that people had to say to me. Hard to believe that this time last year, we were premiering Transformers: Reign of Starscream #1 at Botcon. This year, I've officially written 15 issues as of the show. What a blur last year was.
It's late here, so I'll have to continue this later. But in leaving, I'll leave you with a photo of me, Nick Roche, and Jetfire (not really Jetfire, but it's an SR-71 here in San Diego) that was taken this evening.
Yeah, the title is a play on Radiohead's "Subterranean Homesick Alien," just modified for this post. This here is my first Mosaic (http://transformers-mosaic.deviantart.com/). For those of you that don't know, the Mosaics are fan-made creations of single page stories telling basically anything you want in the Transformers universe. I wrote this on the plane up to Wondercon a few weeks back, and it was an idea that I've had for a while. Cosmos, the poor little Transformer who tends to daydream. But how can you really daydream in space anyway? Regardless, he's a favorite of mine and I had a lot of fun doing this.
Andrew Griffith (http://glovestudios.deviantart.com/) completely nails the artwork and colors on this one. Seriously, he took a very horrid pencil sketch by me and turned it into this. Nice job, Andrew. Now if only we can get that Spotlight approved (yes, that's a hint for whatever arm-twisting, letter-writing, blackmail photo exploitation campaigns people want to start). I'll be at Botcon this weekend along with pretty much everyone involved in the IDW side of things. I'll be at our booth the whole time, so make sure to stop by and say hello to us. Hope to see you there.
-Chris
So I got the advances for the Alliance and Defiance trades and they look pretty good. There's not much by way of extras for them, but you'll find a few sketches in each, rough comps, that kind of thing. I did what I could. Either way, look for them on June 4th, but I'm going to see if we can get a few copies to Botcon, too. I'll be there the whole time, so I look forward to meeting and seeing people again. Pretty much everyone from IDW who's involved with the franchise will be there, so don't be a stranger if you're going. We have a pretty cool exclusive that will be available at the show, but I'll let one of the editors talk about that.
In single issue news, issues #3 and #4 of both Alliance and Defiance have sold out. The other issues are dwindling down and only a few are left of those. So thanks to all that bought them, and I'll post a commentary sometime after the movie is released.
Last week I finished the second script of a new project I'm involved with. Still can't say anything about it (I'm sure the info will come out any day now), but I'm very happy to be working with one of the people involved. You could say that I'm still buzzing over it.
Only a few short weeks until Botcon!
Wow, has it really been over two months since I posted anything? Well, I'll try to be a bit more punctual now if at all possible.
So what's been going on? Nothing other than being busy it seems. Moving to a new place here in sunny San Diego, making a trip up to Wondercon (thanks to the fans that stopped by to show their support), going to Vegas for a friend's birthday, and work in general. It's been a busy time indeed.
The "Destiny" prequels are done and have been printed. Of the two, I'm far more fond of Defiance. Something about not having certain restrictions really helps. Not that I think Alliance is bad, but it could have been much better in my opinion. Either way, it sets things up for the next movie at least, and I think you'll find that Defiance fits in to the overall universe a bit more in the final issue. They were both a lot of fun to work on and I really can't thank everyone involved enough for their hard work they put into the stories.
I'll post some info about the trade paperbacks for the two series soon. Due to cost reasons, or perhaps something else entirely, they're not as packed with materials that The Reign of Starscream trade paperback was. Not even close. But I'll do an issue-by-issue commentary on this blog in the next few days. Maybe an issue a day or something like that. Turns out that the artists really didn't have many sketches to include, either, so I guess I can honestly say that we put all that we could into them.
And for those that are interested, I just turned in the first draft of my next project. Can't say what it is yet, but I can tell you that it's Transformers-related. I also turned in my first piece for the Mosaic team, with Andrew Griffith on the art duties. More on that soon.
-Chris
I've been reading a lot of posts regarding the upcoming TRANSFORMERS: DEFIANCE series and a lot of the speculation is way off. So I think it's time to finally fill everyone in.The series takes place before the events of the first TRANSFORMERS movie. It expands on the events from the first movie and this summer's sequel. If all goes well, it'll help expand upon the movie universe and set the stage for future stories as well.It's an origin that's a bit different. Cybertron isn't the same planet that we know. It's flourishing. Characters are working together and not killing one another. The society is based upon peace and the expansion of their knowledge. Megatron serves as the planet's protector. With his soldiers, the planet has enjoyed peace for a long time. Optimus heads up the science and construction division. He's the "blue collar" character who will eventually find himself thrust into a situation that he's never been in before. It's a different time and a very different place, but it all goes horribly wrong.It's a very ambitious story and one that I hope people enjoy. Josh Perez will once again be doing the colors and I can't say how much I enjoy working with him. He's so full of energy and it really shows. Dan Khanna and newcomer Andrew Griffith are handling the art chores and they've been doing great. There's some awesome stuff in there. Defiance has also allowed me to work with someone I've always dreamt of working with. The one, the only.... (credit here to Denton for saying it first!)!!!! He'll fill in for the art duties on Issue #3 (due in March some time).So there you have it. A different story for a different universe. Hopefully people like it. There'll be a 5-page preview soon, too.Thanks for stopping by.-Chris
Just a reminder that TRANSFORMERS: ALLIANCE #2 is out in stores today! This issue features a reuniting of Decepticons Starscream and Wreckage. Needless to say, one of them is going to have a very bad day.
