DEFIANCE

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

ALLIANCE #2 - OUT TODAY!

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.

ALLIANCE #2 PREVIEW

Been really busy lately, but I wanted to post the link to a five-page preview of TRANSFORMERS: ALLIANCE #2 on the IDW forums.

Look for some info on the other "Destiny" series DEFIANCE soon.

http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=114498#114498

THE PAST AND FUTURE

So tomorrow, the collected edition (what some call a trade paperback) of TRANSFORMERS: THE REIGN OF STARSCREAM will be released. I'm very happy with how it turned out and I was very glad to have been able to include a lot of the extra material. From Alex's detailed sketches, to the 33 character bios (written by myself, Josh Van Reyk, Shaun Knowler, and Andrew Griffith), to my commentary, it all came together pretty well. Seriously, it's $19.99, too. Cheaper if you get it online, but there you have it. So that story was in the past... now the future.

Next month will see the debut issue of the first of two prequel miniseries for TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, ALLIANCE. While the first cover has been online for a while now, here's the first peek at the wonderful cover for Issue #2. This cover was done by none other than Josh Nizzi.

Street date for Issue #1 is scheduled for December 17th. Story by me, artwork by Alex Milne, colors by Josh Perez. The issue is at the printer now and we should be posting a 5-page preview soon. The Alliance storyline takes place after the first film, during the Reign of Starscream story arc, and concludes right where the next film begins.

Keep watching the usual channels for info on the second miniseries, DEFIANCE. That info will be coming very soon, with an exclusive first look at another Josh Nizzi cover.

Thanks,
Chris

REIGN OF STARSCREAM TRADE PAPERBACK DETAILS

Hello there.

Long time... no talk. Very sorry about that, but things have been busy and somewhat "complicated" if you will. There was a time where I didn't think I would ever get around to posting again. But here I am, and like that line in that Supersuckers song, it all rolled off like water off a duck's back.

So my first comic book work came and went. Thank you very much to the fans that not only enjoyed it, but those that felt the need to email and post their comments. Regardless of good or bad, your opinions were great to read and I'm happy you at least gave the series a shot. But the good thing is that reviews were overwhelmingly positive. And now, ready for release on November 19, is the collected, trade paperback version of the book. Now the listing on Amazon is wrong, and we've really packed this thing with extras. Here are the details:

• 152 pages

• Cover gallery featuring unpublished cover concepts (including an awesome Ben Templesmith one!)

• 33 character bios written by myself, Josh Van Reyk, Shaun Knowler, and Andrew Griffith

• 11 pages of never-before-seen sketches and designs by Alex Milne

• Commentary by me covering story references, easter eggs, and early draft concepts

All of this for $19.99 (and cheaper if you get it online probably)! I got my advance the other day and it really did turn out nice. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Hope to talk about the "Destiny" mini-series soon. Both of them. Stay tuned.

-Chris

REIGN OF STARSCREAM WINNERS!

Very sorry for the delay everyone. Things have been very, very busy lately.

The judges consisted of IDW employees, and I did not vote. I asked everyone to vote for their top 3 and a runner-up. Points were given based on their answers (4 points for First, 3 points for Second, 2 points for Third, 1 point for the Runner-Up). The entry with the most points was the winner.


But without further delay, here are the winners:

FIRST PLACE: TRUPSOR DENIS
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l122/zosan73/STARSCREAM%20CONTEST%201/DSC02511.jpg

SECOND PLACE: WARREN WRIGHT
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l122/zosan73/STARSCREAM%20CONTEST%201/StarscreamatBigBoy.jpg

THIRD PLACE: JILL PETERS
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l122/zosan73/STARSCREAM%20CONTEST%201/Contestentry.jpg

SPECIAL MERIT RUNNER-UP: DEB MARKLEY
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l122/zosan73/STARSCREAM%20CONTEST%201/Markley.jpg

Prize packs will be sent out next week!

Thanks to everyone who entered. There were a lot of votes and the judges thought it was very hard to pick their favorites. Great job and hopefully we can get another contest around the time of the trade paperback's release.

Thanks again and thanks for reading the story!

-Chris

REIGN OF STARSCREAM CONTEST WINNERS....

...will have to wait another day or two.

I'm really, really sorry, but I've been swamped lately. Working on new projects, working in general, and dealing with some other stuff. I've got all of the votes in and just need to tally them.

I wanted to say thank you to everyone that entered. There are definitely some very talented and funny people out there. Even the judges repeatedly said that it was very cool to see so many creative people and how it was tough to nail down their favorites.

So nice job everyone. I promise that we'll get the winners posted today or tomorrow.

And here's proof that there's signed books! That's me, Josh Perez, and Alex Milne signing them at Comic-Con.