Comic News: OPTIMUS PRIME Resigns in New Comic Series

First ongoing comic series in five years begins new era for TRANSFORMERS

The TRANSFORMERS enter a new and incredible era as IDW launches its inaugural ongoing comic series, expanding the company’s already impressive collection of TRANSFORMERS comics. Under license from Hasbro, The TRANSFORMERS starts off with two huge events – the death of IRONHIDE and subsequent resignation of OPTIMUS PRIME, the heroic leader of the AUTOBOTS.

“It’s simple and awesome at the same time. If you’ve never read a TRANSFORMERS comic, now’s the time,” said IDW’s TRANSFORMERS editor, Andy Schmidt. “The TRANSFORMERS takes your favorite characters and casts them in new and different ways that every fan can follow and will enjoy.”

In The TRANSFORMERS #1, the AUTOBOTS attempt a daring rescue mission that goes horribly wrong and OPTIMUS PRIME is forced to ask if the TRANSFORMERS have brought more harm than good to Earth. IRONHIDE’s death is the final straw for this noble leader, who turns himself in to the human authorities, leaving the AUTOBOTS leaderless.

The TRANSFORMERS is the first ongoing series in five years, and launches fan-favorite characters into new territory. Critically acclaimed writer Mike Costa (G.I. JOE: COBRA) helms this exciting new series, with intense and action-packed art by superstar Don Figueroa.

To help TRANSFORMERS fans rejoin the world of comics, IDW is also releasing TRANSFORMERS: Continuum, written by Schmidt himself. This special 32-page, ad-free book is now available in stores and runs through all the fun and excitement of the last five years worth of stories that paved the way for the new journey to begin.

The TRANSFORMERS is so action-packed, IDW has created two thrilling new miniseries accompanying the ongoing series to fit it all in: TRANSFORMERS: BUMBLEBEE and TRANFORMERS: Last Stand of the WRECKERS, debuting in December and January, respectively.

The TRANSFORMERS #1 (32 pages, $3.99) is now available in stores. Diamond order codes #SEP09 0852.

TRANSFORMERS: Continuum (32 pages, ad free, $3.99) is now available in stores. Diamond order codes #SEP09 0849.

TRANSFORMERS: BUMBLEBEE #1 (of 4; 32 pages, $3.99) will be available in stores in December. Diamond order code #OCT09 0954.

TRANSFORMERS: Last Stand of the WRECKERS #1 (of 5; $3.99, 32 page color) will be available in stores in January. Diamond order code #NOV09 0819.