Transformers: Second Generation

 

By Simon Furman, & various (Titan Books)
ISBN: 1-84023-935-2

This compilation of Marvel UK’s Transformers franchise features another grab-bag selection from a variety of British creators moments before they were famous – or at least lured away to America by the promise of loose bucks and big women – or something like that.

First up is the extended story line from issues 59-65 that introduced – at the behest of licensor Hasbro UK- the “New Teams” – a new line of toys that needed plugging – under the creative auspices of writer Simon Furman and artists Barry Kitson, Will Simpson, John Stokes and Jeff Anderson.

Rounding out the volume is a trio of seasonal tales from Furman, Anderson, Ian Rimmer, Andy Wildman, Dan Reed and Stephen Baskerville with a moodier, almost melancholic feel as opposed to the punch-up histrionics of the regular stories. It should be noted that although a toy and cartoon show tie-in, the weekly British comic, when not reprinting US Marvel stories seemed to pitch their material at a slightly older – if not necessarily more mature readership. All in all, not a bad read, but not to everyone’s taste.

© 2005 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.