A new conflict arises in the Hasbro universe.
Marvel isn't the only publisher pursuing a seasonal model/annual crossover approach with its shared universe. That's also become IDW's method of handling their shared Hasbro universe. And while the constant cycle of events and relaunches carries plenty of drawbacks, there's no denying the childlike appeal in seeing the heroes of Transformers, G.I. Joe, Rom, Micronauts, MASK and Action Man thrown together in one epic conflict. First Strike taps into that appeal while also making the most of a universe where humans and Cybertronians maintain an uneasy co-existence.
That troubled relationship is very much at the heart of First Strike. As this mini-series opens, Optimus Prime is welcoming Earth into the Cybertronian Council of Worlds. The reaction on Earth is decidedly mixed, with some looking forward to a brighter, more enlightened era and others fearing that Earth is merely opening itself up to newer and deadlier threats from the stars. There's an almost Civil War-esque quality to the story. Not so much in the "heroes fighting heroes" sense, but merely in the way both sides have a clear, understandable stance on a divisive issue. It's a solid foundation on which to build a crossover. The fact that writers Mairghread Scott and David A. Rodriguez are so efficient in laying out the background information and making this series accessible doesn't hurt, either.
Much of First Strike's early success hinges on its villain, Baron Ironblood. This series builds on the reveal that this universe's version of Ironblood is actually General Joe Colton, the original G.I. Joe. While that may seem like sacrilege to G.I. Joe and Action Force fans, the fact that we're seeing such a shining hero pursuing such dark ends makes for a compelling transformation. Again, the characterization is such that we understand why Colton is doing what he does and why he's chosen to make Cybertron his enemy. The close relationship between Colton and his prize pupil, Scarlett, adds an extra layer of drama. As much as First Strike emphasizes action and cartoon spectacle, this is also a story that builds on existing plot points and relationships in a meaningful way.
Both Max Dunbar (who handles the main story) and Netho Diaz (who draw's John Barber's Ironblood-focused backup tale) excel in blending these disparate franchises and building a cohesive world out of them. There's a colorful, larger-than-life quality to the Cybertronian characters, but just enough of a grounded quality to the G.I. Joe cast to capture the somber mood and murky espionage vibe of their adventures. The art helps to ensure that the human drama is never drowned out by the sight of giant robots fighting and exploding. Diaz's work in particular excels in in blending dynamic energy with a shadowy, unsettling tone.
Whether First Strike can do as much for the non-Transformers and G.I. Joe characters remains to be seen. For now, at least, this read like a very G.I. Joe-driven story, and even many of the Transformers characters are more background players than anything else. There's little to no room for, say, Rom or the MASK crew to do anything of significance here. But presumably the scope of the series will continue to grow as Ironblood and his new partners carry out their plans.
The Verdict
If IDW is going to keep publishing annual Hasbro crossover events, at least they're being handled well. First Strike manages all the tricky challenges of a first issue, laying out the groundwork for new readers, quickly establishing its conflict and ensuring that the human drama is never lost amid all the action and spectacle. This is a great spot to either jump on board the Hasbro-verse or remind yourself why it's so exciting having these characters sharing the page in the first place.
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