Transformers: Robots in Disguise Volume 1

I had read a number of very positive reviews for the series; and at $10.74, at the time of this writing, I figured that I could have spent my money in far worse ways than on something that would, at worst, be basically entertaining to me. I was VERY pleased with the purchase after I had finished the book. It's a very good read. Not just a good Transformers comic, but a good comic.The series is more as a political thriller of sorts, coupled with a cop/spy series. The war between the Autobots and Decepticons is finished, Optimus Prime has stepped down, Megatron... well, that's not made clear. It's not important to the story, only that he isn't around any longer (and details for which I could just read back issues for, I suppose). Cybertron has been brought back to life after having been a dead planet for ages, and Bumblebee is in charge. His role is that of maintaining an extremely delicate balance: the Autobots and Decepticons are living together on the planet; and while peace exists it is only in the sense that they aren't shooting at one another. There is still no love lost between these two groups. A third faction also comes into play: the thousands of other Transformers who played no part in the war and are now returning to Cybertron, feeling comfortable that they won't be blasted to pieces in a never ending way between two groups that these individuals did not side with one way or the other. Referred to as Nails (Non-Aligned Indigenous Lifeforms), they are happy to be back on Cybertron, but less than thrilled by the ruling class: the groups that were the cause of the death of Cybertron in the first place and who tend t be heavy handed while at times treating these individuals as second class citiziens.The politics are handled well. Bumblebee is not the most respected of leaders. Where many writers would have had a somewhat cheesy moment where the other principal characters try to make him feel better, showing that they do respect him and that his feelings are unfounded, this just doesn't happen here. Neither Autobot nor Decepticon holds the little guy in much regard. This, and watching him struggle with trying to keep everybody relatively happy somehow manages to be unexpected and refreshing.Prowl's handling of law enforcement is similarly smart, much of which I cannot comment on without revealing anything. Suffice it to say he's not one to simply "talk it out" with people while still having to keep everyone happy so as to deter any thoughts of revolt from Decepticons or Nails. His plans are clever, the manner in which they are carried out lead to some brilliant moments between himself and his main agent, and the morality is far more gray than one would expect from a Transformers book.I realize that the way that I'm almost gushing makes the book sound like some sort of borderline masterpiece. It's not. It's still a book about transforming robots, but it is VERY good nonetheless. It is a surprising book: surprising at just how much depth there is, and how many branches there are to the story, and surprising that it still manages to be mostly coherent and smart while maintaining a general feel of fun. The creative team seems to know exactly what they want the series to be, and are sticking to that and doing it well.As for more specific criticisms: the book could have used a front page that summarized some of what had occurred in the previous IDW Publishing Transformer comics so that some of the details would have been a littler more clear (oddly this was included in the first issue when it was released, but not in this collected volume of the first five issues), but it also wasn't absolutely necessary to grasp what was going on. Too, the final chapter is the weakest. This is not to say that it was bad; simply not at the same quality of writing as the other chapters. Still good, just not great, to put it simply.

Overall very satisfied with the product. It was shipped with proper care and arrived in "mint" condition. The story itself is also very interesting a departure from the typical transformers stories, which i find refreshing. there is no lack of creativity, and with the wide cast of charecters and rich IDW universe as a backdrop, Robot's in Disguise is off to a great start. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars only because of IDW's delays in publishing trade paperbacks. I had this item preordered, and watched the release date change a few times before it finally came out.

It just doesn't match my taste. I love transformers. I've known and loved them since the '80s, I even paid to see the first BAY-Former movie in theaters...TWICE. And after reading all the positive reviews for Robots in Disguise, I thought I would like it as much as More Than Meets The Eye; I was wrong. Nothing bad about it, I'm just not into the political-suspense. I can see it has great writers and stellar artists, but I will give my TPB of R.I.D. to someone who likes their sci-fi with a dash of political-suspense. Meanwhile, I will follow Hot Rod, Drift, and Ultra Magnus on their journey across the stars...THAT is a series I can appreciate.

No spoilers here. However, there are two series going on at the same time. We have this one, "Robots in Disguise," and then there is the other one, "More Than Meets the Eye."The other one, "More Than Meets the Eye Volume 1" leads into this one. Didn't realize that so I was kind of in the dark reading this one. Well, not to discourage anyone from reading this one, it's still great!In my opinion, artwork is fantastic!!!! I'm very happy with this work.

This is a good series. Transformers on Cybertron where they ought to be, instead of Earth. I'm not sure Autobots and Deceptions getting along is plausible, but it certainly makes for interesting reading! Recommended.

Great story and characters! The comic came in amazing condition and I am super satisfied with my purchase!

Really enjoy seeing the simplistic dicotomy of good vs. bad turned on its head. Factionalism threatens a rebirth of Cybertronian civilization. The Autobots have outlived their original purpose. Bumblebee needs the wisdom to lead Cybertron away from its divisive past, but is plagued by his and his fellow soldiers' prejudices.

Great product at an excellent price.

I frickin' love RID. Since it started at the beginning of 2012, the series has built dramatically, with plenty of great character development and a twisty/turny storyline.Basically, the story focuses on the Transformers' home planet of Cybertron after the war between Autobots and Decepticons has ended.It's a tale of how the robots deal with post-war life as they try to rebuild their home planet (which itself doesn't seem to want them there). It's great to see the robots in 'peace time' as opposed to their usual warring ways. There's plenty going on to keep the reader hooked, as Starscream, Bumblebee and MetalHawk (a neutral transformer who has returned to Cybertron) all try to steer their planets population towards their own version of 'peace'.Oh, yeah, and the artwork is fantastic!Gripping stuff, and a must for even the most casual Transformers fan.

It was present for my son and he absolutely loves it !!! must say best buy for me as he enjoy to read it more then millions time since a bought it

ah new comic of the first time i read stuff , now that was cool , things have change since the war for cybertron.

I loved the original marvel series and IDW have done a great job keeping my lover of transformers alive. Read it!

Good