IDW publishing has been crushing it with comic book crossovers, and their latest crossover event brings us Transformers/Back to the Future. The first issue dares to ask the question: What would happen if the Decepticons used Doc Brown’s Delorean to time travel? Nothing good, that’s for sure.
Transformers/Back to the Future #1 serves up some serious nostalgia vibes as writer Cavan Scott intertwines the Autobots and Decepticons with the ending of the first Back to the Future movie. Instead of Doc Brown going thirty years into the future and returning to warn Marty McFly that something has to be done about his kids, Marty wakes up to an even bigger nightmare. Said reality is a world without Autobots, where the Decepticons rule with an iron fist and have even found a fitting position for the McFly family’s arch-nemesis, Biff Tannen. What we don’t get so far in this new series is an appearance from Uncle Joey McFly — guess he didn’t make parole again here, either.
Is this a worthy crossover of two of the biggest staples in pop culture history? The answer so far is yes. It’ll probably take you a few minutes to process that yes, Cavan Scott and artist Juan Samu brought Optimus Prime, Megatron, Doc Brown, and Marty McFly to life in the same book. The first page alone is filled with a nifty little momento that’ll make you think of the Back to the Future jingle.
Credit: IDW Publishing
The story is pretty solid and captures both the essence of both franchises beautifully. The dialogue between Marty and Doc feels like you’re watching a lost Back to the Future movie. On the Transformers side of things, the only drawback is we get way more Decepticons in the first issue than the Autobots, so if you’re looking to see some of your favorite good guys besides Optimus and Bumble they’re not present. Overall, as far as crossovers go, it’s a pretty strong first issue.
You can tell Samu did his homework in terms of the Back to the Future movies. He puts together a clever chase scene that takes place at the famous clock tower in Hill Valley. Samu’s pencil work for the most part keeps an ’80s vibe while keeping the characters vibrant and fresh. Adding to his awesome illustrations are some cool colors by David Garcia Cruz that give each panel just the right pop to bring everything together.
Transformers/Back to the Future #1 is fun, nostalgic, and makes you want to come back for the second issue. The pacing, action, and story are worth checking this book out. There are also a few cool variant covers to look for as well if you can get your hands on them.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.