With the release of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts delayed until 2023, fans of the beloved franchise can turn to IDW Publishing to fill the Autobot shaped hole in their hearts. Specializing in branded content, IDW releases comics that are the continuing adventures of some of the most successful movie and TV franchises.
Whether it's classic TV shows like The X-Files or radical cartoon legends like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, IDW knows exactly what properties make the best ongoing series. With a lot of great books to choose from, users on Ranker took to the site to upvote their absolute favorite IDW books.
The Last Unicorn (2010)
Based on the novel of the same name by Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn was one of IDW's most ambitious miniseries. The story follows a Unicorn who believes that she is the last of her kind in the world. Determined to discover what happened to her people, she journeys out into her magical land to learn the truth.
Though the story was originally adapted into an almost forgotten feature-length animated film, the movie left out many important plot details. The comic was given more time to breath, and captured almost the entire narrative from the beloved book. Outside of the story, the whimsical art style was eye catching, and the color pallet fit well with Beagle's original artistic vision for the story.
The X-Files (2013-2017)
The X-Files is no stranger to the comic book medium, but it was never treated with such love as when IDW acquired the rights to the series. IDW's book picks up after the end of the show's ninth season, and was originally intended to run as the 10th and 11th seasons of the show.
Though the show ran for nearly an entire decade, fans couldn't get enough of Mulder and Scully's supernatural adventures. The beauty of the IDW comic series is that it truly feels like a continuation of the show, and the art style matched the show's dark tone. With numerous spin-offs and short series as well, The X-Files has been a lucrative franchise for IDW.
Ragnarök: The Breaking Of Helheim (2019-2020)
Not to be confused with Marvel's Norse god Thor, Walter Simonson's Ragnarök: The Breaking of Helheim brings mythology to life with a dark twist. Following the battle between the Norse gods, Thor begins to hear whispers that some may still live, and his journey takes him to the underworld known as Helheim.
Unlike the glossy depiction of Norse mythology in other comics, Ragnarök's story more closely resembles the original fables. Bringing to life the more surreal aspects of the myths, Simonson's take on the story fits perfectly within the comic book medium, without betraying the intent of the original mythos.
G.I. Joe: Cobra (2009-2013)
G.I. Joe is a franchise that has made the leap to every form of media, and G.I. Joe: Cobra offered fans a glimpse at the darker side of their favorite action heroes. The story follows an undercover agent as he infiltrates Cobra with the harrowing mission of bringing the organization down from the inside.
Over a three miniseries run, G.I. Joe: Cobra weaved a fascinating narrative that told all about the evil organization. Seen from multiple perspectives, including the bad guys', the story's scope gets larger and larger with each issue. Cobra is a delight for G.I. Joe fanatics and it brought some of the most powerful villains into IDW's comic book universe.
G.I. Joe (2008-2018)
While IDW usually specializes in short series and one-offs, G.I. Joe has proven to be one of their biggest story investments. The adventures of the 'Real American Hero' were given a facelift and IDW created their own continuity which spanned over several books.
Taking the comic to places that no cartoon or movie had gone before, G.I. Joe offers darker plots that still capture the franchise's original feel. With a broad scope in its storylines, IDW's G.I. Joe universe is similar to the extended universes of other comic publishers like Marvel or DC.
Sonic The Hedgehog (2018-Present)
Making a comic of one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time was an ambitious decision by IDW, but with Sonic the Hedgehog, they pulled it off. Set in the same universe as the games, the comics follow Sonic and his friends as they battle against the evil Dr. Robotnik and his plans to take over the world.
Made with the same spirit as the games, the comics have been a pleasant surprise for many die-hard Sonic fans. The visuals are pleasing, and the storylines never deviate too far from the other Sonic properties when it comes to tone. One of its strongest elements is that the comics frequently use a wide roster of Sonic characters from all eras of the games.
Usagi Yojimbo (2019-Present)
Though IDW often scoops up movie, TV, and video game properties for their books, Usagi Yojimbo was a rare example where they revived a comic. The book follows a samurai warrior named Miyamoto Usagi, an anthropomorphic rabbit who traverses the ancient Japanese countryside in search of adventure.
The comic originally debuted in the 1980s, and bounced from publisher to publisher until it was revived by IDW. With a rich history to pull from, IDW's take on Usagi has been in line with the spirit of its original indie comic run in the past. By being under the IDW umbrella, it has given writers a chance to give Usagi several crossovers with the TMNT, and further expand the public's awareness of a classic comic character.
Transformers (2005-2018)
Similar to their take on G.I. Joe, IDW's approach to Transformers turned the characters into a full fledged comic universe. Weaving a lengthy narrative over several different books, the Autobots wage their ongoing battle against the evil Decepticons.
Spanning cartoons, toy lines, and even feature films, the Transformers franchise seemed fairly oversaturated by the time that IDW tackled the comics. However, the artists and writers at IDW proved that the characters were ripe for great comic storylines, and they even expanded the franchise into a full fledged part of the IDW extended universe.
Locke & Key (2008-2013)
Generally considered one of the best horror comics of all time, Locke & Key was one of IDW's most unique books. The book is set in a world where demons attempted to enter the human dimension, but were forged into special keys each with its own magical ability.
Strange premise aside, the book was an exciting and terrifying adventure that had one of the most unique takes on the supernatural ever put on a comic book page. The magical keys gave writers an almost infinite pallet of possibilities to work with, and one of the most fun parts of the series was learning how the magic worked.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011-Present)
With the tubular green ninjas finding great success in the cartoon and film mediums, many fans forget that they got their start in comics. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles follows a group of anthropomorphic turtles who fight crime in New York City while training under their master, Splinter.
Combining the best elements of all eras of the turtles, TMNT is everything a fan of the franchise could hope for. The book brings back many familiar villains including Shredder and his Foot Clan, but they also introduce original baddies that fit in well with the franchise's existing characters. Over the years at IDW, the turtles have crossed over with many recognizable characters including Batman and the Ghostbusters.