Fans of science-fiction action and 1980s nostalgia may never agree on the coolest brand, but in this year's Transformers vs. Terminator, at least one comic book story will aim to capture both. Imagining an alternate reality in which Terminators may be Earth's only hope against a future ruled by... Decepticons?
The story details may be kept under wraps for the time being, but fans can rest assured that thanks to a partnership between IDW Publishing and Dark Horse Comics, Transformers vs. Terminator will bring a pipe dream of a crossover into reality. And to make it happen, they're turning to two veterans in the world of Autobots and Decepticons in comics. Editors David Mariotte and John Barber (Optimus Prime) are writing the four-part miniseries, along with artist Alex Milne. As fans would expect, the crossover is being described as a one-of-a-kind adventure returning to "the concepts of alien invasion and time-traveling resistance fighters… but twists them in unexpected ways."
John Barber, current editor in chief of IDW as well as co-writer for the new series, explained (via THR) that his enthusiasm for the brands goes back to the very start:
I still remember the visceral thrill and terror of my first viewing of The Terminator, and while I've seen it a hundred times since then, it still gets my pulse running. I’ve worked on Transformers a lot over the years, and the opportunity to combine these two mechanistic universes together to see who comes out on top (while working alongside Tom, David and my old collaborator Alex, no less) — well, it’s way too exciting a chance to pass up.
As for Milne, the artist actually tasked with bringing these mechanical monsters to life -- and into battle -- in the comics themselves, he is no stranger to the Transformers brand. That's a large part of the reason, he explains to Syfy Wire, that he didn't hesitate to sign onto the project:
I assume someone from the future jumped back in time to lay the groundwork for the idea... Both of these franchises were very influential on me when I was growing up to help shape the artist I am today. I think that fans can expect an action-packed story with some unique twists but I'm afraid if I say anything more a T-800 will be sent after me.
It's hard to imagine that just years ago, fans dreamed of seeing the stories of both the Transformers and The Terminator saga return to blockbuster movie theaters. The results since then haven't been much better than the success rate of an actual Terminator. But those who have enjoyed IDW and Dark Horse's offerings along the way already know: the best Terminator stories are in the comics, anyway. Fans can find out how well the two brands react when the series begins this March. But until then, read on below for the full solicitation details and plot synopsis:
- TRANSFORMERS VS. TERMINATOR #1
- Release Date: March 25th, 2020
- Writer: David Mariotte, John Barber, Tom Waltz
- Art by: Alex Milne
- Cover by: Gavin Fullerton
- It's Skynet vs. Cybertron in a crossover for the ages! 1984: When a deadly race of machines emerge from another time, will a robotic guardian be able to protect the Earth from a dire future... or will the T-800 fail in his mission to prevent the world from becoming a plaything to the Decepticons?
Transformers vs. Terminator #1 will arrive in your local comic book shop on March 25th, 2020.