- Paperback: 149 pages
- Publisher: DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley); Updated edition (21 May 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0756630126
- ISBN-13: 978-0756630126
- Product Dimensions: 29.7 x 24.9 x 1 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 928,418 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
To be honest, i was a little disappointed by this book. Compared to the other 'Ultimates' in DKs series, it's incredibly concise. I also found it hard to find (although i love the internet, there's something to be said for hunting for things in the real world). The book itself works well as an introduction to the Transformers' 20 year history (and its many permutations) for new fans, but there's little here for the long time fan, although the revalations concerning the toy-line's origins in Japan are interesting if you've never read about this in the various US toy trade mags. All the major comic book arcs from the'80s are covered, but not in the same depth as Furman's own editorials from the Titan books (I'd recognised that bracketed style of writing anywhere!), and there is a sense that Furman is repeating himself here. Bob Budiansky gets a brief mention for his contribution to the Transformers mythos (writing ALL the tech specs for the entire G1 toyline!Thats some 200 plus characters!).I do feel for Bob, as fans are extremely critical of his work on the US comic and its really not all that bad - his main problem seems to have been Hasbro's insistance that he feature EVERY SINGLE TRANSFORMER EVER RELEASED.What is nice to see, is some good coverage of the Beast Wars era, which I have to say,is my favourite Transformers period and its sucessor Beast Machines (which I hope one day will be released on DVD so I can finally watch it). The Robots In Disguise section lacks any coverage of the related cartoon, (which is a shame 'cos its actually quite fun and beats Armada hands down in my book) preferring to give us lots of images of the toys from that line (which were ace from us old farts point of view as they were so intricate and detailed, but quite how Hasbro's target audience of 5-10 year olds got on with them I'll never know!). Speaking of the toys, (which lets face it, is what the Transformers are really all about) its suprising that there is not wider coverage of the vast array of figures that were available and we're limited to the items housed in one fan's collection (who seem to use Hot Spots guns for quite a few different shots). The reviews for the G1 toys that Furman is more familar with are more enthusiastic than for the later entries, and I do wonder if Simon was trying to write all this alongside his ongoing work for Dreamwave. the Armada and Energon entries are suprisingly brief considering what a big splash Armada made in the States and over here,but seem in keeping with the modern era's Power Rangers style approach of a new set of figures/circumstances every year. And there's a mention of Dreamwave's rebooting of the comics, which is a bit gushing of their ambitious but muddled reinvention. And thats it.Nicely produced, and for the most part well written, but perhaps could have used some input from some of the other creators involved along the way. Particularly as I'm sure Simon could do with a break from the world of Transformers every now and then. Overall, good for new starters but a bit of a missed opportunity (why no coverage of the Japanese stuff - Masterforce, Victory and the like?).
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If ever there were a Transformers bible, Transformers: The Ultimate Guide is it.
This is an outstanding book that carefully examines each integral part of the Transformer mythos concisely. For many people this is the first time some of this material may have been seen as unless you are a die-hard collector it would be impossible to have experienced every element of this vast genre.
This book is a labour of love for writer Simon Furman who has been with the Transformers series from the beginning, first putting pen to paper in 1985's comic story The Enemy within, and he hasn't stopped since.
This revised edition covers a huge amount of information in its 152 packed pages.
We begin with detailed illustrations of Cybertron (the Transformers home planet) and Iacon (the capital city), passing through civil war and the Autobots and Decepticon's arrival on Earth.
We then take a look at many of the main characters such as Optimus Prime, Megatron, the Dinobots and Constructicons. All lavishly drawn and presented with their tech specs data.
Furman then takes a look at the cartoon TV series and looks at each episode of Generation 1 seasons 1-4 and the cult Transformers: The Movie.
We are also taken on a journey through vast collection of comics ranging from Marvel UK and US right up until the present day IDW series.
The book covers the Emmy award winning Beast Wars TV series as well as the recent more poorly made Japanese dubbed Robots in disguise, Armada, Energon and Cybertron.
This book is a welcome addition to any bookshelf and is a point of reference for anyone trying to find out a fact about any part of the Transformers universe.
To conclude I was pleased to see the addition of sections on IDW comics and the Alternators and Classic toys for this edition.
This is an outstanding book that carefully examines each integral part of the Transformer mythos concisely. For many people this is the first time some of this material may have been seen as unless you are a die-hard collector it would be impossible to have experienced every element of this vast genre.
This book is a labour of love for writer Simon Furman who has been with the Transformers series from the beginning, first putting pen to paper in 1985's comic story The Enemy within, and he hasn't stopped since.
This revised edition covers a huge amount of information in its 152 packed pages.
We begin with detailed illustrations of Cybertron (the Transformers home planet) and Iacon (the capital city), passing through civil war and the Autobots and Decepticon's arrival on Earth.
We then take a look at many of the main characters such as Optimus Prime, Megatron, the Dinobots and Constructicons. All lavishly drawn and presented with their tech specs data.
Furman then takes a look at the cartoon TV series and looks at each episode of Generation 1 seasons 1-4 and the cult Transformers: The Movie.
We are also taken on a journey through vast collection of comics ranging from Marvel UK and US right up until the present day IDW series.
The book covers the Emmy award winning Beast Wars TV series as well as the recent more poorly made Japanese dubbed Robots in disguise, Armada, Energon and Cybertron.
This book is a welcome addition to any bookshelf and is a point of reference for anyone trying to find out a fact about any part of the Transformers universe.
To conclude I was pleased to see the addition of sections on IDW comics and the Alternators and Classic toys for this edition.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
For all Transformers everywhere this book is a MUST HAVE. It clears up any confusion as to the mythologies and even references as to when this franchise began. Follow the Transformers through over 20 years, through its many reincarnations, series and many characters. From Diacon and Microman created by Japanese toy company TAKARA from designs from HASBRO and GI Joe to Transformers Armada.
The book itself is a thing to admire in itself. The metallic silver book and image of Optimus Prime make this something you want people to see.
The book itself is a thing to admire in itself. The metallic silver book and image of Optimus Prime make this something you want people to see.
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