more news from the transformers [Archive]

rascal_father

28-05-2005, 09:33 AM

credit to newsarama
http://www.newsarama.com/IDW/transformers/idwtransformerspromo.jpg
SIMON FURMAN: GUARDIAN of the TRANSFORMERS
Benjamin Franklin once said, “In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.” Had the founding father lived longed enough he might have amended that statement to, “In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes … and if there’s a Transformers line of comic books, Simon Furman will be involved.
The UK-based writer has been involved with 4-color Transformers over 20 years now, with at least 4 publishers on two continents, covering more than 285 stories. So when talks between IDW Publishing and Hasbro began to heat up regarding acquiring the Transformers license, Furman was one of IDW’s first calls.

Newsarama recently had a chance to talk to Furman about how and why he’s become the Transformers go-to guy and this early thoughts on the new “G1” continuity he’s helping IDW create.
Newsarama: Simon, first of all, before we pump you for details about IDW’s new line, let’s look at the big picture for a moment and you’re role in it.

How and why do you think you've found yourself sort of a "guardian" of the Transformers in comic books. To what do you attribute this to?

Simon Furman: I’m not sure. When I started writing Transformers it was just a job, one I was glad to have (because it was right at the start of my comics career) but still just another job. There was no point getting too attached to the characters/story because I could easily only be doing one or two stories, and licensed titles tend to have a fairly short run.
But as one or two stories turned into a hundred or more, and (within the general Marvel UK/Hasbro confines) I got more and more freedom to really run with these characters and worlds they inhabited, so I began to really get invested in the evolving entity that was Transformers. Somewhere along the line, I guess, I started to care. In a strange, vaguely proprietary way I started to think of them as ‘my’ characters, and I just started investing more of ‘me’ in the stories. And though my writing has evolved over the years, that’s never changed. I still get that essential buzz of excitement when I sit down to write a Transformers script or short story or source book.

Maybe that translates to the readers and editors and guys behind the scenes at Hasbro, I don’t know, but Transformers certainly long since ceased to be ‘just another job’ to me, and people seem to respond to that. I think now it’s reached a stage where people can just see that I know the stuff inside out, understand and respect the property, but I’m still flexible enough to adapt to new ideas, new directions.

NRAMA: So tell us about how you became involved in this latest incarnation, and with IDW?

SF: When IDW were — I guess — at early stages of license negotiation, I was approached by [IDW Editor-in-Chief] Chris Ryall, just to gauge my interest in coming onboard should they get the license. Then, as this became more of a ‘when’ they get the license, Chris got back in touch and we started throwing a few ideas back and to about how to proceed with the new line of books. A few ideas/scenarios were mooted and rejected until we got to something everyone was happy with.

NRAMA: Now IDW has described the first ongoing series as a new continuity and an "ultimate" version (of sorts) of “G1”.

First of all, can you briefly describe what makes "G1", well …"G1" for the non-hardcore readers out there? What sets this "continuity" apart from the others?

SF: G1 (as it was back in 1984/85) is just the purest form of Transformers, before it became very character/gimmick-heavy or tied up in new continuities or alternate universes. Back then, it was pretty straightforward — warring robotic beings stranded on Earth, out to protect/exploit it — but no less exciting for being so. The characters had unique, distinct personalities, and their interactions (good and bad) with humankind generated an excitement that continues to this day.

NRAMA: Now that said, this new series won't be tied at all to any animated program, or Marvel or Dreamwave comic book. This will be "G1", but a new take on "G1" correct?

SF: Yeah, we’re looking establish our own, unique take on G1, one that takes that original magic and awe and turns it into something contemporary, something that works with both younger and older readers alike. It’s entry level if you know nothing about Transformers, but has new layers to the saga to delight (I hope) and intrigue the fans who’ve grown up with the series over the past 20 years.
http://www.newsarama.com/IDWnew/Transformers/sutransforms2.jpg
NRAMA: Now we know it's early and you don't want to give away too much by way of details (and we’ve heard stories about Chris Ryall and the stun gun), but how will this “G1” differ from other previous versions?

SF: In the original, the Ark (the Autobots’ spacecraft) crash-lands on Earth. So it’s basically one big accident the Transformers are here at all. That’s no longer the case. There’s now definite intention and method behind their (recent) appearance on Earth. Think of this as G1 for a generation raised on X-Files and conspiracy theories in general.

NRAMA: Speaking of which, in our interview last week Chris Ryall implied that the "Robots in Disguise" aspect of the property will be emphasized, and the opening story arc title "Infiltration" seem to support that. Can you talk about what this means in whatever detail you can?

SF: I always thought the ‘robots in disguise’ thing was the most interesting aspect of the Transformers, the whole ‘they are among us but we don’t know’ angle. When you think about it, what these guys are good at is blending in, becoming ‘invisible’ among the general populace of any given planet. That’s key to what we’re setting up here. One thing (among many) both Chris and I agreed on was the need to put back the ‘covert’ into the characters, to create an atmosphere of brooding menace and then ‘wham,’ here’s your giant robot. We’re putting the myth and majesty back into these beings!

NRAMA: Well, if they’re going covert, they need someone to be covert to. You'll have to pardon us for not being 100% up to speed, but in the past “G1 Transformers” has featured a human cast. A mechanic and his son in the original animated series (Spike?) come to mind. Will this new version also feature any regular human characters?

SF: It will. In fact, because the Transformers are largely sub-radar, a lot of stuff will be from their perspective. Again, I think this will help reinforce the epic grandeur of the Transformers themselves. Right now, we have two lead humans, plus a few others who’ll get dragged in. The difference I guess is that these are human characters that will drive the story as much as the robots, characters we hope people will recognize and empathize with. Trust me, the days of Buster/Spike Witwicky are long gone!

NRAMA: Just to give old school fans a little taste, can you name a character or two in this fresh “G1” mythos that you're really enjoying writing, and why?

SF: It’s early doors at the moment, in terms of writing the Transformers characters themselves. All I can say, is that Ratchet (who, in this new incarnation, is more of a rebel) is key to the early beats of the story, and he’s a character I’ve always enjoyed writing. The idea of someone torn between following (military) orders and obeying his internal prime directive (to save lives) appeals to me.

NRAMA: Aside from the humans, will there be any new Transformers in this incarnation?

SF: No, no new Transformers. The cast is so bountiful and rich, it begs the question: why bother? But new looks? Yeah, definitely!

NRAMA:The Marvel days are long gone and no sense dwelling over what happened with Dreamwave, but you more than anyone else have very unique insight into how various companies have handled this property. Can you perhaps tell us how IDW is approaching creating these books that is unique?

SF: I think IDW are striking a very important balance between the more distanced, ‘it’s a commercial decision’ stance of Marvel and the (well-intentioned) fan-fervor of the Dreamwave guys. I think you need to be able and willing to look at Transformers two ways: as a sound, structured business venture and a property with great ‘play’ potential. Certainly respect what’s come before, but always look forward as well. That’s certainly the way I’m going on this.

NRAMA:What are they bringing to the table that maybe other publisher didn't?

SF: Er... E.J. Su?

NRAMA: Speaking of Dreamwave, do you have any unfinished stories from their run at this point, and what are your thoughts on IDW possibly completing them?

SF: I hope they do. As a reader myself, I hate unfinished storylines. And what’s more, I’m pretty sure Chris and the others at IDW feel the same. Trouble is, right now the stories are wrapped up in litigation, so it’ll be down the line (if and when it happens). In a way, that’s a good thing. People will get to see the IDW line first, grow to know and (again, I hope) love that, and then the loose ends can be tied up. I so want to finish up War Within v3.

NRAMA: Chris Ryall also implied that you'd be doing more projects for IDW, including other versions of the Transformers, anything you can say about that as this time?

SF: Well, 2006 is the 10th Anniversary of Beast Wars. And the last thing I was almost working on for Dreamwave was Beast Wars. Could there be a link??
http://www.newsarama.com/IDWnew/Transformers/sutransforms1.jpg