IDW presents The Transformers Animated: The Arrival #1;  the first of a series of five original comics. The story arc takes place in the continuity of the first season of the “Animated” TV show, airing on Cartoon Network.

In “Dispatches,” Animated series head writer Marty Isenberg, along with artist Dario Brizuela take a brand-new look at the story behind the AUTOBOTS’ arrival on Earth. You’ve seen the Animated movie, but do you know the whole story? You will as ULTRA MAGNUS, SENTINEL PRIME, STARSCREAM, BLACKARACHNIA, and many more tell their sides of the story that started it all! The TRANSFORMERS Animated series will also feature OILSLICK, who was originally intended to be a toy-only character, but the creators found a place to fit him into the comic.

On a similar note, the Next Avengers direct to DVD animated film is now out. Getting a hold of these kinds of DVDs here in Oz is painfully difficult, but I will review it when I get a copy. For now, you can read Newsarama's review here and ComicVine's here. I had my doubts about this "kiddifying" of the Marvel U, but so far the reports seem positive, and the DVD looks like it has some great bonus features, including peeks at the two upcoming "Hulk Vs" films, where he faces off against Thor, and Wolverine, and a doco on the current kids roaming the streets of the Marvel U.

EPIC.