Transformers Ongoing #1Media Release -- The TRANSFORMERS enter a new and incredible era as IDW launches its inaugural ongoing comic series, expanding the company's already impressive collection of TRANSFORMERS comics. Under license from Hasbro, The TRANSFORMERS starts off with two huge events – the death of IRONHIDE and subsequent resignation of OPTIMUS PRIME, the heroic leader of the AUTOBOTS.

"It's simple and awesome at the same time. If you've never read a TRANSFORMERS comic, now's the time," said IDW's TRANSFORMERS editor, Andy Schmidt. "The TRANSFORMERS takes your favorite characters and casts them in new and different ways that every fan can follow and will enjoy."

In The TRANSFORMERS #1, the AUTOBOTS attempt a daring rescue mission that goes horribly wrong and OPTIMUS PRIME is forced to ask if the TRANSFORMERS have brought more harm than good to Earth. IRONHIDE's death is the final straw for this noble leader, who turns himself in to the human authorities, leaving the AUTOBOTS leaderless.

The TRANSFORMERS is the first ongoing series in five years, and launches fan-favorite characters into new territory. Critically acclaimed writer Mike Costa (G.I. JOE: COBRA) helms this exciting new series, with intense and action-packed art by superstar Don Figueroa.

To help TRANSFORMERS fans rejoin the world of comics, IDW is also releasing TRANSFORMERS: Continuum, written by Schmidt himself. This special 32-page, ad-free book is now available in stores and runs through all the fun and excitement of the last five years worth of stories that paved the way for the new journey to begin.

The TRANSFORMERS is so action-packed, IDW has created two thrilling new miniseries accompanying the ongoing series to fit it all in: TRANSFORMERS: BUMBLEBEE and TRANFORMERS: Last Stand of the WRECKERS, debuting in December and January, respectively.

The TRANSFORMERS #1 (32 pages, $3.99) is now available in stores. Diamond order codes #SEP09 0852.

TRANSFORMERS: Continuum (32 pages, ad free, $3.99) is now available in stores. Diamond order codes #SEP09 0849.

TRANSFORMERS: BUMBLEBEE #1 (of 4; 32 pages, $3.99) will be available in stores in December. Diamond order code #OCT09 0954.

TRANSFORMERS: Last Stand of the WRECKERS #1 (of 5; $3.99, 32 page color) will be available in stores in January. Diamond order code #NOV09 0819.

Visit IDWPublishing.com to learn more about the company and its top-selling books.

About IDW Publishing

IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro's The Transformers and G.I. JOE, Paramount's Star Trek; Fox's Angel; the BBC's Doctor Who; and television's #1 prime time series CBS' CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studios; and is the print publisher for ComicMix.

IDW's original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.

About HASBRO

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.