Transformers: All Hail Megatron Vol1
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http://comicbookdb.com/title.php?ID=19430
Writer/Artist: Shane McCarthy, Guido Guidi
Publisher: IDW, $19.99
Why You Should Know It:
It's always a good idea to stock Transformers anyway if you're a retailer, just because there will always be those hardcore fans and people jumping on from the movies and all that. All hail Megatron though is great jump on point even for those people who would think they could never get into Transformers. The premise of the series is that the Decepticons have finally won, and the Earth no longer has the protection of the Autobots. The reader is slowly shown the fate of the Autobots over the course of the series, building up the tension among the survivors and their bleak situation. Meanwhile, New York is easily devastated by Megatron and his followers as they turn it into the staging ground for all their other attacks across the world.
While the series is technically tied to the previous IDW runs of transformers, it's pretty stand alone and utilizes the original cast of first generation Transformers that most old school fans are familiar with. The art definitaly harkens back to the original designs, while at the same time it's sharp and dark enough to pull in readers that may not care for the older style. If you know you want to stock a Transformer title or are trying to find one for a fan but can't decide among all the other choices, I would push this one hard.
The $19.99 price tag is actually a deal considering the single issues are $3.99 and the tpb collects six issues plus an art gallery in the back for all the covers. It's all on nice glossy stock, so it's a great looking package. 
Pic from here
Personal Review:
I was raised with the Transformers, so I'm a little biased. While there are parts that recall my fondest memories, I have to give McCarthy a lot of credit for not trapping himself too much in nostalgia. It's there, but it's subtle and strengthens the overall plot. He also has a great sense of humor that he drops at the appropriate moments to give us a break from all the carnage and despair. 
Pic from here
Guidi was meant to draw giant robots, and especially giant robots blowing things up. While his humans are fine, you can see what the guy really loves to draw. His layouts are sharp and easy to follow, and he does a great job of showing you gist of the violence that's about to happen without dwelling too long on it and making it gory. I usually have a hard time justifying $3.99 on a comic, but I just can't say no to this book every month. Part of the appeal are the great propaganda style covers. 
Image from here
If you like this, then try:
Classic Transformers, Classic G.I. Joe
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