Let’s Rank Those IDW Deviations

IDW Deviations Reviews

IDW had a pretty cool idea that spanned over this past March, one-shot events of their most popular books titled IDW Deviations. The Deviations can be described simply as IDW’s version of Marvel’s “What-If” books. The thing that propels it over most of Marvel’s “What-If” is IDW’s use of its intellectual properties. We’re talking popular pop icons like Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, X Files, G.I. Joe, and Ghostbusters. In defense of Marvel though, I really did want to know what it would be like if Dazzler was a herald of Galactus. Spoiler, it was awesome!

I could just tell you about each book, but what’s the fun in that? So naturally I’ve ranked the IDW Deviations by points, scoring and equations that only I understand.

Oh, by the way, if you didn’t know how these shows or movies ended, shame on you, these are like 20+ years old, so don’t whine to me about spoilers.

#5 Transformers

In a world where Optimus Prime doesn’t die. Yeah, that’s about it, and I’m not going to lie, this book was the weakest of the bunch in the story department. I like Transformers, I tried jazzing the book up by using their iconic voices when I read every bubble, but man, this book was one giant snoozefest.

The strength of Transformers Deviations was Priscilla Tramontano’s art, almost good enough to move this book up a few ranks if it weren’t for its bloated narrative. I’m sure huge fans of Transformers will find someway to love this book, but I was finding it difficult to find ways of even liking it.

#4 The X-Files

What if Fox Mulder was abducted and not his sister. I’ll answer that for you, apparently nothing except create a female version of Fox Mulder. The whole book made Samantha, Fox’s sister into a female character of his character. She’s still partnered with Dr. Dana Scully and she even received his nickname “Spooky” by the other FBI agents, the same nickname!

The X-Files Deviations is essentially The X-Files just with two female protagonists. It’s the exact same book, the only thing it had over Transformers Deviations was it actually wasn’t boring, and for this it sits near the bottom of the list.

#3 Ghostbusters

The Ghostbusters in one last effort to stop Gozer the Gozerian (thank you wikipedia) don’t cross the streams and instead fail to destroy the destructor, or more widely known as the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.

The Ghostbusters Deviations was actually really creative, I liked what Kelly Thompson and Nelson Daniel did with the book. It was just so out in left field, it felt like a classic Ghostbusters story. Hell, it could be a Ghostbusters story.

The only reason Ghostbusters Deviations isn’t higher on the list is because the next two books are just that good.

#2 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Here’s something about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Leonardo gets brainwashed by Shredder, that happened, this just takes it one step further and brainwashes all of the turtles. I feel bad putting it so high on the list because the “What If” question is pretty weak, and in the end all of the turtles end up reverting back to the way they were. I would have loved to see the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as villains just a bit longer, not just fighting their sensei Splinter the entire book.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Deviations book is so strong, the story by Tom Waltz has history behind it, has feeling, and full of exciting action. I was blown away by Zach Howards art that seemed to bring the book to life, making all of the great fighting sequences intense and hard hitting.

I know it sounds like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Deviations should top the list but I’m a bit partial to the next title on the list.

#1 G.I. Joe

The granddaddy question of all time, “What if Cobra won?”, honestly, what if Cobra Commander finally accomplished his goal of world domination? I’m glad you asked that question and I’m even more glad Paul Allor wrote up a doozy of a story for it.

G.I. Joe Deviations made me believe that it was something that could really happen, something that worked, and even more, something that worked well. The book was filled with familiar characters acting exactly as you believed they would if Cobra was in charge, including Cobra Commander.

G.I. Joe Deviations even on occasions made me laugh out loud, I think I was enjoying it just a bit too much. The art by Corey Lewis, in my opinion, was a bit weak, but in someways it fit the wacky nature of the book.

G.I. Joe Deviations was a fun read that kept me entertained the entire time and ended in great fashion. Sure I may be a little biased because of my love of G.I. Joe, but I love all of these popular and iconic titles, G.I. Joe Deviations just deserves to be in the top spot.

So there they are, all of the IDW Deviations listed in all of their glory. Creative twists to some of your favorite stories all wrapped up in one place. They’re all available now so head down to your local shop and give a few a try.