Being in a blockbuster can lead to many things, mainly exposure. Tyrese Gibson has been in plenty of well-known films, including 'Baby Boy,' 2 Fast 2 Furious' and 'Waist Deep,' but 'Transformers' took him to another level.

The 2007 film, which also starred Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel and John Turturro, became a worldwide hit, grossing more than $700 million. Tyrese is back for the sequel, 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,' and ready to take on a whole new set of Decepticons as Master Sgt. Robert Epps.

In addition to the film, the Watts, Calif., native plans to release a comic book this summer, as well as a reality show on firefighters. He just released his latest single, 'Take Me Away.'

Gibson recently talked to Black Voices about the 'Transformers' sequel, his venture into the comic book world and his reality-show drama.

While shooting the 'Transformers' sequel, did you feel like you were on familiar territory?

Tyrese Gibson: Well, it's not the same. Nothing about this movie is the same. It's going to shock a lot of people when they see it because it's definitely another level of energy and action. The scope of this film is so much bigger and better than the last one.

What's different with your character?

TG: My character's name is now Master Sergeant Robert Epps. He's under a lot of pressure to deliver between the ground and air because he's in the Air Force. The combat controller's responsible for communicating everything that's going on, such as where we are located and where to drop bombs. I have the most difficult dialogue in the movie in the midst of Michael Bay blowing up cars and stuff.

When you first took the role had you signed on for a sequel?

TG: I had only signed up for the first one, and I haven't signed up for number three yet either. That situation is open-ended, and I'm fired up about that.

Did you go back into the gym and do anything physically to prepare for this role?

TG: I lost about 35 pounds while training for this movie. I was jogging five miles a day. My eating and everything changed, so I could represent myself the best that I could.

How was reuniting with the cast?

TG: I thought the chemistry among the cast was so much better. I think all of us, including the crew, stepped their game up. We know that we are working on something that the world is anticipating. I just went on an international tour, and we went to seven different countries to promote this film. The energy overseas is just crazy. There are people who don't speak English, and they are just as fired up about seeing the film. It's such an honor that Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg had me in mind to be a part of this.

What is it about 'Transformers' that has folks crazy about seeing it?

TG: The thing is that you can't really compare this movie to anything else that is out there. We've seen cars driving up the streets before, but when you see cars running, you're like "Whoa!" It's a different experience. The fan base is very unique. They are expecting to be blown away, and I think we delivered.

Were you supposed to have a song on the soundtrack with Jewel?

TG: It didn't end up working out because we worked on the song at the last minute. We tried. We are going to release it on itunes exclusively so that the fans can experience this duet. When people start hearing the song, they start crying. It's been an amazing response. The song is called 'Make It Last.'

BV heard that you have a comic book ready to hit stores.

TG: It's called 'Mayhem,' and it's coming out August 5. I did a huge deal over at Image Comics with Eric Stephenson and Robert Kirkman and Todd McFarlane. The pre-sales on the comic book are out of control. In just one store, we have pre-sales of 10,000 copies. The anticipation and energy and passion behind the comic book have been really one of a kind, and I'm excited that I'm making this debut. I have a full-on team in place. You can check out the covers of both issues online. I'm going to Comic Con this year.

You once said that you weren't a serious comic book reader growing up. When did you develop this passion for them?

TG: At the end of the day, if you don't reach beyond what you already are, you'll never grow. Because I didn't grow up on comic books doesn't mean I shouldn't contribute to the comic book world. There will be some people out there who will have their criticism and wonder whether I'm doing this for money or if I'm just trying to create a film project for myself. I'm just trying to put the best comic book out there. I have some legitimate people out there who are backing me. Once people pick up the comic book and see the sketch work, they will see that I'm no comic book veteran, but I definitely came in and brought my A game. The Web site is www.buymayhem.com.

Are you planning for this to come to the big screen?

TG: Right now, if you came to my office, you will see that there is no treatment to have this in theaters. The comic book has to do well first. The focus is to make this one of the best comic books ever, not just three or four series and fade out.

I also understand that you have a reality show coming up. Tell us about that.

TG: It's called 'First In.' We did a deal with BET and shot the first season in Compton. 'First In' is like a documentary/ reality show where you really get to know the personalities and all the day-to-day heroic moments that happen around firefighters. It's equivalent to 'Cops' but for firemen. They are always the first in, the first on the line and, in most cases, they arrive to a crime scene before the police officers. We really wanted to capture that. It's dark and traumatic. I think the show will win some Emmys. We really outdid ourselves. My partner's name is Michael McQuarn, and the production company is 8th Wonder. My company is called is HQ Entertainment, and it's our debut. BET will debut it later in the fourth quarter of this year. The reason I got involved is that everyone says that Superman and Batman are heroes, but I look at firefighters and police officers and people who are serving this country as the real heroes. I want to have a show to inspire kids. Firefighters became everyone's heroes around September 11 and it sort of faded away, but I want to bring it back. We started in Compton, and then we are going to move to Boston and then Philly. We are going to get to know these firemen. They have to spend three to four days at a time at the firehouse, and the divorce ratio among firefighters is really high. I've learned so much of the process, and I'm so excited to share the TV show with the world.

Any more music plans?

TG: I have this song out right now everyone can download for free. The song is called 'Mayhem Take Me Away Remix'. It was produced by Clinton Sparks and DJ Snake. It's a house-techno type record. I've never done this before. I was giving out thousands of copies to DJs and fans as I was out promoting the film. I was on a mission to make the world dance. It's been playing on the radio in L.A. and the response has been special.

Any more films coming up?

TG: I have a few roles that I'm trying to close up, but I can't speak on them.

Have you been approached to be on 'The A-Team'?

TG: I can't speak on that right now, but just know that even if I did catering work on the A-Team, I would love to be a part of that movie. It would be an honor.

Why should moviegoers see 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen?'

TG: The film is going to be like nothing you have ever seen in your life. You will feel like you should have been charged more to see the film because it's that crazy. I grew up on Transformers. I have a collection of the toys. I have a Transformers tattoo on my right forearm of the Autobot symbol.

Who are your favorite characters?

TG: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and my new love is this new corvette you will see in the movie called Stingray.

How do you stay connected with your fans?

TG: I'm on Twitter baby. All day, everyday. You can follow me at Tyrese4ReaL. That is me, no assistant, just me.