Transformers #25 Review

 

Writer: Robert Kirkman

Artist: Dan Mora & Jorge Corona

Colorist: Mike Spicer

Letterer: Rus Wooton

Cover Artists: David Nakayama & Many More!

Publisher: Image Comics

Price: $4.99

Release Date: October 8, 2025

 

Megatron has lost his beloved Cybertron. He believes his Decepticons had control of their new world within their grasp. But like Governor Tarkin, they let it slip through their fingers. He rages at his inner circle, disgusted at their failure to secure the Earth. Can Megatron rebuild his Decepticons into an effective fighting force after this crushing defeat? Let’s leap into Transformers #25 and see!

 

Story

While Megatron takes out the trash, Optimus Prime and the Autobots clean up Chicago. Amid the battle-ravaged city, a meeting with a Human girl evokes an earlier misstep in the forest. But she gazes upon him with hope and wonder. Both leave their meeting with lighter hearts.

 

This seemingly unnoteworthy encounter isn't Optimus Prime's sole victory in Transformers #25. But like a match, it sparks a flame that illuminates a potential new relationship with Humanity. The Decepticons abandoned the battleground. People notice that some of the giant mechanical aliens stick around to assist in recovery efforts. Humans reacted with fear when the Transformers first appeared on Earth. But as Robert Kirkman takes over the writing duties, hope for a partnership between Humans and Autobots rises.

 

Megatron may be correct in that unassailable power can achieve a kind of peace. Yet before either side can become a truly effective fighting force, the Autobots and the Decepticons need new bases from which to deploy their forces. While Megatron blames his troops for defeat, Optimus Prime and the Autobots build upon their “victory” by investigating the options available to them in Transformers #25.

 

Art

Gray, purple, and green dominate the Decepticon's base at the bottom of the deep blue sea. A tear extending from Megatron's shoulder to his chest evokes a sailor aboard Davy Jones' Flying Dutchman. But the red in the Decepticon leader’s eyes recalls Syrena's more hostile mermaid sisters. Red also links Megatron with another Decepticon, and later conquers the background as a black and red wide shot portrays a sad end.

 

Vibrant colors glow as the Autobots help Humans clean up the wreckage in Chicago. The illustration is clean and precise, with highly detailed and impressive imagery. Pink links a girl approaching Optimus Prime with Arcee assisting her former mentor. As Optimus reaches down to the girl, Ultra Magnus reaches to lift a crushed vehicle onto a truck. Yet while green Decepticons provoke anger in Megatron, a Human wearing green gives Optimus Prime reason to hope.

 

As Dan Mora and Jorge Corona conjure impressive visions, and Mike Spicer lavishes a loaded palette on terra firma and the seabed, Rus Wooton's black uppercase dialogue opens a new era for the Transformers. Red and pink sound effects celebrate Megatron’s rage. But giant off-white and beige letters herald his dominance.

 

When the dialogue and rectangular balloons grow colorful, sound effects reveal that peace on Earth remains but a faint hope in Transformers #25. But perhaps that’s a good thing: if not for Humanity, at least for readers. Thanks to Image Comics and Skybound for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

They could be giants. Still, anger reveals leaders with hearts three sizes too small. As people in Chicago honor Optimus as their Quinbus Flestrin, the shortest Autobot showcases the largest heart in Transformers #25.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Symbiote Studios Brings Exclusive Transformers & First-Looks to SDCC 2025

 

Transformers fans: this stuffed Snarl can be yours! Plus, more Transformers fun awaits you at this month's San Diego Comic-Con! Here's all the info from Symbiote Studios:

 

Symbiote Studios Brings Exclusive Transformers & First-Looks to San Diego Comic-Con 2025

 

Symbiote Studios, the global leader in original and licensed plush toys, today unveiled its plans for San Diego Comic-Con 2025, taking place July 23–27. Known for its high-quality plush toys that bring everyone’s favorite characters to life, Symbiote Studios is set to make its booth (#5629) a must-visit destination on the convention floor.

 

Symbiote Studios will debut several new, officially licensed limited edition Transformers plush toys exclusive to San Diego Comic-Con, available only in their booth while supplies last.

 

Pictured above: 

Snarl: Continuing Symbiote Studios’ set of the iconic Transformers Dinobots alongside Grimlock, Sludge and Slug, the Snarl plush toy highlights this character’s iconic black head G2 design and is packed with details. [$29.99]

 

Now, how about more Transformers plushie madness?

 

 

Laserbeak Magnetic Plush: Fans looking to show off their love of Transformers around San Diego Comic-Con won’t want to miss the Laserbeak magnetic plush. This Decepticon plush includes a magnetic attachment on its base that allows it to sit securely on your shoulder or even on your refrigerator at home! [$24.99]

 

In addition to exclusive plush toys for purchase at the Symbiote Studios booth, a selection of never-before-seen Transformers and My Little Pony plushes will be on display, revealing their designs to the public for the first time. Each of these first look plush toys will launch later this year.

 

 

Back by popular demand, the Catnip Bravo costume character will return to the Symbiote Studios booth to meet with fans in a themed photo experience. Plus, attendees can test their luck in a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors with Catnip Bravo himself, with winners walking away with a special prize.

 

Keep up to date on everything happening at Symbiote Studios through its official website or by following on YouTube, Instagram TikTok and X to browse and purchase plush toys, enjoy Catnip Bravo comics and watch videos that bring the quality and joy of every Symbiote Studios plush toy to life. Symbiote Studios products are also available through Amazon and Walmart. 

 

Thanks to Symbiote Studios for sharing this news with us. 

 

 

 

 

Transformers #21 Review

 

Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson

Artist: Jorge Corona

Colorist: Mike Spicer

Letterer: Rus Wooton

Cover Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer; Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer; David Nakayama; Derek Chew; Pye Parr; Jason Howard & Annalisa Leoni; Jason Howard; Jimbo Salgado; Tiago Da Silva; Freely Abrigo; Mico Suayan; Len Nicholas

Editor: Ben Abernathy

Publication Design: Andres Juarez

Production: Ashby Florence

Publisher: Image

Price: $3.99

Release Date: June 11, 2025

 

While Soundwave welcomes the return of the king, Megatron’s return displeases Starscream, and Astrotrain finally gets his shot at revenge. As Megatron consolidates his forces, Wheeljack revives more Autobots. Conscientious objector Beachcomber helps by rescuing a lost but not forgotten comrade. Which side can win the Energon race and rebuild a superior force first? Where did the US military take Ultra Magnus and Carly? And how is Cliffjumper enjoying life on Cybertron? Let's recharge our Energon batteries, leap into Transformers #21, and find out!

 

Story

When the US military traps Ultra Magnus like Cobra Commander trapped Megatron, a shellshocked chaplain may wonder if something in Saint John’s Revelations refers to the Autobot. But his superiors have plans for their alien visitor. Megatron and his lieutenants Soundwave and Starscream want the Ark for themselves, but Optimus Prime is determined to stop them. Still, Optimus' history of violence worries him. And while Wheeljack rebuilds their forces, others beside Megatron and Optimus hunger to make their Ark their home.

 

Transformers #21 is an immersive read. The fast-paced plot is rich in drama. Points of view switch between Ultra Magnus, Megatron, Optimus Prime, and Elita One. Daniel Warren Johnson's story primarily concerns Megatron's renewed assault on the Ark. While Megatron, Elita One, and General Flagg demonstrate their hunger for power, Optimus suffers from its corrupting influence.

 

Art

A Human chaplain clutches his Bible as he beholds an enormous alien robot. As Blue Streak studies the computer monitor, he seems afraid to turn and face Elita-One. Cliffjumper shows Shredhead a hologram in a teaching moment evoking Bumblebee and Rubble. While navigating switchbacks along a sheer face, Megatron transforms into a gun for Starscream to wield. Jorge Corona's portraits of the Autobots and Decepticons' dilemmas recall the history of the fan-favorite franchise.

 

Mike Spicer contributes a series of limited color schemes that enhance the energy and drama surging through Transformers #21. One striking contrast is between the purple and gray Cybertronian night and the green and blue of a sunny day in Washington. Yet red, blue, and purple surround Optimus Prime when Wheeljack studies his leader. The nonviolent but no less invasive moment evokes Starscream attacking Soundwave at Megatron's feet.

 

Rus Wooton fills the Transformers' rectangular white balloons with italicized black words, while General Flagg speaks words of indifference into round dialogue balloons. The letters' size and spacing enlarge or reduce to convey loud and soft voices. While sound effects help us hear Megatron shift into dominating gun mode, immense words dominate panels as the war for Earth continues in Transformers #21. Thanks to Image Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Hasbro for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

The fight to increase one's strength may seem a worthy goal. But an abundance of power can prevent us from attaining our ambitions. As Humans and Cybertronians seek power for its own sake, a US chaplain and Optimus Prime experience its corrupting influence. And then there’s the smallest Autobot, who, like a diminutive Jedi, reminds us that big things can come in small packages in Transformers #21.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Transformers #19 Review

 

Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson

Artist: Ludo Lullabi

Colorist: Adriano Lucas

Letterer: Rus Wooton

Cover Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer; Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer; David Nakayama; Steve Beach; Frederic Pham Chuong; Ludo Lullabi; Raymond Gay; Chad Hardin; Dicky Maulana; Mark Spears; Matthew Waite; Freely Abrigo

Editor: Ben Abernathy

Publication Design: Andres Juarez

Production: Ashby Florence

Publisher: Image

Price: $3.99

Release Date: April 9, 2025

 

Starscream’s appetite for destruction lost the Decepticons the Ark. Soundwave's cold-as-ice reason turned his biggest supporters against him. As the lying Decepticon leaders tore each other apart, their combiners left Seattle in ruins. With the Autobots retreating or captured, can Megatron rally the rage-filled Decepticons? And how did he become such a unifying force for the Decepticons on Cybertron? Let's recharge our Energon batteries, leap into Transformers #19, and discover Megatron’s transformative journey!

 

Story

In Daniel Warren Johnson’s story, Megatron awakens in strange surroundings. The last thing he remembers is being on Moonbase 1. When Dezimir arrives, Megatron asks why he is there. Dezimir says he abducted Megatron to enslave him. Yet Megatron should not worry about how he got here. Nor should he rail at his imprisonment. Instead, Megatron should embrace this opportunity. Like the Hulk on Sakaar, only a privileged few get a chance to demonstrate their greatness.

 

In Transformers #19, Dezimir puts Megatron through his paces. Each time he enters the arena, Megatron meets Dezimir’s combatants. Yet Dezimir ratchets up the stakes until Megatron loses. Megatron isn't a tiny, squishy human. He is an enormous metal man with an immense gun. Yet Dezimir demolishes Megatron at every turn. And every time, Dezimir insists that failure is not an option. Megatron may be insignificant in the scheme of things, but he must rise above his limitations.

 

Megatron's transformation in Transformers #19 helps us understand how he became such an influential leader. It also sheds light on Shockwave's role among the Decepticons. Megatron transformed Ulchtar from a Cybertronian who prized life into a Decepticon who reveled in death. From Megatron’s perspective, Ultra Magnus may be Shockwave’s biggest failure. Unlike Dezimir, the former ruler of Cybertron tortured Ultra Magnus for centuries. Still, Shockwave couldn’t transform the Autobot icon into a force for the Decepticons.

 

Art

Megatron kneels as the Bailiffs approach. When the armored reptilian warriors make way for their leader, Megatron looks up. As Megatron prepares to smite his captor, the Prosecutor parts his red cloak and unleashes pinkish energy from his chest. Megatron struggles to remain on his feet and aims his cannon at Dezimir. More pinkish energy surrounds Megatron as he collapses. Then, carrying their spears with double hook-shaped axe heads, the mailed-and-tailed Bailiffs drag away Megatron in Transformers #19.

 

Adriano Lucas enlivens the purple and gray surroundings populated with Ludo Lullabi’s formidable characters and vicious battles. The Prosecutor is a tiny spot of red amid the gray courtroom. But when a purple drone hovers above the advancing yellow-eyed Sharkticon horde, Megatron’s red joints and eyes link with Dezimir’s red eyes. The green tentacled Prosecutor looks down from a blue-gray hoverdisk like the Red King watching the Hulk fight his opponents in Transformers #19. Then the gray floor gives way to orange, evoking Starscream’s trial with Soundwave acting as Prosecutor and Judge.

 

While Megatron's "impressive" alt mode illuminates Optimus Prime's meltdown in Tacoma, Washington, Rus Wooton fills the Transformers' rectangular white balloons with italicized black words. The letters grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, change color for drama, and shrink when Megatron says, "Please." Sound effects help us hear giant doors open, energy rip through Megatron and incinerate Sharkticons, and Dezimir unleash his titanic strength. Thanks to Image Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Hasbro for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Do our weapons control us? Does holding a gun change how we regard the world? As Transformers #19 probes our relationship with instruments of violence and death, it ponders how we evolve. Before we can embrace new ideas, we must discard our preconceptions. To become something new and better, we must recognize that we are broken and need transformation.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

For more cover art (including one from the C2E2 Comic-Con) see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Transformers #18 Review

 

Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson

Artist: Jorge Corona

Colorist: Mike Spicer

Letterer: Rus Wooton

Cover Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer; Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer; Karl Kerschl; Filya Bratukhin & Rex Lokus; Oliver Ono; Raymond Gay; Jay Anacleto & Romulo Fajardo Jr; John Giang; Tyler Kirkham; Raymund Bermudez; Livio Ramondelli

Editor: Ben Abernathy

Publication Design: Andres Juarez

Production: Ashby Florence

Publisher: Image

Price: $3.99

Release Date: March 12, 2025

 

Thundercracker vows to free Skywarp from the Ark. Beachcomber claims fighting is a choice. Ultra Magnus shoots at anything that moves. Bluestreak urges Elita One to be thankful. Optimus Prime ignores his 19^th nervous breakdown to save tiny Humans. The Hall of Sparks welcomes Cliffjumper’s recycling efforts. Bruticus topples the Space Needle. Can anyone bring order to the chaos rocking Cybertron and Earth? Or is turmoil as intrinsically linked with the Transformers as Skywarp is with the Ark? Let's recharge our Energon batteries, leap into Transformers #18, and discover the Autobots’ transformative journey!

 

Story

Cliffjumper gave Carly hope when Starscream killed her father. But the little Autobot disappointed her when he couldn’t kill Starscream. Cliffjumper sought her forgiveness, but Carly couldn’t face him. Yet when Soundwave tried to kill Cliffjumper, Carly came to his rescue.

 

Now, the vastness of space separates them. Cliffjumper knows he is not the warrior Carly and Elita One wish he was. So, he finds a way to turn the past into a better present. Shredhead possesses a warrior spirit and fighting prowess the little Autobot could never muster. Cliffjumper doesn’t utter a word in Transformers #18. Instead, he follows his newly forged creation like a parent watching an exploring infant.

 

Ultra Magnus gazes up at the moon above the San Juan Islands. Yet all he sees are the shadows lurking among the evergreens. Centuries of torture turned his life into a nightmare. As Arcee once reached out to her, Carly tries to help Ultra Magnus envision a better future. But when more visitors arrive to inspect his fortress, Ultra Magnus cannot see them as potential friends. In Daniel Warren Johnson's story, Ultra Magnus’ inability to move beyond the past dooms history to repeat itself.

 

As Shockwave tortured Ultra Magnus, so Megatron forced Starscream to kill. Repeatedly. Unceasingly. Until killing defined his existence. In Megatron’s absence, Starscream cut a swath of destruction across Earth until Soundwave deposed him. As Bruticus and Devastator clash in Seattle, Starscream resumes his battle with Soundwave. In Transformers #18, one Decepticon achieves victory. All it costs him is the leadership of the Decepticons.

 

Art

Fires rage as Decepticons storm the Hall Of Sparks on Cybertron. A familiar vehicle roars into the fray, attacking a beast reminiscent of Ravage. Shredhead tears through the Decepticons, wielding his sword like a samurai. As Cliffjumper follows his newborn, Elita One places a hand on Bluestreak’s shoulder and smiles.

 

Fires rage in a firepit in Ultra Magnus' wooden fortress. The pillar of orange bleaches Beachcomber while Arcee and Ultra Magnus stand before a full moon. When the pink-and-white Autobot touches her red-and-blue mentor, he edges away. But his shadow hangs over Carly, Spike, and a seated Beachcomber in Transformers #18.

 

As Mike Spicer lavishes bright colors on Jorge Corona’s art, fires rage in Seattle. Rus Wooton fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters and the Transformers' rectangular ones with italicized words as green and gray combiners clash. Soundwave speaks yellow words into blue rectangular balloons amid a sibling rivalry. The letters grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, change color for drama, and never shrink as Starscream says, “Give me a break.” Missiles fly, helicopters hover, and explosions rock Seattle as, like David Lee Roth, Soundwave answers, “One break, coming up!” Thanks to Image Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Hasbro for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Fear has dominated Optimus Prime’s life on Earth. The Autobot leader has repeatedly turned away from the violence that consumed him on Cybertron. Sparky's sacrifice saved him but may have consigned Optimus Prime to a slow death. Optimus Prime tries his best to ignore his lapses into mindless violence by protecting the endangered inhabitants of his adoptive planet. But any hopes for a better future and a chance to resolve his problems dies in Transformers #18.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Transformers #17 Review

 

Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson

Artist: Jorge Corona

Colorist: Mike Spicer

Letterer: Rus Wooton

Cover Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer; Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer; Karl Kerschl; Jay Anacleto & Romulo Fajardo Jr; Homare; Raymond Gay; Bjorn Barends; Jimbo Salgado; Jackie Mar; Mike Choi; John Giang; Jeffrey Edwards; Ryan Miller; Raymund Bermudez; Tiago Da Silva; Livio Ramondelli; Frederic Pham Chuong; Tyler Kirkham

Editor: Ben Abernathy

Publication Design: Andres Juarez

Production: Ashby Florence

Publisher: Image

Price: $3.99

Release Date: February 12, 2025

 

The Autobots on Earth are in disarray. While Beachcomber and Arcee search for “that Magnus guy,” Bruticus and Devastator destroy Wheeljack’s device to revive his friends. But the Decepticons also struggle. Soundwave and Starscream lead two competing factions, and both hate each other.

 

The Autobots on Cybertron are in disarray. No resistant group coordinates with another. Elita One sought a great leader to unite them, but Ultra Magnus and Optimus Prime failed her. Can the Autobots on either planet get their acts together? Or will they vanish like Starscream’s cat? Let's recharge our Energon batteries, leap into Transformers #17, and discover the Autobots’ transformative journey!

 

Story

Centuries of warfare have traumatized the Cybertronians. Optimus Prime suffers from PTSD, and Elita One has lost hope. After killing and torturing the Autobots, the Decepticons turn on each other. Neither side recognizes the value of compassion or the sanctity of an individual spark. As Thundercracker seeks to heal a Decepticon with a broken body, Arcee, Beachcomber, Spike, and Carly search for an Autobot with a shattered mind.

 

Wheeljack doesn't trust his leader. He begs Optimus to return to the Ark for evaluation. But the torrent Optimus Prime unleashed is carrying Bruticus and Devastator toward Seattle. Optimus Prime knows he is unstable. He remembers demolishing a tank when the Humans he tried to rescue in Tacoma attacked him. Still, Optimus Prime risks his life to help the tiny, squishy Humans before attending to his needs in Transformers #17.

 

Elita One risked her life to accompany Cliffjumper to the burial ground of his clan. Now, he wants to venture deeper into enemy territory. She would have followed Ultra Magnus and Optimus Prime without hesitation. Cliffjumper’s ambitious plan could extinguish her entire resistance group. Elita One must decide if she can follow the unproven Autobot into danger in Daniel Warren Johnson's story. Especially when he intends to abandon Cybertron and return to Earth the first chance he gets.

 

Art

Thundercracker flies to the Ark in Transformers #17. He skids to a stop in the orange-brown interior. His vibrant blue body consorts with the blue display screens surrounding Skywarp. Thundercracker yanks on the green cables binding his friend. But Skywarp’s orange visor glows as he tells Thundercracker to stop. Mike Spicer lavishes a loaded palette on Jorge Corona’s portrayal of Arcee, Beachcomber, Carly, and Spike surfing on a moonlit night. Yet they find Ultra Magnus kneeling before a fortress out of Planet Of The Apes.

 

Blades is the most confident Autobot on Cybertron in Transformers #17. Even Cliffjumper grimaces as he makes his proposal. Yellow-orange fire surrounds Elita One when claws grasp her arms. Yet surrounded by blue, green, and purple, the air fills with lines and dots of color as humming fills the hall.

 

While Jorge Corona and Mike Spicer show yellow-orange smoke rising above Seattle, Rus Wooton fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters and the Transformers' rectangular ones with italicized words. Soundwave speaks yellow words into blue rectangular balloons as Bruticus and Devastator continue their kaiju clash. The letters grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and never shrink as inked Humans race through the burning streets. Sound effects help us hear explosions, forcefields, and crashing as Autobots become Rescue Bots. Thanks to Image Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Hasbro for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

While a revelation brings serenity, hiding from danger leads to misery. As a hero puts aside his needs to protect others, others fight to create a new beginning in Transformers #17.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Transformers #16 Review

 

Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson

Artist: Jorge Corona

Colorist: Sarah Stern

Letterer: Rus Wooton

Cover Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer; Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer; Karl Kerschl; Manabu Yashiro; Homare; John Giang; Mico Suayan; Tiago Da Silva; Jimbo Salgado; Johnny Desjardins; Chad Hardin

Editor: Ben Abernathy

Publication Design: Andres Juarez

Production: Ashby Florence

Publisher: Image

Price: $3.99

Release Date: January 8, 2025

 

Disheartened over his epic defeat on the ocean floor, Soundwave resorts to destroying a Human city to lure out the Autobots. While emerging victorious, Optimus Prime and Arcee are hurting. Jetfire and Ratchet are dead. Cliffjumper got left behind on Cybertron. And their hero, Ultra Magnus, broke down and fled before the Decepticon who tortured him for centuries.

 

Abandoned by Arcee, Beachcomber, Carly, and Spike in their search to find Ultra Magnus, Optimus tries to banish his rage by rescuing Humans from Soundwave's attack. But like Soundwave, Starscream has not been idle. With his damaged legs replaced by a HISS tank, he enlists Astrotrain and the Combaticons in his cause. Can Optimus Prime's dwindling forces withstand a two-pronged Decepticon attack? Or will Soundwave and Starscream’s forces annihilate each other? Let's recharge our Energon batteries, leap into Transformers #16, and discover the Autobots’ transformative journey!

 

Story

Wheeljack tried to bolster the Autobots’ forces with the Energon he generated at the dam. But then Soundwave and Starscream’s forces turned the dam into Damnation Alley. While Starscream’s Combaticons and Soundwave’s Constructicons combined into Bruticus and Devastator, two Human children observed the Clash Of The Titans. Already struggling with rage, unexplained visions herald Optimus Prime's (19^th) Nervous Breakdown. After the heartbreak on the ocean floor, Optimus Prime failed Elita One. In severing Shockwave's space bridge, he wreaked havoc on Cybertron and his adoptive home. Now, the sight of the two behemoths destroying the Autobot's base overwhelms Optimus Prime.

 

Unlike dour Soundwave, Starscream leaps at any opportunity to gain the upper hand. Astrotrain swore obedience to Soundwave only to suffer the disgrace of captivity again. So, Astrotrain follows the Decepticon who freed him from his bonds. Like Drax The Destroyer, Astrotrain craves revenge. He has no patience for Soundwave’s long-term strategies. Astrotrain will readily attack his former boss if it means he can get his hands on Megatron. As for Thundercracker, the Decepticon has tired of Soundwave’s merciless nature. In Transformers #16, Thundercracker must decide where he belongs.

 

Elita One has never asked this question in Daniel Warren Johnson’s story. She blames the Autobots who abandoned their planet and let the Decepticons take over. Elita One won't rest until she wrests Cybertron from the Decepticon's hands. Yet she is also devastated by failure. She sacrificed her best soldiers to invade Shockwave's domain and rescue Ultra Magnus. Either he or Optimus Prime could have inspired her people. Instead, the Autobot leaders she admired abandoned their home planet. Yet in Transformers #16, inspiration and leadership come from an unexpected source.

 

Art

With Cliffjumper and Bluestreak on either side, Elita One carries a gun nearly as big as she is. Cliffjumper remembers the attack that caused the surrounding devastation. As he raises a glowing canister, the rubble Cliffjumper stands in evokes skulls. On Earth, Optimus Prime, Wheeljack, and Jazz gaze up at behemoths that make them feel like squishy Humans. A double-page spread reveals that Devastator and Bruticus are not having a Gru and Balthazar Dance Fight. Far below, the tiny figures of Soundwave and Starscream race toward revenge.

 

Sarah Stern lavishes bright colors on Jorge Corona’s detailed and frenetic artwork in Transformers #16. Thundercracker and Starscream find disharmony amid their mutual blue and red, while purple Astrotrain reveals his love of Michael Coney's novel The Celestial Steam Locomotive. Optimus Prime resembles Soundwave in silhouette as he plans violence before the red, white, and blue Autobot kneels and removes his cannon. Another silhouette gazes down on two Human children racing through a field of purple and blue. Yet when Cliffjumper speaks to Elita, a kaleidoscope of colors puts Shockwave's harvester to shame.

 

Rus Wooton fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters and the Transformers' rectangular ones with italicized words. Soundwave speaks yellow words into blue rectangular balloons. The letters grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and never shrink. Colorful sound effects help us hear firefights, explosions, a hero’s loss of control, and one punch to rule them all. Thanks to Image Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Hasbro for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Anger overwhelms Decepticons and Autobots alike in Transformers #16. While Starscream wastes another opportunity to wipe out the Autobots, one of Soundwave’s plans comes to fruition. Elita One realizes that sometimes the best gifts come in small packages. As for Optimus Prime's fatal error, only a flight around the Earth in a retrograde orbit or slingshot around the sun will correct it.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Transformers #15 Review

 

Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson

Artist: Jorge Corona

Colorist: Sarah Stern

Letterer: Rus Wooton

Cover Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer; Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer; Karl Kerschl; E J Su; Oliver Ono; Dustin Nguyen; Tiago Da Silva; Ryan Brown; Jimbo Salgado;

Livio Ramondelli; Fabrice Sapolsky; Tyler Kirkham

Editor: Ben Abernathy

Publication Design: Andres Juarez

Production: Ashby Florence

Publisher: Image

Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 11, 2024

 

After Shockwave tortured Ultra Magnus for centuries, Wheeljack depleted the Autobots’ Energon to restore his vitality. But when Ultra Magnus faced his tormentor in battle on the ocean floor, he dropped his weapon, transformed into a truck, and sped away. Can the Autobots restore Ultra Magnus to greatness? And what happened to Cliffjumper after Optimus Prime rescued him from Shockwave’s torture chamber? Let's recharge our Energon batteries, leap into Transformers #15, and discover the Autobots’ transformative journey!

 

Story

The Autobots scattered Soundwave’s base on the ocean floor. Optimus Prime short-circuited his link with Cybertron. Once again, Soundwave finds himself starting over. This time, he's more bloodthirsty than before. Soundwave crushes a city filled with hundreds of thousands of Humans because he knows the Autobots cherish life. The Decepticons can cling to the fragments of Cybertron that fell into the sea, or they can draw upon Earth’s vast resources. But first, Soundwave must destroy the Autobots to secure this treasure trove.

 

Soundwave’s ruthless extinction throws Thundercracker into crisis in Transformers #15. While he pledged allegiance to the Decepticons, Soundwave’s actions are cruel and senseless. Like Ultchtar, Thundercracker fought for Cybertron. But unlike Ultchtar, who Megatron transformed into murder-mad Starscream, Thundercracker disdains needless slaughter.

 

As Megatron was Ultchtar’s mentor, Ultra Magnus helped Arcee forge a new purpose. Now, she yearns to help her mentor. Shockwave took joy in breaking his captive’s mind. Arcee wants to ease Ultra Magnus’ trauma. But embarking on a quest will reduce the Autobots’ forces while rival Decepticon factions led by Soundwave and Starscream are hunting them.

 

Optimus Prime fell back to Earth when he severed the link with Cybertron. But Cliffjumper remains there in Transformers #15. The small Autobot who Shockwave tortured and Carly condemned for not killing Starscream sees the devastation wrought by the war. Centuries of fighting have reduced his homeworld to rubble and done far worse to the surviving Autobots.

 

Art

Soundwave and Thundercracker stand upon a tilted skyscraper as the Constructicons deconstruct Tacoma, Washington. Thundercracker frowns and scowls amid the raging fires, but Soundwave shrugs as billows of smoke rise. Dented and fractured, Cliffjumper emerges from the surrounding rubble. He frowns before the distant towers, then smiles as an Autobot helps his injured friend hobble toward him. After Optimus Prime hugs her, Arcee gazes up at her leader. All too soon, he and Wheeljack become silhouettes as they watch their friends head toward the setting sun.

 

Sarah Stern enlivens Jorge Corona’s detailed artwork with bright hues. This loaded palette of vibrant, almost fluorescent colors makes Transformers #15 shine. Autobots roar along an orange road through lavender, mauve, and pink tunnels. Their headlights create yellow ovals that link with a patina on the concrete walls. But nothing prepares Optimus for the yellow and orange nest of tilted and broken buildings, as black smoke obscures the purple mountain beneath a dark pink sky.

 

Rus Wooton fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters and the Transformers' rectangular ones with italicized words. Soundwave speaks yellow words into blue rectangular balloons while shocked Humans and Transformers utter large maroon letters. The letters grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and rarely shrink. Colorful sound effects help us hear an unwilling assault, a violent misunderstanding, a haunting act, and the destruction of a stronghold in Daniel Warren Johnson's story. Thanks to Image Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Hasbro for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Optimus Prime loved the squishy Humans so much that he bonded with one. But as the Decepticons unleash their anger on the Humans and the Autobots on Cybertron descend into savagery, Optimus Prime struggles with rage. Earth's last best hope for peace wonders if he is losing his mind in Transformers #15.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Transformers #14 Review

 

Transformers #14 Review

Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson

Artist: Jason Howard

Colorist: Mike Spicer

Letterer: Rus Wooton

Cover Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer; Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer; Viktor Bogdanovic; Jorge Fornés; Derrick Chew; Kael Ngu; Ivan Tao; Clayton Crain; Alan Quah; Livio Ramondelli; Jimbo Salgado

Editor: Ben Abernathy

Publication Design: Andres Juarez

Production: Ashby Florence

Publisher: Image

Price: $3.99

Release Date: November 13, 2024

 

After Jetfire abandoned him, and Optimus Prime and Bumblebee destroyed his life’s work, Genvo died in Ulchtar’s arms. As Starscream, Ulchtar became Megatron’s hand of death. When Megatron’s dominance grew oppressive, Starscream shook off his control and became the leader of the Decepticons on Earth. Then Soundwave challenged his leadership and threw him into an active volcano. Once again, someone made Starscream into a tool. Humans from Destro’s MARS corporation have shackled him to a HISS tank. Will Starscream enjoy rockin’ and rollin’ on his tracked treads? Let's recharge our Energon batteries, leap into Transformers #14, and discover Starscream’s transformative journey!

 

Story

Once, a guard on Cybertron called him a dumbass techno pup. But Ulchtar cherished life in all its forms. Now, Starscream worships himself. His first instinct is to kill those who are different or fail to revere him. Starscream stares down at the HISS tank that replaced his legs, sharing Private Clayton's opinion of him. The Humans have made him into an abomination! But Starscream can’t kill Horton and his Human crew. Their deaths will trigger explosive devices. Then Starscream notices that Private Martin has been sketching him. Finally, an artist yearns to capture his majesty!

 

Like Starscream, Horton yearns for greatness. His father was worshipped as a Real American Hero. MARS has relegated Horton to salvage duty. Still, Destro is always looking for the next great innovation. His Battle Android Troopers haven’t performed flawlessly in field tests. In Daniel Warren Johnson’s story, Horton’s Frankensteined Transformer-HISS Tank could help Destro keep Cobra Commander’s Energon supply flowing and secure the promotion Horton wants.

 

Yet even without his legs and shackled by Humans, Starscream proves resilient. The Autobots destroyed his life, but Megatron made Starscream a slave. Soundwave threw him into a volcano. Still, Starscream survived. This buoys his confidence. So when he meets others who could serve his needs, Starscream mixes truth and lies to bind them to his service. Ulchtar’s youth was filled with wonder. But his worldview was fragile and could not withstand the rigors of reality. Starscream’s life is one of resilience. In Transformers #14, Starscream seeks to improve his situation. His undaunted optimism transforms an otherwise debilitating defeat into an inspiring triumph.

 

Art

A clockwork cascade of images showcases Starscream’s conversion into a Transformer-Tank. Yet the fire from Horton’s lighter forges a link with Razz welding Starscream to the HISS tank. As Starscream raises his arms in horror, Horton slaps Clayton’s back with such force that it knocks the glasses off his stunned face. Starscream slams his fist into the ground, sending the MARS salvage crew flying. Yet the giant hand halts above a Human silhouette. Private Martin raises his sketchbook like Moses offered his work for inspection. The Human's sketch provokes more violence. Yet a cat cooly regards Starscream’s tantrum, evoking Optimus Prime's accidental killing of a deer.

 

Amid the surrounding greenery, the red and yellow that fill the background in closeups hint at the fire from which Starscream’s new life is forged. As Mike Spicer lavishes vibrant colors on Jason Howard’s evocative and exciting art in Transformers #14, he softens Starscream’s violent memories with pastels. Purple and gray shade falls on Starscream's head, linking him with the Humans and their HISS tank. Yet as Horton expresses his dominance within Starscream’s crushing grip, his red hair and beard link him with his giant captive.

 

Rus Wooton fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters and the Transformers’ rectangular ones with italicized words. The letters embolden for intonation, occasionally swell or change color for raised voices, and rarely shrink. The red sound of a rescue victim attacking its protector elicits Starscream’s laughter in Transformers #14, while a red cry for help prompts him to investigate. Yet the sound of Private Martin’s sketching echoes Megatron undergoing mass conversion to become a gun in Starscream’s hands. Thanks to Image Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Hasbro for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

After Soundwave left Starscream in a volcano like Obi-Wan abandoned Anakin on Mustafar, a MARS team scurries in like Jawas and puts restraining bolts on the Decepticon. But the Humans discover that Starscream isn't as docile as a protocol droid, as the aftermath of Optimus Prime's actions rocks the Cybertronians' adoptive planet in Transformers #14.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.