4.42/5.0 StarsRating if the Book Were a Movie: PG-13
Creative Team:
Writer: Daniel Warren JohnsonArtist: Daniel Warren JohnsonColors: Mike SpicerLetters: Rus WootonCover: Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike SpicerEditor: Sean Mackiewicz and Jonathan ManningPublisher: Image Comics/Skybound Entertainment
Ratings:
Story: 4.6 StarsArtwork: 4.3 StarsCover Artwork: 4.7 StarsDialogue: 4.2 StarsMechanics: 4.2 StarsEditing: 4.5 Stars
About the Book:
The Autobots are regrouping after their last bout with the Decepticons. At a dam Wheeljack and Ratchet have converted a hydroelectric turbine to create enough energon to heal all of the Autobots. Starscream can’t allow that. He and the Decepticons swoop in to finish the Autobots while they have them on the ropes, leading to an epic showdown at the Ark.
Reader’s Notes:
It’s fitting that the fifth installment of this rendition of “Transformers” came out on Valentine’s Day. It’s clear that the creative team loves fans of the franchise and wanted to give them a wonderful present. There are so many talking points to choose from!
First and foremost I have to talk about Optimus Prime’s new arm and “accessory”. Prime was already the strongest of all the Autobots. Giving him Megatron’s fusion cannon possibly makes him the most powerful character we’ve seen that isn’t a titan or combiner. It comes at a cost though. Optimus is already lamenting that to win this war he’s become the very thing he meant to destroy.
Second, I am loving the mentality of this Optimus Prime. For decades the Autobots have been doing their own thing while the Decepticons have been trying plan after plan to get enough energy to get off of this rock. The old Optimus would always sit back and wait for something to happen.
This version of him is taking the fight to the Decepticons. He wants this war to be over, for once and for all. His latest tactical maneuver may have been misguided; but at least he isn’t playing the role of spectator after the Decepticons retreat.
I’m also enjoying the ruthlessness we are getting from this rendition of the Decepticons. It started in the first issue with Starscream and it hasn’t let up. Scavenger’s skirmish with Ratchet leaves the reader asking, “Did he just…?” Yes. Yes, he did.
I love this cover. If not the most iconic cover we’ve seen in the franchise, it’s easily in the top five. There isn’t a lot to it. There doesn’t need to be. Megatron’s fusion cannon is up there with the Sword of Omens and He Man’s Power Sword as most recognizable fictional weapons of the 80’s. Seeing Optimus Prime reaching for it instantly attracts attention.
I’m enjoying how Johnson’s artwork on the interior pages adds an edge to the story. Every single issue has had at least one panel that makes the reader sit up and take notice. Long Haul’s collision with Optimus Prime truly stands out.
When I first learned we were getting a reboot with “Transformers” I was leery about it. Would we be getting a compelling story or something that felt forced? As a fan of the franchise and a geek on a budget I am happy to say that this series is the real deal.
This series has made a longstanding fan of the Decepticons actually want to cheer for the “good guys”. We’re getting to see scenarios that have always made fans go what if? We’re continuing to get strong character development. The artwork is excellent. It’s everything you want in a comic book… And so much more!