Transformers has transitioned into the next phase of the Autobots vs Decepticons war. The big change up for this new phase is bringing Megatron back into the fold. The former Decepticon leader has been MIA from this series up until recently. It didn’t take Megatron long to remind everyone why he was the ultimate leader for the villain group. How will things go for the Autobots now? Well, we got the chance to find out with an early copy of Transformers #21 from Skybound and Image comics. Find out how it turned out with our advance review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
Artist: Jorge Corona
Colorist: Mike Spicer
Letterer: Rus Wooton
TRANSFORMERS #21 SOLICITATION
“AUTOBOTS VS DECEPTICONS The face-off you demanded between Optimus Prime and Megatron is here!” – Skybound & Image Comics
REVIEW
Transformers #21 once again reminds you how quickly things can escalate in this series. It speaks to the strength of this series that there is still this type of surprise factor. No matter how often it happens over the course of 20+ issues we continue to see this series tap into why the Autobots vs Decepticons is a special forever war.
The most impressive thing about Transformers #21 is how Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona emphasize the importance of time. Every minute that the Autotbots, Decepticons, and humans have is vital for what they are each doing. There is a constant sense that something will happen to shift the attention of any of the groups involved. Who is able to maximize the time they have is such a differentiating factor.
That is certainly emphasized with how quickly the latest Autobots vs Decepticons battle pops off in this issue. Both sides are on such different states that add to the importance of the timing of this latest clash. Johnson gives Corona plenty of room to have the art carry how much of a war this is. Every clash has an epic scale and Corona finds a way to make the choreography feel different from previous clashes.
This in turn creates a sense of urgency in the decisions Optimus Prime and Megatron make for each of their sides. Optimus Prime is especially in a precarious situation throughout this fight. There is a whole different level of concern because of what Optimus Prime is dealing with personally. It leads to choices that showcase the type of leader the Energon Universe version of Optimus Prime has had to become.
Megatron for his part just continues to steal the show with the panel time he is given. Megatron really captures what it means to be a villain that the reader loves to hate. Every action he takes as he reinforces his leadership of the Decepticons works incredibly well. The Decepticons even have a different vibe to them with Megatron being the leader compared to Starscream, Soundwave, and Shockwave.
The human side of things is also something that Johnson does just enough to remind you that they have an important part to play in the narrative. While you may not agree with the actions they take the humans are a reminder of how game changing the Transformers are to the world. The Transformers have opened the door to the greater Energon Universe. Which adds to the epic sense of scale that is constantly being captured.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Transfomers #21 perfectly captures the importance of timing. Every moment that the Autobots, Decepticons, and humans make is crucial to their respective sides. The decisions of one can and will affect others. That is showcased with how quickly things pop off with the latest Autobots vs Decepticons clash. It all is a reminder that this is the premiere title in the consistently impressive Energon Universe.
Story Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9.5 Night Girls out of 10
Check out the full preview for Transformers #21 by clicking here.
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