Robert Kirkman and Dan Mora got off to a hot start for there new creative run on Transformers. They utilized the momentum that Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona left them with and pushed the series forward. Both the Autobots and Decepticons have been changed by the results of their most recent clash. It’s created a lot of foundational questions for both groups as the Energon Universe continues to develop. We got a chance to check out an early copy of Transformers #25 from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment. Find out how it turned out with our advance review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Dan Mora
Colorist: Mike Spicer
Letterer: Rus Wooton
TRANSFORMERS #26 SOLICITATION
“ROBERT KIRKMAN AND DAN MORA SHAKE UP THE ENERGON UNIVERSE! Optimus Prime…betrayed? The Autobots’ newest hope may turn out to be their downfall. The most shocking TRANSFORMERS story continues here!” – Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment
HIGHLIGHTS FROM TRANSFORMERS #26
Lasting Damage from Autobots vs Decepticons Clash
War is not a beautiful thing. It is ugly and has lasting ramifications. That is something we see with the Autobots and Decepticons designs. Dan Mora continues what Jorge Corona did by showing battle damage for members of both the Autobots and Decepticons. It does so much for the world to show both the heroes and villains having to deal with injuries or damage to them. It makes the battle have greater impact because we see how there is long term damage, including to the heavy hitters.
Thundercracker Power on Display
As we see with the preview Thundercracker is certainly the one that makes his presence known. The opening of Transformers #26 shows why you never want to be on Thundercracker’s bad side. The way Thundercracker acts while he is going on his rampage. This attack also leads to show how the lines can be blurred between the Autobots and Decepticons. It’s something to watch as the decisions by Optimus Prime and Megatron continue to alter many paths and choices being made by all other characters in this series.
Ending & Winning the Transformers War Two Different Things
There’s a moment in Transformers #26 that brings to question the difference in results for the ultimate outcome of the Autobot vs Decepticon war. Specifically, drawing the line between ending and winning the war. These two things are very different. It is something that as a reader you weren’t thinking about but will now because of who and how its said.
Carly Maximizes Time on Screen
Carly doesn’t get a lot of time on screen in Transformers #26 but the time she gets its meaningful. Kirkman, like Johnson before him, has quickly found how Carly doesn’t need much screen time to be a standout character. That is very important with how massive of a cast this series has. Carly always being active whenever we see her does so much to make her the standout human character, arguably more so than Spike.
What’s Next on Cybertron
As Kirkman gets deeper into this run the stuff going on in Cybertron cannot be ignored. That was one of the big left over plotlines from Johnson’s run. Its something that will be Kirkman isn’t forgetting about. The set-up we have here with how the events on Earth are likely to impact what’s going on in Cybertron will be interesting to see play out.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN TRANSFORMERS #26
Nothing!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Robert Kirkman and Dan Mora knock it out of the park with their debut follow-up with Transformers #26. The results of the latest Autobot vs Decepticon battle continue to be felt. Those results show that the lines will be blurred from multiple sides that go beyond the two sides. This creates a sense of unknown for where things will go, making it even more exciting to follow this series month-to-month.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9.5 Night Girls out of 10
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