Transformers #30 has been set up to be one of the most game changing issues of the series thus far. That is thanks to the ending of the previous issue that set the stage for a major showdown between Optimus Prime vs Elita-1. This clash between the two Autobot leaders has been something building for quite some time. Optimus Prime and Elita-1 have shown they have different ideas of what the Autobots should be prioritizing. We got the chance to check out this major issue thanks to an early copy provided by 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 #30 SOLICITATION
“WHO WILL LEAD THE AUTOBOTS? It’s Optimus Prime vs Elita-1–and the future of the Autobots hangs in the balance! One shall stand and one… ah, you know the rest.” – Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment
REVIEW
Transformers #30 delivers one of the biggest status quo shifts we have seen from the series. This status quo shift makes the two key figures in Optimus Prime and Elita-1 even more important to the future. The result of the clash between the two leaders creates an uncomfortable scenario where all the Autobots are forced to make decisions on where they stand.
Optimus Prime & Elita-1 Stand Their Ground
Elita-1 not being around for the opening part of Robert Kirkman and Dan Mora’s run, made her presence here even more valuable. She is someone that Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona established to have a clear and opposite vision of what the Autobots should be doing. Her experience during the war on Cybertron was much different than Optimus Prime.
It is the differences shine a light that while they have different views both Optimus Prime and Elita-1 have strong hope for the future. It is the difference in what that hope represents that is the key difference. The battle we see between the two in Transformers #30 turns into one that’s as much of an ideological difference as it physical fight between two powerhouses.
Autobots Decide Their Futures
Having such powerful figures fighting for their future direction leads all of the Autobots to make tough decisions. You see during and after the fight how every Autobot is forced to decide on something. This creates a lot of tension throughout Transformers #30 as it would be understandable for any Autobot to fall on either side of the conflict.
Creating such a scenario speaks to how well Robert Kirkman has kept up the momentum Daniel Warren Johnson created with this series. Kirkman made sure to pick spots of which characters would say what their decisions are and others stay silent. Both spoke volumes about what they have experienced up this point.
It is the character experiences before and during the 30 issues of the Energon Universe’s Transformers that is key. When this issue ends you really feel the weight of the Autobots history. It leaves us in a place where you are even more invested in what the ultimate outcome will lead to. Because this outcome can branch off to create many stories within the Energon Universe.
Dan Mora’s Artwork Speaks Volumes
Dan Mora’s artwork does so much to tell the story that Kirkman is delivering with the dialogue. Every punch thrown feels impactful. Mora makes sure to make the panel structure have a dynamic look and feel. These panels have a design that have the same impact as spread pages.
The strength of Mora’s artwork is the emotion he draws out of every character. Especially as not every character gets dialogue Mora’s artwork still tells the story of those characters that don’t speak. It is their actions during and after the fight that says a lot about their character. And that is thanks to Mora drawing every Autobot to play an important role in why the status quo at the end of Transformers #30 is a big deal.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Transformers #30 delivers a powerful clash that decides the future direction of the Autobots in the Energon Universe. Optimus Prime and Elita-1 prove why they are key deciding figures during and after the clash they have. The actions taken by not just these two but also the rest of the Autobots build even greater investment in what the future will be for the franchise moving forward.
Story Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Check out the full preview for Transformers #30 by clicking here.
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