Transformers #36 is set to be one of the biggest of this Energon Universe series to date. This issue will feature the follow-up to Cobra-La making their presence felt at the end of Transformers #35. We’ve seen how Cobra-La have made their presence felt in a few other Energon Universe series. Their presence in Transformers should only escalate the things that have been going on between the Autobots and Decepticons. If that wasn’t enough Transformers #36 is promising the debut of the new Superion in its solicitation. We got the chance to check out an early copy of the latest issue of the series. Find out how it turned out with our review of Transformers #36.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Jason Howard
Colorist: Mike Spicer
Letterer: Rus Wooton
TRANSFORMERS #36 SOLICITATION
“THE NEW SUPERION DEBUTS!
That’s right! In a move no one could have predicted, Thundercracker takes his place among the Aerialbots! They assemble just in time to… wait… what’s that sound? Could it be?
COBRA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA!” – Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment
REVIEW
Transformers #36 delivers a game-changing tone throughout the comic book. From the moment you open this issue, you just know that things have shifted as the Transformers deal with a threat they never expected. And when I say it’s the Transformers dealing with this major threat, I mean for both the Autobots and Decepticons. Things are no longer just about the two sides locked in a forever war. Something new has entered the game, and it is all thanks to the Energon Universe opening up that opportunity.
It is the opportunity that the Energon Universe provides that makes Transformers #36 hit so hard. Especially when we have characters who tower over almost everything on Earth, that is not an easy thing to do. That makes what Cobra-La accomplishes with in their attack on Thundercracker and Skywarp so impressive. There is an Aliens-vibe to the way Cobra-La attacks Thundercracker and Skywarp.
Having Thundercracker and Skywarp experience the full brunt of Cobra-La’s attack makes you believe they are a major threat. There is a relentlessness to the way Cobra-La goes about their attack that makes them overwhelming even to the Transformers characters. You feel like there is an endless wave of them that Thundercracker and Skywarp who are in this fight can’t just swat away.
And as we see on the main cover for Transformers #36, Cobra-La’s attacks make it justifiable that we would need to see Superion formed. That is just how big of a threat Cobra-La is, as they keep their attacks going. But just as you get hyped for Superion’s appearance, you are reminded that we are still in the middle of a major battle. It is a battle that sets up the immediate future of the series while further connecting it to the greater Energon Universe.
Speaking of which, Transformers #36 also works to further develop Optimus’ rogue Autobots alliance with the humans. For once, we see some form of stability on this side of things. You get a sense that Optimus’ crew is finding their new normal, which makes what happens with Cobra-La even more impactful. Just as they are finding that new normal, Optimus’ crew must deal with how the Energon Universe always has something bigger in store for them.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Transformers #36 nails how impactful of a threat Cobra-La is. The main cover of this comic book alone should tell you how big of a deal they are with the major Transformers debut we get here. It all works to show how the Energon Universe has opened the door for many different storylines for Transformers to deal beyond the Autobots vs Decepticons.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Check out the full preview of Transformers #36 by clicking here.
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