It’s the end of the road for the first major story arc of the Energon Universe’s Transformers Saga. What has spanned 24 individual issues plus the FCBD Specials, Skybound brought us a gritty, modern-take on a harsh reality should Transformers come to Earth. Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike Spicer, Jorge Corona, Rus Wooton, Ben Abernathy, and the plethora of variant cover artists and guests who have been along for the ride.
The final battle of this arc feels like the ultimate Survivor Series showdown between Autobots and Decepticons, culminating with a face-off between two Cybertronian Legends.
We’re definitely getting some wrestling moves in this one.
Consider this both a recap of issue #23 and a “previously in Transformers…” column.
We began as Decepticons began to lay siege to Earth, commanded by a completely deranged and psychotic Starscream. Within the first few issues we see the horrific reality if evil robot aliens should decide Earth was beneath them and undeserving of co-existing. As these horrific events unfold, Autobots awaken to find humans in dire peril. In response, Optimus valiantly tries to rebuild his troops, but constantly finding themselves robbed of the proverbial hot tag to mount an offensive. The humans however have their own response in the form of G.I. Joe, and through a number of mini-series we see the development of both Joe and Cobra thanks to Energon-powered resources.
As the series progresses, the Autobots get their “hot tag” from an unexpected source, along with a mutiny by Decepticon Soundwave who has tired of Starscream’s short-sighted and erratic behavior. A brief battle waged simultaneously on both Earth and Cybertron reveals more than meets the eye in the form of Shockwave, portrayed as a crazed scientist with deranged ambitions. As Cybertron is pulled, literally into the battle on Earth, each side gets a brief boost of troops.
It’s fantastic how some Transformers are brought in and transitioned from one environment to another. The story of Optimus Prime confronting his failings and lamenting his losses brought another depth to the definition of humanity.
Emotion. This seemed, at least in my opinion, to be the crux of the story DWJ, Spicer, and Corona portrayed in their work on Transformers. Whether this was intentional or not, it worked. For readers to see each panel of dread, fear, rage, and to feel each one with the turn of a page is something comics at times can lack in depth and storytelling. You need to feel it.
It was felt. In every. Single. Issue.
Issue #18. Megatron towers over the battlefield. Both Autobots and Decepticons alike become shattered machines in fear. While this is not his first appearance in the Energon Universe, it is the first appearance of Megatron directly engaged. Life drains from the eyes of Optimus Prime. Starscream cowers in fear. Soundwave and his troops stand in awe at the return. Since the return, the Autobots have been on the defensive.
Both teams gain combiners, adding an epic level of destruction to major cities which even Michael Bay would be impressed with. Issue #23 begins with the Decepticons in pursuit, as Starscream foolishly tries to regain favor with Megatron, he completely ruins Megatron’s methodical plan of attack, and the panels with Megatron effectively slapping the almighty hell out of the fallen seeker is another emotional ping of satisfaction.
Optimus, still bonded to Spike through the Matrix, seems to be within the Matrix itself. Spark Plug returns as a guide of sorts, showing how there is an infection spreading. This is likely the infection which a few issues back was presumed to be due to Dark Energon which was within the arm of Megatron when Prime attached it to his own frame. This evil energy seems to have infected the Matrix as well.
Humans come forward to pay respects to Optimus Prime as well, anticipating their deaths at the hands of the Decepticons. This is terrifying. Acknowledging death in real-time. Wow. This gave me the chills.
The following pages show an amazing correlation between Optimus and Spark Plug, both recalling memories, including Bumblebee, Jetfire, and Ratchet, all who fell while under Optimus’ command. This parallel between them shows a relationship not only as a military leader, but as a parent as well. This seems to be the jolt needed to return Spike and Optimus to the land of the living. Right in time too. As Ultra Magnus leads the charge, Prime resurfaces to face off with Megatron (who slaps Starscream yet again), with the words made famous by Peter Cullen back in 1986…
“… One Shall Stand, One Shall Fall.”
I expect brain busters and powerbombs. Maybe even a Styles Clash or a Buckshot Lariat. I’ll take a Hidden Blade or a Death Valley Driver.
Transformers Issue #24 hits the shelves of local comic shops this week.
