In Transformers #8, again, both sides appear to be amassing energy, weapons, and seeking more soldiers to join the coming conflict.
One the one side, the Autobots who are hurting both physically and mentally try to put multiple pieces back together. Their human allie appear to be suffering the most, as the surreal nature of being thrust into an intergalactic war is fully sinking in as they mourn the loss of one of their own.
Optimus continues to have these strange, human-like visions ever since the Matrix was reactivated. It’s a cool story, things I don’t believe anyone would have thought of. There’s discussion amongst them about how a Decepticon was cannibalized into parts, yet there’s sympathy for him despite their ongoing conflict.
The Decepticons appear to be enjoying new leadership, and in just a few pages we can see how under this leadership, their plans appear to go more smoothly without erratic changes. That is until a Decepticon’s mercy is cast aside for elimination of witnesses. This panel was terrifying. I have to give DWJ a lot of credit as I always do, but there is an astonishing level of emotional energy given.
The reveal of the Decepticon flagship, the Nemesis is a huge element of the original story. I thoroughly enjoy the drastic shift in how the Decepticons operate under new leadership. There is a stark parallel to how military units function depending on not only who is giving orders, but how the orders themselves are given.
What I enjoy most about this part of the story is how the human element does not feel shoehorned in or forced. It feels like what the events of the original cartoon in 1984 took place today.
I did jump ahead. The first pages of the issue continue a story arc taking place on Cybertron, as more Autobots fall, one is given a chance to rise. If this one can escape. This story is bridged with yet another “shock” reveal at the end of the issue. Not so much of a spoiler warning as this Decepticon appears on the cover of upcoming issues and has been seen in Void Rivals.
Shockwave is here.
Transformers #8 is now available at comic book shops.
