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“It’s over! Finished!”
Issue #24 has come and gone, and with it a memorable first story arc for the Transformers under the Skybound Publications banner. Featuring the knock-down, drag-out fight we have been waiting two dozen issues for.
It’s hard to believe, the series began without Megatron, the biggest of the bad guys. The creative team were so careful not to play all their cards until it was time. The development of Optimus Prime and the Autobots from alien robots into humankind’s saviors was a methodical story of humanity and cautiousness over the delicate nature of the human species. Where Prime, Arcee, Jazz, Ratchet, Beachcomber, and other Autobots used caution and care for Earth, a stark contrast is seen by Starscream, Soundwave, Megatron and the Decepticons as they would crush and tear through cities like paper.
Death was real. For both Transformer and human. This was not for the faint of heart. Some I am sure were shocked by the magnitude of destruction the Decepticons caused. Starscream, like a predatory bird, would swoop in and strike without mercy. Death and destruction followed. Autobots would stand up, fight and die than allow the Decepticons to continue their onslaught.
The opening page is a colorful explosion of a smashing collision as Prime and Megatron do battle. Punches thrown, metal crushed, wiring ripped to shreds. Megatron’s full power on display is beyond measure, and so is his cunning, sinister tactics. Using humans to bait Prime into submission, it seems Megatron has victory in his grasp. As a motionless, impaled Prime awaits death, Megatron forces a decision, kill an Autobot, or kill humans. As Prime struggles with this crisis, Starscream prepares to slaughter all.
Until a sight brings the once-maniacal seeker into stunned silence. If you recall, when Megatron is in gun-mode, he possesses the mind of the one holding him. The sight of an ancient guardian, as fans would know him to be Omega Supreme, viewed as near-godlike to Transformers. To see an ancient is like a vision from Primus itself. This timely intervention causes Starscream to flash back to his true self, a Cybertronian named Ulchtar, before the war. As the Guardian flies over, a shot skyward is seen in the background. Starscream lay motionless. Did Megatron kill him? Did Starscream shoot himself?
A perfect “didn’t see it coming” moment which masterfully ties in the loose end from the flashbacks in issue #13. Even one who became truly evil under the influence of a tyrannical despot found a way to free himself.
As Megatron prepares to strike, another intervention from Cybertron in the form of Shreadhead arrives. The Skybound-created character rallies the Autobots to fend off the Decepticons as Optimus gets his second wind, taking the fight to Megatron.
Prime delivers a whole world of pain to the Decepticon tyrant, speaking some very familiar lines from the greatest Transformers movie ever, the 1986 animated film. “You who are without mercy now beg for it?”
Chills man. Just chills.
The Decepticons retreat, as the Autobots rejoice in victory, but lament the losses it took to earn it.
A standing ovation for Daniel Warren Johnson who kicked off the Transformers series for Skybound in brilliance and depth. Fans of both Marvel and IDW ideally would hopefully find favor, as the emotional pull of the dire situation and consequences were more than enough for readers to feel the gravity of a reality where Transformers waged their battle on Earth. Mike Spicer, Jorge Corona, Rus Wooton, and Ben Abernathy told a tale of how war is truly dark and evil. The comparison was made subtly as Prime dealt with his own demons in rage and anger, fueled by the use of Megatron’s fusion-cannon powered arm. Optimus shows compassion and kindness whereas the Decepticons displayed nothing but disregard and destruction as they saw fit.
The pages were bright, yet dim with despair. Explosions rocking each panel, as the dialogue is displayed with emotional weight from Optimus and utter venom and hate from Megatron.
It’s been an incredible run. DWJ and team infused the Energon Universe with a major shot with the Transformers. Up next in October, once again thank you Skybound for the birthday present, as Walking Dead creator and Void Rivals writer Robert Kirkman along with Dan Mora, an artist who gave up sleeping, apparently, in order to provide art for interiors and exteriors on nearly every comic for every single publisher bring us the next tale in issue #25.
In the words of Simon Furman, “It truly never ends!”
