TRANSFORMERS #14, by Image Comics & Skybound on 11/13/24, concludes the second arc with the finale of Starscream’s ascension to Megatron’s executioner in the past and vengeful Decepticon in the present.
Credits:
- Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
- Artist: Jason Howard
- Colorist: Mike Spicer
- Letterer: Rus Wooton
- Cover Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike Spicer (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: November 13, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of TRANSFORMERS #14:
First Impressions:
Daniel Warren Johnson brings Starscream’s origin story to a close with human-smashing action, a pinch of tragedy, and perhaps… some unintentional comedy. If nothing else, Starscream’s salvation and first collaboration with humans is certainly not what you’ll expect.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left the robots in disguise in Transformers #13, readers were treated to a history lesson that showed how a young, happy-go-lucky Cybertronian joined the Decepticons after his friend was killed in the crossfire with the Autobots. On that day, Starscream was born. The issue concluded with Starscream’s broken, abandoned body claimed by Cobra mercenaries.
In Transformers #14, Starscream awakes after he is rescued from a lava flow by members of M.A.R.S Industries. Due to the loss of his legs from the lava, the M.A.R.S. personnel, led by Horton, improvises and mounts Starscream’s torso to the top of a remote-controlled H.I.S.S. tank. They attach a fair bit of explosives to Starscream’s body as well for good measure.
Daniel Warren Johnson begins the end of Starscream’s origin story in the present on a bizarrely comedic note. The tone, situations, and over-the-top character behaviors are almost slapstick in nature. Johnson’s choice to go with a serio-comedic tone isn’t wrong in isolation, but it feels out of step with the rest of the series.
Horton explains that his heartbeat and remote control are wired to blow Starscream to bits, but that will never happen as long as Starscream obeys his commands. Starscream reluctantly agrees as he rolls along with his new partners, but then, he spots Astrotrain chained up nearby. He frees Astrotrain, and the two immediately plan to get their revenge on Soundwave for his betrayal. Suddenly, a huge chunk of Cybertron falls out of the sky into the nearby ocean (see Transformers #12 for how that epic event happened) and sends a massive tidal wave in their direction. Astrotrain transforms into a shuttle for Starscream, Horton, and Horton’s crew to escape.
Johnson keeps the tone light as Horton and Starscream vie for leverage in their partnership. Horton is confident in his explosives. Starscream is confident in his superiority. The two are more alike than they can admit, which makes for an odd pairing.
As Astrotrain flies above the waves, he spots a pair of Constructicons caught up in the deluge. The shuttle swoops down for an arm-grabbing rescue, quickly adding to the number of Decepticons surrounding Horton. Astrotrain makes a hard barrel row to send the humans flying, knocking Horton out after a hard knock on the head. When Horton comes around, he realizes the splinter group of Decepticons, who all have a bone to pick with Soundwave, have taken up residence in the wreckage of the sliver of Cybertron.
Using the Cybertron wreckage as a temporary refuge is an unexpected and intriguing twist. Since Starscream can’t get home, it makes sense to set up camp in a home that used to be a part of his home. Plus, the competing forces of Earth who might want Cybertronian tech for themselves will inevitably have a fight on their hands.
The issue ends with a flashback showing how Megatron pressured Starscream into being his hand of wrath against prisoners of war.
Overall, Transformers #14 ends Starscream’s origin story with some tension and bloody action, but the tone is surprisingly comedic in an odd sort of way. Still, Daniel Warren Johnson’s take on the Transformers is the best adaptation of a classic property from any publisher, so this issue stands head and shoulders above most comics.
Artwork and Presentation:
Jason Howard remains on the title as a guest artist to close out the arc, and the results are pretty darn good. We noted in the previous review for issue #13 that Howard’s execution is super-great but lacks that little extra pop and flair indicative of Jorge Corona’s work. Still, Howard does an admirable job keeping the quality and visual interest high.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
So far, the interconnected Energon Universe crosses over Transformers and G.I. Joe in one direction. Namely, the G.I. Joe titles have Energon as a plot device, but no Joes have appeared in Transformers since issue #2, and then, only briefly. A crossover is coming, but the details and timing have yet to be revealed.
Final Thoughts:
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TRANSFORMERS #14 concludes Starscream’s origin story and begins his comeback fight to regain control of the Decepticons with a wild and oddly comedic issue. Daniel Warren Johnson rules with the best comic adaptation around, even if the mildly comedic tone doesn’t match the rest of the series, and Jason Howard’s guest art upholds the quality of the series.
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