TRANSFORMERS #15, by Image Comics & Skybound on 12/11/24, finds the enemy camps fracturing more than ever when Arcee sets out to find Ultra Magnus, Optimus leads a rescue, Soundwave leads an attack, and Starscream returns for revenge.
Credits:
- Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
- Artist: Jorge Corona
- Colorist: Sarah Stern
- Letterer: Rus Wooton
- Cover Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike Spicer (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: December 11, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of TRANSFORMERS #15:
First Impressions:
Transformers #15 takes readers down the dark path of war when the Autobots and Decepticons fracture in multiple directions, and none of them are good for Earth. Writer Daniel Warren Johnson’s hard-hitting script assails the reader with wartime problems that match a planet under siege, but the risk of splitting everyone up creates a split in focus for the series.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left the robots in disguise in Transformers #14, Starscream’s badly damaged body was found by operatives of M.A.R.S. Industries as a prize to be studied. The Decepticon lost his legs in a lava flow, so the operatives grafted his body onto a remote-controlled HISS tank for transport. When the battle aboard the Nemesis sent a chunk of Cyberton hurtling into the ocean nearby, the captors became the captives, and Starscream’s growing splinter cell found a new home.
In Transformers #15, the aftermath of Cybertron’s return to its position in space, leaving a chunk behind, creates new challenges for everyone. Without a base, leader, or plan, Soundwave, Thundercracker, and the Constructicons attack Tacoma, Washington. They hope to draw the Autobots out and keep the enemy from resting long enough to recover and revive more Autobots. Meanwhile, Cliffjumper wakes up near the crater on Cybertron. He’s met by friendly Autobot faces who quickly spirit him away to avoid Decepticon patrols.
File this issue under “Where are they now?” Daniel Warren Johnson sets the stage that catches up with practically every mainline Transformer after the events of Transformers #12. On the one hand, getting a handle on the status quo of every character helps set the stage for what’s to follow, but some readers may feel there’s too much to track at once.
On Earth, Arcee says a tearful goodbye to Optimus Prime before setting out to find Ultra Magnus, who ran away during the Battle for Nemesis. Beachcomber decides to go with her, keeping his vow of non-violence instead of staying with Optimus to defend Earth. Soon after, the Autobots receive an alert about the attack on Tacoma and immediately launch into a rescue mission. Optimus is shocked to find the scale of destruction, and even worse, Optimus is forced to leave when the humans and military attack Optimus as just another robot.
Daniel Warren Johnson’s preceding collection of scenes helps to demoralize Optimus as much as possible. It’s the eternal hero dilemma of trying to protect people against an enemy who kills without remorse, and Warren Johnson executes the strain on Optimus perfectly.
Soundwave and his allies witness the rescue from a distance but choose not to intervene, opting to strike when Optimus lets his guard down. Before Soundwave rolls out, he sends Laserbeak out on a special mission. The issue ends with the very brief return of another recognizable Autobot, rival factions converging, and the rise of Bruticus.
Overall, Transformers #15 gives you all the gripping action and drama you can handle and more. Daniel Warren Johnson’s tale shows a war spiraling into chaos, and our valiant leader brought lower than ever. That said, there are a lot of threads to follow in this issue, so you may want to get out a notepad.
Artwork and Presentation:
Jorge Corona has returned for art duties, and may the Spark be praised for his return. The Transformers look as good as ever when Corona gives readers apocalyptic destruction, heartfelt moments of sadness, and wow moments aplenty.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Historical Context:
Transformers only loosely follows the events of the original cartoon series, but the major swath developments are roughly the same. Bruticus is the super-form of the Combaticons, who were invented by Starscream in the second season episode titled “Starscream’s Brigade.” Here, Bruticus forms from the Combaticons who are loyal to Starscream, so the broader details check out.
Final Thoughts:
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TRANSFORMERS #15 comes at you with all the wartime drama, tragedy, emotion, and wow moments you can handle. Daniel Warren Johnson’s status-quo-setting issue gives readers a good handle on everyone’s whereabouts after the cataclysmic Transformers #12, and Jorge Corona is back on art duties for a spectacular-looking issue. That said, the issue gives readers an almost overwhelming amount of story.
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