TRANSFORMERS #2, from Image Comics on 11/8/23, reminds readers this ain’t no kids’ cartoon as the Decepticons lay waste to every human in sight when they take over an energy plant.
The Details
- Written by: Daniel Warren Johnson
- Art by: Daniel Warren Johnson
- Colors by: Mike Spicer
- Letters by: Rus Wooton
- Cover art by: Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike Spicer (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: November 8, 2023
Is TRANSFORMERS #2 Good?
TRANSFORMERS #2 is a killer (ahem) follow-up to Daniel Warren Johnson’s spectacular first issue.in issue #1, readers were treated to a reworked retelling of the original Transformers cartoon with a harder, more mature edge. Now, Johnson takes that edge and slices his way through gripping action scenes, brutal deaths, and an authentic take on what it means to be a giant robot in a softer, fragile world.
When last we left the Transformers, Spike and Carly accidentally stumbled upon a crashed spaceship containing the inert forms of giant robots. The human presence and a coincidental Earth tremor revived a few of the Transformers, igniting hostilities all over again. After a frantic escape, Spike and Optimus Prime describe their worlds to each other while the Decepticons head for the nearest power source to recharge and recover their comrades. Before long, military and civilian forces suffer the consequences of the Decepticons’ rampage… including a special forces officer.
“What!? What does that mean???” you might wonder. We’re glad you asked. Much like Void Rivals is a sci-fi adventure that acts as an adjunct tie-in to the Transformers, this issue is the first to tie in another familiar/famous franchise soon to be published by Image. No spoilers as to the cameo character’s identity, but we heard a rumor that he’s a real American hero.
What’s great about TRANSFORMERS #2? We continue to marvel at the way Daniel Warren Johnson continues to recount the classic Transformers origin story in a way that feels familiar but with a more mature, authentic tone than what you would expect from a science fiction story. The story is still accessible to younger readers, but it doesn’t read like an afternoon cartoon show. It feels like the Transformers have grown up.
What’s not so great about TRANSFORMERS #2? To be fair, some of the Decepticon-on-human violence is hard-hitting, so younger readers who think of the Transformers as fun toys might be unsettled. Johnson leaves no doubt that the Decepticons are heartless villains, so set your expectations accordingly.
How’s the art? Phenomenal. Truth be told, we’re not super keen on the line work inconsistency on the A cover, but the internal pages look consistently great. Johnson has a masterful eye for action as well as acting, and you get both in spades.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s TRANSFORMERS #2 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our TRANSFORMERS #1 review to find out how Spike and Carly got roped into an intergalactic war.
We begin with Optimus Prime emerging from a cave in the light of day, marveling at the beauty of nature on Earth. Suddenly, Optimus steps on a grazing deer, and the fragility of this new world hits home. Spike witnesses the accident and consoles Optimus by explaining more about Earth. Optimus returns the gesture by telling Spike about Cybertron, its devastating war, and the nature of the Decepticons.
Elsewhere, Starscream leads the Decepticons to a nearby power plant where Spike’s father works. The Decepticons obliterate humans for fun and to clear space while they set up a rig designed to siphon energy to create Energon. A pair of military fighter jets engage the Decepticons, but Starscream wipes them out easily. However, an exceptionally capable soldier manages to escape Starscream’s attack with a jetpack.
We conclude the issue with gearing up, powering up, and a reunion.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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TRANSFORMERS #2 mixes equal parts well-done exposition, action, and emotion when the Autobots take stock of their new home while the Decepticons go on a deadly rampage. Johnson’s reimagined Transformers feels familiar but more mature, and the art is fantastic.
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