TRANSFORMERS #21, by Image Comics & Skybound on 6/11/25, begins the battle for the Ark when Megatron launches an attack on the Autobot base.
Credits:
- Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
- Artist: Jorge Corona
- Colorist: Mike Spicer
- Letterer: Rus Wooton
- Cover Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike Spicer (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: June 11, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3,99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of TRANSFORMERS #21:
Recap:
When we last left the robots in disguise in Transformers #20, Megatron restored Starscream’s body so he could pummel him down again. Then, he transformed into a fusion cannon in Starscream’s beaten hand to force him to destroy Astrotrain for his defiance.
Plot Analysis:
In Transformers #21, the balance of power shifts yet again.
On Cybertron, Elita-1 and her allies near repair completion on the portal, using scraps from Shockwave to get back to Earth. Unfortunately, the Earth side of the portal is spread over the ocean, so it requires too much power to carry more than one or two Autobots. Who gets tapped for the mission? Cliffjumper and Shredhead.
On Earth, Ratchet examines Optimus Prime to find out why he loses control of his body. Ratchet concludes there’s some type of infection getting in the way. Suddenly, Megatron’s forces attack Ark. Bruticus and Devastator charge in the first wave, but their effectiveness is hindered when they start squabbling with each other.
Optimus launches a defensive line, enabled by the Aerialbots forming into the massive Superion. The Autobots hold their own until Thundercracker sneaks into the Ark and activates a hidden button that causes the Ark to disappear, leaving the Autobots undefended. When Optimus tries to use his cannon arm to hold off the enemy, it moves mindlessly and takes aim at the other Autobots. Optimus concludes that using Megatron’s arm is infecting him, so he orders the Autobots to shoot it off.
The issue ends with Superion fleeing with the survivors of the attack and Megatron being made whole again.
First Impressions:
If you like kickass Transformers action, this issue was made for you. Daniel Warren Johnson uses Transformers #21 to send readers on a rollercoaster of drama, action, and thrills to shift the advantage in the Decepticons’ favor.
Artwork and Presentation:
Jorge Corona is at the top of his game with jaw-droppingly detailed artwork, gritty battle scenes, and plenty of visual impact to elevate the drama. Plus, Mike Spicer’s coloring is just plain impressive, considering the amount of details and textures to color.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
Action, action, and more action. Daniel Warren Johnson puts you on the edge of your seat as the Decepticons launch an assault on the Ark with full force. Johnson injects more than a few surprises to keep the outcome of the battle uncertain, and Optimus’s emotional struggle with his infection is palpable.
The Negatives:
Maybe it was clearer in the previous issue (we checked, and it’s not obvious), but we don’t know what Thundercracker did to make the Ark disappear, which is a frustrating point of confusion. A disappearing act wouldn’t normally be such a big deal, but it marks a turning point in the battle.
Big Picture:
Series Continuity:
Transformers #21’s opening prologue teases Ultra Magnus’s fate after he was captured by G.I. Joe, and it’s not a pleasant one. So far, there’s no official word about a crossover, but we’ll let you know as soon as an announcement is made.
Final Thoughts:
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TRANSFORMERS #21 is a banger of an action fest when Megatron and the Decepticons launch an all-out assault on the Ark. Daniel Warren Johnson’s script is a rollercoaster of a thrill ride, and Jorge Corona’s art is impressively detailed and dramatic. That said, the momentum of the battle shifts in a confusing way, throwing you off.
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