TRANSFORMERS #22 – New Comic Review

Transformers #22, by Image Comics, delivers a brutal, no-holds-barred chapter in the Energon Universe. Get ready for more existential dread and robot-on-human violence that will leave you questioning everything.

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: July 9, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of TRANSFORMERS #22:

First Impressions:

This issue immediately hits you with a sense of desperation and high stakes. The art is raw, the colors are grim, and the situation for our heroes looks utterly dire from the jump.

Recap:

In Transformers #21, Megatron launched a full-scale assault on the Ark, the Autobot base on Earth, setting the stage for an epic battle. The issue saw Elita-1 and her allies on Cybertron nearing completion of a portal to Earth, albeit one with limited transport capacity. On Earth, Ratchet discovered Optimus Prime was battling a severe infection, causing him to lose control. The Decepticons, led by Megatron, brought out their big guns with Bruticus and Devastator. Despite the Autobots’ valiant defense, aided by Superion, a perplexing move by Thundercracker caused the Ark to vanish, leaving the Autobots exposed. The issue concluded with Optimus Prime, realizing his cannon arm was the source of his infection, ordering its removal, while Superion fled with the remaining survivors and Megatron was ominously made whole again.

Plot Analysis:

The issue opens with an injured Autobot plummeting to Earth, soon joined by Optimus Prime and other Autobots who have also crash-landed. They are immediately in peril, hunted by Starscream and the Decepticons. A human, Dr. Lio, intercepts them, offering sanctuary at a makeshift hospital, emphasizing that the Autobots once helped his patients and now it’s “their turn.”

Meanwhile, on Cybertron, Cliffjumper is confronted with a portal, the very one that brought him to this devastated world. He learns from his fellow Autobots that it’s a one-way trip, with only enough energon for one of them to return. Elita-1 declares Cliffjumper will be the one candidate to return to Earth, the other Autobot, Shredhead, is chosen to stay behind due to his immense power, deemed essential to help the resistance.

The poignant farewell is cut short by a treacherous act. Cliffjumper, in a shocking move, shoves Shredhead through the portal, choosing to Shredhead to save Carly over helping the Autobots. This act leads to Cliffjumper’s immediate capture by Elita-1, and his subsequent imprisonment by Autobots who arrive and chain him, labeling him a traitor.

Back on Earth, Optimus Prime struggles with his own leadership failures, particularly concerning Ratchet, who is in critical condition. Dr. Lio informs them that the Coast Guard found something significant in the ocean, hinting at new developments. The issue concludes with Spike attempting to access the Matrix of Leadership to help Optimus, whose connection to its power is blocked by a spreading poison from Megatron’s arm, leaving Optimus on the brink of death.

Story

The narrative here is intense and doesn’t pull any punches, focusing heavily on the grim reality of war and the personal tolls it takes. The decision to sacrifice Shredhead is a gut-punch, a genuinely shocking moment that redefines the stakes and character motivations, especially for Elita-1. The subplot with Optimus Prime’s failing health and the Matrix’s malfunction adds a desperate urgency to the Autobots’ situation on Earth, making their survival seem increasingly unlikely. The story thrives on these high-stakes decisions and the raw emotional fallout.

Art

Jorge Corona’s art, combined with Mike Spicer’s colors, continues to be a highlight. The style is gritty and expressive, perfectly capturing the chaos and despair of a world at war. The character designs feel weighty and powerful, whether they’re soaring through the air or crashing to the ground. The action sequences are dynamic, and the quieter moments are imbued with a palpable sense of emotion. The visuals are striking and impactful.

Characters

This issue heavily features Optimus Prime struggling with the burden of leadership and his own physical decline, showing a vulnerable side to the iconic leader. Cliffjumper’s desperate maneuver to help Carly and his brutal betrayal are heart-wrenching, solidifying his role as a tragic figure. Elita-1’s ruthless decision marks a dark turn for her character, showcasing the moral compromises made in wartime. Even minor characters like Dr. Lio contribute to the emotional weight of the story, highlighting the human element in this robot war.

Positives

The comic’s greatest strength lies in its fearless narrative choices and its willingness to inflict real consequences on its characters. The betrayal by Cliffjumper is a masterstroke of dramatic tension, completely subverting expectations and cementing the grim reality of the Energon Universe. The exploration of Optimus Prime’s vulnerability and his leadership struggle adds significant depth to a character often portrayed as unyielding. The artwork continues to be top-tier, conveying both brutal action and quiet despair with equal mastery, making every panel feel impactful. The dialogue is sharp and concise, moving the plot forward without unnecessary exposition.

Negatives

While the shocking moments are effective, the comic’s relentless bleakness might be a bit much for some readers, offering little respite or hope. The resolution of Cliffjumper’s portal journey feels a little rushed, leaving the immediate aftermath of his betrayal somewhat unexplored, potentially diluting its emotional impact slightly. The overall focus on despair, while impactful, leaves little room for lighter moments or character development outside of suffering, which could become fatiguing over multiple issues.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)

TRANSFORMERS #22 is a sharp, brutal continuation of a series that isn’t afraid to put its heroes through the wringer. While it doubles down on the grim tone, the unexpected twists and compelling character beats make it a must-read for fans who appreciate high-stakes storytelling. Just don’t expect a feel-good romp; this issue is all about the painful realities of war.

---

---

---

As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.