TRANSFORMERS #28 – New Comic Review

Transformers #28, by Image Comics on 1/14/26, finds Megatron is back and angrier than ever, and Trailbreaker learns what it means to face a god-level threat with no mercy to spare.

Credits:

• Writer: Robert Kirkman
• Artist: Dan Mora
• Colorist: Mike Spicer
• Letterer: Rus Wooton
• Cover Artist: David Nakayama (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: January 14, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of TRANSFORMERS #28:

First Impressions:

The opening pages grab you with an immediate shift in tone. Megatron escaping captivity and tearing through the Constructicons feels less like a plot twist and more like a reminder that this series respects its villain enough to make him genuinely terrifying. The issue commits to stakes from page one, showing you that kindness and strategic teamwork matter less when facing a character who defines power through cruelty.

Recap:

After Bumblebee’s recovery proves impossible in Transformers #27, Thundercracker seeks justice against Starscream while grappling with the weight of loss among the Autobots. Optimus Prime offers Thundercracker a place among the Autobots, promising loyalty that will actually be reciprocated, and Thundercracker accepts, formalizing his defection from the Decepticons. Meanwhile, General Flagg and his Shadow Watch capture Miles Mayhem, but Mayhem escapes with hidden technology, leaving Flagg frustrated and forced to reconsider his strategy.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

Megatron awakens at the Decepticon stronghold and violently reclaims control of the Nemesis, demanding answers about Soundwave’s captivity and positioning himself as a focused, dangerous threat. His escape from Autobot custody marks a turning point where the villain moves from strategic positioning to direct, brutal action. Arcee undergoes a vision quest transformation to become the new Ultra Magnus, with Optimus Prime expressing measured doubts about stepping down a title traditionally held for life. Ultra Magnus delays fully handing over the role until Arcee is fully operational.

Thundercracker confronts Soundwave in captivity, defending his defection by explaining that Soundwave will eventually understand the cruelty of the Decepticons through personal experience. His measured response shows his moral conviction is complete, not a moment of weakness. On the human side, General Flagg takes Mayhem from his cell and taunts him, but Mayhem activates hidden technology called Viper and releases Bladejet, turning his arrest into a violent escape. Armed soldiers fail to stop him, with Flagg forced to admit they backed the wrong horse.

Optimus Prime addresses the assembled Autobots and announces their first mission: canvassing Earth for Decepticon activity and eliminating threats. Arcee delivers her inaugural speech as the new Magnus, rallying troops with fierce energy, and the full roster responds, including newly recruited Thundercracker and Jetfire. However, as the soldiers prepare to roll out, Optimus notices Trailbreaker is missing from the group. The issue ends with Megatron executing Trailbreaker in a natural landscape, draining his spark and delivering permanent death, making clear the villain is now actively destroying enemies.

Story

Robert Kirkman balances multiple storylines across Decepticon, Autobot, and human locations with clean transitions and purposeful scene selection. The dialogue carries clear stakes when conversations involve Arcee’s transformation or Thundercracker’s doubts, but occasionally stretches moments through repetitive thematic points.

The issue’s structure is strongest at its bookends. Megatron’s opening escape and Trailbreaker’s final death create moments of high-impact violence that frame everything else as a ticking clock. The transitions between factions land smoothly because each scene meaningfully contributes to understanding how three sides position themselves for conflict.

Art

Dan Mora maintains strong visual consistency across different environments. The Nemesis stronghold feels appropriately heavy and industrial, while close-up panels on Megatron’s face convey intimidating presence without requiring narration.

Clean panel layouts in Autobot sequences keep spatial relationships clear, and Mike Spicer’s colors shift appropriately between scenes. Cooler tones in containment areas contrast with warmer palettes during action moments, providing visual mood guidance. The final page featuring Megatron and Trailbreaker uses dramatic lighting that makes the moment feel momentous and cruel.

Characters

Megatron emerges as focused rage rather than a verbose villain, making him feel like a serious threat. Thundercracker’s defense of his defection to Soundwave demonstrates moral conviction rather than weakness, and his admission about Skywarp keeps him from feeling like a perfect convert.

Arcee’s transformation into Magnus is positioned more as ceremonial upgrade than deep character study. Ultra Magnus’ hesitation about stepping down adds texture, showing even wise characters harbor doubts. Soundwave remains locked in staunch loyalty, and Mayhem’s escape sequence shows human-level threats remain unpredictable.

Originality & Concept Execution

Kirkman shifts from building tension to delivering promised consequences by killing Trailbreaker. Megatron’s immediate predatory action feels fresher than waiting for grand confrontations, and Thundercracker’s presence among Autobots creates organic future conflict possibilities.

The vision quest transformation of Arcee taps into spiritual language beyond typical superhero fare. The human subplot with Mayhem broadens threats beyond just the Transformer war. Overall, familiar franchise beats are executed with distinctive storytelling choices that feel earned.

Positives

Megatron’s return as an active, terrifying force is the biggest strength. Rather than explaining his escape through exposition, the comic shows destruction immediately, selling his danger in a way dialogue never could. The escalation from strategic positioning to active executions makes clear the rules of engagement have changed.

Dan Mora’s visual rendering of character expressions conveys emotional weight without heavy narration. The three-faction conflict avoids cardboard villains or perfect heroes, creating moral ambiguity that makes the story more interesting. Arcee’s elevation to Magnus feels earned through ritual weight and community acknowledgment.

For readers investing in long-term series trajectory, this issue delivers measurable forward movement on character positioning and war stakes. The commitment to consequences makes the stakes feel real rather than performative.

Negatives

The issue leans on dialogue-driven middle sections that occasionally repeat thematic beats already made clear. Soundwave’s single-register anger and loyalty limit his complexity compared to other characters. The Mayhem escape sequence happens quickly enough to feel almost trivial next to Transformer-scale stakes.

Trailbreaker’s death requires caring about a character without substantial series development, so the impact registers differently depending on reader familiarity. Some readers may feel the middle sections dull pacing momentum created by Megatron’s opening destruction.

The vision quest sequence with Arcee is brief and abstract, leaving readers without a clear sense of what she experienced during transformation. This limits satisfaction in what should be a major character moment.

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): [3/4]
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): [3.5/4]
Value (Originality & Entertainment): [1.5/2]

Final Thoughts:

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TRANSFORMERS #28 delivers on the promise that this series respects its characters enough to make death mean something. Megatron’s return as a focused, terrifying force ends any notion the Autobots are winning, and the balance between strategy and visual impact proves the stakes are real.

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