Transformers #33 Review – Catching Up On The New Status Quo

Transformers #33 (Image Comics, 6/10/26): Writer Robert Kirkman and Artist Jason Howard take a walking tour of Earth and Cybertron to explain how every character is coping with the new paradigm. Filled with moments for at least a dozen characters, but at the cost of energy, momentum, and plot. Verdict: For die-hard Transformers fans only.

• Writer: Robert Kirkman
• Artist: Jason Howard
• Colorist: Mike Spicer
• Letterer: Rus Wooton
• Cover Artist: David Nakayama (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: June 10, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Transformers #33 :

First Impressions:

It would be unfair to say I was bored with this issue, but Transformers #33 meets the criteria of filler for even the most generous reviewer. On the one hand, new readers with a passing understanding of Transformers will find this issue a solid jumping-on point. On the other, readers who’ve followed this series for a while, like me, gain nothing for the cover price.

Recap:

The Autobots are divided yet victorious. Elita is now Elita Prime, and she’s taken a contingent of Autobots back to Cybertron with her. Arcee is now Arcee Magnus and the leader of the remaining “Notobots” who chose to remain on Earth to protect it from the Decepticons. The Decepticons have been defeated… for now.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

If you’ve read the Recap above, you get almost the whole crux of the issue. The story hops from one fan-favorite character to the next to get a sense of what they’re doing and how they’re feeling about the reassignments and the leadership change.

Elita Prime finds the fight against the Decepticons on Cybertron is finally turning in the Autobots’ favor. The fighters are now joined by Hot Rod and Springer, who have left the Sacred Ring in Void Rivals to rejoin their comrades. On Earth, Arcee Magnus gets used to her new leadership responsibilities, while still taking time to train Carly. Meanwhile, Optimus finds the loss of the All-Spark has made him weaker and filled with self-doubt, a predicament he hopes to overcome with Arcee’s help.

The issue concludes with Wheeljack inspecting the confiscated shard of Cybertron in the ocean, stumbling upon an interesting discovery. Elsewhere, the Decepticons puzzle over what to do with Megatron’s crystal condition when they discover that Starscream is alive and has escaped.

How is the story in Transformers #33?

It’s difficult to rate Robert Kirkman’s story because it’s not, technically, a story. The words and pictures on the page are essentially a mix of recaps of the past and teases of the future. The issue doesn’t even qualify as a transition issue because it’s not clear that one or more plot points moved at all. Wheeljack’s discovery in the shard is an intriguing tease, but that’s about it.

To be fair, what Kirkman has written is well-written. It just doesn’t go anywhere.

How is the art in Transformers #33?

Solid. Fans of the series have had a treat with Daniel Warren Johnson’s unique style, and then Jorge Corona taking over with his unique vision that capitalized on Johnson’s take. Now, Jason Howard steps in with pencils/inks that maintain the general Johnson/Corona vibe, but with a less stylistic approach, which could be a positive or a negative, depending on your PoV.

In other words, Howard’s artwork is good… very good, but it’s more vanilla than the work of his predecessors.

Characters

When everyone gets a turn, nobody gets the attention, which could be seen as the biggest drawback of this issue. Robert Kirkman uses every available inch to get as many characters as possible a moment to shine, which should appeal to TF fans who may have a specific favorite character. But in the process, there’s no focal character to speak of, which reinforces the idea that this issue doesn’t go anywhere.

Originality & Concept Execution

If you’re desperately in need of a comic that catches you up on who’s who and what’s what, Transformers #33 executes that concept brilliantly. If you want to see big spectacle and dramatic wow moments, there’s nothing for you here.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• Excellent character moments
• Solid art
• At least one intriguing tease

Room for Improvement

• A complete lack of plot movement
• The art is good; not great
• No drama, action, or wow moments

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 0.5/2

Final Thoughts:

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Transformers #33 takes readers on a walking tour to recap the new status quo for the Autobots. New readers may find this issue helpful as an informative jumping-on point with good art, but the lack of focus or plot movement feels like a waste for loyal readers.

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