Transformers #37 Review – Elita In Her Prime

Transformers #37 (Image Comics, 10/14/26): Writer Robert Kirkman & artist Karl Kerschl put all eyes on Elita Prime as she carries the fight into Decepticon territory to capture the Well of Sparks. Kirkman’s focus, albeit stiff, story changes hearts and minds about the war. Verdict: Better focus but clunky flow.

• Writer: Robert Kirkman
• Artist: Karl Kerschl
• Colorist: Mike Spicer
• Letterer: Rus Wooton
• Cover Artist: Jason Howard (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: October 14, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Transformers #37:

First Impressions:

We’ve complained about the last few issues that Robert Kirkman is trying to do too much in too small a space, resulting in subplot overload. Here, Kirkman dispenses with the subplots for a clear focus, but the result still feels off.

Recap:

Transformers #36 saw Thundercracker, Skywarp, and the Aerialbots battle General Orbulon and the forces of Cobra-La, with Superion ultimately turning the tide and forcing the enemy to retreat. Meanwhile, Dr. Arkeville and Wheeljack revived Shredhead, strengthening Optimus Prime’s confidence in their alliance with General Flagg, while Arkeville used his newfound knowledge to launch disabled Decepticons into space toward Cybertron. While Wheeljack was away, Starscream infiltrated the Shard, healed himself, and discovered Wheeljack’s mysterious experiment, as humans began repairing Chicago with exo-suits and Beachcomber obtained a tracking device from Hound to locate more Autobots.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

The issue begins with Elita Prime working with her Autobot troops in their rebel base on Cybertron. Energon production is improving, as are the repairs on damaged colleagues. When word arrives that Blur and Hot Rod are pinned down in a battle, Elita Prime rushes off to save the day, rather than delegating to her troops. Throughout the issue, the cycle repeats as Elita continuously puts herself in harm’s way.

Later, Jazz makes a request to take surplus Energon to Earth to help Optimus defeat Megatron. Elita refuses because she wants all energy and focus on Cybertron. During the final battle to retake the Well of Sparks, Elita takes a critical hit. While unconscious, Elita is visited by the spirit of Sparkplug, who resides in the All-Spark with the spirits of Primes past. During the exchange, Elita realizes that Optimus and the humans are the key to survival.

Elsewhere, Shockwave tortures Alpha Trion to learn the location of Vector Sigma.

How is the story in Transformers #37?

Robert Kirkman realigns and refocuses the series with an issue that firmly takes place with one group of characters in one location. That focus is a welcome change of pace over the more recent, scattered issues, so that’s a significant improvement.

That said, the flow of the story feels choppy, almost told in snippets that are collected in a montage or series of vignettes. You get where the story is headed, and the outcome makes sense, but you get the impression that the entire comic is one scene with one crucial development, surrounded by filler.

How is the art in Transformers #37?

Karl Kereschl does a bang-up job maintaining the visual style of the previous artists, while incorporating a surprising amount of detail in the figure work and background. Kerschl’s panel compositions are excellent, and every panel has a sense of movement and energy.

Characters

Elita Prime takes center stage as the leader who uses the power of her upgrade to a Prime with the utmost seriousness, driving herself too hard and too far. Her epiphany about forces greater than herself only comes when she reaches a (quick) low point, which makes her turn relatable and satisfying

Originality & Concept Execution

Kirkman is going a long way toward experimenting with a Prime who isn’t Optimus or Hot Rod, so almost every part of Elita’s journey is new to the lore. The execution, as noted above, is a bit clunky, but the ideas are clear.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• Great art
• Elita Prime’s journey is intriguing
• Much better focus than the previous issues

Room for Improvement

• The scene transitions and overall flow are clunky
• Shockwave’s discovery has no clear stakes
• The main battle for the Well of Sparks happens off panel

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

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

Final Thoughts:

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Transformers #37 brings all focus back to Elita Prime as she uses her upgrade to turn the tide of war. Robert Kirman finally pares down the subplot overload to tell a complete story, and Karl Kerschl’s artwork is top-notch. That said, the narrative flow of the issues comes off as clunky.

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