Transformers #38 Review – Megatron Gets Jacked

Transformers #38 (Image Comics, 11/11/26): Writer Robert Kirkman and artist Jason Howard begin a bigger and badder round of mayhem when Megatron gets a devastating upgrade. Robert Kirkman’s action-packed issue showcases Megatron’s new look and swings the momentum in the Decepticons’ favor. Verdict: Rock ’em Sock ’em fun.

• Writer: Robert Kirkman
• Artist: Jason Howard
• Colorist: Mike Spicer
• Letterer: Rus Wooton
• Cover Artist: Jason Howard (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: November 11, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Transformers #38:

First Impressions:

Change is good. If you’ve been following this title since Robert Kirkman took over writing duties, and you’ve been waiting for change, this issue is it. Whether or not you like the change remains to be seen.

Recap:

In Transformers #37, Elita Prime continued to put herself in harm’s way to protect her Autobot troops, even as their rebel base made progress with Energon production and repairs. When Jazz requested surplus Energon to help Optimus defeat Megatron, Elita refused, insisting that Cybertron remained her priority, but a near-fatal injury and a visit from Sparkplug forced her to reconsider, realizing that Optimus and the humans were key to their survival. Elsewhere, Shockwave tortured Alpha Trion in an attempt to discover the location of Vector Sigma.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

The issue begins with a level set on multiple fronts. Wheeljack is happy to be back at the Shard to continue his experiments in peace and solitude, but he’s shocked to find somebody (Starscream) broke in and stole his spark samples. Carly and Spike commiserate on their inability to help their robot friends, but Arcee comes bearing an exo-suit gift for Carly. Lastly, Optimus gives Shredhead a friendly lecture about teamwork.

The friendly moments are quickly broken up when a new and improved Megatron arrives at the Ark with the Decepticons. This time, Megatron has been upgraded to the bigger and more destructive Megatronus Rex.

And then they fight.

How is the story in Transformers #38?

Simple, clear, and straightforward. Robert Kirkman is taking the feedback to heart by paring back the mountain of subplots to focus on what works in the moment. You could argue that the issue is almost a little too basic, especially since Wheeljack’s covert experiment with sparks is still a complete mystery, but it’s still a perfectly enjoyable action romp.

How is the art in Transformers #38?

Jason Howard is doing his level best to live up to the stylistic slickness of his predecessors, and he’s making the grade. Howard’s panel composition is dramatic and forceful. The line work is sharp, and the figure work is on-point, for both humans and Transformers. There are a few panels where Howard opts for a blank background, presumably to save time, but he makes great use of shadows and textures to fill the gap. Plus, Mike Spicer’s coloring is excellent.

Characters

There isn’t much by way of character growth or development in Transformers #38, but what little there is comes from two directions. First, Megatron gets juiced up to become Megatronus Rex. I’m sure there’s a steroid joke in there, but it does look pretty cool. Second, Carly hits the big emotional beat of the issue when she swings from worry to elation over Arcee’s gift.

Originality & Concept Execution

Unless you read the solicitations in advance, nobody saw a big upgrade coming for Megatron. Better yet, Optimus’s recent downgrade – courtesy of his passing the Prime mantle to Elita-1 – makes the battle between faction leaders starkly imbalanced in a potentially interesting way.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• Excellent art from Howard
• Megatron’s new look is pretty cool
• The action is loads of fun

Room for Improvement

• No mention of Elita Prime’s decision from the last issue
• Wheeljack’s “experiment” has been a mystery for too long
• The fight is fun but mindless

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 #38 raises the stakes when a newly upgraded Megatron leads an assault on the Autobots. Robert Kirkman brings some much-needed focus and clarity to the series, and Jason Howard’s energetic artwork is a lot of fun for an action-heavy issue.

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