Transformers #18 hits stands this week and sees the conclusion of the conflict between Starscream and Soundwave for leadership of the Decepticons. Soundwave and Starscream had been building to this confrontation since the first issue when it was discovered that Megatron, leader of the Decepticons, was missing and presumed dead. The final titanic clash between the two would-be rulers has nearly decimated much of Seattle, with Optimus Prime and the Autobots doing their best to save every human in the city.

Jorge Corona delivers the frenetic action one would expect from towering, skyscraper-sized robots battling each other. Corona doesn’t just prove he can choreograph exciting action sequences but also finds a way to draw a lot of emotion out of his Transformer subjects. While Optimus and company are in Seattle, Arcee has stayed behind in order to counsel an Ultra Magnus struggling with PTSD from his time as a POW in Shockwave’s prison. Corona presents this generation one hero as a broken soldier and Ultra Magnus’ pain comes through in his facial expressions and posture.

Daniel Warren Johnson continues to hit the right mix of new ideas and nostalgia. The influence of the Generation One cartoon of the 1980s is clearly evident, but Johnson has added new layers to these familiar characters. Optimus Prime is a leader besieged by doubt, and many Autobots have begun questioning his leadership. Soundwave is far more ambitious than in previous continuities. And even Starscream, though still the same sniveling and conniving backstabber, has a deeper backstory that almost elicits sympathy from the reader. Johnson also decided to make the Autobots desperate and near defeat. In previous continuities, the war between Autobots and Decepticons was an almost eternal stalemate. It’s been interesting to see the choices and compromises familiar characters have made in this new situation.

Issue #18 concludes with a brutal final clash between Soundwave and Starscream that ends on a cliffhanger I won’t reveal in this review. Johnson and Corona deftly built up this moment in the previous issues in conjunction with ongoing storylines in the other books of Skybound’s Energon Universe, and it promises to have a massive impact on the franchise moving forward. Life is not going to get any better for these beleaguered Autobots in the near future. I do hope we can get to see the tide turn against the Decepticons, as the book has felt dark and dire for a while now. A moment or two to cheer for the good guys would be appreciated. And though I applaud Johnson’s characterization of Optimus, I’m aching to see the noble hero of my childhood confidently kicking Decepticon butt.

Another thrilling entry for the new “Energon Universe” Transformers. A must buy for every 80s kid.

Creative Team: Daniel Warren Johnson (Writer), Jorge Corona (Artist), Mike Spicer (Colorist), Rus Wooton (Letterer)
Publisher: Image Comics/Skybound Comics
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