I have always been a massive Transformers fan. It’s an especially goofy and silly franchise that just speaks to my inner child. However, up till now I’ve never read any comics based on it. IDW Publishing had the license to the characters for quite a while and has published hundreds of issues, but they are quite difficult to track down in collected formats, and the overall size of the series makes for a difficult entry point.

However, this year, Image Comics (Skybound Entertainment) got the license to Transformers and is doing something especially interesting with this new run. This series is not only written by Daniel Warren Johnson, one of my personal favorite creators, but also forms the centerpiece to a new connected universe. The Energon Universe consists not only of Image Comics’ Transformers, but also G.I. Joe and a new independent sci-fi series, Void Rivals, written by Robert Kirkman of Invincible. 

If you really want to get the most out of this universe, you can start with the first five issues of Void Rivals, but they only have small easter eggs that connect to this first arc of Transformers that aren’t necessary to understand the story.

Speaking of the story, this series starts roughly how you would expect for a Transformers tale. Two teenagers come across the hidden wreckage of a Cybertonian spaceship and unwittingly play a hand in activating a few key characters like Optimus Prime and Starscream, who bring their conflict to the Earth’s surface. It’s that deep focus on the centuries of conflict and war that really makes this story stand out as a must-read for any fan or even a newcomer.

Usually, I couldn’t care less about the human characters in Transformers stories, but Daniel Warren Johnson actually makes them feel essential here. I especially liked the character of Sparky Witwicky, a drunken father who provides a new perspective hidden within his past trauma. Daniel Warren Johnson draws parallels between humans and the inorganic Cybertronians to help readers further connect with them.

Here, they aren’t just giant robots but people like you and me just struggling to survive and find peace in a cruel world. This concept is only further enforced by his depiction of the Decepticons. In most media, they are very much cartoonish Saturday morning villains, but here they actually feel evil and threatening. Starscream murders and destroys for the pure joy of it and will sacrifice his comrades just to get an edge.

In contrast, Optimus is exactly the pillar of hope he should be. I cannot understate how much I enjoyed this portrayal of him. His tenacity for good may be bland to some, but I think it’s important to have heroes be unshakable at times. They can inspire you to be a better person.

Another great thing about this series is the absolutely phenomenal artwork. Daniel Warren Johnson never misses in this department, and it’s a joy to see characters I’ve adored given so much detail and care. I especially love how physical the transformers are, as that was one of the best aspects of the Michael Bay movies. Characters will bust out wrestling takedowns while running and gunning or transform mid-combat to deal extra damage in a creative way that further fleshes out an individual personality. 

My only real issues with the series in this first small arc surround the pacing, which can sometimes be a little too fast, and it takes a little while before you get a moment to breathe and learn more about our heroes. If you stick it out, however, the character development does come through in a satisfying way that I hope will continue as the story progresses. 

If you’ve ever wondered about the appeal of Transformers, this is the best series I’ve read that will give you everything to get invested in the universe. I also would consider this a must-read for longtime fans, especially those who have a love for the Generation 1 design aesthetics and characters.

Phenixx Gaming is everywhere you are. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Also, if you’d like to join the Phenixx Gaming team, check out our recruitment article for details on working with us.

Phenixx Gaming is proud to be a Humble Partner! Purchases made through our affiliate links support our writers and charity!

Transformers

$17.99

9

Score

9.0/10

Pros

• Great art and action
• Faithful character portrayals
• Strong themes
• Good starting point

Cons

• Pacing is very quick
• Characters take a little time to get invested in