Trains, planes, and automobiles!
Yup! With Robert Kirkman’s Void Rivals having launched Skybound’s Energon Universe, noted writer/artist rolled-into-one Daniel Warren Johnson takes the reins on the linchpin of this initiative, the flagship Transformers comic series! Well, he maintains the reins on the writing of this series at least, as does Mike Spicer on colors. Jorge Corona has returned to regular penciling duties after Ludo Lullabi filled in for a Megatron solo story last issue!
So Megatron is back?
He is and it’s time for him to put his house in order. And that means dealing with triplechanger Astrotrain, who wants revenge on him for some unspecified thing we… probably won’t get closure on! Also, Starscream’s about due for a whuppin’ too, right? If there’s one thing this issue does, it’s sell Megatron as the primary threat and mightiest Decepticon, able to basically no-sell Astrotrain even as wounded as he is.
Megatron’s cruelty is on full display here as he doles out punishment to the treacherous Starscream as well and firmly gets him under his thumb again! Or really… maybe Megatron is under Starscream’s thumb… literally! With his gun mode able to control those who wield him, Megatron solves two problems at the same time in customary brutal fashion. He’s back and out for oil and this issue certainly showcases that.
What about the Autobots?
They’re trying to get their ducks in order to prepare for Megatron’s inevitable assault, and Wheeljack’s managed to revive the Aerialbots/Superion. It seems like this is a new take on the team so far- they’re all certainly more… cuddly than they’ve usually been.
On Cybertron, Cliffjumper and Brand New Character Shredhead decide to go rescue Carly, in a scene I feel like could have been excised in favor of a scene of them… actually going to do just that. Score more for decompressed storytelling, I guess!
Cube?
This is the first part of a new arc, what is supposed to be DWJ’s LAST arc on this book, and we’re off to a slow start. Still, Megatron’s back and ready to do some violence, as Jorge Corona’s art in this issue lovingly illustrates. I’m sure whatever spectacle that is coming up will be pretty cool to behold at least, even if the plotting and dialogue still feel kind of simplistic to me so far.
Buy Transformers #20 this week, you soft spark.
