Transformers Lives Again!
With Robert Kirkman’s Void Rivals having launched Skybound’s Energon Universe, he now takes the writing reins of the flagship Transformers comic series as well, with Dan Mora now on pencils and Mike Spicer still on colors.
In this twenty-sixth issue, the new alliance the Autobots have struck with the humans is put to the test and the Ark is a stage for conflict as Decepticon Thundercracker seeks to free Skywarp from Teletraan-1.
Oh yeah, Thundercracker and Skywarp went on a little trip last issue.
Yup, they were teleported into the midst of Cobra-La and when they return, Thundercracker is in no mood to listen after being confronted with the organic horrors he witnessed there. Thankfully, Optimus Prime manages to talk him down and agrees to help free Skywarp from being entangled with Teletraan-1. Thundercracker’s uneasy loyalties take center stage here and Kirkman sets him up for a new role in this universe that may seem a bit familiar to fans of Beast Wars or the IDW comics.
Alright, I’ll just come out and say it; Thundercracker formally joins the Autobots by the end of the issue. We’re yet to see if this is legit or deception on his part, but I can easily see him filling the Beast Wars Dinobot or IDW Cyclonus role with this crew. It’s not exactly a new take per se, but it’s certainly one that hasn’t been entirely played out before, so I think it’s a good move on Kirkman’s part.
Where’s Shredhead?
Shredhead is present, sure. But the real important thing is that Kup and Huffer are still alive! I’m really glad Kirkman is undoing some seemingly permanent deaths that Daniel Warren Johnson wrote. Bring back Ratchet next, Kirkman! And Carnivac, certainly Carnivac! It’s nice to have Ultra Magnus acting in a more familiar manner again too.
Uh, there’s not much else to say about this issue. All the subplots brought up in the last issue advance a smidge and the cliffhanger seems to be setup for the upcoming “Quintesson War” event. Maybe... I dunno, it was a little vague.
Cube?
This is fine... Dan Mora’s art is still nice and Kirkman certainly seems more invested in the larger cast of characters than DWJ was with his providing “outs” for a lot of deaths. Thundercracker’s new status is a good hook for future stories and I hope Kirkman commits to it.
Buy Transformers # 26 this week and SONIC BOOM.
