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TRANSFORMERS #1 by DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Skybound Entertainment AND IMAGE COMICS)
The wait is FINALLY Over!
Ever since crashing the party of Robert Kirkman’s VOID RIVALS #1, The TRANSFORMERS franchise has been the talk of comic book fans! The long-running fandom of the “robots in disguise” are no strangers to comics with having notable runs with Marvel Comics and IDW Publishing to name a few. Now poised to make a strong return to the comic shops under the Skybound Entertainment banner and their “Energon Universe”, fans have been anxiously awaiting the big kick-off on this latest chapter.
With the pressure of setting a high pace early out of the gate, the lead series needed someone who could bring the blockbuster action and great storytelling. There is no better choice than DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON. Fans know his work from such series as DO A POWERBOMB and BETA RAY BILL. If you have ever read those series, you know the book would be bursting off the page with the electric action sequences. The only question that would remain is how the war between Autobots and Decepticons kick off in this current state?
That’s why for this review, it’s a group discussion from the N.I. Bullpen with Marty Stoked, Matt from Hops Geek News and yours truly (Ken – ODPH podcast/NI Comics EIC) breaking down TRANSFORMERS #1 by DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN. Let’s not wait any longer and break this debut issue down, shall we?
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING *** CHECK OUT THE REVIEW FOR VOID RIVALS #4
WHAT DID EVERYONE THINK OF THE STORY AND WRITING?
KEN: The story is a great introduction overall but it’s really feels like a tale of two separate ones. The family dynamic between Spike and his dad simmers with big emotions and eluding to a grave loss. This never feels uneventful but it does get overshadowed once Optimus Prime and company grace the page. As soon as this moment happens, someone throws the petal to the metal and “business really picks up” like Jim Ross says! It’s a dangerous new world and consequences for both sides should they fail. I really enjoyed how things swung back to tie everything together before signing off till next time.
MATT: I liked how it was a fresh yet familiar story in many ways. Going back to the 80’s transformers I fell in love with. They didn’t shy away from the brutality of the decepticons while having the triumphant battle with Optimus. The story sets the tone for what is shaping to be a fantastic series.
MARTY: I have been a huge fan of everything Daniel Warren Johnson touches. From Beta Ray Bill, to Murder Falcon and Do a Power Bomb his unique ability to create an emotional story where readers care about every character is truly something special. Transformers #1 without question, has those DWJ special touches. Transformers has an extensive lore that might make some new readers hesitant to pick this up. I can tell you, as a new reader to the Energon Universe, DWJ makes this experience very new reader friendly and easy to follow.
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE ARTWORK
KEN: The minute Daniel Warren Johnson was named on this book, I knew to expect BIG action. This debut didn’t disappoint. It was like watching a Hollywood Summer blockbuster come to life in comic book form. I marked out when Prime hit an Okada rainmaker (if you watch NJPW, you know exactly what I’m referring to). Even the quieter moments hit with the same force. The struggles with Spike and his dad connect with Johnson’s vivid depictions of loss and doubt. It proves there is more to this than meets anyone’s eye.
MATT: the colors and the 80’s vibes were matched with the familiar appearances of our favorite transformers doing battle in fiery explosions that leapt from each page. Very much enjoyed the colors being used in this issue
MARTY: DWJ has such a unique style of drawing you can always pick out his work in the crowd. This issue stays true to form, with explosive action sequences and perfectly paced visual storytelling! I really love how he kept to the nostalgic 80s cartoon style autobots and decepticons! This book from start to finish was a visual feast. From the eye popping colors, to the in your face lettering that we have all grown to love with any DWJ book!
WHATS THE OVERALL GRADE ON TRANSFORMERS #1
KEN: 9.5 OUT OF 10. The Energon Universe couldn’t kick off more properly than a DWJ non-stop roller-coaster of excitement and action. The pages will have readers re-energized on the long-standing franchise as it hits the road for another memorable journey.
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MATT: Overall, I felt like a kid who just picked up his first comic again. The spirit of a Optimus, the brutality of Starscream were standouts for me. There was intrigue on what the humans have to offer and their bravery stood out as well. This will be in talks for comic of the year. 4.5/5 cigars
FOR MORE FROM MATT FROM HOPS GEEK NEWS
MARTY: 9.5 out of 10! DWJ wastes no time getting right into the thick of conflict with this series that had me hooked from page 1! This oversized issue flew by and left me craving for more! I can’t wait to see what happens next! A must pull for any comic book fan!
