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Cliffjumper searches for purpose on Cybertron but finds only ruin. On Earth, Devastator and Bruticus slug it out. While the Decepticons are busy fighting amongst themselves, Optimus Prime is losing control and puts everyone at risk. As Arcee and friends seek out Ultra Magnus, Laserbeak locates the one thing that will turn the tide. Something wicked this way comes in Transformers #16!
- Written by Daniel Warren Johnson
- Art by Jorge Corona
- Colors by Sarah Stern
- Letters by Russ Wooten
- Editor Ben Abernathy
- Published by Skybound / Image Comics
Transformers #16 Picks Up the Action!
This issue picks up right where issue #15 left off with a slobber knocker, giant combiner robot duel! This whole issue was dedicated to the Decepticon civil war power struggle and it didn’t disappoint! Bruticus vs Devastator. Soundwave vs Starscream. Optimus Prime vs…himself?
Optimus Prime is definitely fighting off some inner demons, whether it be his or someone else’s we’re not quite sure yet. It has gotten to the point where it’s putting everyone else in danger. Luckily for the Autobots a new ally emerges to save the day.
Transformers #16 Is the Start of Something Special
Daniel Warren Johnson continues to fire on all cylinders. The story arc that he his exploring with Cliffjumper on Cybertron feels like something that is going to breath new life into the franchise. There’s something special there that is developing in that “Daniel Warren Johnson Made Me Cry” sort of way. If you know, you know.
While that is happening he isn’t shying away from the action. Starscream is as evil as ever and Soundwave would have surely been overwhelmed if it weren’t for the confused Thundercracker with as assist. He doesn’t know who to believe is right and that adds a great piece tot he conflict between the Decepticons.
Lastly we have what’s going on with Optimus. He’s obviously having self control issues. We’re not sure if it has to do with The Matrix, Megatron’s arm, of maybe just some skeletons in his own closet. What we do know is that he is very unsure of himself right now. Without the help of a newly revived Autobot, Optimus’ actions would have lead to a few deaths.
The Artwork of Action in Transformers #16
Jorge Corona and Sarah Stern keep the artwork as close to faithful as DWJ and Spicer set out to do. Corona does a fantastic job of drawing the action. The Transformers are so big and bulky, but look so powerful and agile in battle. Every panel of the fight is so much fun!
On the other end of the spectrum, emotion shines through on the faces of these metal powerhouses. Cliffjumper emotes so well on Cybertron. The battle damage that has occurred overtime is still prevalent as well, showcasing what this miserable life of war has done to them all.
Overall Grade: 9/10
Another victory for the Transformers team! The issue is Packed full of action, emotion, and important story points. The fight pacing moves like an “Astrotrain” and the occasional moments on Cybertron gives ua a moment to breath. It balances well. The biggest reveal of all comes on the final pages. DO NOT MISS IT. Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse for the Autobots or Earth for that matter, DWJ cranks it to 11. Something big and special is brewing and I can’t wait to see it.
