AUTOBOTS! DECEPTICONS! HUMANS OF ALL AGES!
The time has finally come to transform and roll out to get your copy of Transformers #1 from Skybound Entertainment! The Energon Universe had a shocking stealth launch with Robert Kirkman’s and Lorenzo De Felici’s Void Rivals, and now we get to see the ramifications of the stunning connection to the Transformers Universe. Now, Writer/Artist Daniel Warren Johnson (Do a Powerbomb, DC’s Wonder Woman: Dead Earth), Colorist Mike Spicer (Do a Powerbomb, Still Water), Letterer Rus Wooton (Invincible) and Energon Universe Showrunner Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible) release the first installment of the new Transformers ongoing series. Thanks to our friends at Skybound Entertainment, we had the opportunity to enjoy this new series in advance.
Please enjoy our spoiler free review of Transformers #1.
Launched in 1984, The Transformers cartoon captivated the minds of kids and adults, taking them on a journey of adventure with robotic warriors from the planet Cybertron. This hit series has continued to evolve over the years, applying a fresh coat of paint to Optimus Prime and the gang as they fight off the evil machinations of Megatron and the Decepticons. The original show spawned countless toys, a cult classic animated movie in 1986, an ongoing series of live-action films from Paramount Pictures, and numerous animated and CGI series that have allowed these iconic characters to remain prevalent in the minds of fans. The characters have also appeared across various comic book titles as the IP moved between publishers.
In June 2023, it was formally announced that Skybound Entertainment had partnered with Hasbro to craft the next chapter in the Transformers saga, “The Energon Universe”, with Robert Kirkman acting as the Showrunner and mastermind behind the publisher’s new ongoing series. If you missed out on the release of Void Rivals (and the first four issues), I would highly recommend that you grab copies of those books if you can when you get your copy of Transformers #1. Although it is not “required reading”, there is an impressive amount of connective tissue between the books that will make your experience with this title that much more enjoyable.
Transformers #1 successfully puts an engaging new spin on the fan-favorite brand. Readers are in for a treat as the creative team included shocking twists that live up to the classic “More Than Meets the Eye” mantra. The first issue comes across as a true love letter to the franchise (and G1 especially), elevated by beautiful designs and vivid colors that successfully bring our favorite Cybertronians to life with each turn of the page. Although readers are sure to recognize a majority of the cast and supporting characters, I would recommend against getting too attached to anyone because…you know…the patented “Kirkman-twist” is always looming. I appreciated how both the humans and bots were approached in this issue, as the artistic flair of Johnson and Spicer made the impactful moments hit that much harder. Everything about this first chapter felt extremely respectful of what came before while strategically moving the narrative into unexplored territory (similar to the fan-favorite series Transformers Prime).
With decades of stories across dozens of variations, taking on the Transformers and creating something new might have felt like a daunting task. While speaking with both Robert Kirkman and Daniel Warren Johnson over the last few months, it was abundantly clear that they have a deep appreciation for these characters. Both shared the impact that The Transformers: The Movie had on their respective childhoods, and just hearing them speak about their reverence for the iconic heroes and villains brought nothing but joy to my heart. Once you get this book in your hands, you’ll understand just how BIG this launch truly is.
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Transformers #1 – 5 out of 5 books that are truly More Than Meets The Eye.
Check out our brand new exclusive interviews with Robert Kirkman and Daniel Warren Johnson below.
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