We got an advanced release of Transformers #11. Transformers has been on an absolute roll from the momentum Image Comics and Skybound started this Energon Universe series. Last month Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona delivered what was possibly the best issue of this series thus far. That is saying a lot given how good this series has been. While the Autobots have had some reinforcements arrive the question is if it will be enough against the Decepticons that just appear unstoppable right now. Let’s see how things go with Transformers #11.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
Artist: Jorge Corona
Colorist: Mike Spicer
Letterer: Rus Wooton
TRANSFORMERS #11 SOLICITATION
“Only Optimus Prime can save Earth and Cybertron. But will all of the Autobots stand with him?” – Image Comics & Skybound
REVIEW
The way Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona continue to find a new level of emotional intensity every month is incredible. Transformers #11 is yet another example of that work. Every page and panel are packed with something that cuts deep in one way or another. It’s an emotional resonance that is yet another reminder of why this series is so a must read.
What creates this emotional connection with what goes on in Transformers #11 is the focus throughout the story. There is a lot of urgency felt with the Autobots figuring out how they can save Jazz and Cliffjumper from suffering Ultra Magnus’ fate. At the same time, there is no rushing going on in terms of letting scenes breathe. The stakes at hand are felt because every scene is given exactly the time needed to fully understand the scope of what is going on.
That tone is immediately set with the opening interaction between Arcee and Elita-1. Without Ultra Magnus saying a word you understand what the impact of his current state after spending 100s of years being tortured by Shockwave has. It is not just the emotional and physical damage Ultra Magnus went through, which is a lot, but also what that represents for the entire team. The more time they spend talking is more time that Jazz and Cliffjumper could end up in similar states.
How all that sets up every interaction Optimus Prime, Arcee, Elita-1, Ratchet, and Carly have in different pairings drives you to become even more invested with how things progress. That investment creates an immersion level that you are not thinking of what will happen next. Instead, your attention is to what is going on each page and panel. This allows the moments that happen in the last third of this issue to be genuinely surprising with how the story ends.
This in turn builds the anticipation for how the Autobots can overcome the Shockwave-led Decepticons. Shockwave’s presentation continues to work as a great counter to Optimus Prime. Whereas Optimus Prime is doing his best to keep things together and not let his emotions get to him, Shockwave is calm, cool, and collective. Every moment he is on screen Shockwave appears to be in control. That in turn continues to grow the threat level that all of the Decepticons pose to the universe.
The big wildcard in this story continues to be what is going on with Beachcomber and Spike. Johnson and Corona really keep us guessing what role they will serve in the story. This plays well into how the main story between the Autobots and Decepticons goes. For a Transformer not as well known this is a great way to develop Beachcomber as the reader anticipates what his role in this story will be.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The sense of immersion that Transformers #11 creates is off the charts. Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona continue to be on their own level with their work on Transformers. From all the emotional story beats to the design choices for the Autobots and Decepticons, the emotional investment continues to grow.
Story Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Click here to check out a full preview of Transformers #11 ahead of its August 14th release.
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