Transformers has been firing on all cylinders with each issue feeling bigger than the last. Even the recent two-part Starscream story arc did a lot to develop both the past and present of this series. What we learned about the history of the Energon Universe’s Cybertron added layers to the Decepticon side of things that weren’t there before. Now with Transformers #15 a brand new story arc begins for the series. We got the chance to check out an early copy of the start of the new story arc. Find out how it turned out with our advanced review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
Artist: Jorge Corona
Colorist: Sara Stern
Letterer: Rus Wooton
TRANSFORMERS #15 SOLICITATION
“Soundwave moves to finish the war with the Autobots… and all of Earth will suffer. Meanwhile, Optimus Prime, and Wheeljack search for the answers to a mystery that may change everything they knew.” – Image Comics & Skybound
REVIEW
Throughout the experience of reading Transformers #15 you feel the history that has been built around the Energon Universe version of this franchise. The way history is used to tell the story is something to be studied. There is so much detail in everything from the writing to the artwork that tells an entire story. Combining all that history is what makes this such an exciting start to a new story arc.
What is particularly impactful is how much weight Optimus Prime’s decision from the end of the previous story arc is felt in Transformers #15. There is a great balance between the inspirational and thoughtful leader to emotional and distrusting character. The way this is shown makes Optimus Prime such a layered character that you’re so invested in. The portrayal of Optimus Prime’s character shows the trust Johnson and Corona have built as a creative team. Both the writing and artwork equally tell Optimus Prime’s story in this issue.
Making Optimus Prime’s character arc stronger is how different characters react to his decisions. It really displays how even in scenes where Optimus is not even in that his decision making impacts the direction of so many characters. This makes this so much more interesting as we have multiple different groups within the Autobots. Each Autobots group could carry this series, but it is the fact we are seeing what they are doing that makes things much more fascinating.
Splitting up the Autobots in such a way creates multiple sub-plots that all support the main plotline. The way these sub-plots are created is something that is carefully done. There are specific purposes given to make characters like Arcee and Cliffjumper important characters because they have their own sub-plots.
The multiple layers to the Autobots side of things made the presence of the Decepticons carry a much more threatening aura. We’ve seen throughout this series that the Decepticons have continuously had the advantage in this war. That is something that is continued in Transformers #15. With the Autobots so splintered the moment the Decepticons come back into the story you feel the great danger our protagonists are in. This adds so much credibility to the Decepticons as villains.
For the Decepticons this is villain credibility that they have continuously earned. That continues with what they do in Transformers #15. The swiftness in what Starscream in particularly does builds off his mini-story arc. It is exactly what Starscream needed to recover his presence as a menace. His actions creates a hook ending where we are left wondering how both the Autobots and Decepticons will respond.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Transformers #15 delivers a start that exemplifies how to use all the momentum a series has to create even greater excitement for the future. From beginning to end this comic book delivers an experience that leaves the Autobots and Decepticons in spots where anything can happen on both sides. Creating such unpredictability just leaves you wanting to stand up and clap for what Daniel Johnson and Jorge Corona accomplish.
Story Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9.5 Night Girls out of 10
Click here to check out a full preview of Transformers #15 ahead of its release on Wednesday, December 11th.
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