There is no comic book that has nailed tension like the Energon Universe’s Transformers series. Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona have created such strong intensity in the latest war between the Autobots and Decepticons. How each decision made is more impactful than the last has been truly impressive. With how things have continuously escalated where will things go next? We got a chance to find out early with an advanced copy of Transformers #17. Find out how it turned out with our review below.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
Artist: Jorge Corona
Colorist: Mike Spicer
Letterer: Rus Wooton
TRANSFORMERS #17 SOLICITATION
“As the titanic clash from last issue rages on, a covert group of Autobots continues their search for the ally who could turn the tide on Earth – ULTRA MAGNUS! Featuring the debut of an ALL NEW character!” – Skybound & Image Comics
REVIEW
Transformers #17 is an excellent example of how to continuously make a story feel like it is moving forward. It is a display of how to properly manage characters being split up doing multiple missions without one feeling less than. Every setting that is shown, no matter the page count given, comes across as getting the appropriate time to progress each plot point.
Opening with Arcee, Beachcomber, Spike, and Carly’s mission to find Ultra Magnus is a great change of pace. The way Daniel Johnson and Jorge Corona execute this shows that readers should consider all the Autobots as lead characters. Even if Optimus Prime has gotten a lot of screentime it does not diminish the importance of the other Autobots as protagonist. Starting off Transformers #17 with Arcee and Beachcomber mission is an example of just that.
This also helps to further drive home the impact the Autobots vs Decepticons war is having. These two forces have been fighting for so long that there is a feeling that fighting is all they know. Which makes Beachcomber a unique Transformer as he has become a pacifist since he was last part of the Autobots, something that almost appears foreign to Arcee. At the same time, Beachcomber shows he still has loyalty to the Autobots as he is willing to join Arcee in her mission to find Ultra Magnus. Establishing that there are Transformers are more than soldiers is something that is hopefully explored with other characters as well.
The Ultra Magnus mission is nicely complimented by the attitude we see Elita’s group on Cybertron have in their own mission. Johnson really nails how quickly this cast of Autobots have grown a balanced chemistry. It drives home the harden leadership personality that Elita has developed over the course of the war. Which makes the big character debut something that leaves you wondering what kind of difference maker they will be.
All of this while we continue to see more of the traditional Autobot vs Decepticon battles with Optimus Prime’s side of things. Once again, Corona really nails the scale of this battle being massive. There is no small action as the two opposing forces trade shots. How that leads to the Autobots balancing being heroes who protect with trying to survive the overwhelming Decepticon forces is a great showcase for Corona’s well-paced choreography.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Transformers #17 strikes an excellent balance between multiple plotlines going on at the same time. No plotline ever feels less than any of the other ones going on. Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona make sure to give every setting enough time to feel properly developed. This leads to every character, Autobot and Decepticon, coming across as important parts of the series. Which emphasizing why Transformers as one of the premiere comic books being published right now.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Click here to check a preview of Transformers #17 ahead of its release on Wednesday, February 12th.
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