Transformers #18 will mark the conclusion of the third story arc for the series. Thus far Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona have continuously pushed the Autobots to the brink of destruction. That is all due to how split up the Autobots are while the Decepticons just continue to grow in strength and numbers. We got the chance to check out an early copy of Transformers #18 from Skybound and Image Comics. Find out how it turned out with our advance review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
Artist: Jorge Corona
Colorist: Mike Spicer
Letterer: Rus Wooton
TRANSFORMERS #18 SOLICITATION
“Autobots vs Deceptions vs SPOILER is already devastating Seattle, but none of them are prepared for how it will end.” – Skybound & Image Comics
REVIEW
Devastating! That is the first word that comes to mind after finishing reading Transformers #18. This comic book is equally epic as it is destructive with where all the battles in this final chapter of the series’ third story end up. It further drives home the point of this comic book being one of the best in the industry.
The tone is immediately set by the opening of Transformers #18. Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona have really mastered how to play with readers emotions. You never feel these characters are safe because of how quickly things in one way or another. That creates such tension with where exactly things will end up with the Autobots and Decepticons.
The opening is also a reminder of how important the spark of hope is to the Autobots. They’ve been through so much just in these eighteen issues alone. What Elita’s Autobot team are able to obtain just further amplifies how hope can make all the difference. One thing that looks to turn the tide of battle can mean so much to the Autobots. Which makes the character debut in this story arc with Elita’s sub-plot even more importance because of this.
How what is going on in Cybertron is transitioned to the events on Earth is so fascinating. The battle between the Autobots and Decepticons is equally intense on Cybertron and Earth. But the key difference between the two is the humans. Johnson and Corona do a great job at positioning the human characters as wild cards. It is by far the best use of the Earth’s population without removing the attention of the Transformers.
A great example of that is the crowd control during the big battle Optimus Prime and his Autobots are in the middle of. While they are constantly being pushed by bigger and stronger opponents on the Decepticons side, the Autobots never lose their heroic nature. They are constantly aware of not just keeping each other safe but innocent people caught in the middle of the Autobot vs Decepticon war. It is all done in a subtle way by Corona that really goes a long way to showcase how serious things are.
In terms of impact, the ending of Transformers #18 will certainly be what many will be talking about. It is the moment many fans were waiting for. But do not discount the developments that happen in the middle of this issue. The implications of what goes down in the middle segment is something that can reach beyond this series. It’s the type of development that could be felt in other Energon Universe titles.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Transformers #18 is an epically impactful final chapter to the third story arc of this series. This comic book is the definition of must-read. There are so many things that will be talked about with everything that goes down in this issue. It all further drives home the fact Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona have made this the best comic book on the market right now.
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
ICYMI: Click here to read our advance review of Void Rivals #17 that also releases this week.
For more opinions on anime, comic book, movies, and sports you can follow Kevin on Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter/X.