Daniel Warren Johnson has not held back with the new Transformers series. While focusing on the classic G1 Transformers this entry in the franchise has shown that it won’t be afraid to go to dark places. With Starscream in charge of the Decepticons the Autobots have been fighting for their lives as they try to get accustomed to their new life on Earth. How will things go next in the series? Find out with our advance review of Transformers #4.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer & Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson
Colorist: Mike Spicer
Letterer: Rus Wooton
SOLICITATION
“When the Decepticons attack the Autobots at their weakest moment, an unlikely new hero joins the battle! With human and Transformer robots lives at stake, can Optimus Prime unlock the true power behind the Matrix of Leadership to save them both?” – Skybound & Image Comics
REVIEW
Transformers #4 is an adrenaline pumping issue from the moment you open this chapter. There is an intensity felt with how immediately you are concerned by Spike’s life hanging in the balance. That concern is elevated by an injured Optimus Prime racing to save Spike’s life while dodging all of Starscream’s attacks.
One of the more impressive things Daniel Warren Johnson does in Transformers #4 is balancing he shots of Spike’s dad holding his son while showcasing the high speed chase. Johnson does an excellent job framing every part of the chase sequence between Optimus Prime and Starcream that you are aware of the stakes. Those stakes make every panel feel important, leading to some excellent last minute save moments.
These stakes are continued even when our heroes reach their goal. Johnson really goes all out making Starscream be a villain you are afraid of. His presence is such that it does feel unless the Autobots put him down permanently there won’t be relief. All of Starscream’s action really makes him a villain you love to hate because of how much he revels in being evil.
For as action heavy that Transformers #4 is it is the slower, character focus scenes that are the standouts of this issue. There are several powerful character specific moments that create an even greater connection with the cast of this series. It provides momentum for the final moments of Transformers #4 to feel like big payoffs that move the story into the next stage.
This was also the best artwork in this series that has looked across the board. Johnson has really come into his own on the art side of things with detail to both the Transformers and human characters. The action set pieces are fantastic. The same goes for the more character focus scenes that hit on an emotional level with how it’s all visually framed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
From the momentum you open Transformers #4 your attention is grabbed and not let go of until you finish the comic book. Picking up where the previous issue ended, the race to save Spike’s life is felt right away. The incredible chase as an injured Optimus Prime race to save Spike while being chased by the deadly Starscream. This concerning situation carries the entire Transformers #4 the best issue of the series thus far.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10