Transformers, Vol. 1: Robots in Disguise

Transformers (2023)

by Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike Spicer (Colorist), Rus Wooton (Letterer)

THE TRANSFORMERS JOIN THE ENERGON UNIVERSE!

Optimus Prime was supposed to have led the Autobots to victory. Instead, the fate of Cybertron is unknown, and his allies have crash-landed far from home, alongside their enemies—the Decepticons. As these titanic forces renew their war on Earth, one thing is immediately clear: the planet will never be the same. New alliances are struck. Battle lines are redrawn. And humanity’s only hope of survival is Optimus Prime.

Superstar creator Daniel Warren Johnson (Do a Powerbomb, Wonder Woman: Dead Earth), alongside showrunner Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible), reimagines Hasbro’s robots in disguise for a brand-new generation.

Collects TRANSFORMERS #1-6

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Comic Book, Fiction, Action

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2024

About the author

Daniel Warren Johnson is a Chicago-based comic book writer, artist, and illustrator. He's worked on titles for most major publishers, including Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and Image. His current series with Skybound/Image Comics is EXTREMITY, a sci-fi/fantasy title he is writing and drawing, and continues to update his webcomic Space-Mullet in his spare time.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Aw, hell yes! Good to have you back!!!" -- Cliffjumper the Autobot, echoing my own thoughts

While the Transformers toy and cartoon franchise of the mid-80's was a hit, for me, however - as a kid growing up squarely in the Reagan-era U.S. - it always came in a firm second place behind quasi-competitor G.I. Joe. However, I was floored by how much I enjoyed the hell out of this nostalgic reboot of sorts with Image Comics' summer 2024 debut of Transformers, Vol. 1: Robots in Disguise. Now free of the obvious restraints imposed on that afternoon animated series from nearly forty years (!) ago, this narrative starkly presents the violent on-going war between the altruistic Autobots and the dishonorable Decepticons, those rival factions of robotic creatures that can morph into various machines and vehicles, who have crash-landed on Earth. The numerous action scenes arrive fast and harsh - including a cameo appearance by a fictional military special forces team leader - but yet there was a certain exhilaration which rockets along this tragedy-laced plot along like a speedily unpredictable rollercoaster. Also, I was mightily impressed with how Optimus Prime - he's the leader of the Autobots who can switch into a semi truck, dontcha know - was firmly depicted as having the Big Damn Hero role mastered with ease. (A scene where he dramatically enters to save the f***ing day was one of the most cheer-worthy moments that I've read in a graphic novel in a very long time.) What a great protagonist to have headlining this unusually involving sci-fi / adventure tale.

[Sean Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was...exceedingly violent. Who knew robot-in-disguise injuries could be so gruesome? Not to mention all the human squishing.

Let's do more of it in volume 2, shall we?

[Diz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel Warren Johnson does not disappoint as the writing and the art are both superb in this volume. The writing is strong because there are clear motives and clear stakes for characters. The interactions between the Transformers and the human characters play a large role in this. In particular, these are some of the most brutal Decepticons that I have seen. Human characters who run into them do not fare well. The art is energetic and depicts the frantic action that takes place well.

If you are holding back o this because it is based on an IP, I recommend giving it a try. It is much better than typical IP-based fare.

[Gianfranco Mancini · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN EPIC REBIRTH OF ACTION, DRAMA, AND VIOLENCE, WHERE GIANT ROBOTS HAVE NEVER BEEN SO HUMAN!



Optimus Prime was supposed to lead the Autobots to victory. Instead, the fate of Cybertron remains uncertain, and his allies have crashed far from home, along with their sworn enemies: the Decepticons. As these titanic forces renew their war on Earth, one thing becomes immediately clear: the planet will never be the same. New alliances are forged, battle lines are redrawn, and humanity’s only hope for survival lies in Optimus Prime.



Transformers, Vol. 1: Robots in Disguise, the first volume of the thrilling reimagining of the Transformers universe by the talented Daniel Warren Johnson, collects the first six adrenaline-pumping issues of the series. It is the second title to join Robert Kirkman’s Void Rivals in the Energon Universe, a shared comic book franchise published by Skybound, where classic Hasbro characters meet new and original creations. Johnson approaches the franchise with visceral love and fanatical devotion to the original concept, taking some unexpected and pleasant liberties, and maximizing intensity with increasingly engaging backstories and dramatic crescendos, but above all, a significantly more intense brutality.



The plot unfolds with Optimus Prime and his allies, after an emergency landing, having to face new alliances and old enemies on a planet that will never be the same. The narrative is enriched with moments of great emotional intensity and spectacular action, with combat scenes that perfectly capture the ferocity and grandeur of the giant robots. Autobots and Decepticons clash like blacksmiths with wrestling moves and heavy metal onomatopoeias in a crescendo of violence never seen in any previous comic or animated adaptation of the franchise: the fury of vehicles colliding at insane speeds, the clang of metal crashing and twisting, the Seekers having fun crushing and pulverizing the disgusting and squishy humans… truly unprecedented stuff.



One of the most fascinating aspects of this volume is how Johnson manages to infuse humanity into the robotic characters, making their struggles and dilemmas incredibly engaging, while also exploring deep themes such as life, death, family, and belonging, showing how these elements are universal and shared by all. The illustrations are dynamic and detailed, with a use of color that enhances the energy and tension of each scene.



In conclusion, the first volume of Void Rivals didn’t impress me much, but Transformers, Vol. 1: Robots in Disguise is a must-read for all long-time fans who grew up with the historic G1 and for all new readers looking for a story rich in action and emotional depth, a true epic rebirth of action, drama, and violence, where giant robots have never been so human. Even G.I. Joe fans will be thrilled when they spot a certain character…



Heartfelt congratulations to Daniel Warren Johnson, and also to his longtime colorist Mike Spicer, for creating a work to read and reread that not only pays homage to the original material but reinvents it in a fresh and compelling way, achieving unexpected and well-deserved success for the series, whose first issue has been reprinted nine times in the United States, and for its author, who has won the Eisner Award for Best Ongoing Series and Best Writer/Artist.



Most epic rebirth of the Transformers ever and an unmissable journey that every comic book fan should undertake.
More than meets the eye... indeed!

[Drew Canole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blistering robot action anchored by DWJ's characteristic emotional tension and heartfelt characters.

Great artwork throughout... I don't know though - I guess I just don't really care for the Transformers characters/concept. I'll read more if DWJ is doing more but otherwise I can't say I care what comes next. Seems like a lesser version of Murder Falcon.

Some action scenes were very reminiscent of something out of a Fast and Furious movie.

[Jim Ef · Rating 4 out of 5]

8.0/10
I guess i care about Transformers now.

When they announced the Energon universe, i wasn't sure if i would jump into it. It's not that I dislike Transformers or G.I.Joe, it's the fact that i only know them through the movies. However, when i found that DWJ is going to be the writer and artist, this when on top of my tbr list.

Some of DWJ's previous work like "Murder Falcon and "Do a powerbomb" are among my all time favourites. The expectations were high and I'm glad they were met. Johnson his usual style. A mixture of action, over the top moments and a lot of heart. His art is amazing and providing some amazing panels that almost jump out of the page.

Well... Energon universe here i come.

[Urbon Adamsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

EN As a rule of thumb, I usually despise reboots. They often go off the rails and end up being a massive waste of time, diluting the original intellectual property. That said, this is definitely not the case here.

I approached this one with caution and skepticism—but also with an open mind—and the result couldn't have been better.

The first thing that really impressed me was Johnson's artwork. Drawing Transformers is no easy task, and he absolutely nails it. But it's not just the visuals—his writing and plotting are also top-notch. The action is relentless yet never overwhelming, and the story keeps you on your toes. Johnson genuinely makes us care about the Autobots and their human allies as they fight to survive throughout the journey. It's all really well done.

Overall, Daniel Warren Johnson and Robert Kirkman are crafting something truly special here. I just hope the quality remains this high and that we won't need another reboot down the line. If it does, this might very well be the Transformers series fans have been waiting for.

--

PT Regra geral, detesto reboots. Costumam descambar e acabar por ser uma enorme perda de tempo, apenas servindo para diluir a propriedade intelectual original. Dito isto, definitivamente não é o caso aqui.

Aproximei-me deste com cautela e cepticismo — mas também com a mente aberta — e o resultado não podia ter sido melhor.

A primeira coisa que me impressionou foi a arte do Johnson. Desenhar os Transformers não é tarefa fácil, e ele acerta em cheio. Mas não é só no visual que se destaca — a escrita e o enredo também são de alto nível. A ação é constante, mas nunca cansativa, e a narrativa mantém-nos em alerta. Johnson consegue realmente fazer-nos importar com os Autobots e os seus aliados humanos, enquanto lutam para sobreviver ao longo de toda a jornada. Está mesmo muito bem conseguido.

No geral, o Daniel Warren Johnson e o Robert Kirkman estão a criar algo verdadeiramente especial. Só espero que a qualidade se mantenha neste nível e que não haja necessidade de mais um reboot no futuro. Se assim for, esta poderá muito bem ser a série Transformers que os fãs tanto esperavam.

[Bill Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal kickoff to the new Transformers series - full of action, and also packed with emotional heartfelt moments.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars but what the hell, this was great so I’ll round up. I’ve enjoyed DWJ’s other stuff I’ve read so I was excited to read this and it didn’t disappoint. This had big action all the way through and DWJ’s art works perfect for this Transformers world. The battles were epic and there were a few edge of your seat moments. The the crossover tease with the rest of this energon universe was pretty dope also. Felt like a kid again in the 80s watching the cartoons. Absolutely cannot wait for the next volume.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one didn't quite hit for me the way it seems to have for a lot of folks and that's fine, I love DWJ's visual language as usual I just wish it were in service of a more inspiring set of characters.


Big Overwhelming Sound Words in comic panels > Big Overwhelming Sounds in the Movie Theatre.

[Rory Wilding · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the first issue of Void Rivals by Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici was published in June 2023, it dropped a major bombshell with the appearance of Jetfire the Transformer. This was to announce the series as part of Skybound Entertainment’s Energon Universe, which combines new comics based on Hasbro brands Transformers and G.I. Joe, both properties were previously published by IDW. Amongst these titles are Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers, which nods back to the original incarnation of the franchise from the eighties, whilst not giving us an empty trip back to nostalgia.

In case you don’t know what the Transformers are (first off, where you’ve been? We’ve had seven live-action movies since 2007), they are giant alien robots that can turn into other forms, such as vehicles and animals. In their home planet of Cybertron, the good Autobots and the evil Decepticons have waged war for centuries. As their war wages beyond Cybertron as they clash on the Autobots’ spaceship, the Ark, the opposing forces crash-land on Earth, where there will be casualties and new alliances.

From the design of the Transformers themselves, to the premise of them on a new planet where they battle each other in search of a new source of Energon, so much of the comic takes cue from the Generation 1 cartoon. However, as opposed to being the story of a teenager and his first car – also the basis of the first Michael Bay movie and Bumblebee in 2018 – the human story is about the estranged relationship between Spike Witwicky and his father, who is not only struggling from his first tour where he had seen war, but also the loss of his firstborn son.

As for the Transformers themselves, you have the Autobots led by Optimus Prime adapting to a world that is not entirely metal and so they have to be more careful about stepping on any of the organisms that dominate the planet. Upon reading one heartbreaking scene where Optimus accidentally kills a deer, you do wonder if Johnson had watched The Iron Giant when he was writing this series as that film’s melancholic themes are presented here, particularly how war has affected humanity and the Transformers. From its initial issue that reveals the shocking deaths of Jetfire and the beloved Bumblebee, as well as some human casualties, it sets the tone that is darker, but not for the sake of edginess.

This is not to say that the comic without its lighter moments as the Autobot Cliffjumper has some funny one-liners and has some nice interactions with Spike’s girlfriend Carly, whilst Starscream constantly must prove himself as the leader of the Decepticons following the absence of his master Megatron. Considering the strong characterisation throughout, showing the difficulties of both these races co-existing, as well as the sincere theme of family (harking back to Johnson’s previous title Do a Powerbomb!), you are reminded what a missed opportunity the Michael Bay-directed movies are, which never seemed to care about the characters, either organic or metallic.

Since the whole premise of this franchise is robots disguising as vehicles and battling each other, Johnson and colourist Mike Spicer embrace it through their flourish. Maintaining the classic aesthetic of the Transformers’ designs, Johnson throws these characters into kinetic action sequences where parts of their bodies get blown up or torn apart, resulting in rebuilding themselves, such as Optimus attaching himself with Megatron’s right arm, equipped with his iconic cannon. There is a lot of fan service throughout this book that you get so giddy about, whether it is character introductions, cameos that set up future storylines within the shared universe, or the awesome panel of Optimus Prime performs the suplex on Starscream.

Although Daniel Warren Johnson is stepping away from art duties as Jorge Corona will be drawing the subsequent issues, Johnson stays as writer and rightfully so as this run is the most exciting thing to happen to the Transformers franchise in a long time and makes me excited to see more of the Energon Universe.

[Willow Heath]

I didn't grow up on the Transformers cartoon, having been born after the height of its popularity. But I was also old enough, when the Michael Bay films dropped, to know that they were poorly-made, ugly schlock. And so, until now, Transformers has never been for me.

This comic book, however, has changed all of that. I now have a wonderful entry point into the universe of these beloved characters. Mike Spicer's frenetic art delivers bombast and excitement from page one, and Daniel Warren Johnson hits us with a story that is equal parts tragic drama and frenetic action. I honestly can't fault it. Transformers has a new fan and I'll be picking up volume two asap!

[Oscar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a violent comic!

[James DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY SHIT THIS WAS EPIC AS FUCK!

This is hands down the best transformers media I ever got a chance to view/read. It's better than the movies, better than the cartoon, and even better than the amazing PS3/360 games (War for Cybertron still dope AF though).

This has actual human characters that are interesting. The transformers feel like living creatures and when they get hurt or killed you can feel it. The pacing is near perfect, giving some insane brutal fights where one might not survive multiple times. Art as always is excellent from Daniel Warren Johnson.

This is a homerun and one of the best comics of the year.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

My experience with Transformers is pretty much limited to the original four-issue comic book mini-series Marvel put out in the 1980s. I didn't see much point to the silly robot battles, so I set the whole franchise aside, never buying the toys or watching the animated series or any of the live-action movies released in the decades since.

But because Daniel Warren Johnson is involved, I thought I'd give Transformers another try.

And, well . . . nope.

Johnson gave it a hell of a shot, but it's back onto the no-fly list with the silly robot battles. Not for me.

[Benji's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a start to the new Skybound Energon Universe!

NOT FOR KIDDOS, this is brutal storytelling full of emotion, action, and of course, robots! I can't get enough of this. Oh, and there's enough character work to help you feel for the characters, too. Will definitely be diving into the next volume!

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another crisp, exciting entry in the burgeoning Energon Universe! My knowledge of the Transformers basically comes from the (mostly bad) Michael Bay moves, but this first volume provides a solid kickoff point for newbies like me. Essentially, the Autobots and Decepticons crash land together on planet Earth and the few survivors battle for resources.

It's a pretty stark good vs. evil narrative - the Autobots are saintly and the Decepticons are foul villains. It's, uh, not a nuanced read. Definitely feels at times like a little kid playing with his toys. Fortunately, there are a handful of humans who get caught up in the battle and keep affairs somewhat grounded. Even as they prove somewhat expendable.

Daniel Warren Johnson keeps the gas pedal to the floor for the entirety of the volume. It's thrilling, but a bit like a sugar high. Void Rivals is similar, though with more meat on its bones. I had a great time with Robots in Disguise and am hopeful the second volume will hold a tad more dialogue and world-building.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know very little about the Transfomers franchise. So little, in fact, that I thought Optimus Prime was a bad guy instead of the leader of the good Autobots. My bad, bro! But I've read good reviews of this new Transformers comic and I'm interested in the new Skybound/Image Energon universe being put together by Robert Kirkman that ties in the Transformers with the G.I. Joe franchise and Kirkman's new Void Rivals series. Cool to be on the ground floor of all this.

The story is pretty good. It's action packed, to be sure. The Autobots go up against the Decepticons as both groups seem to emerge on Earth from a long slumber. They meet up with some human teenagers who serve to give some humanity (pun intended) to the story and who are there to act as catalysts for the good guys to be recognized as such by other humans. There's a lot of heart here, too, and some moving scenes between the Autobots and the humans. I really liked how quickly all the good guys were able to form connections throughout the story, and thought the characterizations of the humans and most of the Transformers as being well rounded and well thought out. Like I said, there is a LOT of action, so that will help keep the reader hooked on the story as well.

Where this volume falls short is in the art and the coloring. The author is the artist, and although I like the style, it's not quite suited for a comic about giant robots. The art is sketchy and grainy and I had a hard time telling the various Transformers apart from each other. The colorist doesn't help, either. Although there are a lot of very vivid (color-wise) scenes, in most places the coloring was murky and dark. Because the art was full of sketchy lines, it just made it hard for a noob like to to figure out who was who.

Regardless, this story was captivating and I have the second volume on my desk at home to pick up tonight. Looking forward to it!

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writer 1: Hey, we just wrote that the Big Bad is at the mercy of a Good Guy, but if we kill off the Big Bad, no volume 2. What do we do?

Writer 2: Easy, have the Good Guy be Lawful Stupid and not plug the Big Bad in the head, despite the fact that the Big Bad killed his entire clan and joked about how he did it, as well as kill the father of the Good Guy’s friend and stated quite clearly that he was going to kill the Good Guy and his friend.

Writer 1: Great idea! Lawful Stupid Good Guy for the win!

Me: 🤦‍♀️

2, I hate the trope of Lawful Stupid Good Guy refusing to off the Big Bad who clearly will not stop being bad, stars.

[Rick Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am and never have been a fan of Transformers (outside of enjoying the Beast Wars television series when I was younger). Though Daniel Warren Johnson's run won't make me a lasting fan of the franchise, I can't help but feel like when I was reading this, I was a fan of the robots in disguise. It's Johnson's true skill as a storyteller where he can truly manifest his passions into his work. I felt the genuine love he has for these robots as he bangs out six fantastic issues to color in his section of Skybound Entertainment's ever growing "Energon Universe".

The story here is simple enough, and nothing all too novel within the context of Transformers related media. The Autobots and Decepticons find themselves embroiled in a conflict on Earth, and the humans are caught in the midst. While the human side of most Transfomers stories can often feel like an afterthought, the true heart of this run is the emerging partnership between Sparky, an alcoholic man who struggles to process the loss of one of his sons, and Optimus Prime, who takes to caring for Sparky's other son, Spike. Leading the Decepticons is the treacherous Starscream who keeps a tight grip on the Decepticon cause by refusing to even acknowledge their old leader, Megatron. Though the cast of characters is large, Johnson is effective with his characterization, allowing novices like me to follow along with ease. I was most impressed with the subtle character work done with Soundwave, who I'm hoping plays a bigger role down the line.

Of course, this series isn't what it is without Johnson's artwork. Loud is something he does well, and this is indeed a bombastic series that demands big action set pieces. He delivers of course, and paired with the ever reliable colorist Mike Spicer, the screaming fury of shredded steel is felt with every panel. The story itself may play out in a rather generic fashion, but here is truly a demonstration of why even a simple story if executed at the highest level can still be a truly refreshing experience.

[ScottIsANerd (GrilledCheeseSamurai) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every friggen page.

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great action-packed Transformers book. Robots will be ripped apart, humans will be squashed, and the battle for the world begins.

The Transformers have been revived. Of course, the Decepticons first. Both sides are on a new planet and low on resources. The Decepticons will go whatever it takes to destroy the Autobots and take whatever they want. If they need to kill some humans in the process, all the more fun for them. Battered and broken but willing to fight to the end and protect those around him, Optimus Prime will give every last bit of his spark.

I love the more brutal battles. I love Prime actually winning fights like he used in the original series. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Matthew Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admittedly, I wasn’t always big into Transformers, but I’ve always wished that I was more into it. Jumping into this story mostly blind, I didn’t find it too difficult to gather what was going on with this really being just a fun good guys versus bad guys kind of story with some heart and a ton of action. DWJ is great with the art in this one, but the character work is where this one shines the most. I especially enjoyed the human characters in Spike and Carly and I really enjoyed Cliffjumper a lot, as well!

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

After falling off towards the latter part of IDW's Transformers comics I thought I was done with them in this medium. But then I stumbled upon a random review of the first volume of the latest book by Image and Skybound and was intrigued enough to give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised.

This very much felt like the original 80s cartoon origin story but in a modern era and in a more realistic way. I loved how the need for Energon was more out of survival rather than pure greed and wanting to power a weapon. And speaking of realistic it made so much sense that an alien race, even a robotic one, wouldn't understand words and terms used by Humans. That sense of realism was something that really appealed to me.

One thing that really surprised me was how brutal and violent the comic is. I've read Transformers books where you're not sure who will survive

*cough* Last Stand of the Wreckers *cough*

but that was a contained story. Here it's very clear that the Autobots and Decepticons are engaged in a war and have no qualms about killing each other on site. Hopefully things settle down as the book continues because without a good storyline to make you care it'll just feel like it's killing off characters for the sake of it... But I will say there was one death in particular that was shocking, so brutal and yet felt justified in a barbaric way.... Oh and I'm loving seeing how insignificant and fragile (squishy) humans are in relation to Transformers.

A couple of things I really loved and then something that didn't work for me.

Positives

Prime's trailer actually having a purpose for a change. Usually once he's in his robot mode it disappears never to be seen again. Now all of a sudden a mode that has always felt like it was just a gimmick on the toy just for the sake of it is properly utilised.

Soundwave. He was brilliant in this book. He's always been a favourite character of mine so this could be perceived as a biased point but even though he didn't have a lot to do when he was on the page he was given so much personality, especially when it came to his relationship with his cassettes. Hopefully this continues

Negative

Some artwork wasn't to my liking. Specifically during transformation when, to me at least, it looks like they're breaking apart. This was even more of an issue for me when everyone was brought back online for the first time. I'm not an artist in the slightest so anything produced is a million times better than anything I could come up with but it didn't wow me and for that tiny nitpick I'm rating this 4.5/5

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start for a new, reboot of the Transformers. They are integrating GI Joe and Transformers along with some other storylines to create the "Energon Universe". I guess I am interested in seeing where it is all going.

I really didn't dig MIke Spicer's artwork here. I just don't like the style. I would personally like to see something more clean and sharp. Otherwise a nice start to a new series.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Daniel Warren Johnson, and he clearly loves this series. He brings so much energy to the artwork and the pacing, it’s a beautiful book, everything I want out of an action comic

[Travis Pipes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Autobots are losing. Beaten and battered. Backs against the wall. Just when all hope looks lost, a character makes the ultimate sacrifice, giving our heroes the breath of life they need to make a comeback against the evil forces of The Decipticons. What follows is pages of glorious comic action that will ignite a fire in you if your inner child is, even the merest of, a fan of The Robots in Disguise. Panels of Optimus Prime taking names and kicking ass, drawn beautifully by Daniel Warren Johnson, and colored by Mike Spicer, hit your brain like eating a bowl of fruity pebbles and sitting too close to the CRT. Following the brawl from panel to panel you can hear the classic theme to the Transformers cartoon in your head then—one of the single most brilliant comic panels ive ever seen. An action shot of Optimus Prime with the onomatopoeia “YOU KNOW THE SONG”. on the surface, a great meta-wink, sure, but as experienced while reading the comic—a confident victory dance by the creators as they cross the touchdown line. They know they nailed it with this one. “You’re welcome”.

Thank you, indeed.

[Dávid Novotný · Rating 3 out of 5]

Transformers weren't part of my childhood, I didn't own any, and that may be the problem, when reading this book. For Warren Johnson it was fulfilment of his childhood dream, for me quite boring and chaotic action ride.

Whole book bears similarities to his previous work, like Do A power bomb. While in it, I really liked the art and panel composition, here, especially in action sequences it was horrible. They are sketchy, it's hard to find out who is who and which Transformers are bad and which ones are good.
Also, Daniel wants to deliver some family drama, but same as in previously mentioned Do A Power bomb, it is not believable and it just doesn't work for me...

Further you are into the book, more plot holes starts to show up. Humans quickly accepts existence of Transformers, army shows on few pages, just to be quickly wiped out, whole world is not built well, and ending scene is big WTF...

That being said, I don't have problem with mindless action ride. Problem may be that author tried to put more into it. So if you are 12 year old boy or Transformers fan, feel free to add 2 more *. For me 2.5*

[Benji Glaab · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is a franchise reboot, and a story that is quite well tread. However this time in the hands of the ever stylish Rockstar creator Daniel Warren Johnson this quickly became a must read title. I had to wait a while to get my hands on it, but it was definitely worth the wait.

This is one of those stories where you are dropped in the deep end, and so much happens in these six issues it's actually quite stunning. The action is manic the story has an immense amount of feeling, and I just love the look of this book it is somehow very reminiscent of the original art work while adding a thick layer of grit to make it more DWJ proprietary in nature.

My only complaint is when metal is scraping metal and explosions are going off there is some difficulty telling the robots apart from one another. It's also sometimes difficult keeping all the characters straight, but maybe I'm just out of practice.

I had a great time with this and so will you.

[Mike Reiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant re-launch of the Transformer universe by Daniel Warren Johnson, whose astonishing style is kinetic and fluid, gritty and wonderfully exaggerated to capture his massive fight scenes, but also dig into some impressive pathos and surprising twists. Incredible how DWJ keeps things tense and unpredictable through the first six issues.

Loads of Paul Pope grunge indie comix here while also nodding to legendary British transformer artists like Geoff Senior. Can’t wait to see where this goes - the best comic since the iconic and short lived Transformers Generation 2 from 1993.