Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, One of comics’ biggest titles strikes again via Skybound and Image Comics. Since its’ debut last October, the robots who are More Than Mees The Eye have returned with a vengeance to the LCS. Led by one of the most creative people in comics, the new series continues to bring this legendary fandom to new heights.
TRANSFORMERS #5 by DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment) continues the latest round between Autobots and Decepticons.
Let’s not wait another second and jump into the action!
TRANSFORMERS #5 – DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Wit Starscream leading the charge, the Decepticons have made an immediate impact on Earth. From dealing devasting losses to the Autobots and humans alike, the terror is slowly taking over. Luckily, there’s one figure still standing in their way: Optimus Prime.
Prime is leading the wounded Autobots into battle. During an altercation, Prime lost his arm. His replacement is one that sent shockwaves through the fandom. IT’S MEGATRON’S RIGHT ARM!!!!
With Energon becoming sparce, things look bleak. There appears to be a chance to swing momentum back in their favor. A play is made to acquire more power. Will it be enough?
The issue begins with a flashback sequence between Prime and Sparky Whitwicky. Both are recapping their times during war via memories. The conversation showcases the tolls their battles have taken.
Meanwhile, Starscream is back at the Autobots crashed ship. After Skywarp was dismantled by Starscream, the attention shifts to bringing back fallen Decepticons with his being. With more being brought back to workign condition, Starscream’s army looks poised to win.
They head en route to a dam housing a generator. With game-changing power at stake, the Autobots attempt to revive their forces. However, once Starscream and company arrive, the battle starts up again!
What enfolds next is the high level action this series has become known for. It’s non-stop thrills and panels that will blow you away. Once the story shifts into the final moments, fans should expect a BIG surprise in the closing pages! Brace for impact!
TRANSFORMERS #5 – DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment - cover: James Stokoe)
Johnson comes out swinging for the fences again with another big issue! The conversation between Sparky and Prime gives readers an insight on the toll fighting has taken on the pair. It also shows Sparky letting his guard down and leaning into trusting Prime. Seeing Starscream’s manipulations of the fellow Decepticons builds a strong moment for when Megatron eventually returns. The lying and trickery adds to the levels he will go to acquire and hold onto power.
Once the battle begins, Johnson showcases his talents of blending the drama with electrifying action. Readers can’t help but become locked and loaded into seeing how Prime and company can survive this round. There is so much emotion behind every attack. Heading into the final moments, the build carries into a strong ending. There is no way readers can’t be on the edge of their seats at the closing page.
That all has to do with the phenomenal full panel introduction of a familiar face. It’s a great exclamation point to the res of the chapter. From the opening sequence, Johnson’s use of panels gives readers a solid comparison to Sparky and Prime’s paths. The action elevates after that with stunning art. Ranging from a half page visual from the dam to Prime striking with his new weapon, there is no shortage of BIG moments. It is literally everything you want from a Transformers book!
TRANSFORMERS #5 – DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment - cover: Karl Kerschl)
FINAL POINT: 9
Through the creative vision of Daniel Warren Johnson, the world of the Transformers continues to be a must-read series! Strong writing balances the full-throttle action imagery to give fans much to be excited about. This series continues to set a high bar few will reach.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Transformers #5. Thanks for reading!
