Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points!
For this entry, the second arc in arguably comics’ biggest book is in full swing. Optimus Prime and company are still reeling from the original debut in the Energon Universe. There’s also a new head of the Decepticons. Exit Starscream. Enter Soundwave. How does the new leader plan to succeed where others have failed?
TRANSFORMERS #8 by DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, JORGE CORONA, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment) showcases the next phase in the Decepticons plans.
Let’s take a deeper dive and see how things fare now.
TRANSFORMERS #8 by DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, JORGE CORONA, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Johnson ushers in the Soundwave era with a bold start. Seeing the cold and unapologetic manner in which he deals with the USS Henry Henderson crew makes a big impression. The dialogue between Thundercracker and him during this moment connects his method of business.
It is a very big contrast with Optimus Prime. Johnson features the effects of Prime’s battles taking a grave toll on him. The ramifications of the first arc still linger on the Autobot leader’s soul. Johnson droves this point home with the growing emotions of Carly and her reaction to the Autobots. The writing mirrors her anger and confusion of events. This only adds to a more complicated scenario as the conclusion brings in another big player for Prime to deal with.
Corona and Spicer give ample page time to Carly’s growing frustrations. The images convey her rage towards the Autobots’ choice concerning Starscream. This plot point continues to be one readers have a strong connection with.
Soundwave’s actions towards the military crew also stand out. The panels leave no doubt about how driven the new Decepticon leader is on his plans. This leads into a near full page reveal about the next phase in plans that spell disaster for the Autobots. None might be bigger than the closing image. With a new factor joining in the fight, the art team leaves nothing in question as the series delivers another strong chapter.
FINAL POINT: 8.5
With new leadership in place, the Decepticons take action in another solid issue from the Energon Universe. Johnson’s writing leans into the emotional themes from a never-ending fight. Corona, Spicer and Wooten compliment the dialogue with fantastic imagery. Combined, it solidifies why this series is on many pull lists.
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