Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points!
For this entry, the Decepticons are poised to claim victory. Cybertron is at Earth’s doorstep. As their never ending war has come to Earth, Optimus Prime’s forces continue to take loss after loss. With numbers depleting, hope is fading. It appears the darkest hour is about to strike. What does this mean for the fate of the Energon Universe?
TRANSFORMERS #11 by DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, JORGE CORONA, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment) sets forth to answer that question and many more with its’ latest chapter.
Let’s not wait another minute and dive into the action.
TRANSFORMERS #11 by DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, JORGE CORONA, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
As the battle has been raging on, the scars left have been taking their tolls. Johnson pens a very heavy driven tale of pain and loss. The emotions pour out of Arcee and Euta. It reflects the hellish landscape this conflict has created. The dialogue with Optimus comes with venom and frustration. Readers can feel the rage brewing at the hands of Soundwave and company.
Pacing allows for a quick Segway with Beachcomber. His point of view of events is in strong contrast to most others involved. Johnson keeps his true placement in this tale in a unique position. It is enough of a break to let the audience brace for the closing act. Leave it to Johnson to take them on a rollercoaster of reactions before departing. The closing page will leave no doubt of how hope continue to slip from attainability.
Corona and Spicer delve into the wear of combat often in this chapter. The rage of Arcee comes to the forefront with sequenced panels. Its’ added to with a half page panel of Euta venting on Optimus. Both are easy connections to the readers with the stress of battle.
Once the final act kicks into gear, the art team builds up the tension with the imagery. Seeing a recsue attempt go sideways provides many thrills. It leads to a creative order of panels bringing in a major player into the fight. With Wooten’s lettering, the moment hits new heights. The time is quickly short lived as a spectacular two page splash steals the thunder of the battle. How things are left with the final panel presents a somber feeling of where things appear to head next. It’s a perfect way to tie off events until next time.
FINAL POINT: 9
As time runs out for Optimus Prime, readers are left with a chapter of highs and lows. Johnson brings the deep wounds of conflict into the spotlight with the writing. Corona, Spicer and Wooten flood the pages with impressive visuals as all appears to be lost for the Autobots and Earth. This series continues to be the talk at the LCS for good reason.
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