The end is fast approaching. Megatron has returned to his army. After unifying warring factions, the Decepticons have taken events up a few notches. Earth’ fate lies in the hands of Optimus Prime and the Autobots. With every attack, they have been hit twice as hard. It doesn’t help matters when Optimus’ arm is Megatron’s and slowly killing him.
After making drastic measures, the weakened Autobots are retreating. Their time is quickly running out to survive.
TRANSFORMERS #22 by Daniel Warren Johnson, Jorge Corona, Mike Spicer & Rus Wooton marches toward the final showdown between the Cybertronians.
Let’s not wait another moment and dive into the story!
TRANSFORMERS #22 by Daniel Warren Johnson, Jorge Corona, Mike Spicer & Rus Wooton (Image Comics/Skybound)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
In dire times, tough choices need to be made. Johnson brings this concept directly to the forefront. The Autobots have been severely decimated. Readers see how Prime is broken both physically and mentally. Losing his arm to save his life isn’t the only major issue. The writing never lets the feeling of hopelessness escape the pages. It is only until unlikely back-up arrives to try pulling a miracle off. Considering what has happened, the odds are not in favor.
The same can be said of the Cybertron side plot. Elita’s views of Earth’s problem do not match up with Cliffjumper. Johnson eases readers into the bubbling tension. Even when a plan is set in motion, someone calls an audible. This results in an uncertain future for both groups of Autobots. The writing also dabbles in moving the key players one step closer to the main event. There is plenty of emotionally driven moments that set forth the collision course. It is all tied together with the closing page. There’s no turning back form the last panel. Brace for impact.
Corona and Spicer never back away from the destructive toll taken in this war. The opening visual of Optimus Prime broken leaves no doubt of the present state. It moves aside for the Cybertron resolution. Elita’s coy smile tips off readers of he scheme. Cliffjumper’s response is awarded a half page panel. It’s a fitting moment to break up the Earth drama. Luckily, the audience doesn’t have to wait long for that.
Seeing the Optimus Prime drama play out is a bold move. The actions taken are presented with an unknown sense. This reflects the big gamble taken. What becomes the result is a near full page visual that is sure to leave an impression. The art doesn’t elude the other key players involved. Readers watch in horror as the Decepticons unleash their latest onslaught. It is very intense action that showcases their violence. This mood sets up the closing pages very smoothly. There is never a moment eluding the drama at hand. This wraps up with the closing page. Watching the Autobots react leaves a definitive point of no return. As previously stated, the upcoming battle will be one for the ages.
OVERALL GRADE: 9.2
Desperate times call for desperate actions. Johnson’s writing moves both feuding sides closer to conflict. Corona, Spicer & Wooten swing big with the action while layering the drama with their art. This series is aiming high and never misses.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below about Transformers #22. Thanks for reading!