A Fast Paced And Action Packed Return For The Robots In Disguise: Reviewing ‘Transformers’ #1

The robots in disguise are back, and back with a bang in Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers #1. A comic book that weaves fan favourite characters from the vast Transformers mythos and stays true to those characters in their depiction too. It’s a debut issue that not only sets the scene for a bigger battle between the Autobots and Decepticons to come, but also teases other storyline too. All making this one Hell of a great set-up issue that dramatically reintroduces the Transformers back into comics and establishes the battle lines that go back centuries.

Giving it a human connection is long standing Transformers friend and ally, Spike Witwicky, a well-known face to fans of yore, who finds a depleted and seemingly depleted/dead group of robots while exploring with his friend, Carly, who in the past became husband and wife, but here are still teenagers. But, as this is Year Zero for this new reiteration of the Transformers comic book franchise, anything can happen. Although, judging by the depiction of some Transformers, particularly the hotheaded, self-appointed new leader of the Decepticons, Starscream, a lot of what has come before will be informing what comes next in this series. He is still the would be usurper of Megatron, and seems to be doing well based on the evidence of this issue. 

Linking this series to Void Rivals is Jetfire, who seems to have travelled the great distance from the far off galaxy of the aforementioned series, to come to the Transformers aid.

With quickly established characters and motivation we are even more quickly thrown into action as the Autobots and the Decepticons take up arms and battle it out. And battle it out they do, with writer and artist Warren Johnson, making great use of sound effects, with the carefully thought out and crafted fonts utilised by Johnson as. Part of the overall art aiding the intensity and energy of each blow. His more organic, lived in look he brings to the art, which is highly dense and detailed, not only suggests their down-and-out status at the start of this ongoing, but also creates a group of technologically based characters that more easily fits into the world established in this comic. One of industry, old and decaying, in a working class America. It’s a welcome style choice after previously pristine takes on these alien warriors. 

Transformers #1 is a tightly scripted, highly detailed and high octane return of a well-loved franchise given a breathe of new life under Johnson’s supervision. In just one issue alone Warren Johnson has successfully revved up the engines and shifted quickly into top gear. So, get ready to buckle up for the ride to come. Something tells me its going to fast and furious.  

Transformers #1 is out now from Skybound/Image Comics