Advance Review: ‘Transformers’ #2 Continues To Mix World Building With Plenty Of Action

After quickly establishing both the Autobots and the Decepticons in the debut issue, Transformers #2 continues to expand the scope of the narrative with Optimus Prime recounting the war between the two factions of robots in disguise and their reasons for now being stranded on Earth. And with that integral part of the backstory established it’s not long until writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson serves up some high-octane action as the Decepticons seem to steal the lead on Optimus Prime and his highly-depleted robot comrades, with the odd surprise or two along the way that will please old-school fans of the franchise.

It’s everything a Transformers fan would want from a comic. The world building, the two warring camp of Transformers and the introduction of yet another surprise guest to the party which only helps to further expand this new Energon Universe beyond just Hasbro’s Transformers line of toys. And all once more captured in Warren Johnson’s unique style illustrating that leans more into the organic and natural than the technical and streamlined. The Transformers, as a result of this artistic approach, really do look like they’ve been put through the wringer. A very lived in, beat-up universe that only makes these robotic characters more relatable. 

There is more than enough drama and high-emotions to keep you turning the page as we jump from Optimus Prime, Spike et al to the merciless Decepticons and their successful search for energon. At this point – and it is early days, I know – it’s definitely the Deceptions who have the upper hand. And that’s even before we meet Megatron, who Warren Johnson has purposefully kept in the shadows to not just built up the fans’ expectations but also the tension too. It’s a well played plan, especially as the story he is unveiling is already exciting and action-packed with each page brimming with energy. 

Transformers #2 is out Wednesday 8th November from Skybound/Image Comics