Review: ‘Transformers’ #8 Is A Well-Scripted, Highly Emotive Issue

The setting for the opening to Transformers #8 may be tranquil but the conversation is far from being so as recriminations are spat out, with Cliff getting the brunt of it for not having killed Starscream last issue. It’s an obvious reaction to letting the tyrannical, merciless Decepticon off the hook, especially when he’s left a trail of bodies including those nearest and dearest to you. And so from the word go, tension is introduced and ramped up. As it often is with the Transformers.

Helping build on the initial highly emotive tension, we get a quick succession of scenes that add tense action and drama to the mix as the Decepticons increase their sphere of influence and start attacking US battleships. With some hint of descent amongst their ranks, too, do I spy? Hmmm, this development could prove pretty interesting in future issues. Is one of the Decepticons questioning their murderous ways? And if so where, will that lead? Intrigue piled onto emotive outpourings and large-scale action. It’s a recipe for success and all wonderfully illustrated by Jorge Corona. An artist who is a great fit in this guest stint, with a style in keeping with Daniel Warren Johnson, who’s having a blast with the writing. Like Johnson, Corona has a loose style that helps create a sense of dirt, grit and the kind of lived-in look that suggests characters — robots in disguise in this case — as battle-hardened with the scars to prove it.

The problems keep coming and the body count continues to grow, but there is also the small wins too. It can’t always be doom and gloom, and in adding the odd spark of hope (pun intended) into events it keeps fans intrigued. All that and not one but two big reveals that should have Transformers fans baying for more. All part of the great success of this Skybound series.

Warren really knows what fans want — after all he is one too — and delivers one his best scripted issues so far. Full of emotion with the right amount of ubiquitous action required by fans. Beyond the exciting revelations he manages to choreograph into each issue thus far is a heart-felt, tragedy-tinged plot line that sees a lonely Carly come to terms with her new reality, even if she doesn’t like it. After all, she sees friends and family die while Optimus Prime and pals get to regenerate. Life’s tough, and about to get tougher.

Transformers #8 is out now from Skybound/Image Comics.