Transformers #6 Review: War Never Changes

Transformers #6

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson

Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson

Publisher: Skybound

Release Date: March 13, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Transformers #6 caps off the series' incredible story arc in a flashy and emotional fashion. Add it to the ever-growing list of banger issues part of the expansive Energon Universe.

Transformers #6

Review

Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson

Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson

Publisher: Skybound

Release Date: March 13, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Transformers #6 caps off the series' incredible story arc in a flashy and emotional fashion. Add it to the ever-growing list of banger issues part of the expansive Energon Universe.

Rating

9

Good

It should come as no surprise that the Transformers series by Daniel Warren Johnson is one the biggest comics out today. Not only does it have the name value of an all-time beloved franchise, but it’s also got one of the best comic book creators leading the charge of this exciting new story. I’ve been hooked on the series since its first issue, and it’s only gotten better with each new installment. With issue #6, we’ve hit the series' first story arc finale, and it’s a big one to boot. Continue reading below for my full review of Transformers #6!

Image: Skybound

Overview

After Starscream reveals his ace in the hole in Devastator, it becomes a mad dash between the Autobots and Decepticons to be the first ones to reach the safety of Teletraan 1. What unfolds in an all-out battle that pushes both sides to their absolute limits. It takes an immense sacrifice to turn the tide of the fight, showing that there will always be a steep cost when it comes to war. 

Review

With how issue #5 ended with Devastator's big reveal, it set the stage for an incredibly action-packed story arc finale. This issue is an absolute brawl between the Autobots and Decepticons from cover to cover. With blaster fire and torn limbs flying all over the place, it's so easy to get lost in the rush of the battle. But look closely at the action effects throughout the issue and you’ll notice hilariously cheeky nods to the 1986 film and G1 TV series. As fresh as this comic series has been with its characterizations and writing, it’s still a beautifully crafted love letter to the classics that many people grew up with.

Image: Skybound

Now that the Transformers hit the end of its first arc, I took it as the chance to look back on why these six issues felt so special. As easy as it would be to look at the incredible action and be in awe of the spectacle of Autobots and Decepticons tearing each other apart, there is so much more to this series than meets the eye. Take a moment to look past the giant robots, and you’ll find a surprisingly human depiction of the tragedy of war and the cost that comes from it. Not only does this latest issue continue showing Sparky’s battle against his PTSD, but it also points to the reality that Autobots and Decepticons are ultimately not so different from one another. Take away the concepts of heroes and villains and you’re left with two sides that have lost so much to a conflict that has lost its meaning over time. Then, as the issue ends with both sides reeling from the intense battle, it shows how the war is far from over. But the ones who pay the steepest price are the humans caught in between.

However, as great as this finale was, I must also talk about how some moments in this issue left me perplexed. Specifically, I found the comic’s big emotional payoff moment confusing from a lore perspective. But that could be a matter of me not being the most familiar with deep Transformers lore and how certain objects in the series work. So, instead of pulling me into the issue’s turning point, I felt taken out of it because I was too busy questioning what was going on. Regardless, that moment in question ties directly into the comic’s cliffhanger and will have repercussions on the story to come. With that final scene and the cracks forming within the Decepticons, this issue planted the seeds for fascinating story threads to develop in the next arc. 

Image: Skybound

Final Thoughts

It's bittersweet knowing that is the last issue with DWJ as the lead artist. While I'm confident Jorge Corona will do great as the new artist, it still feels hard to let go of DWJ’s art style that gave this series such a unique and impactful identity. This series has been textbook DWJ with how it perfectly balances emotional storytelling with the best action sequences you’ll see in comics today. From start to finish, this arc was an impressive introduction to a new generation of Transformers. If you haven’t been reading, now is the time to roll out and pick yourself a copy of this incredible comic.

Why You Should Read Transformers

• The series has some of the best-illustrated action sequences you’ll find in comics.
• The story carries a much deeper meaning than simply relying on the cool factor of seeing the Autobots and Decepticons fighting.
• Daniel Warren Johnson has laid the foundation for the best versions of Optimus Prime and Starscream.