In this review of Transformers #25, Megatron takes stock of his life while Optimus Prime makes a new ally with a surprising connection to the Autobots and Elita-1 makes a shocking decision.
Transformers #25
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Dan Mora
Main Cover: David Nakayama
Variant Covers: Daniel Warren Johnson, John Amor, Eric Canete, Kael Ngu, Jae Lee, Jorge Corona
Page Count: 36 Pages
Release Date: October 4, 2023
This review contains spoilers
Transformers #25 begins in the Decepticons underwater hideout as a battle-ravaged Megatron offers an inspiring motivational speech…uh, reads the riot act to his minions for failing him. Calling out each member by name, Megatron also vents his frustrations by clobbering Devastator and stomping on the incapacitated Starscream.
Megatron reminds his soldiers that their ultimate goal is peace, through total domination of their enemies, to which the Decepticons cry out in unison “All Hail Megatron”. Nearby, the damaged and discarded form of Starscream begins showing signs of life.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, Optimus Prime and the other Autobots have stayed behind to help out after their recent battle with the Decepticons. Optimus bonds with a young girl wearing a surgical mask. The Autobots detect a signal under the rubble which turns out to be the Decepticon Soundwave. Alarmed, Magnus helps the human first responders get to safety, as Optimus trashes Soundwave in a brutal takedown.
Magnus and Wheeljack escort Soundwave back to what is left of their base, while an unnamed human in a military uniform cheerfully greets Optimus and offers a trade. At the Autobot base, Wheeljack inspects the cave where the Ark had been before it mysteriously vanished (in Transformers #21), only to have the ship suddenly reappear without warning, along with an unexpected visitor.
At an undisclosed location, Optimus Prime is given the nickel tour of a secret facility (called “Shadow Watch”) by his new human ally, which includes an elevator ride underground. Optimus’ new friend shows him the inert forms of Autobots Mirage and Bulkhead, both discovered during the 20th Century, and who Shadow Watch has been studying for decades (with few results).
Optimus is shocked at the poor condition of his friends, and at their treatment by Shadow Group. Optimus’ new friend suggests that maybe Prime can revive them, and sweetens the pot by revealing the large cache of Energon the group had collected. The head of Shadow Watch arrives, and it’s Miles Mayhem (M.A.S.K.).
With the Ark returned and Soundwave locked up, Wheeljack and Jazz are attacked by a freaked out Thundercracker, as the distraught Decepticon babbles about a world of monsters.
Transformers #25 ends back on Cybertron as an enraged Elita-1 seethes at the seeming betrayal of Optimus Prime and the Autobots, declaring all of them enemies to their cause of retaking Cybertron.
Analysis
Transformers #25 packs a punch in this extra-sized relaunch that picks up story threads from Daniel Warren Johnson’s legendary run. Writer Robert Kirkman wastes no time in getting readers up to speed, while introducing some new characters and plot points. The Cobra-La reveal was a surprise (first appearing in the 2023 Cobra Commander limited series), but this is not the cartoon version, as this legion of nightmarish characters can apparently even scare the living daylights out of a Decepticon.
Kirkman’s quick pivot to a new human ally, (the nameless military liaison) pushes Transformers in a new direction, while introducing Miles Mayhem as the leader of Shadow Watch can only signal trouble ahead. You don’t appoint the bad guy from the M.A.S.K. cartoon as leader of a covert group without expecting friction between allies. Also, Kirkman’s column at the end of Transformers #25 is well worth the read.
Optimus Prime has often been depicted as stoic and stalwart, resulting in a more stiff characterization, but both Johnson and Kirkman have also imbued the Autobot leader with empathy, a heavy metal warrior vibe and a little humor. Megatron’s apoplectic tirade kicks off Transformers #25 with the Decepticon leader having already faced numerous challenges he boldly declares that all his group wants is peace
Artist Jorge Corona returns to the world of Transformers, his gritty style perfectly capturing the battle-ravaged Decepticons and their patchwork leader, Megatron. Corona’s action scenes deliver a brutal impact (complete with flying debris), ably aided by Rus Wooton’s sound effects. There is an emotional intensity in Megatron’s facial expressions, the use of shadow reinforces the remoteness of their hideout, while Corona’s deft brushwork provides the illusion of constant movement in the static characters.
Dan Mora also lends his talents to Transformers #25, his leaner, cleaner, dynamic style contrasts Corona’s edgier, bulkier approach. The in-your-face Optimus/Soundwave battle, and the quiet moment between Optimus and the human girl showcase Mora’s range and abilities. Also, props to whoever greenlit the use of the scene transition from Decepticons to Autobots like in the original cartoon.
Final Thoughts
Transformers #25 enters a bold new era while expanding on some previous storylines. The plotting and dialogue are snappy and engaging, and both artists deliver stunning work in their distinctive styles.
