In this review of Transformers #26, Optimus Prime takes a big gamble, Thundercracker considers a career change and a bad guy makes a move.
Transformers #26
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Dan Mora
Main Cover: David Nakayama
Variant Covers: Daniel Warren Johnson, Kael Ngu, Dan Mora, Jorge Corona
Page Count: 36 Pages
Release Date: November 12, 2023
This review contains spoilers
Transformers #26 begins at the recently returned Ark, as Thundercracker goes berserk against Wheeljack and Jazz in a frantic search for his missing brother Skywarp. Thundercracker overpowers the two Autobots but is brutally ambushed by Ultra Magnus in return. Thundercracker refuses to stop fighting, but Optimus Prime arrives and offers an olive branch that they will help repair the dismantled Skywarp.
After Thundercracker relents, Magnus confronts Optimus over the perils of trusting the Decepticon, but the Autobot leader explains that they have common ground with Thundercracker. With the matter tabled, General Flagg arrives with the inert forms of Mirage and Bulkhead in tow, returning the pair from Shadow Watch HQ as a sign of good faith.
An appreciative Wheeljack literally brings Flagg up to his level, offering his expertise to help repair Chicago in the aftermath of the devastating attack by Decepticons.
Soon, Wheeljack announces that can repair Teletraan-1, which will in turn help repair the damaged Autobots and Skywarp (who was dismantled and hooked up to the stolen Ark by his Decepticon allies to exploit his teleportation abilities). On his extended goodwill tour, Optimus offers some Energon to the imprisoned Soundwave, who isn’t buying into Optimus’ generosity.
In Chicago, Carly and Beachcomber help rescue survivors with a timely assist by Spike and Shredhead. At Shadow Watch HQ, Director Mayhem murders the scientist who helped create a 3-D scan of Optimus Prime, complete with his transform function. On Cybertron, Elita-1 and Cliffjumper argue over his attachment to Earth and the humans.
Back at the Ark, Wheeljack repairs Skywarp, who immediately attacks the Autobots and is encouraged to escape by Soundwave, despite Thundercracker’s protests.
Transformers #26 ends with Skywarp on the loose, Thundercracker switching allegiance, and a disappointing haul of Energon at the Decepticon base is interrupted by Megatron suddenly experiences some sort of psionic attack.
Analysis
Transformers #26 maintains the forward momentum of last issue, with some thrilling sequences, plenty of dramatic tension and more setup. Writer Robert Kirkman wastes no time advancing plot threads left by Daniel Warren Johnson, as well as his own contributions to the narrative including Shadow Watch, the amiable General Flagg (from GIJoe) and the underhanded Director Mayhem from M.A.S.K. (it’s an acronym).
Kirkman juggles four locations and more than a dozen characters with ease in Transformers #26. Optimus Prime’s bold gambit by extending an open hand rather than a closed fist worked with Thundercracker, and the action is a testament to Optimus’ character. Skywarp and Soundwave’s rejection is typical of theirs. Even though Skywarp experienced a traumatic event, he doesn’t remember it the way Thundercracker did.
The G1 characters all sound as if they popped out of the classic cartoon, Optimus is thankfully still more than just a stoic hero, he has an actual personality. Skywarp and Soundwave are still true believers while Thundercracker’s defection feels organic. General Flagg is a likable card, savvy, upbeat and the best addition to the series, while Mayhem is a ruthless foil in charge of an appropriately named shadowy organization.
Are we going to get cloned (evil) Transformers now that Mayhem has Optimus’ secret specifications?
Apparently extreme events such as trauma and betrayal from your own group are the most likely way Decepticons can have a change of heart. Whatever mystery signal Megatron experiences at the end of Transformers #26 must be from a powerful force to topple the Decepticon leader. Carly and Spike’s reunion is a nice touch while hopefully General Flagg is at least wary of the shady Director Mayhem (goodbye unnamed scientist).
Dan Mora’s art is never a disappointment, the talented illustrator excels at depicting the various locales and the fan-favorite Autobots and Decepticons whether in battle, in crisis or even just in conversation.
Final Thoughts
Transformers #26 is another winning issue full of action, humor, drama, plot twists and gorgeous art. The new creative doesn’t miss a step in continuing this series’ high-quality storytelling.
