In this review of Transformers #29, after last issue’s shocking twist, it’s all-out war between the Autobots and Decepticons in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest.
Transformers #29
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Dan Mora
Main Cover: David Nakayama
Variant Covers: Daniel Warren Johnson, Taurin Clarke, Dan Mora, Jorge Corona
Page Count: 36 Pages
Release Date: February 11, 2026
This review contains spoilers
Transformers #29 begins in the aftermath of Megatron’s graphic murder of Trailbreaker in the woods near the Autobot Ark. The Decepticon leader basks in the glow of his savage kill, but is interrupted by an enraged Optimus Prime who vows to end Megatron once and for all. As the mortal enemies trade brutal blows, laser blasts and epithets, chaos erupts around them when both Autobots and Decepticons join the fray.
Several Constructicons break off and breach the Autobot Ark, attempting to free the imprisoned Soundwave, but they face heavy resistance from Ultra Magnus and Arcee Magnus. The three Decepticons combine to form one half of Devastator, who still proves formidable against the well-trained Autobot soldiers.
Back in the woods, Bulkhead leads the charge against Decepticon combiner Bruticus (with a little help from his friends) but other Decepticons push a brutal counter attack. Meanwhile, Optimus Prime and Megatron take turns body slamming each other across the forest floor, and in the heat of battle the Decepticon leader manages to get the drop on newly minted Autobot Thundercracker.
Fortunately for the new Autobot recruit, Megatron experiences another seizure and collapses, freaking out his fellow Decepticons. With the tide turning, Optimus urges the Decepticons to surrender, but his demand is ignored as a now fully assembled Devastator barrels into the fray, providing an opportunity for the Decepticons to escape (including Megatron).
Transformers #29 ends with Optimus rallying the troops to chase down the Decepticons, but is surprised by the unexpected appearance of a battle weary Elita-1, fresh from Cybertron (and boy does she look mad).
Analysis
In Transformers #29, writer Robert Kirkman discards the standard multi-plot format to focus fully on the Autobot/Decepticon battle that erupts in the wake of Trailbreaker’s shocking murder. Millions of years of pent-up rage and resentment spill over as the two warring factions beat each other silly in a no holds barred clash (and who doesn’t love an epic robot battle amid gorgeous natural scenery).
While a large portion of Transformers #29 is devoted to this epic showdown, Soundwave’s prison break and a few other revelations help move the plot forward as Megatron regains another lost soldier, (although the Decepticon leader has clearly seen better days). Missing from this issue are Spike and Carly, the gang on Cybertron and the always entertaining General Flagg, but the scope and .
Kirkman also continues to explore Optimus’ darker side in Transformers #29 as the Autobot leader entertains the idea of killing Megatron during their battle. Prime already openly vowed to rid Earth of all Decepticons and he never claimed to what extent. Meanwhile, Megatron apparently still hasn’t recovered from his captivity in Cobra-La (during the 2024 Cobra Commander miniseries) as the Decepticon leader is still experiencing electronic seizures or glitches (is it a virus or controller implant?)
Kirkman’s Transformers #29 script allows artist Dan Mora to cut loose with some inventive wide-screen, cinematic style action utilizing both large and small panels and an impressive double-page spread that encompasses the entire fray in one gorgeous panoramic shot.
Mora excels at depicting dynamic action (among many other things) and he mixes up the robot battles with some messy brawls, wild blaster duels and pro wrestling style body slams. Also the image of the incomplete Devastator is unexpectedly ridiculous looking and scary.
Final Thoughts
Transformers #29 pivots back to the age old Autobot/Decepticon rivalry (on a new battlefield) and the story is all the better for it, as alliances are strengthened and spirits (and bodies) are shattered (plus a bunch of robots brawling is always fun).
