In this review of Transformers #32, welcome to battle-ravaged Cybertron where Elita Prime leads a rag-tag group of heroes through enemy territory, and Ultra Magnus discovers he has a little more left to give for the war effort.
Transformers #32
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Jason Howard
Main Cover: David Nakayama
Variant Covers: Daniel Warren Johnson, Jason Howard, Leirix Li, E.J. Su
Page Count: 36 Pages
Release Date: May 13, 2026
This review contains spoilers
Transformers #32 begins as Elita Prime and her battle group return to Cybertron along with new recruits Ultra Magnus, Jetfire, Bulkhead and others. Unfortunately, their space bridge dropped the Autobots behind Decepticon lines, imperiling their lives and their mission as Elita urges the group to move cautiously as they are outnumbered and have casualties (Bumblebee).
As if in reply, the group is surprised by the arrival of the Decepticons and their leader Shockwave (who apparently would rather have a solid opening line rather than a successful sneak attack). The Decepticons hit fast and hard (Bumblebee again), forcing Ultra Magnus back into action as he transforms and leads the (valiant but short-lived) charge, tearing through the enemy ranks up until he encounters Shockwave.
Meanwhile, Elita watches in horror as her comrades are struck down, prompting her to attempt to activate the Matrix of leadership, but no go. In her frustration, her violent reaction accidentally triggers another facet of the Matrix, one that gives her a remarkable consolation prize: the legendary ghost of the Star Saber? Reinvigorated, Elita literally tears through the Decepticon ranks, terrifying them with her new acquisition.
Transformers #32 ends as Elita surprisingly calls for a retreat in order to protect the wounded. The devastated Decepticons are in disarray as Shockwave realizes that the balance of power has shifted, and they must respond in kind.
Analysis
Transformers #32 delivers another knockdown, drag-out, all battle issue, complete with surprising character moments and a few surprises. Writer Robert Kirkman again narrows the focus to one story, allowing the Autobot/Decepticon battle to unfold in a different locale: Cybertron. Elita Prime makes an epic show of force against her sworn enemies (and the Matrix of leadership). The surprising result is puzzling but exhilarating as Elita is unleashed as a one Autobot army.
Poor Ultra Magnus has a worse outcome with this tactic. Aspects of Transformers #32 appear to deliberately evoke the 1986 Transformers animated movie featuring Ultra Magnus and the Matrix. Kirkman still manages to flip the script while honoring the source material and adding stakes and meaning to an issue-long brawl.
Shockwave has always been an interesting character in both comics and the cartoon, and his mangled appearance gives him the look of a mechanical zombie. Shockwave also works as a solid foil to Elita Prime’s leadership as he pivots from master strategist and a blunt instrument willing to smash and blast opponents as needed.
Artist Jason Howard returns, continuing the sketchy robot art style tradition to great effect. Elita Primes’ battle with Blackarachnia is thrilling, while the Autobot leader’s inner struggle, manifesting in her smashing the Matrix builds up the intensity of the carnage unfolding around her. There are so many characters in Transformers #32 that it’s difficult to keep track, but Howard manages to keep them distinct.
Howards double-page spreads full of familiar characters, the multiple brutal battle sequences and the emotional drama in between ramp up the tension as Autobots are slaughtered one-by-one. Elita Prime’s revenge tour inflicts reciprocal damage on the Decepticons and Howard excels at showing her prowess with the Ghost of the Star Saber blade. Even her tactical retreat is cool as she blasts bad guys in her wake.
Final Thoughts
Transformers #32 delivers another thrilling installment, playing out inner turmoil and a literal power struggle within an all-battle issue. Between the stunning art, crisp writing and shocking twists, there is a lot to love for both new and old school Transformers fans.
