In this review of Transformers #33, in the wake of devastating events on both Earth and Cybertron, dangerous challenges require new leadership in the form of Arcee Magnus and Elita Prime. Also, it’s looking like 2005 again as several animated movie favorites make an appearance while Optimus is more determined than ever to prove himself.
Transformers #33
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Jason Howard
Main Cover: David Nakayama
Variant Covers: Daniel Warren Johnson, Jason Howard, Tom Reilly, Evan Cagle, E.J. Su
Page Count: 36 Pages
Release Date: June 10, 2026
This review contains spoilers
Transformers #33 begins on Cybertron as the Autobots from Earth regroup with Elita Prime after their recent skirmish with Shockwave and the Decepticons lands more warriors on the wounded list. Elita herself is wiped after summoning the Star Saber’s Ghost during the battle. The group heads to the Autobot base where they are presented with a rare bit of good news: Hot Rod, Springer and the others have secured a large cache of Energon.
Back on Earth, Spike recounts recent events in his journal, including the rebuilding of Chicago, Arcee Magnus’ new status and (just) Optimus’ struggle to losing the power of the Primes after giving the Matrix of leadership to Elita-1. Spike notes that while Optimus tries and fails to regain his fighting prowess, the other Autobots still look to him for leadership. Spike himself is conflicted with Optimus’ choice, as his late father was connected to the Matrix.
Elsewhere, after several of the Autobots fliers drop Wheeljack off at the shard of Cybertron that crashed into the Pacific Ocean, Thundercracker waxes poetic on his less than optimistic view of Earth and some of its inhabitants. Meanwhile, Wheeljack’s exploration of the inner workings of the Cybertron Shard yields a remarkable but as yet undisclosed discovery.
Back on Earth, Optimus opens up to Arcee about his reservations on continuing his leadership role, despite the support of their fellow Autobots.
At the Decepticon base, Soundwave, Skywarp and Rumble watch their as their leader Megatron remains trapped in a strange chrysalis before realizing that Starscream is not among the bodies of the fallen.
Transformers #33 ends under the sea where the battle-ravaged (and zombified?) Starscream crawls across the ocean floor, alive and angry.
Analysis
Transformers #33 accomplishes a lot of heavy lifting without bogging down the story in excess exposition. Writer Robert Kirkman expertly moves from one plotline to the next, allowing for some forward movement in every storyline from Earth to Cybertron. Kirkman is clearly influenced by the classic G1 Transformers as well as the 1986 animated feature film with the appearances of Hot Rod and Springer.
Viewing the Autobots’ efforts on Earth as chronicled by teenager Spike is informative and heart-breaking especially as Optimus’ loss of the Matrix not only limits the Autobot leader, but also severs the final connection that Spike had with his late father. Spike comes off as observant and understanding of his new friends and his new normal, even while the presence of these sentient robots has upended his life in unimaginable ways.
Jason Howard’s artwork blasts off the page with eye-catching visuals, from the impressive first page to the various character introductions across Transformers #33. Howard’s knack for panel composition constantly shifts the camera angles and keeps the story in motion even during the quieter moments. The stark contrast between the mechanized Transformers and the beauty of the natural world is front-and-center during the Autobots sequences.
Howard can tell so much story within a single page or even a single panel, and the sketchy style
The final two-page sequence of Transformers #33 featuring the tension-filled build-up to that shocking final page with an in-your-face Starscream reveal is nightmarish and compelling.
Final Thoughts
Transformers #33 continues to give each plotline and character a small amount of focus to move the story forward, while the artwork enhances the sense of drama, humanity and horror.
