Hey all, Crooker here, back again! We’re starting fresh with a new era for Skybound’s Transformers with issue #25, introducing the new creative team of superstar writer and artist, Robert Kirkman and Dan Mora, respectively. This is a highly anticipated issue for a number of reasons, and I’m very happy to say it doesn’t disappoint. Let’s roll out and take a look.
Skybound
On the whole, this is an issue PACKED with style. I usually talk about art later, but Dan Mora OWNS this book from front to back. He hovers over this book like an insanely talented cloud, casting the shadow of how friggin’ amazing he is. This is an absolutely gorgeous book, worthy of the industry’s current top artist, and Spicer’s expert colors lend themselves to his pencils just as well as they did with Johnson or Corona, while still going for something entirely distinct. What an absolutely stunning book from front to back. It was also great to see the opening par by Jorge Corona, who has a wonderful send-off at the start that transitions us into Mora’s work.
Also, I dunno if that mid-book transition page was Kirkman’s idea, or Mora’s, or Corona’s, or whomever… but I love you for it. Most fun thing I’ve seen in a comic all year. Speaking of transitions…
Skybound
In this issue, Optimus Prime meets the O.S.I. from Venture Bros. I’m kidding (sorta), but this was something a long time coming, frankly. The first real contact between the Autobots and the United States military… and it’s NOT G.I. Joe. It’s… M.A.S.K. Okay, not doing much with the whole “connected storylines” thing yet, but there’s still time.
Military involvement is, honestly, trepidatious territory as far as this franchise is concerned. But it’s also unfortunately one that feels unavoidable at some point in the modern franchise. If there’s one heavily criticized aspect of the Michael Bay movies and the IDW’s first Transformers universe, it’s the heavy reliance on the American military complex as a narrative element. Though other versions of the brand have managed to downplay or sidestep it entirely, it’s a very common element of the modern franchise. Mind you, this move feels immensely Kirkman, and it’s very obvious even from the outset that there’s tension in the room (even if I pretend I don’t know that the Thunderbolt Ross lookin’ guy who shows up at the end is a M.A.S.K. villain). This is extremely well trodden ground for Transformers, but Kirkman did good stuff with the uneasy line between heroes and a super secret government organization in Invincible for many, many years, so I am hoping something interesting comes from this! I have faith. At least we’re getting some new characters out of it, like fan-favorite Bulkhead and not-so-fan-favorite Mirage (I like him though, it’s okay Mirage). Knowing what I know about Kirkman and Mirage’s characterization in the original cartoon… well, let’s just say I’m rubbing my hands with a big ol’ smirk on my face. I know what you’re up to, Robert, and I like it.
DON’T THINK I DON’T KNOW WHAT THAT SKELETON IS FOR, ROBERT! I KNOW!
Skybound
Transformers #25 is a fantastic new start of a hopefully fantastic new era. Kirkman brings the same professional energy to it that he does with Void Rivals, not shying away from getting down and dirty and getting the ball rolling like nothing even changed. An admirable approach, one I wish more comics would follow through with these days. Mora feels so at home here, having a fantastic rendition of the robots in disguise, and probably bringing the best human-centric art in the whole franchise to the table (it’s his specialty, not a shock there). With how high profile this creative team is, I’m deathly curious how this will reflect sales. Well, here’s to the next 25! Good job boys, see you next month!
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