Hey hey hey folks! It’s Crooker back again with another issue of Skybound Entertainment’s ongoing The Transformers series! This is issue #34, written by Robert Kirkman and drawn by Jason Howard! Lots of moving cogs in this issue, so there’s plenty to be excited about and a good amount to sink my grubby, robot-loving teeth into. Let’s get on with it then, eh?
The issue bounces between its major plot threads as it goes, but for the sake of consistency here I’ll lump them together. The first major thing worth discussing is the re-introduction of DOCTER ARKEVILLE…! …what? Don’t know who that is? Well, that’s because it’s his first major adaptation since the ’80s cartoon! Yeah, seriously! Aside from minor references, the ol’ doc hasn’t been in Transformers for nearly 40 years. This is exciting to me because I think his episodes of the cartoon were a blast, and gives the Transformers a much-needed human villain to pair with the Decepticons. I’m a huge fan of this creative choice, mining aspects of the franchise that have been long since passed by, and working more with the human element. On that note actually, I like the scene between Spike and Flagg – it’s a brief one but it helped humanize Flagg a little more, which I think he’s been kind of lacking in so far.
Image/Skybound
The next major plot point worth discussing, which people have been asking for for well over a year now, and was already spoiled by a future cover reveal (whoops!), Thundercracker has officially joined the Arielbots as a part of SUPERION! We all saw it coming, but it’s awesome that it’s real. Now how is Hasbro gonna capitalize on this? Time will tell.
Lastly, we have Shredhead and Cliffjumper vs Bruticus, and what a fight it is! Jason Howard is on his A-Game with that scene, with a fantastically kinetic showdown that finally gives Shredhead something to actually do, which has been sorely lacking. Shredhead being the first new major original creation in the Energon universe, and that creation being heralded in story as a beacon of hope for the future, always made it feel like they should be… y’know, doing more stuff, but so far they’ve mostly filled out group shots. Not this time though, and I especially love the way Shredhead GRABS the giant punch and skids it to a halt like something out of a Superman comic. Jaw dropping! So damn cool! Shame what happens after. Aheh.
Image/Skybound
Speaking of Howard’s art, I really feel like he’s coming into his own on this book! While I was a bit skeptical (but optimistic!) at first, this issue really sold me. He draws action scenes superbly well, and makes me want more of that going forward. The creativity in that brief scuffle was fantastic, and so damn kinetic. Seriously, do more like that, loved it. Can’t wait to see more.
So, Transformers #34, Good or Reverse-Good? Good! Not as good as #33 perhaps, which I felt was a much needed slow burning respite from the ongoing plot, but this picks things back up in a way that doesn’t feel like it’s un-evenly distributed like some of Kirkman’s early issues on this book could feel. The focus feels tighter, and that helps a lot. It also helps that I care a lot more about Earth than Cybertron, I suppose, so I’ll always be more invested in what’s going on there. I’d say this is a worthy entry in the ongoing story, giving us plenty to be excited about for the coming issues. Until we meet again, dear readers… y’know, next month. As always. See ya!
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