Transformers #25 Review: Why We Fight
By Daniel Schwartz
Reviewer
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artists: Dan Mora and Jorge Corona
I have been a Transformers fan since watching the animated series in the 80s. I believe that the 1986 Transformers movie is a cinematic masterpiece on par with Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan (which is high praise, as I consider ST2 to be the gold standard of sci-fi!). That said, I have also found the franchise’s history hard to follow. From the multiple on-screen universes and non-stop comic reboots, it is tough to keep track of which stories are actually canon. It can be a little confusing, but it doesn’t detract from the overall awesomeness of the Robots in Disguise.
In the latest Image Comics series (simply titled Transformers, part of the Energon Universe), there is quite a bit happening. Issue 25 picks up on the heels of a major battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. The defeated Decepticons have regrouped after their loss. Megatron insults and belittles his troops as they lick their wounds. It seems like it may be the end of their war, but then, Megatron reminds them of why they do what they do: Peace. The Decepticons want peace for Cybertron, but they want it through force and tyranny. It is through this vision that Megatron rallies his troops and prepares them for the next battle.
On the Autobot side, Optimus Prime and his allies are cleaning up the mess after the battle. As they are working, they are approached by the US Government to form a partnership. What the government has to offer is shocking and convinces Optimus to team up against the Decepticons. While all of this is happening, Optimus’ Autobot allies on Cybertron feel he has abandoned them for Earth and decide that they are now enemies.
As you can tell from the description above, there is a lot going on not only in this series, but also in this issue. Although it is issue 25, any reader could pick up and start reading from this issue. The writing is fantastic. Then, when I saw who the writer was, it made perfect sense. The writer is the legendary Robert Kirkman. The same Robert Kirkman who co-created Invincible and The Walking Dead. He offers a fascinating insight into the Decepticons and why they do what they do. They are not evil just to be evil, he explains the reasons they fight, and it makes sense. He explains that the Decepticons want peace through tyranny, while the Autobots want peace through personal freedom. It is a fascinating way to look at their unending war for leadership of Cybertron.
The artwork for this issue is also incredible. It takes a special kind of artist to tackle the Transformers. Making giant robots with countless detailed parts look familiar and badass at the same time is an extremely difficult ask. Artists Dan Mora and Jorge Corona pull it off brilliantly. The characters have iconic G1 designs, and the Decepticon portion of the story has a visual style reminiscent of the 1986 movie. The Autobot portion of the story has a lighter, brighter visual tone. It shows a brilliant visual dichotomy between the warring factions.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Pastrami Nations. An entertaining and informative tale that makes you think.
