Transformers #37: Elita the Leader

Transformers #37 picks up with Elita Prime and her Autobots as they push forward with the war on Cybertron. The issue serves as a comprehensive catch-up on the various adventures that have unfolded on the Transformers’ homeworld while the series has focused on Optimus Prime and the Autobots on Earth. At the same time, it explores Elita’s leadership style, further develops her character, and establishes the direction of this storyline moving forward. Meanwhile, Shockwave continues his sinister machinations, seemingly searching for a secret path to victory for the Decepticons.

It was utterly shocking when Optimus handed the Matrix of Leadership over to Elita, with subsequent issues exploring her newfound abilities and what they mean for the war on Cybertron. Here, things are surprisingly going well for the Autobots, with Elita making a tremendous difference on the battlefield and earning the respect of her soldiers. The issue moves briskly through her campaign to reach The Well of Sparks, showcasing victory after victory as she personally takes on every challenge without giving herself a moment to rest. This approach does wonders for her characterization, adding another dimension to her leadership style and building upon what readers have seen before. If you were on the fence about Elita, this issue might just win you over.

Although it’s a fleeting moment, the issue also reinforces the fact that Bumblebee once existed in this universe and, at least for now, isn’t coming back. It’s almost comical at this point, especially after Daniel Warren Johnson famously obliterated him in the series’ first issue. Now, Robert Kirkman seems determined to remind readers that he hasn’t forgotten about Bumblebee, continuing the tradition of teasing the audience in increasingly cruel and hilarious ways. Perhaps Bumblebee will somehow return before the series is over, but it feels as though the creative team is either saving him for something significant or deliberately keeping him off the board for a more sinister reason. Either way, the ongoing gag has become an amusing reminder that, in this universe, even the most beloved characters aren’t safe from the creative team’s sense of humor.

One of the issue’s recurring plot threads involves Jazz attempting to convince Elita to send a portion of their substantial Energon reserves back to Earth to help Optimus and his team. His argument is driven by two factors: his loyalty to Optimus and his growing fear that Megatron will ultimately emerge victorious. Jazz wants to give his former commander every possible advantage, but he also understands the potentially devastating consequences of a Decepticon victory on Earth. This creates an interesting tension between Elita’s responsibilities on Cybertron and the needs of the Autobots fighting on Earth. With resources stretched across two fronts, every decision carries significant consequences, and the issue’s finale promises to fundamentally change the nature of the conflict.

Beyond its character development and ongoing mysteries, Transformers #37 does an excellent job of making the Cybertron storyline feel essential rather than simply a detour from the events on Earth. Elita’s growing influence, Jazz’s divided loyalties, and Shockwave’s secretive plans all contribute to a sense that something much bigger is brewing. Kirkman balances forward momentum with meaningful character work, ensuring that the issue feels like more than a setup for whatever comes next. With the stakes rising on both fronts, the battle for Cybertron is becoming just as compelling as the fight on Earth, and the closing moments leave readers with plenty of reasons to look forward to the next chapter.