Transformers #15: The Enemy of My Enemy is Still My Enemy

Transformers #15 picks up with the aftermath of the partial destruction of Cybertron, showing both the Autobots and Decepticons regrouping for whatever comes next. Daniel Warren Johnson has really been a trailblazer with this series, showing that a multifaceted, mature plot can coexist with the awe and might of the Transformers franchise. With this new arc, Johnson has positioned these characters in a fascinating spot, with both the Autobots and Decepticons being split into multiple internal factions. The Autobots have the Optimus Prime led team on Earth as well as the more extreme, radical faction who are stuck on Cybertron, being led by Elita-1. The Decepticons have two separate factions on Earth, one being led by Soundwave and the other by Starscream, as well as a contingent still on Cybertron. This all creates the nuance and stakes for this new arc.

One of the standout characters thus far has been the Autobot, Cliffjumper. When the series started, he was a vehement follower of Optimus and formed a close bond with Carly. Over the course of the first two arcs, a new side of Cliffjumper started to show as the conflict with the Decepticons started ramping up. Instead of being a gung-ho soldier, Cliffjumper started to see the futility of war, refusing to kill his enemies in cold blood. While this was upsetting to Carly, who avidly seeks revenge for the death of her father, this kind of became the new status quo for the character. Subsequently, he was captured and tortured by Shockwave before Optimus returned to rescue him.

In Transformers #15, Johnson places him in a whole new setting, with him now being stuck on Cybertron, surrounded by a group of radical Autobots who definitely do not share his feelings. This new setting for the character really shows how much the creative team has to say about how war and conflict can affect us. While this is only the start of Cliffjumper’s new journey, it is amazing to see how much this character has been through in just fifteen issues, especially when he has been sidelined for much of the franchise’s existence.

One of the parts of this Cliffjumper story that really stood out was the way that Jorge Corona depicts both the character and Cybertron. There is no doubt that Corona has proven himself as the ongoing artist for this series, a tough bill to take on after Johnson drew the first six issues. In Transformers #15 Corona really shows that he understands the journey the readers are taking with Cliffjumper, depicting the Autobot as very roughed up and almost scrap metal-like. He does a similar thing with Cybertron, showing that this once home to the Autobots and Decepticons has become something beyond recognition. As Cliffjumper falls down this same fate, Corona subtextually paints a picture of foreshadowing, as Cliffjumper’s eventual return to Earth may be a symbol of how radical the Cybertronian Autobots have become in the absence of Optimus.

The facet of the issue that makes the arc so nuanced is the conflict between the Decepticon factions on Earth, and how that may play into the Autobots favor. There is something truly poetic about the enemy being their own worst enemy that may give the Autobots the edge they need to get up and move past their current conditions. Another element that continues to be explored here is the strange flashes that Optimus continues to have. While these are heavily projected to be related to Sparky’s sacrifice, what if they actually are connected to Optimus continuing to use Megatron’s arm? This is just a theory but one that may lead into the eventual return of the longstanding franchise villain.