Transformers #24: A Conclusion for the Ages

Transformers #24 sadly concludes the Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona era of Transformers, finally pitting the Autobot leader Optimus Prime against the Decepticon leader Megatron. As the issue begins, their one on one battle is in full swing, with pages of pure visuals showing their unrestrained hatred for one another as they unleash their full power. As has been standard with this groundbreaking run, the Autobots are at a disadvantage as the final battle commences, leading to Megatron forcing Optimus to make an impossible decision. What follows is possibly the most dramatic and powerful issue of this legendary series, closing with a future that Robert Kirkman will continue in the next installment.

One of the highlights of this series has been how incredible these characters have been depicted. The first story arc was written and drawn entirely by Daniel Warren Johnson, with Jorge Corona taking over the main art duties afterward. Corona has more than proven his mastery of the craft, with Transformers #24 serving as the finishing touch to this Eisner Award winning series. What Corona delivers in this issue is nothing short of legendary. Without giving away too much, the opening features a brutal fight in which Optimus lunges at Megatron and transforms into his truck form to ram him with all his strength. This single moment captures the essence of the excitement that has defined this series and will be very difficult to surpass when Dan Mora steps in as the primary artist.

But it is not only the big moments that make Corona’s work shine. The smaller details on each page also elevate the storytelling. One of Megatron’s newly established abilities in this run is the power to control those who wield him in his gun form, bending them to his will. This was first introduced in Starscream’s heartbreaking origin story earlier in the series and resurfaces here. Corona illustrates this relationship in close detail, giving Megatron’s gun form just as much presence and intricacy as his robot form. These subtle artistic choices have added enormous depth and helped solidify this series as the modern classic fans perceive it to be.

As Johnson’s story reaches its conclusion, so does his remarkable work with these characters. His portrayal of Optimus captures many of the qualities that made the original animated version so compelling. Optimus’s compassion and love for all sentient beings is the very trait Megatron uses to try to break him, arguing that such compassion makes Optimus too weak to lead Cybertron. This conflict becomes the heart of the finale, with Johnson infusing the narrative with emotion, weight, and care for every character’s actions.

Without revealing too much of the ending, one of the standout characters is Starscream. Over the course of this run, Starscream rose as the acting leader of the Decepticons, was overthrown by Soundwave, and later returned with a makeshift army to reclaim his position. Combined with his earlier origin arc, these developments culminate in a major payoff in this final chapter, making this one of the greatest portrayals of the character to date. Once again, the series excels through Johnson’s exceptional character work and the combined artistry of Johnson and Corona.

As this chapter closes, there is no doubt that this creative team brought a new spark to the world of Transformers, turning it into not only a best selling series but also one of the most talked about comics month after month. Wherever the story goes from here, this run will surely be remembered as one of the finest and most definitive interpretations of Transformers ever created.