Transformers #35: What Lies Underneath

Transformers #35 picks up in the aftermath of the battle between the Decepticons, Cliffjumper, and Shredhead, which left Shredhead on the verge of death. Optimus is quick to arrive at the scene to assess the damage, transferring Shredhead to the U.S. military’s facility for repairs while they await Wheeljack’s arrival to help move things forward. Meanwhile, Wheeljack is busy working on his secret projects, designing a mech suit that civilians can use in hopes that it will assist with the rebuilding of Chicago. Unaware of their comrade’s fate, the Aerialbots are offsite, accompanying Thundercracker on his journey to uncover the strange place he was transported to on the Ark before eventually leaving the Decepticons.

As always, this series is at its best when it blends its character work with the development of its larger world. In this issue, Wheeljack serves as a bridge between those two elements, working on projects with greater implications for the future of the series while also quickly jumping into action when duty calls. This makes Wheeljack feel like he is taking on the role of the series’ go-to supporting character, which is especially welcome considering how sidelined he has felt up until now. Back at his laboratory on the Cybertron Shard, his development of the mech suits will feel familiar to fans of the original cartoon, considering this is how Spike and his father were able to team up with the Autobots. We also get further hints about Wheeljack’s top-secret project, which appears to be related to the Dinobots. All of this is fantastic, as is the reveal that he may soon encounter the zombified remains of Starscream.

Although he is not the most heavily featured character in the issue, there is a moment with Cliffjumper that helps further define his character and feels particularly poignant. When Optimus arrives to see what happened to Shredhead, he comments that this is not a time for celebration. At the same time, however, he is clearly pleased that Cliffjumper and Shredhead were able to take down a vital member of the Decepticons. Cliffjumper quickly retorts that he agrees it is not a time for celebration, further highlighting his resistance to conflict and his foremost concern for his friends. Cliffjumper has been one of the best-written characters in this Energon Universe era, and moments like this, whether small or significant, continue to demonstrate just how much his character has changed since the first issue.

The majority of this issue focuses on the Aerialbots’ mission with Thundercracker, eventually leading to a direct conflict with Thundercracker’s old ally, Skywarp. There is plenty of seeded drama here, with the Decepticons’ disregard for Skywarp’s well-being serving as the primary reason for Thundercracker’s disillusionment and eventual defection to the Autobots. In some ways, this battle feels reminiscent of the confrontation between Obi-Wan and Anakin in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, with two lifelong friends finding themselves on opposing sides because of their conflicting ideologies, regardless of how close they once were. Once again, the emotional weight of the confrontation comes from the foundational character work that brought these characters to this point, resulting in a shocking conclusion that promises to further expand this shared universe.