Transformers #36: New Threats

Transformers #36 serves as both the conclusion to the current story arc and an important setup issue for the future of Transformers and the Energon Universe as a whole. While the immediate conflict is brought to a close, the issue introduces a threat that has been quietly looming over this universe since its inception. That threat, as revealed at the end of the previous issue, is the underground world of Cobra La, whose limited encounters with the Cybertronians have given them more than enough reason to believe that further action is necessary. Their arrival completely changes the landscape of the conflict, forcing both the Autobots and Decepticons to recognize that there is another powerful faction operating on Earth, one that neither side can simply ignore.

Amid all of this chaos comes one of the issue’s biggest moments, as the Aerialbots finally combine to form Superion, the newest powerhouse in the Autobot arsenal. The transformation is an appropriately triumphant moment, particularly because these Earth based Autobots are forced to contend with circumstances that are far different from what their Cybertronian counterparts experienced. Even without the abilities of the Matrix of Leadership at their disposal, the Autobots prove that they are more than capable of standing their ground. Superion’s arrival not only provides a major visual spectacle, but also demonstrates just how much the Autobots have grown throughout the series. What once seemed like a scattered collection of Cybertronians is becoming a legitimate fighting force.

Much of the issue revolves around the arrival of Cobra La’s soldiers, who quickly prove themselves to be a formidable threat. This is an especially effective development because it creates an unusual situation for the Autobots and Decepticons. They remain enemies, but Cobra La represents a completely different kind of problem. Neither faction can afford to underestimate an opponent with advanced technology and a clear interest in the Cybertronians. Rather than simply introducing another enemy for the Autobots to defeat, the issue establishes a larger conflict that could potentially force the various factions of the Energon Universe to reconsider their priorities.

Another major plot thread that finally moves forward is the return of Starscream, who has been lurking in the background since his apparent death earlier in the series. His survival has been one of the more intriguing mysteries hanging over the story, and his return here is appropriately grim. After dragging his mangled body across the ocean, Starscream eventually makes his way to Wheeljack’s workshop. He arrives at precisely the right moment, sneaking inside while Wheeljack is away repairing Shredhead, giving Starscream the opportunity to repair himself without being detected. Before departing, he discovers one of the mysteries Wheeljack has been keeping hidden, providing him with information that could prove extremely valuable moving forward. The reveal gives Starscream another reason to remain a major player in the story while simultaneously suggesting that his next appearance could make him an even more dangerous adversary. Considering the character’s history of manipulation and ambition, having him operating independently from both the Autobots and Decepticons creates plenty of possibilities for what comes next.

The conclusion of the issue also introduces another intriguing storyline through Beachcomber, who visits Hound and the Joes in an effort to acquire a device capable of tracking other Cybertronians across the planet. On the surface, this may seem like a relatively simple plot development, but it has much larger implications for the future of the series. When Beachcomber was first introduced, he was openly opposed to the seemingly endless combat that had defined Cybertronian history for centuries. His desire to distance himself from that violence made him a particularly interesting character, so seeing him take on a more active role in finding and rescuing other Cybertronians represents a meaningful evolution.