Transformers #8: Black and White

Transformers #8 picks up with the Autobots and Decepticons still regrouping after their fierce battle in the previous story arc. After the events of the previous issue, Soundwave has taken control of the Decepticons, and takes their forces in a new direction to prepare for further battle with the Autobots. Meanwhile, Carly and Spike are still grieving the loss of their fathers while each of them exhibit their anguish in different ways. Full of humanity and amazing Transformers’ visuals, Transformers #8 continues the trend of this series having only stellar issues.

Daniel Warren Johnson is flawless in the way he paces these stories, making the standard length of a comic book issue feel like it’s twice the regular size. Johnson balances a few different story lines here, with the main plot always sitting in the background of major character growth. This is the way that a story like Transformers is meant to be told, with many of these characters being relatable despite the fact that they are giant transforming robots. Transformers #8 sees a perfect blend of human and robot characters, with Carly and Spike feeling integral to the story despite their inability to aid the conflict in a large way. Each page, panel, and moment of dialogue feel expertly crafted, leaving this series feeling well planned and thought out.

An excellent theme that comes up here is the idea of good and evil in war. One of the Decepticons has a moment where he questions the brutal actions of his leader, showing how these characters are not just objectively good or bad despite the side they have chosen in this conflict. This is something that echoes into life as we know it, with many past and present conflicts being broken way too far down into a “right” and “wrong” category despite the conflict itself being anything but black and white. This is the kind of storytelling that keeps this book feeling modern, important, and topical at all times.

Continuing from the previous issue, Jorge Corona proves that he is the absolute best choice to follow up Johnson on art duties, providing an almost seamless transition from the last arc. Corona brings so much life into all of these characters, and does a great job differentiating the different Autobots and Decepticons even when some theoretically would look very similar. This adds to the heart of the book in a wonderful way. Mike Spicer’s colors add a lot to this as well, with his work helping bridge that art gap in a way that is seamless and not intrusive. This book continues to be gorgeous and with Corona on board, the sky’s the limit.

One of the best parts of this issue is the use of onomatopoeia from letterer Rus Wooton and the rest of the creative team. The moments of conflict are fully accentuated by this, especially when the effect is used to elicit a certain volume from each action. This addition to the book really gives it a screen-like flair that is often missing from comics. The Energon Universe is in its infancy, and creative decisions like this help show readers why this is the kind of comic that warrants a monthly subscription.