Transformers #9: Cliffjumper, My Boy

Transformers #9 picks up with the Decepticons on Earth teaming up with the Decepticons on Cybertron to really deliver a world of hurt to Optimus Prime and the Autobots. As the action ramps up, so does the drama, with Spike learning that he may never walk again before a Decepticons arrives to spoil the party. As outstanding as the issues that have come before, Transformers #9 is a blast to read, mixing modern sensibilities and drama with all the action and splendor of the classic 80’s cartoon. Transformers #9 even pays homage to the classic Transformers movie, while bringing Shockwave into the mix in the absence of Megatron.

Jorge Corona has been absolutely killing it on the art. Daniel Warren Johnson is a hard act to follow, and with him only on the writing duties now, many were worried about the change of quality following the first arc. Now three issues in, Corona has solidified that his work is just as outstanding, if not even better than what has come before. Corona’s style melds so well with the uniqueness of Johnson’s creating a perfect symmetry when the shift happened. Here, Corona starts to hit a lot of the same visual beats that Johnson went for, like the references to wrestling and dynamic action. Corona is the hard rock to Johnson’s heavy metal, both are fantastic and pair well together, with most fans of the genres enjoying parts of both.

This is made all the better by Mike Spicer’s colors, with the longtime collaborator of Johnson’s allowing for a seamless shift that maintains some of the best qualities. This is a book about giant space robots who can sometimes look very similar, and Spicer does a great job of drawing out the visual cues via color that help create that sense of nuance. This makes the series pair well with the Energon Universe’s take on G.I. Joe and Void Rivals, as Transformers, seems like that bridge between the gap of  humanity and extraterrestrial exploits.

Johnson’s plot here continues to be fantastic, with the references to Transformers: The Movie taking center stage. Without spoiling what happens, Johnson pays homage to the very controversial scene from the film that saw Megatron kill Optimus Prime while Hot Rod fails to save his leader. Anyone familiar with the film will immediately notice that homage here, showing how Johnson is as much of a fan as the readers. Johnson also has shown a love for the long time dismissed Cliffjumper, who continues to have the most dramatic story of all the main cast. If you are not at the edge of your seat by the end of this issue screaming “why can’t the next issue be out already” then this book may not be for you.

It is also worth noting that you should be reading the letters pages at the end of the issue. While most of the questions and answers are from fans who are just excited to be apart of the amazing Energon Universe journey, the final note will help explain a part of the issue that will remind fans of a question they have had since 1986, how in the world does Megatron transform into a gun small enough for another Decepticon to hold? After seeing Spike’s dad revive Optimus Prime by walking into his chest, fans know this series may just be bonkers, but at least the creative team takes the time to give an answer to the questions they know people are going to have.