Darkness falls over Cybertron as the legendary Onyx Prime returns. What does this mean for Optimus Prime-and the Earth? Windblade defends an already tense planet against a secret that could shatter Cybertron forever.

It feels like Cybertron can’t catch a break. There was the recent attack by Liege. There was the attack by Colton. Peace is a finger tip away at times and the world of Transformers can’t quite grasp it. Transformers: Optimus Prime #15 kicks off the next big story arc as Onyx Prime returns. Writer John Barber sets things up well giving us an ominous build up that feels like it’s more horror story than giant robots battling it out.

Onyx Prime is back and it feels like he’s about to pass religious judgement on the beings of Cybertron, which gives the comic religious overtones on top of the horror (and the two are often intertwined). What this arc feels like it is doing is diving into that religious aspect that has been built up for some time with the worship of the Primes and the Mistress of the Flame. The religious aspects are being explored more and for a comic about giant robots, that’s deeper than a lot are expecting I’m sure.

The art by Kei Zama is fantastic and all of the various characters are unique and detailed. I’m always impressed with the art in these comics as there is no short shrift with every character, even those in the background, shown with personality and a look that’s unique to them.

I loved this comic and the only reason I’m rating it as a “read” is because for the average reader, it might not make a whole lot of sense. This one dives deep into continuity and the Transformers world and while it does a solid job of catching readers up, it isn’t quite new reader friendly.

Story: John Barber Art: Kei Zama
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review