I’ll admit, I was a bit mixed on the debut issue of Transformers. While it was a fun read, it also felt like it deviated only slightly from the classic cartoon. Transformers #2 is a bit different as far as that, charting its own course as it lays further groundwork for the “Energon Universe” that includes Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Void Rivals.

Written by Daniel Warren Johnson, Transformers #2 is an interesting second issue. Again, it follows the basics of the original cartoon (the Decepticons attempt to get an energy source) but again it’s the details that differ and stand out.

Johnson has paired things down so only a few Decepticons and Autobots are active on each side. There’s hints we’ll see more, but the smaller cast allows the comic to focus a bit more on each character and let them stand out. In this case, we get Optimus, Cliffjumper, and Starscream in the spotlight.

Johnson does a solid job of playing off of the aliens on an alien world. In the cartoon. The characters adapted to their new surrounding a bit too easily, but Transformers #2 gives us small details that show a transition that’s not quite as smooth. Optimus learns the fragility of Earth through mistakes that result in damage and death, a scene that’s needed and makes a lot of sense. These are large creatures in a world not made for them, it’s not going to be an easy transition. Through Cliffjumper and especially Starscream, we get a sense of the dislike/surprise of the other. In Cliffjumper’s case it’s coming across the other and learning to accept. In Starscream, it’s superiority and disdain for those who aren’t Decepticons. He sees weakness and it’s emphasized in how he dispatches the humans around him.

There’s also a solid reaction by those humans. There’s a sense of disbelief until it’s too late and then reaction to arm oneself and seek safety and protection. All of these things make complete sense and a natural response and again a detail that felt like it was missing from the original cartoon. Johnson gives us a transition that giant robots would stumble in this new world and humans would freak out about giant robots.

The art by Johnson continues to be solid. With color by Mike Spicer and lettering by Rus Wooton, the comic has Johnson’s familiar style mixed with the classic Transformers designs. This isn’t the recent style we’ve seen with the previous publisher of the comics, but instead Johnson gives it his own flair. There’s also a bit of fun with the over the top nature of some moments. Decepticons literally squish humans making them go pop. Instead of blaster fire we get people being stepped on. It’s B-movie silliness in a way, but it makes sense with energy being low, and it’s a lot of fun. Johnson is clearly enjoying not just the writing but the art and visuals as well.

Transformers #2 begins to deviate a bit from the classic comic delivering a bit more gore (humans are so squishy) but it also expands the world as well. Much like Void Rivals, we get teases of something bigger coming, the full “Energon Universe.” As said before, it’s the details of the issue that stand out including setting up motivations for what’s to come on all sides. Fans of Transformers and G.I. Joe won’t want to miss this issue but it continues a solid start for those new to both to dive in to and enjoy.

Story: Daniel Warren Johnson Art: Daniel Warren Johnson
Color: Mike Spicer Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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