Outnumbered and overpowered, it’s time for the Autobots to stand their ground, as Optimus Prime goes to toe to toe with Skywarp! Transformers #3 is an action-packed issue that continues to plant the flag for the series and what we can expect.

Written by Daniel Warren Johnson, Transformers #3 builds off of the first two issues and really begins to differentiate itself from the Gen-1 Transformers that have inspired it.

The Decepticons are attempting to revive their allies, running into issues with Earth’s resources and their compatibility with Cybertronian technology. The Autobots are still trying to figure out their new environment.

But, Johnson really focuses on the human population and their reaction. Sparkplug is in full survival mode and he’s not the only one as the town takes up arms to deal with the threat of robots. It all makes sense and there’s something entertaining in a classic sci-fi way about it. It’s an aspect that wasn’t explored enough in the cartoon and it grounds the comic a bit.

There’s also a general distrust we’ve seen by Cliffjumper and Optimus and here they both get a spotlight as they must figure out how to interact and what to fight for in this new world. It leads to some very unexpected moments, that like the first issue, makes the series really stand out. This isn’t a sanitized comic where lasers go back and forth, there’s damage from the battles.

Johnson’s art makes that clear. With color by Mike Spicer and lettering by Rus Wooton, the comic leaves little to the imagination for the battle. Parts are torn off, insides are seen, there’s a rawness to the comic that fits Johnson’s style. It’s classic Transformers in many ways but a bit grown up, more PG-13 than PG.

Transformers #1 felt like too much of a retread of the original animated series’ debut. The second issue began to really tread its own path and Transformers #3 is absolutely going in its own direction.

Story: Daniel Warren Johnson Art: Daniel Warren Johnson
Color: Mike Spicer Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 8.35 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle